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Minnesota Twins: The 40 Best Players In Team History (No. 21-25)

By Jackson Bruce

May 16, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a RBI double in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a RBI double in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 20, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of the field after the weather postponed a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 20, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of the field after the weather postponed a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 21: Roy Smalley (20.8 WAR)

Roy Smalley played a productive career in a Minnesota Twins uniform, which spanned ten years over two different stints. Smalley had a good eye at the plate and was an All-Star talent that could pop a ball over the fence.

He had power, hitting double-digit home runs in five of his seasons in Minnesota. His best power year was in 1979 when he hit 24 home runs and drove in 95 runs while batting .271. He made the All-Star team that season and received MVP votes. He had 4.3 wins above replacement, which was the second best single season total of his career.

His most valuable season according to WAR was the year before, in 1978. He tallied 5.9 wins above replacement while hitting 19 home runs and driving in 77 runs. He also batted .273. His WAR that season was the fourth best among American League position players.

Smalley will be remembered as a Twin for his production, and for being a part of the 1987 World Series championship team. He would retire on top after that season. He also is sixth in club history in career walks with 549.

Next: Top 40 Greatest Twins No. 26-30

His ability to hit for power, get on base and make putouts in the field (he was first in the AL in assists each year from 1977 to 1979) made him a valuable member of the Minnesota Twins. His place on the list is proof of his value during his two stints in Minnesota.

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