Some hotshot newspaper kid goes full hubris
In recent weeks, we’ve seen how the 2011-2014 disaster removed one Twins manager, hired another, and brought a legend back into the 2015 fold hoping for any kind of spark. The mood quite literally could not have been more different ten years prior.
Coming off the 2002-2004 AL Central 3-peat, optimism was at an all-time high. This extended to the front office, whose “major moves” were backup C Mike Redmond and SS Juan Castro. Scintillating.
Such hubris was shared by an up-and-coming sports writer residing in the University of Minnesota-Morris freshman dorms. Writing for the University Register, this brash and unpolished wordsmith penned an article comparing the ‘05 Twins to the ‘91 bunch.
Presented to you in only slightly-edited form is the Cougar alum’s first published article…
Catcher
- A full season of Joe Mauer behind the plate will far eclipse the tandem of Brian Harper and Junior Ortiz. Mauer can hit and throw better than both. Advantage: 2005
1B
- Though Kent Hrbek would seem the obvious choice over Justin Morneau, Hrbek only had 20 home runs that years and hit .284, numbers Morneau could easily match. However, Morneau will be behind Hrbek defensively. Advantage: 1991
2B
- The biggest gap between both years. Chuck Knoblauch was the spark plug of the ‘91 team, stealing 25 bases while batting leadoff, while Luis Rivas (though solid defensively) will hit 8th or 9th and top out at .280. Advantage: 1991
Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images
SS
- The Twins are not sure who will be their starting SS this year, picking from Nick Punto, Jason Bartlett, and Juan Castro. Any one of them could equal Greg Gagne’s .265 batting average, little power, and smooth defense. Advantage: Even
3B
- In ‘91, 3B was shared by Scott Leius and Mike Pagliarulo. Both put up decent numbers (albeit no power), but should easily be surpassed by Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer has “hit the ceiling” of the minor leagues, played well in a utility role in the majors, and is ready for the starting job. Advantage: 2005.
LF
- Though Dan Gladden was a hustler who could steal bases and play good defense, he only hit .247 in ‘91. Shannon Stewart has shown he can hit .300, play solid defense, and be a patient hitter at the top of the lineup. Advantage: 2005
CF
- Batting third…number 34…the center fielder Kirbyyyyyy Puckett! Torii Hunter may have eclipsed Puck with his incredible defense, but lacks the hitting ability and leadership skills of Kirby. Puckett could win games with bat AND glove, while Hunter has yet to find his groove at the plate. Advantage: 1991
RF
- Even after a sub-par 2004, Jacque Jones has shown pop in his bat, some good speed, and great defensive work. RF was a revolving door in ‘91, with Shane Mack, Gene Larkin, and Pedro Munoz all sharing the position. Advantage: 2005
DH
- Another razor-tight battle. Chili Davis led the club in home runs with 29 in ‘91 and hit a respectable .271, but Lew Ford is a battler who combines speed, aggressiveness, and timely hitting. Chili wins the battle only because of veteran leadership. Advantage: 1991
Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
SP
- The ‘91 rotation consisted of Jack Morris, Scott Erickson, Kevin Tapani, Allan Anderson, and whomever Tom Kelly decided to throw out there. This season, Johan Santana and Brad Radke will be a better one-two punch than Morris/Erickson. Carlos Silva won’t quite equal Tapani, but Lohse is at least as good as Anderson and Mays/Mulholland will be better than a revolving door. Advantage: 2005
Setup Bullpen
- In their respective roles, Juan Rincon is equal to Carl “Big Train” Willis, and J.C. Romero is better than Mark Guthrie. Grant Balfour, Jesse Crain, and Mays/Mulholland also look just as good as Steve Bedrosian, David West, and Terry Leach. Advantage: Even
Closer
- Though Rick Aguilera became somewhat of a cult figure in Minnesota during his career, he did not possess the “stuff” of Joe Nathan. While Aggie relied on his defense to record outs (often barely sneaking out of perilous situations), Nathan has the ability to mow batters down. The ERA’s of 1.62 (Nathan) vs. 2.35 (Aggie) seal the deal. Advantage: 2005
Photo By Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
I wonder whatever happened to this intrepid journalist? Perhaps we’ll hear more from him about the 2005 Minnesota Twins.