Twins Future Position Analysis: Center Field

Let's hope Buxton is healthy.  This list is not filled with ready to go CF options, although I think Celestino really grew during the season and I would be fine if they needed him and called him up to fill in.  Much better than Kepler and definitely better than Cave. 

Hopefully Lewis is our SS for many years.  If not, let's hope he is our Chris Taylor.  That would be good too.

Kepler is the guy best suited to fill in if need be.  I'm done with Cave.  I would LOVE for Lewis to be the long term solution at SS.  However, he's shown that he's somewhat competent at SS, 2B, 3B, and OF.  A Chris Taylor Swiss Army Knife type has proven to be EXTREMELY valuable to the Dodgers.  The Twins have a couple of guys with that potential in Lewis and Austin Martin.  Guys like Rodriguez and Urbina have potential, but are "several" years away.  Celestino needs a little more time at St. Paul but would be the next best "immediate" option behind Kepler.  

What is Celestino's floor/ceiling offensively and defensively?

Thanks Cody for showing what we have for CF. Since Buxton came up to play CF, the Twins figured all our CF problems have been solved. They never thought about having a respectable back-up there. In 2018-19, when Cave came on the scene, Cave was at his best and he was OK offensively. FO thought they found the solution but we still lost 75% of our games with him playing CF. Defense is hard to really analyze by stats because you can cherry pick certain stats to make your point. IMO Cave didn't pass the eye test or the Win/Loss stats.

W/O out a decent CF back-up we really can't compete and progress in the post season. In house we haven't had anyone to step up and fill that role for many years. Last year the only one, as it turned out, was able to sub CF was Baddoo. Twins need to finally look past Cave and look out of house to fill that role temporarily because I believe Celestino, Martin or Lewis could fill that spot in the near future.. 

I expect Celestino to develop into back up CF/4th OF/late inning defensive replacement type of player. With Buxton, always need a solid plan B for CF.

Celestino showed he needs time in the Minors or he may be another Rooker, but his fielding agility would be nice to have.

Hopefully they keep Garlick who was the best replacement last season; Gordon, I like his spunk but he remind me too much of Willie Mays Hays.

3 hours ago, Sconnie said:

Buxton plays 150 games in CF, wins the MVP in a land slide to a World Series championship and Nick Gordon spells him every other week to keep Buxton fresh. In 10 years after a second extension and hall of fame career with 7 MVPs averaging 148 games per season, Buxton will retire and a yet to be drafted rookie will take over

I want what you're having!

I don't think this is just a question of a 'backup' for Buxton. We need to have someone for about 100 games per season, that's a starter! If we are not looking at handing it to Celestino, then we need to grab a veteran off FA like; Gardner (38) but still has something to offer, and at 38 better not demand a huge contract. Pillar or Hamilton have been solid defensive options in the past and Hamilton still has wheels.

I hope a fraction of what Sconnie says comes true, that in the end of his career, Buxton averages 148 games per season. But, he has done NOTHING to show he is trending that way. We need someone who will be prepared to step in and play the rest of the season after about 30-60 games.

If Kepler is one of the leagues most valuable trade assets, why does everyone constantly talk about trading him.  Isn’t he also that valuable to the Twins?

So Celestino WILL BE a top 4th OF with a nice combination of offensive skills to prove to be valuable, at least until he hits FA down the road or the Twins trade him. My opinion. But I'm not going to push him again, unnecessarily at this point. I'm going to bring in someone like Pillar for 1yr if I'm trying to have a good 2022 team. He fits, won't cost much, and is easy to walk away from if necessary. But Kepler and Gordon can also fill in, assuming Kepler is still around. I am not crazy about Gordon in CF, but I was very surprised at how well he adapted so quickly on the fly.

I wouldn't have protected Cave. But I kinda understood why they did. Glad he's off the 40 man, because he should be at this point. But I wouldn't sleep on him. Despite his offense disappearing, I think his defense actually improved. If healthy, I could see him forcing his way back to the 40 man if his bat returns to his 2018-19 version of his past self. It won't be an easy road, but I could see it happening.

I think the article should be edited from "if Buxton gets hurt" to "when Buxton gets hurt".  We all know it will happen.  That being said it appears we have people that could fill in the spot during that time on the 40 man roster.  We will have to see if they can hold their own at the plate though. 

I also wonder why Kepler is being called one of most valuable trade assets.  He is getting near end of prime, has never been more than an average offense guy, with a few stints of hot runs, and a top defender.  I think people on here are overvaluing corner OF guys.  I would say 2 years ago he would have been a top trade chip based on contract and what he did and thoughts he may grow.  However, 2 years later he has regressed and not grown as hoped. 

I like Kepler just fine and would be fine keeping or trading, but he is not going to bring in good pitching.  He will bring in a guy from a team rebuilding because Kepler would not be there once rebuild is done.  He will not bring in someone from a team ready to win now because those teams will not give up MLB ready pitching because they will need it to win now.  Maybe, he could bring in a near ready prospect from a team that has super depth and ready to win now.  He could be part of a deal but would not be the main piece coming from Twins for any MLB ready starters.