Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The season may still have over a month left in its season, but the Minnesota Twins are already looking towards next year via a potential international signing. The Twins are among three teams, along with Atlanta and the Los Angeles Dodgers, that are considered finalists for landing Cuban shortstop Alexander Guerrero and a deal could be reached between the two sides sooner rather than later. For a team that doesn’t have much to cheer about this season, landing one of Cuba’s premier infielders would go a long way towards improving a porous Twins’ team for next season.
The scouting report on Guerrero offensively is that he is a strong, right-handed hitter at 5’10”, 205 lbs., has above-average-to-plus bat speed and possesses raw power. Defensively, Guerrero has average athleticism, is a versatile and instinctual defender with quick hands and flashy glove and possesses average range and arm strength which could prompt a move to second base depending on which organization lands Guerrero. If you would like to see Guerrero’s skillset with your own eyes, simply click on this link and view a video of Guerrero yourself.
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With the Twins appeared to be set with Brian Dozier at second base, I would tend to believe that the Twins are interested in Guerrero as a shortstop; but there is no guarantee that Dozier’s job is safe and the Twins could easily view Guerrero as a second baseman as well. Guerrero would certainly be an upgrade on a roster with instability at both middle-infield positions, but the price is going to have to be right. The Dodgers almost had Guerrero locked up for seven years and 32 million dollars so you would expect that the Twins would have to have an offer somewhere in that price range in order to make a deal happen.
From just the eye test, Guerrero reminds me a lot of Alexei Ramirez and if he could produce like Ramirez has, it would certainly be worth the Twins’ time. While I don’t know if the Twins will have the financial capabilities and commitment available to secure Guerrero, it certainly is a situation worth keeping an eye on over the next few weeks as the season comes to a close.
Brian Wille is a Minnesota Twins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BeeWill15 or “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
