Minnesota Twins rookie outfielder Denard Span has earned the right to be a full-time player in the outfield, even when veteran Michael Cuddyer returns from the disabled list, presumably next week. He’s been a rock at the top of the lineup and a Gold Glove caliber defender in both center field and right, making him a more logical starting option than talented, but raw Carlos Gomez when Cuddyer comes back.

With the way he’s played since being recalled on June 30, Span will no doubt keep his spot on the club’s 25-man roster, but he deserves more. Difficult decisions, perhaps on a daily basis, remain for manager Ron Gardenhire, but Span has meant more to Minnesota’s playoff hopes over the past six weeks than Gomez and left fielder Delmon Young combined.

As this Minneapolis Star-Tribune story points out, one run-saving catch has further endeared Span to his teammates and Twins fans. While his offensive production has been much more than adequate - he’s hitting .315 with an .868 OPS and six stolen bases in 143 at-bats - Span’s defensive presence could make the difference between a starting job and a platoon or reserve role.

Coming out of spring training, the Twins opted to play Gomez every day in center field and send Span back to Triple-A Rochester. In this case, history should not repeat itself. Kelsie Smith of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press highlights the drive that Span, Minnesota’s first round draft choice in 2002, gained from the early demotion.

It’s the sort of career-defining resolve that makes all the difference between average and good, between good and great. It will be up to the Twins now to reward Span for it and make the right move by putting him in center field every day.

Fantasy Spin
Gomez may have gained a fresh outlook and re-discovered his stroke in the second half, but the fact remains that, at 22 years old, he needs time to mature. He’s already lost his leadoff gig to Span, now he may lose a roster spot. A move to Triple-A Rochester would serve to benefit him and his dreadful 17:105 walk-to-strikeout rate.

While Span doesn’t have the same potential as Gomez in fantasy, he is a much more stable producer who can get on base, steal bags and deliver adequate power and run production. He is certainly worth a look now, but fantasy owners would be wise to let the Cuddyer situation play out before sticking Span in their starting lineups.

Dustin Hockensmith is editor of ImaginaryDiamond.com. He can be contacted at dhockensmith[at]fantasysports101.net.