Minnesota Twins Spending Big in New Target Field

Two of the last four World Series Champions have won it all while playing their first season at a brand new ballpark. The Baltimore Orioles, who opened their state-of-the-art Camden Yards in 1992, needed only two years to reach the second highest payroll in the MLB.

There is ample evidence that new stadiums are an excellent way to increase revenue flow and, in turn, competitive leverage in the free agent and trade markets. That is the premise upon which the Minnesota Twins are banking this season. From a 2009 payroll of just over $65 million, the Twins have assembled a $96 million team for 2010, in anticipation of the opening of their brand-new open-air stadium, Target Field.

From 24th in the Majors, the Twins have already shot up to 12th in spending. If, as many expect, they either extend Joe Mauer or add a reliever via free agency or trade, they could reach two milestones at once. For the first time in the modern era, the Twins would be one of the league's top-10 spending teams, and for the first time ever, they would exceed $100 million in salary.

For the sake of their fans, the team had better hope that the ballpark improves attendance and revenue to some significant degree. If it turns out not to, the augmentation in spending could be depressingly short lived.

For as long as it does last, though, the Twins will be extremely competitive. Only the loss of right-handed closer Joe Nathan has even threatened their status as American League Central favorites, and already the team is discussing Nathan's replacement. Jim Thome and his 564 career home runs are already on board. Yhe future Hall of Famer will likely only platoon duty DH.

Catcher Joe Mauer, with his three batting titles and expiring contract at age 27, ought to be impressed by his hometown team's "commitment to winning." If Mauer and slugging first baseman Justin Morneau stay healthy, the Twins' lineup is among the AL's best. If enigmatic pitchers Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker can discover consistency, their pitching staff is among the league's best, too.

In any case, the Twins will be competitive on the field this season. The most intriguing storylines about them, however, may be found in the stands of their brand new digs.