2015 Twins: Who Leads The Longballs?

Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a single in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brian Dozier

It’s not often a second basemen finds themselves into the Home Run Derby, and even less often that a 5’11” 190 lbs player is considered a home run threat. Brian Dozier is Mississippi strong however, and is knocking all of those stereotypes.

He participated in the 2014 Home Run Derby last season at Target Field, and although it didn’t go as planned, his season total of 23 led the Twins. His swing is not designed to hit the high, bombing, home runs. Instead, he uses a solid stroke to launch line drives into the seats, and changes very little of what he does each at bat. Dozier finds himself in the lineup on a daily basis, and his bat will continue to find pop.

Last season, the 23 home runs came in 156 games. He struggled at the plate in the second half however, and much of the power stroke seemed to leave him. Expect Dozier to be somewhere in the middle this season, and a bit more consistent over both halves. Looking for 16 home runs should be a fair plateau.