Fantasy Perspectives: 2014 Minnesota Twins

There are many types of fantasy leagues and each league can alter its rules, so the below won’t be an exact representation of every type of league. These are the rankings by position according to the rules of one of my leagues. The league is a weekly points league. Hitters score points for total bases, runs and RBI, and half-points for walks and hit by pitches, and two points for stolen bases. For pitchers, it’s ten points for wins and five points for saves. Pitchers receive points per inning pitched and for strikeouts. Pitchers also lose points for runs, hits and walks allowed.

That’s more than you wanted to know, but it gives a basis for the numbers and rankings below. For those that don’t participate in fantasy sports, it’s just a different look at how some of the Twins players compared to others. Sure, you can look at OPS+ or ERA+ or WAR or other such statistics, but it is fun to look at it from a fantasy perspective.

CATCHERS

Kurt Suzuki was an All-Star and had a fantastic first four months of the season. For the season, he ranked 14^th among players eligible at the catcher position.

One of the players who ranked ahead of Suzuki among catchers in 2014 was Joe Mauer. No, he didn’t play the position during the season, but he remained eligible to play there throughout the year. Mauer ranked 10^th among catchers.

MLB’s Top Four: Carlos Santana, Jonathan Lucroy, Buster Posey, Devin Mesoraco

FIRST BASE

Though Mauer was still valuable in fantasy leagues as a catcher, his frustrating season ranked 34^th among first basemen in 2014. It was two spots behind the Royals Eric Hosmer and three behind Mark Teixeira. In 2015, Mauer will only be eligible as a first baseman.

Kennys Vargas, playing just the final two months, ranked 63^rd and Chris Parmelee came in at 64.

MLB’s Top Four: Jose Bautista, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Jose Abreu

SECOND BASE

Brian Dozier had a terrific season. Despite hitting .243, he took walks, crushed home runs, and scored a lot of runs. Just two players who qualified at second base ranked higher. The Astros Jose Altuve ranked first and Nationals 3B/2B Anthony Rendon came in second. Dozier ranked third, but well above the fourth-ranked second baseman. Check out the next group of second basemen behind Dozier; Ian Kinsler, Dee Gordon, Robinson Cano, Matt Carpenter, Howie Kendrick and Chase Utley.

MLB’s Top Four: Jose Altuve, Anthony Rendon, Brian Dozier, Ian Kinsler

THIRD BASE

Trevor Plouffe had a much-improved showing in his defense, and his offense also took another step forward in 2014. Among all qualifying third basemen, he ranked 12^th. He was just behind Adrian Beltre, Josh Harrison and Daniel Murphy. He ranked just ahead of Pablo Sandoval.

MLB’s Top Four: Miguel Cabrera, Anthony Rendon, Josh Donaldson, Todd Frazier

SHORTSTOP

Though he primarily played centerfield, Danny Santana qualified at shortstop as well. Despite missing time at the beginning of the season in the minor leagues and a stint on the disabled list, he comes in at #16 among all shortstops. Eduardo Escobar, who played good defense and hit a ton of doubles, ranked 26^th.

MLB’s Top Four: Dee Gordon, Ian Desmond, Jose Reyes, Alexei Ramirez

OUTFIELDER

Santana was the Twins top performing outfielder in 2014. He was #16 among shortstops, but that same point total came in 59^th among outfielders. Oswaldo Arcia ranked #75.

MLB’s Top Four: Mike Trout, Jose Bautista, Giancarlo Stanton, Michael Brantley

STARTING PITCHERS

Phil Hughes had a remarkable season. In this league’s scoring, he ranked 14^th among all starting pitchers. Kyle Gibson finished #86 in baseball.

MLB’s Top Four: Johnny Cueto, Clayton Kershaw, Corey Kluber, David Price

RELIEF PITCHERS

Glen Perkins was the closer in the All-Star game at Target Field in July. Despite his struggles due to injury in the final month, he still ranked 14^th among relief pitchers in baseball.

MLB’s Top Four: Craig Kimbrel, Greg Holland, Francisco Rodriguez, Kenley Jansen