Ron Gardenhire debunked early lineup predictions by announcing publicly that veterans, Josh Willingham and Dernard Span, will start the season at their natural positions of left field and center field. Young speedster, Ben Revere, will need to prove he can play right field to play everyday, more likely serving as a pinch runner and defensive replacement.
Traditionally, the Twins prefer top prospects to start either at the major or minor league level, although Revere has already proved he can hit minor league pitching, with a .326 average over five years. His arm is his only weakness, making him a deficiency in long-tossing right field. It was thought that the team would start him in left or center, forcing Span or Willingham to right.
In the end, Gardenhire chose to respect his veterans, playing them in their natural positions. It also means that the team may want a bat like Plouffe or Parmelee in right, both former minor league infielders with strong arms.
The Twins already have three speedy slap hitters in the starting lineup with Dernard Span, Jeremy Carroll and Alexi Castilla. Putting Revere on the bench gives the team something they haven’t had in a long time, a first-class pinch runner late in the game. It would also allow a defensive replacement for the liable Willingham, likely who Reverse would be running for anyway. Sending Revere to the minors for more at-bats is still possible, but unlikely given that he is the only viable back-up for injury-plagued Dernard Span.
Chris Parmalee is trying to force the Twins' hand, who would much rather prefer him to start the year in AAA. He has never played a full year above AA, and has respectable but not quite eye-popping numbers, batting .287 with 14 HR and 83 RBI in 530 at-bats for AA in 2011. However, he came out of nowhere to hit .355 with 4 HR and 14 RBI in only 76 at-bats as a September call-up, and is hitting well this Spring. He can play right field or first base, making him an attractive option if the team needs to protect Justin Moureau at DH. It may be his time to shine, by virtue of playing two vulnerable positions.
Standing in Parmalee’s way are Trevor Plouffe and Sean Burroughs, who has begun to play first base this spring and is another possible outfield option. Plouffe finally showed some pop in 2011, with a Babe Ruthian .635 slugging percentage at AAA, and is also one of the only players that can also back-up shortstop, now that Nishioka has been sent to AAA.
If the team truly intends to win now, a veteran like Burroughs would be nice to have on the bench. He hit a whopping .412 in 102 AAA at-bats after being out of the game for five years, and is a career .280 hitter in 1647 major league at-bats from 2002-06 and 2011. He also gives a push to starting third baseman and Miami playboy, Danny Valencia, who has been prone to possible complacency and lack of focus, particularly late in the season.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Two spots open up, but competition for bullpen remains strong
The Twins will have a revamped bullpen in 2012, but perhaps unlike what was expected going into camp. Flamethrower, Joel Zumaya, and Rule 5 pickup, Terry Doyle, were considered locks for jobs coming in. Zumaya blew his arm out after only about a dozen pitches to live hitters, never making it into an exhibition game. Doyle only saw action in three games, before getting sent back to the White Sox after showing a tendency for giving up big innings.
That opens the door for potential non-roster invites to make the trip North. Matt Capps, Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing are considered locks. Anthony Swarzak and Alex Burnett and considered probable. The average major league bullpen maintains six relievers, although seven isn’t uncommon. That means at least one opening, possibly two. After some shaky outings early on by Alex Burnett, manager Ron Gardenhire also hinted that the team wouldn’t shy away from dropping an incumbent if it made the team better.
So far, non-roster pitchers, Jared Burton, Casey Fien, Jeff Gray and Matt Maloney have been stellar, combining for 24.2 innings pitched, 10 hits, 25 strikeouts, and an eye-popping 0.73 ERA. Additionally, Jeff Manship, Liam Hendriks, Kyle Waldrop and Phil Dumatrait all have experience with the Twins, and have looked good this Spring.
Lets not forget, Lester Oliveros, Scott Diamond, Esmerling Vasquez and Jason Bulger all have major league experience, and were considered potentials for the bullpen before getting sent to minor league camp.
Based on his experience as an eighth inning setup man, is appears Jared Burton is all but a lock unless he struggles during the final weeks of camp. Terry Ryan has praised his stuff and track record, noting only that his history of injury problems allowed they Twins to bring him in on as as a non-roster invite.
Fien and Gray have both toiled as journeymen AAA relievers long enough to show that they are likely capable of handling middle relief duties, but both have very average stuff and are not thought of as go-to guys late in the game. It would appear Fien has the edge here, as he is more of a strikeout pitcher, while Gray relies on ground balls and contact.
