I Used to Play Second. I'm not Making the Team This Year.

Over the off-season last year, Terry Ryan helped the Marlins dismantle their roster by taking on the owner of a World Series ring and a couple gold gloves. Luis Castillo, when healthy, played the Tom Kelly version of small-ball to perfection, stealing, hustling, playing the field and just getting on base. When he was healthy.
Castillo has a history of knee problems, and this season some hamstring problems kept him on the shelf more than people would like. Nick Punto filled in nicely at second at the beginning of the season before taking over at the hot corner, and later in the season, Luis Rodriguez and later Alexi Casilla were ok in the field but left a lot to be desired at the plate. Before next season, the only thing the Twins management needs to really think about is what is going to happen in the utility role.
On Castillo's off days, which would be more valuable to replace? His bat or his glove? Sure Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and Torii Hunter blazed new trails with their RBI this year, but they had to have people on base to do so, and Joe Mauer can score only so many runs. It was nice to almost always have someone from the top of the order on base. If they want a second baseman who can be reliable at the plate, then I would suggest a Junior Spivey type player.
However, Castillo's glove would be missed the most, in my opinion. Second base at the Metrodome has always seemed to be a hotter position than even short stop, so keeping a good glove there is fairly important. It would be cheaper and wiser, then, to stay the course and give Luis Rodriguez the utility role. I think the money could be better spent elsewhere, but I wouldn't fault Terry Ryan if he brought in a veteran utility player, either. - Ryan