Article: Who is the Face of the Minnesota Twins?

[Andrew Thares]

For over a decade the answer to this question is simple, Joe Mauer, next question. But now that no longer seems to be the case. Obviously with Joe Mauer’s retirement, it is time for a new Minnesota Twin to take over that role, but who is it?Yesterday, I was trying to answer that question for myself. So I decided to run a poll over on Twitter, and it stirred up a lot of debate among Twins fans.

 

 

With that being said, let’s take a look at the case for some of the leading

candidates.

 

Jose Berrios

 

In an organization that has been looking for a true ace of the pitching staff ever since Johan Santana was traded to the New York Mets, Jose Berrios is the guy many have turned to to take that role. In his first few years in the big leagues, Jose Berrios hasn’t disappointed. Ever since getting called up for good in 2017, Berrios has pitched nearly 400 innings, with an ERA of 3.68, a K/9 of 9.02 and a BB/9 of just 2.69. The soon to be 25-year old is just now entering the prime of his career and could serve as the Twins ace for many years to come.

 

Eddie Rosario

 

Eddie Rosario has broken out as a star over the past two plus seasons for the Twins. In 2017 he hit 27 home runs and followed that up with a team leading 24 home runs in 2018. So far in 2019, Rosario is leading the American League with 13 home runs. Additionally, Rosario inspires many Twins fans with his hustle and big arm, that have given us their fair share of both highlight reel plays, and moments where you scratch your head wondering what was Rosie thinking.

 

Byron Buxton

 

Speaking of highlight reel plays, is there another Twins player in recent memory that has given us more of those than Byron Buxton? They say that two thirds of the Earth is covered by water, and the other third is covered by Byron Buxton. In every year since Statcast has tracked player sprint speed, Byron Buxton has ranked 1st in all of Major League Baseball. It might seem weird that a hitter with a career wRC+ of 78 might be considered the face of a franchise, but that just shows how special he is in the outfield and on the base paths.

 

Willians Astudillo

 

Ever since his call-up to the bigs last summer, Willians Astudillo has become a bit of a cult hero to not only Minnesota Twins fans, but to baseball fans across America. In just 150 career plate appearances, Astudillo has already collected 49 hits, an fWAR of 1.1, and has played every position on the field except shortstop, including an innings worth of work on the mound. His unique style of never strikeout and never walk has brought a refreshing pace to a game that has seen those two things spike in recent years. La Tortuga, may you keep bringing baseball fans countless amounts of joy for many years to come.

 

Nelson Cruz

 

This might be one that most Twins fans scoff at given that he was just signed to the team this offseason, but when you consider who the face of a franchise is, it is the player most fans from other teams think of when they think of that team, and on a national level, Nelson Cruz is easily the most prominent player on the Minnesota Twins. It might be hard to make a case for Cruz other than that, but if you were to poll non-Twins fans on this question, I think a lot of them might say Nelson Cruz, simply because they don’t know who a lot of the guys on the Twins roster are… yet.

 

Jorge Polanco

 

When talking about the face of the franchise, you can’t leave out the guy who has probably been the best player when he is actually on the field over the past few seasons. The 80-game suspension to start 2018 hurt some of his production, and consequently some of his case for the face of the Twins, but there is no denying how great of a player Polanco has been ever since he broke out in the later half of 2017. Polanco might just be the long-term answer to the ever-revolving door that is the Minnesota Twins shortstop position.

 

Royce Lewis

 

It might seem weird to include a player that is still in the minor leagues on this list, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to make a case. Just look at what’s happened with the Toronto Blue Jays. Ever since Josh Donaldson was traded last summer, you could make a case that Vlad Guerrero Jr. has been the face of their organization, and with Guerrero, Fernando Tatis Jr., Eloy Jimenez, and Nick Senzel all being in the Majors, it won’t be long until Royce Lewis might be considered the consensus top overall prospect in baseball. Additionally, the last guy the Twins took with the 1st overall pick in the draft held this title for quite some time. Could it soon be time for Lewis to take over the throne?

 

Derek Falvey and Thad Levine

 

While neither is a player, one would be remised not to include Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey and General Manager Thad Levine on this list. Ever since they were hired after the 2016 season, they have been the focal point of many Twins related discussions. At the time of their hire the Twins were coming off having the worst record in baseball, and had a 407-565 record over the previous six seasons. In their time in charge, the Twins have a 186-173 record, and have helped vault the Twins farm system into one of the Top 10 systems in baseball.

