2015 Twins: 5 Reasons The AL Should Be On The Lookout
In 2014, the Twins went through another 90 loss season. The mark made it four seasons in a row that the Twins have failed to stay away from the ugly loss total. As 2015 rolls around, a significant change should be expected from the organization, and the turnaround could be monumental.
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Despite the Twins being an absolute long shot to win the World Series (hint: they won’t), they are also significantly better than their projections suggest them to be. Despite baseball season bringing plenty of excitement on its own, the 2015 Twins will have plenty of firepower to challenge the American League as a whole.
In no particular order, here’s five reasons that you should believe in the 2015 Minnesota Twins.
May 17, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins coach Paul Molitor looks on from the dug out in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
1. Paul Molitor
In general, managers have little effect on the game of baseball. A lot of what takes place in between the lines is a culmination of multiple influences, as well as players executing on their own abilities. Although Ron Gardenhire‘s teams struggled in recent years, it was more a product of the situation, rather than an indication of his ability as a manager. That being said, a change needed to be made.
As Paul Molitor comes into the fold, the Twins now have a fresh new voice, and one the brings some different thoughts and principles with him. Outside of the heightened level of discipline and accountability Molitor appears to posses, the Twins should utilize more advanced metrics in today’s game. I would expect more running on the basepaths, some heightened aggression, and a continued focus on defensive positioning.
Molitor isn’t going to be in the field for the Twins obviously, but his presence and knowledge should be very apparent throughout the ballclub.
Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
2. Pitching As An Asset
When was the last time you could look at the Minnesota Twins starting rotation on opening day and suggest that they had strong pieces in each starting spot. This years rotation has no Kevin Correia, Cole De Vries, or anyone of the like. No matter who rounds out the 5th spot, considering the likes of Tommy Milone, Trevor May, and Alex Meyer are competing for it should tell you more than enough.
The bullpen has been retooled to a certain extent, and new faces have been brought in to help supplement the talent that was already there. Tim Stauffer should be a welcomed addition, and if J.R. Graham works out, the Twins might have hit a home run. Mike Pelfrey could provide the Twins some value, and Stephen Pryor could even force himself into consideration.
Pair the talent on the roster with the addition of a fresh face in the coaching department, and Neil Allen should have plenty to work with. For everything Rick Anderson did for the Twins, he too like Gardenhire, was no longer generating a response. Allen should be able to craft the arms on this team into something Minnesota can be proud of.
Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a two run triple during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Twins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
3. Joe Mauer
Last season was not good for Joe Mauer. He played in only 120 games and struggled mightily at the plate. Although he may never be a guy that plays more than 130 games again in his career, 2015 should be a return to form for the hometown kid.
After batting just .277/.361/.371 last season, Mauer can expect to rebound in a big way this season. In 2014, the move to first base provided more challenges than were immediately expected. The biggest challenge for Mauer may have been in understanding the strike zone without the knowledge of what it looked like. Previously in his career, Mauer had the benefit of sitting behind the plate and studying it prior to stepping in the batters box. With a season under his belt in which he now had to understand from a different perspective, expecting adjustments is logical.
Look for Joe Mauer to take strides forward on both the offensive and defensive sides of the baseball this season. With narratives not so focused on him, the pressure should be alleviated and the results should be beneficial. On a team that already hit will last season, adding back in Mauer’s bat as an asset is a great thing.
Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
4. The Prospect Timetable
Like everyone around Twins Territory, wanting Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano to surface at the major league level is something we are highly anticipating. With that in mind however, just when exactly they do is indicative of how the Twins season is going.
It remains very unlikely that either Sano or Buxton would make the 25 man roster out of Spring Training. With that in mind, how many teams throughout the major leagues have the ability to add two top talents to their roster at any point throughout the season without making a trade or signing? Whether the two top prospects surface out of forcing themselves onto the scene, or out of need, the Twins should be in a good spot regardless.
Byron Buxton could be called upon should the Twins outfield need help, and he would immediately provide a boost over the likes of Jordan Schafer or a struggling Aaron Hicks. If Kennys Vargas struggles at the plate, Miguel Sano could immediately make a splash with his bat. Both players give the Twins the ability to improve through their eventual call up. If they are competing, it would be a situation that they improve through within. If Minnesota is struggling, both prospects could help to change the direction.
Sep 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning in game one of a doubleheader at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
5. The Landscape Of The AL Central
Last season, the Twins actually handled their counterparts in the AL Central relatively well. Considering that the division produced the runner-up in the World Series, as well as another strong postseason team, the talent is well noted. In 2015, the AL Central will look pretty different, but the competitiveness should remain.
Going into this season, the division has to be regarded as having more parity than any year in recent memory. After finishing second to last, the White Sox made moves and now should be regarded as a favorite. The Tigers did little and have probably regressed. The Indians were able to add pieces and should again be talented, while the Royals appear to have taken the most steps backwards. For the Twins, this means they should have an even better chance in a division they already played well in.
Minnesota should push for a .500 record, with the outside shot at being in the running for a Wild Card spot come the late summer months. After having shored up deficiencies and observing their divisional opponents, the AL Central should be extremely competitive with the Twins right in the thick of it.
As Spring Training kicks off and the season gets underway, it’s not yet worth hyping the Twins as a World Series contender, but there wheels are rolling. Minnesota has given us plenty of reasons to look at 2015 as a season of excitement, and should be one of the building blocks that turns the franchise back into a contender.
Next: 2015 AL Central Standings Projections
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