Article: Danny Santana's Role Becoming Solidified

[Nick Nelson]

Heading into camp, there were some questions surrounding how Danny Santana might fit into the Twins' lineup and fielding alignment.

 

Would he bat leadoff, as he did for most of his surprisingly strong rookie campaign, or would he slide down to make room for a more established option? Would he remain in center field, where he excelled last year and where the Twins have no clear frontrunner, or would he move back to his natural position of shortstop?

 

Three weeks into camp, any such uncertainty seems to have mostly vanished in the eyes of the Twins manager.Ron Gardenhire was a fun manager to cover because he was, frankly, hilarious. You would sit down with him for a media pow-wow and you were pretty much guaranteed a laugh or five, as he would invariably spew a bunch of witty repartees and folksy quips.

 

But while amusing, his pressers weren't always all that informative or enlightening.

 

His successor is not nearly as prone to falling back on whimsy. Paul Molitor is a straightforward guy who doesn't shy away from providing his honest viewpoint on any matter.

 

When discussing his plans for Santana on Sunday, Molitor was refreshingly unsubtle.

 

"I see Danny at the top for the most part to be honest with you, because I like the dimension he brings to that spot."

 

OK then. Santana is your leadoff man.

 

But will he play center or short?

 

I asked Molitor about this after hearing Gibson's glowing review of Santana's stellar play to start Sunday's game against St. Louis.

 

"I really like it when we make a good play to start the game. A lot of things can happen in that first inning that set the tone for winning or losing sometimes," Molitor said. "It was the kind of play that can make a difference in the game."

 

It seems safe to say that Santana's nifty effort -- along with a couple of other nice plays he's converted in the past week -- made an impression on Molitor. So I asked flat-out: Do you see still see Santana as a possibility in center, or are you strongly leaning toward shortstop at this point?

 

Molitor paused for a moment, then said, "I'm strongly leaning toward shortstop."

 

OK then. Santana is your shortstop.

 

I like it. Not necessarily because I agree with the rationale; I absolutely think Santana needs to be at short but I'm not totally convinced he's a great solution in the leadoff spot. Still, there's definitely something to be said for a no-BS approach from a skipper who is still trying to forge his identity. From my interactions with him, Molitor seems uninterested in beating around the bush.

 

But if Santana's moving back to short, as he should, what does that mean for the center field competition, where Aaron Hicks is failing to inspire a whole lot of confidence thus far?

 

Molitor treaded carefully on that topic, but still dropped a clear hint. Reporters asked yesterday about the decision to start Eddie Rosario in center field and this was the manager's response:

 

"Rosario primarily has been left and a little bit of center, but I need to get a look at him out there, if we want to go down that road of who I want to play out there, as opposed to Santana as an option if things didn't work out or whatever. You know, it's obvious what we're talking about here. He's had a good spring, and he had a great fall. I want to make sure I get a good look at that kid. He looks fine to me both in center and left. He made some good plays, he's on the ball, I was watching his pitch preparation pitch-to-pitch, he's moving, he's doing a lot of good things out there."

 

In other words, Rosario is making an impression, and Hicks should be on notice.

 

As far as Molitor's feelings about Santana? Those need no translation.

 

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[beckmt]

Not surprised.  I could see Rosario making it to start the season or a platoon of Schafer and Robinson at that time.  If Santana is back in center field, it means all options have failed. 

[iTwins]

I'm loving Paul Molitor's approach with the media so far. Direct, no nonsense answers that actually reflect his consideration / thinking on the subject. It's refreshing.

[Brock Beauchamp]

It's hard not to feel like this team is starting to turn the corner and I (mostly) like what Molitor is doing this spring.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

It's hard not to feel like this team is starting to turn the corner and I (mostly) like what Molitor is doing this spring.

Not sure if Molitor has done a whole lot yet this spring.  From his most recent comments, he's leaning toward putting forth our exact regular September 2014 defensive lineup and batting order, with Santana to short, Hunter to the outfield, and Escobar to the bench.  The rest of the bench and pitching staff is shaping up pretty much the same too, with Ervin in for May and a Rule 5'er plus a vet in place of Burton/Swarzak in the pen.

 

Not that these are bad moves, but outside of press conference approach, I am not yet seeing much on-field differences from what Gardy was doing late last year, or what I would have expected Gardy to do this spring.

[gunnarthor]

I have to say, I didn't think Rosario had much of a chance to make the team out of ST but I'm starting to think I'm wrong.  It'll be interesting to watch Rosario/Schafer/Hicks fill in CF until Buxton is ready.

