Trevor Plouffe

2013

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2012

Plouffe will try to win a utility role with the Twins this spring after showing promise with his bat, but struggling with his glove at shortstop. Plouffe tore the cover off the ball at Triple-A by hitting .313/.384/.635 with 15 home runs in 51 games at Triple-A. However, when called up to the majors and given a shot to take over the everyday shortstop job, Plouffe struggled with his fielding. He made 11 errors in 45 games at shortstop, mostly with his inconsistent throws to first base. After the season, the Twins said they'd move Plouffe to the outfield and to a utility role. He has enough power to help fantasy owners in a utility role, especially since he'll qualify at shortstop in most leagues. However, he doesn't make enough contact or draw enough walks to think his bat can justify a long-term move to the outfield.

2011

Plouffe got his first taste of the majors last season and could win a utility job with the Twins this spring. Plouffe started off hot at Triple-A by hitting 303/.367/.493 before he was called up to the majors on May 20. He struggled in his brief stint in the majors, but did show some power with two home runs in 22 games. He cooled off in the minors by posting a .551 OPS in the second half, but his Triple-A numbers were still respectable for a shortstop ( .244/.300/.430 with 15 home runs). Plouffe has decent power and a strong arm at shortstop, which resulted in some calling him "J.J. Hardy lite" - though he has a lesser walk rate than Hardy, which may result in a weaker batting average. With an uncertain situation at shortstop, Plouffe could figure into the mix or win the starting job next summer.

2010

At age 24, the 2004 first-round pick has shown some power at Triple-A, but his bat just hasn't developed as Minnesota hoped. Plouffe's excellent arm strength and decent range could get him a trial as a utility player eventually.

2008

Plouffe rebounded as a prospect last season, showing improved offensive skills, particularly gap power, while continuing to provide steady defense at shortstop. He's a year away from being ready to help in the majors, but the former 2004 first-round pick doesn't look like a bust after several disappointing years.

2005

One of Minnesota's three 2004 first-round draft picks, Plouffe is thought to be the best defensive infielder in the Twins system. He hit .283/.336/.379 in his first pro season in rookie ball at Elizabethton. He'll need to show more power to get on the fast track for the majors, but at age 19 he has time to develop.

2004

A high school shortstop who is likely to stick at the spot, he’s raw offensively and needs some work with a bat that looks to be gap power, but he has good tools and speed. Projected as a second-rounder, his bonus demands will be in the team’s budget in the first round.