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Twins' Molitor still mulling shortstop options for 2015

Brad Rempel / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor continues to prevaricate over who will play shortstop in 2015, as both Danny Santana and Eduardo Escobar remain viable options for the newly hired skipper.

"It's probably been one of the more awkward things for me this winter in dealing with that situation," Molitor told MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. "Obviously, I have to go in there open-minded about how it will play out. I can't say Santana will be the shortstop because things can change. Escobar deserves an opportunity to play and whether it's spotting around the organization or he has to go back to shortstop, I can't tell you it all will work out."

Though Escobar led the Twins with 98 games at shortstop last season, Santana spent the final month of the campaign receiving the majority of the starts at the position. 

After compiling an impressive .319/.353/.472 line with seven home runs and 20 stolen bases as a rookie in 2014, Santana appears to be the favorite to land the everyday job this coming season.

Escobar boasts more experience at shortstop at the major-league level, but his ability to handle several positions could relegate him to a utility role. The 26-year-old hit .275/.315/.406 with six home runs and 35 doubles over 133 games in 2014. 

The Venezuela native is ready to embrace whatever role he receives.

"This season is important for me," Escobar said. "I'm coming in ready to play. I don't know if I'm going to be the starting shortstop or not, but I've been working hard to be ready for spring training. If Molitor wants me to play shortstop, or wherever, I'm ready for it."

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