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Per FanGraphs, Dozier had a defensive runs saved above average metric (DRS) of 9 for 2013 - on their scale that equates to a "great" (For what it's worth, "Gold glove caliber" players score close to 15). The data is too small for 2014 to generate an accurate number (he's currently at 0 - or average - DRS for 2014, but I'm sure that number will rise.) I hear lots of talk regarding moving Dozier back to short - but I'm of the opinion that when you have a Gold Glove caliber second baseman, you don't mess with it. I'd gladly take an elite defender at second base and look elsewhere for a solution at short, rather messing with both positions and hoping Dozier's improvements translate. A few days ago on the FSN telecast, Dick & Bert were discussing Dozier's improved defense and theorized that Dozier had excelled at 2nd because the position allowed him an extra second or two to adjust and field the ball. They felt that he could make more sliding and diving stops because of his proximity to 1st - something that playing SS would not allow him to do. Now, this was Dick & Bert "theorizing" so you can take that with a grain of salt if you'd like - but I thought it was an interesting point.

Most baseball fans love a good story. We’re suckers for the guy rising from adversity to achieve his dreams of playing at a big league level. Look to the following around Chris Colabello’s rise this season or even Andrew Albers’ call up last year and it’s plain to see – we love the underdog. While Colabello’s story is certainly one of the greatest headlines of this season, I fear we as fans are overlooking another great redemption tale taking place right at second base. On August 14th 2012, the Twins optioned Brian Dozier, their struggling shortstop back to AAA Rochester. The move marked an unceremonious ending to Dozier’s rookie season in which he burst on to the scene as the "next big thing" before quickly falling into a rut plagued by poor hitting and a multitude of errors. Through 84 games, Dozier posted a meager stat line of .234/.271/.332 while holding an atrocious 58/16 strikeout to walk ratio. He also struggled in the field, committing 16 errors and posting a below average .964 fielding percentage. The common belief was Dozier would get a few weeks in Rochester to "fix" some issues before getting a call-up in September when the rosters expanded. Except the call never came. The Twins opted to leave Dozier in the minors for the rest of the season, a decision that spoke loudly towards the Twins attitude to the 25 years old shortstop. Dozier had been an unheralded prospect who put together one strong offensive season in 2011 – there was little basis to believe that he would ever develop into a regular player and his value as a utility player was reduced due to his poor fielding performance. For many prospects, a season like Dozier experienced in 2012 would likely mark the end of their big league aspirations. Instead, Dozier took a different approach and accepted the challenge from Terry Ryan and Ron Gardenhire to learn a new position. He spent the offseason in the Venezuelan winter leagues working at second base prior to games and came into the spring of 2013 ready to fill a new role with the club. He won the job out of spring training and shortly thereafter, a new Dozier emerged. Although he started 2013 a bit slow offensively, he was playing second base defense at an elite level right out of the gate. http://m.mlb.com/video/v27061353/?query=brian+dozier By the end of May, his bat had caught up to his glove and Dozier became an offensive weapon to match his newfound defensive prowess. Over the final 110 games of the 2013 season, Dozier batted .259/.335/.461 while hitting 17 home runs and stealing 9 bases. He also posted an improved strikeout to walk rate of 87/43. Dozier finished 2013 with a .244/.312/.414 slash line while posting a .992 fielding percentage and reducing his total errors for the year to 6. Even if 2013 was Dozier’s ceiling, it’s likely fans and the front office would both be pleased to have an above average defensive second baseman who carried a bit of offensive potential on the roster. The crazy part is – it looks like Dozier is still improving. Through 29 games this season, Dozier is batting .248/.373/.462 while hitting a team leading 8 home runs. He also leads Major League Baseball in runs scored (31) and leads the AL in stolen bases (11). A deeper look at the data shows Dozier’s offensive production coincided with a new patient approach at the plate. From 2012 to 2013, Dozier doubled his walk rate (4.7% in 2012 to 8.2% in 2013) while also boosting his OPS from .603 to .726. All he’s done in 2014 is double his walk rate AGAIN (16.2%) while increasing his OPS to .835. Even if his walk rate does regress slightly, it will likely come with a raise in batting average, meaning his OPS should stay relatively unchanged. Advanced data from Fangraphs further highlights the change: [TABLE] Season [TD=width: 9%]Team [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]O-Swing% [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]Z-Swing% [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]Swing% [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]O-Contact% [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]Z-Contact% [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]Contact% [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]2012 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]Twins [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]34.7 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]61.8 % [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]48.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]76.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]89.4 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]84.5 % [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]2013 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]Twins [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]28.9 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]54.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]40.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]76.6 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]90.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]84.6 % [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]2014 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]Twins [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]25.7 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]48.6 % [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]36.5 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]70.7 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]89.9 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]82.8 % [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]　 [/TD] [TD=width: 10%]Total [/TD] [TD=width: 9%]- - - [/TD] [TD=width: 12%]30.0 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]55.6 % [/TD] [TD=width: 11%]41.8 % [/TD] [TD=width: 13%]75.7 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]89.8 % [/TD] [TD=width: 16%]84.3 % [/TD] [/TABLE] Dozier has greatly reduced his swings outside the zone, while being more selective at pitches in the zone as well. In short, Dozier is swinging a more selective bat, and the results have certainly been noticeable. In fact, Dozier’s hot offensive start has caused some early season projections to take notice – requiring Fangraphs to tweak Dozier’s projected WAR for 2014, for example. (Hint: it’s doubled). All of this has happened while Dozier is making plays like this: http://m.mlb.com/video/v32497993/?query=brian+dozier 　 It’s looking like the Twins have more than a serviceable second baseman that can be an occasional offensive threat. Instead, they may have one of the best defensive second baseman in baseball who could ALSO be one of the best offensive second baseman in baseball. It’s easy to overlook Dozier’s path from failure to potential Gold Glove winner or All Star Game representative since it happened right in front of our eyes. When you take a step back and look at how much Dozier has changed and developed over the past two seasons, its clear his story is one worth appreciating. The exciting part is, it appears to be far from over.

