Minnesota Twins look to plug hole in centre field after trades - MLB Update
Much of the emphasis for the Minnesota Twins this off-season was to add pitchers to their line-up. They have accomplished that objective using both trade and signings of free agents. The team now, however, needs to fill the gap in centre field as they have
traded two of their players who generally manned that position.
The first to go was Denard Span who was traded to the Washington Nationals to acquire pitcher Alex Meyer. Ben Revere seemed to be his natural replacement that played as a backup centre fielder in absence of Denard and was a regular in right field.
However, when Ben Revere was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for prospect Vance Worley and Trevor May, that notion was dispelled. There are possibilities that the ball club may opt to fill the spot internally and they do have the man power to do that.
Those who could be up for the job are prospects Joe Benson, Aaron Hicks and Darin Mastroianni. The general manager of the Minnesota Twins, Terry Ryan, feels that all of these guys are qualified for the spot and can stake a claim. Terry, however, did not
rule out an external signing either sighting that the off-season is not over yet.
"They're all pure center fielders," Ryan said. "And obviously, the winter's not concluded yet, so we'll see if we need to fortify it. We still have three in-house options for these guys to earn whatever playing time, and if we see another scenario where
we can go out and get another one, we probably could."
Ryan is not concerned about the ability that all three possess for handling the defensive game and will suit the position. The abilities with the bat, however, are extremely crucial and will determine if any one of the three will be getting the spot on a
permanent basis.
"I don't think there is any question that all three could handle the defensive side of the game," Ryan said. "Now whether offensively they can handle the responsibility, that's the question."
Joe Benson had his only year in the Majors in 2011 and posted a .239 batting average in 71 at-bats. He represented Triple-A Rochester Red Wings in an injury mired 2012 season and had limited chances to play.
Aaron Hicks has not had any chances in the Majors. The highest level he has played ball is for Double-A New Britain Rock Cats and posted reasonably good numbers. He may start with the Rochester Red Wings at the start of the season but can be a challenge
to Mastroianni.
Darin spent his first season in the Majors with the Twins in 2012, posting a .252 batting average in 77 games. He is likely going to start the season in centre field unless an external candidate bags centre field.
It will not be an easy gap to plug as the Twins have traded both their main men in centre field. It is quite likely that one of the three players in the Minnesota Twins organisation will get the role. However, there is a possibility that the Twins may still
go for an external option.
Tags: