2012 MLB Season Preview: Minnesota Twins
By John Parent
Prospects to Watch
Perhaps the single biggest question heading into the 2012 season is the health of first baseman Justin Morneau. Though he reported to camp in fine physical shape, he acknowledged that the after effects of a second concussion, suffered last year, have stayed with him through the off-season. Morneau talked like a man who knew he might have to consider retirement if the symptoms were to re-surface, but so far has made it through the early part of camp without setback.
Every baseball fan in the world is pulling for Morneau to make it all the way back and for these symptoms to subside for good, but the grim reality is that there is a lot we just don’t know about whether or not he can return to his former MVP-level. If he cannot, the club will feel even more strongly the loss of Cuddyer to the Rockies.
The lone possible glimmer of hope, according to Nick Nelson of Twins Daily is in the person of young first baseman Chris Parmelee, who performed well in a 21-game audition for last year’s club. Parmalee has struggled with his own history of injuries, but put together a solid campaign at Double-A New Britain. When he arrived in Minnesota, all he did was post a .355/.443/.592/1.035 line with 10 extra-base hits in just 88 plate appearances. I doubt anyone expects Parmalee to maintain those type of numbers, but he does seem to be, at worst, a solid left-handed half of a DH or 1B platoon.
Parmalee isn’t the biggest name in the system for Minnesota, that would be Miguel Sano, but he might be the best bet to make an immediate impact in 2012. Outfielder Joe Benson, who also saw September action with the big club, could see time should any of the current starters falter.
In the rotation, the best bet to make a solid impact comes in the form of right hander Liam Hendricks. Hendricks profiles as your typical Twins non-descript right hander, with a pitch-to-contact approach and ceiling as a potential number three-type arm, according to Wally Fish of Seedlings To Stars. Those kind of arms may not be sexy, but the Twins have won a lot of games over the years with guys who fit that description.