Craig Monroe In Today’s Lineup [Orioles lineup is in]
Posted on March 6th, 2008 – 8:28 AMBy La Velle
Craig Monroe, who has been slowed by a sore muscle near his calf, returns to the lineup today as the DH. Baltimore lineup TBA.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, it’s Francisco Liriano vs. Clay Buchholz and Glen Perkins vs A.J. Burnett.
Twins: 1. Pridie, CF. 2. Casilla, 2B. 3. Cuddy, RF. 4. Morneau, 1B. 5. Young, LF. 6. Lamb, 3B. 7. Redmond, C. 8. Monroe, DH. 9. Everett, SS. Pitching: Livan, followed by Rincon, Nathan, Korecky, Daigle and others.
Orioles: 1. Adam Jones, CF. 2. Elder Torres, 2B. 3. Luke Scott, LF. 4. Mike Costanza, 1B. 5. Oscar Salazar, 3B. 6. Guillermo Quiroz, C. 7. Tike Redman, RF. 8. Chris Heintz, C. 9. Brandon Fahey. SS. Pitching: Daniel Cabrera.
94 Responses to "Craig Monroe In Today’s Lineup [Orioles lineup is in]"
Either you made a typo, or the twins are going to try playing today with no 2nd baseman, but 2 shortstops… should be interesting, let’s see how that works out 
I’ve noticed Gardy is alternating Cuddy and young in the 3 hole, has anyone kept track of how each has performed? Is it pretty much a sure thing that it is going to be one of those two in that spot?
o and as long as i’m talking shortstops, has Everett been hurt? he’s barely played in spring training.. he has what 5 at bats?
i agree with Jimmy Jam… yesterday’s Gomez took 5 steps back in my mind from being the starting centerfielder… Pridie now looks like (and should be)the frontrunner.
Like Jimmy I am glad to see Pridie starting in CF. This CF battle is getting pretty interesting. I am leaning towards starting Gomez in AAA.
I really think Casilla will be our starting SS next year. He has been playing a lot there this spring and by all accounts has been looking good.
I hope Pridie gets more opportunities to start a game in CF and bat leadoff. Watched the game yesterday and didn’t like what I saw in Gomez. Glad to see Pridie penciled in today in that spot.
Gomez and Pridie have been about right what I expected. Gomez talented by raw, Pridie polished but not spectacular. I think Pridie would excel in a reserve role playing all three spots. Better than Tyner atleast.
Are the Twins stuck with Monroe’s contract or does he still have to make the team? It would seem that he has done nothing to win a roster spot.
Yes, it does seem like Pridie has been putting on the best show thus far. If he is the man, then so be it. I wanted it to be Gomez, but as of right now, he has not shown he is ready.
Seems to me Gomez is a little too cocky and could use a little growing up and maturing. AAA might be the place for him if he doesn’t pick it up this spring.
I sincerely hope Casilla is starting to get it. Just when looking at him run/field throw/hit, you can tell he is a very athletic player. Those types are fun to watch and if he can eventually put up the type of numbers he did in the minors, could be a nice leadoff hitter.
Exactly Yapper. Cocky would be an understatement.
I hope Casilla shows enough to stick. Harris doesn’t look like the answer (so far) at 2B, and I really do not want to see Punto in the starting lineup, ever again.
LEN III
Where do you see Daigle fitting into the organization? Does he have any shot at making the roster? I sure hope he makes the roster so the lovely Mrs. Daigle can make a few appearances at the dome.
Jenny Finch, correct?
Nope it’s Daigle, and he is one lucky SOB.
Ron, how do you post in the future? I think the time stamp on this website is off or something.
I thought Basak was “mr. Finch”
Daigle is correct.
I still think Punto is the best option for 2B….He had an off year at the plate last year no doubt, so do others even some superstars. Nick plays baseball like Pete Rose….100% effort on every play we need him, and I would bet he hits 280+ this year as an everyday 2Bman…..I hope I get to see if thats true
Look at the Orioles lineup! That is just pathetic. If Livan can’t get through that lineup the Twins might be in trouble.
i think jenny finch should pitch an inning against that orioles lineup! doubt they’d touch the ball.
One game does not change the pecking order all that much. The race for the starting CF job will take all spring. And the winner will not be decided entirely by how he plays in games. Practice means a lot as well. Also, a guy might be the best player, all things considered, but still go down for a variety of reasons (working on stuff, service time, etc.). I wouldn’t be surprised if the starting center fielder out of camp is different than the one at the all-star break.
