Footprints in the Snow: Twins

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

It's a winter of transition for the defending AL Central champion Minnesota Twins. The Twinkies are going back to their roots in every way. No longer will they be playing indoor baseball at the Metrodome as the team will open the new outdoor Target Field in 2010. The team also just unveiled their new old uniforms on Monday as well, as they revert back to their classic look from the early '60s.

Still, the field on which they play and the uniforms they wear won't be the only thing different about them. This winter they'll also be trying to make the moves necessary to ensure that they get back to the playoffs again in 2010. What moves they'll make remain to be seen, but given the club's history, it's somewhat safe to assume they'll be the right ones.

More Footprints in the Snow

Who Might Leave

Orlando Cabrera, SS; Carl Pavano, SP; Joe Crede, 3B

Shopping List

The Twins already filled one of their needs this winter when they traded Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop J.J. Hardy, which also gave away their plans for Orlando Cabrera. He won't return. So it seems as if the Twins lineup for next season is basically set and will once again be built around Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, along with emerging slugger Jason Kubel.

Every position is filled with the exception of what the team plans to do at third base. They brought in Joe Crede on a one-year deal in 2009, but after his back problems flared up again at the end of the season, whether they want to bring him back for 2010 remains to be seen. It's possible that the team may take a look at guys like Adrian Beltre or Pedro Feliz to fill that spot since both are very solid with the glove, and the Twins value defense.

Other than that, just about every dollar the Twins spend this winter will likely be spent on bolstering their pitching staff, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen. Carl Pavano pitched well for the Twins after they acquired him from the Cleveland Indians and they're likely to try to work out a deal to bring him back, but they'd also like to add another starter as well.

Of course, the Twins don't have a ton of money to spend so it's unlikely they'll be making a huge splash in the free-agent market, but it is possible they'll take a look at somebody like Jarrod Washburn who is from nearby Wisconsin and has expressed a desire to pitch closer to home next season.

Money Matters

This is where things get tricky for the Twins. They've never been known for spending an exorbitant amount on payroll, though it's possible that they'll be counting on more revenue from the new stadium next season, so it wouldn't be that surprising if we see the team raise their payroll from the $65 million they spent in 2009.

Still, the team's biggest priority this winter will likely be signing Mauer to a contract extension. Mauer is a free agent after the 2010 season, and if the team allows him to hit the open market they're probably not going to be able to bring him back. So until the Twins work out a deal with Mauer and we know how much it's for, it's really hard to get a solid idea of what they'll be able to spend on filling out next season's team.

They also have to deal with their arbitration-eligible players, a list that includes names like the newly acquired Hardy, Delmon Young, Francisco Liriano, Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain. Don't be shocked if the team tries to move someone like Liriano to make room for a more reliable veteran starter.

Offseason Goals

The biggest goal is obviously to sign Mauer to a long-term extension that won't hinder the team's ability to put together a team surrounding him and Morneau that can compete for the division year in and year out. After that, it's sign a veteran starting pitcher or two, preferably a couple that won't cost much money but can deliver 10-15 wins for the ballclub next season. Then, whatever money is left after all of this should probably be spent on thermal socks and earmuffs, because it's going to be pretty cold outside when the Twins open Target Field in April.