Spring training site
Fort Myers, Fla.
2008 record
88-75, second in AL Central (lost to White Sox in one-game playoff)
New faces
3B Joe Crede (free agent, White Sox); RHP Luis Ayala (free agent, Mets); RHP Jason Jones (Rule 5, Yankees)
Biggest offseason acquisition
Crede had back surgery in the offseason, which is why so many teams shied away as the winter wore on. But the Twins, who signed Crede just after opening camp, will hope he's an upgrade over youngsters Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris, who would have been the heir apparents at third base otherwise.
Gone but not forgotten
SS Adam Everett (free agent, to Tigers); LHP Eddie Guardado (free agent, to Rangers); LHP Dennys Reyes (free agent, to Cardinals); DH Randy Ruiz (released, signed with Blue Jays).
Spring training battles
If Crede is ready, then the Twins will shift their focus to the outfield, where four players (Michael Cuddyer, Denard Span, Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young) are vying for four spots. The Twins' biggest hole is in middle relief, where the losses of Reyes and Guardado could be felt. And a back injury to 2008 batting champ Joe Mauer will probably put him on the disabled list to start the season, meaning 38-year-old Mike Redmond is likely the initial starter.
Projected lineup
- LF Denard Span
- 2B Alexi Casilla
- RF Michael Cuddyer
- 1B Justin Morneau
- DH Jason Kubel
- 3B Joe Crede
- SS Nick Punto
- CF Carlos Gomez
- C Mike Redmond
Projected starting rotation
- LHP Francisco Liriano
- RHP Scott Baker
- RHP Kevin Slowey
- LHP Glen Perkins
- RHP Nick Blackburn
Projected bullpen
- RHP Joe Nathan (closer)
- RHP Jesse Crain
- RHP Matt Guerrier
- LHP Craig Breslow
- RHP Luis Ayala
- LHP Jose Mijares
- RHP Philip Humber
Biggest strength
The starting rotation is all younger than 27 and has some of the best arms in baseball. Baker and Slowey came on last season, and if Liriano comes back to form before his 2006 injury, look out.
Glaring weakness
Losing Mauer for any length of time will hurt this team immensely. There's not a lot of pop in this lineup to make up for him. But if Mauer is healthy from May onward, look for the Twins to be right there again in the AL Central, maybe even a favorite.
