In the 2011 season, the New Britain Rock Cats featured a dynamic lineup for the second half of the season which consisted primarily of Brian Dozier (SS), Chris Herrmann (C/LF), Chris Parmelee (1B/RF), Joe Benson (CF), and Yangervis Solarte (2B/LF). None of these five would see any AAA time in 2011 and only Parmelee and Benson saw September action with the Twins. After the season, the Twins committed to Brian Dozier going forward and Yangervis Solarte left as a minor league free agent, signing with the Texas organization.

Here I would like to compare Dozier with Solarte. First they are physically similar, being 5'11" and about 190 pounds. They are both now in their age 26 seasons, with Solarte actually being almost two months younger than Dozier. Solarte is a switch-hitter who has played most of his time at second base but has seen some time in left field, at third base, and at shortstop.

In that 2011 season, Solarte found his groove and posted a .329/.367/.466 (.834) line with 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 7 homers. He didn't walk (24) or strike out (38) much. Dozier was stellar for New Britain, posting a .318/.384/.502 (.885) line in about 2/3 of the season.

Since that time, Dozier has found himself with the Twins for what amounts to close to a full season now with a demotion to AAA in 2012 where he struggled. Dozier is the primary second baseman for the Twins, almost by default, though his defense there has been great.

Solarte has been in AAA for the Rangers organization ever since and is doing well this year in particular. His slash is .296/.337/.440 (.777) and has 12 doubles and 8 homers. He has been a super utility player, playing the three skilled infield positions and left field while posting decent numbers at all of those positions defensively.

While Dozier has been handed a job, Solarte has the great misfortune of being in an organization with Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar, Ian Kinsler, Adrian Beltre, and Mike Olt. Solarte has performed well in AAA and looks projectable for the majors, but is extremely blocked.

Meanwhile, Bran Dozier's career is hanging almost exclusively on a combination of his defensive abilities at second base and the fact that there is no one better, somehow, to take his position.

If only the Twins had sweetened the deal for Solarte either by showing commitment to him with either a AAA promotion in 2011 or a September call-up, or by offering more money to stick around and re-sign with the organization. It looks like it would have served both Solarte and the Twins well.

Comparing AAA stats to a guy who is in the majors...nice

Of all the people to read and comment, it had to be you. Part of the point is that Solarte would likely be in the majors if he were not blocked. Meanwhile Dozier has little to compete with. But keep on making "points" that just amount to sarcastic assclownery.

First, at least someone read your blog, I enjoy your writing. Second, I am not disagreeing I am simply pointing out that we are comparing stats. Is this Yangervis guy going to better than Dozier? Maybe. But who knows. I am not a SABR guy by any means, but I would have to guess Dozier is at about replacement level. I agree that our Twins have had a horrible time or are terrible at developing middle infielders. This is a fact that any swinging Richard on the street could tell you.

But if you look at any organization, this happens. Do you think the A's or Reds made good decisions on Jared Burton? Do you think the Astros made a good decision on Johan Santana? You never know how a guy is going to react or how he is going to develop. I have heard Keith Law and Buster Olney whom are very respected in baseball, say they do not blame the Twins for trading Calos Gomez and letting Big Papi walk. My point here is, you can't just look at how a guy is hitting in AAA years after the fact.

Now if you want to talk about letting Joe Benson go for nothing, even if he doesn't pan out, then we can talk. Chill Shane, you are a good blogger when you aren't so damn negative. That is a compliment btw.

I think I have read more than once that the PCL is a hitter's league. That would make Solarte's numbers look better. It is not Profar blocking him from a roster spot. Solarte couldn't beat out Garcia for the Jack of all trades role on the Rangers