Jeff Manship and Liam Hendriks are both intriguing younger options, but will likely begin the year at the top of the starting rotation in AAA. Hendriks has the most upside of all, but the Twins envision him as a starter who needs regular work. Both will likely spend time with the Twins as go-to guys if injuries occur in the starting rotation. Kyle Waldrop is another younger righthander with two solid but unspectacular years in AAA, and is unassumingly putting together a nice Spring Training.
With two set lefthanded relievers in Perkins and Duensing, it would seem that Matt Maloney and Phil Dumatrait could be odd men out. However, Ron Gardenhire hasn’t had a problem keeping three lefthanders in the bullpen, and it appears both are capable of getting righthanders out. Dumatrait had a nice 2011 for the Twins, with a 3.92 ERA and 41.1 innings pitched. He’s not an ideal late-inning man, however, and the Twins may prefer keeping a pitcher with more of an upside. Maloney has been drawing rave reviews, but may be very similar to Brian Duensing. He may wind up starting in AAA if the Twins need another look in the bullpen.
Projected Major League bullpen:
Closer: Matt Capps, R
Set-up: Glen Perkins, L
Set-up: Jared Burton, R
Middle: Brian Duensing, L
Middle: Alex Burnett, R // Matt Maloney, L // Casey Fien, R
Long: Anthony Swarzak, R
It appears the Twins will have plenty of experienced depth in AAA, with plenty of fill-in candidates that have major league experience. They’ll likely go with the hot-hand in regards to callups, and will have an interesting battle for closer at AAA, in a bullpen filled with solid but unspectacular relievers. The Twins like Oliveroes’ fastball in late innings, and a wealth of journeymen middle relievers will be ready if injury occurs or if Burnett struggles.
It appears the team may need to release at least a pair of pitchers out of Bulger, Dumatrait, Gray, Perdomo, Vasquez and either Thompson due to a glut of veterans in AAA. Maloney, Dumatrait and Aaron Thompson are more likely to stay, as the team lacks lacks lefthanded depth if injuries occur to Perkins or Duensing. Daryl Thompson was a nice offseason pickup with strikeout potential, and may be a sleeper in 2012.
Projected AAA pitching:
1.) Liam Hendriks, R
2.) Jeff Manship, R
3.) Matt Maloney, L
4.) Scott Diamond, L
5.) Daryl Thompson, R
Lester Oliveroes, R - setip/closer
Casey Fien, R - setup/closer
Luis Perdomo, R- setup/closer
Kyle Waldrop, R- setup
Jason Bulger, R - setup
Phil Dumatrait, L - middle
Jeff Gray, R - middle
Esmerling Vasquez, R - middle/long
Deolis Gurra, R - middle/long
Aaron Thompson, L - long
--
d.anderson
2012
That opens the door for potential non-roster invites to make the trip North. Matt Capps, Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing are considered locks. Anthony Swarzak and Alex Burnett and considered probable. The average major league bullpen maintains six relievers, although seven isn’t uncommon. That means at least one opening, possibly two. After some shaky outings early on by Alex Burnett, manager Ron Gardenhire also hinted that the team wouldn’t shy away from dropping an incumbent if it made the team better.
So far, non-roster pitchers, Jared Burton, Casey Fien, Jeff Gray and Matt Maloney have been stellar, combining for 24.2 innings pitched, 10 hits, 25 strikeouts, and an eye-popping 0.73 ERA. Additionally, Jeff Manship, Liam Hendriks, Kyle Waldrop and Phil Dumatrait all have experience with the Twins, and have looked good this Spring.
Lets not forget, Lester Oliveros, Scott Diamond, Esmerling Vasquez and Jason Bulger all have major league experience, and were considered potentials for the bullpen before getting sent to minor league camp.
Based on his experience as an eighth inning setup man, is appears Jared Burton is all but a lock unless he struggles during the final weeks of camp. Terry Ryan has praised his stuff and track record, noting only that his history of injury problems allowed they Twins to bring him in on as as a non-roster invite.
Fien and Gray have both toiled as journeymen AAA relievers long enough to show that they are likely capable of handling middle relief duties, but both have very average stuff and are not thought of as go-to guys late in the game. It would appear Fien has the edge here, as he is more of a strikeout pitcher, while Gray relies on ground balls and contact.
