Tag Archives: Joe Mauer

2018 MLB Season Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have yo-yo’d between being competitive and ‘on-the-cusp’ the last few seasons. Everything lined up and their young players made advancements in their progression. They won 85 games and earned the second Wild Card spot in the American League.

Most teams sat on their wallets this offseason, but the Twins made an effort to add some veteran pitching to their team to surround all the youth. They were able to find some deals and signed Lance Lynn late in the offseason for a fraction of his going price.

Can Byron Buxton and Jose Berrios build on last season’s breakout performances?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2017 MLB Season Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins were a team on the way up, but they had some growing pains last year. I was high on them before the season, but they regressed and lost 103 games. There were numerous reasons for the rough season, but it was mostly due to their young players hitting a plateau in their development.

They need Bryon Buxton, Max Kepler and Jose Berrios to keep improving in order to avoid another lost season. They need them to step up as trade rumors will continue all season concerning Brian Dozier. They are sure to land a load of prospects in return for the power hitting middle infielder.

Here is the 2017 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2016 MLB Season Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are a team on the way up in Major League Baseball. They have young talents that are maturing into stars. Prospect Byron Buxton was actually ranked ahead of Kris Bryant coming into the season last year. He has all the tools and should develop into a really good player for the Twins.

The Twins were only expected to win around 70 games last season, but finished with a 83-79 record. They come into the season with just about the same roster. They added some power by signing Byung Ho Park, who hit over 50 homers in each of the last two seasons in the KBO. Can his success in Korea translate to the Majors?

The Twins aren’t too far away from being a legit pennant contender in the American League. Could they win the AL Central this season?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have one of the best farm systems in baseball. It took a blow with Miguel Sano needing Tommy John surgery last season, but he’s already impressing everyone at Spring Training.

The Twins are only expected to win around 70 games this season, but if a few of their young players catch fire, they could make some noise.

The AL Central is top-heavy with Detroit looking like a lock to win the division. Chicago and Kansas City made a lot of moves this offseason and Cleveland brings back their entire core group of players. Can Minnesota squeeze their way into that group in the standings?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have one of the best farm systems in baseball. It took a blow with Miguel Sano needing Tommy John surgery, but Byron Buxton and Alex Meyer should see some time in the Majors this season. Their future is very bright.

The Twins are only expected to win 70 games this season, but I’m more optimistic than that. The AL Central is down as a whole and could squeak out some victories against the bottom half of the division.

The Twins spent some money this offseason by signing Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes. Should they have spent significant money on those pitchers when they are at least two seasons away from contending?

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins.

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2014 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Top 30 Catchers

It’s time to kick off our yearly preseason fantasy baseball rankings.

The catcher position looks fairly top-heavy this year in fantasy baseball. You have a young group on their way up and a few prominent catchers that look to be transitioning to first base (Joe Mauer), so this may end up being their last season with catcher-eligibility.

My rankings are based on a standard 5×5 league. If you have any specific questions about a different league, email me BobbyMcrib@gmail.com.

1. Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants – Posey had a down year by his standard, but he’s still the #1 overall fantasy catcher. He gives you average, power and plenty at-bats to stack your roto categories.

2. Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals – The once defensive-minded catcher has turned into one of the most consistent fantasy catchers in baseball. You know what you’ll get and he’s a safe pick.

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2013 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are in pretty bad shape…in the short-term. Joe Mauer and Trevor Plouffe had great years last season,

Denard Span and Ben Revere are no longer on the team and their outfield replacements don’t replace their speed and the defensive outputs. Aaron Hicks could proven me wrong, but the jump from Double-A to the Majors is a lot to ask of him this season.

Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Minnesota Twins. Continue reading →