Terry Ryan Gets Edgy In Twins Interview

May 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) fields a ball hit by the Texas Rangers in the 5th inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

On position battles:

FSN: Besides the rotation, is there a position group you’ll be keeping a close eye on this spring?

TR: “Yeah. I would say the backup catching situation would be important. We have three or four guys back there that’ll be in competition for that. Center field, we’ve got three or four guys that’ll be in competition for that. And the shortstop situation I think will play itself out, but no matter how we go there I think we’re in good shape.”

While the Twins have battles in theory, it’s probably fair to assume that the biggest role left up in the air is the fifth starter. Aaron Hicks should be penciled in to centerfield, with Danny Santana slated to start at short. Hicks is markedly better than those behind him, and after showing promise in his rise through the farm last season, the Twins would be hard-pressed to not give him one last chance. While Eduardo Escobar may offer more at shortstop, Santana should get the first crack to prove last year was repeatable (even if the level of batting average is not)

As far as catching goes, we’ll get to that with the next point. Pushing Josmil Pinto is one thing, selecting Chris Herrman or Eric Fryer over him for the 25 man roster is completely another.