 

Rocco Baldelli

 

Lastly, we need to take a look at the Twins manager who has help revitalize this Twins team. Sure, offseason additions of Nelson Cruz, Jonathan Schoop, Martin Perez, Marwin Gonzalez and Blake Parker have played a role, but we can’t overlook the job Baldelli has done in getting the most out of his young players early on in the season. Baldelli brings an added dimension of youth and openness to change that is a refreshing pace to Twins managers of the past. If the Twins keep playing the way they have been, Baldelli might be in line to be named manager of the year in just his first season as an MLB manager.

 

As we can see, there is a long list of names for potential candidates to be the face of the Minnesota Twins. Arguments can be made for a number of guys, and there doesn’t seem to be a consensus on who it is at the moment. Maybe some will rise from the ranks and establish themselves on the Mount Rushmore of Minnesota Twins. Or maybe we will just continue having a team of solid players who all contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

 

Let us know who you think is the face of the Minnesota Twins in the comment section down below.

 

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[GP830]

I think it's probably Buxton, nationally. Locally, I see Rosie and Berrios getting a lot of love. However, I do think Polanco and Kepler's stocks are rising though. 

[MMMordabito]

Right now, I would say La Tortuga.  He gets the loudest cheers at the games.  It really worked out that his DLIL stint took place on a road trip for the most part.

 

It should be Polanco, but Berrios or Eddie could pass him if either signs extensions.

[luckylager]

I don't think they have a "face" at the moment. Someone might step into the spot as the season progresses, but I'm cool with a bunch of stars and not one super-star. 

[Darius]

At some point, Jose Berrios, Eddie Rosario and Jorge Polanco will all be considered among the best players in the MLB st their position. Most reasonably attentive baseball fans nation wide know who these guys are. Those that don’t will shortly.

 

In the end, I think it’s Rosario who ends up the nation-wide face of the franchise. The way he plays the game is infectious and he’s one of the more dynamic offensive players in all of baseball right now.

[AJ Condon]

I think, as of now, Polanco is the face of this team. He has been the most consistent hitter on the team, when he's on the field (just like you said). It is hard to give it to just one guy when you have a lineup full of contributing players and without a good amount of them, we wouldn't be where we are right now. I think it would be a good idea to reevaluate this later in the season when we can see who is still performing well and leading this team into a deep postseason run

[psturnbloom]

 

It should be Polanco

 

This is correct.

[Devereaux]

Eddie Rosario, since Dozier left. Team MVP, he exemplifies the young talented outfield defense, the aggressive batting line up, the predominately Caribbean-born roster. He plays with a desire and panache that is spreading.

[minman1982]

 

I don't think they have a "face" at the moment. Someone might step into the spot as the season progresses, but I'm cool with a bunch of stars and not one super-star. 

 

I agree.  It is fun to have a team with a lineup where on any given night, any one of them could be the star.  Bert and Justin were talking about this last night.  Who do you pitch to?  Who do you want to face in this lineup?  Right now if you are an opposing pitcher, the answer is none of them.

[jtkoupal]

Personally, I don't really care about the team having a "face." For that matter, I don't think there really is a "face" of the Twins right now. This team is firing on all cylinders and working together like a well-oiled machine. This team doesn't need a "face," it needs to keep gelling like a well-oiled machine.

[denarded]

I'm going with Baldelli. Not a sexy pick, but I think his media sessions and comments come across fresh and sincere and he is the 'figurehead' of the team

[jkcarew]

Still emerging. Several realistic candidates, which is a good thing.

[Squirrel]

My answer to that question is ‘Yes,’

 

For this year, it’s been a team effort. If Eddie signs a long term deal with the Twins, I’d say him ... a Twin from beginning to end always makes a good face. But for right now, today, it’s yes, the team.

[gunnarthor]

I think Eddie is the team leader in the clubhouse but Buxton is the face of the team for the fans.

[ScrapTheNickname]

Too early to tell, but my money is on Polanco. He can stroke it from both sides of the plate. He's a fairly good SS. He will, in my opinion, win a batting title this year or another year. Only one player has that swing! And he's not cocky, but concentrates all his energy in what he's doing. Perhaps out new Rod Carew.

[h2oface]

Tyler Duffey.

[Number3]

Who cares? The best thing about this team is that it is a team.  Thank goodness its not #7 any more. Blasphemy? So be it.

[bunt_vs_the_shift]

 

At some point, Jose Berrios, Eddie Rosario and Jorge Polanco will all be considered among the best players in the MLB st their position. Most reasonably attentive baseball fans nation wide know who these guys are. Those that don’t will shortly.

