Durango53
04-03-2005, 07:03 AM
Batting order
1. Shannon Stewart, LF
He sets the tone with patient, professional at-bats and was a catalyst last season when healthy. With the kind of lineup expected behind him, Stewart should score a lot of runs.
2. Jason Bartlett, SS
The 25-year old rookie won a four-way battle to be the starting shortstop in camp over three more experienced players. His lively bat and quick speed should add even more to an already improved order. Bartlett has been more reliable defensively, but still has to work on his throwing.
3. Joe Mauer, C
If healthy, Mauer's perfect swing is expected to yield a high average and clutch hits. Expect more than a few home runs too.
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
This will be Morneau's first full season and he will bring plenty of power to the cleanup spot. However, an off-season full of ailments -- from appendicitis to pneumonia -- had him falling behind during camp.
5. Torii Hunter, CF
Hunter should benefit from hitting behind Mauer and Morneau. Now more aggressive on the bases, he could easily be a 20-20 man again. The four-time Gold Glove winner will continue to best defensively at his position.
6. Jacque Jones, RF
A streaky 2004 season caused his average to dip 50 points. But even when he struggles, Jones always finds ways to help his club. He also offers more power from the left side.
7. Lew Ford, DH
Ford was the team's breakout star last season and led Minnesota in hits and games played. His quick speed will mean plenty of infield hits. Expect him to rotate around the outfield when the others need a rest.
8. Michael Cuddyer, 3B
An excellent spring, both offensively and defensively, has left many more confident that Cuddyer will successfully replace free agent departure Corey Koskie. Increasingly comfortable knowing he'll play everyday, his power could bring 20 or more home runs.
9. Luis Rivas, 2B
On the hot seat for too many poor at-bats and mental lapses over the years, patience will be thin if Rivas doesn't show improvement. He must be smarter at the plate. The 25-year-old should continue to be reliable defensively.
1. Shannon Stewart, LF
He sets the tone with patient, professional at-bats and was a catalyst last season when healthy. With the kind of lineup expected behind him, Stewart should score a lot of runs.
2. Jason Bartlett, SS
The 25-year old rookie won a four-way battle to be the starting shortstop in camp over three more experienced players. His lively bat and quick speed should add even more to an already improved order. Bartlett has been more reliable defensively, but still has to work on his throwing.
3. Joe Mauer, C
If healthy, Mauer's perfect swing is expected to yield a high average and clutch hits. Expect more than a few home runs too.
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
This will be Morneau's first full season and he will bring plenty of power to the cleanup spot. However, an off-season full of ailments -- from appendicitis to pneumonia -- had him falling behind during camp.
5. Torii Hunter, CF
Hunter should benefit from hitting behind Mauer and Morneau. Now more aggressive on the bases, he could easily be a 20-20 man again. The four-time Gold Glove winner will continue to best defensively at his position.
6. Jacque Jones, RF
A streaky 2004 season caused his average to dip 50 points. But even when he struggles, Jones always finds ways to help his club. He also offers more power from the left side.
7. Lew Ford, DH
Ford was the team's breakout star last season and led Minnesota in hits and games played. His quick speed will mean plenty of infield hits. Expect him to rotate around the outfield when the others need a rest.
8. Michael Cuddyer, 3B
An excellent spring, both offensively and defensively, has left many more confident that Cuddyer will successfully replace free agent departure Corey Koskie. Increasingly comfortable knowing he'll play everyday, his power could bring 20 or more home runs.
9. Luis Rivas, 2B
On the hot seat for too many poor at-bats and mental lapses over the years, patience will be thin if Rivas doesn't show improvement. He must be smarter at the plate. The 25-year-old should continue to be reliable defensively.