Here is something to really think about after today’s game. Could Luke Hughes really make this team as the fourth bench player? It sounds like Gardy is changing his criteria for what his utility man needs to bring to the table. Hughes hit his fourth homer this spring and has been very impressive with the bat. He can’t really be counted on to play shortstop, but can fill in at second, third and the corner outfield spots if needed. Both Casilla and Nishioka can play short so it is a little less necessary for the utility guy to fill in there. I also don’t know that I trust Matt Tolbert to play short for an extended period of time anyways. Hughes’s bat could be a big lift for a bench that would otherwise lack much thump(besides Jim Thome). The way Hughes has swung the stick so far I can see why Gardy is really considering him for the bench spot. If he is chosen it could cost the Twins Matt Tolbert, as he is out of options. I am probably okay with that, though. I would love to see Luke Hughes break camp with the big club, but if not, I think Matt Tolbert could be a very nice utlity guy for the Twins too.
On a side note, Kevin Slowey was pretty sharp today in his start, throwing four innings of scoreless baseball. Making me think even more that they need to hold on to him. But it still sounds like they are leaning towards trading him. I think they should hold on to the surplus of arms, but I can understand trading him, I just think in the end it could bite them. I think Slowey is worth more than a bullpen arm, but at the same time, that is what this team needs and maybe Slowey could go to the Yankees for, say Joba Chamberlain? Just a thought. Let me know what you think, feel free to comment. And find me on Facebook and Twitter.
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