Twins could show interest in Indians outfielder Drew Stubbs

Aug. 29, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Cincinnati Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With Chris Parmelee and Josh Willingham expected to be the starting corner outfielders on Opening Day, the Twins are putting a lot of pressure on their center fielder to cover a lot of ground.

If prospect Aaron Hicks is deemed not ready in Spring Training and the Indians make outfielder Drew Stubbs available, the Twins could very well be interested in acquiring the former Red. Stubbs has ties to Wayne Krivisky, the Twins special assistant to the general manager, who drafted Stubbs while as Reds general manager.

The Indians have a loaded outfield, after recently signing Michael Bourn to a four-year contract. They also have Michael Brantley and Nick Swisher on their roster.

With the recent acquisition of Bourn, Stubbs is the likely odd man out, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

"There isn’t much to see there, so the Mets will now presumably try to pick up one of Cleveland’s scraps. Drew Stubbs is very likely the odd man out in Cleveland and eminently available."

Stubbs is known for his strong defensive ability. Being arbitration-eligible for the first time this offseason, Stubbs agreed to terms on a one-year $2.825 million contract to avoid arbitration with the Indians.

There is a growing belief that Minnesota prefers Darin Mastroianni in the fourth outfielder role, with hopes that Hicks can win the job—jumping from Double-A ball to the major leagues. Even though Mastroianni is strong defensively, the Twins like his versatility to spell all three outfield positions and be a late-inning defensive replacement for Willingham and Parmelee.

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities also notes the connection between Stubbs and Krivisky in his recent “Scoops.”