Keep in mind that Gomez has started every game in which he has played. That means he has hit against the projected starters for the opposition. Pridie has played in relief, hitting against AA and AAA pitching. Let’s see how he does today against Cabrera. I hope he gets more starting opportunities now to help the staff make more apples-to-apples comparisons. It’ll be fun to watch.
Enough with the Punto love. Just because you play hard does not mean you are good!
He had a career year in 06, the rest of his career he is an under .250 hitter. Bit player, defensive replacement, utility player. NOT a starter.
Gomez has great upside with much to learn. He can, and in my mind should, learn this at AAA. Pridie is pretty much fully developed. He may be able to do the job adequately in a non-contender year. If not, I say we get Kenny Lofton.
What I’m clear about is that Gomez should not come north with the team. First, I’m quite concerned that he’s pressing and that this will set him back. Baseball is a funny game with the mind. Second, let him develop his raw skill while he’s not on the arbitration clock.
He’ll be a good one, our starting CF in 2009. Let’s handle this gingerly.
I don’t think stats accumulated the first couple weeks of spring training should be taken too seriously. Starting about a week from now, I think what the players do will matter a lot. So far, the centerfield candidates are about as advertised, and Harris hasn’t started to hit. If he doesn’t hit, he is a negative for the team. It would be outstanding for Casilla to win to second sacker position, and provide a viable option to Everett at short.
cmathewson
Good point. Pridie has started a game or two in Right Field if I’m not mistaken though. My main reasoning for keeping Gomez in AAA to start the season is partially financial. I think the service time is a much bigger issue than others do. If it is close between Gomez and somebody else I say send him down. Just my opinion though.
Let’s hope Cabrera can get the ball over the plate today. He has had a little control issue over the last 2 seasons.
Wow, one not very good game from Gomez and everybody’s jumping off the wagon. He played great the game before. Scored a run, knocked in a run, stole third. Let’s see how this plays out before jumping to conclusions. On a side note, Span has played well thusfar too.
What makes me nervous are all of the quotations from Gardy about Kubel’s speed. It’s like he’s trying to find a reason not to give him 500 ABs this year.
La Velle–can you elaborate as to why Gardy doesn’t appear to want Kubel, a MUCH better hitter than Monroe, even on the team?
Monroe should be a bench guy, like Jones was near the end of last year. Kubel should get a full season to see what he can do, especially with his second half last year and his minor-league track record to back it up.
This is what our lineup should look like every day:
CF Pridie
C Mauer
RF Cuddyer
1B Morneau
LF Young
DH Kubel
3B Lamb
2B Harris
SS Everett
It infuriates me that Gardy doesn’t trust Kubel for some reason.
FREE JASON KUBEL
Do ya think the Twins will try to run on Heintz?
I agree with the comments on not taking too much from the stats from the first two weeks of spring training for hitters or pitchers.
I mean, so far, we are talking about 10, maybe 15, at bats so far. Talk about small sample size. What if Gomez goes 4-4 in his next game with a double and a homer? What if Pridie goes 0-5 today? It’s just hard to take anything solid from what has happened so far.
That said, I am not saying that the Super-2 arbitration situation for Gomez isn’t valid. In fact, I think it makes a lot of sense, in that way, to send him down for a couple of months. Pridie is what he is. There is a reason they’re playing him at all three positiosn. If it means he’s a starter for 2 months. No problem here.
I bet Seth agrees with me in the next couple of minutes! Man I am Nostradamus.
I think we should set the lineup based on the 15 at bats so far… Send Morneau to Rochester!!!!
Oh, and I hope you’re streaming comments on teh game today, Seth. That saved my day yesterday!!!
Love the website Seth, keep up the good work!
I don’t think Pridie is that far ahead of Gomez in terms of development. He has things to work on too. He’s only spent two months at AAA total. He’s had one good year of minor league ball, after several bad years. And he’s never faced major league pitching outside of spring training. So please don’t suggest that he’s a finished product.
But he doesn’t have as much upside as Gomez, so perhaps he would learn less by going down to AAA than Gomez. And Gomez is definitely the long-term solution, so perhaps you enhance his long-term value by sending him down for a half a season, grabbing another year of service time and filing off a few rough edges. I get that argument.
But I still think you give the job to the guy who earns it in spring training. If Gomez earns it, give it to him. Don’t impose artificial constraints to save a few dollars in 2011. I would hope by then we can afford to sign him to a decent contract if he earns it.
And for every rough edge he has, there are things he can do that Pridie could never do. If those things shine enough in spring training to balance out the raw parts of his game and justify a spot on the major line-up every day, don’t hold him back to work on a few little things in AAA. He can learn those things up here too. Just my two cents.
