2010 Minnesota Twins Predictions
Written by Mike Lineback
The Minnesota Twins look to defend their AL Central title in new Target Field this season. And they better win some games, because otherwise, nobody is going to show up when the weather turns wet and frigid. Now I know taxpayer money was involved, but what genius decided to leave out the retractable roof?? Hence, I’m going to consider the “no roof” situation as a bad omen for the Twins, and predict they will have a hard time repeating as AL Central champions.
Rotation
Minnesota knows how to pitch, but their rotation is far from impressive. Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Carl Pavono and Kevin Slowey, all right-handers, will throw strikes, use both sides of the plate & change speeds, but have to be on their game to win games. Key is Francisco Liriano, who will round out the rotation, but he’s no ordinary #5 starter. Liriano has nasty, Johan Santana type stuff, and if he returns to his dominant pre-injury form, the lefty could be the oil that keeps the rotation running smoothly.
Bullpen
Speaking of bad omens. Joe Nathan and his 123 saves the last three years is out for the season. Matt Guerrier is the front runner to replace Nathan, but manager Ron Gardenhire said he will employ a committee of arms to close games, until they can find a replacement outside the organization, if necessary. The rest of the bullpen is serviceable with Jon Rauch and Pat Neshek leading the way. Rauch has closing experience with Arizona and talented left-handed reliever Neshek, looks to contribute, after two years removed from Tommy John surgery. Middle relief should be a problem area for the Twins.
Lineup
Minnesota have a projected batting lineup of Denard Span (CF), Orlando Hudson (2B), Joe Mauer (C), Justin Morneau (1B), Michael Cuddyer (RF), Jason Kubel (DH), Delmon Young (LF), J.J. Hardy (SS) and Nick Punto (3B). Denard is a .300+ hitter than can steal bases & cover some ground in center-field. Hudson is a nice pickup in free-agency. Mauer & Morneau can flat out “mash” and may be the best 3-4 combo in baseball. Cuddyer & Kubel combined for 60 homeruns and 197 RBI’s last season. Delmon is young (ha), however, already productive, and may be ready to take his talent to the next level. Hardy & Punto are solid in the field but are offensive challenged. Omens, omens, omens. It’s always interesting to see if a player can live up to his Mega-contract. I wonder if Mauer will live up to his (8 yrs/$184 million)? How will the Hardy for Gomez trade pan out? Still don’t understand that one. Gomez was a keeper in my opinion. And most importantly, how will the Minnesota bats handle the transition from the hitters friendly Metrodome to their new outside environs? Regardless, I think the Twins will score some runs (5.01 rpg Lyear; 4th in AL), but don’t be surprised if there is a drop off in production from last seasons results.
Prediction
The Minnesota Twins know how to play the game of baseball. They won’t beat themselves. On paper they have one of the best lineups in baseball 1-7. However, there is still the uncertainty of playing in a new stadium. Not to mention, the Metrodome was one of the best home field advantages in all of baseball. Nevertheless, in my opinion, their biggest question mark will be pitching. Liriano is still a question mark, their rotation is not overpowering and they are going to miss Joe Nathan big-time!
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the Twins have already pre sold 2.7 million tickets
No roof ….Detroit, Boston, NY… whats the big deal?