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The Minnesota Twins Top 10 Bright Spots as MLB Season Finishes

By Greg Allen

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 31: Tyler Austin #31 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with third base coach Gene Glynn #13 after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 31, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 31: Tyler Austin #31 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with third base coach Gene Glynn #13 after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 31, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 21: Eddie Rosario #20 of the Minnesota Twins reacts after hitting an RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Minnesota Twins won 5-2. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Eddie Rosario

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Eddie Rosario is clearly the Twins best hitter at this point, although he does chase pitches outside the strike zone.  This is somewhat worrisome as far as his achieving his full potential going forward.  Rosario’s 2018 slash line of .292/.329/.484 is solid but far from spectacular.

I’m a big believer in utilizing maximum plate discipline in the manner of Joe Mauer and Robbie Grossman.  I think, perhaps Rosario could take a step to the next level with forcing the pitcher to come into the strike zone more often.

Rosario can have lapses on the base paths and defensively at times.  Tom Schreier quoted Paul Molitor in this July 17, 2018 article on ZONECOVERAGE:

"“I kind of look it as less than it used to be as far as things that don’t seem to go in sync with making a good decision. But how many times has he made decisions that have been maybe he’s the only guy on the field who would try it, but they’ve worked out?” said Molitor. “So, you’d have to probably give something to get something there. But what I like is I rarely have to go to him on something that he does and right after the fact, he realizes. He’ll come and he’ll acknowledge it.”"

Adalberto Mejia

Adalberto Mejia’s performance with the Twins was encouraging at 2-0 with a 2.01 ERA and a solid WHIP of 1.164.  Mejia has reminded me at times of Francisco Liriano back when Liriano’s slider was so effective.  So, the potential seems to be there to be a top 3 starter.

Brent Rooker

Brent Rooker was ranked the #7 prospect for the Twins in a recent article by Puckett’s Pond’s Nate Palmer, ranking the #10 through #6 prospects for the Twins.  Palmer had Rooker ranked #5 Puckett’s Pond Minnesota Twins 2018 Top-40 Prospects:#6-10.  Rooker’s 2018 slash line of .254/.333/.465 with a .798 OPS at AA Chattanooga was encouraging at 23 years old in only his 2nd year of professional ball.  Somehow his raw numbers of 503 AB with 34 doubles, 4 triples and 22 home runs with 79 RBI seem to convey the excitement around his bat better than the slash line!

Next. Tyler Austin, big home runs and the case for 2019. dark

Oliver Drake

Oliver Drake, acquired on waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, has been a big surprise.  Having pitched for 5 teams in 2018, his performance for the Twins so far has been a breakthrough.  His WHIP of 0.955 in only 14.2 IP, over the course of 13 appearances and 5 games finished is the most impressive statistic.  He has also struck out 15 batters in those 14.2 IP.  The Twins saw something they liked in Drake and so far, it has panned out better than expected.  He may have a role in the 2019 bullpen.

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