| 30 April 2010
Sam Tastad is back with another guest post. Read more of Sam's work here.
The Twins have always had trouble finding a consistent third baseman, and here I will look at the present and future status of who is playing third base for the Twins:
This year, Nick Punto started the year off at third base. He is currently on the disabled list, but while he played he did fairly well. He hit .269, had seven hits, four runs, three extra base hits, two stolen bases, one walk, and five strikeouts in nine games. That is average, and better than other years. He has started the year off fairly well. Punto is known as Ron Gardenhire's favorite player, and contributes more than just offense. He is an excellent defender, and hustles every game. I say let's give Punto some more starts this year, but if starts to not contribute, sit him or put him in the minors. The Twins do already have a loaded lineup, and don't always need production from him, but it would be nice once in awhile to get a steady player at third base who can hit, play defense, and hustle.
Brendan Harris has been our other option at third base, and has played alright. He has hit .200 with seven hits and runs, one home run, two doubles, four RBIs, five strikeouts, and seven walks in fifteen games. Harris is also a good defender, decent hustler, and an alright hitter. Harris has played decent for the Twins since being acquired in the Delmon Young trade. He will continue to get time, but if he wants to stay on this team, he'll have to step up and play better.
In the minors, Danny Valencia, Matt Macri, Matt Tolbert, and Luke Hughes. Hughes was just called up for Nick Punto. Everyone of these guys have had some major league experience but Valencia. Valencia, however has some special talent, and it's just a matter of time when the Twins think he's ready to use that in the major leagues.
Valencia is currently in AAA Rochester. He is currently hitting .243, with zero home runs, seven RBIs, and one stolen base. He's played in nineteen games, and gotten 18 hits, and seven runs. He's gotten off to a slow start but he does have potential to be a 15 home run guy. Look for Valencia to warm up, and maybe be called up soon.
Matt Macri and Matt Tolbert are also having slow starts to the 2010 season. They are hitting .231, and .244, respectively. Both are good fill in guys, and have times where they have big games. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of their names called up this year.
Luke Hughes is currently in the majors, and has played in seven games, batting .286 with one home run. He doing a good job, but hasn't played much. Harris has gotten much of the playing time in Punto's absence. Hughes will look though to be in the future conversation at third base.
There you have it, a look at the present and future third base situation for your Minnesota Twins!
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