Spring training site
Fort Myers, Fla.
2007 record
79-83, third in AL Central, 17 games behind Indians
New faces
SS Adam Everett (free agent, Astros); OF Carlos Gomez (trade, Mets); IF Brendan Harris (trade, Rays); RHP Livan Hernandez (free agent, Diamondbacks); RHP Philip Humber (trade, Mets); 3B Mike Lamb (free agent, Astros); OF Craig Monroe (trade, Cubs); OF Delmon Young (trade, Rays)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Young had problems with authority in the Tampa Bay organization, and he'll get a fresh start in Minnesota. He showed flashes of promise at age 22, finishing as runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year. He hit .288 with 13 homers and 93 RBI. He's a free-swinger who needs to rein in a bit, but has loads of potential. He'll play left field every day.
Gone but not forgotten
Where to start? Torii Hunter was the headliner early in the offseason, ending his nine years as the Twins' standout center fielder. He signed with the Angels. Then they traded probably the best pitcher in baseball in left-handed ace Johan Santana to the Mets, starting a rebuilding process.
Spring training battles
Hunter and Santana left gaping holes. Carlos Gomez, who was brought in from the Mets in the Santana deal, is the favorite to take over in center field. Denard Span and Jason Pridie are also in the mix there. And the rotation is up in the air after Livan Hernandez, Scott Baker and perhaps Boof Bonser. And can Francisco Liriano get his career back on path after missing all of last season with Tommy John ligament transplant surgery?
Projected lineup
- CF Carlos Gomez
- C Joe Mauer
- LF Delmon Young
- 1B Justin Morneau
- RF Michael Cuddyer
- DH Jason Kubel
- 3B Mike Lamb
- 2B Brendan Harris
- SS Adam Everett
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Livan Hernandez
- RHP Scott Baker
- RHP Boof Bonser
- LHP Francisco Liriano
- RHP Kevin Slowey, RHP Nick Blackburn, LHP Glen Perkins or RHP Phil Humber
Projected bullpen
- Joe Nathan (closer)
- RHP Pat Neshek
- RHP Matt Guerrier
- RHP Juan Rincon
- LHP Dennys Reyes
- RHP Jesse Crain
- LHP Carmen Cali
Biggest strength
Minnesota has a decent young core of players, led by Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer. But it's quite likely that the Twins will take a big step backward in 2008.
Glaring weakness
There are many, many young players, especially in the starting rotation. There's plenty of talent to go around, but not all of them will pan out. This season will be a year in which the Twins' brass finds out who will make it and who won't.
