Article: 2016 Roster Projections: The Middle Infielders

[Seth Stohs]

Today, we continue to look at the organization’s depth at all of the positions by learning about the middle infielders. Previously, we have reviewed the Catchersand First Basemen in the situation.

 

If anything goes off of plan, who are some of the options to fill in at first base in the coming years, and are there any prospects with the potential to be impact players down the line? Read on and see what you think, and then let’s discuss below in the comments.MAJOR LEAGUES

 

Brian Dozier enters his fourth full season as the Twins starting second baseman. He made his first All-Star Game. However, for the second straight season, he struggled mightily after the All-Star break. However, despite those struggles, he ended the season with 39 doubles and 28 home runs. He’ll be 29 in mid-May.

 

Eduardo Escobar has lived with the title of “Utility” infielder since coming up with the White Sox in 2011. Despite performing well in the 2nd half in 2014, Escobar went back to a utility role last year. However, by the second half of 2015, he was back to starting and one of the most productive shortstops in baseball. In 2016, Escobar finally goes into the season as the starting shortstop. He recently turned 27.

 

Eduardo Nunez was tendered a contract after putting together a strong 2015 season as a utility player and pinch hitter. He hit .282/.327/.431 (.758). He played second base, third base, shortstop and left field. He is still 28 years old and should take Escobar’s utility role, along with the next player.

 

Danny Santana was terrific as a rookie in 2014 when he played centerfield. And he was a favorite of Paul Molitor, so he got the starting shortstop job on Opening Day. The Twins gave him every opportunity to run with the job, but by midseason, they had to go to Escobar. Santana is now out of options, so he’ll get an opportunity to play centerfield and both middle infield positions.

 

MINOR LEAGUES

 

Rochester Red Wings

 

James Beresford originally signed with the Twins in 2005. He reached AAA in the second half of 2013 and has been there since. In 2015, he was an All-Star and hit .307 for the Red Wings.He turns 27 next week.

 

Jorge Polanco remains one of the Twins better prospects. He debuted with the Twins due to roster rules in 2013 at the age of 20. He’s had a few cups of coffee since then. Some may forget that he’s still just 22 and has progressed nicely up the system. He split the 2015 season between Chattanooga and Rochester (with more coffee with the Twins). He can hit. He’s nearly big-league ready offensively, but can he play defense? Can he play shortstop? Can he play second base? 2016 is a big year for Polanco.

 

After spending seven seasons in the Red Sox organization, the Twins signed Heiker Meneses in 2015 and sent him to Chattanooga. He plays both middle infield spots pretty well. He’s still just 24 years old. He hit .259/.317/.300 (.617) for the Lookouts in 2015.

 

Wilfredo Tovar played in nine games for the Mets in 2013 and 2014. He was in that organization from 2007 through 2015. The Twins signed him to a minor league deal with a spring invite. Last year in Las Vegas, he hit .283/.327/.356 (.683) with 15 doubles and three triples. He is also 24. He has good range at shortstop or third base.

 

Chattanooga Lookouts

 

Levi Michael was the Twins' firsr-round pick in 2011 out of North Carolina. He has struggled, primarily with injury, since. However, the last two years, when healthy, he has hit. He also puts together quality at-bats. He posted an .804 OPS in Chattanooga. He’ll turn 25 in February. He could be a utility option down the line, but he has only played second base in the regular season in the minors.

 

Engelb Vielma is 21 and signed with the Twins in 2011. He has moved up quickly and last year in Ft. Myers he hit .270/.321/.306 (.627) with 12 extra base hits. But he hit well in the second half. Vielma is absolutely elite defensively at shortstop and does everything well. He is definitely one to watch in 2016 because if he plays well and hits at all, he could be in the big league picture in 2017.

 

Leonardo Reginatto signed with the Rays in 2008 and has spent his entire career with that organization. In December, he signed a minor league deal with the Twins (no spring training invite). Between AA and AAA in 2015, he hit .269/.323/.364 with 19 doubles and three homers. He played three infield spot with above average range at all three.

