NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins’ middle infield is unsettled for next season, but general manager Terry Ryan said he plans to staff the shortstop and second-base positions with a host of internal candidates competing for jobs.
Jamey Carroll returns in the last year of his contract, and Brian Dozier could get another look at either second base or shortstop.

— the Twins hope his struggles in his rookie season will make Dozier better in 2013. Eduardo Escobar and Pedro Florimon also could compete for time.

“We’re open (to add a middle infielder), but I’m not going to tell you that’s our main priority,” Ryan said. “We’re looking for pitching. The dollars we set aside for free agents is for pitching.”

Manager Ron Gardenhire said he hopes the Twins add a player to give their current middle infielders more competition; he would prefer to use Carroll in a utility role rather than making him an everyday starter.

“I think a better situation with him would be spot-playing here and there and not beat him up,” Gardenhire said. “But he’s also a gamer; he likes to be out there.”