One of the main concerns for the Twins in the offseason was finding an everyday DH. The Twins already had Jason Kubel, whose knees are not that trustworthy. They acquired Craig Monroe in the offseason from the Detroit Tigers and so far this season, both have had a fairly hot bat. Monroe is currently hitting .273 with one home run and Jason Kubel currently batting .278 with three home runs.
So far in the 2008 season, Kubel has seen more at bats and he has been playing some in the outfield in Michael Cuddyer's absence. Kubel was slowed by a 2004, but now he is feeling 100 percent. The Twins are willing to give Kubel a nice chance to become the everyday DH.
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So where does that leave Monroe? The Twins have him for a fourth outfield option, but the Twins are looking to use Monroe as a late-in-the-game pinch hitter. The veteran Monroe bats right and Gardenhire likes to have that option on the bench.
Expect to see a lot from either of these players this season as they are both very talented and athletic players. Although Kubel will be seeing most of the time in the DH spot, Monroe certainly will have his chances to continue to prove himself as a valuable member of the Twins.
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4 months ago
Kubel is by far the better option, but he has been pressing in the early season. As he settles down and takes more pitches (which he seems to be doing better already), he'll emerge as the clear choice.
4 months ago
Gardenhire has said that Kubel will get a lot more playing time, and I support that decision.
4 months ago
I still think it is too soon to tell. Kubel has started stronger at the plate than any time in recent memory, but he will have to keep it up to make it worth while.
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