A lowly affair: ranking the Twins
Star Tribune staff writer Phil Miller takes a swing at what the Twins lineup could look like, with Baseball America's position ranking for fantasy baseball among major leaguers. Below is player with his Baseball America rank and a comment:
Alex Presley, CF
Rank: 99
One stolen base in his last seven attempts, so Twins will want improvement on bases.
Brian Dozier, 2B
Rank: 13
If he repeats 18 HR season, Twins can live with strikeouts.
Joe Mauer, 1B
Rank: 7 (at catcher)
Gets on base more than 40 percent of time in five of last six seasons.
Josh Willingham, DH
Rank: 52
Twins hope for return to 35-HR power, but he'll be 35 next month.
Oswaldo Arcia, LF
Rank: 70
Full-time job could turn him into 25-HR producer, but whiffs pile up.
Trevor Plouffe, 3B
Rank: 29
Now 27, he's got the power, but not the consistency.
Jason Kubel, RF
Rank: 65
Kubel will have an interesting vet-vs.-prospect battle with Chris Parmelee.
Josmil Pinto, C
Rank: 21
Kurt Suzuki is in the picture, too, but the job is Pinto's eventually. Defense needs work.
Pedro Florimon, SS
Not ranked
Maybe comfort level will help defensive specialist improve at plate.
Note: Mauer can still be used at catcher in most fantasy baseball leagues; Willingham's rank is as an outfielder; outfielders are ranked together.