Minnesota Twins: Five potential batting lineups for 2018
Starting lineup w/o Jason Castro
1. CF Byron Buxton
2. 1B Joe Mauer
3. 3B Miguel Sano
4. 2B Brian Dozier
5. LF Eddie Rosario
6. RF Max Kepler
7. SS Jorge Polanco
8. C Mitch Garver
9. DH Eduardo Escobar
Of course, Joe Mauer and Jason Castro are likely going to receive the most days off among the starters, so it’s fair to account for lineups without those players. In this case, the 2017 Minor League Player of the Year takes over as the backup catcher. That catcher would be Mitch Garver.
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While the Twins could still bring Chris Gimenez back, Garver looks poised to play in the big leagues. Known as an offensive catcher, the 26-year-old has worked on his defensive game over his tenure in the minors. He may never be an elite defensive catcher, but he’s shown that he’s capable of playing the position in the majors. Not to mention, he has the flexibility to play multiple positions, something that could come in handy over the course of the season.
Considering he boasts an above average offensive game for a catcher, he moves up to the eighth spot in the order with Escobar sliding to the last spot. Often times, it’s common to see a player with some speed bat last. I mean, it makes sense. In reality, Byron Buxton would rather run behind Escobar on the basepaths rather than Castro or Garver. Additionally, it gives Mauer, Sano, or Dozier a better chance to drive in runs. Yet, with Castro, it’s hard to justify him moving up a spot and possibly taking away an at-bat from someone like Escobar.