Jason Kubel

[Coppermine]

What do you guys think of Kubel? Will he get a chance to play? Will he be as good as they said he was before he got hurt? It seems like he's being overlooked as a solid prospect, but I think he has a lot of potential.

[ironman]

I haven't heard much about him. I do know that I have a bad taste in mouth from past heavily touted Minnesota propects like Michael Cuddyer and Michael Restovich.

[Pochucker]

According to article on RotoAuthority last week from ST. Paul Times -- Gardenhire said he must beat out Cuddyer for starting job or he goes to minors.
Shouldnt be too hard but we will have to follow developements in spring training.

[Coppermine]

I'm asking because I picked up Kubel in a prospect draft I did and I'm holding out some hope... according to the Twins website, Kubel will likely start the year in AAA Rochester, but could win a spot on the roster in Spring Training... so I guess it depends. Seems that MIN fans are eager to see him play after his promising stint in the big leagues in 2004, so if anything he could provide some mid season offense.

I hear ya though about Cuddyer and Restovich, but Kubel was the biggest news in propect land two years ago. It would be nice to see him beat out Cuddyer for the starting job in RF, but his year off will probably make that difficult.

[reynolds80]

I'm asking because I picked up Kubel in a prospect draft I did and I'm holding out some hope... according to the Twins website, Kubel will likely start the year in AAA Rochester, but could win a spot on the roster in Spring Training... so I guess it depends. Seems that MIN fans are eager to see him play after his promising stint in the big leagues in 2004, so if anything he could provide some mid season offense.

I hear ya though about Cuddyer and Restovich, but Kubel was the biggest news in propect land two years ago. It would be nice to see him beat out Cuddyer for the starting job in RF, but his year off will probably make that difficult.

Cuddyer's not finished yet. I'm predicting a bounce back year from him.

[TB13]

I haven't heard much about him. I do know that I have a bad taste in mouth from past heavily touted Minnesota propects like Michael Cuddyer and Michael Restovich.

You and me both. Kubel is one you keep an eye on during ST. If he shows that he is playing regularly, then he is someone to take a flier on. The kid was regarded as one of the best pure hitting prospects in all of baseball, so major knee surgery or not, he is someone to keep an eye on.

[Phatferd]

Speaking of Minnesota, who is their RF? Ford or White?

[Havok1517]

White is slated to be the DH if that helps.

[bronxxbomber]

Kubel's worth a least a flyer man. Stash him away and see what happens. If anything there'll always be prospects to dump and claim anyway.

[looptid]

I'm asking because I picked up Kubel in a prospect draft I did and I'm holding out some hope... according to the Twins website, Kubel will likely start the year in AAA Rochester, but could win a spot on the roster in Spring Training... so I guess it depends. Seems that MIN fans are eager to see him play after his promising stint in the big leagues in 2004, so if anything he could provide some mid season offense.

I hear ya though about Cuddyer and Restovich, but Kubel was the biggest news in propect land two years ago. It would be nice to see him beat out Cuddyer for the starting job in RF, but his year off will probably make that difficult.

Cuddyer's not finished yet. I'm predicting a bounce back year from him.

Bounce back?

RC/27
2002 - 4.60
2003 - 4.50
2004 - 5.08
2005 - 4.63

That's a pretty straight curve.

As far as Kubel, he had a monster 2004 and shot from Double-A to the Majors. If he's healthy he'll be the Twins RF, but assuming he is ready to go come opening day is a gamble right now. He'll be up eventually, but I haven't heard any definate timetable given yet.