The Future of the Twins Middle Infield?

[Brandon Warne]

I enlisted a prospect writer friend of mine to help break down the future of the Twins middle infield for today's off-day column.

 

As always, thoughtful comments are appreciated: http://zonecoverage.com/2017/twins/sorting-out-the-future-of-the-twins-middle-infield/

[Mike Sixel]

Not sure that sorted much out, but it was a good read!

[Bark's Lounge]

Polanco and Gordon can sort it it out between the two of them. I like a good fielding second baseman who can hit 25-40HR's a season. The trade scenario seems bleak with Dozier, maybe something boils up in July. I don't see the Twins getting back some organizational mind blowing kind of return.

 

No reason to do it if that is the case.

[TheLeviathan]

Hopefully we'll have a healthy sample of Polanco at short so we can make a decision when Gordon is ready.  

[Vanimal46]

It's nice to think that after 10+ years of black holes at SS, they may have 2 good options fairly soon. Gordon and Polanco at SS/2B, Vielma as a potential utility guy, let's play! 

[drjim]

I prefer Sano at 1b, Dozier/Gordon/Polanco rounding out the infield.

[Brandon Warne]

 

I prefer Sano at 1b, Dozier/Gordon/Polanco rounding out the infield.

 

I don't think I hate it, but man I like Sano at third right now. 

[Bark's Lounge]

You need to grind out Sano at 3B as long as you can. 1B is probably in his future. Let's give it 3-5 years hopefully!

[TheLeviathan]

Why would we move Sano when he has proved capable?  Jesus, don't open a hole for no reason!

[DocBauer]

As we all know, the Twins have a couple top but very young SS way down in the system. Won't talk about them at this point because of that, and I suspect that is why you didn't mention them either, Brandon. So let's just concentrate on the more immediate. (Nice read, BTW).

 

I agree with Bark, let Gordon and Polanco sort it out in time. To confess, yet again, I wasn't sold on Gordon initially when drafted. Scouting report numbers on the scale spoke average across the board, and that didn't excite me for such an early pick. But I've really come around on Gordon due to his improvement, as well as his tremendous work ethic and attitude. (Kid works out with Barry Larkin in the off season for goodness sake and calls him "Mr. Larkin")! His strong AFL was cause for celebration and he's carried his improvement over to the start of this season. I'm a fan, and on board. But Polanco's bat and overall feel for the game is very real. Defensively he's been better than solid, overall, and he will only get better with time, work and repetition. However it shakes out, these guys will be the Twins keystones combo in short order.

 

Vielma has a real chance, I think, in becoming a nice role player utility infielder. Al Newman part 2? He lacks size and pop, which concerns me, but could still fill out a bit more. But he has shown some ability to hit, make contact, take some walks, and run a bit.

 

You didn't mention him, but I am really, really intrigued by Goodrum becoming a valuable and versatile super utility type.

 

Some say I'm crazy, but I still wonder about extending Dozier and moving him to 1B to take over for Mauer. He has the bat to play there. He's only 6', not that plus 2-3 inches, but does he have to be to be an effective 1B? While still relatively young, it's a position less physically demanding as he ages, he is athletic with good hands, and has years of experience playing defense on the right side of the infield and chasing pop ups and foul balls. I really don't think I'm crazy for suggesting this.

 

Sano stays at 3B! Guy is solid, will only get better, is a beast at charging slow rollers and throwing to first, and his bat is even more valuable at 3B.

[Danchat]

With Sano, Polanco, and Dozier in the infield and Vielma and Gordon on their way, I have a feeling a trade is coming in the distant future. Not soon though, it'd be wise to wait to count the eggs before they hatch. Or, you know, Sano's knee randomly explodes and he'll miss a full two seasons because of it.

 

Also, I'm also not convinced Vielma will be able to hit well enough to start, so he could be a utility player.

[DaveW]

 

Why would we move Sano when he has proved capable?  Jesus, don't open a hole for no reason!

Agreed, makes no sense, no sense at all  IMO.