Minnesota Twins

Losses: OF Carlos Gomez, C Mike Redmond, SS Orlando Cabrera. 3B Joe Crede, P Ron Mahay, P R.A. Dickey, P Phillip Humber

Gains: 2B Orlando Hudson, SS J.J. Hardy, DH Jim Thome, P Clay Condrey, OF Jacque Jones

Analysis: The Twins made a few key moves this off-season. They finished 2009 on such a roll, that it seemingly wouldn't be wise to make too many changes. I mention to interesting losses in Carlos Gomez and Phillip Humber. These losses aren't so debilitating to the team, as much as it is disappointing that 2 of the pieces from the Johan Santana deal have already been discarded. They did acquire J.J. Hardy for Gomez. He is going to come in and get another chance to be a starting shortstop in the MLB. Hardy had big years in 2007 and 2008, but never really found his stride last season with the Brewers. Hopefully he gan regain form. Mike Redmond departs as Jose Morales is promoted to Joe Mauer's stand-in. Joe Crede and Ron Mahay are a couple of players that can't even find Major League work at the moment (Crede is a surprise), so maybe the Twins know something I don't. The one loss you look at is Orlando Cabrera. He is a winning player, and every team feels the loss of a winning player. But for some reason, Cabrera doesn't stay with a team too long, so Hardy will take over his spot. The Twins also brought in veterans Jim Thome and Orlando Hudson to sure up their line-up. Hudson possibly fell out of favor last season with the Dodgers, as despite a solid season, Ronnie Belliard assumed his starting position for the playoff run. APT and Ron Gardenhire both believe the O-Dawg can get his swagger back at the top of the twins line-up. Thome will give what he has left from the DH slot to try to add some pop.

2010 Thoughts: The line-up is solid, though left-handed heavy. The twins bring in Thome to accompany MVPs Mauer and Morneau, as well as Denard Span (Fast!) and Jason Kubel. Punto and Hudson switch-hit, so against a right-handed starter, Minnesota can bring 7 lefties. Hardy and Michael Cuddyer will be looked at for the RH support. Cuddyer returned to form after missing time in 08, with a career high 32 HRs and driving in 94. If he continues to produce and Delmon Young contributes as the fourth outfielder, this line-up could certainly be formidable. The pitching staff returns its starters from the end of 2010. The only major difference will be how Francisco Liriano's arm feels. If it is cooking and he takes on the #1 role, then this is a solid starting 5, if he falls back down to the #5, the minors or the DL, the rotation falls to simply mediocre. The twins will look for above average performances from the other four and get the games to their solid bullpen. Outside of Jesse Crain, the bullpen is coming off a very solid 2009. They keep John Rauch, acquired last season, who should tower over 8th inning hitters and then hand the ball to the SECOND most consistent closer in Major League Baseball, Joe Nathan. Nathan comes off a paltry 47! saves last season, a new career high for him. He only blew 5 and carried a 2.10 ERA into the playoffs. The Twins will count on Nathan to once again push them past the finish line in the many close games they are bound to play. Overall with some minor line-up improvements and hopefully a truly healthy Francisco Liriano, the Twins can expect good things as they enter brand-new Target Field.

Prediction: Things never go quite perfectly, and it won't for the Twins, but they'll find themselves competitive in the Central the whole season, finishing a fairly close 2nd.

-APT