Elliot

Polanco 2b, Dozier 3b, Vielma or veteran defensive SS via FA or trade Sano, Mauer, Park, Vargas fight for 1B, DH opportunities. Let the best man win and the others sit or move to AAA. Advantages - Dozier, a veteran and leader takes the hit of learning a new position without it affecting his offense (I believe he has the skill set to be an above average 3B). Polanco, and hopefully Sano, begin long careers at positions in which they have a chance of being average to above average defensively while shining offensively. 3B and SS are arguably two of the most crucial defensive positions on the field, and neither will be filled by Polanco or Sano on an effective defensive team. At least the starts the process of getting people in the roles in which they can succeed. The 1B/DH competition may be good for both Sano and Mauer. Based on recent performance Mauer may be the least deserving of the candidates. If he beats out Sano, a trip to AAA may be just what Sano needs to figure things out. Downside - Entirely new infield alignment, potential of blocking Gordon's opportunity at short with a veteran. Highlights the lack of apparent 3B solutions in the system.

I attended my first game of the year yesterday and came away with a number of impressions; one that I want to focus on. For the entire year there has been ongoing discussion of the "Sano in right field" plan. Although I was never a big fan of the move, I supported it since it was clearly the lesser of two evils. Now the greater evil has come into view. Miguel Sano is not now, nor will he ever be, a third baseman. I was always baffled by the statement that he is too big and not athletic enough to play right field, but he could somehow slot nicely in at third base. Equally baffling was the injury concern. A hamstring strain is more likely for a DH than an outfielder due to the relative inactivity between at bats. However; the more serious injury concern involves the likelihood that Sano will take a ground ball to the face if he stays there much longer. Although he was able to catch a pop up without damage to his noggin, he did manage to display on two different plays why he does not belong anywhere in the infield other than first base. The first was a base hit grounded between Sano and Nunez. I was seated part way down the first base line so I had a perfect view as the ball eluded both. It was catchable for both; but both simply missed it. I am giving Nunez a free pass since I don’t think anyone is seriously considering him as a long term shortstop; simply a stopgap for now. The second misplay was a potential double play ball to Sano. I am not sure what he was trying to do, but although it was hit almost directly at him he somehow managed to not only botch the play, but not even come close to fielding the ball. Fortunately it bounced harmlessly into left field. Had it been at his head I seriously doubt that he could have defended himself. Miguel Sano is the future of the Twins. He is too young to be slotted into a full time DH role, but he only has one place on the field where he can play and that is first base. Fortunately, I think he has the skill set to not only succeed, but potentially be a very good defensive player there. Unfortunately that spot is filled by a catcher who needs to return to catching, retire, or take up a utility role, all of which would be good roles for a .280 hitter with little power or speed.