Jeff Manship and Liam Hendriks are both intriguing younger options, but will likely begin the year at the top of the starting rotation in AAA. Hendriks has the most upside of all, but the Twins envision him as a starter who needs regular work. Both will likely spend time with the Twins as go-to guys if injuries occur in the starting rotation. Kyle Waldrop is another younger righthander with two solid but unspectacular years in AAA, and is unassumingly putting together a nice Spring Training.
With two set lefthanded relievers in Perkins and Duensing, it would seem that Matt Maloney and Phil Dumatrait could be odd men out. However, Ron Gardenhire hasn’t had a problem keeping three lefthanders in the bullpen, and it appears both are capable of getting righthanders out. Dumatrait had a nice 2011 for the Twins, with a 3.92 ERA and 41.1 innings pitched. He’s not an ideal late-inning man, however, and the Twins may prefer keeping a pitcher with more of an upside. Maloney has been drawing rave reviews, but may be very similar to Brian Duensing. He may wind up starting in AAA if the Twins need another look in the bullpen.
Projected Major League bullpen:
Closer: Matt Capps, R
Set-up: Glen Perkins, L
Set-up: Jared Burton, R
Middle: Brian Duensing, L
Middle: Alex Burnett, R // Matt Maloney, L // Casey Fien, R
Long: Anthony Swarzak, R
It appears the Twins will have plenty of experienced depth in AAA, with plenty of fill-in candidates that have major league experience. They’ll likely go with the hot-hand in regards to callups, and will have an interesting battle for closer at AAA, in a bullpen filled with solid but unspectacular relievers. The Twins like Oliveroes’ fastball in late innings, and a wealth of journeymen middle relievers will be ready if injury occurs or if Burnett struggles.
It appears the team may need to release at least a pair of pitchers out of Bulger, Dumatrait, Gray, Perdomo, Vasquez and either Thompson due to a glut of veterans in AAA. Maloney, Dumatrait and Aaron Thompson are more likely to stay, as the team lacks lacks lefthanded depth if injuries occur to Perkins or Duensing. Daryl Thompson was a nice offseason pickup with strikeout potential, and may be a sleeper in 2012.
Projected AAA pitching:
1.) Liam Hendriks, R
2.) Jeff Manship, R
3.) Matt Maloney, L
4.) Scott Diamond, L
5.) Daryl Thompson, R
Lester Oliveroes, R - setip/closer
Casey Fien, R - setup/closer
Luis Perdomo, R- setup/closer
Kyle Waldrop, R- setup
Jason Bulger, R - setup
Phil Dumatrait, L - middle
Jeff Gray, R - middle
Esmerling Vasquez, R - middle/long
Deolis Gurra, R - middle/long
Aaron Thompson, L - long
--
d.anderson
2012
Nishioka, Doyle exit camp
The Twins have always believed in stiff competition during Spring Training, and have been known to make surprise cuts during the end of March. The team may have surprised many once again by proving they intend to win now, and cutting $3 million a year man, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, and Rule 5 pickup, Terry Doyle.
Many teams would keep Nishioka by virtue of his contract alone, as it can be an embarrassment for mid-market teams to send a high dollar player down to AAA. But in this case, the team believes Brian Dozier has moved ahead as a possible starting shortstop alternative to Jeremy Carroll, and wanted to keep Luke Hughes and Trevor Plouffe, better hitting players that are out-of-options and can’t go back to AAA without clearing waivers first. It now appears veteran Sean Burroughs is making a strong case as a corner infield backup and pinch hitter, and may be a candidate for the 25th man on the team.
Nishioka hasn’t made an error during camp, but cultural and communication errors have made it difficult to keep him on a team that will need depth throughout the lineup to compete. The coaching staff grew discouraged by his inability to make adjustments and adapt to a different style of play in the US, and it’s possible he may spend a good deal of time riding minor league buses before suiting up again for the Twins. He’ll need a serious hot streak to get back up before mid-season, and baring injuries could spend the whole year in Rochester.
Terry Doyle showed some promise early on, but with a slew of veteran middle relievers making a strong case for jobs, he wasn’t able to get a lot of work in and battled nerves and inconsistency during his few appearances. On a team with it’s share of questions and shortcomings, especially in the bullpen, he would have needed to prove he was one of the best available relief options, as Rule 5 alone was not enough for a free pass. Expect him to go back to AAA in the White Sox system, eventually becoming a solid back-of-the-rotation or middle relief option by 2013.
