If Hunter leaves, he wants Span to be his replacement

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

Indications are that the Twins haven't decided whether to pick up Torii Hunter's $12 million option -- or begin the Denard Span era in 2007.

But Hunter has no doubts who he wants to replace him if he doesn't come back. Hunter told Span in spring training that he should be the next Twins center fielder if he's not brought back.

"Kirby [Puckett] told me the same thing," Hunter said. "Why not? If I don't come back next year, I would love for Denard Span to replace me."

Hunter continues to give advice to Span, who's struggling with a change in his batting grip and entered the weekend batting .280 with one homer, 42 RBI and 22 stolen bases for Class AA New Britain.

Span is considered one of the Twins' better position prospects. They hope he takes off like Hunter did once he arrived at New Britain in 1996. For now, the organization hopes to place Span with a Venezuelan winter league team.

"I think he can play," Hunter said. "Let him use his God-given ability. Give him his at-bats. In time, he can hit .330 in this league. He's got speed. He can bunt. He plays pretty good defense."

More replacements

Class A Beloit continues to be affected by injuries, to the point that the Twins promoted outfielders Christopher Parmelee and Joe Benson from their Gulf Coast League rookie team.

If anything, Parmelee, a corner outfielder and Benson, a center fielder, have a good jumping off point for next season. Both have impressed since being drafted in June.

The injuries at Beloit have allowed infielder Toby Gardenhire to get more playing time.

Plouffe rallies

Just like last year, shortstop Trevor Plouffe has rebounded after a horrible start at the plate.

Plouffe recently upped his average to .245 at Class A Fort Myers, quite an accomplishment.

"I give him a lot of credit," Rantz said. 'He was under .200 for awhile."