Minnesota Twins vs AL Central at Shortstop
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
Kansas City Royals: Alcides Escobar was derailed near the beginning of 2015 due to injury, and ultimately posted a .614 OPS with 3 home runs, 47 RBI, 76 runs, and 17 stolen bases.
Detroit Tigers: The power may have been lacking, but Jose Iglesias wrapped up 2015 with a .717 OPS, 23 RBI, 44 runs, and 11 stolen bases.
Cleveland Indians: Though only playing in 99 games in 2015, Francisco Lindor put up numbers to suggest a great future at shortstop. He hit .313/.353/.482 with 12 home runs and 51 RBI.
Chicago White Sox: Jimmy Rollins ended 2015 with career lows in steals and OPS. He ultimately posted a .643 OPS with 13 home runs, 41 RBI, 71 runs, and 12 stolen bases.
Our ranking of the AL Central at Shortstop:
- Cleveland Indians: If Francisco Lindor is able to continue where 2015 ended, he could be the best shortstop in the league come October.
- Detroit Tigers: Jose Iglesias is an all around average shortstop. Though he hits to a good average, those hits don’t contribute much else to the team. With a little luck, those at bats could lead to more production in 2016.
- Minnesota Twins: Eduardo Escobar ended his 2015 on a high note. 2016 could be his first full season at the position, and so it will be interesting how he adapts to that adjustment.
- Kansas City Royals: Alcides Escobar has great speed and is a defensive asset, but his bat keeps him from ranking higher on this list.
- Chicago White Sox: Jimmy Rollins is likely a large improvement over Alexei Ramirez, but he still doesn’t shape up well against the rest of the AL Central.
Next: Twins v. AL Central: Center Field
The AL Central has a lot of questions regarding shortstop. Though Lindor could be the best at the position, but his hype is based on a small sample size. Eduardo and Alcides Escobar and Jose Iglesias are equally matched. The most convincing prediction is that Jimmy Rollins continues to decline. As such it will be interesting to revisit these rankings at the end of the season. Regardless, the Twins has a player at shortstop that will help them compete and will not be a weak link in comparison to the other shortstops in the game.