 

Ryan Walker was the Twins 18th-round pick in 2013 from Texas-Arlington. His season started late, but in 83 games with Ft. Myers, he hit .269/.311/.312 (.623). He’s very good defensively at both middle infield positions. He has really good range and a good arm.

 

Ft. Myers Miracle

 

Nick Gordon has been pushed quickly since being selected with the fifth overall pick in 2014. He spent 2015, his first full season, in Cedar Rapids. In 120 games, he hit .277/.336/.360 (.696). He had one rough month and was really solid the rest of the season. Defensively, he was above average and can stick at shortstop. He will be 20 years old through the 2016 season.

 

Tanner Vavra struggled mightily the first month of 2015, but he hit well the rest of the year, especially after he started playing more consistently. He ended up hitting .258/.346/.300 (.646) with the Miracle. He could move up to AA at the start of the season, but I’m just guessing he could get a couple of months of starting most every day (all over the diamond) for the Miracle before moving up. He recently turned 26.

 

Minnesotan Pat Kelly will also likely move up a level and be a utility type for the Miracle. With the Kernels in 2015, he primarily played second base, but also got time at first base and third base. The 23-year-old hit .220/.278/.312 (.590) in 95 games with the Kernels, so he could remain in Cedar Rapids as well.

 

Cedar Rapids Kernels

 

Jermaine Palacios will be 19 years old until mid-July. He is a prospect that kind of came out of nowhere in 2015. He came to the States and began the season in the GCL by hitting .421/.472/.589 (1.061) in 26 games. He moved up to Elizabethton and hit .336/.345/.507 (.852) in 31 games. His bat appears to be legit, but he has a long ways to go with the glove, which could slow his progress.

 

At 5-9 and 160 pounds, Manuel Guzman is one of the faster prospects in the organization. He played shortstop in Elizabethton until Palacios arrived and he moved to second base. He’ll turn 21 in a few weeks and should move up to Cedar Rapids. He was much better defensively at second base as well.

 

Alex Perez was the Twins 23rd round pick last year after playing four years at Virginia Tech. He played second base for Elizabethton last year where he hit .239/.331/.303 (.634).

 

Extended Spring Training

 

Luis Arraez came to the States for the 2015 season and had a solid debut. He hit .309/.377/.391 (.768) with 15 doubles. He played primarily at second base (and played well), but he also saw time at shortstop, third base and left field. He will turn 19 right after Opening Day.

 

Ariel Montesino began the short-season at Elizabethton, but when Palacios pushed his way up, Montesino was sent back to the GCL. He hit .243/.341/.324 (.665) in the GCL. He turned 20 after the season and should move up to Elizabethton this season.

 

Australian Aaron Whitefield signed last summer with the Twins. After some visa issues, he arrived in the States and played in seven games. He played softball his entire life until the last year. He’ll be just 19 throughout the season, so he’ll be fun to watch progress.

 

SUMMARY

 

The Twins go into the season knowing their keystone combination. It will be Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar. Dozier had the great first half. Escobar had the great second half. It could be a lot of fun if they both can put together full seasons.

 

James Beresford and Jorge Polanco are ready if needed at either of those positions, if and/or when needed.

 

Once an area of weakness, shortstop has become an area of strength in the organization to the point where it’s likely one or more of them will be moved off of the position, not because they can’t handle shortstop, but because they want more than one of them playing. For instance, by 2019, I can see a scenario where Engelb Vielma is the starting shortstop and Nick Gordon is the starting second baseman despite the fact that Gordon can probably be a quality shortstop.

 

And, the Twins gave Wander Javier $4 million to sign with them in 2015.

 

Middle Infield Prospect Rankings:

• Nick Gordon,
• Jorge Polanco,
• Engelb Vielma
• Wander Javier,
• Jermaine Palacios
• Levi Michael

 

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[beckmt]

If Michael is ever going to make the Twins, I would expect he needs to move up to Rochester, so think he will start there. That would move on of the Rochester players down.

[Seth Stohs]

 

If Michael is ever going to make the Twins, I would expect he needs to move up to Rochester, so think he will start there. That would move on of the Rochester players down.

