Gardenhire Wants To Address Crowded Outfield

Kelsie Smith (Pioneer Press) reports Minnesota Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire would like to address his crowded outfield situation this winter, saying he didn’t like the idea of having four outfielders (who should play every day) from the beginning.  Gardenhire would also like to see outfielder Denard Span be able to play one position for once.

“It’s not a good situation. I didn’t like it from the get-go, you know, having four outfielders and four that should play,” Gardenhire said. “I would like to see if that would be something we could accomplish this winter, Denard in one spot. … I know that he would like that, and I would think that he deserves it. He’s playing every day.”

According to Gardenhire’s comments before the season, outfielder Delmon Young would have been the odd man out of the starting line up.  Young was reportedly shopped around the league before the season, but the Twins were not able to find a deal they liked.

With another lackluster season from Young, he is likely the guy the Twins may try to trade.  Outfielder Michael Cuddyer played up to his contract this season and could be a viable trade candidate, but his value to the team is more than just his offense and throwing strength.

I don’t see Cuddyer being traded.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez slightly improved offensively this season, but his progress was baby steps at most.  Gomez is still a high-ceiling prospect that the Twins will likely hold on to and allow to progress.

The only player I don’t see the Twins for sure trading is Span.  Span has great plate discipline and an above average defense.  Span has been a consistent lead-off hitter for the past two seasons, and is valued very high by the Twins’ organization.

So it looks like it will likely be Young, although Cuddyer and Gomez can be had for the right price.

Maybe Gardenhire may not get his wish, because Cuddyer is in his 30′s and his deal is set to expire in a couple years.  If the youngster’s Span, Gomez and Young can begin to play consistently, the three can stabilize the outfield for a good handful of years.

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