Minnesota Twins: The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of the first half
Brian Dozier
Brian Dozier has performed far worse than expected for the Minnesota Twins during this season. However, his power numbers are what keep him from being included on the ugly list.
Although Dozier is hitting just .227, he has 16 home runs through 94 games. Dozier has put up big power number during the second half over the last few seasons and should hit more than 30 home runs for the fourth straight year.
The second baseman started strong for the Twins hitting .304 with four home runs through the first 17 games. However, that’s where it all ended for Dozier. He has hit 12 home runs while hitting .204 over his last 77 games and is no longer Minnesota’s lead-off hitter.
Trade speculation has been swirling around Dozier during the last couple of weeks. His has a .279 batting average with five home runs since the start of July and his value is climbing.
Byron Buxton
Unlike Dozier, Byron Buxton never had the opportunity to get things going early for the Twins. Buxton went to the disabled list with migraines early during this season. However, that was just the beginning of Buxton’s bad luck.
Buxton fouled a ball off of his toe during a game in the Minors while on rehab assignment fracturing his toe. He tried playing through the injury but Buxton was a shell of his former self.
He has 14 hits through 94 plate appearances while appearing in 94 games for the Minnesota Twins. Buxton’s .156 batting average even makes Logan Morrison feel better about his paltry stats this season.
Buxton didn’t have his normal impact on the bases or in the outfield either and that’s What really hurt this team early. He lacked his elite explosiveness and was largely a non-factor for this team.
The center fielder is currently in Triple-A trying to find his swing again. The expectation is for Buxton to rejoin this team soon and he could be vital in any chance of a Twins turnaround. That being said, let’s take a look at the players who have kept the Twins afloat during this disappointing season.