The defending AL Central Champions face a tough road ahead of them in 2011. The challenge has nothing to do with the Twins lacking ability; it has to do with their division opponents becoming stronger. Last season, the Twins reached the playoffs despite having lost key players. Joe Nathan had to undergo Tommy John Surgery before the season began and Justin Morneau was out with a concussion for the majority of the season and throughout the entire playoffs. As a consequence, the Yankees swept the Twins right out of the playoffs in the Divisional round.
This year, Minnesota looks to start off the season healthy. As of now, Morneau has yet to make an appearance this spring. Joe Nathan, on the other hand, appeared in yesterday’s game against the Red Sox. Nathan pitched an inning an allowed a walk to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. With Nathan anchoring the back end of the bullpen, the Twins are in a better position than other opponents within the American League.
The Twins also signed Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Nishioka has won Gold Gloves at both second base and shortstop during his career in Japan. The infielder is slated to start at second base for the Twins in 2011. There is a minor risk in signing Nishioka. The Twins could end up with the next Ichiro or end up with the next Fukudome. Chances are the infielder will be somewhere in between. Nishioka’s double play partner, Alexi Casilla, will move to shortstop. These players give the Twins a formidable middle infield that can definitely prevent quite a few base runners.
Twins 2010 rookie sensation Danny Valencia will have the opportunity to start the season as the Twins’ everyday third baseman. Last year Valencia batted .311, with seven homeruns, and 40 runs batted in. Valencia quietly led the American League in Clutch Hitting. In 71 at bats with men in scoring position, Valencia hit .394, with three homeruns, 36 runs batted in, and two of those three homeruns were grand slams. In yesterday’s game against the Red Sox, Valencia had two base hits in his two at bats. Given Valencia’s abilities from last season and what he had accomplished in the minor leagues, he figures to be a fixture in Minnesota for years to come.
If there was ever an important move that needed to be made in Minnesota, it was to resign Carl Pavano. Pavano was undoubtedly the Twins’ ace last season. He won 17 games, recorded an earned run average of 3.75, and pitched seven complete games, two of which were shutouts. Luckily for Twins’ fans, Pavano is slated to start opening day for the Twins this coming season. Aside from Pavano, the rotation will consist of Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Brian Duensing, and Nick Blackburn or Kevin Slowey. Baker started yesterday’s spring training game against the Red Sox. The right-hander pitched an inning and two-thirds and allowed a run on two hits and walked one batter. Baker got to a three-ball count on six of the nine batters that he faced. Although it was not the most outstanding outing by him, I don't think it hurt his chances of making the rotation.
I wasn’t necessarily impressed with the Twins’ prospects. The only prospect that really stood out to me was Luke Hughes. Hughes signed with the Twins as a free agent in 2002. In his last full minor league season in 2009, Hughes batted .254, hit 12 home runs, and drove in 64 runs. In Monday’s game against the Red Sox, Hughes belted a two-run home run off of Tim Wakfield and an RBI double off of Daniel Bard.
Overall, the Twins are in good shape for the 2011 season. It seems like the team has everything it needs to defend their AL Central title. Just like every other team in baseball, the key for the Twins is to stay healthy. If the Twins can get full seasons out of Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan, they will all but assure themselves a trip to the postseason. The time to win is now Twins; otherwise, you’re in for a tough road ahead.
Next Stop: Jupiter, home of the St. Louis Cardinals
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