[消息] Mailbag: Where does Casilla fit in?
原文
http://tinyurl.com/55t4ae
Will Alexi Casilla play shortstop or second base for the Twins next year?
-- Anthony H., New York Mills, Minn.
Before Casilla was called up in May to take over at second base, there had
been discussion within the organization about moving him back to his natural
position -- shortstop. All of that talk centered around the notion that
Casilla looked more comfortable at shortstop than at second base. But the
young middle infielder erased those notions with his play. Casilla looked
like a different player this time around. He didn't make the same mental
mistakes he had in the past, like trying to rush plays, but he instead
solidified second base defensively while also providing the team with a solid
No. 2 hitter in the lineup.
So now that Casilla has found a home at second base, the Twins aren't in any
hurry to shake things up by switching his position once again. Instead, the
Twins will likely choose to upgrade at shortstop by looking outside of the
organization and will leave Casilla at second base for 2009.
Here's a suggestion: why don't the Twins pick up Ken Griffey Jr. for the DH
spot now that he's filed for free agency? I know he is getting up there in age
and could only play until the seventh inning with the White Sox, but I think he
could thrive as DH for the Twins. He has hit a lot of long balls at the
Metrodome.
-- Jason K., Chicago, Ill.
As a future Hall of Famer who currently ranks fifth on the all-time career
home run list, Griffey will undoubtedly hear from many teams now that he's a
free agent. The outfielder/DH hit a combined .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBIs
in 143 games last season for the Reds and the White Sox, and that was
considered a down power year for Griffey. He had arthroscopic surgery on his
left knee last month to repair a torn meniscus and torn cartilage, a
condition that affected his power numbers in '08. While he's certainly not
the same player that he was in the prime of his career, especially
defensively, Griffey's swing still hasn't changed much and he'll give any
team he joins a big offensive threat.
But does that mean Griffey could end up in Minnesota? The Twins were very
happy with the production they received from Jason Kubel in the DH spot this
past season, and while Kubel can play the outfield, the Twins already have a
surplus of outfielders on their roster. So it seems unlikely that the Twins
would try to add a power bat to a position that they already have filled. And
Griffey, who will turn 39 on Nov. 21, has also said in the past that he would
like to finish his Hall of Fame career in Seattle, where he spent his first
11 seasons. This could be the time that Griffey winds up back in the
Northwest.
Now that Nick Punto has filed for free agency, will this affect how aggressive
the team gets in trying to re-sign him? Punto is a Gold Glove infielder and a
decent hitter, but I believe that his greatest attribute is his attitude. He is
such a presence in the dugout, and his all-out play encourages other players to
try harder. I think it would be a very big mistake to lose a guy like that. Do
the Twins love him as much as he loves being a Twin?
-- Greg D., North Branch, Minn.
Punto's stellar glove and his ability to bring energy to the ballclub have
made him a beloved player within the organization, even when he suffered
through his offensive woes during the '07 season. But Punto's return to the
Twins for 2009 will likely depend on whether he's looking for an opportunity
at a starting job. Like I said in an earlier response, the indications are
that the Twins are looking to upgrade at shortstop. So that means they would
likely use Punto in the role of a utility infielder, a spot where he would
still see plenty of at-bats. But will another team offer Punto more than
that?
There is no question that the Twins are interested in bringing Punto back.
The Twins know how valuable he is defensively and Punto would give them a
solid option at the shortstop position if they can't find an everyday starter
on the trade or free agent market. Punto has also expressed his interest in
returning to the club as well. Whether that happens will depend on the two
sides finding common ground on Punto's future role and salary.
Now that the Twins payroll is lower than it has been in recent years, why don't
the Twins sign all five young starters to long-term deals? That would take care
of a few arbitration years and maybe buy out a year or two of free agency for
the pitchers.
-- John S., Edina, Minn.
Signing all five starters to long-term deals is very unlikely, but the Twins
would be smart to try and negotiate longer contracts with some of their young
arms. The five projected starters for 2009 will each be signed for less than
$500,000, but they won't stay inexpensive for long. Scott Baker, Francisco
Liriano and Glen Perkins are all currently expected to be eligible for
arbitration after next season, meaning a sharp payroll increase for each
pitcher.
Long-term contracts give players' security. But to get that security, the
players must give up some of the money they might make in the future. Other
teams have had success in signing players to longer deals before they reach
arbitration, and this could be the time when the Twins do the same thing.
With weather becoming an increasing concern over the past couple of seasons
(i.e. snowouts in the 2007 season, the 48-hour delay of the World Series) and
the Twins' decision not to install a retractable roof on the new stadium, are
there other technologies involved to help keep fields more playable?
- Michael L., Los Angeles, Calif.
For the architects of the Twins' new ballpark, Target Field, the most
important part of the playing field that will be installed there is not the
grass or the dirt. Instead, it's the system that will be in place underneath
the field. It will include an extensive network of piping to help heat and
drain the field during inclement weather. Much has been made of the fact that
the new ballpark will have no roof, and certainly it will provide challenges
at times. But other teams in cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and
Philadelphia have all had to deal with similar issues in regards to weather
and have -- for the most part -- been able to get by with relatively few
problems.
With Jose Mijares pitching as well as he did at the end of the season, is he
destined to be the new setup person in front of Joe Nathan?
-- Andy P., Des Moines, Iowa
Mijares' ability to step up in key situations during the Twins' pennant chase
has made him one of the club's top setup options for 2009. The left-hander
filled the spot that had been in flux since right-hander Pat Neshek went down
with an elbow injury in May. The Twins are still looking to add at least one
more arm to their bullpen this winter as a late-inning option. But with
Mijares showing no fear in tough spots and possessing some truly nasty
pitches in his repertoire, the left-hander has already made the Twins bullpen
situation look much better heading into the winter.
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