Last year the Minnesota Twins won 79 of 162 games. A record of 79 wins and 83 losses was the worst the Twins had done in quite some time. It was also the first below five hundred season of Ron Gardenhire's career of General Manager of Minnesota. This year the Twins went 88 and 75. They lost a one game playoff to the White Sox which is the reason for 163 games played.

Minnesota proved this year to be a legitimate American League contender. Joe Mauer led the American League with a .328 Batting average. Justin Morneau was second in the league with 129 RBI's. Morneau is a top candidate for the AL MVP award. Joe Nathan finished tied for 4th placed in saves with 39 on the year. Glen Perkins led the team in wins with 12. He only lost 4 on the year.

Twins batting stats:

Twins Pitching stats:

Minnesota has one of the leagues youngest rotations. Glen Perkins is 25, Scott Baker is 27, Francisco Liriano is 24, Kevin Slowey is 24, and Nick Blackburn is 26. When you average that out the Twins starting rotation is only 25.2 years old. The Twins like young guns in both the bullpen and starting rotation. These pitchers have a lot left in them and hopefully all of them with be back in 2009.

Minnesota Twins batters who saw the majority of the starts are also very young. Joe Mauer is 25 years old, Justin Morneau is 27, Denard Span is only 24, Brian Buscher is 27, Delmon Young is barely 23 years old, veteran Nick Punto is almost 31 years of age, Alexi Casilla is 24, Jason Kubel is 26, Brendan Harris is 28, Carlos Gomez is the youngest of the bunch at 22 years old. Only one of the ten players named is over 30. Mauer, Morneau, Gomez and Young will be around for years to come and one day will be all-stars.

Michael Cuddyer was not mentioned because he was hurt for the majority of the season and only played in 71 games. A lot of those came at the end of the season in pinch hit at bats. Pat Neshek was also out for most of the year only having 15 appearances. Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe two off-season acquisitions were released mid-season.

Twins 2008-2009 Free Agents:
Mike Redmond, Catcher, Team Option
Matt Lecroy, First Base
Adam Everett, Shortstop
Nick Punto, Shortstop
Dennys Reyes, Middle Reliever
Juan Rincon, Middle Reliever

I see the Twins resigning Redmond to a one year deal for cheap. Lecroy and Everett are likely to not be re-signed. Punto is too good to let go. Reyes is getting up there in age so it's very debatable if the Twins will keep him. Juan Rincon hardly played all year only playing in 24 games he also is questionable to return for the 2009 season.

Twins will look for a solid third baseman. Hank Blalock of the Rangers is a free agent. Joe Crede now the backup with the White Sox is a free agent. Troy Glaus of the Cardinals will also be looked at. Chipper Jones will be too expensive and it's not likely that the Braves will let him go to another team.

Twins Projected 2009 Starting Rotation:

1. Francisco Liriano- 2008 wins and losses: 6 wins 4 losses
2. Glen Perkins- 2008 wins and losses: 12 wins 4 losses
3. Scott Baker- 2008 wins and losses: 11 wins 4 losses
4. Nick Blackburn- 2008 wins and losses: 11 wins 11 losses
5. Kevin Slowey- 2008 wins and losses: 12 wins 11 losses

Twins Projected 2009 Lineup:
1. Carlos Gomez- Center Fielder
2. Denard Span- Right Fielder
3. Joe Mauer- Catcher
4. Justin Morneau- First Base
5. Jason Kubel- Designated Hitter
6. Delmon Young- Left Fielder
7. Michael Cuddyer- Third Base
8. Alexi Casilla- Second Base
9. Nick Punto- Shortstop

Expect another strong season for the Twins in 2009 their young team continues to grow and progress. Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez matured in the 08 season and will be major factors if healthy in 2009.

Any questions or comments let me know. Thanks sports fans!

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