--
d.anderson
2012
Many teams would keep Nishioka by virtue of his contract alone, as it can be an embarrassment for mid-market teams to send a high dollar player down to AAA. But in this case, the team believes Brian Dozier has moved ahead as a possible starting shortstop alternative to Jeremy Carroll, and wanted to keep Luke Hughes and Trevor Plouffe, better hitting players that are out-of-options and can’t go back to AAA without clearing waivers first. It now appears veteran Sean Burroughs is making a strong case as a corner infield backup and pinch hitter, and may be a candidate for the 25th man on the team.
Nishioka hasn’t made an error during camp, but cultural and communication errors have made it difficult to keep him on a team that will need depth throughout the lineup to compete. The coaching staff grew discouraged by his inability to make adjustments and adapt to a different style of play in the US, and it’s possible he may spend a good deal of time riding minor league buses before suiting up again for the Twins. He’ll need a serious hot streak to get back up before mid-season, and baring injuries could spend the whole year in Rochester.
Terry Doyle showed some promise early on, but with a slew of veteran middle relievers making a strong case for jobs, he wasn’t able to get a lot of work in and battled nerves and inconsistency during his few appearances. On a team with it’s share of questions and shortcomings, especially in the bullpen, he would have needed to prove he was one of the best available relief options, as Rule 5 alone was not enough for a free pass. Expect him to go back to AAA in the White Sox system, eventually becoming a solid back-of-the-rotation or middle relief option by 2013.
--
d.anderson
2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
2012 Stats/Lineup Predictions
Twins Projected 25-man
w/realistic stat predictions
1 Dernard Span CF - .275 - 5 HR - 55 RBI - 25 SB
2 Jeremy Carroll SS - .285 - 3 HR - 40 RBI - 15 SB
3 Joe Mauer C - .305 - 15 HR - 85 RBI - 10 SB
4 Justin Morneau 1B - ,275 - 20 HR - 90 RBI - 2 SB
5 Josh Willingham RF - .245 - 25 HR - 95 RBI - 2 SB
6 Ryan Doumit DH - .285 - 15 HR - 70 RBI - 2 SB
7 Danny Valencia 3B - .275 - 20 HR - 75 RBI - 10 SB
8 Trevor Plouffe LF - .270 - 18 HR - 63 RBI - 15 SB
9 Alexi Casilla 2B - .285 - 5 HR - 40 RBI - 20 SB
Drew Butera C - .190 - 6 HR - 25 RBI - 2 SB
Luke Hughes 2B - .245 - 12 HR - 35 RBI - 6 SB
Tsuyoshi Nishioka SS - .245 - 1 HR - 25 RBI - 12 SB
Ben Revere LF - .265 - 2 HR - 35 RBI - 30 SB
---------
1 Carl Pavano - 3.80 - 220 IP - 220 H - 120 SO
2 Francisco Liriano - 4.10 - 180 IP - 150 H - 200 SO
3 Scott Baker - 3.40 - 180 IP - 160 H - 170 SO
4 Nick Blackburn - 4.40 - 230 IP - 250 H - 150 SO
5 Jason Marquis - 4.80 - 210 IP - 230 H - 120 SO
CL Matt Capps R - 3.30 - 75 IP - 70 H - 45 SO - 30 SV
Glen Perkins L - 2.85 - 70 IP - 55 H - 75 SO - 4 SV
Alex Burnett R - 3.90 - 65 IP - 70 H - 55 SO - 2 SV
Anthony Swarzak R - 4.25 - 90 IP - 95 H - 55 SO
Brian Duensing L - 3.60 - 110 IP - 100 H - 85 SO
Jared Burton R - 4.10 - 44 IP - 40 H - 40 SO
Terry Doyle R - 5.50 - 95 IP - 110 H - 55 SO
-----------
-----------
Expect these players to challenge opening day spots or see signifiant time during the season:
JR Towels C - .225 - 3 HR - 18 RBI - 1 SB
Sean Burroughs 3B - .275 - 6 HR - 35 RBI - 1 SB
Brian Dinkleman 2B - .270 - 2 HR - 20 RBI - 6 SB
Brian Dozier SS - .235 - 1 HR - 15 RBI - 10 SB
Joe Benson OF - .250 - 4 HR - 25 RBI - 12 SB
Rene Tosoni OF - .265 - 7 HR - 30 RBI - 2 SB
Darin Mastroianni OF - .250 - 2 HR - 15 RBI - 7 SB
Chris Parmelee 1B - .265 - 8 HR - 35 RBI - 1 SB
Lester Oliveros R - 5.10 - 45 IP - 55 H - 35 SO
Phil Dumatrait L - 4.25 - 45 IP - 45 H - 25 SO
Jeff Manship R - 5.18 - 60 IP - 65 H - 34 SO
Esmerling Vasquez R - 4.49 - 35 IP - 40 H - 30 SO