In the end, I think it’s Rosario who ends up the nation-wide face of the franchise. The way he plays the game is infectious and he’s one of the more dynamic offensive players in all of baseball right now.

Good summary. What's interesting about our lineup is that what we lack in star power, we make up for in depth and balance. Even our playoff teams have had a pretty steep drop-off at some point in the lineup (see Nick Punto, Lew Ford, Greg Gagne, Tim Lombardozzi)... Top to bottom, we've got good balance and unless someone like Adrianza or Cave are getting some reps, we're mostly tough outs up and down the lineup. I lean Polanco in terms of being my favorite, but I think Eddie's game lends itself more towards being the face of the franchise and selling t-shirts and tickets

 

[snotboogie]

For the games that I have been to, the loudest cheers at the lineup announcement have been for Tortuga and Byron. Jose has been getting the big cheers when he comes out of the game.

Edited May 9, 2019 by snotboogie

[SockNet]

I say the face the franchise should should be the player that appeals to the targeted audience. If you want to get the white college aged women to the park, slap Kepler on that flyer hands down. If you want the the crowd that the 'Live Fast, Swing Free' lifestyle appeals to, Astudillo and Rosario are your guys. To people who like watching dominating performances, Berrios and Cruz.

[Jham]

Not a face of the franchise, but I've really liked watching Schoop. He's always smiling and having fun. Laid back but professional. Strong arm after all the Dozier years. I was really impressed by the angiotensin insertion he got in his return to Baltimore. He clearly made a positive impression there as well. We're lucky to have him. I'd look to keep him until Lewis is ready.

[FlauerPauer]

 

Not a face of the franchise, but I've really liked watching Schoop. He's always smiling and having fun. Laid back but professional. Strong arm after all the Dozier years. I was really impressed by the angiotensin insertion he got in his return to Baltimore. He clearly made a positive impression there as well. We're lucky to have him. I'd look to keep him until Lewis is ready.

 

There was an great comment about Schoop the other day and how he feel to be a Twin. This isn't exact, but it was along the lines of: a player on Baltimore asked Schoop how he liked being in Minnesota and he turned and opened his arms and said it's wonderful.

 

[RaoulDuke]

For me its Rosario, he is the right combination of unique/ animated/ good.  The team has also taken on an aggressive style that plays him up. 

 

I think Cruz deserves a lot of credit as the vet clubhouse leader as well.  I imagine he is easier for these guys to all get behind than a quiet Mauer or country Dozier.

[USAFChief]

 

 

Hel-LO.

[DocBauer]

Right now, it's Rosario for production, enthusiasm and "style points" in a narrow margain ahead of Berrios.

 

Polanco keeps doing what he's doing and Buxton keeps scratching at his ceiling, ask me at the end of the season. Could easily be one of them.

[ChrisKnutson]

We don’t have one yet, but when he arrives, man is he gonna have a hell of a supporting cast.

[Chachi]

I don't have a favorite horse in the race at this time but I will say that it's a really good problem to have that there are numerous characters and talents that deserve consideration for that distinction. 

 

Could you justify a vote for what appears to be terrific team chemistry overall?  A team so obviously having fun is so much more fun to watch!

 

BTW - the header photo for this article is 100% the best and as effective as one could hope for - nicely done!

[jimbo92107]

"Face of the Twins" is a tough question to ask, especially right now, when each game a different guy or set of guys is thumping taters or making spectacular plays in the field. Rosario and Polanco are tied for first in my mind right now. Both could wind up on the All Star team this season. 

 

On the other hand, so could most of the Twins pitching staff, the way they're dominating hitters. Does that make Wes Johnson the face of the franchise? Nah, it's got to be a player. 

[Twins_Fan_For_Life]

This team kind of reminds me of the Royals team that won the World Series a few years back. They didn't really have Superstar players but they had a lot of really good ones who played well together

[luckylager]

I think the Twins have done a pretty poor job of promoting the individuals on this team post Mauer and Dozier. My 82 year old mom complained to me the other day that she doesn't know anyone on the team anymore. Maybe a new "Get to Know 'Em" commercial blitz is in order?

 

Speaking of marketing, the recent team advertising campaigns have been embarrassingly bad. Last season's "This is How We Baseball", followed by this season's hot dog stand colored, kaleidoscopic, seizure inducers have been complete flops.  Might be wise to get back to the popular Twins Territory type campaign that actually attempted to make a connection between the fans and the players. Might sell a few more tickets (combined with the improved product on the field, of course).

Edited May 9, 2019 by luckylager