Minnesota Twins 2009 Preview

Logan on 03 12, 2009

Minnesota Twins 2008 Review:

The Minnesota Twins finished off an impressive 2008 campaign finishing just shy of a post-season birth with a 88-75 record, one game behind the eventual AL Central champion Chicago White Sox. As disappointing as it must have been to Twins fans coming up that short, they should take solace in the fact that they were able to accomplish that given all the losses they had to deal with. After losing Torii Hunter to the Angels and perennial Cy Young candidate Johan Santana to the Mets following the 2007 season, the Twins were expected to fade into the background of what was at the time a very strong AL Central. Instead, the Twins and their savvy front office made the moves that allowed them to contend for the division title yet again in 2008, this without a healthy Francisco Liriano. Thanks to heavy contributions at the plate from Joe Mauer, who finished second in the MVP voting to Dustin Pedroia of the Boston Red Sox, the Twins were able to stay afloat in their division. All ~~Mauer~~ Morneau did was finish with a career high 74 extra-base hits, finish second in the AL with 129 RBI and hit for a gaudy .328 average. Not to mention the fact that the guy played in all 163 games for Minnesota last year. A healthy Liriano and a steady Mauer should give the Twins a chance to win a lot of games again this year, something Twins fans can really look forward to.

Minnesota Twins 2009 Preview:

The AL Central isn’t what it was in 2007, instead it‘s shaping up more along the lines of 2008‘s version. Expect it to again pretty much be a wide-open race with the champion possibly not even having to win more than 90 games. That champion should be the Minnesota Twins. It will be exciting to see how Liriano comes back after last year. Morneau should obviously be expected to put up numbers similar to last year’s near MVP campaign, and with the addition of Joe Crede, the Twins’ offense looks to be upgraded from last year’s version. Denard Span finished his rookie year (93 games worth) with a .387 on-base percentage and 18 stolen bases providing a much needed element of speed to the top of the line-up. Span also is arguably the Twins’ best fielding outfielder. However their depth in the outfield and his versatility may force him into that fourth outfielder spot. Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez and Michael Cuddyer will be fighting for the outfield spots along with Span giving the Twins incredible depth in that respect. Prepare for yet another season of watching the Twins play meaningful baseball late in the season, a true testament to their farm-system and front-office preparation.

Minnesota Twins Surprise Player of 2009:

Have to go with Span here. Denard Span, as previously stated, had a tremendously productive rookie season hitting .294 to go along with 47 RBI in only 93 games. His well documented speed and glove fit right into what the Twins are all about, small ball and defense. Like I said, the Twins do feature an abundance of outfield depth, but look for Span to contribute heavily to what should be a playoff run for the always entertaining Twins ball club.

Minnesota Twins Projected 2009 record:

1st place in the AL Central with a record of 89-73.