La Velle,
Do the Twins just feel sorry for the O’s to allow them two catchers?
jama will probally call me out on this but…
i would love kubel as a dh if we were in the major league t-ball association.
then punto could hit lead-off too.
then again, maybe not. bunting doesnt do much if the ball isnt moving to begin with.
I think if we send Gomez down, we should take a look at Span. He’s played well this spring and he deserves a shot before Pridie. I know people tend to overlook him but I don’t see the harm in giving him April to show us what he can do. If it doesn’t work out we give the starting job to Pridie until Gomez is ready. He’s paid his dues.
Pride was better at AAA than Span was. I would take that over a week of spring training. They both have “paid their dues” by reaching AAA.
My lineup idea wasn’t based off of spring training stats. It was based off of track record, projected improvement, and most ready for the full-time jobs.
Kubel can hit. At AAA when he was 22 before he blew out his knee: .343/.398/.560 and that’s in 350 ABs. He also had 28 doubles and 16 homers, not to mention a 40:34 K:BB ratio. He even stole 16 bases in 19 attempts (even though he’ll be lucky to get one a year now).
Those are all signs of a well-rounded major league hitter.
Not with the Twins they haven’t. If two players are playing at a similar level and one has been with the organization (much) longer than the other, doesn’t he deserve the first shot with the team? And I’m not talking about the best chance at winning because this team doesn’t have a great chance to do that anyway. Giving Span a month in the bigs won’t make or break our season.
cmathewson: well said!
It won’t make any differrence who is in the lineup or starting rotation, Gardenshire will find a way to lose plenty of games by shuffling the lineup on a regular basis without good cause.
lets see whats happens in a couple of weeks this is what 7 games now the twins have all mounth to decide this i still think Gomez has the best shout at comming north and then Pridie then Span but i dont like Span and i think Gomez will be a good CF in time i think Gomez will be are starter in CF by 09
I would also like to see span over pridie. If you are looking at spans AAA numbers from last year you really need to almost look at it as two seasons. The first half he struggled, but he really played well in the second half. I wouldn’t mind seeing span and gomez going north with the team and let them split time at the start of the season. But their is still alot of spring to get these things sorted out.
I am sick of people talking about how punto deserves a shot because he hustles. If that is the case the twins could sign me for a couple million less and could I really hit much worse than he did last year. The guy can’t even lay down a bunt.
lets get rid of livan let our young guns give up runs and learn not an old fat guy
great signing twins!!…..NOT! god livan sucks!
he better not be in are starting rotation this year! i have season tickets and dont want to have to see him give up 10 runs every 5 days!
Why is it we keep signing these mid 30 year old outfielders who can’t throw and have lower leg problems? Wasn’t out favorite left field option last year out with a calf injury?
Didn’t Monroe turn 31 a couple weeks ago. I gues that makes him mid thirties…….
Way to go Monroe!! I hope he does well this season
cassia should be with this club this year let everett go and let the young guns play
Release everybody and pick new teams.
Looks like a solid 3 innings from Livan. 
What were we saying about this weak Baltimore lineup??
You guys that are saying we are judging to early are right. It will likely take until the last week of ST for the Twins to decide who comes north as our CFer.
To be honest, none of them besides Gomez really get me excited. Gomez is the most intruiging with his speed and supposedly great defense. But the other two are basically Lew Ford wannabees with maybe a little more speed.
it would be nice if len3 or joe could give us an update every few innings!
it sounds like they should have started jenny finch instead of livan, i’m sure she’s in the stands!
Wow, how could we have gotten rid of Heintz. Guess being behind Joe just stifled him
Heintz was zero for ten until going 3 for 3 off Twins pitching today.
Now he’s 3 for 13 (.231)
Delmon’s 3 for 3 gives him a .615 BA.
It looks like Livan pitched a little better than Cabrera.
I think the Twins should try to trade for Cabrera. Rick Anderson could work his magic and a combo of Cabrera and Liriano would be ridiculous in the future.
I can’t believe I just read a sentence which mentioned both Nick Punto and Pete Rose in it! The Hit King being compared to the Hitless King?
Livan looked fine in his first start, so give it time.
rose .303 life time ave. 4256 hits
punto .245 ave. 372 hits
couple good years he’s not that far away. give him a chance!
still think jenny finch’s fast ball will out clock livan’s
Is it pretty much a sure thing that it is going to be one of those two in that spot?
It sounds like Gardy likes Mauer 2nd and Morneau 4th. So yeah, I’d say it’s either Young or Cuddy.
