stringer bell

He's not a long-term solution. The Twins' long-term solutions for the outfield are probably in New Britain and Rochester. I really want to see an outfield of three of these four--Span, Revere, Benson, Hicks. Great range and two great arms. I just hope they can hit enough, because it would/will be fun to watch those guys run down fly balls and throw out runners.

Absolutely Seth. Doumit's main problem has been injuries. His second biggest problem is that he is not great defensively. He will hit. I also want to see more out of Plouffe. Given how fragile so many of the Twins have been, I'm sure he'll get his chances.

Gardy is not going to take Doumit out of the game for a pinch runner or defensive purposes as long as the Twins are carrying two catchers. He could have pulled Willingham after he batted in the eighth however. I thought he should have removed Willingham.

You're probably right, Dave. I guess that the in-house candidates are 1) Hendriks 2) Swarzak 3) Maloney 4) Diamond. I threw out French's name because he has ML experience and has pitched well.

French has pitched very well in New Britain. I remember him as being part of the Jarrod Washburn trade (going to the M's). He has some big league experience and is a lefty, I believe (also breathing). To me, French and Diamond are cut out of the same cloth. Maloney had a nice spring and struck out hitters, but he's 28 and hasn't established himself in the majors.

Beat a good pitcher and Perkins and Capps nailed it down.

A couple of big hits for the new acquisitions. Carroll with the go-ahead single to give the Twins the lead.

Wow! Their first lead! And the Twins exceed two runs for the first time.

For the first time all season the Twins score to knot it up. That is they score a run that ties the game.

I really don't have a problem with the lineup, but they aren't hitting so far. I might have Plouffe starting somewhere, just because the Twins need to decide what he is and what he can do. I guess I would flip-flop Casilla and Carroll just to take some pressure off Carroll. Span CF Casilla 2B Mauer C Willingham LF Morneau DH Valencia 3B Parmelee 1B Plouffe RF Carroll SS .

You do have to look at this long term. If the Twins OF prospects pan out, they will have a bunch of young rangy outfielders to track down those long fly balls. They have consistently drafted and developed "pitch-to-contact" hurlers who would also benefit from a good defense with fast, rangy fielders. Finally, do remember that despite being outhomered at home, the Twins had the best home record in baseball in 2010. It is strange that they have been outhomered by more at home than on the road both of the past two years. In that facet at least, today's Target Field doesn't fit its inhabitants.

John Shipley wrote that Dozier 'had the best glove of all the infielders in camp" on 3/31. I saw a few games in ST and thought he had good range, perhaps a bit better than Carroll's and an okay arm. I heard Gladden make a comment on the radio about Dozier's defense--something to the effect that he can make all the plays and has enough arm--and that is precisely what has been said of Carroll.

The question isn't whether Dozier will be promoted, it is when. The starting middle infielders have generally played decent defense, but have combined for one hit. Dozier is regarded as Carroll's equal in the field and certainly can hit better than Jamie has so far.