Twins Preview 2009: Bench

Twins Preview 09

For this post we will take a look at the Twins bench and a few minor league guys that have a chance to have an impact on the season. The Twins are not known for their bench and this season is no different. Although, at the same time this unit always produced in the past and they fly under the radar in most seasons. It is a scientific fact that someone will get called up from Rochester and proceed to pick up clutch hit after clutch hit. It’s how the Twins roll, I’m sorry if you don’t like it. Onto the previewing…(in no particular order)

Denard Span – Outfield
I start with Span because be is one of those players that did get the call and respond by playing out of his mind for a few months. Last year Span was great as a leadoff hitter and he became a leader in the outfield, sparking the 2nd half run that took the Twins to within a win of the playoffs. The reason why he is on the bench is because I believe it was a flash in the pan type of deal. Nothing against Denard, but there is a reason why it took him so long to break into the majors. Also who was the key guy in the trade where your organization traded the best left hander ever? Do you think they would have wanted an outfielder so bad if they were in love with Span? He is again the odd man out in the outfield but at least he stays on the big league roster this time. Also he has the ability to play all outfield position so he will be a semi-starter of sorts. He will probably get 200+ ABs.
Stat Line: .270 / 46 / 6 / 37 / 11

Brendan Harris – Infield
Harris has the ability to play all infield positions if needed but spends most of his time at 2nd, 3rd and Short. He will spell Nick Punto at short for a major portion of the season and might even steal the spot outright if Punto can’t hit. Harris has a little pop in his bat and it a dependable fielder. I still miss Jason Bartlett.
Stat Line: .278 / 54 / 6 / 39 / 2

Brian Buscher – Corner Infield
Buscher was another guy that came up with big 2 out hits for the Twins last year. Apparently Gardy doesn’t trust the Tag Team that is Buscher and Harris at 3rd and opted to go out and sign Joe Crede. The big guy is more then capable when needed fill in when needed to give either Crede or Justin Morneau a day off.
Stat Line: .288 / 24 / 4 / 29 / 1

Mike Redmond – Catcher
The always reliable Mike Redmond is back for another go round with the Twins. Nothing that I can write will accurately describe what Redmond means to this Twins team. He is basically Jake Taylor from the Major League movies. I hope he stays in the Twins system as a hitting coach in the minors or something. Keep Mike Redmond around.
Stat Line: .277 / 17 / 2 / 19 / 0

Drew Butera/ Wilson Ramos – Catcher
One of these guys will make the opening day roster for the Twins because of the back injury to starting catcher Joe Mauer. Ramos is the guy with the larger upside but has not played above A level. My guess is that Butera gets the nod but do not forget about Ramos. Possibly the catcher after Joe moves to another position or somewhere else.

Matt Tolbert – Middle Infield
Tolbert is a player in the Nick Punto mold and produced last year when given the chance. A dumb slide into first base cost Tolbert his season early into last year. Hopefully he can do the same this year when injuries happen.

Jason Pridie – Outfield
Pridie is a steady hitter but does not have much power. Pridie is the generic Twin that everyone knows. White, tries hard, gets dirty, plays the game right. Check, Check, Check and Check. He will play most of the season in Rochester with a September call up.