| Revamped lineup gives Twins life |
By Sally Haase
June 29, 2010
Minneapolis, MN --When the Minnesota Twins signed designated hitter Jim
Thome, many amateur managers suggested that Michael Cuddyer should
play third base, play Jason Kubel in the outfield and have Thome as the
full-time DH. Some reporters even asked Twins manager Ron Gardenhire
about that same situation. Gardenhire said Cuddyer would not be
considered for third base at all. Four months and a Twins slump later
Cuddyer is now at third base, Kubel is in right field and Thome is now the
DH. The regular Twins lineup now looks like this.
1. Span CF
2. Hudson 2B
3. Mauer C
4. Morneau 1B
5. Kubel RF
6. Cuddyer 3B
7. Thome DH
8. Young LF
9. Punto SS
Gardenhire finally found a way to get all the big bats into the lineup and
super utility player Cuddyer seems to be adjusting well to the transfer to
third base, he may not make the flashy, highlight reel plays that Nick Punto
can make at third, but he is solid at defense and is a better hitter than any of
the Twins who have played at third so far this season. Punto is a solid ninth
place batter, hitting .257 and drawing walks. Delmon Young is hitting like a
second clean up hitter with 50 RBI, second to only Justin Morenau on the
team. This change to the lineup is also giving Jim Thome more at bats and
therefore more opportunities to hit home runs. Thome is now one home run
away from tying another Twins great Harmon Killebrew for tenth on the
all-time home run list. Time will tell if this lineup will keep clicking for the
Twins, but the Twins will always have a chance to win with their nine best
players in the lineup.
June 29, 2010
Minneapolis, MN --When the Minnesota Twins signed designated hitter Jim
Thome, many amateur managers suggested that Michael Cuddyer should
play third base, play Jason Kubel in the outfield and have Thome as the
full-time DH. Some reporters even asked Twins manager Ron Gardenhire
about that same situation. Gardenhire said Cuddyer would not be
considered for third base at all. Four months and a Twins slump later
Cuddyer is now at third base, Kubel is in right field and Thome is now the
DH. The regular Twins lineup now looks like this.
1. Span CF
2. Hudson 2B
3. Mauer C
4. Morneau 1B
5. Kubel RF
6. Cuddyer 3B
7. Thome DH
8. Young LF
9. Punto SS
Gardenhire finally found a way to get all the big bats into the lineup and
super utility player Cuddyer seems to be adjusting well to the transfer to
third base, he may not make the flashy, highlight reel plays that Nick Punto
can make at third, but he is solid at defense and is a better hitter than any of
the Twins who have played at third so far this season. Punto is a solid ninth
place batter, hitting .257 and drawing walks. Delmon Young is hitting like a
second clean up hitter with 50 RBI, second to only Justin Morenau on the
team. This change to the lineup is also giving Jim Thome more at bats and
therefore more opportunities to hit home runs. Thome is now one home run
away from tying another Twins great Harmon Killebrew for tenth on the
all-time home run list. Time will tell if this lineup will keep clicking for the
Twins, but the Twins will always have a chance to win with their nine best
players in the lineup.
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