Player Predictions: 2B Brian Dozier

As we continue to work our way around the diamond, today we arrive at second base where Brian Dozier has played for the Twins the last three seasons. After being selected by Jose Bautista for the 2014 Home Run Derby at Target Field, he was named an all-star in 2015. He even got into the game and homered off of NL saves leader Mark Melancon.

In 2015, the Minnesota Twins second basemen were 25th in MLB in batting average (.237) and 18th in on-base percentage (.308), but 2nd in slugging percentage (.447) and 6th in OPS (.755). Twins second basemen scored more runs (105) than second basemen from other teams. The 29 home runs that the Twins got from second base were eight more than any other organization.

Obviously Brian Dozier accounted for most of the production. The 28-year-old played in 157 games and hit .236/.307/.444 (.751) with 28 home runs, 101 runs scored and 77 RBI. He also had career-highs in hits, doubles, triples, home runs and RBIs.

It is also well documented that Dozier has been much better before the All-Star break than after it the last couple of years. In 2015, he hit .256/.328/.513 (.841) in the first 88 games of the season. In 69 games after the All-Star break, he hit .210/.280/.359 (.639). As Nick wrote yesterday, Dozier doesn’t see it as a big deal. He said there are other ways to help the team win and that’s what’s important to him.

Dozier will take on more of a leadership role in the clubhouse in 2016 after learning a lot from Torii Hunter a year ago.

While Jorge Polanco waits in the wings for an opportunity at any of the infield positions, pending good health Dozier will get at least 95% of the starts at second base again in 2016. He’s having another terrific spring training and hopes to build on his all-star performance in 2015.

KEY NUMBERS

148 - Along with his other career-high stats in 2015, Dozier also set the Minnesota Twins record with 148 strikeouts, topping Bobby Darwin’s 145 strikeouts in 1972. Nick’s article also talked about Dozier working with Brunansky on covering the whole plate, maybe fouling off more two-strike pitches or possibly slapping some singles to the opposite field.

PREDICTIONS

Brian Dozier: 596 At-bats, .255/.342/.457 (.799), 35 doubles, two triples, 26 home runs.

I think that we will see Dozier be more consistent throughout the entire season. If he can put up his first half numbers all season, he will easily be the top second baseman in baseball, and likely receive a lot of MVP votes. Possible? Sure. I think Dozier, the Twins, and Twins fans will be happy with him being really good for two halves.

YOUR TURN

Now it’s your turn. Share your thoughts on and projections on Brian Dozier in 2016. We can take a look back at the end of the season and see how we did.

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