Time goes by and disappointments become less sharp. This is true for Minnesota Twins’ fans as well as everyone else. As days go by, one gains a little perspective and what seems improbable becomes a little more possible. A question then comes up that pretty much says it all for the Twins. Do they have a chance for a title next year or should we watch them build for the future?

Our Minnesota Vikings refused to concede this year, with bad results. The same thing could happen to the Twins and perhaps it would be better to just rebuild. In a recent interview, Bill Smith gave no indication of going in that direction. Ron Gardenhire seconded that approach, essentially saying that a healthy Minnesota Twins team has a shot at the title.

Now, I know that to concede a losing season this early is not wise; the players must not have a defeatist attitude and neither should the fans. Management has to encourage ticket sales, if nothing else. However, I’ve never known Gardenhire to outright lie and if he feels there is a chance, there probably is, no matter how slight.

O.K., if all this is true, what has to happen for the Twins to contend for the Central Division title? First, the team must escape injuries. That means that Denard Span and Joe Mauer are healthy all year. I’m not including Justin Morneau in this thinking. If he tries to DH after receiving a green light from his doctor, what an inspiration for the team. But, I hope he doesn’t. I would feel horrible for Morneau if I was watching a game and saw him get injured.

Let’s take the team position by position, assuming the Twins have an injury free year. If Span can play the whole year, center field is in good hands. Let’s give left field to Ben Revere and hope that his speed offsets his weak arm. He hit well this past month and gives the Twins a strong base stealing threat. Let’s assume Michael Cuddyer comes back in right field. That’s a good outfield; not great, but good.

Mauer is still the best catcher in baseball. If Danny Valencia improves his fielding during the off-season and hits just a little better, there is our third baseman. Alexi Casilla is our good-fielding, adequate-hitting middle infielder. If Justin does not play first base, the Twins may turn to Chris Parmelee. If Parmelee can hit anywhere near his rookie average, he provides the Twins with their first baseman.

If Kubel is signed, that fills the DH role. The Twins would then not look half bad if they can find a major league shortstop

That’s a lot of blue sky, but it could happen. But, there is still a problem: pitching. Under contract and back to pitch in 2012 is Carl Pavano. He, Scott Baker and one of the remaining quartet of Slowey, Liriano, Swarzak and Blackburn could make up three of the five starters. That puts Duensing in a relief role, which is better for him and the Twins. Assuming Nathan, Perkins and Duensing are with the team next year, that leaves three relief spots to fill from Jose Mijarus, Alex Burnet, Phil Dumatrait and others. At least two may have to come from the outside.

So on the wish list are a shortstop, two relievers and two starters. One of the two starters should be an ace for the Twins to seriously contend. The Twins’ additions are not an easy task for Bill Smith, and given his track record, not very attainable. Is there hope for the Twins? Yes, but all the tumblers have to fall right.