Guest post #3: Loren wants to talk about the Twins
Posted on April 23rd, 2007 – 10:02 AMBy Michael Rand
Remember a long time ago (OK, about three weeks ago) when we awarded four guest posts to the winner of the RandBall Tournament Challenge? Well, Loren is still going strong. In fact, there’s one more to go after this week’s effort, which you can think of as a State of the Twins address. It’s a pretty solid effort, even if it assumes Scott Baker still has trade value:
With the quick end to the Wild playoff run, the professional winter sports scene in Minnesota is officially over. Except for the Vikings draft this weekend, it’s all about the Twins. Three weeks in, here are a few thoughts about the Twins. The over/under on the number of starts remaining in Sidney Ponson’s Twins career is three. Who will get the chance to replace him: Garza, Perkins, Baker, Slowey? I’ll go with Garza. Baker will remain at AAA and be used as trade bait if needed in July.
One of the biggest points in the turn around in 2006 was the left side of the infield. So far, the left side has not been able to continue last year’s productivity. Bartlett has digressed both at the plate and in the field. Punto has also reversed course at the plate. There is still plenty of time for both to turn around their seasons but not a promising start by either. I’m curious to see how Gardenhire handles Bartlett if he continues to struggle in the field. We’ve already heard an injury excuse for his struggles, but then he comes in as a pinch runner on
Saturday, after stating he was given the day off to get healthy. Hmmm?
Santana, Ortiz, and Silva have done their part in the rotation. The middle of the order is producing. Tyner has stepped up as a replacement, but with White’s injury it would be nice to see more of Kubel. Seems like this would be a good opportunity to see what he could do with some extended playing time. Casilla hasn’t been very impressive at the plate but is doing fine in the field. At 11-7, I’m satisfied. Sure, losing a series to the Royals is a major disappointment, but they are in first place.
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