2009 MLB Preview - Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (8th season)
2008 Record: 88-75 (2nd AL Central)


Added: 3B Joe Crede (CHW)
Lost: SS Adam Everett (DET)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. RF Denard Span (.294, 70 R, 6 HR, 47 RBI, 18 SB) 2. 2B Alexi Casilla (.281, 58 R, 7 HR, 50 RBI) 3. C Joe Mauer (.328, 98 R, 9 HR, 85 RBI) 4. 1B Justin Morneau (.300, 97 R, 23 HR, 129 RBI) 5. 3B Joe Crede (.248, 41 R, 17 HR, 55 RBI) 6. DH Jason Kubel (.272, 74 R, 20 HR, 78 RBI) 7. LF Delmon Young (.290, 80 R, 10 HR, 69 RBI) 8. SS Nick Punto (.284, 43 R, 2 HR, 28 RBI) 9. CF Carlos Gomez (.258, 79 R, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 33 SB)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Scott Baker (11-4, 3.45 ERA, 141 K) 2. Francisco Liriano (6-4, 3.91 ERA, 67 K) 3. Kevin Slowey (12-11, 3.99 ERA, 123 K) 4. Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.05 ERA, 96 K) 5. Glen Perkins (12-4, 4.41 ERA, 74 K)

Bench
C Mike Redmond, IF Brian Buscher, IF Brendan Harris, OF Michael Cuddyer

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Joe Nathan (39 SV, 67.2 IP, 43 H, 74 K, 1.33 ERA), Jesse Crain, Craig Breslow, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Boof Bonser

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Fantasy Studs: C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau, RP Joe Nathan
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Denard Span, 3B Joe Crede

Men In The Minors: C Wilson Ramos, 3B Danny Valencia, OF Aaron Hicks, OF Ben Revere, SP Shooter Hunt

Home Ballpark: Metrodome (Grade 2/10)

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Team Outlook: If there were ever a team that does more with less, it is the Minnesota Twins. Under the guidance of one of the best managers in baseball in Ron Gardenhire, the twins just seem to always be in the mix. The starting pitching doesn't look that great on paper but expect them to be solid. Baker and Liriano are stars. The other 3 though are question marks. How they do will make or break their season. The bullpen still has Nathan, so if this team is winning going into the 8th or 9th inning, forget it. The batting order has potential to be amazing. Span is a star in the making and a good leadoff hitter. Mauer and Morneau are gonna be great as usual. Crede is a solid pick-up and if Young can get his overall game together, he could make a huge impact on this team. All in all, the Twins look like a boring team lacking stars. But again, they've been like that for awhile now and yet, keep winning. And in a division with no clear front-runner, don't be surprised to see them win it in 2009.

Next Preview: New York Mets