MLB Player Profile: Michael Cuddyer
Minnesota Twins’ outfielder, Michael Cuddyer displayed a brilliant performance in preceding games as he hit number of RBIs and homers during second half of regular season. He also positioned himself in top outfielders throughout his MLB career. Born on March
27, 1979, Cuddyer is a right-fielder in Twins’ roster and stands 6ft 2in with weight of 220 lbs.
The 32-year-old Cuddyer has 10 years of experience in his professional career. Cuddyer was a natural athlete and had great skills in baseball. In 1997, he was listed in the Virginia’s Player of the Year. Due to his amazing efforts in college baseball, he
was geared up to make his place in first round of MLB Draft in 1997.
Cuddyer did not notice any agreement after the MLB draft and become a free agent until 1998. Later on, he took charge to play with Fort Wayne Wizards. After playing his debut game in first round, Cuddyer earned much fame due to his outstanding performance
in Minor Leagues and was also named in the top Baseball America’s Minor League prospects.
Twins’ officials kept an eye on Cuddyer’s performance and added him in their 40-man MLB roster on September 23, 2001. He made his debut on the same day and performed extremely well throughout the season. He hit 87 RBIs, 30 home-runs and batted with an average
of .301 in 141 games.
Cuddyer performed extremely well in his first round and became one of the most eminent players in MLB. He played all 10 years of his career with the Twins. Cuddyer proved his spot for Twins roster by batting with an average of .309 in 86 games and hit 20
home-runs at AAA Edmonton. Then, he was listed in the post-season roster of Twins in 2002 and performed superbly against Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics with hitting average of .300.
He was little bit shaky with the bat during 2005 as he suffered some minor injuries and illnesses. After rehabilitating from surgical treatments, Cuddyer retained his form and was able to hit only 12 home-runs with batting average of .263.
The weather of injuries happened with a continuous interval for Cuddyer as he experienced lateral meniscus in his right shoulder. He played a vital role in his return game and smashed back-to-back home-runs to give the Twins a convincing win. He was sloppy
at the start of 2006 but then he recovered his form by joining bull-pen sessions and ended 2006 season with a promising batting average.
During 2008, Cuddyer re-sounded his three-year agreement with the Twins worth $24-million. He had managed to raise his hitting average also during that season. Cuddyer showed his class act in his fielding as well. He gave the Twins some unbelievable victories
also by making stunning catches.
Occasionally, he fielded at third base position as their third baseman Corey Koskie was traded to Toronto Blue Jays. Cuddyer also saved some crucial runs for his team. He played regularly with the Twins as their veteran players suffered some injuries at
that time. Cuddyer began the 2009 season on a high note.
August 23, 2009 was an unforgettable day in his professional career as Cuddyer struck two home-runs in it to give the Twins an exciting win against Kansas City Royals. He started his 2010 season strong as he raised his on-base slugging average and batting
average.
Cuddyer’s career has been firm and a minor dip in form is usual. However, he should demonstrate himself to be a muscular player with a strong renaissance in this season to help the Twins to the World Series. It will be a great challenge for player to maintain
his batting average.
Tags: