Minnesota Twins Must Say No to Jason Kubel

Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Just say no, kids. The talk seemingly everyone received in school about drug use is the same speech that should be portrayed whenever anyone brings up the topic of a possible return of Jason Kubel to the Minnesota Twins.

The possible comeback of the ex-Twins outfielder/designated hitter comes after his 2014 option was declined by the Indians and a report by Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press stating Kubel’s interest in a return to the state of lakes.

There’s plenty of ex-Twins that would look great back in the Minnesota digs, but Kubel is not on that list. J.J. Hardy and every ex-Twins pitcher are better fits than Kubel. Sorry to burst any Kubel fan clubs’ bubbles.

The Twins have a full outfield, first of all. The Twins need another outfielder like the Vikings need another run-of-the-mill mediocre quarterback. Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Arcia, Josh Willingham, Alex Presley, Ryan Doumit, Chris Herrmann, Wilkin Ramirez and Darin Mastroianni are all outfielders at the major league level, debatably in some cases but alas. Not to mention a guy named Byron Buxton will be patrolling Target Field sooner than later.

Kubel had a rough season in 2013. Between the Arizona Diamondbacks (89 games) and the Cleveland Indians (eight games) he only hit .216/.293/.317 with only five home runs and 32 RBI. That is absolutely horrid for a guy whose main asset is the pop in his bat.

The supporters of a Kubel return would point to his 2012 season as a rebuttal. 2012 was Kubel’s first year away from the Twins and hit 30 dingers and had 90 RBI with the ‘Backs. That 2012 season he also only hit .253, 20 points lower than what he usually hit in Minnesota.

It just doesn’t make sense to bring in Jason Kubel. He would probably be cheap, but not worth the roster spot. Each and every roster spot is crucial on a competitive team, a gazillion outfielders is simply not efficient.

Take that money and spend it on starting pitching. Take a flier on Johan Santana.