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Michael Cuddyer #5 | Outfielder | Minnesota Twins
Height: 6-2    Weight: 219    Throws: R    Bats: R
Born: Mar 27, 1979, Norfolk, VA
Contract: Signed through 2010, club option for 2011
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Player Notes
November 6, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is drawing interest from the Colorado Rockies, according to the Rocky Mountain News. According to reports, Cuddyer could end up going to the Rockies in package deal in exchange for Garrett Atkins.

Our View:If Cuddyer were to move to Colorado his value would obviously increase, but the real deciding factor on just how much fantasy value he possesses revolves mostly around his health as he was limited to just 249 AB this season in Minnesoata.
October 20, 2008
Beat reporter Kelly Thesier of MLB.com thinks the chances of the Twins moving Michael Cuddyer back to third base in 2009 are "quite small." The Twins are expected to pursue a third baseman in free agency or on the trade market.

Our View:Cuddyer tried his hand at third base in 2004 and 2005, but his bat suffered. The Twins have a glut of outfielders between Cuddyer, Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, and Jason Kubel, which is why people are wondering if Michael would move back to the infield. One of these outfielder could become a trade chip in the pursuit of a third baseman.
September 30, 2008
Michael Cuddyer had one of only two hits produced by the Twins in game 163th as the Twins fell, 1-0, to the White Sox.

Our View:Cuddyer ends his disappointing season hitting .249 with three home runs and 36 RBI over 71 games as he was faced with a myriad of injuries that robbed him of his effectiveness.
September 30, 2008
Michael Cuddyer started at DH for the Twins in their pivotal 163rd game playoff with the White Sox, according to the Twins Official Website. "Cuddy is champing at the bit," according to manager Ron Gardenhire. "He's been in these situations. So you know what? We'll run him out there and see what he can do..."

Our View:Cuddyer is 7-for-12 off White Sox starter John Danks so he makes an interesting play on this night after being hampered by injury for most of the second half.
September 24, 2008
Michael Cuddyer's foot has improved significantly and manager Ron Gardenhire is planning on employing him as the DH in tonight's crucial game against Mark Buehrle and the White Sox, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:Going by the way the Twins played in Tuesday's 9-3 win over Chicago, Cuddyer is worth a look in AL-only leagues.
September 15, 2008
Over the weekend, Michael Cuddyer returned from the DL and went 1-for-2 as a pinch-hitter. Tonight, Cuddyer will make his return to the starting lineup as the Twins DH, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:Cuddyer's return to the Twins lineup will be a boost for the team, as they push toward the playoffs but as for as your fantasy team, he will not have much value.
September 14, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is still having trouble running on his injured foot, and until he shows improvement he will likely be nothing more than a pinch hitter, according to the Star Tribune. does," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "You can't DH until you can run the bases, and right now, he can't," manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Our View:Cuddyer has had more stop and starts than a lawn mower running on a low tank of gas. Don't count on much more than the occasional hit from Cuddyer the rest of the way.
September 13, 2008
The Twins activated Michael Cuddyer from the DL Saturday. He had been out with a broken left foot.

Our View:Cuddyer isn't expected to play the outfield but will be available as a pinch hitter and DH option.
September 11, 2008
Michael Cuddyer, who is recovering from a broken left foot, participated in batting practice and jogged around the bases Wednesday, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:He has been given the green light to run as much as tolerable. He remains a few days from returning to the Twins, and his fantasy value looks to be minimal.
September 9, 2008
Michael Cuddyer took batting practice on Tuesday, but his broken left foot remains an issue when it comes to other baseball activities. "He’s swinging," manager Ron Gardenhire tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He’s not moving around very well, which he’s got a broken [left] foot, so you don’t expect it. We’re still looking a week, 10 days, two weeks, who knows? I’ve just got to talk to him and see where he’s at."

