Starting Lineup: four year prediction w/stats

2014

1.) CF Alex Presley, 28, left, .275, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 25 SB

2.) 2B Brian Dozier, 26, right, .260, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 18 SB

3.) 1B Joe Mauer, 30, left, .310, 16 HR, 82 RBI, 9 SB

4.) DH Josh Willingham, 35, right , .235, 24 HR, 79 RBI, 0 SB

5.) LF Oswaldo Arcia, 22, left, .260, 26 HR, 80 RBI, 5 SB

6.) 3B Trevor Plouffe, 27, right, .270, 18 HR, 65 RBI

7.) RF Jason Kubel, 31, left, .250, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 0 SB

8.) C Kurt Suzuki, 30, right, .240, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 0 SB

9.) SS Pedro Florimon, 27, switch, .255, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 12 SB

Prediction: Expect a power surge from Oswaldo Arcia, and battle between Chris Parmelee, Chris Colabello and Jason Kubel in right field. Aaron Hicks will rebound, having a respectable AAA season and returning to the Twins later in the year.

2015

1.) CF Byron Buxton, 21, right, .270, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 40 SB

2.) 2B Brian Dozier, 27, right, .280, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 18 SB

3.) 1B Joe Mauer, 31, left, .330, 15 HR, 90 RBI, 9 SB

4.) 3B Miguel Sano, 21, right, .240, 23 HR, 85 RBI, 0 SB

5.) LF Oswaldo Arcia, 23, left, .285, 28 HR, 78 RBI, 0 SB

6.) DH Chris Colabello, 31, right, .270, 21 HR, 74 RBI

7.) C Josmil Pinto, 24, right, .280, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 0 SB

8.) RF Aaron Hicks, 24, right, .250, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 22 SB

9) SS Danny Santana, 24, switch, .265, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 18 SB

Prediction: Top prospects, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano bring life and excitement to the lineup. Danny Santana could nudge Florimon out of the shortstop position. Speed and power numbers begin to spike, while a speedy outfield lowers team ERA.

2016

1.) CF Byron Buxton, 22, right, .305, 12 HR, 55 RBI, 55 SB

2.) RF Aaron Hicks, 25, right, .270, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 23 SB

3.) 1B Joe Mauer, 32, left, .290, 18 HR, 90 RBI, 6 SB

4.) 3B Miguel Sano, 22, right, .265, 35 HR, 105 RBI

5.) LF Oswaldo Arcia, 24, left, .270, 30 HR, 95 RBI

6.) DH Kennys Vargas, 25, switch, .272, 18 HR, 72 RBI

7.) C Josmil Pino, 25, right, .290,15 HR, 65 RBI, O SB

8.) 2B Brian Dozier, 28, right, .280, 22 HR, 78 RBI, 12 SB

9) SS Danny Santana, 25, switch, .270, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 17 SB

Prediction: The Twins could have the best young offense in baseball, with only Mauer over 30. Kennys Vargas emerges as another power hitter on a low-payroll but extremely talented team. Twins could have a full lineup hitting above .250.

2017

1.) CF Byron Buxton, 23, right, .315, 19 HR, 62 RBI, 60 SB

2.) RF Aaron Hicks, 26, right, .284, 15 HR, 70 RBI, 32 SB

3.) 1B Joe Mauer, 33, left, .315, 12 HR, 95 RBI, 6 SB

4.) 3B, Miguel Sano, 23, right, .280, 40 HR, 110 RBI

5.) LF, Oswaldo Arcia, 25, left, .290, 32 HR, 95 RBI

6.) DH Kennys Vargas, 26, S, .280, 22 HR, 85 RBI

7.) C Josmil Pino, 26, .310, 14 HR, 72 RBI

8.) 2B Jorge Polanco, 23, .260, 6 HR, 38 RBI, 6 SB

9) SS Danny Santana, 26, switch, .280, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 25 SB

Prediction: Twins will used money in 2014-2016 to sign several young stars to long-term deals. With foundation in place, Terry Ryan and/or Ron Gardenhire may both retire, paving the way for a smooth transition in leadership. Dozier could be traded at some point for young prospects.