Second Half: Less Young And More Gomez

Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is emphasizing speed, defense and fundamentals for the second half of the Twins’ 2009 season.  When you mention the words “speed”, “defense” and “fundamentals”, outfielder Delmon Young isn’t the ideal example for Gardenhire.

As evident in the three line-ups since the All-Star break, Gardenhire is electing to put speed and defense in the outfield, with outfielder Denard Span playing on the left and outfielder Carlos Gomez roaming center.  Outfielder Michael Cuddyer, of course, is steadily positioned over in right.

Span and Cuddyer are both having solid seasons. Span is playing a spectacular defense, while hitting .286 with 5 homers and 32 RBI’s.  Cuddyer provides a serviceable defense with a strong arm, while hitting .272 with 15 homers and 49 RBI’s.  Both Gomez and Young are struggling offensively.

Although Young is hitting a not-so-bad .264, his game day swings produce very little power, belting only three homers in the first half. Three home runs is not a lot for a supposed top power-hitting prospect.  Young has a strong arm but looks as if he plays tired in the outfield.  Gomez plays a gold-glove defense, and has a .242 average, with 2 homers and 21 RBI’s.

Gomez and Young, in the first half, essentially were battling for one spot most days they arrived at the ballpark.  Now with the new emphasis by Gardenhire, the Twins will look at Gomez to at least play solid defense and hope to utilize his speed for when he does get on base.

Because both players are equally struggling offensively, the Twins will turn to Gomez, who provides an extra edge defensively for the club.  Gardenhire will use Young a little more sparingly for the second half, while giving him time at designated hitter against lefties as well.

Gomez is actually showing signs of improvement with the bat.  He looks far better at the plate this season than he did even this time last year.  He no longer looks like he’s going to leave his shoes at home plate due to the force of his swing.  His improving numbers actually speak for themself.

Here are his numbers (average, on-base, and slugging):

April: .195/.250/.293 in 41 At-bats
May: .237/.303/.322 in 59 At-bats
June: .242/.286/.364 in 66 At-bats
July: .357/.400/.643 in 21 At-bats (as of July 19th)

Many things can occur in the second half of the season, so Young technically still has a chance.  One of the other outfielders may come down with an injury, or one of their bats may cool down. Young will have fewer opportunities, but it’s all the reason to work harder.

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