I know not many people care but looks like Casilla is out of options and going to be the only one in the Dominican clan left with the departure of Gomez and the soon departure of OC. I really thought that a winter with OC was going to do wonders for Casilla. Now not so sure. Are the Twins going to give up on this kid? I sure hope not. Maybe just as we are hoping for Hardy to get back to 2008 form, Alexi can find his 2008 form as well.

If Alexi Casilla could get back to 2008 form, I would be thrilled. That said this was an awful season for him. Not only did he make errors in the field, he was very erratic offensively. Kinda like Mr. Nick Punto.
.
I hope he miraculously turns it around, because we don't have many in house options, but I'm not holding my breath. Steve Tolleson could get consideration, especially by the all-star break, if both Nicky and Alexi are stinking it up. Bill Smith really needs to make a move to fill this hole. One guy that keeps popping into my mind is Dan Uggla. AND.....the Marlins want to deal him.
.
That said, losing O.Cab will hurt in the dugout. He is a very vocal leader, something the Twins have lacked and seemed to rally the troops. By the way, losing Mike Redmond will hurt a lot in this fashion as well. Morneau, Cuddyer and Mauer will really have to step up there leadership roles next season to fill the void.
.
JJ Hardy does bring one thing to the table that O.C. did not. Power. A right handed power hitting shortstop is a great asset. I really think 2007 & 2008 will be typical of his career. Last year was just a bad bad season for him. We got this guy in a steal of a deal. Gomez stinks. The guy is fast, but has the brain and offensive skills the size of a walnut. He can't hit for diddly squat. The Brewers would have been better to sign a declining Cameron to an extension to find other options. Gomez will never be Tori Hunter or some of the other rediculous predictions. The guy ain't that good and never will be.

'I hope he miraculously turns it around, because we don't have many in house options, but I'm not holding my breath. Steve Tolleson could get consideration, especially by the all-star break, if both Nicky and Alexi are stinking it up. '

I think if that was going to happen it would have been THIS season...everyone at 2B stinking it up midseason and Tolleson was doing great. Baseball America said he'd be a key piece if called up...and he never got the call...

Actually, I don't think Casilla had a fielding error after his last return from AAA. Mental mistakes are another thing.