Our View:Fantasy owners could have safely dropped Cuddyer when he suffered this foot injury in early August. He might return late in the season, but it will likely be too little, too late for fantasy clubs.
September 6, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is progressing from his broken foot as he took swings and played catch for the first time Friday since sustaining the injury, according to the Star Tribune. He said, "I can throw, and I can swing. I just can't run."

Our View:Cuddyer is hopeful the foot will feel well enough to run in about seven to 10 days. He remains optimistic that he will be able to play before the regular season ends September 28.
August 29, 2008
Michael Cuddyer has progressed in his rehab from a broken foot to the point that he is walking on an underwater treadmill, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:Cuddyer may not be able to contribute the rest of the way. By the time he will be healthy enough to play, the minor league season could be over which will make it very difficult for him to get his timing back at the plate.
August 21, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is out of his walking boot, according to the Star Tribune. He is recovering from a broken left foot.

Our View:He has a shot to return to Minnesota in mid-September, but his impact may not be solid enough to merit keeping him on fantasy rosters (in mixed leagues) until then.
August 10, 2008
Michael Cuddyer sustained a broken left foot while playing in a Triple-A game, but he vows to return to the Twins this season, according to the Star-Tribune. He said, "I'm expecting to be back. Even at the six-week point, that leaves about two weeks to contribute in some capacity. If it's four weeks, well, there's four weeks to contribute."

Our View:You have to admire his dedication, but fantasy owners in standard mixed leagues should not hold onto him for just a few weeks of action if he does in fact return this season.
August 9, 2008
Michael Cuddyer suffered a broken left foot when he was hit with a line drive while on base, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The incident happened at a Triple-A game, ironically while Cuddyer was on a rehab assignment from a finger injury.

Our View:Cuddyer will see a doctor on Monday, and a course of action will be planned. It is unknown how long he will be out, but it won't necessarily be for the rest of the year. He doesn't possess much fantasy value, as he has just three home runs and is hitting .252 on the season.
August 8, 2008
Michael Cuddyer appears on schedule to return from his strained left finger on Monday, according to Sports Illustrated.

Our View:Cuddyer has missed 32 games with the injury, and he is 3-for-10 so far in his rehab assignment. With Denard Span hitting so well, could Carlos Gomez be headed to the bench when Cuddyer returns?
August 7, 2008
Michael Cuddyer, who is recovering from a strained tendon in his left index finger, went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's rehab outing with Triple-A Rochester, according to the Star Tribune. That was the first contest of a double-header, and he went 0-for-3 in the second game.

Our View:Barring a setback, Cuddyer is expected to return to the Twins in time for the start of a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday.
August 6, 2008
Michael Cuddyer will remain on rehab assignment at Triple-A Rochester through the weekend, manager Ron Gardenhire told the AP. Cuddyer is coming back from a strained tendon in his left index finger.

Our View:With the way Denard Span has performed, the Twins haven't missed Cuddyer that much. We could see Span take over for Carlos Gomez in center.
August 4, 2008
Michael Cuddyer, who is recovering from a strained tendon in his left index finger, will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Rochester, according to the Pioneer Press.

Our View:Manager Ron Gardenhire noted that Cuddyer will need 20-25 at bats at least before rejoining the Twins. He may be ready when the Yankees start a home series against the Yankees August 11.
August 3, 2008
Michael Cuddyer (finger), out since June 30th, will head out on a minor league rehab assignment on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:Manager Ron Gardenhire estimated that Cuddyer would need four or five games before he would be activated, at which time the club will have a decision to make on playing time with Denard Span.
July 30, 2008
Michael Cuddyer took some swings on Wednesday for the first time in five weeks and his injured left index finger responded well, according to MLB.com.

Our View:Apparently two cortisone shots helped to get Michael over the hump. He admitted that his hand is still weak and sore, so expect some more work before he embarks on a minor league rehab stint.
July 29, 2008
Michael Cuddyer (finger) played catch on Monday and is nearing a return to the active roster, this according to the Star Tribune. "He received two cortisone shots last week in his left hand -- both near the source of discomfort in his left index finger -- and feels much better. It's definitely a positive," Cuddyer said.

