Minnesota Twins: A Look at 2010 and Beyond

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.

Liriano will likely be in the pen, but until he gets his control completely back and the power he had before Tommy Jon's, he'll be bound to the bullpen or less. Gibson is a top-five draft pick worthy pitcher the Twins picked up in 2009. He's unlikely to play starting in 2010, but if he proves to be top-five pick worthy in the minors, he could provide support come Sept. 2010 (or if a collapse like this year, possibly earlier).

Perkins will likely be shipped out due to not being exactly ideal to Gardy's style and for being a disruptive influence in the clubhouse. Also, his shoulder issues aren't something you keep to yourself until it shows in your play. He'll be traded to help the infield or another starting pitcher worth pursuing.

Bullpen:

(CL) RHP Joe Nathan

RHP Matt Guerrier

LHP Jose Mijares

RHP Pat Neshek

RHP Jon Rauch

LHP Ron Mahay

RHP Jesse Crain

Other Bullpen Options and Job Battlers: RHP Boof Bonser, LHP Fransisco Liriano, RHP Bobby Keppel, LHP Brian Duensing

The Bullpen may look foggy in 2010, but it certainly will be better. No job is set it stone with Liriano and Keppel probably being the bottom of the barrel, but Bonser will likely try and grab a role after missing 2009. Nathan is running out of years and may soon see his role be handed off to a new closer with more nerve to hold the likes of two-run lead in New York in the ninth.

Neshek, like Bonser, will be monitored closely after sitting all season. After Neshek's Tommy Jon surgery, he'll be eyed very closely, especially with replacements waiting in the wings.

Crain may see an upgrade soon into a set-up role again soon. Guerrier's role is secure, however.

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The 2010 season will also feature the opening of Target field, which should prove to revitalize the franchise excite fans with outdoor baseball. Even when snow might fall in October.

The cold shouldn't effect too much, but the Twins speed and use of AstroTurf is no longer in effect on opposing teams and may see a shift in team design and set up.

With a young rotation and a veteran, yet young club, the Twins could find themselves here next season, however, the circumstances might not be in Game 163 or as a bottom division leader.

Final Thoughts...

The Twins proved to be a bit feistier then the Yankees had originally anticipated. The Twins lead in all three games at one point. On top of that, they actually outhit the bombers 29 to 23, however, six of the Yankees hits were home runs that ultimately decided the series.

Twins fans should not dwell on how 2009 ended. The fans of Minnesota got a round of the Twins playing on empty heading into the post season. Winning the central definitely gave the Twins something to ride heading into 2010 and onward.

Heading into 2010, the Twins will have the likes of the 2006 AL MVP, Justin Morneau, their now three-time AL Batting Champ and rightfully 2009 AL MVP Joe Mauer, career-year men in Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer as well as probably the deeper pitching rotations in the American League.

On that thought, the Twins played well and proved they are not a middleweight and would not go down easily. The Dome may now be gone for the Minnesota Twins, but let's rejoice in the future as the 2010 Twins carry a new banner for baseball in Minnesota and a new rep as they carry their fifth division title in eight years.