2015 AL Central Preview: Minnesota Twins

Player to watch: SS/OF Danny Santana

Sep 24, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Danny Santana (39) at bat against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

It seems to me that Santana really didn’t enough credit for the rookie season he had.

The young switch hitter not only displayed an impressive mix of power and speed, he also held down the fort at the Twins two weakest positions (SS and CF) and put up numbers at the top of the order that could compete with any leadoff hitter in baseball.

In just 101 games, Santana scored 70 runs, stole 20 bases and slugged .472 which was higher than stars like Adam Jones, Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano.

Because Santana never produced like this in the minors (.273/.317/.391 in seven seasons) many don’t believe he can replicate his 2014 numbers. But if he does, the Twins have found a key piece for both the present and the future.

Next: 5 to Watch in the Minors