I don’t think you can look at 2B in a vacuum. I don’t want to hand Punto anything. He did play well down the stretch, and if 2010 Punto looks like 2006 or 2008, he will be starting somewhere. I think, however, he’s best served as a utility guy that you can plug in to fill a hole. He responds better when that happens too. I’ve soured on Casilla. I wouldn’t mind seeing Tolleson or Dinkleman get a shot, but the reality is that in their rookie seasons, they will at best be league average. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but at the same time, they could do exactly what we had this year and we are back to square one. I do think that Brendan Harris should be starting every day at 2nd, but Gardy seems to want none of that.

I guess I see a few options. I think we can reasonably aquire JJ Hardy, and I think we should do that. Going after Chipper Jones or Adrian Beltre at 3rd would be nice too. I also would like an ace, but I’m guessing that getting Halliday or spending money on Bedard or Harden might make it difficult to do any reasonable signings. In my ideal world I’d consider trading Nathan to the cubs for Fox (3B), Baker (2B), prospect and then spend the money saved on a big ace. I’d still trade for Hardy… Not sure we could pull all that off though.

in the context of the rest of the (non 1B) infield. I don’t like any of the internal options as starters at any of the 3 positions, but realistically, at least one, and possibly all 3 (though that would be a failure) will be manned by the incumbents. Of course, the incumbents provide significant flexibility since they all can play multiple positions, so the Twins can look for the best external options at any of the positions. There seems to be a decent group of free agent second basemen available. I doubt they go this route, but someday the Twins need to accept that signing a type A free agent once a decade isn’t necessarily the work of the devil.

On the radio today La Velle aid that Iwamura is someone the twins are targeting.

a SS, 2b, 3b, and SP. I am ok with us letting either Valencia or Casilla get the tryout next year and letting “the devil you know” be the stand by players. Filling 4 positions could be costly, Pavano at 6 million, Cabrera at 4 million then either a 2b or 3b. But I hope we don’t do both at the same time. There are so many names to throw out there right now. I would be happy with 3 of the 4 holes covered cause I believe that “the devil I know” can handle what is needed or atleast be covered by everyone elses production.

and batting 2nd.

Read somewhere that a noted Mariners blogger advocated Brandon Morrow for J.J. Hardy. First of all, what is the infatuation with this guy? Second of all, if he is really worth Morrow, what do the Twins have to offer that is comparable?

The Twins need to step up and make some moves. Either go out and get some help or they’ll be stuck as perpetual Al Central winners and swept in the ALDS. Let’s face it, they couldn’t have beat any of the other teams in the playoffs. It would be a waste for them to scrimp and save when they have proven talent and adding 2-3 quality players will put them over the top. The Twins have a history of doing this and having success. In 91 they went out and got a proven ace, Jack Morris, a 3rd baseman, Pags, and a big bat, DH Chili Davis. It paid off big. Now they need an ace, a 3rd baseman, and maybe a SS or 2nd baseman. But getting an ace should be their top priority. Pavano is not an ace. If he stays healthy for a full season next year would be a big turnaroud for him (2 seasons in a row). Go get Bedard or someone of his pedigree to anchor the staff. Baker, Slowey, Blackburn are good, but not aces (Blackburn is emerging as the closest to an ace of all). I think O-Cab at ss would be fine with the grass infield to slow things down for him. All they have to do is fill the holes at 3rd and 2nd with a quality player. Someone like Orlando Hudson or Uggla would be great at 2nd. Then I could live with Harris (his glove at 3rd is terrible) or Tolbert at 3rd. But going another year without an ace to anchor the starting pitching will be anohter year of being swept in the ALDS, if they get that far….

keep Punto at second base. Gardy loves Punto and will talk him up to Bill Smith that Punto can start there. Remember they said Punto would be our starting SS this year. The Twins may make a run for Iwamura or another B Agent, which would be nice, but I think the Twins liked what Punto did down the stretch, and for the money they are paying him, will likely give him a starting role for another year.

The Twins will also likely sign Cabrera at short-stop. He was a great fit in the clubhouse and wants to stay with the team. His defense shouldn’t be as bad away from the metrodome turf, while his offense remains steady, most-likely dropping a bit, but his infield leadership was what the twins were lacking. It would be nice to see the twins make a move to try and acquire J.J. hardy – then signing him till Sano is ready. Throw in Perkins, Crain’s rights, and 1-2 pitching prospects. This would be my direction.

Give Valencia a shot. Let Tollbert/Harris start, if Valencia needs a month or 2 in AAA. If nothing works out, then try to acquire someone during the season. This is if they feel that Valencia is ready. If they don’t, Crede would be nice again. I somehow feel that the metrodome ground had something to do with his back problems again. We could probably snag him around the same time during spring training, as i see teams leary again like they were last year. He will have to sign another 1 year deal.

That is how i see the infield going.

Other notes….
-Let Pavano Walk, and get an ACE. We will need one during the playoffs.
-Do not trade away Young. He is an investment, and one that cannot be traded away this quickly. Give him everyday at bats at Target Field and see what he can do. He tore up the minor leagues and was rushed through the system for the Rays-the biggest mistake. His trade value is too low anyways right now. I only would trade him, if we could get an ace type pitcher (garza) and an infielder (bartlett).
- Start Gomez in aaa, to give him at-bats, and more stealing opportunities-the kid is fast-and he doesn’t steal. Then bring him up later in the season for defensive help.