Top 5 Gifts Twins Will Give Fans In 2015
As the 2014 year comes to a close, the 2015 Major League Baseball season fast approaches. With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training shortly after the turn into the new year, opening day of the 2015 season will be here before you know it. For the Minnesota Twins, there is plenty to get excited about, and in the Christmas spirit, it’s time to take a look at the gifts given to fans in the upcoming season.
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Now by definition, gifts don’t need to be a tangible object, and unless you plan on taking these players or practices home with you, they aren’t. However, looking at each one of them individually, they should combine to make watching baseball at Target Field and incredibly more exciting place to watch baseball this season.
Let’s get into it:
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) at bat against the Baltimore Orioles during game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
5. Torii Hunter: While Torii has already been signed by the Twins this offseason, he won’t be back in front of fans at Target Field until 2015. Although his signing brings a new bat to the lineup, and some mentorship capabilities to the clubhouse, one of the biggest reasons he was brought back was to end his career with the Twins. As a fan favorite, the club will benefit from ticket sales he brings in, and Twins Territorians will be able to relive some nostalgia through the man that used to make a habit of robbing home runs at the Metrodome.
March 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sano (97) in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
4. Influx of young talent: The Twins have arguably the deepest farm system in all of Major League Baseball. As the trend of losing comes to a halt, it will be on the backs of the young and home-grown talent that the success will continue. Although Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano will not start the season with the Twins, both should make their debuts in 2015. Alex Meyer, the chip acquired in exchange for Denard Span, has a very good chance to start in the rotation as well. Outside of those three, Eddie Rosario could find himself some playing time in the outfield, and Jorge Polanco could end up resurfacing at Target Field as well.
Jun 10, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Twins coach Paul Molitor (4) during batting practice before the start of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
3: Paul Molitor: Again, Molitor as the new manager of the Minnesota Twins is an event that took place in 2014, however he will take over the reigns on the field in the coming season. Despite the track record of success that Ron Gardenhire developed with the Twins, a change became necessary. Molitor has seemingly been more receptive to advanced statistics and the ver evolving advancements surrounding the game. Considering that notion, look for the Twins to play with a renewed sense of fresh air, and the team to make some minor adjustments that could go a long ways.
Sep 3, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
2: Pitching Turnaround: The Twins have already made their rotation better through the signing of Ervin Santana. While we addressed our ideas of what the starting rotation may look like, it could very well stand to reason that the biggest upgrade to the Twins pitching isn’t a pitcher at all. Neil Allen was hired as the Twins pitching coach this offseason, and the replacement to Rick Anderson. Recent history has left the Twins amongst the worst in the major leagues when it comes to pitching. A fresh perspective from someone that is highly regarded and seen as a very strong pitching coach should provide the turnaround that fans are hoping for.
Sep 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
1: Competitive Balance: It’s no secret that the Twins aren’t World Series contenders in 2015 (Currently with 150/1 odds), but that isn’t to say a change shouldn’t be expected. The AL Central may shape up to be the best division in baseball, and the Twins should be in the thick of it. Looking at an already strong lineup (finishing in the top 10 in regards to run production in 2014), the Twins have added another solid bat in Hunter, and should be supplemented by a better pitching staff that continues to take steps forward. Minnesota isn’t yet ready to reel off multiple AL Central division titles, but expecting a .500 team, and one that could challenge for a surprise Wild Card spot isn’t out of the question either.
Next: Projecting Your Twins Opening Day Lineup
As the winter months continue on, and as the Christmas season shows us plenty of giving, take solace in these five instances that go to prove the Twins are ready to start the turnaround in 2015.
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