The Minnesota Twins: Reason For Optimism



Puckett set a high bar and
high expectations for
Twins center fielders.

The Twins are the only Minnesota organization to spoil its fan base by winning it all and winning consistently.  So, after they followed the 2010, 94 win season with 99 losses in 2011 and 96 losses in 2012 it was time to re-evaluate.  Certainly many factors contributed to the free fall including injuries, lack of pitching, bad trades and poorly spent money.  From an outsiders perspective, as recently as Wednesday the Twins faced a crossroads.  Something needed to change, but what?

Now we know.  The front office has shown its hand.  The Twins are determined to get back to their original formula for success.  That is, have a strong, deep farm system.  Always.  To do so, they must sell high on popular, established players and get guys in return that blossom instead of bust. 

To some, the Twins have traded one problem for another.  They gained desperately needed pitching depth but gutted the outfield.  Undoubtedly the 2013 outfield will have a vastly different look.  And, as Ben Goessling of the Pioneer Press notes, the Twins have had solid, reliable center fielders for 30 years.  However, just because the 2013 starter won't have the star power of Puckett, Hunter or Span, that doesn't mean the position will be a problem next year or for the foreseeable future.


Success after a dirty, hard day at the office.
Typical Mastrioanni.

The Twins front office said Joe Benson, Aaron Hicks and Darin Mastroianni will compete for the starting center field position.  Mastrioanni is the immediate solution. 

He is more seasoned than the rest and fits the Twins formula for success.  His displayed his full array of skills  during a win over Detroit in August when he hit a home run, had 3 RBIs, ran aggressively and made an incredible full speed, full extension diving catch to rob Prince Fielder. 

His work ethic, hustle and energy are contagious and exciting.  He is a more physically gifted, outfield version of Nick Punto.  If he continues to play above average defense and has an occasional burst of power, he deserves the nod and will be a solid replacement for Span and/or Revere despite his weak batting average.   

Then at some point in the foreseeable future, the next center field star will step up.  Both Benson and Hicks have much higher upsides than Mastrioanni but both are young and not named Mike Trout.  So, they will have ups and downs and need time to grow and develop in order to reach their potential.  Until that happens, Mastrioanni should provide a nice stop gap in center.

The Twins still have plenty of holes and questions.  After all, they have only begun the long road to recovery.  But, despite the recent trades, center field is not one of them.  And, thanks to the recent trades, plugs for the pitching holes are beginning to arrive.