Minnesota Twins: 2010 World Series Champions?

No matter where Minnesota ends up in the AL Central this year, this season will be classified as a rebuilding year. There are a few weak spots on this young team that will get filled as the years go by. The general consensus among Twins fans is that this young team will reach it's full potential by the year 2010.

But just how good will they be by then?

Let's dive into my projected 2010 roster and see what we find. It is extremely hard to predict free-agency moves, so this is solely based on the current organization.

First Base

1. Justin Morneau ('08-'13)

Morneau signed an extension this past offseason, locking him up for the next six years. He will have played six complete years of baseball by 2010, and should be in the prime of his playing career. He won the league MVP in 2006, and a few more should come his way before his career is over.

2. Randy Ruiz, Rochester Red Wings
3. Brock Peterson, New Britain Rock Cats

Neither of these players is currently on the 40-man roster, and aren't expected to be anytime soon. Morneau will play the majority of the games at first base, and when he needs a break, there are plenty of other players to take his place (Michael Cuddyer, Mike Lamb).

Second Base

1. Alexi Casilla ('08-?)

Casilla has yet to play a full year in the majors, but he is shining in his current stint. He is considered the future of this position, and should be re-signed for multiple years as soon as the 2008 season ends, if not before.

Casilla is not as fast as Carlos Gomez, but is considered by some to be the third fastest player in MLB (after both Gomez and Jose Reyes). Casilla's defensive skills are outstanding as well.

2. Brendan Harris
3. Matt Macri

Harris is currently 27-years old, and unless he can continue his batting success, I doubt he will be re-signed for 2010. Macri will be 28-years old going into the 2010 season, and should be much improved as both a defender and a hitter. I think Macri will serve as the shortstop in 2010, but could fill in for other infielders should he need to.

Shortstop

1. Matt Macri ('08-?)

Macri is a great defender and should develop into a great batter before the 2010 season. He hasn't played a game at shortstop yet this year, but I think he can adjust adequately. I expect Gardenhire to begin to move him over starting later this year.

2. Brendan Harris
3. Trevor Plouffe

Again, Harris will be in a utility-infielder role in 2010, if he is still on the team. I do not think Nick Punto will be a Twin (at least not in the big league) by this time. I doubt even Gardenhire can keep him in the lineup when he hits .210 like he did in 2007.

Plouffe will rarely, if ever, be used. He was called up to AAA earlier this season, but I doubt he will overtake Macri by 2010.

Third Base

1. Brian Buscher ('08-?)

Buscher, in his second major-league stint, is absolutely sheading major-league pitching. He is batting .375/.400/.500 through 12 games. Much better than the man he replaced, Mike Lamb.

The Lamb experiment was a disaster from the start, and he should be long gone by 2010. After this 2008 season, Buscher should be locked up for multiple years, as he is only 27.

2. Matt Macri
3. Luke Hughes

Hughes is having an exceptional season in AA New Britain this year, and should easily advance to Rochester in 2009. However, I doubt he can up-end both Buscher and Macri in his first year in AAA. Alexi Casilla could also play an occasional game at third.

Catcher

1. Joe Mauer ('07-'10)

Mauer will be in his contract year in 2010. This is a mixed blessing because players are supposed to play their best in contract years, but Mauer might be distracted with possible negotiations.

Although it was Terry Ryan's philosophy not to discuss contracts during the season, new GM Bill Smith may change that. Whatever the case, expect more great play from the then-27 year old.

2. Jose Morales
3. Drew Butera

Redmond will be 39 in 2010, and he won't be a Twin even if he wanted to be. Morales has one game of major-league experience, in which he went 3-3 with a double. Butera shouldn't be used very often, if at all, in 2010.

Outfield

1. Michael Cuddyer ('08-'10) + option for '11
2. Carlos Gomez ('08-?)
3. Delmon Young ('04-'08)

These three outfielders are among the league leaders in assists this year. They certainly have the defensive skill among them, and at least Cuddyer has the bat to go with it. Both Gomez and Young are extremely young and will show a significant increase in plate discipline as they progress.

4. Jason Kubel ('08-?)
5. Denard Span ('08-?)
6. Jason Pridie ('08-?)

Kubel can be an everyday left fielder, but will need to move to a designated-hitter position, as Craig Monroe will no longer be a Twin in 2010. Both Span and Pridie made valiant runs for the center-field position in Spring Training, and should be ready to fill in when needed in 2010.

Starting Pitching

1. Francisco Liriano ('08-?)
2. Scott Baker ('08-?)
3. Kevin Slowey ('08-?)
4. Nick Blackburn ('08-?)
5. Glen Perkins ('08-?)

I am not sure who the ace of this rotation will be in 2010. If Liriano can find the stuff he had in 2006, he is the clear winner. If Baker can continue pitching as he has been, he is the ace. That fifth spot is up in the air, as I think Perkins will need to change something if he wants to remain in the rotation. If Boof can improve, he may be the fifth starter.

6. Boof Bonser ('08-?)
7. Phillip Humber
8. Brian Duensing

Boof is the only one on this list who can spot start right now, but I expect all of these guys to be able to do that in 2010. You can never have too many pitchers.

Relief Pitching

Closer: Joe Nathan ('08-'11) + option for '12
Set-up: Pat Neshek ('08-?)
Middle Reliever: Matt Guerrier ('08-?)
Middle Reliever: Jesse Crain ('07-'09)
Long Reliever: Brian Bass ('08-?)

This will remain one of the best bullpens in the major leagues. Nathan will be the best closer in MLB, and Neshek will be a top-three set-up man. I think Bass will steadily improve, and I think Minnesota re-signs Crain.

Closer: Bobby Korecky ('08-?)
Set-up: Carmen Cali
Reliever: Julio DePaula ('08-?)

All three of these pitchers can take a few innings without a major talent drop-off.

Are the Minnesota Twins going to be contenders in 2010? They very well could be. Feel free to leave your comments and feedback below. Who do you think will be playing in 2010? Which free agents, if any, will Minnesota pick up?