 

I think it's more important for him to play every day. In Rochester, he would split time with Polanco and Beresford. At Chattanooga, he can play every day. If I'm Mientkiewiecz and Brad Steil, I would want him to play all three infield spots though, just so he's got some experience at each. 

[Kwak]

If the Twins actually believe that the organization is truly solid in the middle, as this article claims, it decision-time for who actually represents the future and start trading prospects for help elsewhere.  Goodness knows the rest of the team has plenty of needs and it's time to shuffle some of the excess to fill needs elsewhere.

[HitInAPinch]

I like the overall organization depth.  I'm a little concerned with Dozier.  Was the 2nd half decline due to injuries or pitchers catching onto Dozier?

 

I've always like Danny Santana.  Great arm for the job, but SS just doesn't seem to be his position.  Looked good in CF in 2014 and sounds like he was doing well at 2nd.

 

Liked what little I saw of Polanco in the MLB.  Honestly, I thought he played 2B there, but Base Ball Reference says no.

[nytwinsfan]

 

If the Twins actually believe that the organization is truly solid in the middle, as this article claims, it decision-time for who actually represents the future and start trading prospects for help elsewhere.  Goodness knows the rest of the team has plenty of needs and it's time to shuffle some of the excess to fill needs elsewhere.

Other than Relief Pitcher, what needs? Starter? No, we have a logjam. Outfield? No, we have a logjam. Corner Infield? No, we have a logjam? Catcher? No, the Twins are going with Murphy in the medium run.

 

Sure, we could upgrade at quite a few of these positions (most notably catcher), but other than relief, the Twins don't really have any "needs."

[Liquidator]

 

Sure, we could upgrade at quite a few of these positions (most notably catcher), but other than relief, the Twins don't really have any "needs."

Agreed

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

I think it's more important for him to play every day. In Rochester, he would split time with Polanco and Beresford. At Chattanooga, he can play every day. If I'm Mientkiewiecz and Brad Steil, I would want him to play all three infield spots though, just so he's got some experience at each. 

Beresford does not appear offer much in the terms of potential, nor is he all that great. I would not have him blocking anyone at all. If he needs to be turned into a utility role or flipped, then so be it. Not saying Micheal is all that amazing, but he seems to be be turning thins around and does have more potential.

[Kwak]

Oh my, how rosy are your glasses?  Catcher and 3B are huge needs,   Pitching is always a need.  The rotation is filled with mediocrity.  To say they don't have SP needs is blind--they always have had dozens of "pitchers"--unfortunately most weren't very good and the few that were ML were mostly mediocre and don't last all that long.  Stars?--there was one.  He soon became very expensive, and sadly needed help.  Oh--and then they get "injured".  Hmm, too bad--it seems as if SP is a chronic problem--for everyone!

Before anyone says "Sano"--he has yet to play any position.  Sano doesn't have that physique that screams "I can play anywhere".  More like 1B if anywhere.  True 1B is fine--but elsewhere?

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

Agreed

Yes and no. Depends on where we think we ARE and where we think we are GOING. You cannot simply look at if we have "decent" guys at a position, or if we have "improved" at a position. You have to look at how our guys are while comparing to the rest of the league currently, and future/youth/prospects. 

 

At some positions we improved offensively and or defensively last year, and are perceived to do so this year again. However, it MIGHT NOT be the case this year, nor is necessarily good enough. It would be interesting to see someone do a projected positional and pitching ranking via WAR, other metric, or pure opinions for current upcoming season, and for 2-4 years from now. How would we come out? Looking at that would help get a better picture of where we are and what we need to address for the future. 

 

We might be improved in areas, but maybe not to where we need to be in some areas, and not even close in others. Although, of course we are likely solid and multiple positions, but how many will we be top 1/4 at positionally, or even top 1/3?

