Another chance at Shortstop for Dozier?

[ericchri]

I'll preface this by saying I've been mightily pleased with Pedro Florimon at SS this year, he's been much better than I expected and I see no need to replace him immediately.

 

That being said, all the trade talk wants back Starting Pitchers or Shortstops as part of a trade for anyone we move. I assume that means everyone expects Eddie Rosario to eventually move in and take over 2nd Base, but that the prospects coming up as potential SS aren't half as exciting and we want better.

 

Brian Dozier has played very good defense at 2nd this year and appears (to me at least) to offer decent hitting potential, likely better than Florimon long-term. Rosario looks like a potential mid-season call-up next year (with an outside shot being earlier, and almost certainly no later than next September), and I would assume once he's up he'll be expected to man 2nd Base as the full-time starter. Dozier was pretty poor defensively at SS in 2012, but he was also struggling with the trials of being a rookie in the majors and appearing to drag bad hitting results out into the field with him. Twins coaches also seemed to be dissatisfied with some of his positioning and decision-making in addition to poor play.

 

What happens to Dozier at that point (when Rosario comes up)? Is there any chance he gets another chance at SS or has that bridge burned? Would his potential offensive upgrade (again, only in my opinion, yours may vary) over Florimon warrant a second chance, or is he relegated to Utility Infielder duty?

 

An aside, the trade talk this season has focused on the obvious names, but I've seen almost no mention of either Florimon or Dozier. They seem like potential sleeper trade candidates, knowing they have plenty of folks to fill in at either spot until Rosario is actually ready. Both have shown excellent defense with flashes of good hitting such that a contender who needed to stabilize one of those spots might be interested. I haven't done any research into who needs what, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility.

 

But to the initial topic, would you be willing to give Dozier another chance to play SS for the Twins?

[Willihammer]

Might Rosario be a better candidate for super-util player, possibly in a semi-platoon with some of the righthanded bats like Dozier?

 

edit: I see he hasn't played any outfield (or SS) this year at all, so maybe not.

[howieramone1406390264]

If Dozier continues to improve offensively, I can certainly see him entering the mix. That said, I would be very surprised if we didn't use our hard earned 1st draft choice next June. Ryan has methodically attempted to fill the black holes and IMO SS will be next.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Brian is just getting his feet under him. Let him stick at second for awhile before considering any kind of change.

[stringer bell]

The difference defensively has been dramatic. Considering how little 2B Brian had played in the minors, he has been excellent there while he was well below average as a shortstop. I suspect that Dozier took his bad at-bats with him and also was feeling the pressure of impending demotion. Dozier's OPS is moving toward .700 and for an 8th place hitter (as he should be) that would be fine. As far as moving to short, Dozier seems to have enough range and arm to be average or a bit better, but not as good as he's been at second. It would depend on how much better Dozier's offense is than Florimon's.

[Red Holstein]

The difference defensively has been dramatic. Considering how little 2B

Brian had played in the minors, he has been excellent there while he was well below average as a shortstop. I suspect that Dozier took his bad at-bats with him and also was feeling the pressure of impending demotion. Dozier's OPS is moving toward .700 and for an 8th place hitter (as he should be) that would be fine. As far as moving to short, Dozier seems to have enough range and arm to be average or a bit better, but not as good as he's been at second. It would depend on how much better Dozier's offense is than Florimon's.

How about rosario to 3B, sano to 1B?

[Guest USAFChief]

I get the impression Twins leadership has decided Dozier isn't a major league SS. From what I saw last year I tend to agree FWIW. In any case I'd be surprised to see that happen. Maybe as a utility guy but not as an everyday SS.

[Mave]

He isn't the big prospect name, but James Breseford has had a fine year with the bat. I wouldn't mind seeing what he can do at the major league level as another stop-gap to infield glory in 2014-15. Throw him in at 2B if you want to try Dozier in at SS. Just a thought.

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Why move Dozier when he's been the team's biggest success this season? He's playing a fantastic 2B and Rosario will have to find his own spot for the time coming.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think you have to give him time. Let's see if this surge is for real first... at that point, they can decide to move him. I suspect Beresford is going to get a real shot there next year. If Rosario continues to excel and Dozier improves, the Twins can either move him to short or trade him for a nice haul.