I'd wager he gets sent to the DL and allowed to work on things while "rehabbing" in the minors. I don't see how the Twins can roll him out for another start.

Also known as a "Blue Jay Rally"

Agreed. His velocity has to be of alarm for the coaching staff - something is clearly bothering him.

While not technically a mispronunciation - I always get a chuckle when he calls Drew Butera "Sal Butera".

I'll take the over. Granted, I don't think it will be over by much (I'm thinking 15-14 for a May record) but it's still over. Given that schedule, I think we'd all be delighted if the Twins could squeak out a winning record. Really - with that shedule I'd be happy if the Twins were within a game or two of .500 in either direction.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/2889-Mike-Pelfrey-s-Stuggles-Small-Sample-or-Larger-Concerns

Unlike the midwestern spring, Max Kepler is starting to heat up. Another strong week has seen Kepler's numbers climb out of the early season cellar. To date, he's batting: [TABLE] Year Age AgeDif Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB 2014 21 -1.7 FortMyers FLOR A+ MIN 21 85 76 9 16 2 2 1 14 0 1 6 8 .211 .282 .329 .611 25 3 2 0 1 0 [/TABLE] Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 4/29/2014. The highlight of the week came on Sunday, when Kepler hit a grand slam (his first home run of the season) in route to a 10-7 win for the Miracle. I'm trying to find a video of the hit - if / when I do, I'll be sure to share it here.

It doesn't matter how many times I've read his story, I love following Colabello's tale each time it's told. This season has been full of players to root for, but Colabello easily tops the list for me. I hope he keeps it up!

I was just getting good at spelling Mastroianni too... I thought the Twins had something in Mastroianni when they claimed him from the Blue Jays in 2012. He seemed to be the perfect 4th OF type - he had a decent bat, played average defense and best of all, was a threat on the bases. Unfortunately, that ankle injury in 2013 seemed to sap his speed and on top of that he just wasn't hitting. Still, I think he had value for the Twins and I'm bummed to see him go.

The beautiful thing about early season numbers is that they can very quickly be altered. After a sluggish first week in which he posted a meager .111/.219/.185 slash line, Max strung a few multi hit games together and is now boasting an improved stat line: [TABLE] Age AgeDif Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB 21 -1.7 FortMyers FLOR A+ MIN 16 65 57 8 12 1 2 [/TD] 8 6 4 .211 .292 .298 .591 17 1 1 1 [TD] [/TABLE] Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 4/23/2014. As I mentioned last week, Max was posting low averages despite having only one strikeout, showing that many of his problems were coming down to poor luck. Through 65 PA, Max still only has 4 strikeouts and has taken 6 walks. That shows he's seeing the ball well so far and gives a good indication that his average and OBP should continue trending upward.

Fair enough - with the limited amount of data for 2014, any change would be small and potentially hard to mark. (There's also the concern as to whether it's even statistically significant or just an anomaly). I'd argue that the ground ball and line drive distributions do show encouraging trends, but I can certainly see your point where that data wouldn't be significant enough to consider it a "change" just yet. It will be interesting to watch as the season progresses.

That's why I tried to put a lot of emphasis on short sample size and the very real possiblity for regression to his career averages. You're absolutely right - it's far too early to make any proclaimations of redeemed careers or big turnarounds. We've seen Plouffe put up great weeks before, only to regress shortly thereafter. I was just pointing out that his recent hot streak is coming from what appears to be a changed approach. If he can maintain that, then there's reason to believe he may be able to keep posting these improved numbers. If that's the case, we very well could be seeing the Plouffe fans have been waiting for over the past three years. I think we're all pulling for that to be true!

