MA: I don't see any gaping holes in the lineup. If I were Bill Smith, I would do nothing but minor league stuff. Picking up journeyman minor leaguers who can pitch, catch or hit with some level of competence should be Bill Smith's goal this off-season. The "top half" of the 40 man roster is just fine, keeping useful players on the bottom half will be a necessity.
LM: In a perfect world, this team would spend and do whatever it takes to quell last year's disappointment. It does not work out that way in Pohlad's service.
NN: I'd like to see the Twins shore up the left side of the infield. Casey Blake would be a good signing. Edgar Renteria might be worth a look. I doubt the Twins will make any major moves, they're probably pretty comfortable with the core they've put together.
JJ: I think we need to lock up Jason Kubel to a long-term contract. I think he clearly earned it this season and should be the Twins everyday DH going forward. He's not eligible for free agency until 2011, however with another season like he had in '08, his value will definitely increase.
I think the team needs to acquire one more legitimate bat to put in the heart of the order. Preferably a right-handed bat that can play either shortstop or third base and can bat behind Justin Morneau and before Jason Kubel. I think that could push this team over the edge on offense.
I also think the team should add another proven reliever. Jose Mijares really came in and showed that he has big-league stuff and should start the season off with the Twins, but I am not confident in guys like Matt Guerrier or Jesse Crain having drastically better seasons in '09, and they need to.
I think they will lock up Kubel to a five-year $33 million deal or whatever would be a good amount for him. Could be a little extreme, I bet they will just buy out the rest of his arbitration and a year of free agency with a three-year $18 million deal or so, however I think it'd be a good move to knock off a couple years of free agency. I also expect them to add a reliever, but not another bat. I think that if they add a bat, it will be at the expense of Michael Cuddyer which probably won't amount to much at this moment.
AK: The Twins will undoubtedly sign some washed up veteran that isn't needed or wanted on this team, and I also think Minnesota will refrain from a major pickup. They should sign someone to solidify the left infield. I wouldn't be opposed to Casey Blake in a Twins uniform. In fact, that may be the move I want to happen the most this offseason.
Where will the Twins finish in 2009?
MA: In second place with 91 wins.
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