Minnesota Twins: Breaking Down the 2022 AL Central Rivals-Kansas City
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins: AL Central Rival Projected Lineup
- C: Salvador Perez
- 1B: Carlos Santana
- 2B: Nicky Lopez
- SS: Adalberto Mondesi
- 3B: Bobby Witt Jr.
- LF: Andrew Benintendi
- CF: Michael A. Taylor
- RF: Whit Merrifield
- DH: Hunter Dozier
What this offense lacks in pop, it makes up for in defense. Bobby Witt Jr., Michael A. Taylor, Adalberto Mondesi, Whit Merrifield, and Nicky Lopez are all very strong defenders at their position, and even Salvador Perez is still a solid backstop.
There are still some holes, with Dozier, Taylor, Lopez all struggling with their hitting and the bench being desperately thin. Here’s Gillespie’s thoughts on the lineup:
"This club is a work in progress, but its biggest strength may be its defense up the middle. The presence of Gold Glover Michael A. Taylor in center speaks for itself and Salvador Perez is solid behind the plate. The plan is to return Adalberto Mondesi to shortstop and Nicky Lopez to second base where both are stellar fielders who have a lot of Gold Glove potential. But even if Mondesi can’t stay in the lineup, moving Lopez to short and Whit Merrifield from right won’t hurt the defense a bit."
Witt Jr. is the Number 2 prospect in all of baseball, and to see him make the Opening Day roster is awesome. For the Royals, the best part of the lineup may still be coming, with top prospects M.J. Melendez, Nick Pratto, and Kyle Isbel all scheduled to arrive soon.
Gillespie is excited about Witt too: “Bobby Witt Jr. will be in KC Opening Day. What more can we say? (Also look for first baseman Nick Pratto and catcher MJ Melendez to make their debuts sometime this season).”