Cuddyer to DL, Span Arrives

by Jesse on Apr 5, 2008 10:50 AM EDT in News Comment 5 comments

This is why you don't slide head first. Baseball 101.

The Good News: A hand specialist examined Cuddyer, and reported that the tendon in the finger wasn't injured. It could have been worse.

The Bad News: Cuddyer slid head first into third base and dislocated his right index finger, and received a large laceration from the cleats of Alex Gordon. He's been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

If there's a silver lining for Cuddyer's injury, it's that Jason Kubel will receive more playing time. His plate appearances have been tempered, and would have continued to have been tempered, due to Gardenhire's penchant to give Craig Monroe at bats. Most of the innings in field field now belong to Kubel, and hopefully he can take advantage.

Denard Span's first appearance in The Show has been a long time coming. While I'm hoping it doesn't happen, and it shouldn't, I can see the Twins giving Span a few starts in center field to get him some time. The decision to commit to Carlos Gomez at the start of the year should be a commitment in stone; a couple of days off during the season is good, but while Cuddyer is on the disabled list Span's time should largely come in the latter stages of a game: pinch hitter, pinch runner, replacement in the field.

I'm not trying to knock Span, but the Twins have made a decision on how to develop Gomez and need to stick with that plan. This entire season will be a fantastic learning opportunity for the former Mets prospect, and he deserves every plate appearance possible.

See you tonight!

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I'm

I'm interesed in seeing what Span can offer as a major league role player. He doesn't really have it for a major league starter, but I think there is a good chance he can provide good value as a backup outfielder and pinch runner.

That I'm I am very pleased for this young man. He was very disappointed after failing to make the team in spring and I hope he shows he has skills to provide a team.

"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
~ Earl Weaver

by AdamOnFirst on Apr 5, 2008 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Disappointed

While I agree it will be interesting to see how the G-man decides to use Span, and how Span will offer at the Major League level, I'm hesitant to give him my sympathy vote simply because he was disappointed for failing to make the team out of ST.

Should I feel bad for Brian Buscher, Alexi Casilla, Trevor Plouffe, Glen Perkins, Randy Ruiz and the rest of the Spring Training invites that didn't make the team? I'm sure they were all very disappointed too. Perhaps Span had a better 30-40 ABs in Spring Training than some of the other AAA/AA guys, but did Span really deserve the roster spot any more than them?

What would my life be like without the '91 World Series?

by MJesser on Apr 5, 2008 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gomez

I agree with your point about center field. Span or no span, the Twins should commit to Gomez playing 140 games and getting 550 AB this year, unless he does something so totally off-the-wall it's necessary to do something else. He'll probably have 0-23 and 1-19 (with 12 K) stretches. But his upside is so far up there.... I'm just excited.

by Jon Marthaler on Apr 5, 2008 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gardenhire

said that Gomez will remain in center and that Span will move around the outfield.

"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."

by Twins Territory on Apr 5, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bummer

I was hoping to see Knott called up.

"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."

by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Apr 6, 2008 3:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs