2009 Minnesota Twins Roster Projections

It's hard to tell exactly what the roster will look like two weeks from today when the Minnesota Twins take the field against the Seattle Mariners to kick off the final season in the Metrodome.

But we have a pretty good idea, and with roster cuts and the recent play of several players, the rest of the spots are becoming more predictable.

Starting Rotation

Scott Baker

Francisco Liriano

Kevin Slowey

Glen Perkins

Nick Blackburn

Bullpen

Joe Nathan

Jesse Crain

Matt Guerrier

Craig Breslow

Luis Ayala [Projected]

Philip Humber [Projected]

Lineup

LF - Denard Span

2B - Alexi Casilla

C - Mike Redmond

1B - Justin Morneau

3B - Joe Crede

RF - Michael Cuddyer

DH - Jason Kubel

SS - Nick Punto

CF - Carlos Gomez

Bench

OF/DH - Delmon Young

3B/1B - Brian Buscher

3B/SS - Brendan Harris

2B/SS - Matt Tolbert [Projected]

C - Jose Morales [Projected]

The information above isn't necessarily reflective of who I would put at each spot, but rather who I think will fill the open spots in two weeks.

Based on everything manager Ron Gardenhire has said, I'm assuming the team will go with 11 pitchers. If they do, I think Matt Tolbert gets the extra bench spot. If he doesn't, I think he heads to triple-A, and either R.A. Dickey or Brian Duensing takes his spot on the roster.

The lineup is based on last season's order. Wiith Mauer out, I don't think Redmond will hit third. Maybe it'll be Jason Kubel. Based on one of Gardy's comments, however, maybe it'll be someone else.

Whatever they go with, those are where I think people will play.

I didn't leave Delmon out because I don't like him, I did it because I think he'll be rotated into the outfield and at DH.

I hope Delmon gets equal at-bats, and I think moving him into left field and right field when Cuddyer needs a day off, and letting him DH every time a lefty is on the mound, will give him a good opportunity to produce.

Finally, Jose Morales. I wouldn't be surprised to see Drew Butera get the spot, but with Morales having played in the majors and having more experience, he's the favorite right now.

What do you think?