Scott Diamond L - 4.85 - 95 IP - 100 H - 70 SO
Carlos Gutierrez R - 5.50 - 45 IP - 55 H - 38 SO
Projected Record 86- 76, 2nd Place AL Central, 2nd Wild Card Selection
Overall: Veteran role players could stablize this team, and take them close to Detroit in what will be a wild battle for increased playoff births in 2012. Expect the Twins to battle with the likes of Toronto, Seattle, Baltimore and gritty second-tier teams from outside the division, looking to sneak up late in the year and make a push. Ultimately, the final spot will go to a "gamer" team that can stay cool under do-or-die pressure late in the season. The Twins will have an improved record in 2012 by virtue of health to begin the year. It's entirely possible that a healthy Mauer and Morneau, still young players in their prime, could propel the team back to 90 win range.
Look for the Twins to pace themselves and go back to a speedy "small ball" approach, in a season filled with close one-run and low scoring games. The Twins will see higher averages throughout a lineup that will put pressure on the defense and look for gap doubles over home runs. Phouffe and Valencia will provide dramatic offense; Casilla, Revere and Benson/Mastroianni will provide exciting baserunning; Mauer and Morneau will handle key match-ups and top pitching: while Carroll, Span and Doumit will add cool clutch hitting, stability and veteran smarts. Add a dinger or two a week from Willingham, a little pinch hitting and solid fill-in from Sean Burroughs and the bench, and the offense looks pretty decent.
This should be an unflappable team that could out-duel younger teams down the stretch. The bullpen is the biggest weakness, and isn't deep enough to take the team far into the postseason, if they get that far. If one or two "scrap" relievers work out, Swarzak and Duensing thrive in short relief, pressure situations and Capps returns to form, things would be looking up. Even average numbers would be a welcome sight for this bullpen crew, with maybe a late-season pickup to bolster the staff down the stretch. Starting pitching should be solid if all remain healthy and consistent. In the playoffs, Pavano is a good veteran to lead the charge, but Liriano and Baker need to be fresh late in the year to go far.
--
d.anderson
2012
w/realistic stat predictions
1 Dernard Span CF - .275 - 5 HR - 55 RBI - 25 SB
2 Jeremy Carroll SS - .285 - 3 HR - 40 RBI - 15 SB
3 Joe Mauer C - .305 - 15 HR - 85 RBI - 10 SB
4 Justin Morneau 1B - ,275 - 20 HR - 90 RBI - 2 SB
5 Josh Willingham RF - .245 - 25 HR - 95 RBI - 2 SB
6 Ryan Doumit DH - .285 - 15 HR - 70 RBI - 2 SB
7 Danny Valencia 3B - .275 - 20 HR - 75 RBI - 10 SB
8 Trevor Plouffe LF - .270 - 18 HR - 63 RBI - 15 SB
9 Alexi Casilla 2B - .285 - 5 HR - 40 RBI - 20 SB
Drew Butera C - .190 - 6 HR - 25 RBI - 2 SB
Luke Hughes 2B - .245 - 12 HR - 35 RBI - 6 SB
Tsuyoshi Nishioka SS - .245 - 1 HR - 25 RBI - 12 SB
Ben Revere LF - .265 - 2 HR - 35 RBI - 30 SB
---------
1 Carl Pavano - 3.80 - 220 IP - 220 H - 120 SO
2 Francisco Liriano - 4.10 - 180 IP - 150 H - 200 SO
3 Scott Baker - 3.40 - 180 IP - 160 H - 170 SO
4 Nick Blackburn - 4.40 - 230 IP - 250 H - 150 SO
5 Jason Marquis - 4.80 - 210 IP - 230 H - 120 SO
CL Matt Capps R - 3.30 - 75 IP - 70 H - 45 SO - 30 SV
Glen Perkins L - 2.85 - 70 IP - 55 H - 75 SO - 4 SV
Alex Burnett R - 3.90 - 65 IP - 70 H - 55 SO - 2 SV
Anthony Swarzak R - 4.25 - 90 IP - 95 H - 55 SO
Brian Duensing L - 3.60 - 110 IP - 100 H - 85 SO
Jared Burton R - 4.10 - 44 IP - 40 H - 40 SO
Terry Doyle R - 5.50 - 95 IP - 110 H - 55 SO
-----------
-----------
Expect these players to challenge opening day spots or see signifiant time during the season:
JR Towels C - .225 - 3 HR - 18 RBI - 1 SB
Sean Burroughs 3B - .275 - 6 HR - 35 RBI - 1 SB
Brian Dinkleman 2B - .270 - 2 HR - 20 RBI - 6 SB
Brian Dozier SS - .235 - 1 HR - 15 RBI - 10 SB
