Predicting the Minnesota Twins' 2013 Opening Day Lineup

As the Twins wrap up their series against the Chicago White Sox today, the two teams are headed in two vastly different directions. The White Sox are in a battle to hold on to a playoff berth and the Twins are trying to be a Cinderella story… one where Cinderella is a heartbreaker and ruins a team’s shot at the playoffs.

The Twins version of Cinderella has another ball to go to… next season. Who will bring the Twins to the ball next season? Let’s look at who make crack the 2013 Opening Day Lineup for the Twins.

C: Joe Mauer

Let’s face it folks, Joe Mauer isn’t going anywhere. Yes, the Twins put him through wavers last week, but everyone and their uncle goes through them. Mauer is the best player on the Twins team and a former MVP, not to mention the hometown kid.

Joe falls under much ridicule here in Minnesota, some of which maybe deserved, but it doesn’t matter. Joe Mauer will be behind the plate when the Twins open up next season. 

1B: Justin Morneau

Justin Morneau has been the topic of trade talks for a long time including a rumor about him going to the Los Angeles Dodgers before their blockbuster deal with the Boston Red Sox, but I don’t see him going anywhere either.

He’s a former MVP and he continues to improve after those nasty concussions, which seems like an eternity ago. Morneau may be traded sometime during the season, but I see him starting with the Twins. Some of you may be asking what about Chris Parmelee? We’ll get to him in a little bit.

2B: Eduardo Escobar

The Twins typically like to make use of the pieces they get in a major trade; Eduardo Escobar will not be an exception. Escobar came over in the Francisco Liriano trade with the White Sox; he made the Sox club out of Spring Training, but was put in Triple-A Rochester when traded to the Minnesota Twins organization.

The Twins have tried their hand at Alexi Casilla at the experiment and it hasn’t worked out as hoped. It’s Escobar’s turn to prove himself. 

3B: Trevor Plouffe

In 2011 Plouffe came up and was let’s say less than desirable, but showed some pop. In 2012 Plouffe took over the third base job after Danny Valenica faltered and ran with it very nicely. At one point, Plouffe was on pace to hit 40 home runs this year.

Then Plouffe went down with a wrist injury and has not quite reached the pace he was going on before. I still think that Plouffe has shown enough to retain his third base job into 2013.

SS: Brian Dozier

The shortstop of the future has to be on the team next year, right? Brian Dozier was the darling of the town until being sent back down to Rochester to the chagrin of many. It may have been displaced Nishioka anger, but it doesn’t really matter.

Dozier is set up to be the shortstop for a long time and that starts once again in 2013.

LF: Darin Mastroianni

Speed can get you places and Darin Mastroianni is quickly finding a place in Twins fans hearts. Mastoianni has 18 stolen bases and has shown great defense in the outfield for the Twins in limited playing time.

Now that September is here look for Mastroianni to claim a spot in next year’s starting outfield.

CF: Ben Revere

It’s time to stop the redundancy. It’s time to get rid of Denard Span and move Ben Revere into where he belongs, patrolling center field.

He’s made spectacular catch after spectacular catch and it’s time to reward him for his time with the Twins. Revere will be the starter for the Twins in 2013.

RF: Chris Parmelee

He’s been absolutely tearing up Triple-A Rochester, but for most of the year he hasn’t had a spot to fill on the big league squad. He’s been recently playing right for the Twins and I think that’s where he’ll start next year.

The Twins always search for quality players and the Twins have that in Chris Parmelee. He needs to find a spot in the major league lineup and right field looks to be the spot.

DH: Josh Willingham

Josh Willingham has proved to be a great signing. He was one of the biggest all-star snubs despite being on one of the worst teams in baseball. He’s been a very steady bat for the Twins, but he’s not the best defensively.

A move to DH would allow Willingham to focus even more on his best attribute, hitting. He can also fill in for outfielders when needed. Willingham would be a great fit for the DH role.