CLEVELAND -- Michael Cuddyer was drafted by the Twins as a shortstop in 1997 but also has played third base, first base and left field in the minors. Since being called up to the majors last month, he has played third, first and is being taught to play right field.

It appears the club is trying to make Cuddyer into a slightly different version of Denny Hocking, who's considered one of the best utility players in the game.

"I think in the grand scheme of things he could be the kind of guy -- if he doesn't earn the full-time job in right -- who could be an extra guy on a team," Twins manager Tom Kelly said. "He could pinch hit, play third, play first and play outfield. He could be a valuable guy to have. He can run, so he has some versatility.

"Whether he's ready for this league, I'm not sure. He does have some abilities that are attractive."

With the Twins officially eliminated from the playoff race, attention will turn to looking at players who can help next season. Cuddyer (pronounced Cuh-DIE-er) is expected to see plenty of action this week before heading to the Arizona Fall League, a league for top prospects.

The Twins have announced an open competition for right field next season, and Cuddyer will get a look there along with Bobby Kielty, Brian Buchanan and Dustan Mohr. The club could opt to pursue a free agent outfielder, too. But Cuddyer will be given serious consideration.

"Anyone who has the offensive potential, you're going to find a spot for him," Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. "You may have to give up a little defense, but it you've got a guy who's going to produce, give you run production and be the type of contributor that a Mike Cuddyer can be, you are not going to hold him back."

Cuddyer, 21, is coming off a breakthrough season at Class AA New Britain in which he batted .301 with 30 homers and 87 RBI. It's no secret the Twins need power from the right side of the plate, and Cuddyer could be part of the solution.

Cuddyer had 34 homers over three previous minor league seasons and batted a disappointing .263 last season at New Britain. The Eastern League is considered a good pitcher's league, so Cuddyer's numbers this season are noteworthy.

"I was pleased to go out and produce, especially in my second year at New Britain," he said. "I wanted to make a statement that I could play on that level, and things went well. I got the call up here and it's been an unbelievable experience. It's been a lot of fun."

Being a power-hitting shortstop would be glamorous and fall in line with an increasing trend in baseball in which players such as Alex Rodriguez, Nomar Garciaparra and Rich Aurillia are power threats at the position. Cuddyer, who has filled out to a solid 210 pounds, does not regret moving from short and welcomes the versatility. He has maintained his agility and has the speed to cover ground in the outfield. His arm is strong, but has been erratic.

"My ultimate goal ever since I was a kid was to be in the big leagues," Cuddyer said. "However it happened, it was going to happen. The one thing I was concerned about was getting here. Whether it was playing three, four or five different positions, that was how it was going be."

Kelly helped initiate the Cuddyer experiment during spring training, when he had a conversation with him that went something like this:

Kelly: "So, Michael, do you plan on moving Corey Koskie off of third base anytime soon?"

Cuddyer: "Uh... no."

Kelly: "What does that tell you?"

Cuddyer: "I better learn a different position?"

Kelly helped Cuddyer purchase first baseman's and outfielder's gloves that day, and Cuddyer went to New Britain and started moving around the field. He played 81 games at third, 57 at first and 19 in the outfield. He committed 28 errors and has 151 errors in four minor league seasons. He's had throwing problems throughout his career.

Cuddyer has appeared in four games with the Twins, and is 2-for-8 with a walk and five strikeouts. He was charged with a throwing error on Saturday when he neatly scooped a ball hit to his right while playing first base but threw wildly to pitcher Joe Mays, who was covering the bag.

Cuddyer takes grounders at third and first before games and has worked in the outfield, too. Twins outfield coach Jerry White said Cuddyer moves well and gets good jumps on fly balls. Cuddyer said he also watches Doug Mientkiewicz at first and still tries to pick up things from Koskie at third.

"It's all still a learning process," Cuddyer said.