2015 Twins: For Better Or For Worse

Aug 19, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) catches a ball at first against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

First Base

Why They’ll Be Better:

If there’s a position the Twins have a significant amount to gain over 2014, it’s at first. Minnesota watched as the transition of Joe Mauer out from behind the plate went about as bad as possibly imaginable. He continued to miss time in the field, and hit for one of the worst averages in his career. There’s absolutely no reason to think that another season of acclimation won’t turn this around. Mayer should return to a high performer at the plate, and he should be able to use the second offseason as preparation for both his body and mind when it comes to playing the position. Look for a big bounce back from Joe in 2015.

Why They’ll Be Worse:

Likely no one is missing the removal of Chris Parmelee off of the Twins 40 man roster, and eventually out of the organization. However, with Parmelee gone, the Twins now have a very little amount of depth behind Mauer. Kenny Vargas is on the roster to be a hitter more so than play the field, and there are no other conventional options. The Twins would need to get creative if Mauer misses time or Vargas continues to be a defensive liability.