Who plays CF to start the season?

[ashbury]

At this point, I'm asking myself: who is left wanting outfielders?

 

Texas isn't going to go more than 4 yrs for Hamilton. The Twins could deal Willingham to TX and take the Rangers out of the picture.

 

The buyers for Bourn, last rumor I read anyway, were Phili and Seattle. Would the M's take Mastroianni?

 

That would soak up two buyers, and put the Twins in a position to make lowball offers to Bourn and Hamilton.

 

My pitch to Bourn, as GM of Philly or Seattle: take our offer, or you're looking at a lowball offer from the Twins.

[wavedog]

The way the roster is currently set up with outfielders defense is more important than offense. We have to have someone that can cover some ground. I would rank it Mastro, Hicks then Benson. I could see Mastro starting the year with Benson as backup and Hicks in AAA but I have no problem putting HIcks in from the start.

[ashbury]

The way the roster is currently set up with outfielders defense is more important than offense. We have to have someone that can cover some ground. I would rank it Mastro, Hicks then Benson. I could see Mastro starting the year with Benson as backup and Hicks in AAA but I have no problem putting HIcks in from the start.

 

We need to sign someone to a one-year deal. Mastro had a good 2012 but as a full-timer he'd be exposed. I'd like to let Hicks play his way to the majors, not just promote him.

[greengoblinrulz]

I also think there could be an OF signing....Cody Ross anyone to platoon with Parmelee in RF??

Benson having an underwhelming 2012 is obvious. He is agewise ready for MLB.....at least on a part-time platoon role in RF with Chris/defensive sub for Willingham.

I would think Hicks really wont get a true shot in spring training & we'll ride Mastro for 2 months till Hicks is more confortable.

[mudcat14]

I'm of the opinion that whatever Hicks has left to learn, he can learn at the big league level. Defensively there seems to be no doubt that he can cut it right now, with a ++ arm. Offensively he would benefit as much from watching, talking and playing with guys like Morneau, Mauer & Willingham, than he would from a AAA coach. Film study and opponent scouting are better at the big league level as well. I figure Hicks has about 2-3 years to lay claim on this job or Buxton will be pushing him out anyway.

[spideyo]

Do we still have Clete Thomas under contract?

[Riverbrian]

I think the Twins like almost every team will say that the best player will start and the Arb clock has nothing to do with it.

 

However... I notice that a lot of top notch prospects are consistently called up after the Arb clock.

 

I think Hicks will start in CF in Rochester regardless if he tears the cover off the ball in the pre season.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd say it's between Mastro and whomever they sign to a 1 year deal. They will sign someone cheap to be a placeholder for Hicks, Acia, and Benson. I woudln't expect anything other... and I'd add that it's probably the right choice too.

[syves]

Mastroianni in Center. I know he's a fourth outfielder, but just let Hick's and Arcia develop a little in Triple-A.

 

Lineup would be Carroll, Mastroianni, Mauer, Willingham, Morneau, Doumit, Plouffe, Parmelee, Florimon.

 

I say the lineup like that because:

1) I'm obsessed with speed guys in the two hole. Can't get enough.

2) Ease the stress on Plouffe and Parmelee. They're still in development mode, and being in the 7 and 8 hole could relax them enough to make them better. One spot back might make all the difference.

[Kwak]

I'm confident the decision has already been made--so don't look for "competition" in Spring Training for CF! (they tried that game once and everybody saw through it).

[Dilligaf69]

It's true it may force Gardy to bat mauer 2nd but without a decent leadoff hitter it won't much matter. I can live with Mastro at the beginning of the season if Hicks/Benson can step in around June. Wouldn't suprise if Twins sign a cheap CF in the latter parts of FA to bridge the gap.

[gmarais66]

I will say, however, that I am intrigued by the idea of Joe Benson if he's healthy. I agree with an above poster who said that when he's healthy, he screams top prospect. If he's back from him multiple injuries of last year, I'd bet that he could compete for an outfield spot this year.

 

The biggest problem with Benson is his personality. Throughout the season on ESPN 1500, Molitor talked about how Benson has a lot of maturing to do, before he was ready for the majors. He lets his emotions get out of control, which affects his performance. Molitor even seemed to suggest that he didn't know if Benson could overcome this. My bet is that they will give Hicks every opportunity to win the CF position. Having him in the lineup, especially if he's playing decent, could help pacify the average fan after the losses of Span and Revere. He could offer that spark the fans like to see. Although Mastro is a good 4th outfielder, I don't think he's the type of player that puts fans in the seats, which is something that will be crucial for the Twins this year, after two horrible seasons.

[Anorthagen]

I think hicks has the upper hand in this position. He took a huge step last year in the minors, even though it was double A it was still an overall very well season. He also has the speed to play CF, which Gardy loves. He could also take over the lead off spot IF he can prove to be successful in the majors. But all we can do is speculate.

[Alex]

The problem as I see it is they need a 4th OF that can play CF. You don't want Hicks there, so if Mastro starts, they need someone else.

[Top Gun]

They are fine.

[glunn]

Mastroianni in Center. I know he's a fourth outfielder, but just let Hick's and Arcia develop a little in Triple-A.

