In a state that has become "loserville" U.S.A. the Twins seem to be the only team with a light at the end of the tunnel.
Last season ended like the previous, an American League Central Divisional title followed by a 3 game sweep of the hated New York Yankees. But, with the healing of injuries and experience knocked on our belt the 2011 season is one that contains promise. With such promise come high expectations.
The Minnesota sports mindset has turned to a "what next" approach. We're like that abused dog that keeps crawling back because it's all we know. Between the collapse of the Vikings, cellar dwelling Wolves, playoffless wild and continued meritocracy from University of Minnesota athletics it can't get any worse! Or can it?
The Minnesota Twins surged to a 94 win season in 2010 despite the loss of closer Joe Nathan in spring training (Tommy John) and star first basemen Justin Morneau (concussion) mid-season. Most cities would be satisfied with back-to-back division titles. Those days in Minnie are gone (for the Twins anyway).
The expectation and goal is, as it should be, to win the World Series. When Carl Pavano was interviewed this spring and asked about his and the teams success last season he responded with a "we need to take the next step and not be satisfied" response (in a handful of words). Thess are words you want to hear from your "Ace". This brings me to my next topic.
In an organization that has been built around pitching and defense, the one Achilles heel in this team is our rotation. While Francisco Liriano has the "Ace" caliber stuff and Carl Pavano has the grit, there is no true number one starter. A rotation that consists of Pavano, Liriano, Blackburn, Duensing and Baker is structured to absorb a 162 game schedule; unfortunately the playoffs aren't built in such format. This could very well be the demise of this ball club.
On the flip side if you can't score runs, you can't win games. The Twins look like they will be doing plenty of that this season. Span, Nishioka, Mauer, Morneau, Young, Kubel/Thome, Cuddyer, Valencia and Casilla has pitcher insomnia-type potential. Assuming Delmon Young, Danny Valencia and Jason Kubel take steps forward and not back; this lineup appears to be troublesome. Look for the Delmon to continue to thrive in the middle of murders row as well as the continued development of young Danny Valencia.
The Twins Bullpen is the team’s biggest question mark by far. With the return of closer Joe Nathan it is going to be interesting to see how much slack Gardy gives him in the early going. It was said that Nathan would be the closer with Capps getting opportunities along the way. However, I foresee a Matt Capps May. Outside of Capps and Nathan, you have Manship, Hughes, Mijares, Perkins and Slowey. Because of Slowey's ability to throw strikes I am one of the few that feels he will thrive in the pen. However middle relief help is scarce. Look for the Twins to make a move in June/July to improve in this area.
My dark horse pick is Kyle Gibson. The 23 year old, Missouri product is one of the top 35 prospects in baseball and is the future of the twins pitching staff. He is compared by many to Brad Radke. He throws a mid 90's fastball, a plus-plus slider and an above-average changeup. Although Gibson doesn't hone electric stuff, look for Kyle (much like Liriano and Santana before him) to make a bullpen appearance in late July.
At the end of the day baseball is a marathon that presents many pot holes and cups of coffee (Seinfeld reference: Jean-Paul Jean-Paul!) along the way. I believe the twins will complete the trifecta and bring home the American League Central Division title, but will need to make adjustments and tweaks to bring them to the next level.
Hopefully the Twins can bring a title to loserville!
Play Ball!
Jordan T.
