Minnesota Twins - 5 questions

[Dr. Jack]

Minnesota Twins


1: How will SP Scott Baker begin the 2010 season? After a receiving a new contract after the 2008 season, the Twins had big expectation for Baker, with Manager Ron Gardenhire pegging him as his 2009 Opening Day starter. However, Baker encountered shoulder problems in Spring Training forcing him out of his spot in the rotation and onto the DL. Once Baker returned to the rotation his performance left a lot to be desired, posting just a 2-6 record through the end of May and leaving the Twins brass scratching their heads. Baker improved as the season went on, posting a 13-3 record from June to October, finishing 15-9 with a 4.37 ERA. Baker would like to start out the 2010 season hot and make a name for himself and one of the better starting pitchers in the league.


2: Can OF Delmon Young take his game to the next level? Delmon Young has been a consistent contributor in his four years in the majors (three years as a starter), averaging .290 with 181 hits and 83 RBIs per 162 games. This year Young has shown up to camp at a trim 200 lbs, 30 pounds lighter than his playing weight last year and appears to have a new dedication towards his craft. Young has yet to near potential at the plate. His powerful swing has yielded a career high of just 13 home runs and his plate discipline leaves a lot to be desired, striking out 92 times compared to just 12 walks in 395 at bats in 2009. Young is moving into the period of his career where he will either step up or remain an underachiever. If Young truly has shed his immature label and can stay healthy, this could be a breakout season for him.


3: Will SP Francisco Liriano be able to return to his 2006 form? Francisco Liriano was a revelation during the 2006 season. Pitching in 28 games with 16 starts, Liriano finished 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 Ks in just 121 innings. Unfortunately, he was plagued with arm problems the second half of the season and had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, ending his brilliant campaign and sidelining him for the 2007 as well. In a limited 2008 season Liriano pitched relatively well, posting a 6-4 record with a 3.91 ERA in 14 starts. However, his 2009 was disastrous, going 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA in 29 games (24 starts). Liriano has had to learn a new pitching style. Once being able to overpower hitters with a high 90s fastball and a devastating slider, he now has to rely on controlling his low 90s fastball and keeping hitters off balance by changing speeds. If Liriano is able to regain confidence in his arm and refine his approach on the mound, he could author a great comeback story during the 2010 season.


4: Will C Joe Mauer's contract situation be a distraction to the team? The best catcher in baseball is entering the final year of his contract and time is running out to get an extension done before the start of the season. Mauer is a hometown guy and a class act. The Twins are a classy organization and want the face of their franchise back in 2011. However, a deal has yet to be struck. The odds of Mauer leaving Minnesota appear to be slim, but the prospect of possibly losing their best player puts extra pressure on the Twins organization. Manager Ron Gardenhire is among the best in the league and will know how to keep his players focused, even if his star catcher's contract situation remains unresolved moving into the season.


5: Where will the Twins finish the season? The Twins won the American League Central in 2009 after playing in an epic 12 inning tiebreaker game against the Detroit Tigers, finishing with a record of 87-76. The American League Central again looks to be competitive down to the wire, with Minnesota, Detroit and Chicago fighting for the division crown. Look for Ron Gardenhire to guide his team to another 80-plus win season. You can find the Twins at 9/1 to win the American League Pennant and 20/1 to win the World Series at BoDog.