Infield problem solved....

Posted at 2:22 PM on June 17, 2005 by David Zingler (6 Comments)

As Ben notes below, the Twins infield situation is currently an unmitigated disaster. Now, I am the last guy who will wax nostalgic about Corey Koskie or Crisitian Guzman -- I was delighted to see them go. It’s also hard to argue that the Twins would be any better off with them -- Koskie is currently on the DL and Guzman is hitting .199. There is no way you can justify $7.8 million in payroll this season for that.

I was also all for giving Michael Cuddyer a shot at playing everyday, but would have rather seen him at second base, where his mediocre offensive production (.268/.336/.395), wouldn’t look so bad. The man who should be manning the hot corner for the Twins is currently toiling in Cincinnati and probably could be had for a moderate price. Yes, Joe Randa sure would look good in a Twins uniform right now.

The 35-year-old has always been solid with the glove and is off to a great start with the bat (.290/.365/.478 including 9 HRs). He also fits into the Twins budget with a reasonable $2.15 million salary and, since he’s on a one year contract, his advanced age is irrelevant.

With Randa at third and Cuddyer at second, the only infield hole would, of course, be at shortstop. With Juan Castro, Luis Rodriguez, Jason Bartlett and a healthy Nick Punto, you have to think the resourceful Twins would be able to work out something there.

If I were GM of the Twins -- which is a scary thought -- I’d be on the phone with the Reds right now offering up one of my many outfield or pitching prospects for Randa.

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Comments (6)

Make a deal for Casey Blake. Aaron boone is out of his slump and Jody Gerut is displacing Blake. Blake might be coming out of is funk so it might be a gamble.

Too bad the Twins don't have anything the Indians need.

Posted by Bob Collins | June 17, 2005 8:47 PM

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There's NO WAY the Indians will trade Blake to the Twins. In their minds, they are heading to the top of AL Central and they won't be helping the Twins out in the process. Also, he's batting .203 right now.

I agree with Dave - a Joe Randa pick up would be nice. Jeff Cirillo is having a nice year too.

Posted by Hans | June 19, 2005 11:44 PM

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This "Hans" character brought Mr. Randa to my attention. Thanks.

Posted by daveZ | June 20, 2005 12:09 AM

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i'm in for trying just about anything. what do we have to give up in return? could we sucker them into j.c. romero and case of hamms lite?

Posted by Eric Kinsella | June 20, 2005 10:54 AM

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I also wondered why TR seemed to have no interest in Randa during the offseason. I believe he's outperforming his typical numbers in Cincy, but still one could've reasonably expected him to provide adequate numbers at an affordable price, allowing Cuddyer to move to 2B and put the Rivas trial to a merciful end. Randa even indicated last winter that he'd like to play for the Twins, because he enjoys the Midwest and has admired the Twins organization.

Posted by frightwig | June 20, 2005 7:04 PM

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You know who the Twins should trade right now? J.D. Durbin. Him and a case of Hamm's Lite might get a bite out of Cinci.

Posted by Hans | June 20, 2005 10:00 PM

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