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
Prove It Guys Prove It
That isn’t read as a form of redundancy, or to solidify a statement, but rather suggesting that players who should be out to prove it in 2015, do so. Last season Trevor Plouffe, Kurt Suzuki, Phil Hughes, and Danny Santana had solid seasons for the Twins. 2015 will be about replicating that success and showing it was more than a one year wonder.
Plouffe showed an advanced level of ability at third base last season, and has done enough to lengthen his leash on holding the position. He was able to hit enough to be considered an asset in the lineup, and there’s no doubt that he took steps forward a season ago.
Minnesota awarded Suzuki with a two-year extension after his All-Star campaign, and there’s very little that could go bad on them for doing so. Expecting Suzuki to replicate his offense is probably a tall order, but even being part of the player he was a season ago would be a big positive for Minnesota.
Good luck having Phil Hughes replicate what he did in 2014. After setting a major league record in his walk to strikeout ratio, he’s going to have a tough time with an encore. The good news is he doesn’t have to. The expectation should have been that he would be good away from Yankees Stadium, that just needs to continue.
Finally, Santana was a revelation for the Twins in 2014. Providing flexibility to play centerfield while being the lone batter to hit above .300, Santana was no doubt a welcomed addition. His average is going to regress in 2015, his .405 batting average on balls in play was simply too high. That said, he needs to continue to perform at a high level and show he can handle being the every day shortstop for the Twins.