Minnesota Twins vs AL Central at Shortstop
By Paul Overbee
How do the Minnesota Twins compare to their AL Central competition at Shortstop?
Puckett’s Pond is taking a look at how the Minnesota Twins compare at each position vs their AL Central Competition. Here is a quick look at how each team shapes up at shortstop.
A shortstop can make a break a team. Typically it’s one of the least productive positions in terms of offense. Instead, most teams look to put some of their best defensive players at the position. Many times a team will come to expect little offensively from their shortstop, given that they are elite on defense. Yet, A high quality shortstop needs to be well-rounded and contribute on both sides of the game. All time greats such as Ernie Banks are memorable not only for the great plays on the field, but for their ability to make an impact in the lineup as well.
Who occupies that role on the AL Central teams?
Minnesota Twins: By the end of 2015, Eduardo Escobar had shown himself to be capable as an everyday shortstop for the Minnesota Twins. Alternatives for the position include Eduardo Nunez, Danny Santana, and Jorge Polanco. Both Nunez and Santana have seen time at the position without overtaking Escobar in the depth chart. By wrapping up 2015 impressively, Escobar has been able to take the shortstop position for his own rather than just keeping the seat warm for Polanco, but one could expect Polanco to take the reigns if trouble arises.
As mentioned above, the best shortstops contribute both offensively and defensively. Compared to the Twins other options, Escobar has shown himself as an adequate defender from the position. Additionally he was able to finish the 2015 season with a .754 OPS, 12 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 48 runs scored. If his 2016 season begins as his 2015 season ends, the position could be his for the foreseeable future.
Next: The Rest of the Central