Plouffe hits three home runs, clearly doesn't fit in with the Twins' plans

Sometimes solutions are just so simple.

Tuesday night at Target Field, the Twins started Michael Cuddyer at first base, leaving them with an outfield of Rene Tosoni, Ben Revere and Jason Repko, a grouping of a prospect, a good young player and a backup during what the Twins hope will still be a pennant race.

Meanwhile, Trevor Plouffe, who was demoted because of his difficulties at shortstop, hit three home runs in the first game of a doubleheader at Class AAA Rochester, giving him 15 in limited time there. Then he started the nightcap at first base.

Yes, it really is that simple. The Twins' options at first base while Justin Morneau recovers from neck surgery are Luke Hughes (who should not be starting at first base for a team that wants to contend), Cuddyer (who is needed in the outfield) and Joe Mauer (theoretically, eventually and even then sporadically.)

Plouffe can hit. He can drive the ball. He's obviously driven to return to the big leagues. So call him up and play him at first base. If he fails, he's still a useful utility guy who can play around the diamond and pinch-hit. If he succeeds, you've got your first baseman for the next couple of months, and then you might have a guy who can play the outfield or, if needed, second base.

He's not a big-league shortstop, but he's worth a look as a big-league hitter. With Jim Thome's back acting up, he could even DH.

-I'm running Garage Logic this week on 1500espn, from 4-6 p.m. I'll also be on from 2:40-4 with Patrick Reusse.

-My take on all the questions surrounding Michael Cuddyer: Yes, he's worthy of an All-Star bid. No, the Twins shouldn't trade him, not if they're anywhere close to contention. Yes, I believe the Twins should try to re-sign him, and I believe they will try.

It always comes down to contract terms. If the Twins want him to take a big pay cut, he's gone. If they can get somewhere close to what he believes is market value, I believe he'll sign.

Updated:

Jim Mandelaro of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle just corrected my mistake. Plouffe hit his third homer of the day in the second game. He did not hit three homers in the first game.