Sep 28, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) steal second base ahead of the throw to Detroit Tigers secantbaseman Ian Kinsler (3) in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In 2014, Santana came up and took Twins Territory by storm. A shortstop by trade, he was forced into the starting centerfield role. Now heading back to shortstop, and I don’t believe he will be bothered by competition, Santana should settle into the big leagues even further.
Santana record 20 stolen bases in 101 games a season ago, and was caught on the basepaths only 4 times. I think that number probably stays right around the same point. That’s not necessarily to say I don’t think Santana is a threat, but more so that he will be on base less. His batting average on balls in play in 2014 was over .400, that isn’t sustainable. The regression will serve to give him fewer chances.
I’d be comfortable assuming that Santana can swipe somewhere between 17-22 bases over the course of 2015. Hitting at the top of the lineup, it will be interesting to see how Molitor decides to utilize him around the diamond.