Monroe in CF? No way

In one of the daily papers over the weekend, Craig Monroe was quoted as saying he wanted to be the Twins'everyday center fielder.

Ummmm, no. Not going to happen.

Offensively, Monroe would have to greatly improve to be center fielder. And defensively, he doesn't have it. According to Baseball-Reference.com, even in the prime of his career, in 2005, he played CF for the Tigers, for 33 games. In those games, his range factor was significantly lower than that of the average center fielder.

He may well play center field a few times this year, but he's not an option for full-time duty there. The Twins would give up a lot if Monroe spends every day in Center Field.

So who is? I've already said that barring a trade or a free agent acquisition, Jason Pridie should be in Center Field for the Twins in 2008. In AA and AAA last year, his range factor in center field (according to Baseball-Reference.com) was 2.57 per game, much better than Monroe's 1.91 RF/Game in 2005. The league average in 2007 was 2.42, with Torii Hunter's being 2.53.

Denard Span's RF/Game at AAA was an impressive 2.69, but his hitting and OBP were well below that of Pridie. That's why Pridie tops my list among in-house solutions.

Among free agents available are Corey Patterson (RF/G 2.63 in 2006, but 2.19 in 2007) or Kenny Lofton (2.39 in 2007).

Among those CF's in trade rumors, Jacoby Ellsbury had a 2007 RF/g of 2.40 in AAA; Melky Cabrera's was at 2.75 for the New York Yankees; Coco Crisp's 2.88 in 2007; and Carlos Gomez' was 2.92 in 38 games at AAA.

Certainly range factor should not be the only factor in choosing a CF. My point here is that while Gomez' RF may be highest among the players mentioned, and that range should be a limiting factor. Monroe doesn't have it.

Cabrera and Crisp may be the best fielding CFs mentioned. Would facing Santana 2-3 times per year offset having a bonafide star CF?

If those are the options, The Yanks and Boston have the apparent best fielding center fielders. A trade with either would be instantly beneficial. That said, long term, the Mets may offer the best overall package, allowing Pridie to make the jump to the majors in 2007, or for Gomez to take over in CF.

Certainly if the Twins were to get Crisp or Cabrera, that player would become the Twin's starting CF. If not, the Twins should go with Pridie, or Ellsbury, if he's acquired.

If, if, if. Right now, it's Pridie, for my taste.