[nytwinsfan]

 

Oh my, how rosy are your glasses?  Catcher and 3B are huge needs,   Pitching is always a need.  The rotation is filled with mediocrity.  To say they don't have SP needs is blind--they always have had dozens of "pitchers"--unfortunately most weren't very good and the few that were ML were mostly mediocre and don't last all that long.  Stars?--there was one.  He soon became very expensive, and sadly needed help.  Oh--and then they get "injured".  Hmm, too bad--it seems as if SP is a chronic problem--for everyone!

Before anyone says "Sano"--he has yet to play any position.  Sano doesn't have that physique that screams "I can play anywhere".  More like 1B if anywhere.  True 1B is fine--but elsewhere?

 

Oh really, 3B is a need? We have two above average players, one with All Star potential, but it is a "need?" OK THEN.

 

And yes, Sano has a position. It is 3B, and he has played it adequately for years in the minors. We won't know for sure if he can play it adequately at the major league level until he's given a chance to do it for quite a while, and he hasn't had that opportunity, but nothing, not his physique, his arm, or his athleticism suggests he can't play it.

 

But other than 3B, I think we are mostly just having a semantic argument. To me, "need" was catcher until they got Murphy. Now we have an average or slightly below average catcher. To me, that isn't a "need." It is an opportunity for an upgrade, to be sure, but not a "need."

 

 

Edited January 12, 2016 by nytwinsfan

[Mike Sixel]

How is this a big year for Polanco? He's destined for Rochester, until someone gets hurt, and he's young. I think this is a make or break year for Beresford and Michael, either they are on the Twins this year, or are gone/filler forever (other than a cup of coffee).

 

But, that's a nit. I agree with all of this other than that part.

[Vanimal46]

Maybe this will be the year we see Polanco have more than a cup of coffee in the majors... I hope so at least. How many option years does he have left? It would be a shame to use them all before we even know what he can do at the MLB level....

[Seth Stohs]

 

If the Twins actually believe that the organization is truly solid in the middle, as this article claims, it decision-time for who actually represents the future and start trading prospects for help elsewhere.  Goodness knows the rest of the team has plenty of needs and it's time to shuffle some of the excess to fill needs elsewhere.

 

I don't know if that's what the organization claims. It's what I personally think.

 

Somewhat I agree, but it's hard to move through the system. It's not an area I would try to trade players. Jorge Polanco is pretty close to ready, so he is the backup plan (likely) for Escobar or Dozier. Vielma has a chance, but also, will he hit enough to be more than just elite defensively. Gordon has the upside, but there's never guarantee with a 20 year old. Javier is a long ways away. I'd be hesitant to deal any of them. 

[Mike Sixel]

I wouldn't deal any at this point. If Polanco and Gordon end up blocking one of the other....then I would. But I don't see that any time soon.

[Halsey Hall]

 

 

Oh really, 3B is a need? We have two above average players, one with All Star potential, but it is a "need?" OK THEN.

 

I'll grant you Sano has All Star potential, but he can't show that til he gets planted at 3rd base.  The other guy will go as soon as some other team has a need, but for now no other team has any interest.  So, yes, 3rd base is a need. 

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

Other than Relief Pitcher, what needs? Starter? No, we have a logjam. Outfield? No, we have a logjam. Corner Infield? No, we have a logjam? Catcher? No, the Twins are going with Murphy in the medium run.

 

Sure, we could upgrade at quite a few of these positions (most notably catcher), but other than relief, the Twins don't really have any "needs."

Okay, I was just actually curious now to what early projections had us at positionally and as a team, so I did a quick dirty search. This is what I found, and yes, I know this doesn't mean everything or mean that its how it will all shake out. But, it does give us an idea and perspective of where we REALLY might be positionally compared to others. When we think we are solid, it isn't really necucisarlily the case...we just might not be awful.

 

It is only one projection keep in mind, but just using it as a talking point of reference. Also, there are still many national writers who still think the Twins very much overachieved, and are predicted to not do all that well this year. Again, their opinions do not count for all that much, but when you take it all together we do not look all that special. As a fan, I still believe we can just somehow "find a way to win" again without being special in certain areas, but that is banking on a lot of luck and mojo.

