Minnesota Twins Preview

Minnesota Twins Preview

Summary: The Minnesota Twins were able to provide fans with a respectable year by fielding essentially the same team it did to end the season. Minnesota finished the year - while compiling the nd best home record within the AL Central (nd to only the World Series Champion White Sox) going - at the Metrodome.

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Article Body: Overview:

The Minnesota Twins were able to provide fans with a respectable year by fielding essentially the same team it did to end the season. Minnesota finished the year - while compiling the nd best home record within the AL Central (nd to only the World Series Champion White Sox) going - at the Metrodome. The power production from the Twins offense in was led by st baseman Justin Morneau (. ) and outfielder Jacque Jones (. ) while outfielders Shannon Stewart (. ), Torii Hunter (. ), rd baseman Michael Cuddyer (. ) and Catcher/DH Matthew LeCroy (. ) all combed to help keep the batting order stable.

Unfortunately, Minnesota wasnt able to find much quality starting pitching in with Johan Santana (- .) and Carlos Silva (- .) proving to be their most consistent starters. Pitcher Brad Radke (- .) suffered a disappointing summer while starter Joe Mays(- .) posted a dismal - record with a . ERA after the all star break. Starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (- .) also struggled to win games after the all star break, returning only wins against losses to end the season with a disappointing sub-five hundred performance. The bullpen had a few bright spots with Juan Rincon (- .) appearing in games, J.C. Romero (- .) appearing in and closer Joe Nathan (- .) posting saves in save opportunities.

Off Season Moves:

The Twins have had a tough winter. Talks for Alfonso Soriano and several others at the GM meetings went nowhere so Minnesota settled by trading RHPs Travis Bowyer (. ERA in games) and Scott Tyler for second baseman Luis Castillo (. ). Castillo became available as part of the Marlins dismantling. The Twins also signed Rondell White (. ) to serve as a designated hitter/right fielder (taking Jacque Jones' spot) and added Tony Batista (. in with the Expos), after a full season in Japan, to assume duties at third base.

Analysis:

With the White Sox and Indians making moves to improve their rotation the Twins did little to improve their starting staff. The Twins are hoping that Johan Santana will repeat his effort and wouldnt mind if he could pick up another win season, like he did in since every little bit will help. If Lohse can put together a better full season that should help take some of the strain off the rotation as well.

The Twins need to be stronger in the infield and they are hoping the addition of Luis Castillo will help in that department. Rondell White is being expected to add a steady bat in the everyday lineup and it will be interesting to see how Tony Batista performs after missing a full year of major league pitching. Batista was a legitimate long ball threat during his last few years at Baltimore and Montreal so his bat will be a welcome addition. Since the White Sox and Indians are fielding much deeper rotations, it will be very tough for the Twins to compete.