Our View:Cuddyer suffered a hand injury last month and has been slow to respond to treatment. Denard Span has shined in his place.
July 23, 2008
Michael Cuddyer's CT scan revealed that his sore left middle finger has no damage to the bone, according to the Star Tribune. Cuddyer will meet with the Twins' doctor soon to figure out the next step.

Our View:This is good news that there is no structural damage, but there still remains no timetable as to when he may return to the Twins. Denard Span will continue to roam his spot in the outfield while he is gone.
July 21, 2008
Hand specialist Dr. Tom Varecka will read the results of Michael Cuddyer's CT scan on Tuesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Cuddyer has been out since June 27 due to a strained tendon in his left index finger, and his recovery hasn't gone as well as hoped.

Our View:Cuddyer hasn't been able to swing, and it doesn't matter much that Dr. Varecka can't get to the results until Tuesday. We'll let you know when we have more info. Denard Span will continue to start in right field while Cuddyer is out.
July 21, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is scheduled for a CT scan Monday on his left hand, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:A strained tendon has been diagnosed in his left index finger, but the pain is in his left palm. He can grip a bat but can't swing. The team remains uncertain when he may be able to return to action, and Denard Span will continue to cover his spot in the outfield.
July 18, 2008
The Twins continue to move forward without much knowledge about the rehabilitation status of Michael Cuddyer , according to MLB.com.

Our View:The right fielder has been nursing a strained tendon in his left index finger. However, Cuddyer, who was eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Sunday, has not seen any progress. The outfielder said that the mobility in his hand has increased with some of the stiffness going away, but the soreness that he feels has not decreased at all. Gardenhire said that Cuddyer could possibly undergo another MRI on Saturday to make sure nothing was missed in the first test. But right now, there is no timetable for Cuddyer's return.
July 11, 2008
Michael Cuddyer, who is nursing a strained tendon in his left index finger, admitted on Thursday that he won't attempt any baseball-related activities until after he returns from the current road trip, according to the Star Tribune. Manager Ron Gardenhire hoped Cuddyer would be well enough to go to Fort Myers, Florida, for a couple of rehab games during the All-Star break, and get some swings in and be activated after the break, but that plan is not going to happen now. Cuddyer said, "It's just a stalemate right now. There's a lot of frustration."

Our View:Cuddyer really hasn't made a lot of improvement in his recovery from the injury, and his point of return to the club is unknown. The Twins are still in good hands in right field however, as Denard Span collected four hits on Thursday, and raised his average to .361.
July 8, 2008
According to MLB.com, Michael Cuddyer is eligible to return to action on Sunday but a return then seems highly unlikely. He isn't even close to being sent down on a rehab assignment, so a target date for his return is not yet available.

Our View:Tendons can be a tricky thing, so don't count on Cuddyer to return before the All-Star break. When he does return, let's hope his production increases.
July 4, 2008
According to the St Paul Pioneer Press, Michael Cuddyers hand injury is a sprained knuckle, and the Twins outfielder expects to return from the disabled list when he is eligible (July 12). That's two days before the Twins' four-day all-star break.

Our View:Don't expect Cuddyer to return until after the All Star break.
July 2, 2008
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune reports that an MRI on Michael Cuddyer's left hand revealed a sprained knuckle on his index finger.

Our View:This appears to be good news and the Twins expect to activate him over the All-Star break.
June 29, 2008
Updating a previous report, Michael Cuddyer has been placed on the 15-day DL due to a strained tendon in his left index finger, according to the AP. Cuddyer stated that the finger has been bothering him for a couple of weeks, but it was worse when he awoke on Saturday morning. The team recalled Denard Span from Triple-A Rochester to fill the open spot on the roster.

Our View:The move is retroactive to Saturday, June 28. Span should see some action, but Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb will also get more at-bats.
June 29, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is likely headed to the DL due to a strained tendon in his left hand, according to MLB.com. Cuddyer had not yet seen the team doctors before Sunday's game against the Brewers, but skipper Ron Gardenhire is convinced he is going to be placed on the shelf.