 

The positional individual ranks by WAR (No, I don't consider WAR as perfect):

 

Catcher:  JR Murphy #30 (#6 and worst projected starting catcher in the division, with one backup catcher projected to outperform him)

1B: Joe Mauer #24 (#5 and worst projected starting 1B in the division)

2B: Brian Dozier #10 ( 3rd best starter in the division, of 5, so middle)

SS: Eduardo Escobar #37 (worst projected starter in division)

3B: Trevor Plouffe #25 (3rd best projected starter in the division, middle)

LF: Eddie Rosario #34 (Worst projected LF in the division)

CF: Brian Buxton #25 (3rd best in the division, middle)

RF: Eddie Rosario #35 (2nd in the Division, top half)

DH: Sano #1 

 

We are worst in division at 4 positions, and 3 or worst 6 positions, not including pitching. I know that Sano is moving to OF, Rosario can only play 1 spot, and that we have a new DH, but just going with the first player listed. 

 

Pitcher: Kyle Gibson #75 was our best pitcher projected (11th best pitcher projected in division, but our best)

 

 

 

We might THINK we are "good" at certain positions, but in comparison, not so much. Dozier, Rosario, Escobar, and Plouffe are NOT the golden boy greats we think they are when compared to other starters in the league, or even the division. 

[nytwinsfan]

 

Okay, I was just actually curious now to what early projections had us at positionally and as a team, so I did a quick dirty search. This is what I found, and yes, I know this doesn't mean everything or mean that its how it will all shake out. But, it does give us an idea and perspective of where we REALLY might be positionally compared to others. When we think we are solid, it isn't really necucisarlily the case...we just might not be awful.

 

It is only one projection keep in mind, but just using it as a talking point of reference. Also, there are still many national writers who still think the Twins very much overachieved, and are predicted to not do all that well this year. Again, their opinions do not count for all that much, but when you take it all together we do not look all that special. As a fan, I still believe we can just somehow "find a way to win" again without being special in certain areas, but that is banking on a lot of luck and mojo.

 

The positional individual ranks by WAR (No, I don't consider WAR as perfect):

 

Catcher:  JR Murphy #30 (#6 and worst projected starting catcher in the division, with one backup catcher projected to outperform him)

1B: Joe Mauer #24 (#5 and worst projected starting 1B in the division)

2B: Brian Dozier #10 ( 3rd best starter in the division, of 5, so middle)

SS: Eduardo Escobar #37 (worst projected starter in division)

3B: Trevor Plouffe #25 (3rd best projected starter in the division, middle)

LF: Eddie Rosario #34 (Worst projected LF in the division)

CF: Brian Buxton #25 (3rd best in the division, middle)

RF: Eddie Rosario #35 (2nd in the Division, top half)

DH: Sano #1 

 

We are worst in division at 4 positions, and 3 or worst 6 positions, not including pitching. I know that Sano is moving to OF, Rosario can only play 1 spot, and that we have a new DH, but just going with the first player listed. 

 

Pitcher: Kyle Gibson #75 was our best pitcher projected (11th best pitcher projected in division, but our best)

 

 

 

We might THINK we are "good" at certain positions, but in comparison, not so much. Dozier, Rosario, Escobar, and Plouffe are NOT the golden boy greats we think they are when compared to other starters in the league, or even the division. 

Let's see how those four do based on track record over the last two years, not projections.  Projections have a place in analysis, but they've been wrong about those four guys for a few years now.

Edited January 12, 2016 by nytwinsfan

[TNLooky2015]

Stats are year to year and production is year to year.  Escobar and Dozier are both very good quality middle infielders.  Twins look good for 2016 & 2017.

 

Niko Goodrum is still a quality middle infielder and will be one someday for another organization.  Best range in the system and rated the best infield arm just 2 years ago.  He's just with wrong franchise.

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

Let's see how those four do based on track record over the last two years, not projections.  Projections have a place in analysis, but they've been wrong about those four guys for a few years now.

I agree to some degree. Projections are nice and fun for that very reason...."lets see." However, you do not get low projections without reason...there ARE reasons for them. Those are the projections that their past play has earned them. 

