And by “solving” 3B I mean having an adequate defender (not Buscher or Harris) who’s also at least adequate offensively (not Buscher or Harris). It seems to me that the real options are Casey Blake and Michael Cuddyer. And I really don’t like the idea of signing Blake.

Moving Cuddyer to third solves the 3B problem, which means it’s okay to lose some offense in favor of defense in CF. AND it means we have exactly the right number of outfielders. AND there’s a backup plan in case someone gets injured (ie, everyone’s still on the roster).

Is there something I’m missing?

Agreed.

“As the roster stands” was referring to Span/Cuddyer/Young/Gomez/Kubel as the OF options.

Unfortunately the left side of the infield is a black hole offensively and defensively. The Twins already more or less sacrifice two spots in the order on 3B and SS. Why make it more painful than it has to be by sacrificing a 3rd?

I understand the need for defense, though sometimes I feel people give it too much emphasis. If he can spend some time at AAA and turn himself into even an average hitter, great (assuming he also learns how to hit the cut off). As far as 2009 is concerned, I think you have to go with offensive production. Maybe I’ll change my mind if they can shore up 3B/SS – then having Gomez in the lineup isn’t such a liability.

Hunter’s 105 OPS+ isn’t bad for a center fielder, and bear in mind that if we use him as a ceiling, then there’s also a 122 and 124 in there. Those are superstar numbers from a CF.

I’m not opposed in any way to improving the offense (in fact, that’s a necessary and important goal), but CF, SS and C are the positions where it’s at least acceptable to give up a little at the plate for a lot in the field. We’re lucky enough to not have to make that sacrifice at C because of Mauer, but it’s not realistic to expect that at every up-the-middle position.

That said, I still think giving him some shelf-time at AAA for seasoning would be a good thing.

And what do you mean “as the roster stands?” It’s not like other offensive underachievers are actually good in the field. I’d rather have Gomez than Buscher, Harris, Punto, Tolbert, Pridie, et cetera. At least he can field his position; those guys are a liability at the plate AND in the field.

I think all this crap about the problem in the outfield is a ruse to keep us from talking about the complete disaster that is the left side of the infield.

We’re not getting anyone from anybody unless we give up Slowey and/or Span. All the rumors involving the Twins include the following text:

“[Insert team name here] is demanding Kevin Slowey and Denard Span in return.”

There’s the possibility that it could damage him mentally and destroy his confidence. Since he’s young and talented, Gardy would absolutely LOVE to do that.

It’s not just the 10 extra plays Gomez makes over Span in CF. It’s also the 30 extra plays Span makes over Cuddyer, or the 50 extra plays Span makes over Delmon. Gomez makes the outfield defense A LOT better, and for a team of strike throwing fly ball pitchers who don’t miss bats, that’s extremely important.

Juan Pierre’s a really low ceiling. Dare I point out that when Torii Hunter was 22 years old, he was a similar player with similar stats? It’s also possible that Gomez is the next Hunter, except with the speed of a mongoose.

Maybe I wasn’t clear enough with my point. I’m not questioning the result of the Santana trade. All I’m saying is if that’s all Minnesota got for one of the game’s best pitchers, why on earth would anybody (Erica) think we could get a SS of value for Kubel?

Can you honestly see them doing that? That would be the best option, but Gardy has some strange fetish with players that run fast & can’t hit. I’ll take offensive production over the 10 extra plays per year Gomez would make in CF over Span.

I can’t project Gomez into anything other than Juan Pierre at the plate. Obviously he’s better defensively, but like you said, if he can’t make his throws – who cares?

But the point doesn’t change. We’re not going to get that much for Kubel. He’s not an intriguing young prospect any more, and he’s not an established veteran. Those are the two things people will pay for. That’s why Cuddyer draws more interest — established veteran. That’s why Span draws more interest — intriguing prospect. Kubel draws no interest because he hasn’t done anything and he’s been around long enough that it seems like he should have. (But Gardy hasn’t given him the chance to.)