Moses should be savior at third base

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

There has been plenty of discussion recently about the Twins' issues at third base. Is Michael Cuddyer the answer? How big a blow was losing Glenn Williams because of injury? Will the Twins have to look outside the organization for help?

So there's no better time to check on the progress of some third-base prospects in the organization.

Terry Tiffee, Class AAA Rochester: Tiffee already had a couple of stints with the major league club. His most recent didn't end well, as he struggled with being an occasional starter and pinch hitter. Tiffee was sent to Rochester last month to regain his stroke.

The early returns weren't good, as Tiffee went 4-for-40 after the demotion. He recently rebounded and was named Twins' minor league player of the week. Overall, his numbers don't look great, as he's batting .232 for the Red Wings with six home runs and 22 RBI.

Jim Rantz, the Twins director of minor leagues, said Tiffee needed to regain his confidence as well as his offense.

Tiffee is not a strong defensive player, but his switch hitting and ability to play third and first base (he's playing both at Rochester) makes him valuable. He needs to keep working on that average to increase his chances of another call-up.

Matt Moses, Class A Fort Myers: The top third-base prospect in the organization, he is fifth in the Florida State League with a .325 average. He has a short swing with some power, and projects to be a very good offensive player. Now about that glove ...

Moses looks raw and many balls are getting by him, for now. But this is not a Todd Walker situation. Moses cares about getting better and is working on his fielding.

"I think a lot of the members of the staff are pleased at the way he's improved over there," Rantz said. "That only comes with time over there. He does have actions and shows some quickness over there. In fairness to him, he's done a nice job for the short time he's been there."

Moses, 20, would be at Class AA New Britain by now if not for a sore hamstring that's slowed him recently. Don't be surprised if he's there before the season ends. He could debut sometime during 2006, but 2007 is more likely.

David Winfree, Class A Beloit: Winfree, the Twins' 13th-round pick in 2003, is second in the Midwest League with 59 RBI.

"He may be second in the league in errors, too," Rantz said. "He's learning and he's making progress is all I can say. He's going to be an offense guy. He's still learning to play third."

Winfree, 19, is not the hitting prospect Moses is and had 23 errors through 74 games. He's batting .282 with nine homers. He had a huge night Friday, when he went 3-for-6 with a grand slam and seven RBI.

Think of the unearned runs Beloit pitchers deal with Winfree and shortstop Trevor Plouffe (21 errors) on the left side of the infield.

Winfree won't move through the system as fast as Moses and will likely play at Fort Myers next season. The Twins will count down the days until Moses is ready, and hope his glove catches up with his bat.