 

I do think we will outperform some projections, but without a doubt underperform in some of them. I don't think this is a great team, but we only have to be better than the other four teams in our division to make the playoffs. KC might be returning champs, but I honestly don't see them as anything special this upcoming season, but they might be. 

 

 

[nytwinsfan]

 

I agree to some degree. Projections are nice and fun for that very reason...."lets see." However, you do not get low projections without reason...there ARE reasons for them. Those are the projections that their past play has earned them. 

 

I do think we will outperform some projections, but without a doubt underperform in some of them. I don't think this is a great team, but we only have to be better than the other four teams in our division to make the playoffs. KC might be returning champs, but I honestly don't see them as anything special this upcoming season, but they might be. 

So for instance, in the two season period of 2014-15, Eduardo Escobar has the 11th best WAR (3.9) among SS in MLB for all SS with more than 500 PAs.  In the same period, Dozier has the 3rd best WAR (8.2) in MLB among 2B with over 500 PAs. In that same period, Plouffe has the 13th highest WAR (6.1) in MLB among 3B with over 500 PAs.  Rosario has only played one season, but during 2015 he was 13th among WAR (2.3) for LFs in MLB, although keep in mind he only played 122 games. Pro rated to 150 games, that would be closer to 2.8 WAR, or tied for 9th or 10th.  So . . .

 

Compare:   Performance   Projections (yours)

Eduardo    11                     37

Dozier        3                      10

Plouffe      13                      25

Rosario     10                     35

 

Notice a pattern? So if projections ranked only one or maybe two of them A LOT lower than their previous years' production, I might buy it based on things like aging (for Plouffe or Dozier) or amazing luck (Escobar) or smaller sample (Rosario). But all four? I just don't buy it. So I think persuasively there is no clear "need" at any of these positions.

 

Moving on, Murphy and Buxton are essentially rookies, as is Park (and likely late-season addition Kepler). All of them with the exception of Murphy have tremendous potential, and I think we have to give them a sustained chance. Sano is going to be fine, and then some.

 

Mauer at 1B I buy is a "need," and assuming he doesn't back bounce from the concussion (which could happen) I'd be fine with finding a replacement for him in the starting lineup, except . . . yeah, that's not going to happen. So there is a need, but it is a need that is never going to be filled, Period.

 

As for pitching, Gibson is good (as your projections concede) and Duffey absolutely deserves a shot after last year's fantastic performance. I think Duffey's projections discount him in part because they don't think the Twins will start him (and they might not), assuming you are using FGs.  And although I'd be fine replacing Santana, Hughes, Nolasco, or Milone, the first two are locked in because of contracts (regardless of whether you agree with the idea that veterans with large contracts should be "locked in") and if we need another starter, it should be Berrios or May, who like Buxton, Park, Kepler, have enormous potential. So I argue for all practical purposes there is no "need" at starting pitcher either. 

 

The only positions where there is a need are relief pitcher and arguably catcher. But right or wrong, they just traded for Murphy, and they beleive in him, so they are going to give him a shot. So where is the "need" other than at relief pitcher? And even there, by the second half to the end of this season there will likely be a lot of very nice internal options.

Edited January 12, 2016 by nytwinsfan

[Mike Sixel]

Fans almost always say the projections are too low, remember the Mauer screaming the last two years?

[nytwinsfan]

 

Fans almost always say the projections are too low, remember the Mauer screaming the last two years?

 

True in general, but in this case how about responding to my specific evidence-based argument for why it is bizarre and not credible for this projection to systematically and drastically downplay expectations for four key Twins players compared to their actual performances over the last two years?

Edited January 12, 2016 by nytwinsfan

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

True in general, but in this case how about responding to my specific evidence-based argument for why it is bizarre and not credible for this projection to systematically and drastically downplay expectations for four key Twins players compared to their actual performances over the last two years?

I explained clearly that I simply did a quick dirty search for a reference from Fangraphs Steamer projections because it was the only one that I knew of that was out. They are not MY projections and it was just to point out that we are not very well off by the computers opinion. It is not like I agree with all of those projections...the good or the bad ones. 

