Berardino: Jason Kubel interested in Twins reunion

[Parker Hageman]

According to the Pioneer Press's Mike Berardino, outfielder Jason Kubel, who was released by the Cleveland Indians earlier in the day, said he would be interested in a reunion with the Minnesota Twins.

 

“Yeah, for sure,” Kubel said. “I loved it here. I really miss the guys. I had a great relationship with Gardy, Andy (pitching coach Rick Anderson), (Joe) Vavra — all the coaches and the few players I remember that are still there. I love the guys over there.”

 

One of Kubel's biggest issues in 2013 was his inability to handle fastballs. According to ESPN Stats & Info, in 2012 Kubel hit .298/.368/.616 with 20 home runs and a whopping .309 well-hit average. That dropped considerably in 2013 when he finished the year hitting .261/.315/.400 with just 3 home runs and a well-hit average of .171 off of fastballs.

 

(2012)

(2013)

 

Opponents attacked the upper portion of the zone more in 2013 (37% versus 30% in 2012) and Kubel’s lack of bat speed resulted in far less contact and power output.

 

While Kubel may be a bounce back candidate after his 2013 season, the Twins are not in need of a corner outfielder or designated hitter at this point. Oswaldo Arcia, in theory, can provide just as much production as the former Twin can.

[Marta Shearing]

Wasnt kubel one of the biggest complainers about Target Field dimensions? Now he wants back after he struggled in a hitters park? No thanks, Jason.

[twinsnorth49]

Pass.....next.

[Mike Sixel]

Not interested.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Eh, no thanks.

 

But a Kubel/Plouffe RF platoon in the short-term might be pretty effective.

 

For the faint of heart, I apologize in advance for using the "P" word.

[DaveW]

Trade Willingham and bring Kubel in.

[Thrylos]

Eh, no thanks.

 

But a Kubel/Plouffe RF platoon in the short-term might be pretty effective.

 

For the faint of heart, I apologize in advance for using the "P" word.

 

I think that Plouffe at RF will be fine. Matter of fact I bet would be better than a certain former sucky third baseman, former SS, former first round pick was.

 

I just cannot imagine the fun the centerfielder would have with Kubel and Willingham as OF bookends. They are both aging DHs who did not hit worth of anything last season.

[Seth Stohs]

Wasnt kubel one of the biggest complainers about Target Field dimensions? Now he wants back after he struggled in a hitters park? No thanks, Jason.

 

He was about to be a top free agent who was playing well... at this point, he needs to let all teams know that he is willing to play anywhere!

[Seth Stohs]

I actually wouldn't have any problem with Kubel getting a year and $2 million or something like that, even with the Twins. He's not old. He has proven himself over time. He could be a comeback candidate. He's not far removed from a big year (1 year).

 

I'm not saying I would sign him. I probably wouldn't. But I wouldn't be against it either.

[Marta Shearing]

I agree, he's only professing his love for the Twins because he knows the offers will be scarce. Liked him as a gap hitter. Hated him as a wannabe HR hitter.

[Rick Blaine]

I actually wouldn't have any problem with Kubel getting a year and $2 million or something like that, even with the Twins. He's not old. He has proven himself over time. He could be a comeback candidate. He's not far removed from a big year (1 year).

 

I'm not saying I would sign him. I probably wouldn't. But I wouldn't be against it either.

 

I wouldn't wouldn't mind seeing Kubel returning if he doesn't take at bats from Arcia. With Kubel on the team they would have to part ways with Doumit and possibly Willingham.

[Shane Wahl]

Morneau and Kubel are both signing somewhere with a friendly hitters' park so they can play 2014 to regain some value.

[Rosterman]

Kubel is looking for someplace, anyplace, to attempt a rebound. We have Willingham and Doumit, each for another year. Can he play first base? Arcia and maybe Plouffe better in the outfield. But then can he play third base. Don't see him as an especially good off-the-bench bat.

[Joe A. Preusser]

Before he totally obliterated his knee in AAA? Kubel was on track to be a force in MLB. He's probably not anything more than a flyer of a DH at this point, but I would prefer him to Doumit (with Pinto catching) or Hammer (with Arcia playing in left).

[jorgenswest]

Kubel is a poor fielder that should only be a DH. He is too old to improve his poor defense.

 

I would prefer the a Twins choose defense and the upside of younger players over veteran hitters who might squeeze one more good year out if their bat but are certain to be a liability in the field.

 

Lets back up our pitching with a good defense. Kansas City and Pitsburgh had great defenses. A better defense makes every one of their pitchers appear more valuable with their improved numbers.

[Joe A. Preusser]

Kubel is a poor fielder that should only be a DH. He is too old to improve his poor defense.

 

I would prefer the a Twins choose defense and the upside of younger players over veteran hitters who might squeeze one more good year out if their bat but are certain to be a liability in the field.

 

Lets back up our pitching with a good defense. Kansas City and Pitsburgh had great defenses. A better defense makes every one of their pitchers appear more valuable with their improved numbers.

 

Before his terrible knee injury Kubel was an above average defending corner OFer. I feel bad for him and the organization that he suffered that injury. Could you imaging if he had progressed normally and been an all-star and been signed to a long term contract for us?

[ashbury]

I don't see him as a good fit anymore.

[TKGuy]

Only a DH at this point, makes no sense

[Winston Smith]

I think he may need to try Japan for a couple years.

[goulik]

Japan? Ouch. Not saying your wrong, just ouch. I loved Kubel and hate that things have gone this way for him. Sorry Kubes... it just isn't in the Twins best interest to bring you back.

[nicksaviking]

No kidding Kubel is interested in playing for the Twins. After a season like he just had, he's got to be interested in a major league deal from any club.

 

He doesn't seem to be a fit at this point. Things could change though if the other injury prone speed bumps, Willingham and Doumit, get moved or injured.

[ericchri]

With Willingham and Doumit already on the roster squeezing Arcia for playing time, I can't see much reason to pick up Kubel. I always liked Kubel, and I must have only watched his better games in the field cause he never appeared as bad an outfielder to me as he is generally regarded as being. He moved and throws much better than Willingham ever has from what I've seen, not that that's a huge bar to get over.

[SpitefulRabbit617]

Would way rather have Colabello DH and k 3 times than to have Kubel back

[Winston Smith]

Much rather pick up Nate McLouth. Less power but much much better fielder and with our pitching we need good fielders.

What power Kubel sill has ends up with warning track fly balls in Target Field.

[Marta Shearing]

Always came across as lazy to me. Seemed to always be pudgy and out of shape. Was the bad knee his excuse for not staying fit? His last year with the team when he milked a relatively minor injury was pretty much the nail in the coffin.

[Boom Boom]

The Twins don't like platoons, so Kubel is a bad fit.

[raindog]

The Twins don't like platoons, so Kubel is a bad fit.

Yep, a platoon with him and Plouffe at 1B could be really good. I'm assuming he could handle 1B.

[Marta Shearing]

I was thinking Plouffe could platoon with someone in RF until midseason when hicks and rosario are called up.

LF Rosario

CF Hicks

RF Arcia

[iTwins]

Doumit, Willingham, Collabello, Arcia - the Twins already have a roster full of players with his skillset. Arcia still has upside and the potential to develop into a more balanced (consistent) hitter - I'd rather he get the at-bats. I wouldn't mind Kubel as a bench bat/DH fill in if the Twins had room, but without one of the above players being traded, I don't see the fit.

[bholmgren]

Can he play 1B?? If so, I think he's a better option than Parmelee.