[eLee612]

Any concrete thoughts in that conversation about his plans for Escobar? 

[Otto von Ballpark]

Interesting, while Santana has exclusively played shortstop this spring, so has Escobar.

 

Unfortunately, that means Nunez is getting all the "utility" action right now and has to be the current projected guy for that role on the opening day roster.  Two key dates are coming up for him, however:

 

March 18: Last day to place a player on unconditional release waivers and pay 30 days termination pay instead of 45 days
April 1: Last day to request unconditional release waivers on a player without having to pay his full 2014 salary

 

Source: http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/important-mlb-dates-112613

 

If Santana is the SS, I would love to see Nunez cleared out this spring.  He just isn't an interesting option at any position.  He should be viewed as <$200k injury insurance.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I thought the Nunez tender was a mistake. My opinion has not changed. I don't like him on the team in any capacity.

[dxpavelka]

Not a big Nunez fan (especially defensively) but there are not a lot of better utility type options available.  The minor league guys who project for that kind of role don't do much for me and a guy like Polanco needs to get consitent at bats for at least most of this year.

[uberfan]

The outfield still feels like such an unknown. Yes, I agree, the signing of Nunez shocked the heck out of me. I never dreamed he'd be back. I'm starting to think we may trade an outfielder when Buxton is ready. There doesn't seem like enough room to get all the bats in that we want and I don't see Hicks as a bat at all...Arcia is a bat but only an average outfielder. I still hate the signing of Hunter also. Ugh! I'm glad I don't have to decide. 

[jimmer]

Well, we need someone who can actually play an above average defensive CF because our corners are, um, horrible.  Santana does not come close to fitting that bill, so hopefully he won't be out there again (though I admired his effort out there last year, his defensive deficiency out there was not on him since he's an IF)

Edited March 16, 2015 by jimmer

[Seth Stohs]

Not sure if Molitor has done a whole lot yet this spring.  From his most recent comments, he's leaning toward putting forth our exact regular September 2014 defensive lineup and batting order, with Santana to short, Hunter to the outfield, and Escobar to the bench.  The rest of the bench and pitching staff is shaping up pretty much the same too, with Ervin in for May and a Rule 5'er plus a vet in place of Burton/Swarzak in the pen.

 

Not that these are bad moves, but outside of press conference approach, I am not yet seeing much on-field differences from what Gardy was doing late last year, or what I would have expected Gardy to do this spring.

 

I'm not certain what changes you're looking for. The offense was pretty good last year. Centerfield was really the only question mark after Hunter signed and whichever guy plays out there will likely bat ninth. The lineup didn't need much change. Gary's lineup last year was fine. His pitchers just didn't all pitch very well.

[Seth Stohs]

Uti

 

Any concrete thoughts in that conversation about his plans for Escobar?

Utility infielder. At one of Terry Ryan's pregame chat, he said he thinks Escobar could get 300 at bats. I think an injury at SS or 2B is what it would take.

[jay]

 

If Santana is the SS, I would love to see Nunez cleared out this spring.  He just isn't an interesting option at any position.  He should be viewed as <$200k injury insurance.

 

I learnt something today!  I always assumed the contract was guaranteed after tendered in arbitration, but alas, tis not true.

 

I'd like to see Hermann in that 25th man spot if Santana is the SS.  However, I'd probably prefer he be the CF.

[Seth Stohs]

I thought the Nunez tender was a mistake. My opinion has not changed. I don't like him on the team in any capacity.

 

In my opinion, Nunez is competing with Herrmannn for the 25th roster spot. They already know Escobar is the main utility infielder. If Herrmann beats out Nunez, they'll DFA or trade him.

[kab21]

Having two utililty players is kind of redundant though.  I hate having a bench with a backup C (that can't hit), two utility IF'ers (that don't hit much) and a utility OF'er (that doesn't hit).  Great they can defensively cover anything that is thrown at them but they don't have one bench bat that can actually hit.  If Vargas, Mauer, Hunter or Arcia need a day off for a random injury then Nunez is getting the start as a DH.  Awesome...

 

So far I'm glad to hear that SS is basically Santana's position to lose.  This says something about playing for the future and imo Santana at SS is the short term future.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

In my opinion, Nunez is competing with Herrmannn for the 25th roster spot. They already know Escobar is the main utility infielder. If Herrmann beats out Nunez, they'll DFA or trade him.