[Red Holstein]

Id rather move rosario to 3B than dozier to SS. The only reason sano hasnt already been moved to 1B is out of respect for morneau.

[Oxtung]

Id rather move rosario to 3B than dozier to SS. The only reason sano hasnt already been moved to 1B is out of respect for morneau.

 

Every report this season has been that Sano can stick at 3rd base into his late 20's probably. This includes unbiased reports by non-Twins personnel.

[jorgenswest]

Rosario started this season in Hi A. Arcia, Hicks and Parmelee have shown how difficult it is to transition to major league pitching. Rosario will benefit from the rest of the season in AA this year and a good stay in AAA next year. Meanwhile Keep Dozier at 2B.

[Danchat]

If it works, don't change it. Dozier has been good at 2B. Don't move him.

When the new prospects arrive, Gardy will deal with it. It's not that much of an issue.

[SydneyTwinsFan]

As much as I would like to see Beresford succeed (I know some of the guys who coached him here in Australia as a youngster and they say he is a great guy) it's hard to see him hitting enough to stick. He's got no power (6 XBH in 230 AB), has a career MiLB OPS around .670 and would likely get overpowered by major league pitching. Worth a look in September maybe, but I'm not that hopeful.

[Red Holstein]

Every report this season has been that Sano can

stick at 3rd base into his late 20's probably. This includes unbiased reports by non-Twins personnel.

Did i say sano wasnt capable of playing 3B? If they commit to dozier at 2B, rosario will have to find another position. 3B seems logical for rosario, especially considering 1B is sano's future destination anyway.

[Oxtung]

Did i say sano wasnt capable of playing 3B? If they commit to dozier at 2B, rosario will have to find another position. 3B seems logical for rosario, especially considering 1B is sano's future destination anyway.

 

A future that is perhaps 8-10 years away. That would be like saying Mauer should never have played catcher since he is going to have to move to 1st base anyways. First base is the easiest position to fill. Sano should play 3rd for as long as he can snag it defensively, of course all of this assumes he turns into the player we all hope he will which is anything but guaranteed.

[Riverbrian]

Did i say sano wasnt capable of playing 3B? If they commit to dozier at 2B, rosario will have to find another position. 3B seems logical for rosario, especially considering 1B is sano's future destination anyway.

 

No... But here is what you said!

 

The only reason sano hasnt already been moved to 1B is out of respect for morneau.

 

Oxtung's reply was respectful... Your first sentence in your reply back wasn't.

 

Oxtung... Also did not say that you said Sano wasn't capable of playing 3B.

 

Pay attention to the increased moderation on this board and why moderation is increasing and try to not get banned!!!

 

Your first sentence was chippy.

[kab21]

If you are pretty certain that Rosario can be an average MLB'er at 2nd then it is much easier to try Dozier at SS again than it is to find a good SS (draft, FA or trade).

[Riverbrian]

If Dozier continues to perform and Rosario continues to progress... It would be one of those good problems to have.

 

At that point the new manager (Paul Molitor) will look at the SS position and if Xander Bogearts acquired in the Perkins trade isn't playing SS.

 

Molly just might move Dozier back to SS. Until then... I'd say that Dozier and Rosario have to continue to progress... And I'm pulling for them.

 

I'd love to be stacked up at 2B.

[Riverbrian]

Ron GardenFIRE is a rapscallion and scoundrel. I've played behind him at Columbia and there's NO WAY his handicap is anywhere near 11, as he claims. Poor character begets poor leadership. And if I'm not mistaken he's gained a few pounds lately...just sayin. I have sources VERY close to the club pro at Columbia, and the mods can't ban me if I'm spittin truths. Fight the power.

 

OK... Good luck with that!

 

Honestly... I found your post amusing. I thank you for that. I like amusing posts.

 

But... You completely misunderstand the reason for the moderation and seemed to want to serve as an example. So just to make sure everyone else understands.

 

You may find posting under "Bojangles" difficult for the next few days.

 

The admins and mods will now discuss on a private thread weather your ban will be increased longer or even permanent!