Originally posted at http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/if-valencia-does-well-it-could-create-an-interesting-situation-for-the-twins/

Today, Danny Valencia Will be in uniform and is expected to start at third Base for tonight’s game. Valencia replaces Trevor Plouffe Who has a sore thumb and was placed on the 15 day DL retroactive July 20.

Valencia was batting .190 with 1 homerun and 11 RBI before he was given a one way ticket back to Rochester in early May . While with the Red Wings, Valencia batted .250 with 7 homeruns, 37 RBI and 30 runs scored.

Plouffe has hit 19 homeruns with 37 RBIs while batting .259 with 44 runs scored. He’s not homered since before the all star break.

If Valencia does well this time, it could create an interesting situation for the Twins. Granted Plouffe can play in the outfield, but it would make it more crowded. The only way I see Plouffe being an everyday outfielder is if either Denard Span or Josh Willingham are traded and it appears that it won’t be very likely. Also, it’s possible that if Justin Morneau’s traded, Plouffe could slide over to first base, but again I don’t see it likely to see Morneau dealt.

Another senarial is Valencia gets traded by the nonwaiver trading deadline which is this Tuesday, but again it’s only a few days to up Valencia’s trade value and teams wouldn’t be likely to give a lot in return for him. You could also trade Plouffe, but he’s currently on the DL and won’t be available until early August.

What the Twins do if Valencia does will this time is certainly something to ponder. Where would they play Plouffe? It’s possible that Plouffe is once again a utility player, but I think you’d want to keep his bat in the lineup.

There’s however one thing certain. If Valencia wants to stay with the Twins, he needs to prove himself to Ron Gardenhire and the Twins coaching staff. There’s nothing better than an opportunity for him to make a statement that he belongs here in the majors.

Will Valencia still be the Prince of Uptown?

Maybe this time, he will wise up and realize that he must focus 105% on saving his career.

Hopefully the Twins understand sample size and will not give weight to whatever performance Valencia gives in the next week or two.

If they use him wisely, he will only appear against lefties which will further decrease the sample.

As for any team interested, his performance on the field 2010-2012 will carry the weight.

Not sure I agree, I think Plouffe is comfy at 3B, and Valencia showed over more than 1 year whether he was good or not....

Valencia didn't do anything in tonights game to cause Plouffe to worry.

I saw on 1500ESPN that if Valencia makes things interesting he might be moved to another position; second, maybe?

I hope that Valencia does exceptionally well while he is up. That way the Twins might actually get something for him when they trade him this offseason.