Minnesota Twins Season Preview
I’m giving the Twins a longer look in honor of Courtney Huntington, a long time
Twins fan through thick and thin.
Line up What a year these kids had in ’02: a division title and a stunning upset
over the A’s in the division series. The Twins will have a great shot to repeat
in ’03. CF Torii Hunter finished fifth in AL MVP voting, won his second
consecutive Gold Glove, and showed the nation his brilliance in the outfield by
robbing a home run from Barry Bonds in the All-Star game – a game he was voted
to start. Hunter is the heart and soul of this team, providing intangibles to
the team in a very Derek Jeter-like way. Hunter should only improve in ’03,
especially if 3B Corey Koskie can return to his ’01 form and provide Hunter with
some line up protection. Koskie wasn’t the only Twin to decline from ’01 to ’02.
1B Doug Mientkiewicz (pronounced “Mientkiewicz “) also took a huge step back
after a big season two years ago, although he did continue to provide fantastic
defense. Mientkiewicz should be able to develop into a Mar Grace/John Olerud
sort of player, and if he does he will a great asset to the team. The backward
steps from Koskie and Mientkiewicz were made up for by the career year from LF
Jacque Jones. Jones did it all last year including 27 HR out of the leadoff
spot. Provided the pair can stay healthy, SS Christian Guzman and 2B Luis Rivas
should be able to give above average defense and speed at both ends of the
batting order. The AL boasts some super star short stops. Guzman is not one of
them, but he is the best of the rest. C A.J. Pierzynski made the All-Star team
last year by playing stellar defense combined with clutch hitting. Pierzynski is
another example of what makes this team so good: consistent improvement, lots of
ability, and still under 30. The RF and DH spots will be split between four
highly touted players: Michael Cuddyer, Matt LeCroy, Dustan Mohr, and Bobby
Kielty. All four are worthy of starting, but Cuddyer and LeCroy will probably
get most of the playing time. In addition to all this offensive potential, the
Twins were the best defensive team in the game in ’02 and should be equally
solid in ‘03.
Pitching The Twins’ starters might be the best rotation, one through five, in
the American League. I’m not saying they are the very best, but one could make
the argument. Although the group did have some injury trouble last year, they
should be healthy and ready to go in ’03. Brad Radke is the ace and leader of
the team, having been with the Twins longer than any other player on the roster.
A former 20 game winner, Radke could very well return to that level this year.
He’ll be joined by Eric Milton, Joe Mays, Rick Reed, and Kyle Lohse. That group
will make it tough on the opposition every night out. Should one of them falter
or get hurt, they have Johan Santana ready to fill in. Santana would be a
starter already on most other teams. As good as the starters are, the bullpen
might be even better. This is probably the second best group of relievers in the
game. The Twins made an excellent move last year converting set up man Eddie
Guardado to closer. Guardado made the All-Star team and led the AL saving 45
games in 51 chances. 2001 closer LaTroy Hawkins moved back to the set up role
and had a 2.13 ERA. While Hawkins’ ERA was great, he was bettered by J.C. Romero
who posted a 1.91 ERA and led the team with 81 appearances.
Pitching Note: Since I wrote this last week, word has come down that lefty Eric
Milton will miss the first sew weeks of the season recovering from shoulder
surgery. Johan Santana will start in his place.
Management Rookie skipper Ron Gardenhire made a big splash last year, and
finished second to Anaheim’s Mike Scioscia for AL Manager of the Year. General
manager Terry Ryan continues to impress by winning with a tight budget and an
owner who would just assume sell the team or have them contracted.
Overall The Twins would greatly benefit from a true power hitter in the batting
order. Unfortunately they’d have to sit one of their great prospects to get him
in the line up. They probably won’t add anybody this year, but a big power
hitter is the one thing keeping the Twins from being World Series contenders.
This is a very fun team to watch, and if you are a true baseball fan, you should
find some time to see them.
Line Up: LF Jacque Jones, SS Christian Guzman, CF Torii Hunter, 3B Corey Koskie,
1B Doug Mientkiewicz, DH Matt LeCroy, C A.J. Pierzynski, RF Michael Cuddyer, 2B
Luis Rivas Rotation: RH Brad Radke, LH Eric Milton (LH Johan Santana), RH Joe
Mays, RH Rick Reed, RH Kyle Lohse Closer LH Eddie Guardado