Oct 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Former Minnesota Twins outfielder
Michael Cuddyer(23) warms up before a game. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Like Tovar, Michael Cuddyer played many different positions in the infield and outfield. Cuddyer spent more time in right field than any other position during his 11 seasons with the Twins.
- Sixth in Runs Scored (606)
- Fifth in Hits (1106)
- Sixth in Home Runs (141)
- Fifth in Runs Batted In (580)
- Ninth in Stolen Bases (52)
- Seventh in Batting Average (.272)
- Sixth in On Base Percentage (.343)
- Eighth in Slugging Percentage (.451)
He was an all-star in 2011, his last season with the Twins. Cuddyer started his career as an infielder but became a utility player off the bench. He took over right field duties in 2006. From then on he was exceedingly popular among Twins fans.
Cuddyer, like Jones, saved the Twins. But he saved the Twins in a different way. Jones saved the franchise. Cuddyer saved the 2009 season. In that season, he was tasked with filling in at first base for the injured Justin Morneau. It was a big blow to the team as Morneau’s injury was season ending. With 30 home runs, the main source of power was now gone.
Cuddyer played the last 21 games of the ’09 season. The Twins had a 17-4 record in those games. As for Cuddyer, he took over Morneau’s role with an exceptional performance. He hit 8 home runs and slashed an incredible .325/.398/.675. He also drove in 24 runs, at least one in 14 games.
The Twins forced a game 163 against the Detroit Tigers. In an epic extra-inning showdown and the Metrodome, the Twins won the game and the Central. There should be no doubt in any Twins fan’s mind that Cuddyer is responsible for saving the Twins last season in the Metrodome and creating long-lasting memories. His clutch home runs and overall kindness to everyone gives Cuddyer a boost on this list.
Writers Note: Cuddyer’s 2009 success and stats, as well as the 17-4 record mentioned, include the stats and result of game 163.
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