Hunter returning is step one
This past season showed us many things: baseball is back in Detroit, the White Sox's pitching wasn't as good as believed, the AL Central is the best division in the game, and the Twins will be competitive until the new park opens.
Justin Morneau finally became the player we'd all hoped for, Mauer is the best catcher in the game and Michael Cuddyer's performance meshed with his considerable talents for the first time.
As for pitching, Santana is the best in the game and Liriano, should he be healthy entering spring, gives Minnesota the most formidable one-two pitching punch since Unit and Schilling led the D-Backs to a title in '01. Throw in one of the best bullpens in the game and things look good for the Twins in 2007 and beyond.
Regarding next season, step one and the most important step is for Terry Ryan to convince Carl Pohlad to pick up Torii Hunter's option. Yes it's for $12 million but he's the face of the team, the fans love him, and now that he doesn't feel like he has to carry the club offensively, his production has improved (see career high 31 homers with 98 RBI). 21st Century version of the M & M boys aside, this is Hunter's team and his leadership is just as important as his ability so his return is key.
Castillo performed wonderfully, Punto more than proved himself and at worst will return as the utility man, Bartlett can play and should only improve despite his overwhelmed play in the post-season while Tyner will return as the fourth outfielder at the very least.
As far as needs--after Hunter the Twins need to find an everyday DH that is younger than Rondell White or Phil Nevin and it doesn't necessarily have to be a power hitter, just someone solid to bat behind Hunter in the 7 spot. After that, a dependable veteran pitcher to replace the retiring Brad Radke, and then it's a coin toss between upgrading at third or in left. They can survive an entire season with either Punto or Tyner playing everyday, but not both. Shannon Stewart won't be back so the $6 million he made is free as will be the money being paid Radke.
The Tigers are for real and will be there in '07 as will Chicago and the Indians should perform much better than they did this past season so the Twins are good, but if they want to win the Central again, and more importantly, make a run in the playoffs, these weaknesses need to be addressed sometime before pitchers and catchers report next spring.
And with Terry Ryan's penchant for brilliant moves, I have the utmost confidence that they will be the team to beat in the Central come Opening Day.
Last edited by SouthPaw : 10-09-2006 at 02:04 PM.
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