Thread: Miller: Middle infield battle update

Originally Posted by kab21

I don't think Hicks or Mastro will do much better than .650 and we'll also have a regular dose of butera.

After speaking with a few people down in Ft. Myers, I'd be surprised if Butera makes the team barring injury.

Having someone play the shortstop position competently would be nice to see. Let the ****ing pitcher bat for him.

Escobar--how much speed and range does he have? There have ben glowing reports about Dozier, but his hitting hasn;t been good.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

After speaking with a few people down in Ft. Myers, I'd be surprised if Butera makes the team barring injury.

I, for one, think that is good news.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

After speaking with a few people down in Ft. Myers, I'd be surprised if Butera makes the team barring injury.

Maybe this means either Escobar or Clement have proved satisfactory as a last-resort emergency catcher? Or maybe they are going wild and rolling with Colabello?

Originally Posted by Physics Guy

Having a SS who can't make plays hurts substantially more.

How many blown plays are we talking? The ultimate currency here is runs right, either saved or created? I don't think one counts more than the other.

Maybe Trevor Plouffe is the best SS option.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

After speaking with a few people down in Ft. Myers, I'd be surprised if Butera makes the team barring injury.

One of the best bits of news ive heard all spring.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

After speaking with a few people down in Ft. Myers, I'd be surprised if Butera makes the team barring injury.

I for one would like to know a bit more about this. Any indication what the "backup plan" is? Are they rolling with three catchers or is Mauer being taken serious as a true full-timer? Is Clement being considered for spot duty? Can he even do it anymore? Herrmann getting a pleasant phone call?

Originally Posted by 70charger

I for one would like to know a bit more about this. Any indication what the "backup plan" is? Are they rolling with three catchers or is Mauer being taken serious as a true full-timer? Is Clement being considered for spot duty? Can he even do it anymore? Herrmann getting a pleasant phone call?

Yeah, I wonder if Clement or Escobar pleased people enough with their catching demonstration. Does anyone know how that went????

I wish Clement hit from the right side. It would almost be a no-brainer. He caught one game in the minors in 2010 and 16 in 2009. He isn't throwing anyone out, but that is not the necessary condition for an emergency catcher. He has some ability to homer (16 in 459 PAs for Indianapolis last year).

Originally Posted by 70charger

I for one would like to know a bit more about this. Any indication what the "backup plan" is? Are they rolling with three catchers or is Mauer being taken serious as a true full-timer? Is Clement being considered for spot duty? Can he even do it anymore? Herrmann getting a pleasant phone call?

If they do decide to carry a third catcher, it would be Butera. Clement has done no catching this spring, to my knowledge, and they don't see Herrmann has being ready. I just think Gardy is serious about wanting more weapons on his bench, and could live with Escobar as an emergency option, and maybe he's finally reached the realization that if he does end up needing Butera for an extended period the guy would only be a phone call away in Rochester.

Originally Posted by worm33

Who cares, lets just hope Rosario sticks at 2b and has a good year and one of Polanco Santana Goodrum etc stick at SS and develop this year. Im optimistic about one thing right now for the Twins...2015 and beyond

With Berrois and Burris in single A , Meyer and May in AA, and hopeuly a quality college pitcher as our 1st pick...2015 we could have a problem with to many quality starters....

Originally Posted by FrodaddyG

If this is a "battle", then I'm sure there's some elementary school playground slapfights you'll really be impressed by.

sFi_slapfight.gif

IIRC they broke camp with 2 catchers last year, too, but that didn't last long. It wouldn't surprise me if Butera was in the minors to start the season, but it would surprise me if that lasted past mid May.

Lol, that's a cute emoticon!

Originally Posted by johnnydakota

With Berrois and Burris in single A , Meyer and May in AA, and hopeuly a quality college pitcher as our 1st pick...2015 we could have a problem with to many quality starters....

That would be a wonderful problem to have.

Originally Posted by glunn

That would be a wonderful problem to have.

Yeah, there is no way that I'm concerned about having too many starters. Worst case - the team actually has depth at the position.