Minnesota Twins 2010 Primer

The Minnesota Twins won their fifth AL Central title of the 21st century last season, culminating in a wonderful one-game playoff against the Detroit Tigers, and there's plenty of reason to believe they'll start the new decade the same way. One of the most consistent franchises in Major League Baseball, the Twins are just one of those teams that seem able to overcome anything.

The loss of a star player to free agency or injury? Who cares? This team just keeps chugging along and winning games.

Adversity is just a way of life in the Twin Cities, and though the season hasn't actually started yet, the Twins find themselves staring it right in the face again this year, though they don't look too worried about it.

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Coming and Going

In: Orlando Hudson, 2B (free agency); J.J. Hardy, SS (trade); Jim Thome, DH (free agency); Clay Condrey, RHP (free agency)

Out: Carlos Gomez, OF (trade); Orlando Cabrera, SS (free agency); Mike Redmond, C (free agency); Joe Crede, 3B (free agency)

Around the Horn

Where's That Breeze Coming From? ...

For the first time in 29 years the Minnesota Twins will no longer be playing their home games inside the Metrodome, but rather outside amongst the elements at the brand-spanking-new Target Field. While adjusting to some cold weather during April may be a challenge, the most interesting adjustment will be seeing how the Twins' offense and defense adapt to the new playing conditions.

Wanted: Closer ...

The Twins took a pretty big blow this spring when they learned that closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his elbow and will likely miss the entire 2010 season. So there's no doubt that one of Ron Gardenhire's biggest challenges this season will be finding somebody to replace the man who has been one of baseball's best door-slammers in the last five years.

Pay That Man His Money ...

It's going to be the story in Minnesota all season: When will the Twins sign Joe Mauer to a contract extension? Odds are that the organization is going to do everything in its power to keep the prettiest swing in baseball with his hometown heroes for years to come, but the longer the Twins take to do so, the louder the whispers that Mauer is leaving will get. And if he ends up leaving for the Yankees or anywhere else, well, let's not even think about that.

Ace In The Hole ...

The Twins' starting rotation isn't dominant or jaw-dropping, but overall, it's a very solid unit that knows how to pitch to its strengths. Still, if Francisco Liriano can return to the form that saw him dominate major league hitters in 2006, then this rotation climbs to a whole other level. Liriano looked good over the winter, and has pitched well this spring, so there's reason to be optimistic. Given his injury history, however, cautious optimism is recommended.

Projected Opening Day Roster



2010 Outlook

Although the Twins are already dealing with a major injury that would likely derail many teams around baseball, don't get things twisted. No matter what's going on with this team they should always be considered the favorite to win the AL Central division, right up until the moment they're eliminated mathematically. This season will be no different. Come October, the Twins will be atop the Central or within striking distance.