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Minnesota Twins Pre-Season Staff Predictions Part 2

By Michael McKee

Mar 23, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) talks with center fielder Byron Buxton (25) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor (4) talks with center fielder Byron Buxton (25) in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Minnesota Twins’ season is about to begin. Puckett’s staff writers make their predictions on 12 topics

The Minnesota Twins’ 2016 season officially kicks off later today. Before the first pitch is thrown, we wanted to get a few predictions in about how this season might pan out.

We’ve selected twelve topics and have asked our staff writers to give their takes on each. We covered 6 in part one and 6 more here in part two:

  • Who is the biggest risk to be a bust?

More from Puckett's Pond

Jordan: Sano in the outfield is too easy, so I’ll go with Dozier. Opponents are starting to shift on him and that played a big part in his struggles in the second half of the season. He needs to start using all sides of the field I believe.

Martin: Oddly enough, I am going to go against the grain and pick Byron Buxton. I did pick him to be the Twins breakout hitter of the 2016 campaign back in January. I still believe he can be the breakout hitter, however, everyone else feels the same way. The Rookie of the Year predictions surrounding him are expectations that he may not live up to. WARNING: Too high of hopes and expectations for Buxton’s performance may lead to disappointment.

Scott: I’ll agree with Martin. Buxton does have some “bust” in his plate approach. Too many strikeouts. Gotta cut down on that swing like Kirby did early on and just make good contact. In a year or so, the power will follow as his confidence at the plate grows.

Paul: Jose Berrios. I have faith in Berrios being a major league level starter, but the hype levels on him have been exacerbated by the Twins need for a true ace. Many fans are expecting him to be the number one starter from his first game, and I think that is a lot of pressure for that arm.

Manuel: Honestly, Park. I seriously hope I’m wrong. Please, let me be wrong. It could go either way with him.

Mike: I don’t see any major risks for unexpected disappointments on this team. I think it’s pretty clear who might struggle this year.

Next: Will any Twins get Awards?

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