 

Lineup would be Carroll, Mastroianni, Mauer, Willingham, Morneau, Doumit, Plouffe, Parmelee, Florimon.

 

I say the lineup like that because:

1) I'm obsessed with speed guys in the two hole. Can't get enough.

2) Ease the stress on Plouffe and Parmelee. They're still in development mode, and being in the 7 and 8 hole could relax them enough to make them better. One spot back might make all the difference.

 

You make sense, but when I see that lineup I am wondering if the Twins could lose 110+ games in 2013.

[Rosterman]

The Twins will want Hicks in the minors...unless pieces look great in spring training and the Twins may compete.

 

Remember: HOT STOVE SEASON has just begun. And Drew Butera is still on the roster.

 

Quick, name 25 guys who are on the 40-man roster who played in the majors for the Twins!?

[joeboo_22]

If Hannahan is really in a bidding war, the Twins should be shopping Carroll, cut another 3 million in salary and find someone else.

 

I wouldn't be against Chone Figgins, though I get the impression if healthy and looks decent in ST Joe Benson has a job with the Twins its just whether or not he is starting or not. Which I'm not against, he has already been up, and if healthy he has as high of ceiling as anyone else in the organization.

[Shane Wahl]

I'd put the odds at:

Hicks: 50%

Mastro: 40%

Benson:10%

 

It's Hicks job to lose.

 

I think this is pretty much correct. If Hicks demonstrates offensive competence in ST, the job is his. Mastro is the backup option and that honestly isn't terrible.

 

By the way, back to my 2012 adopted prospect Chris Herrmann . . . this OF exodus means that it really would make more sense to have Herrmann instead of Butera on the roster, especially if Mastroianni is the opening CF.

[Shane Wahl]

If Hannahan is really in a bidding war, the Twins should be shopping Carroll, cut another 3 million in salary and find someone else.

 

I wouldn't be against Chone Figgins, though I get the impression if healthy and looks decent in ST Joe Benson has a job with the Twins its just whether or not he is starting or not. Which I'm not against, he has already been up, and if healthy he has as high of ceiling as anyone else in the organization.

 

Carroll is a good OBP guy and Chone Figgins is now completely and utterly terrible.

[shs_59]

Hicks shouldn't be up in 2013 untill AUGUST or SEPTEMBER

 

don't rush the guy! I'm telling you

 

Look what happened to Brian Dozier , we all freaked out demanded him up there in Early or Mid May and he fell off the earth, eventually. He should of been in AAA untill August and then you feel MORE confident about Dozier's chances.......

 

I pray its Ichiro, Mastro , or even Benson or Andres Torres before Aaron Hicks. in April anways.

 

Reds or Mariners both want OF'ers

[Shane Wahl]

My dream lineup would be:

 

Hicks

Mauer

Willingham

Morneau

Doumit

Plouffe

Parmelee

Dozier/Carroll

Florimon/Carroll

[spideyo]

I would hope in your dream lineup we'd get some better middle infielders

[Kobs]

My dream lineup would be:

 

Hicks

Mauer

Willingham

Morneau

Doumit

Plouffe

Parmelee

Dozier/Carroll

Florimon/Carroll

 

You have sad, sad dreams.

[Brandon]

Realistic CF alternatives would be Nyler Morgan and Scott Posedinek. they would both be inexpensive and stop gap as in they could be replaced midseason when we bring up Hicks and delay FA and arbitration by 1 year.

[Reginald Maudling's Shin]

Did they ever figure out what happened to Benson last year? I'm surprised he's being considered for the starting CF gig. Maybe this is a motivational tool? I guess with the Twins org still having a crowded OF, if he can't help the MLB club in the next year or two he never will.

[Einstein]

Hicks needs time in AAA. How anyone can pencil in Benson after the year he had last year is beyond me. I predict that Darin Mastroianni, although a fourth outfielder at best, will be starting come opening day.

[twinsnorth49]

You know, you have to think the Twins were considering the Span and Revere moves well before the season ended (Span we know for sure), at least the possibility that if something came up, they would be more than willing to listen. Which makes me wonder even further as to why Hicks didn't get a call-up in September. A month under his belt in the majors would have served him well for what he is likely going to be facing at some point next season.

[TopGunn#22]

I agree with those who've stated that Hicks won't be up until they get that 7th year of team control. It just makes too much sense. That leaves Benson and Mastro, and I agree with the thought that this should be a sink or swim moment for Benson. I can't see the Twins going out and signing any stop gap OF'ers. If they can' get all they want for pitching, one more guy in the mix for SS/2B makes more sense.

[johnnydakota]

It's true it may force Gardy to bat mauer 2nd but without a decent leadoff hitter it won't much matter. I can live with Mastro at the beginning of the season if Hicks/Benson can step in around June. Wouldn't suprise if Twins sign a cheap CF in the latter parts of FA to bridge the gap.

 

of the 3 who had a higher obp? Ben , Span or Carroll? and Mastroanni was .003 less then Revere

also i wondered if Rick Ankiel was a cheap insurance option ?