stringer bell

The future at DH is currently mashing in New Britain. While it isn't ideal for a young guy to be a full-time DH, Kennys Vargas most likely is just that, with a few games at first base sprinkled in. I do hope he gets a chance with the Twins this season.

I think that Escobar's career has been interesting. He spent most of his age 23 season on the bench, which would be unusual if the Sox saw more than a utility player upside. He's played well in winter ball and hit very well last year when he was sent to Rochester. While he doesn't have plus range, he has a great arm and good hands. mlb.com has a feature which combines current stats with Pecota projection. With Escobar's strong start, it now projects him to hit .271 with an OPS of .692. If he can produce at that level, I think that is more than satisfactory. Maybe his versatility has worked against him. He has raked this year and most encouraging is the number of extra-base hits.

There are a lot of players named Escobar in the major leagues. The Twins have Eduardo and so far this season he's been really good. I had pigeonholed EE as a utility player. I have come around to thinking that he has earned a chance to be the regular shortstop. So far, so good. Since Florimon's demotion, Escobar has played almost every day and he has continued to hit. Escobar's defense has been good, as well. Could the Twins have found the solution to their shortstop problem right under their noses?

I was thinking "get a hair cut, but what do I know?"

No comment about Hicks being in the lineup today? I'm kind of surprised, but then again he is a better center fielder than Santana and "flyball Phil" is pitching. I'm revising my projected transactions and believing Santana is demoted when Fuld returns. Willingham for a pitcher and Arcia for Hicks, if he starts to mash in Rochester.

Isn't this just greasing the skids for his demotion? Maybe, there's a bit of face-saving to be had for both the Twins and Hicks. "He needs to be more dedicated" or something like that might be easier to swallow than he needs to hit a curve ball and swing at strikes.

This is costing the Twins (and Arcia) an option (his last?). In making predictions for this year, I predicted that Arcia would spend some time in Rochester. He homered on Tuesday and played the whole game yesterday. I don't know if the wrist is still bothering him some or not, but there's an opportunity for him if he gets his act together. Hammer probably needs a few games of live pitching. It would surprise me if he's ready to go for the Twins next road trip.

Dozier is officially a year older today. Happy birthday to the Twins' future All-Star.

While I agree that Plouffe looks like a better hitter and I have been impressed with his approach at the plate, it is ironic that his two homers have come in the ninth innings of the two worst games the Twins have played this year.

Colabello had to show the team how to do that forward K thing.

Not much to be encouraged about today. Goody, it's Matt Guerrier.

The Ortiz-Swarzak matchup was entertaining. Surprised by Swarzak's velo.

Pretty sure the 38-year old will be rested in tomorrow's day game after a night game.

It's not just LH at-bats folks.

We're due for a 5-run inning about now.

May for Correia?

Well, 3 catchers if you count Mauer. Dozier and Plouffe came up as shortstops, correct?

Here's my timeline estimate: Fuld returns--Hicks optioned. Arcia returns--pitcher optioned or DFAed. Willingham returns--Santana optioned. When the dealing is done, the starting center fielder is Sam Fuld backed up by Eduardo Nunez.

Arcia did homer for the first time last night. He is hitting .300 and playing every day, although I know he has been replaced in several games. If the Twins want to call him up, he could come up, but I'm not convinced they think he's ready for every day major league duty.

I have been among the harshest critics of the handling of center field. That doesn't mean I don't think Hicks has any chance. What is key is what is the best for the development of a young player and right now, IMHO, it seems very clear to me that he needs to go down to AAA and get his confidence back. It should help the player and and will also help the major league team because right now Hicks is about an average fielder and isn't a major league hitter.

Yeah, we all saw that one coming!

Send him back to AAA.

Now scratch out a run and give the ball to Perk.

Probably will jinx him, but maybe it was premature to call for Burton's release.

Well, the pitch to AJ looked inside, but I thought Duensing had Ortiz struck out, maybe twice. I guess you don't call out a silver slugger on a borderline pitch.