Positional Battles: What Happens In The Twins Outfield?
Although the Twins have most of their starting lineup locked in, there is a significant amount of uncertainty when it comes to just how the outfield will play out. One paper, there are three guys that ideally slot into each of the roles, but over the course of Spring Training, a couple of different scenarios could start to play out.
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Whether it is the two corner spots you are most interested in, or the man in center field, the Twins have a couple of things that they will be monitoring this spring. By all accounts, Torii Hunter is locked and loaded for the starting right field spot, even if his defense doesn’t necessarily warrant it. On the other side, Oswaldo Arcia will be the Twins left fielder, as long as his back holds up.
Having the corners taken care of, it will be on Paul Molitor to evaluate his best bet in center field this spring. Let’s take a look at his options…
May 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) fields a ball hit by the Texas Rangers in the 5th inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Arguably the most likely of the bunch, Hicks will almost assuredly get the first crack to prove he belongs. After being demoted to Double-A following yet another horrid season at the major league level last year, Hicks really turned it on. He was able to find the stroke at the plate that had him amongst the Twins most intriguing prospects just a few years ago.
Athletically, it would appear that Aaron has all of the tools. Being a switch hitter and getting it done from both sides of the plate in the minor leagues is something that still needs to transfer to the next level. He is more than capable of fielding the position as well, providing plenty of excitement in center at Target Field. His work ethic and hustle have been called into question, and he will need to answer to that this season.
Long term, everyone knows center is Byron Buxton‘s spot. If Hicks wants to play himself into a position in left field however, it will start by locking down center until the arrival of the top prospect in baseball.
Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Jordan Schafer (1) makes a diving catch in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Unlike Hicks, Schafer doesn’t have the pedigree of a high pick from within the organization. Debuting for the Atlanta Braves in 2009, Hicks has been little more than a defensive average outfielder. He provides little at the plate (.229/.311/.310 career line) and his biggest asset is on the basepaths.
That being said, should Hicks stumble during Spring Training, Schafer will be there breathing down his neck. After posting career numbers with the Twins (.285/.345/.362) in 41 games after being claimed off of waivers, he will be out to back that up in 2015. Even with the output at the plate, Schafer was responsible for being just a 0.3 WAR player last season while being three runs worse than average.
If the Twins have to go to Schafer as their full-time centerfielder early in 2015, the end could presumably be near for Hicks. Whereas Hicks has little to win in Spring Training, he has everything to lose. The opposite can be said about Schafer.
Oct 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Shane Robinson (43) catches a foul ball against Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (not pictured) during the fifth inning during game one of the MLB baseball World Series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Robinson has spent the entirety of his five-year major league career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, the Twins signed him to a minor league deal this offseason. Coming into Spring Training, Robinson will be on the outside looking in, and his biggest competition likely remains for the fourth outfield spot against Schafer.
His career .231/.303/.308 line substantiates the reasoning behind the Twins bringing him into the fold. A year ago, Danny Santana was forced into the outfield due to lack of depth entering the season. While Robinson isn’t going to hit at a rate high enough to allow the Twins to view him as an asset, he may play himself into the outfield rotation as a defensive replacement. Although he was responsible for being six runs worse than average a season ago, in 2013, Robinson was five runs better than average across 99 games for the Cardinals.
Much like Schafer, there is little for Robinson to lose in terms of ground. With a strong spring, and showing that he can be counted on as a defensive asset, he could overtake the former Braves waiver claim.
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Eddie Rosario against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
More than likely slated for a left field debut when he gets his chance, Rosario could factor into the outfield rotation for the Twins in a similar situation to that of Santana a year ago. One of my bold predictions heading into the season, Rosario could be poised for big things.
Rosario tore up the Arizona Fall League this past season, and he has done essentially all he can at the minor league level. He may start in Double-A Chattanooga with Doug Mientkiewicz, but he could be quickly accelerated through the system. Should Oswaldo Arcia struggle with injury in left, or the Twins be looking for more of an offensive force in a fourth outfield spot, Rosario could come into play.
Whenever he arrives at Target Field, the .294/.343/.485 career slash line across five minor league season is going to be a boost to the Twins outfield. Having some pop in his bat, as well as the ability to drive in runs will be a welcomed addition for the Twins.
Out of all of the offensive positions, it is the outfield that Spring Training will look to provide the most clarity. Make sure to check out the rest of our positional battles series.
Next: Positional Battles: Who Fields The Hot Corner For The Twins?