Matt Tolbert

2013

There was no outlook written for Matt Tolbert.

2012

Tolbert can play three positions in the infield and has some speed for fantasy purposes, but he hasn't hit at all the last two seasons. He'll likely compete for a utilty role with the Cubs this spring, but may need to prove himself in Triple-A again.

2011

Tolbert began last season in the minors, which was a mild surprise since he was productive as the everyday third baseman in September in 2009 (.829 OPS). Even though he struggled at Triple-A, he was soon called up in a utility role before missing six weeks with a finger injury. Tolbert can play three positions in the infield and has some speed for fantasy purposes. However, he doesn't hit for much power. He'll compete for a utility job this spring.

2010

Tolbert lost out on a utility role last spring, but was later called up in that capacity before taking over regular duty at third base in the final month of the season (.829 OPS in September). Tolbert can play three positions in the infield and has some speed for fantasy purposes. However, he doesn't hit for much power and struggles against righties, which limits his upside. He enters next spring in the mix for a utility job with Minnesota.

2009

Tolbert turned a breakout 2007 season at Double-A into a utility job in the majors after several injuries struck and made a strong impression with manager Ron Gardenhire. He doesn't have great plate discipline or much power. It's also arguable that he's only had one great half season (in 2007) in his career and his upside is limited since he'll turn 27 next season. Still, he's likely to win a utility role and it's not far fetched that he could be the starting shortstop at some point if Nick Punto falters. He got the green light on the basepaths last season, so he could be a source of cheap steals.

2008

Tolbert hit .400 for much of the first half of the season at Triple-A Rochester, but slumped in the second half. His first-half hot streak didn't seem to jive with the rest of his mediocre minor league career. He'll be 26 next season, so the jury is out if he's a possible solution for the lack of hitting depth the Twins have in the infield. He does have a good glove, and he was moved from second base to third base last season with the Twins lacking depth at that position.