With the Twins loving the outfield defense of left fielder Delmon Young, center fielder Carlos Gomez and right fielder Denard Span, you wonder if injured right fielder Michael Cuddyer could switch to third base next season, a position he played in the minor leagues. In 1999 Cuddyer was rated by Baseball America as the best defensive third baseman in the Florida State League. The regular DH role seems a possibility, too.
Francisco Liriano, 9-0 in his last 10 starts in Rochester, looks like a sure thing to be a starting pitcher for the Twins next season unless he has an injury. Best guess is Liriano, 24, replaces Livan Hernandez, 33, in an otherwise young starting rotation. And, yes, Liriano should be recalled now to help the Twins’ pennant drive and he might replace Hernandez.
Phil Humber, who was acquired from the Mets during the off-season in the Johan Santana deal, is also pitching for the Twins’ AAA team in Rochester and is 6-7 with a 5.38 ERA. Kevin Mulvey, also part of the deal, is 4-8 with a 3.89 ERA.
The Sporting News issue of July 28 lists Jared Allen, the Vikings defensive end who came here from Kansas City, first among the “biggest off season acquisitions” made by NFL teams.
Don’t bet your bubble gum card money on it, but undrafted Illinois linebacker J Leman might make the Vikings roster. He’s a classic effort guy and hard hitter. Possible fit on special teams?
Vikings’ right tackle Ryan Cook was selected for the Mountain West Conference’s 10th anniversary football team. Cook, who played at New Mexico, was chosen for the offensive line as was Adam Goldberg, the former Edina high schooler who played at Wyoming and is now a reserve with St. Louis. More at https://themwc.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072208aac.html
The Vikings’ first preseason game is Friday, August 8 against Seattle. The team leaves its Mankato training camp the next Friday, August 15.