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.