Joe Benson OF - .250 - 4 HR - 25 RBI - 12 SB
Rene Tosoni OF - .265 - 7 HR - 30 RBI - 2 SB
Darin Mastroianni OF - .250 - 2 HR - 15 RBI - 7 SB
Chris Parmelee 1B - .265 - 8 HR - 35 RBI - 1 SB
Lester Oliveros R - 5.10 - 45 IP - 55 H - 35 SO
Phil Dumatrait L - 4.25 - 45 IP - 45 H - 25 SO
Jeff Manship R - 5.18 - 60 IP - 65 H - 34 SO
Esmerling Vasquez R - 4.49 - 35 IP - 40 H - 30 SO
Scott Diamond L - 4.85 - 95 IP - 100 H - 70 SO
Carlos Gutierrez R - 5.50 - 45 IP - 55 H - 38 SO
Projected Record 86- 76, 2nd Place AL Central, 2nd Wild Card Selection
Overall: Veteran role players could stablize this team, and take them close to Detroit in what will be a wild battle for increased playoff births in 2012. Expect the Twins to battle with the likes of Toronto, Seattle, Baltimore and gritty second-tier teams from outside the division, looking to sneak up late in the year and make a push. Ultimately, the final spot will go to a "gamer" team that can stay cool under do-or-die pressure late in the season. The Twins will have an improved record in 2012 by virtue of health to begin the year. It's entirely possible that a healthy Mauer and Morneau, still young players in their prime, could propel the team back to 90 win range.
Look for the Twins to pace themselves and go back to a speedy "small ball" approach, in a season filled with close one-run and low scoring games. The Twins will see higher averages throughout a lineup that will put pressure on the defense and look for gap doubles over home runs. Phouffe and Valencia will provide dramatic offense; Casilla, Revere and Benson/Mastroianni will provide exciting baserunning; Mauer and Morneau will handle key match-ups and top pitching: while Carroll, Span and Doumit will add cool clutch hitting, stability and veteran smarts. Add a dinger or two a week from Willingham, a little pinch hitting and solid fill-in from Sean Burroughs and the bench, and the offense looks pretty decent.
This should be an unflappable team that could out-duel younger teams down the stretch. The bullpen is the biggest weakness, and isn't deep enough to take the team far into the postseason, if they get that far. If one or two "scrap" relievers work out, Swarzak and Duensing thrive in short relief, pressure situations and Capps returns to form, things would be looking up. Even average numbers would be a welcome sight for this bullpen crew, with maybe a late-season pickup to bolster the staff down the stretch. Starting pitching should be solid if all remain healthy and consistent. In the playoffs, Pavano is a good veteran to lead the charge, but Liriano and Baker need to be fresh late in the year to go far.
--
d.anderson
2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
2012 Season Preview
2011 in review:
Certainly the 2011 Twins season fell far short of expectations, only buoyed below triple digit loses by a gritty, shutout performance by no-nonsense ace, Carl Pavano, on the last day of the season But, if you have to lose in baseball, might as well lose big. With renowned talent-evaluator, General Manager Terry Ryan, now back on board for a second stint as GM in 2012, there is hope to replenish the once-heralded minor league system through several top picks in the upcoming draft.
Terry Ryan, by own admission, has always been on the conservative end by baseball standards, but has made a number of unassumingly shrewd moves to propel the Twins back toward respectability, both in short and long term. The Twins lost versatile clubhouse leader, Michael Cuddyer, but will receive additional draft picks as compensation. To fill the void, they signed power-hitting outfielder, Josh Willingham, at a much more frugal rate, while replacing Cuddyer’s versatility with underrated Ryan Doumit, who can fill in at first base, catcher and outfield with a capable bat.
