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A Few Twins With Eyes on Them This Spring




We are just about halfway through the Minnesota Twins’ Spring Training, and there is plenty to discuss. The opening day roster is basically set, but there are some players that have made some noise so far in March.

I’ve listed three position players below that have caught some eyes in Florida, and what their production means in the long haul.

Ehire Adrianza

The super-utility Adrianza is competing for some playing time off the bench as a right-handed bat, even though he is a switch hitter. The Twins’ lineup will consist of many left-handed bats—Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler, Joe Mauer, and the newly acquired Logan Morrison. The 28-year-old is batting .348, paired with an OPS of .965 in 23 at-bats. Last season for the Twins, Adrianza drove in a respectable 24 RBI in 186 at-bats. The Venezuelan has played mostly middle infield for his career, but he will play a prominent role beside Robbie Grossman in the outfield. If Adrianza can carry his productive hitting into 2018, the team will have many options when it comes to utility man production, paired with Eduardo Escobar.

Kennys Vargas

This is an interesting name to be talking about, especially after the Morrison signing. Many believe with Morrison most likely going to take up DH duties and back up Mauer at first base, Vargas’ options may be limited with the Twins going forward. Nonetheless, the 27-year-old is having a solid spring, hitting over .300 (.318). No home runs or RBI, and he has struck out 8 times in 22 at-bats. The Dominican Republic native is also out of Minor League options so his time as a Twin could be last seen here in Fort Myers.

Nick Gordon

The brother of All-Star center fielder of the Seattle Mariners, Dee Gordon, Nick Gordon is touted as one of the Twins’ top prospects. The speedster was drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft, and MLB ranks him as the second-best prospect behind last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Royce Lewis. Gordon this spring through 12 at-bats is hitting over a .400 clip (.417). It’s a small sample size, sure, but Gordon has all the looks of the Twins’ future either at second base or shortstop. There was a release that came out this offseason that the Twins’ front office did not reach out to All-Star Brian Dozier on a contract extension beyond 2018. That could spell out a door opening for Gordon, who very well could be up to the Major League level by the end of the season. In four seasons down in the Minors, Gordon has stolen 68 bases, providing a .337 on-base percentage. The 24-year-old struck out a bit much last season in Chattanooga (134 times in 519 at-bats), but that is expected as he climbs up through the ranks. Keep an eye on this speedster this season.



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