We’re in the single digits until Opening Day at Target Field, where temperatures might be in 60s.
Players are being reassigned and the 25-man roster is beginning to take shape.
It might not be in the regular season, but there’s plenty of Twins batters who are hitting the cover off the ball in Fort Myers.
Byron Buxton
- .448/.485/.966
- 4 home runs, 7 extra-base hits, 13 RBI.
Buxton’s slash-line is something you wouldn’t even see in a video game. Probably the most important stat, however, is that he’s not striking out.
In 29 at-bats, he’s been punched out just four times. Fans are still cautious about getting overly excited about Buxton and rightfully so, but imagine how fans would feel if if he was hitting poorly in spring training?
Eddie Rosario
- .394/.400/.848
- 4 home runs, 7 extra-base hits, 13 RBI.
Rosario has pretty much put up the same numbers as Buxton.
He’s also scored 10 runs in 12 games and is looking to build off a career year in 2018 when he had career highs across the board.
Its likely Rosario will be a force in the middle of the lineup for Rocco Baldelli.
Max Kepler
- .310/.412/.586
- 2 home runs, 4 extra-base hits, 5 RBI
Kepler, who’s likely to be the Twins’ leadoff man on Opening Day, is having a solid spring.
Not only is he hitting well, but he’s remained patient at the plate, drawing five walks in 10 games. He took a big step forward last season and hopefully he can continue it 2019.
Tyler Austin
- .390/.390/.659
- 3 home runs, 5 extra-base hits and 7 RBI
Austin is on the bubble to make the roster but he’s certainly making his case to stick around.
He’s out of options and would have to pass through waivers – where he’d likely be claimed by another team – if the Twins were to send him to Triple-A Rochester.
With Miguel Sano on the injured list to open the season, Austin’s chances of making the roster are improved but he’s not a lock.
Ehire Adrianza
- .406/.441/.844
- 3 home runs, 7 extra-base hits, 8 RBI.
Yes, it’s spring training but I don’t think anyone pegged Adrianza to be putting up power numbers at any point of the season.
He can play all over the infield if needed and he’s in a battle with Ronald Torreyes who’s a similar player, for a spot on the team. It’s doubtful the Twins will carry both on their Opening Day roster.
The Twins are going to have some tough roster decisions on their hands when they break camp next week, which is a good problem to have in the spring.
