Worst Case Scenario May Be A Silver Lining For Twins In 2015

By Ted Schwerzler |

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Welcome to the 2015 Minnesota Twins baseball season. For the first time in a matter of four years, Twins Territorians will be treated to something that looks drastically different than a team destine for 90 losses. As Spring Training gets underway, a simple look at the projected roster should have you more than excited about the Twins future. If things break poorly for them, it may not be all that bad either.

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We took a look back at the Twins last four seasons of Opening Day rosters just over a week ago, there wasn’t much to be excited about there. Comparing what the 25 man should look like then to now provides plenty of reason for hope. With that in mind however, the Twins true positioning might be best explained in looking at what happens when things go wrong.

Looking at each positional grouping subjectively, the Twins have more options this season than in any number of recent years combined. That’s a great thing, and in looking at each of them on their own it’s easy to see why.

Sep 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Plouffe (24) hits a single in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Infield

Around the diamond, the Twins will look very similar to 2014. Kurt Suzuki should be behind the plate with Trevor Plouffe, Danny Santana, Brian Dozier, and Joe Mauer filling things out from left to right. That in and of itself is a solid core. Boasting three All-Star caliber players, a third basemen who elevated his level in 2014, and an up and coming shortstop, the Twins are in a good place.

What’s better is what talent is behind them. Eduardo Escobar can handle playing short behind Santana, and provides a solid defensive upgrade as well. While Eduardo Nunez isn’t an ideal player for the Twins, he provides positional flexibility and can get the job done. Plouffe is coming back into the fold off of offseason surgery, and his insurance policy is none other than Miguel Sano.

Whether Sano finds his way into the lineup through the DH spot knocking out Kennys Vargas, or is called upon to replace Plouffe, the Twins have to be excited about that option. Should Suzuki find himself struggling at the plate, the Twins will have Josmil Pinto as the option to replace him in the lineup. That immediately spares players like Drew Butera or Eric Fryer from being slotted into a Twins lineup.

At each position in the infield, the Twins have solid starters heading into 2015. They have a Gold Glove candidate at second base, and multiple potential All-Stars. If things break the wrong direction, they could actually improve through their depth.

Sep 26, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Oswaldo Arcia (31) hits a two run home run in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Outfield

Heading into the season, an outfield of Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks, and Torii Hunter may in fact hurt Twins pitchers. With less than ideal defenders on the corners, Minnesota will need to hope the unit as a whole provides strong defensive ability. It is in the options that wait that the Twins should find their strength however.

There is very little to say when it comes to Byron Buxton. He is the best prospect in baseball, and should immediately make an impact upon being called up to the major league level. He will take over for Hicks, and should push Hicks to left, or the fourth outfield spot depending on how his season is going. If either Hunter or Arcia finds themselves on the shelf, another Twins prospect could shine.

Despite missing time due to a suspension in 2014, Eddie Rosario is nearing his debut at Target Field. He struggled at the plate a season ago, but also never had the time to settle in. With the ability to play both corner spots, and showing he can handle a bat, Rosario would be an immediate upgrade over the likes of a struggling Hicks or Jordan Schafer for the Twins.

While Max Kepler is still more than a year off, the Twins have solid options waiting in the wings when it comes to their outfield. The defensive issues could quickly turn into a position of strength.

Sep 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning in game one of a doubleheader at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Rotation

At this point, it’s almost shortsighted to not consider the rotation an area of strength. With four of the five positions spoke for, Minnesota has plenty of options to consider. Phil Hughes, Ervin Santana, Ricky Nolasco, and Kyle Gibson provide a solid core, and the fifth starter is going to be capable as well.

Regardless of whether the Twins go with Tommy Milone, Alex Meyer, Trevor May, or Mike Pelfrey in the fifth rotation spot, each player represents a major league caliber pitcher. No longer is the starting rotation going to be filled out by the likes of a Samuel Deduno or Cole De Vries.

On top of having a top-tier prospect like Meyer that may get pinched from the rotation, the Twins also have a guy named Jose Berrios that could find himself being a major league option at some point in 2015. Injuries are always going to nag a pitching staff, but it would appear that for the first time in years, the Twins have plenty more than just band-aids. No matter who is ran out to the mound on a daily basis, the team should feel capable of winning.

Sep 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) delivers against the Chicago White Sox in the ninth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Bullpen

In looking at the multitude of options for the rotation, there is no doubt that some of those arms won’t have a place for them. Minnesota could opt to transition a Pelfrey or Milone to the bullpen in a long relief or specialty type role. Considering the back-end is already bolstered by Glen Perkins and Casey Fien, the Twins will be looking for quality middle inning guys in relief.

There is no shortage of options within the organization as 2015 rolls around. Caleb Thielbar, Brian Duensing, and other familiar names still reside. Adding Tim Stauffer and J.R. Graham give the Twins reliable choices, and trade chips like Stephen Pryor should also be able to contribute.

With only seven bullpen spots available, and over half already likely accounted for, the Twins will have a handful of guys that don’t make the cut. As with the rest of their positions in 2015, that won’t be for lack of talent. Instead of reaching for stop gaps throughout the organization, the Twins can make roster moves that bring reliable talent to the ballpark on any given night.

Looking at the organization from a top down view, it is very easy to see why 2015 should be a much different season for the Twins. Not only are they more respectable at the major league level, but the talent near the top of the farm system should also be looked upon with pride.

Minnesota will no longer be in a position where call ups are made while biting fingernails, but instead in the belief that each player is going to provide a positive value to the major league club. Although injuries and deficiencies are no doubt going to take place, Minnesota looks like they are in a strong position to handle them.

Next: Four Years Of Futility: How Did The Twins Get Here?

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