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After returning to relevance last season, the Minnesota Twins enter 2016 with hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Opening day is fast approaching, and here are five storylines from Twins’ spring training thus far.
5. Bullpen Breakdown
Credit: Getty Images5. Bullpen Breakdown
Outside of Glen Perkins, Kevin Jepsen, Trevor May and Casey Fien, the rest of the Twins' bullpen has been a fluid situation all spring in terms of who will earn a spot and how roles will be filled. Fernando Abad and Taylor Rogers look like the top two options to be the primary left-handed setup man.
4. Carlos Quentin Making Strong Case For Roster Spot
Credit: Getty Images4. Carlos Quentin Making Strong Case For Roster Spot
The Twins took a minor league contract flier on Quentin in early February, and he is hitting well so far this spring (.308 with two home runs). Oswaldo Arcia is also having a solid spring, along with being younger and out of minor league options as he competes with Quentin for what looks like one 25-man roster spot. But Quentin is on track to force the Twins to make a tough decision as they fill out the bench they'll go north with.
3. Joe Mauer's Vision Issues
Credit: Stacy Revere Getty Images3. Joe Mauer's Vision Issues
Upon arriving in Fort Myers, Mauer acknowledged he has had vision issues, particularly during day games, related to the aftermath of his 2013 concussion problems. A formal acknowledgement may not have been necessary, along with going public with a plan to wear sunglasses during day games, but Mauer and his vision quickly became a spring storyline for the Twins.
2. Will Ricky Nolasco Demand A Trade?
Credit: Hannah Foslien Getty Images2. Will Ricky Nolasco Demand A Trade?
Nolasco's two-year run in Minnesota has been a bust, and he is competing for a rotation spot this spring. He did not seriously address pitching out of the bullpen early on, but Nolasco's agent suggested the veteran hurler would "address his feelings of disappointment directly to his manager and the GM" upon a bullpen demotion. If the Twins make the right decision, barring injuries, Nolasco will be unhappy as he starts 2016 in the bullpen.
1. Miguel Sano In Right Field
Credit: Hannah Foslien Getty Images1. Miguel Sano In Right Field
The plan to move a man of Sano's size to right field has flaws, but even with some downs this spring the jury is largely still out regarding his ability to make the transition. Once games start to count Sano's ability to be a functional outfielder, and the added risk of injury playing a position he has never played before, will remain a storyline for the Twins.
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