Rand: Can Plouffe do magic tricks too?

If the Twins squint just right, it's possible they see a young Michael Cuddyer when they look at Trevor Plouffe. Indeed, there are similarities between the two -- and the Twins' return to respectability could be hastened by Plouffe's ability to re-invent himself as a clone of Cuddyer, who is now in Colorado. Here is a look at the two players:

DRAFT YEAR AND ROUND

Plouffe: 2004, first round, 20th overall out of high school. Cuddyer: 1997, first round, 9th overall out of high school.

ORIGINAL POSITION

Plouffe: Shortstop. Cuddyer: Shortstop.

CONVERTED POSITION

Plouffe: Outfield. Cuddyer: Outfield.

Plouffe: 6-2, 205. Cuddyer: 6-2, 220.

AGE THEY TURNED THE YEAR THEY REACHED 250 MLB AT-BATS

Plouffe: 25 (2011). Cuddyer: 25 (2004).

BEST MINOR LEAGUE SEASON

Plouffe: 2011, when he had 15 HRs, 1.019 OPS at Class AAA Rochester. Cuddyer: 2001, when he had 30 HR, .301 average, .955 OPS at Class AA New Britain.

Plouffe: 2012, to be determined. Cuddyer: 2006, 24 HR, 109 RBI, .867 OPS.

TWITTER NAME, NUMBER OF FOLLOWERS AND EXAMPLE OF RECENT TWEET

Plouffe: @TPlouffe24; 6,809; "Just watched last night's Walking Dead episode. Couldn't be happier with how it ended. Sorry Dale, but you were super annoying." Cuddyer: @mcuddy3; 47,402; "Good morning #Rockies nation. Opening day of #SpringTraining is here."

CROWD-PLEASING TRICK