Is There A Pending Hole at 3B?

[DocBauer]

Let me state, right out, that I have long been a proponent of keeping Sano at 3B. I've always felt he could and would handle the position solidly, if not quite well, with more than enough overall athleticism, arm and solid hands for the position. He showed marked improvement last season, and should only get better. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely, though we already have seen some. Being a large human being, does he have to monitor his physique or possibly even work a bit harder on his conditioning? I think we can agree on that as well.

 

My concern, at this point, is can he physically handle the position. With all the 40 man moves, trades, thoughts on trades, free agency, how to improve the team going forward, etc, I have not heard much of anything regarding Sano's recovery from surgery or any sort of timetable or progress. Maybe I've just missed it reported somewhere. But between rehab and the rod inserted in his leg, what if he simply can't play 3B in 2018, or going forward? Well, DH and backup 1B suddenly takes on a new complexion doesn't it. And, of course, I think we all hope for the best!

 

But is there, potentially, concern and a possible hole at 3B pending?

 

While it would shorten the bench some, utility wise, and possibly create need/opportunity to add another body, I don't think any/most of us would feel concerned/uncomfortable having Escobar man the hot corner. At least for a time. And right now, we have no idea if Gordon will be a part of the team in 2018, or beyond, due to possible trade implications. And even should Gordon remain, there is some question...at least in the short term until other young prospects rise through the system...where Gordon, and Polanco, best fit. And count me amongst those who believe Dozier should be extended, along with Mauer, for what will still amount to an overall savings dollar wise compared to what they will combine to earn in 2018.

 

If Sano simply cant play 3B in 2018, Escobar, Polanco and Dozier have their spots. Gordon, if retained, could challenge for one of those spots in the near future. If Dozier is also retained, I still believe there is room, and roles, for all of these guys.

 

What do you all see? Should we be concerned about Sano playing 3B? Is there some positive reports I'm missing? How do you all see this shaking out in both the short term and long term?

[mikelink45]

An interesting question and somewhere in their notes that possibility needs to be resolved, but we will never know because they do not want to look like they have given up on him.  

 

 

[Respy]

We have Escobar and just resigned Reginatto to a minors deal.  Adrianza is on the bench. Then there's TJ White and Chris Paul in the wings.  They also just signed Gregorio Petit to a minors deal and he could help if needed.  No superstars here, but I think we're fine.  Let's fix the pitching first.

[kab21]

I mention this every time that someone mentions signing Santana or Martinez. We have no idea how healthy Sano is or how much 3B they plan on playing him next year. If the Twins sign a bat then I think that bat almost has to be able to play 3B. 1B/DH only types are out with Grossman/Vargas/Mauer/Sano/Garver looking to be on the roster. OF really isn't necessary although some have said the Twins need a veteran backup OF. Grossman and Granite have that covered imo.

 

3B is a concern though if Sano plays <1/2 of the games there. I like Escobar a lot but now he isn't available at other positions.

Todd Frazier is my pick once pitching is sorted and if there is available salary room.

[AZTwin]

I think Wander Javier ends up our long term solution at 3B

[Thegrin]

You could be right about Javier, but could he do it in 18 ?  Is his bat ready ?  Could Gordon handle it ? Is his arm strong enough ? Its an interesting problem that I hope the Twins don't have to solve. Every night I pray for Sano's health.  Now I lay me ........

[Platoon]

I doubt it is just 3B that is in flux. When you go around the IF you can see that there are easily logical scenarios where not one player that is slated in a position remains there at the start of 2019. Contracts, health, ability, and middle infield talent in the MiLB will cause a lot of disruption. As to Sano specifically, this is a make or break year for him, not only at third, but for the Twins. If he cannot recover from his leg injury, and maintain his health and conditioning, he very well could end up a "what could have been"! I would hate to see that, I have been a fan of his for years and hoped he would be a major contributor. Btw, while admitting that EE can play third, I cannot think of any way he would contribute to an improved Twins in the coming year(s).

[rdehring]

Who's on Second, who's on Third and who's at short?  This isn't the fix for 2018, but perhaps as soon as 2020 it could be Javier, Severino and Lewis.  Those three young men should come up together and if each gets anywhere near their ceilings...this group could be special, really special!

[drjim]

I wouldn't plan on Sano playing 3b going forward.

 

I would advocate picking up Headley. Yanks would pick up money.

[Twinfan & Dad]

Sano Polanco Dozier Mauer.....2017 infield and next year if Sano is not at 3rd.

 

Dozier Gordon Polanco Mauer.....Sano shares time at 1st if able. Let me add that if Sano cannot keep his weight down he will have to either DH or play 1st when he isnt injured. If Gordon isnt moved for pitching in a trade and he is ready in 2018 then he has to play. The more Polanco hits the more he has to play. Dozier being the vet and on the last year of his contract is going to have to move to 3rd in order to allow our young guys to advance in their growth.

[amjgt]

Thad Levine was on "The Scoop" podcast this week talking about Sano's recovery.

 

He sounded like he had zero concern about Sano's 100% availability at the beginning of spring training.

[amjgt]

By the way, i highly recommend that podcast. Dougie Wolfsen gets a bunch of interviews. About half of them I have no interest in, but Levine comes on for 20 minutes every few weeks.

[Thrylos]

I would not be concerned until come Spring Training he is not playing third base.  And the Twins will have several plan Bs in that case.

[ashbury]

Who's on Second, who's on Third and who's at short? 

 

Leave Who at First where he belongs!

[ashbury]

My working assumption since October has been that it's less than 50-50 that Sano plays anything resembling a full season at third, so they darn well better have a very good Plan B for 2018, even though he is by far the best Plan A they have for the position. Tough and important decision for the brain trust.

[DocBauer]

I wonder if Gordon has the arm for 3B, assuming a Dozier re-sign. Thinking more long term, not 2018, and before/until the kids in A ball are ready.

[The Wise One]

3B is the least of the worries. Stretching to say Berrios is a one, but that leaves a pending hole in 2-5

[Squirrel]

 

re-sign

Thank you.