2008 Minnesota Twins Preview

Senior Writer Written on February 26, 2008

(Page 3 of 3)

His innings pitched and strikeout totals have been decreasing recently while his hits allowed have been increasing. He posted an awful 1.60 WHIP last season.

In the background waiting for a chance to pitch will be prospects Nick Blackburn, Philip Humber, and Kevin Mulvey. Humber is the closest to the Major League level, and will likely be the first called upon when needed.

Grade: C

Bullpen

This core of relievers seems to have been together for a long time now, which is hard to do in baseball these days.

Joe Nathan will still be the dominant closer we all know, along with the sidearming wonder Pat Neshek setting him up.

The middle relievers will consist of Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Juan Rincon, Glen Perkins, and Dennis Reyes.

There is reason to worry about Rincon and Reyes. Rincon has been going the wrong way for about three years now, and Reyes struggles with inconsistent command of the strike zone.

A healthy Jesse Crain will help to steady this as well as an emerging lefty, Glen Perkins.

Guerrier and Neshek were about as good as any pair of setup men in the league a year ago, and there looks to be no reason why they can’t do it again.

Grade: A-

Prediction

The Twins will not be serious contenders for the division title this season with the powerful Indians and Tigers ahead of them, but the Twins are not going to go away.

They have reloaded their pitching and outfield depth with young prospects. The Twins seem to have a knack for finding and developing these prospects into quality players.

The key to any success they will enjoy this season will be square on the shoulders of their young starters.

If they can find a way to keep in games and eat up some innings, this will let their improving offense and great bullpen do their job and win some games.

I just don’t see enough of it happening this year though. With youth comes inconsistency and there will be a lot of adjustments this season.

Twins fans shouldn’t have to wait long though; they will be back in contention very soon.

Projected 2008 Record: 80-82, Third Place

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