2015 Twins: Looking For A Spring Training Hero
The narrative has played out so many times before, especially for the Twins. While Spring Training is admittedly not a reflection of what is to come, there seems to be someone who always shines above the rest. Whether you look back at the spring Brian Dozier put together, or the one Aaron Hicks vaulted himself to the major leagues, there is always that one guy. In a year the Twins look to take a leap forward, who profiles as that player in 2015?
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Although both Tyler Duffey and Jose Berrios have been included as non-roster invites to Spring Training, they would both be amongst the category of guys that are probably on the outside looking in. When trying to decide who may turn a strong spring into a springboard for the season, we want to consider guys who could find themselves as beneficiaries of an immediate call up.
The Twins have a few intriguing players appeared to be slated on the 25 man roster as well as guys on the fringe who are right at the cusp. Here’s a look at some of the most realistic possibilities.
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Danny Santana is considered the favorite to start the season as the Minnesota Twins shortstop. After playing centerfield for most of the season a year ago, he will be moved back into the infield. However, last week we learned that Santana is going to have more competition that originally anticipated. Enter Escobar.
Looking at the two players, Escobar may not be all that much different from Santana. Despite Santana’s average sitting well above .300 a season ago, it was Escobar that actually played a better shortstop. With advanced range and ability to cover the position, Eduardo Escobar could push for more than a simple utility role.
Santana should see an average drop off as his .405 batting average on balls in play is not sustainable. Should Escobar hit to a high level during the spring, and Santana allow the door to be opened, Paul Molitor could find himself leaning more one way than another.
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Alex Meyer against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
At this point, it has to be assume that the Twins are going to have Meyer starting the season down in Triple-A Rochester. Rather than bring him up through the bullpen, and remove a typical relief option, it makes the most sense to keep Meyer in a starting role.
Right now, it would appear that Tommy Milone has the inside edge on the 5th rotation spot, with Meyer and Trevor May rounding out the real competition. However, Alex Meyer brings a strikeout ability that the Twins could so badly use in their starting rotation. Should the top prospect show that he has an increased handle on his command throughout Spring Training, it may be Milone on the outside looking in.
To break into the rotation leaving Fort Myers, Meyer will need to focus first and foremost on his command and limiting walks. If he is able to pound the zone, continue to strike batters out, and profile as a strong starting option, his upside alone could bump Milone. It is fair to reason that Meyer may be the player who Spring Training is most important for.
March 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sano (97) in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Of those named, Sano is the first guy that is most realistically not going to start the season with the Twins. Most likely, he will actually begin the year with Double-A Chattanooga. With that in mind, he could do an incredible amount down in Fort Myers in terms of pushing the Twins plans with him.
The biggest thing working against Sano is the fact that he is coming off from a lost season in 2014 due to Tommy John surgery. It’s not so much that the injury is a worry, but that the lack of playing time over the past 365 days is going to cause some rust. He didn’t participate in any winter ball, and was not on an Arizona Fall League roster.
As Spring Training rolls around, Sano’s best chance to be included amongst the Twins plans will be through the designated hitter spot. If Kennys Vargas experiences a significant cold spell out of the gate, and seems to be slumping heavily, Sano will see a door open. It will still be a significant uphill battle, but the biggest asset of Sano’s game is his bat, and that will be how he breaks through to Target Field.
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
On the 40 man roster, Rosario is still a highly regarded prospect for the Twins. Baseball Prospectus ranked Rosario the 60th prospect prior to the 2014 season. A suspension cut down his season, and he never found his groove. A career .294 hitter, Rosario hit just .237 across 79 games at the Double-A level.
In 2015, the Twins will likely go with Jordan Schafer as a fourth outfielder behind Aaron Hicks, and Eduardo Nunez will offer positional flexibility from the bench. Minnesota will want Rosario getting at bats, and he won’t be called up until he is going to play. That being said, his full-time role now being in the outfield provides some intrigue.
Oswaldo Arcia has displayed some back issues already this offseason, and neither Schafer nor Nunez provide the upside of Rosario. Coming off of a less than ideal 2014, Rosario will have to prove he is ready, but there are ways in which he fits. Spring Training will be more of a time for Rosario to cement a potential timeline for his promotion rather than an Opening Day inclusion, but he has the ability to put together a Dozier or Hicks like showing in Fort Myers.
Once the Twins get going in Florida, there will be plenty of intriguing prospects to keep an eye on. Considering the strength of the farm system as a whole, Minnesota will be looking for contributors in less than expected places. Plenty of guys have the ability to surprise, but who does so can separate themselves from the competition.
Next: Top 10 Twins Prospects To Watch In 2015