Twins Cap Off Solid First Week In Fort Myers

Sep 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Danny Santana (39) forces out Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) at second base and throws the ball to first base for a double play in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Shortstop Competition Isn’t Much Of One

Thus far, Danny Santana and Eduardo Escobar have both gotten a significant amount of run when it comes to playing shortstop in the field. Santana has to be viewed the favorite, and it looks like he should continue to hold onto that title. As it stands, the starting role is his to lose, and he’s done very little to suggest he deserves that fate.

On his side, Escobar owns a better ability to get to balls deep in the hole. The competitor has shown an advanced amount of range, and that remains his most significant asset at the position. Last season, both Escobar and Santana hit to a much higher level than would have been expected. They have both continued the trend throughout the first four spring training games, so separation really hasn’t set in there.

Santana should continue to pace the competition, and be given the nod more often than not. If both players continue to hit throughout the spring, the deciding factor will likely come down to a few key plays in the field. That being said, with Santana presumably holding the higher upside, expect him to get more of the benefit of the doubt. If the Twins can continue to get production out of Escobar’s bat, there’s no reason to scoff at that as a bench asset.

Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone (49) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Minnesota won 12-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching As An Asset

This narrative has been something we have been pushing all offseason. The past four years, the Twins have been abysmal on the mound. Starting guys like Samuel Deduno and Cole DeVries in the rotation, they were doomed to fail from the get go. This season, an addition like Ervin Santana makes an immediate impact to the rotation.

In their first four games, the Twins have seen Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes, Tommy Milone, and Ervin Santana all start games for them. Both Gibson and Hughes gave up runs, but for the most part, starting performances have been something for the club to hang their hats on. With relief efforts that have held teams to low scoring outputs, Paul Molitor has to be in a position where he feels good about where his pitchers are.

On Sunday, the Twins got their first glimpse at future arms in the form of Jose Berrios as well. Coming on for three innings of work against the Baltimore Orioles, he looked every bit as sharp as his 2014 suggested he could be. Striking out two and finding himself in plenty of low-stress situations, Minnesota had to come away impressed from the first outing.

Ricky Nolasco is set to make his Spring Training debut this week, and will look to rebound from an injury-riddled 2014 season. Adding his quality arm back into the rotation, the Twins are in a great place entering the 2015 campaign. All of this has been stated without even mentioning Trevor May or Alex Meyer as well.

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) argues with home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries And Sicknesses

For the most part, the Twins have begun the 2015 season on a great note when it comes to the injury front. A UCL scare for Lewis Thorpe turned out to be nothing, and both Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano appear all systems go. As it stands right now, the only significant issue the organization seems to be dealing with is a slight quad strain for catcher Josmil Pinto. The hope would be that he is back in action sooner rather than later.

While the Twins haven’t had to deal with injuries too much to start the spring, the flu has taken its toll on the clubhouse. Brian Dozier became the latest scratch, with Trevor Plouffe, Kurt Suzuki, Trevor May, Oswaldo Arcia, and Jordan Schafer all missing time. While the flu isn’t a long-term concern, more players coming down with the illness is not an ideal situation.

All things considered, the Twins have to be extremely happy about where things stand with how they have begun their season. With so many breaks going the wrong way a season ago, there has to be plenty of reason for relief with what has virtually been a clean bill of health this time around.

Nov 4, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor addresses the media at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Molitor Thinking Ahead

Thus far in Spring Training, we have already heard plenty from the Twins new skipper. While many of these early games are about getting the process down for repetitive success, Molitor has said plenty about how he plans to handle the season ahead. Expecting scenarios to be managed differently as Spring Training goes on, the Twins new manager has been thinking ahead from the get go.

Minnesota has plenty of power hitters this season. With guys such as Oswaldo Arcia, Miguel Sano, and Kennys Vargas all likely drawing shifts from opposing defenses, Molitor has already discussed attack plans for those situations. He has mentioned he’s not afraid of analytics, and is also willing to run on teams. The Twins have noted that an increased focus on holding runners and controlling the game is also something they are working on this time around in Fort Myers.

