Article: 2016 Roster Projections: The Middle Infielders

[jorgenswest]

After his season last year, Nunez would get claimed.

 

The Twins will likely use Santana all over the place, and I'd call him (likely) the #1 utility guy. But, when he enters the game, there has to be someone else on the bench in case of injury, or choosing to use a pinch hitter, etc. When one of the other three is the backup catcher, it'd be nice to have one outfielder (Arcia), and one infielder (Nunez).

 

Why do they need more than one utility man? Is it a greater need than three catchers? I think it is less. The chance of an injury after a late inning substitution is very small. Wouldn't another bat on the bench, particularly one with options, be more valuable than insuring an infielder replacement should an injury occur after a late inning substitution? Worst case and that injury occurs, they can play Rosario at 2B or Plouffe at SS for an inning.

 

I believe you are correct in your projection. I wasn't writing what I think the Twins will do. It is what I think they should do. They had the worst hitting off the bench in baseball last year. They can fix that with more corner guys and fewer utility guys on the bench.

 

If they start with a bench of Murphy, Santana and Arcia they have every position covered. The fourth guy on the bench can be given to a pinch hitter. Ideally a player that has an option left so they can go to a 13 man pitching staff when necessary. It will be necessary at some point. At that time Nunez seems like the least valuable guy and the bench and the logical one to go.

[TRex]

IMHO, people who pencil Arcia in as a bench bat are playing 'fantasy baseball' in that neither his swing nor approach at the plate seem conducive to a part-time role off the bench. I also wonder whether he has the temperament needed. 

 

While it is the ultimate in SSS, he has an OPS of .584 as a PH in 12 AB as a PH in the majors (with 5 SO); and he has been even worse as a DH, with an OPS of .422 in 36 AB with 17 SO.