The Midterms are in....

Posted at 8:39 AM on July 10, 2006 by David Zingler

C: Joe Mauer .378/.446/.535, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 22 2B
Brings steady to another level. 22 doubles indicate more power is on the way.
Grade: A
Prediction: .350ish BA, 16 HR, 90ish RBI

1B: Justin Morneau .300/.352/.587, 23 HR, 73 RBI
Not an All Star, but he is the team’s offensive MVP.
Grade: A
Prediction: .290ish BA, 41 HR, 135ish RBI

2B: Luis Castillo .274/.336/.348, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 8 SB
A definite upgrade, but after a hot start you had to think his numbers would be better.
Grade: B-
Prediction: .290ish BA, .350ish OBP

3B: Nick Punto .298/.384/.376, 12 RBI & Tony Batista .236/.303/.388 5 HR, 21 RBI
A miserable position; getting rid of Batista was a plus and I like Punto, but not as an everyday third baseman.
Grade: D+ (Punto C+, Batista F)
Prediction: Punto - .270ish BA, .350ish OPB

SS: Jason Bartlett .312/.411/.390, 8 RBI & Juan Castro .231/.258/.308, 14 RBI
It was a good week when Batista and Castro were banished. Bartlett looks to be on his way.
Grade: C- (Bartlett B, Castro D)
Prediction: Bartlett - .285ish BA, 360ish OBP

LF: Shannon Stewart .299/.355/.377, 21 RBI & Jason Kubel .293/.326/.489
It’s hard to grade this position because Stewart missed so much time and so many others, led by Kubel, put in time in his place.
Grade: B-
Prediction: Stewart - similar to current stats, more time on DL. Kubel - .280ish BA, 17 HR

CF: Torii Hunter .264/.345/.443, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 6 SB
Hunter has done about as well as expected. He is key if the Twins hope to make a legit run at the playoffs.
Grade: B
Prediction: .260ish BA, .330ish OPB, 26 HR, 90ish RBI

RF: Michael Cuddyer .268/.362/.498, 11 HR, 48 RBI, 20 2B
One of the more pleasant surprises, looks to have found his power stroke.
Grade: B
Prediction: .270ish BA, .355ish OPB, 21 HR, 90ish RBI

DH: Rondell White .189/.209/.215 0 HR, 15 RBI, 181 AB
White’s play is a mystery. Hopefully, he will find his stroke during his Triple A “rehab” stint.
Grade: F
Prediction: Kubel and Stewart split time in this spot.

Bench: Mike Redmond, Luis Rodriguez, Lew Ford, Terry Tiffee, Ruben Sierra
Redmond has been outstanding, L-Rod solid, Ford shaky, Tiffee a bit part and Sierra an afterthought.
Grade: B-

Stay tuned for the pitchers...

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