Minnesota Twins 2013 Preview: Ranking AL Central third basemen

 No. 3 - Jeff Keppinger, Chicago White SoxThe White Sox have been trying to find its long-term solution at third base. Its top prospects have struggled at the major league level. So the White Sox have turned to the near 33-year-old journeyman in Jeff Keppinger. He came to the majors as a super utility type of player and filled that role for four teams before showing that he can be an effective everyday starter in 2010. No. 2 - Mike Moustakas, Kansas City RoyalsThe Royals drafted Mike Moustakas high in the first round because of his high-ceiling offensive skills. He started to come around last season and appears headed for stardom as a run-producing corner infielder. He is still developing his plate patience and defense, but the Royals have a long term answer at third base in Moustakas.No. 1 - Miguel Cabrera, Detroit TigersThe Tigers have one of the most explosive lineups in baseball and Miguel Cabrera leads the way. Cabrera became the first triple crown winner in major league baseball since 1967. The hole in his game is with his glove. The Tigers will take his defensive deficiencies because he is one of the most complete hitters in baseball history.View the list »
Trevor Plouffe proved he can hit major league pitching last season, but needs to do on a more consistent basis.

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The American League Central Division's starting third basemen may be the weakest group of starters of the nine hitters.

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There is one stand out player and a bunch of other guys.

The group as a whole has the potential to be a very good group of players, but consistency issues have kept the rest from reaching stardom.

The Detroit Tigers (Miguel Cabrera), Kansas City Royals (Mike Moustakas), Minnesota Twins (Trevor Plouffe) and Cleveland Indians (Lonnie Chisenhall) will count on their third basemen to be run producers in the middle of their batting orders.

It is yet to be seen exactly where the Chicago White Sox will bat free agent signee Jeff Keppinger.

View the list
  • No. 1 - Miguel Cabrera, Detroit TigersThe Tigers have one of the most explosive lineups in baseball and Miguel Cabrera leads the way. Cabrera became the first triple crown winner in major league baseball since 1967. The hole in his game is with his glove. The Tigers will take his defensive deficiencies because he is one of the most complete hitters in baseball history.
  •  No. 2 - Mike Moustakas, Kansas City RoyalsThe Royals drafted Mike Moustakas high in the first round because of his high-ceiling offensive skills. He started to come around last season and appears headed for stardom as a run-producing corner infielder. He is still developing his plate patience and defense, but the Royals have a long term answer at third base in Moustakas.
  •  No. 3 - Jeff Keppinger, Chicago White SoxThe White Sox have been trying to find its long-term solution at third base. Its top prospects have struggled at the major league level. So the White Sox have turned to the near 33-year-old journeyman in Jeff Keppinger. He came to the majors as a super utility type of player and filled that role for four teams before showing that he can be an effective everyday starter in 2010.
  •  No. 4 - Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota TwinsThe Twins may have finally found a spot for the former first round draft pick. Trevor Plouffe hit minor league pitching well in the low levels, but struggled a bit as a shortstop at the higher levels. The Twins moved him around the infield and outfield before he exploded as a third baseman last June. He is still a liability in the field, but should improve as he gets more experience at the position.
  •  No. 5 - Lonnie Chisenhall, Cleveland IndiansThe Indians have high hopes for Lonnie Chisenhall. The top prospect has a ton of power potential and can be a middle-of-the-order run-producer. He needs to improve his consistency, both at the plate and in the field. The former first round draft pick is still projected to be a very good everyday third baseman.
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...

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