2015 Twins: Who Benefits Most In Fort Myers?

By Ted Schwerzler |

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Just a few days from now, the Minnesota Twins will begin their Spring Training schedule in full swing. Once that happens, players will be looking to not only gel with teammates for the upcoming season, but position themselves for the best opportunity on the field as well. There are a few players who stand to gain a lot in Fort Myers this season.

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We have seen this play out before. Both Aaron Hicks and Brian Dozier put together impressive Spring Training campaigns and found themselves vaulted into a new realm of discussion. With the Twins having plenty of youth and a couple of key position battles this season, who stands the most to gain down in Florida?

Let’s take a look at a couple of key candidates.

Aug 24, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Jordan Schafer (1) at bat against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Schafer

By this time, we have a pretty good idea that the centerfield spot is Aaron Hicks’ to lose. He’s coming in the favorite, and the Twins are hoping he gets off to the start he finished the season in the minors with. However, for Schafer, there is plenty to carve out this spring. Minnesota brought in some competition for the fourth outfield spot in the form of Shane Robinson. Last season, Schafer was as asset on the basepaths, and he even hit for the first time in his career.

Minnesota isn’t going to be expecting Schafer to contribute offensively to the same level, but he is going to need to be a defensive asset. At time last season, he looked lost in the outfield and that’s something the Twins can’t have in center. Schafer could be passed up by Robinson with a poor spring; a good one could have him pushing for Hicks’ job.

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton plays for the Salt River Rafters during an Arizona Fall League game against the Surprise Saguaros at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Buxton

While the Arizona Fall League was definitely a good start to get back into the swing of things, Buxton will face off against major league talent for the first time in Spring Training. For the top prospect in baseball, time in Fort Myers won’t be about making the Twins out of the gate, but could go a long ways in accelerating the timeline.

Often, it’s hard to put stock into statistical output or offensive prowess shown during the spring. That said, if Buxton can show that he has a solid approach and process down early, he could influence the Twins timeline in getting him up to the show. He’s going to start at Double-A, but Buxton’s season will be laid out by how he competes this spring.

Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) fields a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Santana

Probably one of the most interesting discussions this spring will be how well Santana takes to the new home in the infield. He is going to come in as the clear-cut favorite to win the starting shortstop job. However, Eduardo Escobar is going to provide some stiff competition.

Last season’s batting average is not going to repeat itself in 2015 for Santana, and he’s actually a worse defensive shortstop than Escobar. If Santana struggles with taking to the role, he could definitely have it swept out from under him by Escobar. I think the most likely scenario this spring is that the Twins allow Santana to work out the kinks, and then use the progress to determine his leash heading into the 2015 season.

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

Miguel Sano

Of the top prospects looking to break into things with the Twins, Sano has possibly the most to gain during Spring Training. As mentioned previously, offensive and statistical output isn’t something that ballclubs typically put much stock in. However, with Sano, if he’s able to prove his bat can play at the major league level and show some patience this spring, he can start to carve out a role.

Kennys Vargas is slated to be the Twins designated hitter, and Josmil Pinto is going to take at bats in the role as well. If Sano is going to show up with the Twins in 2015 though, it’s going to be first and foremost for his bat. While he may eventually take over for Trevor Plouffe, I’d bet on him sliding into the lineup before he does so in the field.

When Spring Training does get underway, the Twins will enter a season in which a certain amount of excitement should surround. Contrary to what the national opinion seems to be, this team should be improved, and is likely going to turn some heads.

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