Minnesota Twins: Three players deserving of All-Star votes
The Minnesota Twins have quite a few players deserving to see their name in the line-up for this years all-star game, let’s take a look at a few that have a great shot ending up in Cleveland.
Jose Berrios was the only Minnesota Twins player at last seasons midsummer classic, I have a feeling with the way things are going for the team, that may change this year. There are many on the team that deserve consideration to represent the hottest team in baseball, yet unfortunately, they can’t send everyone.
I wish it was possible, and trust me, many more than three are deserving to go. Martin Perez is on fire to start the year and doesn’t show many signs of slowing up. Though Miguel Sano missed quite a few games to start the season, the big slugger already has 5 home runs in only 10 games played so far this year. Mitch Garver and Nelson Cruz may be two other names you’d have to think about adding to that list though the injury bug has slowed them down a little bit.
That said, let’s dive into a few I think (with your help) can be a lock to represent Minnesota as long as they keep with their current trajectory. Also, please feel free to comment at the end of the article who YOU think deserves to represent the Twins at this years all-star game.
Minnesota Twins Shortstop – Jorge Polanco
Polanco has the highest batting average on the team at .335 which also happens to be the fourth highest in the MLB. Slashing .335/.405/.583 Polanco has continued his rampage at the plate and is showing no sign of slowing down. He has just under 100 less at bats than last year showing that the average is no fluke, continuing his solid approach from both sides of the plate should pay-off for the young switch hitter.
Though struggling some in the field and making a few more mental mistakes than you’d like to see, he’s still a very solid infielder and one that gets the job done. Recently lowering his arm angle on his throws to first, throwing the ball almost side-armed, seems to be moving the shortstop in the right direction.
Whether or not Polanco keeps hitting the ball with authority will ultimately decide his all-star game fate. For now, the young switch-hitting middle infielder is more than deserving of a spot amongst the best in the league.
Minnesota Twins Starting Pitcher – Jake Odorizzi
56 games into the season and Jake Odorizzi is a nice result of the Wes Johnson offseason hiring. Though a new pitching coach can bring you the tools and adjustments needed, Odorizzi has definitely put in the work. Coach Johnson seems to really have made a difference in the lives of many pitchers on this staff including an established starter in Jake Odorizzi.
Jake finished last season with a 4.49 ERA in 32 starts for the Twins. So far this year, he’s at an outstanding 2.16 ERA with a 7-2 record in 11 starts. He seems to be commanding the zone better and pitching with increased velocity, two things that always bode well for pitchers at this level. He looks constantly locked in while on the mound even flashing some emotion here and there which is unusual for the stoic starter.
One thing I love to see is the increased efficiency. His HR/9 and H/9 ratios are both much lower than in previous seasons and while he occasionally has a long inning, it seems his starts are a bit longer. If I had to choose one starter that gets my vote for this years all-star game, it would definitely have to be “Odo”.
Like I said, there are a lot of guys that are deserving of this type of honor for the Twins, but considering his snub last year, I’m giving the third nod to Eddie. While hitting a shade over .280 on the year, Rosario is absolutely mashing at the plate. Slashing .282/.312/.481 Eddie leads the AL in RBIs with 47 and is tied for the lead in home runs with 17.
Though a force in the batters box, with some of the quickest hands in the game, “Edisito” is also excellent in other key areas on the diamond. He has amazing instincts when roaming the outfield, regardless of where he’s at, to go along with a cannon for an arm. The one thing that stands out to me the most about Eddie is his base running ability. Though it can get him into trouble on rare occasions, his stop-and-go moves around the bases are some of the best I’ve ever seen in baseball.
Next. Why the Twins are not a fluke. dark
Make a conscious effort to watch Eddie run the bases next time you get the chance, it’s truly something you won’t want to miss. There are many guys that are spectacular for the Twins right now and more that garner consideration for the midsummer classic than just these three. Make sure to do your part by voting for all your favorite Twins at https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot.