Baldelli takes the reins
What will new lineup look like?
The lineup ranked in the middle of the pack last year, and a playoff run will require more speed and power. Veterans Nelson Cruz, C.J. Cron, and Jonathan Schoop signed with the Twins during the offseason and are expected to lengthen the lineup. Six-time All-Star Cruz, 38, hit 37 homers and Cron 30.
Jorge Polanco and Eddie Rosario give the Twins a power-speed combination. Polanco, after an 80-game suspension, had 42 RBI, and Rosario hit 24 homers.
Outfielder Byron Buxton and third baseman Miguel Sano offer promise but had down seasons. Sano also missed time with injuries and off-field issues. The 2017 All-Star saw his plate appearances cut in half.
What will be Baldelli’s effect?
Rocco Baldelli, 37, inherits a team that finished second in the AL Central. As analytics become increasingly key, he brings a fresh perspective. Baldelli’s playing career ended abruptly due to a mitochondrial disorder. He joined the Rays’ staff as a special assistant and spent four years as the first-base coach and major league field coordinator.
Baldelli told reporters at TwinsFest that he plans to use a modern management style that includes mental health. “I do believe that sometimes you’d rather have a guy in a great frame of mind,” he said. — Gabriella Novello