My preference is Young, if only to make sure he gets a bit better pitching ahead of Morneau. Vs. pitching around Morneau to get to Young.
7. Tike Redman, RF…
Is that like the bizarro Mike Redmond?
Does anyone really believe that Livan H will be with the Twins past June 1st? Livan really was pitiful today and it was his second outing, not the first as someone earlier had said. His fastball has moved up to 84 mph. Wow! With a fastball that slow, his change-up doesn’t have any effect.
So do the Twins have to pay Hernadez his 5 million if he doesn’t make the roster out of spring training? Cause if he does that a few more times…
Can’t find any info about today’s game ANYWHERE except the final score on KSTP’s website.
Guess I’ll check my snail-mail in the morning.
Should have listened to the game.
:(>
oh i see its already there
Livan is guaranteed $5 million and has incentives built in that could make the deal worth up to $7 million.
I’m no fan of Hernandez, but I wouldn’t get too worked up about spring training numbers. I’ve seen guys get knocked around good in spring and have great years, Viola’s 1988 comes to mind. I’ve seen guys dominate in the spring and have lousy years. Kyle Lohse circa 2006 comes to mind.
none of these numberse really mean alot but it does make for some interesting speculation and coversation…..casilla is looking very good this spring..what to do with him…?? 2nd base and reserve harris or ss and release everett…or send casilla back to AAA….with his speed it would be awesome to see him and Gomez 1-2 but gomez looks like he has alot of work to do yet..not sure he can do on the job training or AAA…gardy has some interesting moves to make…
One of the most interesting things happening thus far–and this could well change–is not only the CF battle, but how Alexi Casilla’s current play may make that decision a little easier, in a way. If Brendan Harris doesn’t start hitting, with the way Alexi is playing and with the type of at-bats he often takes, it might be easier to put Pridie in the line-up, tuck him at the bottom of the order, and put Harris on the bench, Alexi at 2B and in the leadoff spot.
Gomez can’t hit. And, really, he’s so overhyped. Twins fans will realize that in time. This guy isn’t half the player the PR departments want us to believe. Pridie on the other hand can become a very serviceable MLB CF. Not a star but a very good player.
I agree in part with what Lala is saying. If Casilla can win an everyday job, it frees up the CF, but I think that helps Gomez, not Pridie. I don’t think Gomez is ready to be a leadoff hitter, but I do think he could hit eighth in the lineup and run at will in front of Everett. The Twins should (and will) go with Everett as the everyday SS, his defense is just plain necessary. Having Harris as a 3-position option (including a platoon with Lamb) makes sense to me, if he can hit anywhere near last year’s level.
I’m still wondering if anyone really believes that Gardy could “overrule” Bill Smith and not start any of Lamb, Harris, and Everett.
I doubt it. We’re “stuck” with these guys no matter what for at least a month of the season.
You’d have to think the same for Everett too.
It would be wonderful if they would trade either of Buscher or Lamb, keep Jones, and acquire a RH pinchhitter.
I mean, think the same for MONROE too, not Everett.
It would be wonderful if they would trade either of Buscher or Lamb, keep Jones, and acquire a RH pinchhitter.
Why would want to keep Jones? This organization is hurting for viable infield players and you want to trade one in order to keep a guy like Jones, who provides little value of any kind?
Gomez can’t hit. And, really, he’s so overhyped. This guy isn’t half the player the PR departments want us to believe. Pridie on the other hand can become a very serviceable MLB CF. Not a star but a very good player.
Player A:
Age 22 AA 502 PA 460 AB 106 H 11 2B 4 3B 5 HR 27 BB 93 SO .230/.273/.304/577
Player B:
Age 20 AA 483 PA 430 AB 121 H 24 2B 8 3B 7 HR 27 BB 97 SO .281/.346/.423/769
PLayer A is Jason Pridie in 2006. Player B is Carlos Gomez in 2006. Not one scout would claim at the end of 2006 that Jason Pridie was a better hitter than Carlos Gomez. In fact, Pridie wasn’t even ranked in the Tampa top 40 whereas Gomez was ranked in the top 40 in all of baseball, not by PR departments but by respected rating services such as Baseball America.
2007 was a confusing year for Gomez, because he only played six weeks in AAA before getting called up to the majors and mostly sitting on the bench. Then he was injured for almost the entire second half of the season. And of course, it’s clear from Pridie’s 2007 numbers that he turned a corner. But did Gomez suddenly forget how to hit? No. His numbers are misleading for a variety of reasons, including injury. Even after 2007, not one scouting service would rate Pridie ahead of Gomez.
