As you probably know by now, MLJ is previewing all 30 teams for the 2009 season. If you want to see the other ones, click here.

Last season the Twins exceeded all expectations en route to tying for first in the AL Central. Rather than giving the Twins the division, or at least letting them host the playoff game because they won the season series with the White Sox. Due to a coin flip however, they were forced to go on the road and even though Nick Blackburn was fantastic, the Twins bats were asleep all night as they lost 1-0 and were knocked out of the playoffs.

Although the Twins’ offense will probably take a bit of a step back this year, a massive leap forward from the starting staff, and the bullpen getting back to normal could return the Twins to the top of the AL Central heap.

Offense

In Joe Mauer, the Twins have perhaps the most irreplacable player in baseball. He and Justin Morneau are one of the best 1-2 punches in the game. However, after that the cupboard is pretty bare. If Denard Span drawing walks proves to be more than just a 1 year thing, he needs to hit leadoff everyday. Span drew walks last year at a 12.6% rate and his strikeout totals weren’t obscene (17.3%) I’d like his K rate to drop even further, but strikeouts are an unfortunate consequence of a player who goes deep into counts like Span does, and one who rarely swings at pitches outside the zone like Span does.

I really have no statistical evidence for this, but I really think Delmon Young is going to pick it up and have a good season. He has good raw power, although he hasn’t showed that in games yet, and he has very good contact skills, although not the plate discipline to go with it. I also really think Carlos Gomez will take a big step forward, if only because of his youth, and because he’s the best defensive CF in the AL he will hopefully have an everyday spot. If those two take a step forward, and if Nick Punto is the Nick Punto of 2006 and 2008 and not the one of 2007 then the offense has a chance to be above average.

Pitching

Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey are one of the best top 3s in all of baseball. Baker and Slowey each have phenomenal control, and have the ability to have K/BB ratios around the 5 range. Francisco Liriano has the stuff to dominate, and if he can prove his health he has the ability to be a top 5 starter in baseball once again. Nick Blackburn and Glen Perkins weren’t great last year, but I think Perkins has a lot of improvement ahead of him. Blackburn will probably be the 5th starter this year, and a fairly servicable one at that, but Perkins has the ability to be well above average.

The bullpen is anchored once again by Joe Nathan. He is one of the best closers in baseball. However, the rest of the bullpen was not very good last year, and with Pat Neshek out for the year once again, it will be up to the rest of the relievers to keep the pressure off Matt Guerrier to keep him from being overworked like he was last season.

With the Twins defensive improvements, coupled with some steps forward from the pitching staff, the Twins will fight with the Indians for the AL Central crown. I see anywhere from 80-90 wins really, but I’ll play the homer card and go for 88-90 wins.

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