With baseball season now underway, I’ve decided to whip up another MLB special. This won’t be your usual baseball special either. I won’t be talking about any superstars, won’t be talking about individual teams, and also won’t be giving my two cents on why certain players are starting off slow in 2014. Instead, I will be giving baseball fans insight on “low key studs.” These studs are certain players that have been catching my attention for the past 2-3 years. They also aren’t on the radar of your typical baseball fans. I will be talking about one low key stud for each division. So, I advise that everyone keep their eyes and ears open on these players because they will be household names some time in the future. This is part VI of the special. If you missed part I please CLICK HERE, part II CLICK HERE, part III CLICK HERE, part IV CLICK HERE, part V CLICK HERE.
Stud Watch: AL Central
Brian Dozier, 2nd base, Minnesota Twins
Dozier was drafted by the Twins in the eighth round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of the University of Southern Mississippi. While playing in the Minor Leagues, he was the chosen as the Twins Minor League Player of the Year in 2011. The Twins invited Dozier to spring training in 2012. Dozier was called up in May 2012 to replace Justin Morneau. While playing at Southern Miss Dozier was able to make the C-USA All-Freshman team along with making the Freshman All-American team. In 224 career games at Southern Miss, he hit .355 with 55 doubles, seven triples, 16 home runs and 152 runs batted in.
Strengths
- Power
- Speed
- Great defense
- Scoring machine
- Draws walks
For a position that has the likes of Brandon Philips, Dustin Pedroia, Robinson Cano, and Jason Kipnis, Brian Dozier is putting up numbers that allow baseball fans to throw his name into the Elite Second Baseman status just like the stated players. Dozier’s home run power signal handedly made his name popular through out baseball. Players at second usually aren’t known for their power, mostly known for their defense and are a liability in the batters box, well that isn’t the case for the Twins second baseman. When called up in 2012 Dozier was able to belt 6 homers in less then half a season. Once he was able to play full-time in 2013 that is when fans started taking notice of everything he does on the field. He was able to blast 18 homers, drive in 66 runs, walk 51 times, and swipe 14 bags, now that is one great season if you ask me. Managers have to work around Brian because when he reaches base he is able to steal at any moment and won’t hesitate to advance on a messily hit ball.
Weakness
- Batting Average
- Strikeouts
Brian Dozier doesn’t have many weaknesses but the ones he does have take some time to fix. With his great power numbers he does have a weak batting average. He isn’t a free swinger like many people will believe after seeing his numbers, pitchers are able to adjust to him as the game goes on. As the pitchers adjust then the strikeouts come. These problems are fixable but it will have to take some discipline on Dozier’s half. He will have to learn to trust his instincts and to learn to trust his batters behind him to drive him in.
Overall
Brian Dozier is one of the best 2nd baseman’s in all of baseball, there is no debating that. He is the best player on the Twins. He is an offensive threat with his great power, and speed. Dozier is also able to play Gold Glove type 2nd base, diving all over the field and preventing runs. He still needs to work on bringing his batting average up and to cut down on his strikeouts. In order for that to improve Dozier will have to learn to trust his teammates hitting behind him that they can drive him in. With 2 years under his belt he has already made a name for himself, and us baseball fans should get used to seeing his name on the All-Star ballot for many years to come.