Minnesota Twins 2013 Preview: Ranking AL Central second basemen

 No. 4 - Gordon Beckham, Chicago White SoxThe White Sox thought they had a star in Gordon Beckham after selecting him in the first round in 2008. Just over one year later, he made his major league debut and looked every bit the part. However, every year since, he has failed to even get close to his huge debut. He is a dead-pull hitter that has too many holes in his swing. He strikes out too much. The positive is that he doesn't take bad at-bats into the field with him. No. 3 - Chris Getz, Kansas City RoyalsThe Royals have been waiting for him to take full control of the starting job, but injuries have held him back. Last season, he missed 83 games with various injuries at different parts of the season. He has a lot of speed that he uses on the base paths and in the field. He has a good eye at the plate, but lacks power and consistency with the bat. He is best suited to play a platoon-role against right-handed pitchers. No. 2 - Omar Infante, Detroit TigersThe Tigers acquired Omar Infante last July. His numbers fell after the trade, but he has been serviceable as an everyday starter throughout his career. He had an All-Star season in 2010, but is a streaky hitter that goes hot and cold at times. Defensively, he is the best infielder on the Tigers' roster and can play just about anywhere on the field.View the list »
 No. 1 - Jason Kipnis, Cleveland IndiansThe Indians have the most offensively gifted second baseman in the division. He is still learning how to play second base after beginning his professional career as an outfielder. He quickly rose through the minors and just finished his first full season at the major league level. He can hit for average and chip in with a few home runs. He still needs to cut down on the strikeouts and improve his consistency.

MLB newsletter

Not to be outdone by the third base group, the American League Central Division's starting second basemen has to be the worst position group of any division starters in baseball.

Related topics

Advertisement

The group is loaded with unproven talented players, average players at best and an under-performing player.

The Cleveland Indians (Jason Kipnis) and Minnesota Twins (Brian Dozier) have hope for the future while the Detroit Tigers (Omar Infante) and Kansas City Royals (Chris Getz) can get by in the short term.

The Chicago White Sox (Gordon Beckham) should probably get a plan B in order.

View the list
  •  No. 1 - Jason Kipnis, Cleveland IndiansThe Indians have the most offensively gifted second baseman in the division. He is still learning how to play second base after beginning his professional career as an outfielder. He quickly rose through the minors and just finished his first full season at the major league level. He can hit for average and chip in with a few home runs. He still needs to cut down on the strikeouts and improve his consistency.
  •  No. 2 - Omar Infante, Detroit TigersThe Tigers acquired Omar Infante last July. His numbers fell after the trade, but he has been serviceable as an everyday starter throughout his career. He had an All-Star season in 2010, but is a streaky hitter that goes hot and cold at times. Defensively, he is the best infielder on the Tigers' roster and can play just about anywhere on the field.
  •  No. 3 - Chris Getz, Kansas City RoyalsThe Royals have been waiting for him to take full control of the starting job, but injuries have held him back. Last season, he missed 83 games with various injuries at different parts of the season. He has a lot of speed that he uses on the base paths and in the field. He has a good eye at the plate, but lacks power and consistency with the bat. He is best suited to play a platoon-role against right-handed pitchers.
  •  No. 4 - Gordon Beckham, Chicago White SoxThe White Sox thought they had a star in Gordon Beckham after selecting him in the first round in 2008. Just over one year later, he made his major league debut and looked every bit the part. However, every year since, he has failed to even get close to his huge debut. He is a dead-pull hitter that has too many holes in his swing. He strikes out too much. The positive is that he doesn't take bad at-bats into the field with him.
  •  No. 5 - Brian Dozier, Minnesota TwinsThe Twins may have finally stabilized its second base position with Brian Dozier. He can hit with both average and a bit of power. He began the spring battling for one of the starting middle infield spots. His performance may have cemented him into the starting second base role on opening day. He is solid at just about every aspect of baseball, but does not have one outstanding skill set.
View the list

, Minnesota Twins Examiner

Joseph has a Bachelor's of Arts in Media Production with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the...

Advertisement

Today's top buzz...