When the Twins won division titles in Baldelli’s first two seasons, they had Nelson Cruz batting in the third slot in the lineup. He was productive, durable and savvy, and he gave the Twins a chance to score in the first inning and get clutch hits in the late innings.
His production was vital; his presence was calming. Younger hitters could learn from his approach and his advice, and his ability to take on the mantle of leadership allowed everyone else to worry only about themselves.
There is no one like that on the current Twins roster, with the exception of Royce Lewis when he is healthy and at his best.
This 12-31 stretch has been the result, in part, of Lewis undergoing the first major slump of his big-league career late last summer, and starting the 2025 season on the injured list.
When Lewis is at his best, he combines Cruz’s savvy with Kirby Puckett’s buoyancy.
When he fell apart last year, the Twins couldn’t find a replacement.
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