Brian Dozier was identified as the worst starting hitter of 2015, according to a popular sports website called cheatsheet.com. Dozier, despite being among the league leaders in runs scored, certainly needs to hit lower in Minnesota’s batting order next season.
The All-Star second baseman looms more like a number five hitter for the Twins, as his 27 home runs totaled among the highest on the team. His on-base percentage, a crucial statistic for a leadoff hitter, was just .325 with a .256 batting average. Dozier just doesn’t walk long enough to justify keeping his spot at the top of the order, and he averages more than one strike per game.
The problem for the Twins, however, is that they currently don’t have anyone in the daily lineup who is shaping up to be a good starting hitter. Therefore, manager Paul Molitor and his staff must examine their batting order to improve the team’s hopes of a playoff spot, which eluded them for just one game last season.
Young outfielder Byron Buxton, the fastest and most athletic player in the lineup, doesn’t have enough experience to hit first. In his first major league season, he struck out more often than he reached on base.
Left fielder Eddie Rosario showed enough speed as a rookie last year to be an outside hitter, but his on-base percentage was even lower than Dozier’s. Additionally, Rosario showed enough power to hit near the middle of the lineup, especially with her uncanny clutch hitting ability.
Recently signed international free agent Byung Ho Park is a designated hitter destined for the middle of the order, as is last year’s club’s home run leader third baseman Trevor Plouffe. Young Miguel Sano, who is scheduled to play in the outfield in 2016, has the build and constitution of a cleaning hitter.
Wide receiver Kurt Suzuki doesn’t hit or run well enough to qualify for the starting role, leaving the Twins with just two players to choose from: shortstop Eduardo Escobar and first baseman Joe Mauer. Both had batting averages in the 260s last year, and each had just two stolen bases. Basically they both lack the speed and expected high average from the top of the order.
Mauer’s .338 on-base percentage, however, gives him a significant advantage over Escobar, who finished at 309. Mauer’s running percentage is much higher, a remarkable .394. Additionally, Mauer sees an average of one and a half pitches per plate appearance more than Escobar, a consideration often overlooked when qualifying starting hitters. Those extra pitches allow the next eight batters to see the opposing pitcher much better.
Minnesota will depend on many youngsters to improve last year’s contending team, but none of them should have the added pressure of having to hit first. Despite his lack of speed, veteran Joe Mauer should be the guy to start the Twins’ offense.