[Thrylos]

 

I think it's more important for him to play every day. In Rochester, he would split time with Polanco and Beresford. At Chattanooga, he can play every day. If I'm Mientkiewiecz and Brad Steil, I would want him to play all three infield spots though, just so he's got some experience at each. 

 

I see no reason where a former first round draft pick, with 2 consecutive seasons of >.800 OPS in AA should have to a. threepeat AA or b. have playing time taken away from a utility player like Beresford.

 

Micheal should be the starting Rochester second baseman and, unless Polanco makes it as the Twins' starting SS out of ST, he should be the starting SS in Rochester.  Beresford can give them breathers and play a bit of third base and OF and stuff.

[nytwinsfan]

 

I explained clearly that I simply did a quick dirty search for a reference from Fangraphs Steamer projections because it was the only one that I knew of that was out. They are not MY projections and it was just to point out that we are not very well off by the computers opinion. It is not like I agree with all of those projections...the good or the bad ones. 

I was responding to Mike Sixel with that post, not you. You made a good case, even if I don't agree with it.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I see no reason where a former first round draft pick, with 2 consecutive seasons of >.800 OPS in AA should have to a. threepeat AA or b. have playing time taken away from a utility player like Beresford.

 

Micheal should be the starting Rochester second baseman and, unless Polanco makes it as the Twins' starting SS out of ST, he should be the starting SS in Rochester.  Beresford can give them breathers and play a bit of third base and OF and stuff.

 

I'm fine with Michael moving up, but to be fair, he played 15 games in AA in 2014. And even last year, he played just 63 game. That's the equivalent of just over a half-season of games. They didn't lose him in the Rule 5, so there's no rush.

 

Also, I'm not sure Beresford qualifies as a utility guy at this point. Over the last THREE seasons, he's played a total of 6 games at shortstop and 5 games at third base. 

[jorgenswest]

I think the Twins have an opportunity to build a better bench utilizing Danny Santana's ability to play middle infield and centerfield.

 

If Plouffe remains a Twin, it is hard to see the value in Eduardo Nunez. Santana is the better glove at any up the middle position. Santana is at least an equal option to pinch run. While Nunez has the better bat, if that is his purpose the Twins can do better by finding a better bat from a corner player. The Twins were at the bottom of the pinch hitting ranks last year and that can be improved if they don't have both Santana, Nunez with the back up catcher.

 

There is a chance that Nunez would not be claimed and by an option in AAA if injury occurs. Teams might not want to pay the arb award he will earn. Even if he is lost, Polanco offers a more than adequate option when needed.

[Mike Sixel]

 

True in general, but in this case how about responding to my specific evidence-based argument for why it is bizarre and not credible for this projection to systematically and drastically downplay expectations for four key Twins players compared to their actual performances over the last two years?

 

I don't agree with the projections, especially the rates.....but I also don't have a ton of confidence in some of the Twins to improve. Without looking at the other players, it is hard to say where I'd rank them. Like, is the delta between Rosario and others big, or small, and a small change moves him way up? I have no idea.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I think the Twins have an opportunity to build a better bench utilizing Danny Santana's ability to play middle infield and centerfield.

If Plouffe remains a Twin, it is hard to see the value in Eduardo Nunez. Santana is the better glove at any up the middle position. Santana is at least an equal option to pinch run. While Nunez has the better bat, if that is his purpose the Twins can do better by finding a better bat from a corner player. The Twins were at the bottom of the pinch hitting ranks last year and that can be improved if they don't have both Santana, Nunez with the back up catcher.

There is a chance that Nunez would not be claimed and by an option in AAA if injury occurs. Teams might not want to pay the arb award he will earn. Even if he is lost, Polanco offers a more than adequate option when needed.

 

After his season last year, Nunez would get claimed.

 

The Twins will likely use Santana all over the place, and I'd call him (likely) the #1 utility guy. But, when he enters the game, there has to be someone else on the bench in case of injury, or choosing to use a pinch hitter, etc. When one of the other three is the backup catcher, it'd be nice to have one outfielder (Arcia), and one infielder (Nunez).