How funny is it when an entire fan base (and the baseball world in general) gasps anytime you make a signing that actually makes it in the headlines section of sports websites?Well the Twins have now done it twice over the past couple of weeks as they have added a future Hall of Famer in Jim Thome to beef up their bench and DH spot and now a Gold Glove winning All-Star second baseman in the O-Dog Orlando Hudson.
I have been begging the Twins to sign Hudson for weeks and even broke down their current roster options for second base and discussed how truly pathetic they were. But this changes everything. Here's a look at Minnesota's projected lineup...
1.) Denard Span, CF
2.) Orlando Hudson, 2B
3.) Joe Mauer, C
4.) Justin Morneau, 1B
5.) Michael Cuddyer, RF
6.) Jason Kubel, DH
7.) Delmon Young, LF
8.) JJ Hardy, SS
9.) Nick Punto, 3B
Bench: Jim Thome, Brendan Harris, Jose Morales, Matt Tolbert
Of course I have made it very clear I want to see Jim Thome in the lineup with Kubel in left at least three times a week including against any tough righties. But even with their normal projected lineup, that is pretty strong. The addition of Hudson clearly makes them the favorites in the AL Central over the weakened Tigers and punchless White Sox.
The bottom line is that we as Twins fans appreciate what the organization is trying to do. Not only are they trying to show our franchise player Joe Mauer that they are committed to winning, but they are also trying to show that to us. After all these years of our continued dedication to this club, after all the stupid attempts to fill holes on our roster with names like Tony Batista, Ramon Ortiz and Sidney Ponson, they are finally starting to put the pieces together to help us compete with the New York's and Boston's of the world.
2010 is going to be a fun year.
[Photo courtesy of Doug Wallick/Flickr]
You may or may not have noticed that I don't have Alexi Casilla on our bench. Since he's out of options I think it's time for us to cut ties with him (as I mentioned earlier this week).
ReplyDeleteWhether we trade him or cut him, I just think its time for us both to start fresh.
I'd rather see Harris start at third over Punto. Punto should be a sub to rest Hardy/Hudson/Harris on their days off, and come off the bench either has a pinch runner or for defensive purposes. I'm still not over him getting picked off at third in the final playoff game last year. He's amazing in the field but I just don't see him as an everyday third basemen. Harris seems more like a third basemen since he's built a little bigger and has more pop.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind that third base is the only question mark going into Spring Training. That's pretty amazing when you think about it (for this team).