Laying It On The Line

I was curious about Jason Tyner who is the current Twins center fielder now that Torii Hunter is in the DL. Decided to look him up and I found some interesting info.

Drafted in the first round by the New York Mets (21st overall in 1998 draft), Jason has bounced around the league a ton. Playing in the Mets, Devil Rays, Rangers, Indians, Braves and now Twins organizations.

In 2001 he had 31 stolen bases showing his speed but unfortunately he only had 13 extra base hits which also shows his lack of hitting prowess. This should be surprising because he’s never been a huge hitter. Until he hit a home run during a minor league game in 2004, he hadn’t hit a 4 bagger in 2,631 games. That dates all the way back to his little league days. How many major league pitchers can say that?

This all makes me feel like I should have stuck with baseball way back when. Yeah, I couldn’t hit to save my life but I was pretty good in the field. Yeah, I could have been somebody. That’s what I will tell my son as he grows up.

Recently the Twins put three of their outfielders on the DL. Torii Hunter has a fracture in his left foot, Shannon Stewart has a flair up of his plantar fascitis and Lew Ford has a strained oblique muscle. With these three out of commission for a while (or maybe the rest of the season in Stewart’s case) the Twins had to make some callups. Guess the time for a youth movement is now.

Torii Hunter is due $12 million next year if the Twin exercise his option. That is simply too much for a team like the Twins to pay for a 31 year old center fielder. Yes Torii has been the face and leader of this team but he’s just too expensive. Besides, I think the M & M boys may be taking over as the team guides.

Shannon will not be back. I’m actually surprised he was this year. He’s a light throwing corner outfielder who hasn’t been healthy in quite some time. Why spend all that money on him when many of the rookie outfielders in the Twins system could easily replace him?

Lew Ford will be back soon and that will be good because it means Punto will be able to stay at third where he belongs. Lew is a serviceable outfielder who gives his all. Not really a full time guy but one who you aren’t too worried if you have to play him. Seems like he’s been injured quite a bit recently also.

Look at the Twins roster as it sits today. Of the 25 players on it, 9 started out in the minors this year. Of the 4 listed outfielders all but Michael Cuddyer was in the minors. Don’t get me wrong, I like that the Twins have finally got some of these guys up. It’s time to see if the young guys can make a contribution. Just wish it didn’t have to come because of injury.

Oh well, this is all one reason why watching sports can be fun.