Leading Off for the Minnesota Twins…
The incumbent leadoff hitter, Dozier has entered the past few seasons as the Twins’ leadoff man. He’s spent some time hitting in other spots, namely the No. 2 hole, but for the most part has been the Twins’ leadoff man.
He’s not the prototypical leadoff hitter with his .236 average and low on-base percentage (.307). But as of now he has the most experience as an everyday leadoff man in the big leagues and experience could be what tips the scales for Dozier.
He may not be the long term answer as the Twins’ leadoff man but if Buxton isn’t able to claim the spot as his own, he may be asked to step in once again.
Let’s face it, this won’t happen. Either Mauer is too stubborn or Molitor is. No matter how much sense it makes, Mauer will probably continue to bat in the No. 3 hole.
But it’s still fun to think about what Mauer as the leadoff hitter would be like. What he brings to the table is a historically good eye, the ability to make contact with a .313 career average and a career .394 on-base percentage.
However, these numbers are highly skewed due to Mauer’s earlier success. These past two seasons have been a struggle as Mauer has had difficulties with the aftereffects of a concussion suffered in 2013.
If Mauer can prove he is healthy and can regain his hitting prowess, the Twins lineup will definitely get a much-needed boost. It just probably won’t be as the leadoff hitter.
Next: Eduardo Escobar