Article: Where Does Carroll Fit In?

[greengoblinrulz]

Many people assume that Dozier/Florimon will be the starting INF in 13.

If that is the case, this is a 90L team again. MN MUST sign a legit starting middle INF this offseason, even with the need for pitching.

If they can do this, then Carroll is the perfect UTI guy or maybe even a lighter starting 2B. He has very good value to me as he's a professional and this team needs that.

[Nick Nelson]

Many people assume that Dozier/Florimon will be the starting INF in 13.

If that is the case, this is a 90L team again.

I think that's a little overly dramatic. The Twins won 87 games in a 2009 season where Alexi Casilla (.538 OPS) and Nick Punto (.621 OPS) were their middle infield starters on Opening Day and for much of the season.

 

In principle I agree with you, though. Neither Florimon nor Dozier has done anything to earn a starting spot next year. It's actually sort of an outrageous notion.

[TheLeviathan]

It's actually sort of an outrageous notion.

 

And yet feels oh so inevitable.

[Thrylos]

I really think that the middle infield might go 2 ways in 2013:

 

a. let the "kids" (Dozier, Escobar, Florimon,- alphabetical order) fight for 2 starting positions and trade Carroll

b. hand Carroll a starting job (heck he is a 2.3 WAR MIF... they have not exactly grown on trees for the Twins) and try to get someone else for the other, while having the "kids" fight for a utility job

 

assumptions: Nishioka is traded to Japan and Casilla is non-tendered (I don't like the latter much, but...)

 

b. makes sense only if the Twins get 2-3 starting pitchers better than Diamond. a. makes sense otherwise.

[jorgenswest]

Is Carroll part of the solution towards rebuilding this franchise?

 

I don't think so.

 

How about Florimon, Dozier and Escobar?

 

Probably not.

 

Florimon - There is no reason to expect that he will have any value at the plate. Is anyone concerned that his defensive metrics are very poor after 300+ innings at SS? His reputation coming to the organization is a flashy and erratic defender. He is too old to be a prospect.

 

Dozier - there is a chance he might be able to put up an acceptable OBP. The minor scouting reports about his defense look accurate. It is acceptable at best. Sounds like a player who can have value in a utility role. Too old to be a prospect.

 

Escobar - He comes with an excellent defensive reputation from his time in the Chicago organization. If he is the real deal and a top defensive SS, his weak bat may be OK. He must be an elite defender. His age gives him some upside.

 

It doesn't seem likely that any of these 4 is the long term answer. Carroll certainly isn't and should not get significant playing time next year. I don;t think any other team would be inept enough to take his contract, but I would try to trade him.

 

I would like to find out if either Escobar or Florimon are elite defenders. The early metrics at SS and defensive reports from the minors suggest that Escobar may have the edge.

 

So...

 

Trade Carroll

Find a 2B

Give Escobar an extended shot at SS (or Florimon is Twins scouts see something other scouts and metrics do not)

See if Dozier can find his bat in a utility role.