I know it was probably time for Willingham to move on and make room for the younger guys, but here is a good article on the effect his leadership had on Dozier and Ploffe.  Maybe Joe will step up and fill his leadership void now that he's gone.

 

http://www.105theticket.com/common/page.php?pt=Willingham+Had+Lasting+Impact+on+Dozier+%26+Plouffe&id=6194&is_corp=0

I nominate Dozier for clubhouse leader, or Perk. It's probably easier coming from a position player than a closer, though.

 

Mauer has never been a vocal leader, but (in my opinon) he's been a great leader for years on the field by his example.

 

Dozier seems to be a bit more talkative. Suzuki is a good option too - especially since he will probably be around as long as Willingham was.

I do see a clubhouse group (if you can judge from the Twitter photos) developing among Mauer, Dozier, Plouffe, Perkins, Duensing and one other (couldn't identify from the photos).  But it was all white, married guys -- I'm sure that they and their wives share common interests.

 

The kind of leadership that Willingham provided to Plouffe and Dozier is what i was hoping that Morales could provide to the young Spanish-speaking players and it sounds like he did that but it was so fleeting.  That might be a darn good thing to look for in a left fielder (or other position of need).

Another reason for Melky Cabrera to get an offer from the Twins (just don't let the kids into his medicine cabinet).