Minnesota Twins Season Preview

2012: 66-96 5th in AL Central

Josh Willingham

The Twins are coming off of an abysmal year, finishing in last place in the AL Central Division. This off-season the organization opted to make some moves because obviously, something wasn't right. A team that had success for much of the 2000s was founded upon pitching and defense. Oh yeah, and they also had 2 MVPs in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau leading the way offensively. Basically they did everything. Anyway, in an attempt to get back to their old pitching form, they shipped off their speedy outfielders Ben Revere and Denard Span in order to improve their pitching staff. This is a staff that could use a lot of improvement in that they had a team ERA of 4.77 last year. 

Main acquisitions include Vance Worley and top Nationals pitching prospect, Alex Meyer (although Meyer won't start out the year on the major league club). Offensively, Joe Mauer was Joe Mauer hitting a meager .319 last season but more impressive were the contributions from left fielder and DH Josh Willingham. Willingham hit 35 bombs along with 110 RBIs last season, embodying the Twins main run producer. The Twins also announced that rookie, Aaron Hicks will be the starting center fielder.

Prediction: 67-95 5th in AL Central

Ultimately, the Twins are in major rebuilding mode and didn't make enough moves to improve their immediate roster needs. They look bright for the future with a lot of young pitchers and if Aaron Hicks and Trevor Plouffe turn out to be the players that they are

Aaron Hicks

predicted to be, the Twins could have some success in the years to come. If there is one thing that I am overlooking in the possibility for the team's success this year, it is the middle of the Twin's lineup. If Mauer continues to be himself while Morneau gets back to at least near his MVP form and Willingham can reproduce his numbers from last year, this team could sneak up in the AL Central, but... I just don't see that happening and that's why I project them to finish last in their division.
                                                                                          -Dan Kolodin