Twins CF In 2024...Is It Too Early To Talk About?

[Linus]

3 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Curious, where have you heard the vice versa part because I never have?

Here. That’s why I posted the question-just don’t seem to get much clear info on what his best position might be. 

[FlyingFinn]

39 minutes ago, Linus said:

Here. That’s why I posted the question-just don’t seem to get much clear info on what his best position might be. 

I believe the consensus is that SS is not his position, emergency only. CF, LF and 2B are his best positions. RF and 3B are probably not common but possibilities, only because I don't see the Twins playing him there in the minors.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

I recall Molitor saying on a broadcast this summer that Martin could profile as a centerfielder or second baseman, though maybe not as a full time everyday starter. Or if he was full time at those positions, not quite at league average, maybe. I think Molitor liked him better in center. But now my memory starts to fail me. But something like that. 

[DocBauer]

On 9/21/2023 at 7:37 PM, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

I recall Molitor saying on a broadcast this summer that Martin could profile as a centerfielder or second baseman, though maybe not as a full time everyday starter. Or if he was full time at those positions, not quite at league average, maybe. I think Molitor liked him better in center. But now my memory starts to fail me. But something like that. 

I can't recall right now who said it, or who relayed the information, but a year or so ago, there was a report from someone with the Twins that Martin was spending so much time at SS...loosely implied he wasn't seen as a real option there...to keep him in the dirt for as long as possible to work on his INF glove, footwork, future possibilities, etc. But it was stated that it was felt he was a natural in the OF who could slide there easily. 

I was surprised to see recently that he's spent more time at 2B than the OF this season. I can only conjecture that they still see him as an option there. And if they see him as a legit, and natural OF, then I guess that makes sense at this time.

I think his arm is not as strong at 3B as you'd like, hence the extended work at 2B. And I like the fact he could be a 2B option, or be able to cover the spot. But he seems to be a natural OF who will settle there. While not possessing a great arm, from what I've heard, he's got all the speed and athleticism I think you'd want in a CF. Which is also who I included him in the original OP. 

I'm not certain I see him breaking camp with the Twins in 2024...still a lot of moving parts involved...and I have to feel the Twins like the idea of brining Taylor back for depth...but I see him as a legitimate option next year, whether day one, or a little in to the season.

[Linus]

Without having too much info…but it seems like he may not be above average at any position. Kind of like if you have two quarterbacks you actually have no quarterbacks. I like guys to settle in their best defensive position and get good at it. 

[dxpavelka]

Wildcard:  Julien to CF.  Crazy?  Probably.  Worth a shot?  Maybe.  Eddie Rosario spent a lot of MiLB time at 2B but his bat translated to OF.  Take the shot.

[FlyingFinn]

49 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Wildcard:  Julien to CF.  Crazy?  Probably.  Worth a shot?

Zero chance. The Twins tried out Julien in LF in the minors and very quickly gave up on that.