It’s spring and "anything is possible," to quote a knowledgeable baseball fan. That’s true, but when I set sail on the Twins’ Clipper, it seems as though I am tacking against the prevailing winds. Optimistic comments are few and far between.
In reading the beat writers from the Pioneer Press and Tribune, little is written with a positive slant on the upcoming Twins’ season. Even the steadfast Twins’ bloggers don’t offer much hope. When you go outside the state, it is really discouraging. A well respected magazine, Sports Illustrated, has the Twins finishing next-to-last in the Central Division, which is one position higher than Las Vegas thinks.
It could be like Isaiah. I am a lone voice crying in the wilderness, but I think the Twins have a chance. A lot of things have to go right, but it’s possible. Let’s start with the reasonable assumption that the Twins are a .500 ball club. That would give them 81 wins. Sports Illustrated projects the final playoff spot will go to a team with 88 wins. All of a sudden the Twins future looks better.
What needs to happen to get the Twins seven more wins? I am constantly amazed how little things can make a big difference in future outcomes. Another inch on a bat and a long fly ball becomes a home run. A double play ball scoots through the infield. I guess what I’m saying is that the Twins need luck and if it is true about the law of averages, they are due.
O.K., we have luck; what else? Let’s take a look at Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. Morneau is meeting the ball well as a designated hitter. I think it’s wise for the Twins to keep him off the field. Granted, he is still subject to concussions when batting or running the bases, but they are less likely.
Mauer will have a good year. Joe is a competitor. Anyone who saw Cretin-Derham win the state basketball tournament in three overtimes can attest to that. If the sluggers come through, they may win the extra seven games by themselves. And how many teams have two American League MVPs on their team?
There is no reason why Span, Willingham and one of the future regulars can’t provide one of the better outfields in the American League. The infield needs a little help and that can come about. Let’s give Danny Valencia third base. All indications from spring training are that he will both hit and field better this year. I’d like to see rookie Brian Dozier eventually play shortstop with new addition, Jamey Carroll, as a utility man ready to relieve ether Dozier or second baseman Alexi Casilla as needed. First base will be manned by average-to-good fielders, Morneau, Plouff, Doumit, Mauer and Parmalee.
What impresses me this spring is the potential big leaguers the Twins have in Dozier, Parmalee and Benson, and it’s very possible their promotions could happen this year. If everything dovetails, it’s likely the Twins will have one of the better batting orders in the American League with Span, Carroll, Mauer, Willingham, Morneau, Doumit Valencia, Casilla and Revere with Parmalee, Dozier and Benson waiting in the wings. Not too shabby.
With the rookies pushing the regulars, it’s reasonable to assume the Twins will have an extra outfielder available for a trade to help out during the season.
You might say that, sure, if things break right the Twins will have a good starting lineup, but what about pitching? You’re right, let’s talk about pitching next time.
