The Twins on Monday announced that Doug Mientkiewicz will manage their high-A team, the Fort Myers Miracle. Last year's manager there, Jake Mauer, will manage the low-A Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Dougie Alphabet isn't new to the Twins, of course; a decade ago he was a defense-first first baseman on the Twins team that revitalized the franchise. He was eventually pushed aside by Justin Morneau, who wasn't -- and isn't -- the glove whiz Mientkiewicz was, but hit a whole lot better, after which Mientkiewicz bounced around a bit -- Red Sox, Mets, Royals,Yankees, Pirates, Dodgers. Last year he was a hitting coach in rookie ball for the Dodgers.
He's stepping into an important spot in the Twins system, at least as I see it. Every minor league affiliate has its special projects and priorities, and the Miracle in 2013 might have the two most important projects in the system: Turning Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario into a bona fide third baseman (Sano) and second baseman (Rosario).
Sano and his big-time power will be a greater asset as a third baseman than if he has to move to an outfield corner or to first base. Rosario's bat figures to be a real plus if he can turn the double play with the likes of Nick Swisher trying to take his legs out, less so if he's limited to outfield duties.
Making them infielders is Job 1 and 1A for Mientkiewicz, arguably for the entire farm system.
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Late Monday night word came that the Twins and right-handed starter Kevin Correia had agreed on a two-year, $10 million deal.
This is atrocious if true. I chose for now to ignore this report and hope it goes away. When it is confirmed, I'll open fire.
Let's hope your optimism is rewarded. Maybe he'll fail a physical or inadvertently take a flight to Bora Bora and miss the official signing party.
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