2015 Twins: Who Paces The Lineup?

By Ted Schwerzler |

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Last season, the Minnesota Twins were amongst the best in Major League Baseball when it came getting runs across the plate. Unfortunately, they also gave up plenty in a season that led to another 90 losses. If the Twins are going to replicate their offensive success of a season ago, Minnesota will need new players to step up at the plate.

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In 2014, Brian Dozier paced the Twins as part of his breakout season, with 145 base hits. He was followed by Trevor Plouffe (134), and Kurt Suzuki (129). Heading into the 2015 season, you can expect some familiar names, and some new names to enter into the top five hit leaders on the club.

Looking at it from reverse order, here is who we expect to pace the Twins at the plate this season.

Sep 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) at bat against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

5. Danny Santana (2014 total: 129)

Last season, Danny Santana came onto the scene and went nuts for the Twins. He played everywhere he was asked in the field, and hit a blistering .319 at the plate. His 129 hits was good enough for 5th overall on the club.

Entering 2015, Santana appears to be a prime candidate for some significant regression. His .405 batting average on balls in play is simply not sustainable, and his average should return more towards his career mark of around .290. With that being said, the Twins should still be plenty able to count on him to hit for them.

Danny Santana, despite the competition, should figure to be the Twins Opening Day shortstop. He played in only 101 games last season, and that number should rise. He will likely also serve as the Twins leadoff hitter. Although the average may dip, expect him to continue to get on base at a respectable clip, and for a majority of that to be by way of base hits.

Aug 11, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (24) drives in a run with a fielders choice during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Trevor Plouffe (2014 total: 134)

In 2014, Plouffe had a very solid all-around season. The Twins 3rd basemen was able to take significant steps forward at third base, while posting the best average of his major league career. Finishing second on the club in hits a season ago was a sign that Plouffe has the ability to contribute for this club.

Plouffe played in 136 games last season, a number that was down due to an injury that ended his season. In 2015, Plouffe will open as the starting third basemen, despite being pushed by Miguel Sano. Upon the emergence of the phenom prospect, Plouffe should still see regular time at third, or at another position that the Twins could push him to.

With Plouffe dropping to 4th on the club in hits in 2015, it’s less of a reflection on the season expected for Plouffe, and more of an indication that the talent has increased in the lineup. Expect Plouffe to continue to contribute for the Twins at a high level.

Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brian Dozier (2014 total: 145)

Dozier paced the Twins in hits last season, as well as finishing second in the major leagues with 112 runs scored (behind only Mike Trout‘s 115). Dozier also broke out the boomstick with 23 home runs for the Twins a season ago.

What you saw last year from Dozier was not a fluke, he is the real deal, and one of the top second basemen in the major leagues. With that being said, it stands to reason that Dozier will also have more competition for the club’s hit leader this season.

Minnesota has added quality bats, and with regression due to set in for some players, Dozier will be pushed by some of his peers. Look for the Twins second basemen to continue to hit for power, as well as get on base. Brian Dozier should turn in another solid season for the Twins.

Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) in the on deck circle in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

2. Joe Mauer (2014 total: 126)

Once again in 2014, Joe Mauer missed time due to a significant oblique injury. He was only able to play in 120 games, but was noticeably different when returning from the ailment. In his time at the plate in 2014, Mauer compiled 126 hits, which was good enough for 5th on the team.

Expecting Mauer to have a much more clean bill of health heading into 2015 seems to be a relatively good bet. In his second season at first base, it should also be assumed that Mauer will have a much better idea how to attack the strike zone.

With a career average of .319, Twins fans should expect Mauer to return to hitting over .300 in 2015. The last time he finished a season with a sub-.300 average, Mauer rebounded to with a .319 season. Although I don’t know if we see something that drastic, expecting 150 hits is very realistic.

Sep 23, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) hits an RBI double in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. Torii Hunter (2014 total: 157)

The offseason addition on offense for the Twins, Torii Hunter comes back into the fold. Last season, his 157 hits were the lowest total the outfielder has posted in three years. Although his defense has fallen off, his offensive prowess still remains one of his best assets.

A career .279 hitter, Hunter has actually bested that mark each of the past three seasons as well. Having hit at least 16 home runs each of the past three-year, the Twins can expect they have signed a nice blend of power and contact, as well as a capable mentor in Hunter.

While he may play outfield to the starting rotation’s detriment, Hunter can be expected to provide an asset in the middle of the lineup for the Twins. With a handful of players destined for regression, Hunter should prove a valuable addition for Minnesota. Expect him to record north of 160 hits, and lead the club in his first season back.

Minnesota is in a good spot with their lineup. Projecting these players as the top five hitters in 2015, leaves out Kurt Suzuki and Eduardo Escobar, both of whom recorded over 100 hits for the Twins a season ago. If the Twins can be improved on the pitching front, they should find themselves in a good spot this season.

Next: On The Fast Track: Three Emerging Twins Prospects

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