[情報] Sporting News 2009 Twins preview
Minnesota Twins preview
There's no need to feel sorry for the Twins; small market-itis didn't cost them
any stars this winter. In fact, Minnesota signed All-Star third baseman Joe
Crede. Add him to the terrific trio of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe
Nathan, and the club's final season in the Metrodome should be a good one.
THREE QUESTIONS
1. Who starts in the outfield?
The Twins have four legitimate starters for three spots. Denard Span ended the
2008 season as the club's primary leadoff hitter and is considered the best
defensive player of the group, but his versatility makes him a logical
candidate to be the fourth outfielder. Michael Cuddyer probably will start in
right because of his experience and power, but he is coming off an
injury-marred season. Delmon Young, the Rays' No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft,
potentially is the best hitter of the four, but he underachieved in his first
season with Minnesota. Carlos Gomez played 151 games in center last season and
eventually might be the best all-round player of the bunch, but a lack of plate
discipline hurts him. Manager Ron Gardenhire says he plans to use the entire
spring to let the candidates make the decision for him.
2. Where's the weak link?
The bullpen. The Twins don't have to worry about the ninth inning because
closer Joe Nathan is as good as they get, but the sixth-eighth innings could be
troublesome. Righthanders Matt Guerrier (6-9, 5.19 ERA), Jesse Crain and Boof
Bonser all had their troubles last season. And Bonser is out for the season
following shoulder surgery. Righthander Luis Ayala, who finished the 2008
season with the Mets, is being counted on to set up, but he hasn't returned to
peak form after Tommy John surgery three years ago.
3. Who's more valuable: Mauer or Morneau?
Mauer is a two-time A.L. batting champion, excels at the most grueling position
on the field and is a big box-office draw because he grew up in the Twin
Cities. Morneau has won an A.L. MVP Award, is the club's top power source,
plays every day and has become a team leader. Consider this story Gardenhire
told reporters last week: After the club's Grapefruit League opener, Gardenhire
went into his office and found a $100 bill sitting on his desk, accompanied by
a note: "Gardy, forgot to run, I fined myself." The note was from Morneau, who,
after exiting the game, went to the cage for some extra batting practice and
then forgot to get in his end-of-the-day running. So, both Mauer and Morneau
are invaluable.
PROJECTED LINEUP
1. LF Denard Span.
Had a .387 OBP and 18 SBs in 93 games as a rookie.
2. 2B Alexi Casilla.
Struggled after the break (.243 average, .305 OBP) partly because of thumb
injury.
3. C Joe Mauer.
Reigning batting champ slowed by December kidney surgery.
4. 1B Justin Morneau.
Was a leading MVP candidate until a 3-for-34 finish.
5. RF Michael Cuddyer.
Could end up at DH some, taking at-bats from Kubel.
6. DH Jason Kubel.
His 20 homers were second on club to Morneau's 23.
7. 3B Joe Crede.
Should help at plate and in field, if his back holds up on artificial turf.
8. SS Nick Punto.
Except for two trips to D.L., enjoyed a nice bounce-back season.
9. CF Carlos Gomez.
His 142 Ks to only 25 BBs resulted in .296 OBP (lowest among regulars).
PROJECTED ROTATION
1. RHP Scott Baker.
His 28 career wins lead Twins' starters; so did his 3.45 ERA in 2008.
2. LHP Francisco Liriano.
After returning, he dominated in August, but struggled some in September.
3. RHP Kevin Slowey.
Rotation's youngest (24) led club with three complete games.
4. LHP Glen Perkins.
Led staff with 12-4 record but 4.41 ERA was highest among returning starters.
5. RHP Nick Blackburn.
Went 7-4 with a staff-best 3.00 ERA vs. division.
PROJECTED CLOSER
Joe Nathan.
Has averaged 37-plus saves and a 1.60 ERA past three seasons.
GRADES
Offense: A. Minnesota lacks power -- its 111 homers were the fewest in the A.L.
-- but compensates with speed, plate discipline and aggressiveness. No A.L.
team manufactures runs as well as the Twins, and with Crede, they have power at
both corner infield spots for the first time in five years.
Pitching: B. The young, homegrown rotation was a surprise last year, helping
the Twins reach a one-game playoff for the division title. Among the starters,
only Francisco Liriano didn't win 10 games -- and he missed much of the season.
The starters will be expected to pitch deeper into games this season, which
should take stress off the bullpen.
Bench: A. In addition to outfield depth, Minnesota also has one of the game's
best backup catchers in Mike Redmond. Crede's addition puts two players capable
of starting -- Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris -- in utility roles. Buscher,
considered the third baseman of the future, and Harris, who played all four
infield positions last season, were to platoon at third.
Manager: A. Gardenhire came within a 1-0 loss in Game 163 from guiding the
Twins into the postseason for the fifth time in his first seven seasons. He
sets the tone for a club that plays smart and hard and refuses to use its
small-market status as an excuse.
Sporting News prediction: The Twins aren't just a small-market team that always
finds a way. They have elite players at first, third and behind the plate, a
potential dominant ace in Liriano and one of the game's best managers. They
have everything they need to win the A.L. Central -- and they will.
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