NFL Tickets
The Minnesota Twins showed signs of progress in 2015, winning 83 games and hanging around the American League playoff race late in Paul Molitor‘s first season as manager. On April 4 against the Baltimore Orioles, here’s how the Twins’ 2016 Opening Day lineup should look.
1. 2B Brian Dozier
Credit: Getty Images1. 2B Brian Dozier
Dozier is not a quintessential leadoff hitter on the surface (.307 OBP in 2015), but he can steal bases and his power stands out. He will take his typical spot in the batting order on Opening Day.
2. 1B Joe Mauer
Credit: Getty Images2. 1B Joe Mauer
Mauer's plate approach would be good for the leadoff spot, and his lack of power should take him out of his customary No. 3 spot. Let's split the difference and put him here, which is what Molitor should do.
3. 3B Trevor Plouffe
Credit: Hannah Foslien-Getty Images3. 3B Trevor Plouffe
Plouffe has become productive power hitter for the Twins (22 home runs and 86 RBIs last season), so he's a fit for the three-hole.
4. RF Miguel Sano
Credit: Jason Miller Getty Images4. RF Miguel Sano
Sano immediately became a force for the Twins in 2015, with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs over 279 at-bats after being called up. A defensive position switch is a concern heading into the season, but on Opening Day Sano's bat belongs in the cleanup spot.
5. DH Byung-Ho Park
Credit: Getty Images5. DH Byung-Ho Park
Park had a bad spring debut with the Twins, but since then he has appeared to adjust well to major league pitching. The No. 5 spot might add a bit of pressure for the Korean import, but on Opening Day he should be there.
6. LF Eddie Rosario
Credit: Getty Images6. LF Eddie Rosario
Rosario was a good all-around producer for the Twins, though it would be nice to see him draw more walks (15 over 122 games). He could eventually occupy a higher spot in the batting order this season, but for Opening Day Rosario slots into the No. 6 spot.
7. SS Eduardo Escobar
Credit: Jonathan Daniel Getty Images7. SS Eduardo Escobar
Escobar brought some stability to shortstop in 2015, with offensive production (12 home runs and 58 RBIs) as a nice bonus. For Opening Day, the seventh spot in Molitor's lineup it is.
8. C John Ryan Murphy
Credit: Getty Images8. C John Ryan Murphy
Kurt Suzuki would be a likely option here, but I'm going with offseason trade acquisition Murphy instead. Working in his favor for Opening Day, in a small sample size, is a .333 career batting average at Camden Yards.
9. CF Byron Buxton
Credit: Getty Images9. CF Byron Buxton
Buxton struggled offensively upon arriving in the big leagues last season, with a thumb injury in the middle to help derail him. But his center field defense is major-league ready, and starting 2016 in the No. 9 spot will allow Buxton to mature as a hitter without pressure to produce.
Share 
