No team under-performed more than the Minnesota Twins in 2011 but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few valuable fantasy baseball assets on their 40-man roster heading into the 2012 season. Below is look at the players worth targeting, those probably worth avoiding and some with question marks which won’t be answered any time soon.
- DO use caution when drafting C Joe Mauer as your primary catcher in any format. He played in a career-low 82 games in 2011 and and only 52 were at the catcher position. If healthy for the entire season, Mauer has the ability to win another batting title but with single-digit home run power (2009 was an anomaly). Expect to see the Twins use him at first base frequently to preserve his health and make up for the unknown status of Justin Morneau.
- Speaking of Morneau, DON’T expect much out of him this season until he can prove the symptoms of his concussion are behind him and he can be counted on to be on the field contributing. You wish the guy the best but his fantasy value is an unknown at this point and you can’t afford to make a mistake at such a premium scoring position.
- DO target OF Ben Revere as a late-round pick for his 30-40 Stolen Base potential, especially if he claims the leadoff spot in the batting order.
- DON’T forget about Matt Capps as a closer target simply for Saves. He’s not going to help you (and may hurt you) in ERA, WHIP or provide big Strikeout numbers but should be available in the late rounds and on the cheap.
- DO keep an ear out for what’s being said about OF Denard Span‘s recovery from concussion symptoms which wiped out a majority of his 2011 season. He was in camp early saying and doing all the right things but let’s wait and see what happens as the workouts intensify.
- DON’T even say it. RP Joel Zumaya tore a ligament in his right elbow and is done for the year and may be at the end of his career. I told you not to say it.
- DO know OF Josh Willingham has already been named the team’s starting right fielder. He’ll provide some power and an overall 5×5 line around .260/70/25/75/5. Expect him to be widely available on waivers throughout the season.
- DON’T target any of the Twins’ starting pitchers unless you have a strong stomach. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Jason Marquis all project to be 9-11 game winners with ERA’s over 4.00 and not a ton of Strikeouts. I’d avoid them all and take a chance with a waiver claim if any prove worthy of owning after a few April starts.
- DO take a shot on Ryan Doumit providing some positive offensive numbers out of the catcher position. He’s averaged 18 Home Runs and 71 RBI per 162 games with a .271 Batting Average and a .334 On-Base Percentage. He’ll also see some time in the mix at first base, the outfield and as their DH t o keep his bat in the lineup.
- DON’T get stuck with 2B Alexi Casilla and/or SS Jamey Carroll as your primary option at either position. If you do, you’re doing fantasy baseball very wrong.
How are you feeling about the Twins’ chances heading into the 2012 season? It’s hard to be optimistic about a team with so many question marks due to lingering injury issues and who’ve lost three of their most popular and productive players (Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and Joe Nathan) over the last few years.
Be sure to check out the entire series of DOs And DON’Ts articles covered by over staff to see how we did covering your favorite team, our opinions and recommendations while you’re getting ready to lock in your keeper league selections and to hopefully tell us all the things we are doing right to bring you quality fantasy baseball content.
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