Locking in on 2B and SS for 2019

[DocBauer]

For better or worse, unless another move takes place over the next few months, with the Cron acquisition, we seem to have 1B "settled" with Cron and Austin as well as Garver, Astudillo and Kepler, (even Sano) possibly available. And there are at least 3 different threads discussing this.

 

And there are various debates about the rotation, pen and OF discussed in most of these threads and others. With the coals growing just a little bit warmer these days, I feel this is a good time to re-visit one of the biggest and most opportune areas for 2019. I know there is debate about another OF addition, (I'm in that camp) as well as the pen and rotation. But we all absolutely know that figuring out and adding a piece to the middle infield is essential.

 

There are two schools of thought here:

 

1] Polano is a poor SS, average at best, and will be moved to 2B eventually, so why not now? Why not sacrifice some offense for defense, even help the pitching staff, and sign a SS and move Polanco this season.

 

2] Polanco can play at least an average SS, has shown at times he can do so despite a weird 2017 and his late start to 2018, and should only get better with time. He can at least hold status quo for a year or two before Lewis arrives, and the overall lineup gets a lift by signing one of many 2B options.

 

FA SS: The options are scarce, but not without a couple nice options. Iglesius and Galvis each offer up quality defense to help secure the infield defense. Both are 29, neither provides a ton of offense. Iglesius has better overall career triple slash marks, and Galvis shows more HR ability. Neither would embarrass at the bottom of the order. Either would be brought in for defensive ability, and allow Polanco to bring, potentially, some nice defense at 2B along with his offensive potential.

 

FA 2B: The list is long with the likes of Lowrie, Cabrera, Kinsler, LeMahieu, Murphy and Harrison. And in a bizarre stretch, even Dozier. FWIW, ages range from 30-37. There are honest questions about all of these options, but potential with each. While Lowrie probably can't be expected to repeat his production from 2018, at 35 he is defying age and brings quality offense. He also has experience at 3B, and when younger, SS. At 33 Cabrera provides a quality stick and power. Even at 37 Kinsler provides power, along with experience, but his overall numbers have been declining each of the past two seasons. As lot of people like LeMahieu at 30, and he has the glove. But his away splits don't look very good. Why not go the SS route at that point? The 34yo Murphy can hit and provide power. I am no expert on him, but have read poor reports on his defense. Harrison has been mentioned by a few posters. There just isn't much offense there, but there is defensive versatility.

 

FA Wildcard: Marwin Gonzalez. The 29yo FA has garnered a lot of interest. Unless I missed something happening in the last day or two, he could play anywhere, including 2B on a daily basis. (Not sure how he fits as an ever day SS option). He provides good offense over all, and can be easily moved around for roster flexibility, especially if another infield option arises, say Gordon, for example.

 

Wildcard #2: Starlin Castro. He is not a FA, but I include him here because he is so often mentioned. Now a 2B, he offers the versatility of also playing some SS and provides pretty good punch for a middle infielder.

 

Really, what is the best option to make a move for 2019? Defense at SS and move Polanco now? Or keep Polanco at SS for the next season or two and make the "right" move at 2B?

 

Personally, I admit to being torn. I really like the idea of pushing my chips in for either Iglesius, Lowrie or Gonzalez.

 

First choice? Make the call to Gonzalez and pay what it takes to man 2B. If things break right at some point, or if they don't, I can move him to cover another spot.

 

Second choice? I'm banking on Lowrie to keep defying age for another year or two to provide quality AB and maybe even leadoff.

 

What say you?

[ahart10]

I’m leaning towards your 2nd school of thought. Polanco can hold the fort down a little longer. It’s a little early to be expecting Lewis to pan out, not a fan of prospects.

I’d hunt whoever comes cheapest between Murphy, Cabrera, and Lowrie.

[beckmt]

I have heard there is  a good chance Schoop is nontendered by the Brewers.  Might be a good option for a year or two (or maybe more if he can repeat 2017 on a regular basis).  

Addison Russell also could be available.  Do not know if I would touch him, but he is a good buy low candidate.He would also have to show he could be rehabilitated. From what I have heard he is a much worse case than Sano.  

Either or both could shore up the Twins middle for the next couple of years without a huge dollar expense, and allow the Twins to push a great deal of money into improving their pitching (to me this is the key to winning).

Other choice would be to give Arraez a shot and see if he can hit up here.  I would take a pass on most of the other older FA signings.

[nclahammer]

I can see Polanco at SS for another season, especially with so many FA options at 2B.  Gonzalex does do much for me and although he is versatile and solid at multiple positions.

[DocBauer]

I have heard there is a good chance Schoop is nontendered by the Brewers. Might be a good option for a year or two (or maybe more if he can repeat 2017 on a regular basis).

Addison Russell also could be available. Do not know if I would touch him, but he is a good buy low candidate.He would also have to show he could be rehabilitated. From what I have heard he is a much worse case than Sano.

Either or both could shore up the Twins middle for the next couple of years without a huge dollar expense, and allow the Twins to push a great deal of money into improving their pitching (to me this is the key to winning).

Other choice would be to give Arraez a shot and see if he can hit up here. I would take a pass on most of the other older FA signings.

I confess I hadn't thought about Schoop. Wouldn't be my first choice, but could be a potential steal.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'm in the Marwin camp. The system is pretty deep in 2b/ss type help that I don't see a long term committment unless the guy can move around the diamond.

 

I'd also be quite interested in bringing back Dozier on a 1 year make good deal, but I suspect that this ship has sailed. 

[nicksaviking]

If Seattle is selling, what does it take to get Jean Segura? He's not cheap, is he half salary dump?

[rdehring]

Although I normally don't speculate, Doc, my first choices would be Gonzalez and then Lowrie in part becasue both can play third.  As the season progresses, we should have a couple internal options for second (Arraez and Gordon) should the need arise for a Gonzalez/Lowrie move to third base.  

[Mike Sixel]

Tough call. It really depends on how close they think Gordon, Lewis, Arraez (sp?) are......

 

I have no idea how to answer that, so I'm not sure what I'd do. I'd probably try to find a 2B for the next 2 years, and keep Polanco at SS and see if he makes progress or not. I'd be quick to promote Gordon or either of the other two (to either their next level or the majors). 

[DocBauer]

Although I normally don't speculate, Doc, my first choices would be Gonzalez and then Lowrie in part becasue both can play third. As the season progresses, we should have a couple internal options for second (Arraez and Gordon) should the need arise for a Gonzalez/Lowrie move to third base.

Isnt it wonderful when great minds think alike? Lol