(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the Majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked.)
Keeping It Real
If you're looking at the Twins roster at any point and your not a fantasy baseball nerd (check) or American League Central fan, the likelihood that you've heard of all of these guys is quite slim. Don't fret. The Twinkies, at just around 26 years of age, are the third youngest team in the league, loaded with their own prospects (Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Scott Baker, etc.), other teams former prospects (like John Bonser, Delmon Young, and Joe Crede), and other teams actual prospects (Carlos Gomez). It's fair to say that they've done quite well for themselves, losing big name players seemingly every year, and still competing. Considering the rest of the teams didn't do too much to improve themselves and that the Twins are now a year older after a 163 game regular season last year, they should find themselves in the thick of AL Central competition all season.
Joe Mauer's Achy Back
I'm not going to hide it, I've never been a huge fan of Joe Mauer. Not to take anything away from him, but I just never bought into this hype that had him imagined as a top flight MLB player. Sure, the numbers he puts up (for a catcher) are good and he can actually field the position (ahem, Josh Phelps). But, let's be honest about this dude. Three hitters that hit for a nice average, don't drive in more than 80 or so runs (in a good year), and can't hit more than 10 homers are called Bobby Abreu. Not, the best new young thing. OK, now that I've finished bashing the best young catcher in the league, his back injury has become something of a spot of worry for the Twins. No one seems to know exactly what is wrong or how long he'll be out. Regardless of his lack of power or run-producing ability, he'll undoubtedly be missed as the Twins lineup, while consistently solid, is already lacking in pop (only 3 guys had either 10 or more homers and 70 or more RBIs).
Proof That Home Runs Are Overrated
Last year, the Twins ranked 29th in the league in homers hit, but 4th in the league in runs scored. How in the hell? Well, first, they've got a lot of what I call the David Eckstein-annoying-as-hell-but-effective quotient. Scrappy little guys like Span and Alexi Casilla (expect some more steals this year you fantasy mongers) are able to outweigh the complete disappearance of power from a guy like Delmon Young or lack of it from Mauer. I know I can't be the only AL fan to lick his chops when the Twins come to town, thinking that they only have one real hitter to fear in their whole lineup (sorry, not you Jason Kubel). But, 6 of the 9 guys in their projected line up hit over .270 last year. Fact is, they hit. May not go a whole long way, but, it doesn't always have to.
A Quick Fantasy Note
Don't sleep on a guy like Scott Baker, please. Somehow, this guy isn't catching on big time yet. He was a solid to dominant pitcher for the last 4 months of the season last year. He won't compete for a Cy Young any time soon, but the strikeout to walk ratio is sure to surprise (3.5/1) and he's only now rounding into what should be his first full 200 inning season. Expect 15 wins, a sub-4 ERA, and near 175 K's. I'd say that's pretty good.
Bold Predictions
Francisco Liriano, who has had a terrific spring, will return to top form this year. Maybe not striking out 12 a game like 2006, but we will see more than just a flash of what made this kid the heir-apparent to Santana. Usually, the second year after Tommy John is when you see full recovery, and sometimes even improvement.
Despite a balanced, youthful, improving staff, the lack of a 8th inning guy to compliment Joe Nathan will hurt the team at some point. Guys like Jesse Crain, Luis Ayala, and Matt Guerrier just don't seem like they can (or ever have been able to) get it done. How much it will hurt, I can't say. I literally mean that, I'm not allowed. I do know, but the league won't let me tell you. Sorry.
Up Next...Wednesday, Astros
Didn't Joe Mauer lead the league in hitting one year? Not bad for a CATCHER! I think catchers are normally held to a different standard with their hitting because of the toll it takes on their bodies from catching every day. If you don't like Mauer, which catcher would you take in the american league?
ReplyDeletewell, i did say he's one of (if not the) best young C's in the league. but, position doesn't mean as much to me unless we're talking fantasy baseball. in real baseball, to me at least, he's a 3 hitter for the twins. and i'd want someone that can drive in more runs, hit for a bit more than 8 homers a year.
ReplyDeletejust me.