2007 Record: 79-83
Key Additions: Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez, Craig Monroe, Mike Lamb, Adam Everett
Brendan Harris, Livan Hernandez
Key Losses: Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Carlos Silva, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett
When small market teams lose their top three starting pitchers, including the best pitcher in baseball, and a franchise outfielder from a team with 79 wins, you’d expect a dramatic drop in wins the next season, right?
Having already lost Torii Hunter via free agency, the Twins were faced with the fact that they would likely not be able to resign Johan Santana after the next season.
They had to decide whether to play the season out and hope for a chance at the playoffs in a tough division or make a trade and build for the near-future.
Management decided to go with the latter, and it seems they have found a way to stay competitive while building a solid foundation for future success.
It would be a stretch to say they will contend with the Indians and Tigers for the division title this season, but the future does look bright for the Twins.
Infield
Catcher Joe Mauer and 2006 MVP Justin Morneau are the lone remaining players who will start from last years’ infield.
Both took steps backward from their 2006 performances and should rebound and provide a kick start to an offense that finished 12th in the league a year ago.
The rest of the infield has been replaced and includes new starters Mike Lamb, Adam Everett, and Brendan Harris. While none of these are going to the All-Star Game, they will be nice replacements.
Mike Lamb takes over for Nick Punto at third base. Punto has been moved into a utility role.
This is an immediate upgrade as Punto was as bad as you can get with a .562 OPS last season.
While Lamb isn't a long term solution, he does have a little pop in his bat and averages about 12 HR and 50 RBI while posting a career .766 OPS.
At shortstop, slick-fielding Adam Everett takes over and should produce similar numbers as Jason Bartlett.
The only difference is that Everett will not steal as many bases, but his better defense should make up the difference.
Brendan Harris will likely take over at second base as he battles young Alexi Casilla for the job.
Harris hit 12 HR and 59 RBI with a .777 OPS in his first full season with Tampa Bay before being traded to Minnesota with Delmon Yong and Jason Pridie.
Casilla is a virtual clone of Luis Castillo with better defense. He will likely force his way into the lineup before too long, though Casilla only posted a .516 OPS in 186 at-bats in his opportunity last season.
Grade: B-
Outfield
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