The Twins announced this morning that they have optioned four more players to Triple-A Rochester. The demoted players were RHP Philip Humber, IF Brian Buscher and two of the three candidates for the starting CF role in Denard Span and Jason Pridie. By process of elimination, this leaves Carlos Gomez, the top prospect sent over in the Johan Santana trade, as the starting CF in Minnesota. While Gomez has certainly gone through periods of struggle, he has always been fast. Gomez should certainly have value in shallower leagues for his ability to rack up the stolen bases.
Archive for the ‘Jason Pridie’ Category
Twins’ Gomez Wins Battle for CF
Monday, March 24th, 2008Twins Prospects: Gomez or Span in Center
Thursday, March 13th, 2008Manager Ron Gardenhire dropped some info on Tuesday. He is looking at Carlos Gomez or Denard Span for the starting job in center field, but is far away from making a final decision. Gardenhire said:
“I could send them both down [to Triple-A Rochester], but I don’t know what good that’s going to do me. They need to play center field, and they both need to play… We’re going to heat up the competition and see what happens.”
Span is the more consistent of the two batting .278 with a .435 OBP. Gomez has proven that he has the tools and is incredibly fast, but has yet to produce in the box. He has been hitless in his last 8 plate appearances and is batting .167 on the spring.
Jason Pridie has been left out of the fun and it doesn’t appear that Gardenhire is viewing him as a starter. Pridie has been moved all around the outfield this spring and may be a competent backup to the starter.
Torii Hunter Left Big Shoes for Twins Prospects to Fill
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008According to Kelly Thesier of MLB.com the battle to succeed Torii Hunter has just begun for prospects Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, and Jason Pridie. All three lack Hunter’s power but make up for it with speed and small-ball skills.
- Denardo Span is 23 years old, has had the benefit of Hunter as a mentor. The Twins know him well as he has been in the system for 6 years.
- Jason Pridie is 24 and since being picked up as a Rule 5 draft pick in ‘06, feels that he’s more mentally prepared for the majors this year.
- Carlos Gomez is only 22 years old, has the most raw power, and the most experience with 58 starts for the Mets last year. He also has the endorsement of one of baseballs best sluggers: Carlos Beltran. Anthony McCarron of the Daily News reports that after the Santana trade, Beltran called Gomez and said to him “You’ve got more tools than me. I know you can do it. Go play in Minnesota and show me what you’ve got.” Gomez is also reportedly working with a special hitting instructor every morning two hours before practice begins. He’s got to be the favorite to start at this point.
