2015 Twins: For Better Or For Worse

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) throws to first in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop

Why They’ll Be Better:

In 2014, the opening day shortstop for the Minnesota Twins was Pedro Florimon. He lasted all of 33 games before being sent down and never again being recalled by the big league club. No longer with the organization, the starting shortstop role is going to be decided by Danny Santana and Eduardo Escobar. Santana burst onto the scene for the Twins last season and played out of the outfield, but there’s absolutely no doubt that both players represent a much higher caliber than what the Twins had in Florimon.

Why They’ll Be Worse:

Minnesota is going to have a competition at short this spring between both Santana and Escobar. While Santana has to be considered the favorite to win the job, he may in fact pose the biggest liability. His bat is probably a better asset than that of Escobar’s, but his range and defensive ability leaves something to be desired. No matter who the Twins run out to short, both players should see offensive regression in 2015, and if that’s paired with poor defense things could go downhill fast.