Tolbert at 2B?

Question: Could Matt Tolbert be the Twins' 2B in 2008?

At Rochester last year, Tolbert was primarily a 2B, playing 101 games there. Although the Twins have him listed as a SS on their spring training stats list, with both Nick Punto (hitting .156) and Brendan Harris (.184) both struggling, and Tolbert
(.276) still in camp, could the Twins be looking at keeping Tolbert and surprising everyone by having him start at 2B? That remains to be seen.

In the race for the CF spot, Denard Span and Carlos Gomez seem to be neck and neck, with Gomez getting the edge just on the excitement level, despite Span's recent surge at the plate. With Jason Kubel and Craig Monroe both in camp, both DHs and both OFs, it's unlikely, but possible, that the other CF candidate stays with the Twins. That also means that OF Jason Pridie is also likely to be sent to AAA, unfortunately, because he could be the starting CF.

Gomez is getting the edge for the starting CF job not because of hitting (.267 this spring) or OBP (.286) but because of excitement. He has 12 hits and two walks, meaning he's been on base 14 times this spring.

He has scored 11 of those times. He has 6 RBI, meaning of the three candidates, he might not be the best hitter, but he's by far the best plate crosser.

If Gomez gets the job, Pridie and Span will start at AAA Rochester. But if Gomez' OBP doesn't increase as a leadoff hitter, either Span or Pridie will get the call.

Hence, Tolbert's likely opponent in the race to be the 25th man out of spring training appears to be 3B Brian Buscher, who is also struggling. Buscher is hitting .138 this spring, with one HR.

Buscher has more power than Tolbert, but Tolbert can play three infield positions, making him more valuable.

Making Tolbert the 2B puts both Harris and Punto on the bench, something that seems unlikely. Harris can hit, but Punto can field. That would make the bench Monroe/Kubel, CA Mike Redmond, Punto and Harris.

Most likely, Harris will be the Twins starting 2B, with Punto and Tolbert on the bench. But the Twins are unlikely to put up with many fielding mistakes at 2B, which means either Harris improves his defense, or Tolbert and Punto will be waiting in the wings.