ESPN Top 10's

[Physics Guy]

This week, ESPN has been running a feature where it lists the top ten at each position.  They started with the OF and posted C today. 

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12567992/top-10-catchers

 

2B is the only position left to complete and the Twins have zero players on any list.  Dozier should make that list, but is it any wonder we've lost 90+ for four straight seasons?  You could argue that Perkins would have been on the list had he not faded at the end of the season.  I can't think of anyone I would even argue for right now.  For the Twins to take a step up, we need at least a couple of more players in the conversation.

[gunnarthor]

By WAR (take with grain of salt) the Twins had top 10 players at their positions at third base (Plouffe 9th in MLB), Second base (Dozier 5th), Catcher (Suzuki 6th) and Staring Pitcher (Hughes 5th).  If you cut the PA down from qualified to 400, Suzuki drops out but Santana jumps in. 

[drunksam]

By WAR (take with grain of salt) the Twins had top 10 players at their positions at third base (Plouffe 9th in MLB), Second base (Dozier 5th), Catcher (Suzuki 6th) and Staring Pitcher (Hughes 5th).  If you cut the PA down from qualified to 400, Suzuki drops out but Santana jumps in.

 

I'll put more stock in top tens like this, than the lists of a collection of panelists. Might as well just poll all of us. Joe Mauer is bestes and he sucks!!!!

[jorgenswest]

Ten teams make the playoffs. It is hard to be a top ten team without top ten talent.

 

It really should be top 50 on starting pitching. Hughes should qualify. No one else would.

[Physics Guy]

Hughes and Plouffe are the only two I could see might be worth arguing.  Hughes needs to pitch like the second half last year (2.97 ERA, 1.023 WHIP and 8K/9) and Plouffe needs to add some power back while maintaining his avg and obp.  Would you take Plouffe over #9 David Wright or #10 Matt Carpenter?  Suzuki had his best year of the last 5 at age 30.  He is a serious regression candidate.  If Santana can post a .750 OPS this year and be solid at SS, he will be in the conversation next year.

[gunnarthor]

 

Hughes and Plouffe are the only two I could see might be worth arguing.  Hughes needs to pitch like the second half last year (2.97 ERA, 1.023 WHIP and 8K/9) and Plouffe needs to add some power back while maintaining his avg and obp.  Would you take Plouffe over #9 David Wright or #10 Matt Carpenter?  Suzuki had his best year of the last 5 at age 30.  He is a serious regression candidate.  If Santana can post a .750 OPS this year and be solid at SS, he will be in the conversation next year.

I think Dozier is a top 10 second baseman.

 

I hope that Gibson can make the jump this year (although not top 10, of course). He was looking better in ST - apparently throwing 94 and striking out 17 in 19 innings.  He could have some Tim Hudson seasons in him. 

The other guy to look at a big break out year would be Arcia, although defense will probably always keep his WAR low.  He might need to be platooned against lefties (maybe Hicks becomes the weakside of a platoon and 5th OFer?) but he hit really well against righties last year and that should get better as he improves. 

[Physics Guy]

 

I think Dozier is a top 10 second baseman.

 

Agreed and I think he will be the one Twin on these lists.  I would argue he may be top 5.

[nicksaviking]

Agreed and I think he will be the one Twin on these lists.  I would argue he may be top 5.

He should be, but it's ESPN. They don't often watch players in flyover country.