Offseason thoughts

After reading multiple sources (La Velle E. Neal III & John Paul Morosi) it seems like the Twins are looking for a third baseman to sign for next year. Some of the names being included are Mark DeRosa, Adrian Beltre, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Juan Uribe, and Joe Crede. If it were up to me I would lean towards Mark DeRosa as he can play multiple positions (2B, 3B, LF, RF) and the other three are exclusively third basemen with the possible exception of Uribe, but I am not a big fan of how he would fit into this offense.

I also am a fan of Kouzmanoff. It has been documented that he has worked tirelessly on his defense in the past few seasons and it has paid off as he has reduced his errors in each of the past three seasons - only 3 errors in 2009. He has some pop (hit at least 18 HRs each of the last three seasons) and while some do not like his low average, you can look at his home/away splits to see that hitting at Petco has really hurt his average throughout his career. Kouzmanoff is a career .285 hitter away compared to .239 at home. I believe in this lineup Kouzmanoff would hit around .280 with 20 HRs and 80-85 RBI, which would be solid numbers for a guy who would be hitting 7th or 8th. Also, it seems like he would be available since the Padres do not want to pay him the raise he is due especially when they have Chase Headley waiting to take over 3B duties.

I would like to see Bill Smith get creative and sign one of the 2B available. I know that he said that Gardy would find a place for Punto - likely 2B - but Punto's place should be as a utility player. I think either Felipe Lopez or Orlando Hudson would fit nicely into this lineup hitting in front of Mauer. Neither would cost the Twins any draft picks and both play solid defense.

With the Twins having at least one hole (3B) and probably another (2B) it at least seems like they will sign another infielder or trade for one to shore up their lineup. As of now it seems like JJ Hardy will be hitting in the 2 hole, but it would be nice to have someone with a little higher obp hitting there. Hopefully Mr. Smith can get something done to help solidify this club and hopefully make it more than just a Central Division contender.