Minnesota Twins: Five Burning Questions for 2009

The Minnesota Twins were not expected to be competitive in 2008, let alone be in the mix to win the AL Central, which had been deemed a two team-race between the Indians and Tigers long before pitchers and catchers even thought about reporting.

Fast forward one year. The Twins will be reporting to Fort Myers as a team that ended 2008 with a tough 1-0 loss to the White Sox in the 163rd game of the season, a one-game tie-breaker to determine the division winner.

This offseason the Twins did not make many moves, in stark contrast to last winter’s purging of Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, and Carlos Silva. The quiet winter, however, did not change the Twins’ intention of competing for a fifth division crown in eight years in 2009.

Now that the days until spring training are down to single-digits, it is time to take a look at the five biggest questions facing the Twins in 2009.

1. Can the rotation repeat last year’s success?

Last season, the Twins rotation was one of the most impressive in all of baseball and, following the jettisoning of Livan Hernandez, one of the youngest.

All five members of the projected starting rotation earned double-digit wins last season and are predicted to take a step forward. However, if any member of the rotation should falter, Kevin Mulvey, Phil Humber, and R.A. Dickey could step in and serve a larger role.

2. Will there be enough power?

In the past three seasons, first baseman Justin Morneau has hit 88 home runs. Last season all of the Twins, not named Morneau, hit 88 home runs, combined. Needless to say, the Twins are in need of another power bat.

With sluggers like Adam Dunn, Barry Bonds, and Manny Ramirez still on the market, one has to wonder if the Twins could be looking to add another slugger so Morneau does not have to do the heavy lifting all by himself for another season.

3. Who plays third base?

The Twins' ongoing black hole at the hot corner does not appear to be ending any time soon. Last year’s signing of Mike Lamb proved to be a mistake, as Lamb quickly played his way out of the starting lineup and eventually the league.

This offseason’s failed attempt to sign Casey Blake coupled with tepid pursuits of Ty Wigginton and Joe Crede have left the Twins with the same Brian Buscher/Brendan Harris platoon that underachieved down the stretch in 2008.

4. Who is the odd man out?

Minnesota has one of the best outfield quartets in baseball with Carlos Gomez, Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, and Denard Span on the roster. Unfortunately, MLB rules only permit three men in the outfield.

This leaves manager Ron Gardenhire with the tough task of trying to find enough playing time and at-bats for all four men. When Jason Kubel was signed to a two-year contract to serve as the team’s DH, the situation grew even more muddled.

Expect a big battle in Fort Myers.

5. Who builds the bridge to Joe Nathan?

The Twins quickly realized they had little insurance in the middle innings when Pat Neshek was lost early last season. They signed Luis Ayala on Saturday as a potential solution after unsuccessful pursuits of Brandon Lyon and Eric Gagne earlier this winter.

If Ayala can regain the form he showed with the Nationals and Expos in the past, he could be exactly what the Twins are looking for.

In addition, the Twins will be looking for big bounce-back seasons from Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier, as well as potential contributions from Boof Bonser and Humber, who are both out of options.