After letting go the most popular player in Torii Hunter since Kirby Puckett, the Twins now have a gaping hole in center field. Suddenly we have become very young in that area. As of right now it is a three-way competition between Denard Span, Carlos Gomez, and Jason Pridie. As of right now there is conjecture as to who is “leading.”
Denard Span: Long considered the heir apparent to Torii Hunter. He was drafted by the twins with the 20th overall pick in the 2002 draft. He was not expected to come up to the big league roster for quite a while because Hunter was firmly entrenched as starter. In his minor league career he been considered something of a disappointment. He has not progressed as quickly as the Twins would have liked. His one asset is that he is a left handed hitter which would be great for the top of the lineup. Also, considered to have above average speed on the basepaths and in the field. In 2007 he spent the season in the Twins minor league AAA affiliate the Rochester Red Wings.
Carlos Gomez-Obtained in the Johan Santana trade. Considered the second best outfield prospect in the Mets system after Fernando Martinez.Signed as an international free agent with the Mets at the age of 16 in 2002. Probably the prize of the trade that the Twins received for Santana. His biggest asset by far is his speed. He is considered one of the two or three fastest players in the game. Can cover a lot of ground in center field. Also, has the speed to lead the league in total. Biggest drawack is his youth and seeming cockiness. Has a tendency to puff himself up and brag about himself. Also, somewhat undisciplined. In a few of the spring training games I have watched his throws from centerfield were way off target and he missed the cutoff man several times. Still probably has the most upside of the three.
Jason Pridie-Came to the Twins in the Delmon Young for Matt Garza trade. Was a second round pick of the the Rays in 2002. Of the three he probably is the most major league ready. Hit .313 for the Rays’ triple A team in 2007. Also, had decent power with ten homeruns. Has less range than the other two but is smarter with his throws and plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. Has a decent shot of making it as our starting center fielder. However, because of the talents of the other two probably will languish in the minors again. Interestingly enough he was a Rule Five draftee of the twins in 2005. Ended up going back to the Rays.
It is my guess that Gomez will get first crack at it. Although he is undisciplined in some respects he is the most talented. The Twins clubhouse will be good for me. Gardy, Morneau, Mauer, and Cuddy will put him in his place. I look forward to his baserunning and leadoff ability. Somewhat of a hacker at the plate, the hitting coaches will work with him to be more disciplined. They will teach him to get the ball in play and use his speed. He will be devastating with stealing bases. Good luck Gomez!
Loading ...