Our View:A decision will likely be announced following today's game. If he lands on the DL, Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb are said to see more at-bats.
June 19, 2008
Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-2 (with two walks) and chipped in a pair of RBI in Thursday's 9-3 victory over the Nationals. He hit a double and a triple.

Our View:Cuddyer raised his season average to .251, and has 34 RBI over 56 games.
June 14, 2008
Minnesota third baseman Michael Cuddyer has been given the day off, taken out of the Twins' starting lineup for this evenings matchup against Milwaukee, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Our View:Cuddyer is nursing a sore knuckle on his right ring finger. The team hopes to have him back in the lineup tomorrow.
June 13, 2008
Following up on an earlier report, the X-rays on Michael Cuddyer's hand were negative. He played in the field for one inning before leaving and was replaced by Delmon Young.

Our View:Cuddyer is considered day-to-day.
June 13, 2008
Michael Cuddyer was removed from Friday night's interleague game in Milwaukee after being hit in the hand by a Dave Bush pitch.

Our View:We will update you on the severity of the injury when the information becomes available.
June 1, 2008
Michael Cuddyer went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs in the Twins' 5-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday. Cuddyer was 5-for-10 with five RBI's this weekend against Yankee pitching.

Our View:Cuddyer hasn't met preseason expectations in the power categories. His home run on Saturday was only his second of the year in 155 at-bats.
May 31, 2008
Michael Cuddyer went 2-for-6 with two RBI and a solo homer in Saturday's close 7-6 loss to the Yankees.

Our View:That was his second homer of the season, to go along with 22 RBI over 38 games, but he is still only hitting .232
May 19, 2008
Updating an earlier report, Michael Cuddyer will indeed play center field with Carlos Gomez sidelined with a wrist injury, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:Cuddyer is a strong all-around athlete who should be able to handle the role on a limited basis with Gomez expected back soon as well as Craig Monroe who is getting a night off to rest his weary body.
May 19, 2008
There are whispers that Twins manager Ron Gardenhire will use Michael Cuddyer in center field while Carlos Gomez recovers from a sore right wrist.

Our View: Gomez appeared in Sunday's game as a pinch runner in the seventh inning and was doubled up on a line drive to shortstop. He remains day-to-day.
May 8, 2008
Michael Cuddyer went 1-for-3 on the day but the big news was that he stole two bases.

Our View:Cuddyer now has 26 SB in... 635 career games. Today's effort was a total fluke, he has only stolen 11 bases the past two seasons, but it certainly was a nice bonus.
May 8, 2008
Manager Ron Gardenhire was ejected in the bottom of the sixth inning in today's game against the division rival White Sox, according to the AP. Gardenhire was tossed by plate umpire Doug Eddings for arguing a pitch that was called a ball to Paul Konerko.

Our View:Chicago currently leads the game 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
April 25, 2008
Michael Cuddyer has been activated from the DL following his finger ailment, and he is expected to start tonight against Texas, according to MLB.com. Denard Span has been sent down to make room for Cuddyer.

Our View:Cuddyer may need a game or two to shake off the rust, but should return to your fantasy lineups by the start of next week. He should bounce back as a productive fantasy outfielder in mixed leagues, and is capable of challenging 100 RBI in the talented Twins' lineup.
April 24, 2008
Updating an earlier report, Michael Cuddyer (finger) will be activated from the DL on Friday, this according to Sports Network. To make room for Cuddyer, the team will send down outfielder Denard Spahn.

Our View:Cuddyer is looking is looking to rebound from a solid but unspectacular season of .276-16-81 a year after he hit .284-24-109. A return to the 100-RBI level may be asking too much, but Cuddyer can still be a very useful outfielder in mixed leagues.
April 24, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is a "near lock" to return from the DL on Friday, according to the Star-Tribune. Cuddyer got seven at-bats on Wednesday during an extended spring training game and reported no problems. He'll play in a simulated game today, then catch a plane to join the team in time for Friday's series opener on the road against the Rangers.

