Now, for the second part of my 2006 Twins Preview:
*All of these players are listed in my preferred batting order.*
-=- Starting Lineup -=-
1. Luis Castillo -- 2BThe Twins' first offseason need was to aquire a steady second baseman. The Twins found their man with Castillo. He has proven himself to be a steady producer, weather batting lead off, or in the 2 hole. His most recent experience, however, would be in the No. 2 spot, as he batter behind Juan Pierre when he was with the Marlins. He can hit very well, especially from the right side of the plate. As a switch hitter, he is a pull hitter from the right side, but is an opposite field hitter from the left, and gets most of his infield singles from the left. A very patient hitter, he isn't afraid to go to two strikes to get on base, or to see the right pitch. If he gets on base, he is an agressive base runner, but his steals have decreased dramatically from a "serious" leg injury a few years ago. Never the less, wherever he is hitting, he will definately be steady hitter in the lineup.
2. Shannon Stewart -- LFThe Twins' leadoff hitter for the past three years, I beleive that Shannon is now better suited for the 2 spot. Shannon has always been a patient hitter, and having two smart hitters at the top of the order will definately benefit the team. Shannon has expressed his indifference towards where he bats in the lineup, as long as he's in it. Unlike last year, our lineup has a lot of protection in the top 6 spots. If you think about it, it makes sense. Pitchers won't want to throw crumbs to Shannon OR Castillo, because if either or both of them get on base, they still have to face Joe Mauer, Rondell White, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau. Basically, our top two parts to our order are interchangeable, which is a plus for us.
3. Joe Mauer -- CAh .... Joe Mauer. Now that the knee injury is no longer an issue, Joe Mauer can foucus more on his hitting and technique during the spring, and he can work more with the pitching staff - now that he's dropped out of the WBC. Not that his hitting was sub-par in2005, but the media put too much pressure on him, for just coming into his first full season in the majors. If he wasnervous at all, he didn't show it. Easily the best draft pick the Twins ever made so far, Joe Mauer has the possibility to become the best young catcher in baseball, and he won't be 25 for 2 years yet. He has already shown offensive prowess and should improve for years to come. If he can start hitting more dingers, and pull the ball more, he'll easily be the best "catch" in baseball.
4. Rondell White -- DHAnother of the Twins' off-season moves, Rondell White adds a proven hitter as our DH. That is something that the Twins lacked last year. He may not put up "Big Papi like" numbers, but make no mistake, he is a good hitter. His numbers were smaller at Comerica, but he can hit the ball a long way at a hitter's park like the Dome. He can murder fastballs, but can have some problems with off-speed pitches. He has had injury problems in the past, but as a full time DH, that problem should take care of itself. He also provides a veteran presence, that gets along with Torii, which is also a big plus. The media has made this an under-rated move, but it could have more benefits than ever.
5. Justin Morneau -- 1BThis guy is the Twins' best chance at 30+ dingers this year. After a dissapointing 2005, which could've had many reasons *cough*appendicitis, chicken pox, hit in the head, cyst removal.* So far, he has had a quiet off-season, and will be ready for Spring Training. He has the potential to be a very, very, very dangerous hitter, and will benefit from having more experienced hitters around him. By the end of the year, he could foul off the pitches that fooled him, which shold allow him to draw more walks this season. And, he has the potential to hit for average, if he sttles down at the plate. Expect big things from him in the future.
6. Torii Hunter -- CFOne of the main reasons the Twins "failed" last year, was the absence of Torii. His closest chance for a career year was tragicall cut short when he broke his ankle in a July game against Boston in Fenway. In the past, Torii has had to bat higher in the order, when the Twins didn't have steady offensive production. He is an agressive hitter, and has hit more homers when he pulls the ball to the right side. He is known to swing at pitches out of the strike zone, and it brings down his average. I think that the 6 hole is perfectly suited for him, because it allows for him to be more agressive, and it isn't as costly when he strikes out, as if he was as the top of the order.
7. Tony Batista --3BDefinately the most ..uh.. intriging aquisition that was made this year. There isn't a whole lot stuff t osay about him, except that he has a really goofy batting stance, has some interesting stats, and can hit for power. He doesn't hit for average at all, but some how still manages to drive home runs. He is average at third base, but that's about it. At least his contract is Non-guarenteed, so if he under-under performs, we can drop him at little cost.
8. Jason Kubel -- RF In my mind, he is the obvious choice for the RF spot after the departure of Jaque Jones, but the knee injury will be the road block for him. Even if he doesn't win the job out of Spring Training, he will probably have it buy July or earlier. He has some good power, and can hit for average, but not playing baseball for a year can really take it's toll. This will be the biggest question at camp, but shouldn't be an issue once Kubel is "fully" recovered.
9. Jason Bartlett -- SS Bartlett required some time at AAA last year, after winning the job out of spring training. He was medicore at best, untill late into the season, where he showed some promise. But then again, he is young, and expectations were high, for almost everyone last year, and with a "year" of MLB experience, he should calm down, and be more comfortable on the roster.
NEXT UP: BULL PEN