BA rates Pridie the highest of any such service because John Manuel’s office is just down the street from the Bull’s stadium and he saw him several times a week. Still, Manuel rates Gomez way ahead of Pridie. Most rate Pridie in the teens in Twins prospect land. And they all rate Gomez first or second. And really, why can’t Gomez turn a corner as Pridie did? Pridie turning a corner shocked the baseball world. People expect Gomez to turn a corner, when given the opportunity.
Hey guys….just a thought.
The Twins lost their first few ST games, but since then. They’ve averaged 6-8 runs per games by the looks of things.
That’s a pretty impressive streak considering what they did last year.
I’m still wondering if anyone really believes that Gardy could “overrule” Bill Smith and not start any of Lamb, Harris, and Everett.
Drop the conspiracy. Gardy puts the lineup together. If he honestly doesn’t think any of those four would cut it in the lineup he’ll tell Smith.
I can tolerate whining after a loss…but after wins now too?
Ya know what snepp? I’ve had a headache all day, and I goofed on that one.
You’re right, if Lamb goes down it’s essential to insert Buscher at third from wherever he is.
My headache might come from a touch of Lamb-Harris-Everett-itis. And I’m thinking the cure is Buscher and Casilla.
And I’m rather foolishly hoping the Twins don’t lost Jones.
But we HAVE to have 12 pitchers…..
So thanks for the questions, snepp.
cmath,
I have been to the last two games. Pridie does seem much more ready for MLB than Gomez. Gomez no doubt is as talented as anybody on the field, but he could use the game to slow down abit for him. Pridie is just solid, tough AB’s, good D., a classic case of over achiever.
Gomez tends to get out on his front foot and loft the ball instead of staying back and driving it. Man, but just watching him move, he as talent to burn.
Buscher at third
Everett at shor
Casilla at 2nd
Harris and lamb back-up infielders
Monroe Lamb and Hernandez are waste of money again.Who is the last free agent that is worth a shit.
G.jones would be just as good as Monroe
could have save another 13 mill. than we would be at 40 mill. i’m tired of these crappy free agent would rather watch our young guys develope
T, I wasn’t talking about a conspiracy. Just the traditional way the business of baseball works.
If Lamb hits .180 and Buscher .380 in ST, I expect Lamb to start the opener.
And likewise if Harris hits .150 and Casilla hits .300, it’ll be Harris.
And likewise, since Everett is such a good fielder, even though he’d bat .100 or less in ST he’ll still start.
That is because Spring Training doesn’t matter to these veterans. We know what they can bring to the board.
Buscher and Castilla had chances last year and failed miserably. Success in Spring Training sure won’t convince me they have changed. They have to earn it during the year if and when they get a chance.
I do like Castilla and think he has a nice future though. He has an outside chance at 2nd. As for Lamb, what is wrong with him? He has hit pretty well and I am happy he is our 3rd baseman. He is probably the best 3rd baseman we have had in a while.
As for Everett, he can hit .250 in the 9 hole if he keeps picking it like he does. He is a monster in the field and makes up more than enough doing that.
Terry Tiffee sighting: L.A. Dodgers
Just an interesting note I thought I’d pass along.
Just the traditional way the business of baseball works.
If Gardy sincerely believes that a younger player will better serve the team than Lamb or Everett starting, that’s who they’ll start. Lamb could serve off the bench, though Everett would essentially be a late inning replacement (similiar to Punto…which means one would go)
Whatever the case, the offense has looked pretty lively the last 5-6 games. If the guys keep this up, the team can survive Everett’s bat in the lineup.
Monroe hits right handed… Jones, Kubel, Pridie, Buscher and Lamb all hit left handed.
For that reason, Monroe will be on this team and at least one of the above will not be (probably Jones and maybe Pridie)
Those of you advocating cutting Monroe need to understand that the only RH hitting bench option (outside of Redmond) is Nick Punto. I am sorry but against a tough lefty, I would rather not see LNP DHing.
“If Lamb hits .180 and Buscher .380 in ST, I expect Lamb to start the opener”
Well as of now, you dont have to worry about that since in ST so far Lamb is hitting.400 and Buscher is hitting .375.
T,
I would be absolutely in shock if Punto or Everett was let go while Gardy is still the manager. The next discouraging word you hear out of Gardy’s mouth regarding either of those two will be the first.
Sane, I agree…
2B for the Twins this season will be manned by either Harris or Punto. Casilla could hit .800 in ST and he will be sent to AAA.
We need a starting SS in 2009. The most likey candidate is Casilla, so he will get some work at Rochester.
guys is there a place that has actual honest news (not uninformed speculation like from a blogger) about these players and how they are performing?
