The Minnesota Twins have played good old-fashioned winning baseball since Ron Gardenhire took over for Tom Kelly in 2002. In 9 seasons as the skipper in the Twin Cities, Gardenhire has led Minnesota to a record of 802-656 in that time. He hasn't had the most marquee names in the league, but they've won 6 American League Central Division titles. His first season in 2002, the club made it to the American League Championship Series and lost 4-1 to eventual World Series champion LA Angels, that ended a post-season appearance drought of 11 years. In his nine seasons, only 2007 resulted in a losing record at 79-83. Otherwise, Gardenhire has become one of the better managers in the Major Leagues, winning 83-plus games per season, including five of the nine with 90 wins or better. Obviously, things keep looking upward for the Minnesota Twins, thanks to keeping Gardenhire in the dugout!
They bring back a somewhat solid starting rotation for 2011. Left-handed ace Francisco Liriano should be back in good health. He'll be backed up in the rotation by Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing, Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker.
The bullpen might pose some questions, but it's a good thing that the starters have plenty of durability. Joe Nathan will be back in the Twins' pen, but it might be in a different capacity this season. After being out all last season with injury, Nathan was the closer the previous two seasons. The mid-season pickup of Matt Capps helped out the bullpen down the stretch to clinch the AL Central title, with the absense of Nathan as the closer. Kevin Slowey will help anchor the middle relievers along with Jose Mijares, Alex Burnett, Paul Neshek and Jeff Manship.
The Twins should be a force offensively with the bats that are coming back. 2010 AL batting champ Joe Mauer will help lead a potent offense that also likes to run.
C Joe Mauer
1B Justin Morneau
2B Tsuyoshi Nishioka
SS Alexi Casilla
3B Danny Valencia
LF Delmon Young
CF Denard Span
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Jason Kubel or Jim Thome
Justin Morneau is back in full force at 1B. Joe Mauer will probably bat .370 or above again this season. With the way things are looking as I've glanced over what the AL Central has to offer this year, I would say that the Minnesota Twins will probably win this division again in 2011 and could do it by five games or more when it comes down to it in the standings.
No comments:
Post a Comment