Thread: Article: Twins still seeking third base help?

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I'm willing to give Plouffe a chance a 3rd this year. He was still adjusting to the spot last season. Plus if he has a good offensive season again it will help.

And remember, he had the horrid thumb injury. He should be better in the field. He was, after all, the "shortstop" of our future at one time.

I find it odd that the Twins are saying things like they are seeking someone to challenge Plouffe. Before getting injured, his offensive outburst was very impressive and that was WHILE learning third base defensively after being moved around all over the hell the past two seasons and beginning the season in the OF.

Thankfully they didn't sign Hannahan. His offensive value is really sinking.

I'd lke to see them give Plouffe the year at third and concentrate on improving the middle infield defense. Is it possible that hey feel Plouffe is the type that needs direct competition in order to play his best or force hmself to improve?

How was Plouffe a former SS? This season will determine if he's a viable 3B or if he needs to be moved to a corner OF position. The other possibility is to start experimenting with Mauer at the hot corner. I wouldn't put it past Mauer to play a solid 3B which would actually be the best situation for the Twins when he eventually has to move out from behind the plate.

Given their rebuild mode, isn't it more important to play Plouffe, than to replace him with some old guy that cannot hit? Should they not have patience with him, like with other young players? What good is a couple more wins next year, if Plouffe does not get more reps, and you do not know if he is the answer or not?

Originally Posted by mike wants wins

Given their rebuild mode, isn't it more important to play Plouffe, than to replace him with some old guy that cannot hit? Should they not have patience with him, like with other young players? What good is a couple more wins next year, if Plouffe does not get more reps, and you do not know if he is the answer or not?

Yeah, there's no sense to bringing in a third baseman to compete with him. They already have defensive subs in Carroll and Escobar.

I only say Inge because i think Trevor deserves a full year to see if his bat and glove will allow him to stay at 3rd,with Brandon as a backup we should not have to carry Butrea

Originally Posted by Big City

How was Plouffe a former SS? This season will determine if he's a viable 3B or if he needs to be moved to a corner OF position. The other possibility is to start experimenting with Mauer at the hot corner. I wouldn't put it past Mauer to play a solid 3B which would actually be the best situation for the Twins when he eventually has to move out from behind the plate.

Been arguing this for about 7 years now. Mauer would end up doing fine at 3B. You can platoon Mauer with Plouffe at 3B now and finally have a decent PH bat on the bench once in a while. Give Mauer 70 games/year at catcher and you potentially prolong his hitting productivity for the life of the contract.

Is this how the Twins try to help Trevor Ploufee regain his confidence? I would be more worried about 2B, SS, CF, #1 & #2 SP and than 3B.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Cubs have agreed to a deal with Carlos Villanueva.

Terms of the deal are not yet known, but, assuming it's not too out of line, it's another sneaky addition to the rotation by the Cubs. Villanueva was shifted back and forth from starter to reliever the last two seasons by the Blue Jays, but he pitched really well out of the rotation in 2012 before a couple late-season blowups inflated his ERA. All told, he put up a 4.16 ERA and 112/46 K/BB ratio over 125 1/3 innings this past season.
Related: Cubs

Source: Jon Heyman on Twitte

Originally Posted by jokin

Been arguing this for about 7 years now. Mauer would end up doing fine at 3B. You can platoon Mauer with Plouffe at 3B now and finally have a decent PH bat on the bench once in a while. Give Mauer 70 games/year at catcher and you potentially prolong his hitting productivity for the life of the contract.

I agree with you but no one else seems to.

Moving one of the game's best catchers to third base is idiotic.

Originally Posted by Chris in Osaka

Moving one of the game's best catchers to third base is idiotic.

on a permanent basis, yes... but letting him catch 120 games and play another 30-40 at 3rd is not...

Dont you love the mind games played by the mindless?

Originally Posted by johnnydakota

Dont you love the mind games played by the mindless?

I don't have to be a psychologist to tell that you're projecting.

The Twins will never spend the money to bring in real competition for anyone so why do they play this game? Just go get pitching and a backup catcher and middle infield help. Plouffe isn't Mike Schmidt by any means but he's 20 times the player anyone Ryan is willing to sign. Skip Schumaker? jack Hannahan? Lets get serious. That's roster filler not competition.

Plouffe is excellent at running through stop signs at third base, throwing high & wide to first on easy grounders and not able to hit in the clutch. Not the type of individual I would want on my team if the goal is to win championships. They got big holes to fill but 3rd base has to be on the list.

Originally Posted by Gernzy

I'm willing to give Plouffe a chance a 3rd this year. He was still adjusting to the spot last season. Plus if he has a good offensive season again it will help.

...and the answers is: to place someone who hasn't played 3B, SS, or 2B because they wish to claim that all positions are interchangeable--no experience required. Hmm, if that were the case why nt have Mauer pitch on the one game per week he needs to avoid catcher duty. Hoo Boy!!!