Span vs Gomez

So here's the thing, the Twins have two of the best up and coming center fielders in the AL (dare I say baseball?). Not surprisingly, one of Gardy's most challenging decisions every game is to decide who plays while the other rides the pine. Not the most enjoy situation to be in, to say the least. So here's some food for thought: "Who do you play? Denard Span, the prototypical leadoff hitter that takes pitches, draws walks, and hits .300 while having close to a .400 OBP; or Carlos Gomez, a lightning bolt lassoed into the body of a baby-faced Dominican that can run faster than Cool Papa Bell?"

To keep from ranting for an hour, lets say that they cannot split playing time. Thus, we will disregard individual game situations (i.e. playing the left-handed Span vs RHP and the right-handed Gomez vs LHP). Let us now consider each players individual characteristics.

Carlos Gomez. The heart of the Johan Santana trade. There is truly no telling what this guy could do if he learns to control himself. Cannon of an arm, serious pop, hell of a competitor, ... oh and did I say that he's fast? Drawbacks: Looks as though he's made up his mind whether to swing or not before the pitch is even thrown, unpolished basestealing technique, and can't hit a breaking pitch to save his life. .258 AVG and .296 OBP are definitely not numbers you want to see out of your leadoff guy either. I want to point out that although I think Gomez needs to learn to control himself, I'm saying that half-heartedly. Carlos Gomez did not get to be the Mets's #1 prospect and essentially traded for Johan by being a passive baseball player. Just a little maturing is all.

Denard Span. I've got to admit, I've had my mood swings with this guy. During spring training last year, I wanted Span to be the guy to replace my beloved Torii thinking he had earned his chance and fit the mold of the guy at the top of the lineup. However, once Go Go won the spot and I saw him play, I fell in love. Span could retire in AAA for all I cared. (pause for added effect...) Boy, have things changed! Denard Span is the shit. .294 AVG, .387 OBP, while stealing 18 bases in 93 games last year was just what the Twins needed to hit in front of the M & M Boys. Span only looks to increase these numbers while batting .321 with a .381 OBP through the month of April.

Pick: Denard Span. Although Gomez might have a higher ceiling, Span is the guy the Twins currently need. Some might say that Gomez is the better defensive player and I agree. But that is not to say Span can't fly and can't gun down runners either - Gomez just looks sweeter while doing it. I've truly been impressed with the ABs Span has been taking. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Gomez. Until Gomez can harness his talent, Span needs to be in the lineup. (Note: The only way Gomez will learn to harness his talent is if he plays. Gardy has been doing a great job at playing all four outfielders this season. I've chosen not to talk about mixing Go Go in there, because we decided to only choose one centerfielder. Talking about mixing them both in there is out of scope of this blog, bitch.)

Thoughts?

- Sam