I agree, I'm just not sure why they spent $200k on Nunez as an insurance policy. It's not like futility guys are hard to find at any given moment, especially ones with Nunez's skillset (ie. "not very good").

[troyhobbs]

Not sure why all the Nunez hate. The guy is not competing for a starting position and is a much better ball player than some of the recent bench options the Twins have rostered, such as, Mastro, Florimon, Calbello, Kubel, Bartlett, and Hermann to name a few 

[Dave T]

Nunez is a bad outfielder.  Not as bad as Willingham, but should only make the team as utility infielder.  There's no way he beats out Escobar for that role.

[Brock Beauchamp]

 

The guy is not competing for a starting position and is a much better ball player than some of the recent bench options the Twins have rostered, such as, Mastro, Florimon, Calbello, Kubel, Bartlett, and Hermann to name a few 

I don't know if there's a person on this forum who disliked Florimon as much as I did during his time with the Twins. I rarely passed an opportunity to take a swipe at Florimon and his comically bad offense.

 

And I'd seriously consider Florimon in a utility role over Nunez. A futility guy should be defense first, offense... third. Nunez isn't a great bat and is truly terrible in the field.

[stringer bell]

In my opinion, Nunez is competing with Herrmannn for the 25th roster spot. They already know Escobar is the main utility infielder. If Herrmann beats out Nunez, they'll DFA or trade him.

I think you are on the money, Seth. Nunez hasn't hit great, but his track record is far better than Herrmann's. With relative rhinos, Plouffe, Arcia, and Vargas all in the lineup, having someone to pinch run for them would be a plus. I think Molitor also has to be convinced of Nunez ability in the outfield and second base. He made a bad play on a ball in the ninth inning yesterday. Herrmann has to show he can hit. In addition Nunez is out of options, so if he doesn't make the team he doesn't stay in the Twins organization.

[jay]

 

If Vargas, Mauer, Hunter or Arcia need a day off for a random injury then Nunez is getting the start as a DH.  Awesome...

 

What happened to Josmil Pinto?

[jay]

 

With relative rhinos, Plouffe, Arcia, and Vargas all in the lineup, having someone to pinch run for them would be a plus.

 

What happened to Jordan Schafer?

[troyhobbs]

 

I don't know if there's a person on this forum who disliked Florimon as much as I did during his time with the Twins. I rarely passed an opportunity to take a swipe at Florimon and his comically bad offense.

 

And I'd seriously consider Florimon in a utility role over Nunez. A futility guy should be defense first, offense... third. Nunez isn't a great bat and is truly terrible in the field.

I wouldn't use Nunez in a utility role necessarily since Escobar already fills that need. I'm not going to shower the guy with praise but as a late game replacement or the occasional spot start you could certainly do worse.

[Old Twins Cap]

Nunez. Watch him at bat. He will swing on the first or second pitch, every single at bat. Just watch him sometime. He has zero plate discipline or ability to work a count. In the outfield, non-chalance comes to mind. He really does not bring much to a ballclub, which is why the Yankees let him go.

[Dantes929]

"But if Santana's moving back to short, as he should, what does that mean for the center field competition, where Aaron Hicks is failing to inspire a whole lot of confidence thus far?"

So far career or so far spring training 2015?   OPS this spring at .912.   Yes,  a couple base running goofs.   How is his D?

[jimmer]

 

Nunez. Watch him at bat. He will swing on the first or second pitch, every single at bat. Just watch him sometime. He has zero plate discipline or ability to work a count. In the outfield, non-chalance comes to mind. He really does not bring much to a ballclub, which is why the Yankees let him go.

He had more pitches per plate appearances last year than our new RF.  He also had more pitchers per PA than last year's batting champ/hit leader Altuve, all world 2B Cano, and now retired HOFer Jeter.

 

His OF defense, well, he shouldn't be in the OF.  

 

Not defending him, just putting certain comments about his game into context.

Edited March 16, 2015 by jimmer

[stringer bell]

 

What happened to Jordan Schafer?

I have him as the starting CF to start the year.

[h2oface]

".........Would he (Santana) remain in center field, where he excelled last year and where the Twins have no clear frontrunner......."

 

I never felt that Santana excelled in center field. I would call it adequate to poor defense. I am looking forward to seeing what he does at short. If he proves to be a liability, and he is still hitting and center field is still a problem waiting for buxton, then he can try to get better in center and take over for a spell, I guess, but that would make the outfield defense just horrible.