Positional Battles: Who Fields The Hot Corner For Twins?
As we get closer to the Minnesota Twins embarking on Fort Myers for the beginning of Spring Training, there are more than a few storylines to monitor. Yesterday we took a look at some of the most important players to watch over the course of the spring, and today we’ll begin to dive a little deeper into the positional battles that are set to take place.
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Arguably the most intriguing position this spring will be the hot corner. After a season that saw Trevor Plouffe really mature as a player, and Miguel Sano undergo a serious surgery, the position has plenty of intrigue. With a few different options potentially playing out over the course of Spring Training, we want to take a look at what each possibility brings to the table.
Let’s get into it…
Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) throws out Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (not pictured) at first base during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Minnesota Twins defeated Baltimore Orioles 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Plouffe
No doubt, the starting third base spot is Trevor’s to lose. After a strong 2014 at the plate in which he drove in a career high 80 runs, while also batting a career high .258, Plouffe seemed to put some things together in his age 28 season. While he still struck out over 100 times (109), he drew a career high in walks (53) which helped to produce a career high on base percentage as well (.328).
In the field, Plouffe showed advanced range, and in turn, produced a career high 4.0 WAR. Just three seasons ago, Plouffe was responsible for being 22 runs worse than average, and last season the turnaround was 180 degrees as he was responsible for being 15 runs better than average. His .960 fielding percentage was also the best mark he has posted in his five-year major league career.
For Plouffe, Spring Training will be about continuing the process. He will need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke, and that a corner has in fact been turned. Coming off of surgery in September he should be more than ready to go at this point. Although he may find himself playing in the outfield at some point in the future, Plouffe has done enough to be regarded as the clear frontrunner for the forseeable future at the hot corner.
March 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sano (97) on third base during the second inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Miguel Sano
Last season, Sano’s season ended before it began thanks to Tommy John surgery. Although not nearly as detrimental to a position player as a pitcher, Sano needs to prove he’s ready to go. Having shown some inability to field the third base position at the minor league level, that will be a focus this spring.
Just 21 years old, Sano still has time on his side. Having hit to the tune of a .279/.373/.567 line in four minor league seasons, his bat will play just fine at the major league level. The towering home runs will find their way out of Target Field as well. For Sano, it will be the other half of his game that determines when he is ready for the major leagues.
Likely starting out in Double-A Chattanooga with Doug Mientkiewicz, look for Sano to lay the groundwork during Spring Training. A strong spring backed by a quick start in the minors could put pressure on Plouffe. Should Trevor continue to hold down the position, options at the designated hitter spot may present themselves depending on Kennys Vargas‘ output.
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Field
Of the Twins infield, it is third base that is likely covered most by the utility presence on the 25 man roster. Both Eduardo Escobar and Eduardo Nunez are going to see time at the hot corner for the Twins. With Brian Dozier firmly entrenched at second base, and Danny Santana slated for the bulk of the work at short, third becomes the rotational spot.
Nunez could be a fifth outfield option should the Twins find need to place him out there, but both Eduardo’s bring a decent skillset to third base. Despite his hot start last season, Eduardo Escobar still owns a meager .255/.300/.365 line. Although Nunez provides a slightly higher career average, it is Escobar that may get the first crack to prove last year was him figuring some things out at the plate.
Expect both players to provide defensive assistance as well as spelling either Plouffe or Sano down the stretch.
Make sure to check back for the rest of the positional battle breakdowns.
Next: Spring Training: Twins To Keep An Eye On
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