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Minnesota Twins

20-12, AL Central (2nd)
Team RankingAVGRHRERA
Twins.2476191034.58
Cent Division5th5th4th5th
American League 11th13th13th13th

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Season Preview


Danny Knobler's Take

So much depends on whether Joe Mauer’s back problems prove to be minor. With Mauer in the lineup, the Twins could be good enough to win a very tight division. Even if Mauer misses just a few weeks, the Twins could get by with backup Mike Redmond. But if Mauer is out too long, it’s hard to see the Twins winning. The other question for the Twins is whether Joe Crede can stay healthy, especially now that he’ll be playing home games on the Metrodome’s artificial turf. One big factor in the Twins’ favor: Joe Nathan is still the best closer in the division, and right up there with the best in the entire league. Another factor: For one final season, the Twins will enjoy their Dome advantage, maybe the biggest home-field advantage in baseball.

 
Staff Picks
Place Knobler Miller Mack Rosen
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Complete Staff Picks
 
Team Info
2008 record: 88-75, .540 pct. (2nd in AL Central)
As Twins manager: Ron Gardenhire, entering 8th year (622-512)
Stadium: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (56,144; artificial)
Target Field opening in spring of 2010 (40,000; grass)
 
Top Prospects
1. Aaron Hicks, OF
  Five-tool talent is years away from making an impact.
2. Ben Revere, OF
  Won't be a power threat, but there is plenty of room for basestealers with a good OBP.
3. Kevin Mulvey, RH/SP
  He will repeat Triple-A, but groundball pitcher has a chance to surprise by the second half.
4. Tyler Robertson, LH/SP
  This was their top left-handed pitching prospect before injury shut him down last season.
5. Luke Hughes, 3B
  A potential bat to help here, but he needs to open back in minors.
 
 
Veteran catcher Mike Redmond will be behind the plate more than expected to step in for Joe Mauer who will the season on the DL. (US Presswire)
 
Outlook
Video
Scott Miller: Preview
Interview: Justin Morneau
AL Central: Division Preview
Columns
Offseason may have slowed Mauer, but won't stop him
Five things to know
 
Lineup
No.PlayerABHRAVGRBIRSB
1.D. Span, CF 347 6 .294 47 70 18
2.A. Casilla, 2B 385 7 .281 50 58 7
3.M. Cuddyer, RF249 3 .249 36 30 5
4.J. Morneau, 1B 623 23 .300 129 97 0
5.J. Kubel, DH 463 20 .272 78 74 0
6.J. Crede, 3B 335 17 .248 55 41 0
7.D. Young, LF 575 10 .290 69 80 14
8.M. Redmond, C 129 0 .287 12 14 0
9.N. Punto, SS338 2 .284 28 43 15
Pitching
No.PitcherIPW-LSVERAKsBB
1.S. Baker, RH (DL) 172.1 11-4 0 3.45 141 42
2.F. Liriano, LH 76.0 6-4 0 3.91 67 32
3.K. Slowey, RH 160.1 12-11 0 3.99 123 24
4.G. Perkins, LH 151.0 12-4 0 4.41 74 39
5.N. Blackburn, RH 193.1 11-11 0 4.05 96 39
CLJ. Nathan, RH 67.2 1-2 39 1.33 74 18
 
 

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