2015 Minnesota Twins Year in Review

For the first time since Target Field opened, I did not attend a Twins game this season, got too busy with concerts and life in general. I've been a fan since junior high, and was pleasantly surprised to see first year manager Paul Molitor turn around his hometown team, as they posted their first winning season in five seasons.

Some unexpected highlights were:

1. The first year stats of rookie powerhouse DH Miguel Sano (.269 batting average, 18 home runs and 52 runs batted in). I was surprised to see him and fellow rookie Byron Buxton being called up from AA, but they both provided a much-needed spark to the Twins' offense.

2. Much-improved starting pitching, anchored by Kyle Gibson (11 wins, 11 losses and a 3.84 Earned Run Average in 32 starts), Tommy Milone (9-5, 3.92 ERA in 23 starts) and rookie Tyler Duffey (5-1, 3.10 ERA in 10 starts). While some pitchers struggled down the stretch, there is a good foundation in place for the upcoming seasons.

Some disappointments were:

1. The less than impressive batting statistics from first baseman Joe Mauer (.265, 10 HR, 66 RBI and a career high 112 strikeouts in 158 games played). A former batting champion, Mauer was moved from behind the plate to avoid constant injury potential, but he responded this year with one of his worst statistical years ever. Hitting coach Tom Brunansky's teams have proved to hit more for power than average, but we should still expect better from a traditional power position, especially with Joe still on the hook for 3 more seasons at $23 million a year.

2. Some pitching fade outs by veterans (Glen Perkins, Mike Pelfrey and a few others) down the stretch killed the potential playoff momentum.

Overall, it was a very impressive season. A few things to consider in the offseason are:

1. Getting another starting pitcher or two to balance out the rotation and offset the inconsistencies and injuries of starter Ricky Nolasco (5-2, 6.75 ERA in 9 games).

2. Finding a position in the field for Sano. Although everyday third baseman Trevor Plouffe had a good year (.244, 22 HR, 86 RBI in 152 games), Sano's traditional position in the minors was third base, so it might be time to trade Plouffe for some pitching help. Since the team has seemed to lose all interest in once-promising outfielder Osvaldo Arcia (.276, 2 HR, 8 RBI before being banished to the minor leagues early in the season), it's probably best to send him to another team where he can try to recapture his potential.

3. Figuring out what to do with fan favorite outfielder Torii Hunter if he decides to re-sign with the team. Although his numbers tailed off in the second half of the season (.240, 22 HR, 81 RBI in 139 games) he was a clubhouse leader and mentor for young outfielders Buxton, Aaron Hicks and Eddie Rosario. If he stays, perhaps Hunter will be best suited as the designated hitter, and play right field a couple times a week at age 41.

Well, that's all for now - another concert tonight! Until then, have a great weekend, folks!