Constructing the Twin of the Decade

With the New Year upon us and everyone putting together their various “Best of the Decade” lists, this article will take a crack at constructing the Best Twin of the Decade. That is, I will take the best part(s), from head to toes, of various players from 2010 to 2019 and construct one mega player.

This will be a preview of my Super Bowl Blog Blowout where I make an attempt to construct the greatest Twin of all-time. The idea is to find the best head, eyes, right arm, left arm, left hand, right hand, upper body, and legs from various players that played for the Twins for at least one season this decade. So, without further ado, here is the Best Twin of the Decade:

Head: Nick Punto

This was a tough one, and admittedly, a bit of a reach since he only played in 88 games this decade but there was no doubting that he was the most “headsy” Twin of the decade. As the unofficial leader of the Pihranna’s in the previous decade and the ability to play second, third, and short at an exceptional level Punto has the head for the game that you want from all players.

Eyes: Joe Mauer

With his knack for contact and knowledge of the strike zone, Joe Mauer is easily the set of eyes I want for this Twins mega player. What he lacks in homerun power, he makes up for in singles and doubles...you’ll see later we won’t have any power concerns with this guy.

Right Arm: Jose Berrios

The Twins had some solid righties in the 2010’s such as Kyle Gibson, Phil Hughes, and Ervin Santana, but from that mix Berrios is the arm I want. He, hopefully, didn’t reach his potential this decade and will be part of the next decades mega player too.

Left Arm: Francisco Liriano

It was a close decision between him and Glen Perkins, but Liriano started the decade with a lot of promise and a dominant 2010. The next season was filled with injuries and then he was traded to the White Sox in 2012, nonetheless when he was healthy he was extremely effective.

Left Hand: Joe Mauer

After winning a Gold Glove at catcher in 2010 (his third overall) he, arguably, should have won another in 2018 at first base. He had soft hands which helped with framing and scooping at both positions.

Right Hand: Max Kepler

Kepler has one of the best outfield gloves in baseball, as was especially proof in 2019 when he became the full-time center fielder once Buxton went down. He doesn’t have elite sprint speed but with the help of his glove he is ninth in Outs Above Average, per Baseball Savant.

Upper Body: Nelson Cruz

He’s built like a brick sh...well...you know. Give me the midsection, pecs, and biceps of the Boomstick to hit 40 plus bombas a season.

Legs: Byron Buxton

You can’t deny his speed. As one of the fastest players in Major League Baseball, he’ll be stealing 2nd and 3rd for days using Mauer’s eyes when Cruz’s upper body doesn’t launch the ball out of the ballpark.

What do you think? What would your Best Twin of the Decade look like?

MORE FROM TWINS DAILY

— Latest Twins coverage from our writers

— Recent Twins discussion in our forums

— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email