The Twins' top three needs this offseason are: 1, hitting; 2, hitting; and 3, hitting. They ranked at or near the bottom of the AL in every major offensive category in 2005 after opening the season with a 2-3-4 heart of their lineup (SS Jason Bartlett, C Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau) with just 157 total games of big-league experience. Only Mauer, who led the team in hitting, performed well among all the team's young players -- leaving the team short of the playoffs for the first time in four years despite one of the top pitching staffs in baseball.
ARRIVALS
None.
DEPARTURES
RHP Joe Mays (contract option declined), DH/C Matt LeCroy (released), LHP Terry Mulholland (filed for free agency), RF Jacque Jones (filed for free agency), 2B Luis Rivas (released).
BIGGEST NEEDS
Especially with the departure of RF Jacque Jones, one of the team's top run producers the past four seasons, the Twins need at least three legitimate hitters to spread through the lineup at any of four positions: third base, second base, right field and DH. The bullpen is back in its entirety, and the rotation is set, as far as the team is concerned. Hitting is the only concern.
FREE AGENTS
LHP Terry Mulholland, RHP Joe Mays and RF Jacque Jones all have filed for free agency and none is expected back, although Jones would probably return if the team made a respectable run at him. Don't count on it after three years of perceived slights in contract talks.
ARBITRATION ELIGIBLE
3B/2B/RF Michael Cuddyer, who has failed in all three stints as a starter over the last three seasons, is a first-year arbitration-eligible player who could essentially fill DH Matt LeCroy's $750,000 payroll slot and return to his successful role as a "super utility" player in 2006. 2B/SS Nick Punto, who is well-regarded and thought to be an offensive force if he can stay healthy enough to remain in the lineup daily, should get another chance in 2006 to earn a starting job but likely will open the season as the team's top utility infielder.
IN LIMBO
LHP J.C. Romero, the mercurial and inconsistent setup guy, and RHP Kyle Lohse, the arbitration-eligible ($2.4 million in 2005) starter, have both lost favor in the clubhouse with the field staff and likely will be shopped this winter. Romero, who is signed through next year ($2.2 million, plus a 2007 option), is more likely to stay next season than Lohse, who at one point took a bat to manager Ron Gardenhire's Metrodome office door after being yanked from a September game in the third inning.
MEDICAL WATCH
OF Jason Kubel, who was expected to battle for a starting job in 2005 before suffering a massive knee injury during 2004 Fall League play, is producing at the plate this fall but still is not allowed to play in the field or run the bases. The organization is optimistic he will report to spring training 100 percent healthy and compete for RF Jacque Jones' vacated spot. ... RHP Carlos Silva, who made 27 starts this season with torn meniscus in his right knee, underwent successful surgery and is expected to be at full strength next spring. ... C Mike Redmond had a bone spur in his foot surgically repaired and is expected to make a full recovery by spring training.
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