Competition Update After Saturday's Game

Infield Competition
Dozier went 0-1 after replacing Carroll at second. Escobar 1-4 playing the whole game at third. Florimon went 1-2 at shortstop with Olmedo going 1-1 after replacing him.

Outfield Competition
Benson went 1-3 with one strikeout in center before being lifted for a pinch hitter. Boggs went 0-1 after replacing Willingham in left. Dinkelman went 0-1 after replacing Parmelee in right. 

Pop off the Bench
Colabello went 0-1 with a walk and a strikeout after replacing Morneau at first.

Rotation
Gibson only went 1.2 innings before hitting his pitch count. He gave up a walk and 3 hits, including a solo home run, while striking out three. Vasquez also went 1.2 inning in his late relief appearance and 2 hits, 2 walks and a run.

Bullpen
Thielbar pitched 1.1 perfect innings and Guerra pitched one.

Summary
Gibson demonstrated he is not a lock to be ready for the rotation, but there is a lot of spring training to go.

Guerra probably helped himself but he is now off to the WBC, along with Colabello and a bunch of  players who aren't really in the competitions this spring.  It will be interesting to see where those to land when the get back. Neither one is very likely to win a spot this spring.

Escobar continues to play all three infield positions. There is a report today that Escobar will also catch some bullpens in order to prepare as an emergency catcher. That ought to make Drew Butera a bit nervous. Its probably also an indication that Escobar remains a long shot to win the starting shortstop position over Florimon. 

This was Carroll's second game in a row at second base. He has now played four games there and one at third. He has yet to appear at shortstop. If Gardenhire isn't entirely comfortable with Carroll at shortstop, that improves the chances of Escobar and, maybe, Olmeda.  They are competing for the 4th or 5th infielder spots, depending on whether Dozier is on the roster at second base.