Jason Kubel will be missed, but became expendable in a heavily lefthanded hitting line-up. Let’s hope he, or perhaps more predictably, traded outfielder Delmon Young, doesn’t join JJ Hardy as a new member of the David Ortiz club and find a power stroke after leaving the team. Both Hardy and Young were dealt in dismal desperation deals under former GM Bill Smith.
The pitching staff lost relievers Joe Nathan and Jose Mijares, but hope that a seemingly healthy starting rotation, with the addition of innings-eater, Jason Marquis, will allow Anthony Swarzak and Brian Duensing to move to the bullpen full-time. Out of a slew of scrap-head reliever pickups, the Twins will expect at least two no-name righthanders to provide decent relief in front of Glen Perkins and required closer, Matt Capps.
As has been the case in recent memory, the Twins will once again revamp what was a historically poor infield in 2011. Tsuyoshi Nishioka never got comfortable playing American baseball, essentially costing the job of former GM Bill Smith. He may head to AAA ball to start the season, but could wind up in a starting role later on if he can progress. Grizzled veteran, Jeremy Carroll, was brought in to provide stability at shortstop, although his aging range could find him at second base. He is a consistent professional, very much in the Twins mold, and won’t hurt the team with his glove or bat. Alexi Casilla and Danny Valencia are both exciting young players that have hopefully passed some growing pains and are ready to produce consistently. While players like Carroll hold their own against anyone, the Twins need players like Valencia and Casilla to push ahead of the pack if they are to improve in 2011.
Keys to success:
With Caddyer and Kubel gone, the Twins will not be able to compete without healthy rebounds by Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Dernard Span, and without season-ending injuries by anyone in the rotation. By Twins standards, that seems to be a tall order, but if that happens they have a legitimate shot at winning another surprising division title.
While a newfound ability to play first base makes Mauer a candidate to stay healthy, Morneau’s offseason of surgeries would make Frankenstein blush. It may be wise for him to spend a good share of time at DH, as even a minor collision could bring back concussion-like symptoms. Likewise, Dernard Span may be moved from center to the less-taxing right field, allowing a younger/faster Ben Revere to move to center and Josh Willingham to his natural left field.
Although often overlooked, the starting rotation provides a solid five that can compete over the long course of a season. If healthy, this should be a strong point. The Twins need Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker to be consistent, healthy all year and able to confidently face off against any ace in the league. Jason Marquis and Nick Blackburn, meanwhile, need to hit the seventh inning virtually every time out with 200+ innings to save a possibly spotty bullpen.
Players to watch:
The most exciting young player in camp is Trevor Plouffe, a former 1st round draft pick with legitimate power potential. A move to the outfield allows him to bulk up and focus on his hitting after a difficult defensive year at shortstop. If all goes well, he’ll force the Twins to put slow-footed Josh Willingham at DH, while taking an everyday role at left or right field. Expect 15-25 home runs if he can hold it down, with decent average and athleticism in the outfield.
Obviously, all eyes are on Justin Morneau, as well as a substantial amount of payroll. It’s probably unrealistic to expect a return to MVP numbers, but if he can stay in the lineup and match, say, Michael Cuddyer status, the team would be in good shape. .275 average with 20 home runs and 80 RBI would be nothing to scoff at. If he can’t play first base or lands on the DL, Chris Parmelee, likely successor, will have a chance to see if his late-season surge in 2011 was a fluke. His bat could land him a bench role, although the Twins would likely prefer more seasoning in AAA.
The rotation is laced with underachievers, ace-like form from Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano has been on the “watch” list for years.. perhaps now is the time? Also closer Matt Capps has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. It’s reasonable to assume last year was a fluke, and now with a healthy arm and without Joe Nathan to add pressure to perform, he may be poised for a 3.00 ERA, 40 save season if the team can give him the ball consistently.
..
d.anderson 2012
Certainly the 2011 Twins season fell far short of expectations, only buoyed below triple digit loses by a gritty, shutout performance by no-nonsense ace, Carl Pavano, on the last day of the season But, if you have to lose in baseball, might as well lose big. With renowned talent-evaluator, General Manager Terry Ryan, now back on board for a second stint as GM in 2012, there is hope to replenish the once-heralded minor league system through several top picks in the upcoming draft.