Our View:The Twins currently rank near the cellar in runs scored in the league, and his bat will likely pick them up. Fantasy owners can count on using him on Friday.
April 22, 2008
Michael Cuddyer will play in an extended spring game on Wednesday or Thursday (or both) and could rejoin the Twins on Friday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He is on the DL due to a dislocated and lacerated right index finger.

Our View:The Twins could use his bat, as they rank near the bottom of the majors with only 71 runs entering play on Tuesday. Fantasy owners can tentatively plan on using Cuddyer this weekend.
April 17, 2008
Michael Cuddyer probably won't be ready to come off the DL on Sunday because he's slow on the mend from a dislocated and lacerated right index finger, according to the Star Tribune. He said, "It's frustrating because 99.5 percent of my body is healthy. The main thing is just trying to get the swelling down." He still cannot grip a bat to swing it.

Our View:Hopefully he can bounce back favorably when he is ultimately able to return.
April 16, 2008
The Twins have stated that even if Michael Cuddyer is not ready to play the outfield by Sunday, he still could come off the DL, according to MLB.com. Manager Rob Gardenhire commented on Tuesday that he wouldn't hesitate to use Cuddyer in a DH role if he could throw in an emergency situation.

Our View:This is favorable news for the Twins' outfielder.
April 14, 2008
Michael Cuddyer is aiming to return on Sunday. He had the stitches removed from his right index finger on Monday. "If it's not right on that day, then somewhere around that day for sure," Cuddyer tells MLB.com. "I don't foresee this being an extra week or anything like that."

Our View:Fantasy owners can tentatively plan to get Cuddyer back into their lineups next week.
April 10, 2008
Michael Cuddyer rejoined the team after seeing a hand specialist on Tuesday, according to the Star Tribune. He remains on track to have the stitches in his injured right index finger taken out on Monday, and he still hopes to return from the 15-day DL on April 20.
April 4, 2008
The Twins placed Michael Cuddyer on the DL after Friday's game with a dislocated right index finger on his right hand. To replace him on the roster, the team recalled Denard Span from Triple-A Rochester. Span is expected to be in uniform Saturday.
April 4, 2008
Michael Cuddyer suffered a dislocated finger on his right hand when he slid into third base Friday, according to the AP. He was taken to the hospital for X-rays. The news seems like it could have been worse for Cuddyer, but we'll reserve judgment until he gets the X-rays. Consider him day-to-day for the time being.
April 4, 2008
Michael Cuddyer left Friday's game after jamming his right hand into the leg of the Royals' Alex Gordon while sliding into third base, according to the AP. The outfielder had a problem with his right thumb last year, but it's not clear if he aggravated that old injury. We'll update you on his status when more is known. Jason Kubel replaced Cuddyer.
March 31, 2008
Michael Cuddyer was 1-for-4 on Monday night as the hometown Twins beat the Angels, 3-2. Cuddyer added a stolen base to his 2008 portfolio. The left fielder stole five bases in 547 at-bats last season.
March 21, 2008
Michael Cuddyer went 3-for-3 on Friday to up his spring average to .350 for the Twins. Cuddyer, who regressed last year to .276-16-81, hopes to have a big enough spring to position himself in front of big bopper Justin Morneau, but even if he doesn't he figures to bat in a prime RBI spot in the fifth hole.
January 25, 2008
Michael Cuddyer agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract with the Twins on Friday, according to the AP. The deal includes a club option for 2011 with a $1 million buyout. Cuddyer, who hit .276 with 16 homers last year, is a corner outfielder by trade, but the Twins have discussed giving him a look in center field if they don't bring in a replacement for Torii Hunter.
January 21, 2008
If the Twins are unable to find someone to replace Torii Hunter in center field, Michael Cuddyer could get a chance to hold down the job, according to the Pioneer Press. This may just be wishful thinking on the Twins part, but it's something to track this spring.