Third Base Depth Chart throughout the org

[LiquidQuick]

 

Hey guys,

 

I'm trying to figure out the third base situation for the upcoming season for the whole organization.

 

TWINS: With Plouffe headed to Oakland, Sano will be playing third full time. Escobar is the backup at both third and short.

 

RED WINGS: Beresford opted for free agency and headed back to Australia.

Dan Gamache was signed. He was a AA all-star in 2015 in the Pirates organization, but was released in September after a year and a half in AAA, mostly at DH. His situation might be similar to two other infielders on the club, Benji Gonzalez and Tommy Field.

Reginatto got called up to Rochester in September and played third exclusively, after having historically split SS and 3B. He is listed at SS. Reginatto got an invite to major league camp.

 

LOOKOUTS: Goodrum put in a good second half of the season after a stress fracture had him miss all of the first half. He got a spring training invite to major league camp.

White began the year in Ft. Myers, got called up to Chattanooga when Goodrum got hurt, went back to Ft. Myers when Goodrum returned, and came back to Chattanooga for the final month of the season.

 

MIRACLE: Paul is the only player listed at 3B. He was called up a week into the season and stayed at Ft. Myers the rest of the way.

Miller seemed to be called up when White was called up and sent back down. He played half at 3B and half at SS. He is listed at SS.

 

KERNALS: Molina played 3B most of the time, mixing in at short for 15 games.

Ibarra was briefly called up to Ft. Myers. Otherwise he played 3B entirely for the Kernals.

 

2016 DRAFTEES: Most confusing of all as it pertains to third base, the Twins drafted just one third baseman in 40 picks (Greg Deichmann, 26th round), and he did not sign. However, the Twins did draft seven shortstops. Only one of whom played short regularly for the organization this past summer!

 

Miranda played third base half time at the Gulf Coast Twins.

Lopez did actually play shortstop for Elizabethton and a call-up to Cedar Rapids.

Jernigan played second base almost entirely for Elizabethton.

Hutcheson played second base almost entirely for GCL.

Richards did not sign.

Hamilton played third and outfield and almost no shortstop for Elizabethton.

Cronin played third almost entirely for GCT.

 

So where does that leave everything as far as you guys know? How do you see Spring Training, Opening Day rosters, and starting lineups playing out?

[zchrz]

Idk how fast they will get pushed but I think the 2 biggest third base prospects in the system are Cabbage and Blakenhorn.

[LiquidQuick]

Blakenhorn is listed as a DH.  Last year he played 37 games as a 2B (at two different levels), 19 at DH or PH, and just 3 games at 3B.

 

Cabbage is a good thought, I wonder if they'll decide he's ready for Cedar Rapids while still (technically) a teenager.

[DocBauer]

I'd say Rochester is a bit up in the air right now.

 

Goodrum could be placed at Rochester, but I'd say he's starting 3B for the Lookouts to begin the season.

 

Ft Myers is probably some combination of Paul, Miller and White.

 

Molina probably at Ft Myers eventually, but with 330AB for the Kernels, very likely he begins at Cedar Rapids.

 

Cabbage will probably start in EST before taking 3B for Elizabethtown and finish the season for CR.

[snepp]

Here's Seth's article projecting the corner infielders for the organization this season.

 

 

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/24883-article-2017-minnesota-twins-roster-projections-the-corner-infielders/

[clutterheart]

It would be great if Goodrum could play quality 3B defense.  - So far he hasn't been able to do it.  He had a nice year at the plate last year, and he could become pretty valuable player if he could play 3rd

 

[nicksaviking]

Cabbage seemed to struggle at E-ton last year, I'd like to see him in CR but not sure if that's likely.

 

I like Blackenhorn's versatility. 3B does seem to have a dearth of prospects compared to the middle infield, it would make sense to move him back to the hot corner especially considering he ended last season at the same level as Palacios and Arraez. That could be a fun trio to watch if they stay together through the system.

[Mike Sixel]

Wander Javier.... Eventually. Not yet.