Thursday, March 23, 2006
Twins Infield Springs Some Leaks
Starter Carlos Silva, a ground ball pitcher who depends on solid defense for his effectiveness, stands to be the most negatively impacted of the Twins staff due to inadequacies in the team's new infield. Playing third this year will be Tony Batista, far from spectacular with his hands and very limited in range. Meanwhile rookie shortstop Jason Bartlett's range is not particularly suspect, but he has booted routine grounders and muffed enough infield pops this spring that his defensive abilities have been called into serious question. The coaching staff will soon begin perusing the waiver wire if Bartlett fails to pick up his game soon.