Whether on the offensive or defensive side of the game, Molitor understands that the turnaround for a ballclub is not only going to be through the output, but also in the execution of each situation. Watching for little nuances throughout the early games, and expecting changes as Spring Training draws on is a very real possibility.

Mar 4, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (70) runs down the first base line during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Plenty Of Youth Early

Having regurgitated plenty of lineup cards early on this week, it’s hard not to get excited about what is to come for the Twins. Seeing names like Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano, and Byron Buxton get plenty of playing time in big league camp, the reminder is that the future is nearly here.

For the most part, Sano has looked comfortable at third base. A tough hop turned into a rushed throw and an error against the Baltimore Orioles, but he has held his own for the most part. At the plate, albeit in a limited number of at bats, he still does remain hittless. Byron Buxton is also without a hit thus far in the spring, while Rosario has gotten himself on the board.

In the outfield, Rosario and Buxton have looked good next to each other. For the lack of the speed the Opening Day lineup might have on the corners in Oswaldo Arcia and Torii Hunter, Buxton and Rosario represent a significant upgrade. While the keys aren’t yet handed over, it’s wildly apparent that the Twins aren’t giving a look at the youth for no reason.

As the games continue on, Sano, Rosario, and Buxton continuing to settle in and get comfortable is something the Twins have to be hoping for. Counting on each of them at some point this season is probably already on the table.

Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Eddie Rosario against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Playing Time Deductions

It really is hard, and maybe even unfair to deduce much from early playing time in Spring Training. With that being said, there’s plenty to analyze looking at the early lineups that Paul Molitor has employed at the ballpark. A great starting point is prospect Eddie Rosario.

Having been delayed a season ago by a 50 game suspension, the Twins could be giving significant thought towards an early promotion. Rosario has played at the Double-A level for 70 games in 2013, he likely wouldn’t have repeated it had it not been for the suspension. His Arizona Fall League performance was stellar, and the move to left field removes the block that was Dozier at second base.

Once a highly touted prospect for the Twins, it’s probably safe to bet that Rosario could be this season’s Danny Santana. Getting an early callup to help out in the outfield, Rosario could make an immediate impact for the Twins. Without the worry of a Super 2 situation, the Twins could give Rosario a look as early as June.

Miguel Sano also falls into the category of a young guy who has gotten a significant amount of run. Whether it be at the designated hitter spot, or playing third base, Molitor has wanted to see Sano plenty early on. Coming off of injury, he likely will be slow played to start out the year, but there should be next to no reason he doesn’t surface with the Twins in 2015.

There’s probably not going to be a reason the Twins need Sano prior to June, despite the Super 2 situation. Regardless, expecting him to be up with the Twins for good sometime in August is probably a pretty real possibility.

Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) drives in a run in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Offense Lagging Behind

Before the headline throws you off, let’s remember this is a particularly normal situation. When it comes to Spring Training, rarely is offensive output at the same point as pitching is early. Pitchers are hucking it up to the plate at 90-plus miles per hour. Hitters haven’t had that game situation for months, and many are still knocking the rust off.

Outside of a nine-run performance against the Boston Red Sox, the Twins have failed to score more than two runs in any other contest. Batting averages are down across the board, and the lineup has not produce in many run scoring situations. Now, expect that to slowly change.

There’s no reason to believe that pitching is simply going to fall of the deep end, but as the weeks of March go by, look for improved discipline and results at the plate for hitters. As they step into game situations and get more at bats, the results should start to trend upwards.

A season ago, the Twins were amongst the best in Major League Baseball when it came to scoring runs. Despite the fact that regression will set in for a handful of players, they have constructed a lineup in which other players should be able to step up.

Continue to stay tuned throughout Spring Training for more breakdowns of the action. Twins baseball in 2015 is just getting underway, and there’s no reason to start missing the action so soon.

Next: MLB Pipeline Checks In From Twins Camp

More from Puckett's Pond

• Minnesota Twins: 2022 Year in Review for Twins Baseball
• Minnesota Twins: Making the Case for the Current 2023 Rotation
• Minnesota Twins: Does the MLB or the Twins have a Spending Problem?
• Minnesota Twins: 2 Possible Free Agent Reunions for 2023
• Minnesota Twins: Holiday Wish List for the rest of the Offseason