(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

So, the Twins have suffered a sweep to the New York Yankees at home Sunday losing 4-1.

In a season marked by ups and downs, the Twins have shown us their heart in an epic feat. Coach Ron Gardenhire should not be disappointed. His team treated the Minnesota faithful to a season that wasn't deserved, but fitting in the last season of the Metrodome.

Their 17-4 run will be talked about for some time. Their hot bats down the stretch will give other teams something to worry about, especially with the emergence of the long ball.

So what do we do know for another 183 more days until Twins baseball begins outdoors? We prepare and realize the truth... the Twins are a solid contender.

The pending 2010 roster looks very promising...

C - Joe Mauer, Mike Redmond, Jose Morales

Resigning Mauer will be crucial this offseason. He wants to play at home, but also wants to play for a contender. He'll want talent around him. Redmond's option may be dropped with Jose Morales coming younger and cheaper.

1B- Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer

No one will worry about first base depth for awhile with Cuddy having a career year in place of Morneau. 

2B- Nick Punto, Brendan Harris, Alexi Casilla 

Let's face it, Punto showed us why he belongs here. He had a surprising run in the postseason having an on-base-percentage of .583 in nine at-bats against the Yankees. To be fair, his defense wasn't half bad either. Casilla looks to be on thin ice next year, but may be kept around for utility.

SS- (Unsettled) Orlando Cabrera, Brendan Harris

Orlando Cabrera said he would like to return, but the Twins will likely seek talent with youth rather than Cabrera whose heading down the wrong side of the hill. Look for the Twins to honor Mauer's wishes and surround him with talent here. Otherwise, Harris shined in the playoffs in relief of third-basemen Matt Tolbert at third both on the field and with a bat.

3B- (Unsettled) Joe Crede, Danny Valencia, Matt Tolbert, Brian Buscher

Obviously, Valencia is still in Rochester and Crede is set to be a free agent again, but it wouldn't be a stretch to believe that Minnesota is going to try and bring him back cheaper with incentives. Crede coming back to push Valencia would interesting to see. Otherwise, the Twins may shop for this position. Buscher may be kept for an extra bat... maybe.

OF- RF Michael Cuddyer, CF Denard Span, LF Delmon Young, CF Carlos Gomez, RF Jason Kubel

About a month ago, I would have said the Twins should be shopping Young, when reality is, the Twins should probably shop Gomez. He won't be starting over Span or anyone else at this point after Delmon Young's late season surge has him at least ahead of Gomez (thus keeping Span in center). I wouldn't be surprised if Gardy does trade off either Gomez or Young. Young might go high and help fuel a trade option for a middle-infielder the Twins crave. Cuddy and Span are locks and aren't going anywhere.

DH- Jason Kubel

Jason had a career year after signing a multi-year deal last offseason. He also blossomed in September when the team needed him. As a power-lefty, he'll probably continue behind Morneau next year, just like this year.

Starting Rotation:

RHP Nick Blackburn

RHP Scott Baker

RHP Kevin Slowey

(Unsettled)

(Unsettled)

Other Starters Battling for a Job: LHP Brian Duensing, LHP Fransisco Liriano, RHP Carl Pavano, RHP Kyle Gibson, RHP Jeff Manship, LHP Glen Perkins, RHP Anthony Swarzak, RHP Armando Gabino

The Twins will most likely focus their attention here in free agency to round out their rotation with the fifth role being a battle. The Twins are likely to splurge on the likes of Ben Sheets, Mark Mulder or Jeff Harden. It would be ideal if they signed a lefty.

In a battle, Pavano (if resigned) would appear to be a favorite followed closely by Duensing. A veteran presence to stabilize the group would be a must. Pavano proved in the playoffs and September that he still has it and could be resigned to a small incentive laden deal.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?