Does Bourjos change the OF equation?

[DocBauer]

I mentioned this in another thread, and decided it might deserve its own separate discussion.

 

There are two sides to the Hunter signing argument, and I don't believe either side is wrong at all. The "half full plus" side is excited for the story, the leadership and active "professional" joining the locker room and dugout, as well as a guy that, face it, hit and produced last season above replacement level. There is also the factor that the FA market is very slim, and it is only a 1 year deal. And after all, it's not like the OF defense could actually get worse, no matter what anyone wants to say.

 

(I admit I lean toward this side, with trepidation, I was on the Rios bandwagon)

 

The other side of the aisle states the important obvious, which is Hunter being 39, father time could slap him across tomorrow and he could pull a Willie Mays and just lose his bat completely overnight. His defense is absolutely not what it once was, and borders, depending on perspective, from being able to at least throw to the right base to "at least he didn't spike himself."

 

Here are some realities and ideas to consider:

 

1) Hunter may be able to easily out-produce our LFers last season. And even if he DOES play RF (I hope not!) his bat is replacing those that played LF.

 

2) As solid as the offensive production for the Twins was last season, overall, it lacked some consistency. A fairly productive, veteran presence may be able to help deepen and balance the attack for a bit more consistency.

 

3) Arcia is young, talented, and continues to slowly improve offensive and defensively. It's not a real stretch to say he will probably be at least a little better in both areas for 2015.

 

4) Both Buxton and Rosario could be ready to make their debut at some point in 2015, joining Arcia, possibly Hicks if he can ever capitalize on his talent...maybe by spending some or most of '15 in AAA.

 

5) If Hunter can not look crippled, and actually catch a few balls, and take good, smart angles, and throw to the right base, could the OF defense really be worse than last year? (I understand the plan is to get better-I get it)

 

6) Based on all of the above, especially point #4, the Hunter deal is for 1 year.

 

If the Twins make the smart play, make a deal for everyone's favorite OF target and acquire Peter Bourjos for a high-teen, low 20's prospect...or a pair of, say, prospects in the 30 range...and plug him in for 2015 as the primary CF, what does this do to change your perspective of the '15 Twins in general, and the '15 Twins OF in particular?

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

I think the player playing CF for the Twins in 2015 is going to get a lot of exercise. For his sake, I hope he's fast!