Terry Ryan, by own admission, has always been on the conservative end by baseball standards, but has made a number of unassumingly shrewd moves to propel the Twins back toward respectability, both in short and long term. The Twins lost versatile clubhouse leader, Michael Cuddyer, but will receive additional draft picks as compensation. To fill the void, they signed power-hitting outfielder, Josh Willingham, at a much more frugal rate, while replacing Cuddyer’s versatility with underrated Ryan Doumit, who can fill in at first base, catcher and outfield with a capable bat.
Jason Kubel will be missed, but became expendable in a heavily lefthanded hitting line-up. Let’s hope he, or perhaps more predictably, traded outfielder Delmon Young, doesn’t join JJ Hardy as a new member of the David Ortiz club and find a power stroke after leaving the team. Both Hardy and Young were dealt in dismal desperation deals under former GM Bill Smith.
The pitching staff lost relievers Joe Nathan and Jose Mijares, but hope that a seemingly healthy starting rotation, with the addition of innings-eater, Jason Marquis, will allow Anthony Swarzak and Brian Duensing to move to the bullpen full-time. Out of a slew of scrap-head reliever pickups, the Twins will expect at least two no-name righthanders to provide decent relief in front of Glen Perkins and required closer, Matt Capps.
As has been the case in recent memory, the Twins will once again revamp what was a historically poor infield in 2011. Tsuyoshi Nishioka never got comfortable playing American baseball, essentially costing the job of former GM Bill Smith. He may head to AAA ball to start the season, but could wind up in a starting role later on if he can progress. Grizzled veteran, Jeremy Carroll, was brought in to provide stability at shortstop, although his aging range could find him at second base. He is a consistent professional, very much in the Twins mold, and won’t hurt the team with his glove or bat. Alexi Casilla and Danny Valencia are both exciting young players that have hopefully passed some growing pains and are ready to produce consistently. While players like Carroll hold their own against anyone, the Twins need players like Valencia and Casilla to push ahead of the pack if they are to improve in 2011.
Keys to success:
With Caddyer and Kubel gone, the Twins will not be able to compete without healthy rebounds by Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Dernard Span, and without season-ending injuries by anyone in the rotation. By Twins standards, that seems to be a tall order, but if that happens they have a legitimate shot at winning another surprising division title.
While a newfound ability to play first base makes Mauer a candidate to stay healthy, Morneau’s offseason of surgeries would make Frankenstein blush. It may be wise for him to spend a good share of time at DH, as even a minor collision could bring back concussion-like symptoms. Likewise, Dernard Span may be moved from center to the less-taxing right field, allowing a younger/faster Ben Revere to move to center and Josh Willingham to his natural left field.
Although often overlooked, the starting rotation provides a solid five that can compete over the long course of a season. If healthy, this should be a strong point. The Twins need Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker to be consistent, healthy all year and able to confidently face off against any ace in the league. Jason Marquis and Nick Blackburn, meanwhile, need to hit the seventh inning virtually every time out with 200+ innings to save a possibly spotty bullpen.
Players to watch:
The most exciting young player in camp is Trevor Plouffe, a former 1st round draft pick with legitimate power potential. A move to the outfield allows him to bulk up and focus on his hitting after a difficult defensive year at shortstop. If all goes well, he’ll force the Twins to put slow-footed Josh Willingham at DH, while taking an everyday role at left or right field. Expect 15-25 home runs if he can hold it down, with decent average and athleticism in the outfield.
Obviously, all eyes are on Justin Morneau, as well as a substantial amount of payroll. It’s probably unrealistic to expect a return to MVP numbers, but if he can stay in the lineup and match, say, Michael Cuddyer status, the team would be in good shape. .275 average with 20 home runs and 80 RBI would be nothing to scoff at. If he can’t play first base or lands on the DL, Chris Parmelee, likely successor, will have a chance to see if his late-season surge in 2011 was a fluke. His bat could land him a bench role, although the Twins would likely prefer more seasoning in AAA.
The rotation is laced with underachievers, ace-like form from Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano has been on the “watch” list for years.. perhaps now is the time? Also closer Matt Capps has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. It’s reasonable to assume last year was a fluke, and now with a healthy arm and without Joe Nathan to add pressure to perform, he may be poised for a 3.00 ERA, 40 save season if the team can give him the ball consistently.
..
d.anderson 2012
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
