Tiffee over Batista March 27th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
With opening day less than a week away, the Twins have several decisions regarding the roster that have to be made. One spot that many people have overlooked is 3rd base. Right now it appears that Tony Batista is going to start the year there. With Batista starting at third, that leaves no room for Terry Tiffee.
Tiffee has been the Twins best hitter this spring, leading the team in both at bats and average. His average is a whopping .124 points ahead of Batista’s. The only thing Batista has over Tiffee is homeruns (3-1). Every other statistic favors the younger Tiffee.
Another problem with Batista is money. If Batista doesn’t make the club, the Twins would only owe him only 30 or 45 days termination pay (probably around $300,000) opposed to $1.25 million if he makes the club. I personally think that the Twins should use that money for a more useful source (say a savings account for Liriano’s big contract).
Defense is another key variable in the already complicated equation. While Tiffee is not Brooks Robinson, it would be hard to fathom that Tiffee’s defensive abilities would be a downgrade from those of Batista. I don’t see why the Twins brought Batista to the club in the first place. And I definitely don’t see why they would keep him over a younger, cheaper Terry Tiffee.
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4 Comments
Nick Kirsch wrote: March 27th, 2006 at 9:17 pm
I'm not sure the team needs power more than anything. With Morneau looking strong this spring, one can only imagine what he can do if he stays healthy. Also we should see a jump in the power department from Joe Mauer. Those two along with Rondell White and Hunter should supply the Twins with enough runs to support their outstanding starters.
Chris wrote: March 28th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
Here's my opinion on this whole ordeal. My dream scenario is that the team gives Glenn Williams a shot. Tiffee is having a fantastic spring, however he's had a couple shots in the bigs already, and I've become convinced he can not play third at the major league level. I do like him as a pinch hitter, especially because he's a switch hitter, and also as a fill in for Rondell in the DH role. So since Glenn won't get a shot at the starting job I'm assuming Batista will be our opening day 3rd baseman. Hey, atleast it can't be any worse than the failed Bret Boone experiment…..right?
Kris wrote: March 28th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Also remember that Matt Moses is expected to be the 3rd basemen of the future, so whoever ends up getting most of the playing time there in 2006 won't actually be the long-term answer.
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Kris wrote: March 27th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
What about Cuddyer? I think he's a better player than Tiffee and moving him to 3rd would create space for Kubel in RF.
Also, I'm not sure $1.25 million is that much of a waste. Batista will have a terrible AVG and OBP, and he'll strikout a lot, but he could also hit 30 HRs, which is what the Twins need more than anything. I say pay him the money and see how things go.