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/2871-Trevor-Plouffe-2-0

I'd say Herrmann simply because his presence on the roster allows Gardy to DH Pinto. (Of course, he COULD DH Pinto without Herrmann, but I don't think we're getting anywhere on that argument). I'd also like to see Tonkin stick around, but that'd require a few more moves.

Seems like the best move for both Jason and the Twins. I wonder if this will help things along on the Sam Fuld front? Bartlett retiring opens up a spot on the 40 man, after all...

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/2863-Has-the-clock-run-out-on-Jared-Burton

The Twins fell to the Blue Jays on Tuesday night due in large part to the wheels falling off the Phil Hughes strikeout express in the 6th inning. After cruising through 5 innings, limiting the Jays to 4 hits while striking out 5 batters, Hughes suddenly couldn’t retire a single batter and was forced from the game clinging to a 2-1 lead with 2 runners on and no outs. Those runners would score (plus one more for good measure) which left Hughes with a disappointing stat line of 5.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5K and left his ERA at a far too high 7.20. I’m not here to talk about Phil Hughes, however. In my opinion, these "one bad inning" outings are just something Hughes needs to work through (or the team needs to be ready for). With as poor as the pitching has been over the past 3 seasons, we’ll take the bad with the good when it comes to Phil Hughes and hope that he figures it out in the meantime. My bigger concern from last night’s game comes from the 9th inning when Jared Burton entered the game. Burton retired the first two Blue Jay batters relatively quickly before walking the next three batters in just as rapid fashion. Brett Lawrie stepped to the plate and well… I thought about linking the video, but I don't want to subject Twins fans to THAT again. Let's just say it was 9-2 in short order. Tuesday was Burton’s 4th appearance of the season and it continued a frightening trend for the righty set-up man, one that dates back to 2013. To put hit simply – he’s been crushed. (All numbers that follow were obtained from Fangraphs on 4/16/14) Burton finished 2013 with 2-9 record with an ERA of 3.82. For comparisons sake, Burton finished 2012 with a record of 3-2 with an ERA of 2.18. That should raise a red flag immediately. While relievers are prone to up and down years, Burton’s 2013 was so much worse than 2012 that the Twins management and front office had to be concerned about the righty heading into 2014, even if they never said anything outright. Delving a little deeper into the numbers doesn't make things look any better for Burton. He finished 2013 with a xFIP of 3.94, showing that his inflated ERA wasn’t the product of bad luck or a few bad outings – rather it was an accurate measurement of his performance. With an opponent batting average allowed of .240 (up from 2012’s .183) and a BABIP of .294, the writing was on the wall. Burton may just be out of gas. I think Twins management was influenced by Burton’s outstanding 2012 numbers and therefore were willing to take a chance that he could turn in numbers closer to his career best season – rather than 2013’s effort. Early season indicators seem to show that as a misstep. While the season is young and sample sizes are excruciatingly small (especially for relievers) Burton has done little to show that 2012 Jared Burton will ever be coming back. He currently boasts an ERA of 14.40, with a xFIP of 6.94 (That’s depressing. It means Burton has been somewhat unlucky and that his ERA should ONLY be nearly 7…) opponents are hitting .300 off of him and his BB/9 have risen, while his K/9 have been cut in half. In short, he’s walking more batters, striking out fewer batters and then letting everyone else hit .300 off of him. Ouch. With a plethora of young arms in AAA that look to be ready for the show, I hope the Twins don’t let Burton flap in the breeze much longer. Michael Tonkin or Casey Fien could easily take over Burton’s role as the 8th inning bridge to Burton and Deolis Guerra, Ryan Pressly and Logan Darnell are all just a phone call away. Things like this happen with relievers. Sometimes their stuff just stops working - for whatever reason. In reality, the Twins were lucky to get a career best season from a minor pickup in 2012. Whether Burton is hurt or simply out of gas, the choice remains the same. Something must be done with Burton and I believe the sooner the Twins make a move, the better off they'll be.

Max has not had a good April. The Fort Myers LF has struggled mightily at the plate to start the season. Max is 3 for 27 (.111) to start the young season and has done little offensively since the 2 RBI triple he hit in the Miracle's home opener. The upside is that Max has only struck out once, meaning nearly everything has been put in play. It's entirely possible he's battling a bit of rough luck to start the season (I'm only able to catch Miracle games via recap, so I can't say if he's making good contact and just unlucky or if something larger is going on.) Without access to more advanced splits, it's hard to say if he's struggling to make contact against a certain pitch or simply having a hard time seeing the zone in the early going. We can take solace in the fact that it's only April and there's still a lot of time for Max's bat to heat up. His up to date numbers are below, for those who want a complete picture. [TABLE] Year Age Tm Lg Lev Aff G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS TB GDP HBP SH SF IBB 2014 21 FortMyers FLOR A+ MIN 8 32 27 5 3 0 1 0 4 0 0 4 1 .111 .219 .185 .404 5 0 0 0 1 0 [/TABLE] Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table Generated 4/14/2014.