So, who bats lead-off?

The whole four outfielders thing has been about the only show in town in Fort Myers this spring.  (The Mauer thing and his underreported back problem has been more about "no show.")  And, in theory, the competition has resolved itself with Cuddyer, Gomez and Young earning their respective spots, especially given Denard Span's struggles to not only hit for average, but also just to drive the ball and/or get on base via BB.

Yet, when asked, if you listen to Gardenhire, he says this:  "Denard, we ended last  year with him as our leadoff guy, and that's where we'd like to start again this year.  That worked out well for us and we'd like to give that another shot."  So, one would think that Span is going to start in the outfield and bat lead-off.

But then, who sits? 

Cuddyer?  Nope.  Gardenhire pretty much as said that Michael has earned his way back into right field.  The quotes are out there in the MSM. 

Okay, then maybe Gomez will sit?  Um, not so fast.  Gardy likes the way Fleet plays defense, and he thinks the team is more aggressive, more spunky with Gomez in the lineup.  Plus, let's face it, Gomez has looked good this spring, driving the ball, getting on base and even driving in runs.  Plus defense, plus speed, plus pressure on the other team.

So, that leaves Delmon.  But, DY has looked very impressive this spring, pulling the ball more, driving home-runs, making contact, getting hits.  He is one guy in the middle of the lineup who can really hurt the other team and does not back down.  Sure, he swings too much and plays LF like a sailor on shore leave, but his upside potential is huge.  Are the Twins really going to sit him so Span can bat lead-off?

All of which brings me to the question of this post.  At some point, Denard is going to have to sit, whether it's when he doesn't hit or get on base or when there is a tough lefty pitching.  And, then, who bats lead-off?  It's not like Gardy has been auditioning someone for this role during ST.  Seemingly, they have set it up so that Span is their only patient, OBP, speedy lead-off hitter.

Yet, he will sit.  And maybe even become the de facto fourth outfielder.  Then what?  Who is going to hit leadoff? 

Sure, not a big deal in some ways, you only leadoff one inning a game.  Yet, lineup construction is very important to overall run production, and besides, there is that "tone" thing, and we all remember what happened to Gomez last year as he didn't produce in that role.

So, I think the Twins have painted themselves into a bit of a corner on the four outfielders issue.  Yes, it's a good problem to have.  Yes, they will all play.  But what they have not done is to really determine how to deal with leadoff on days when Span sits.  Which, for all we know, could be, and likely should be, most of the time.