twins/mlb

If we don't reach the ALCS with this group Gardy needs to go. No more 1st round exits!

Minnessota baseball means winter is pretty much over- God I love baseball!

Go get em kid!

We are pulling for you!

As much as I think Gardy isn't the answer, I also remember that he has almost nothing to do with signing veterans or star players. Did Gardy trade Santana back in the day? No. I think he is ok, but definitely not great, but it's not his fault the Twins don't have the players to get past the first round. What do you do when you keep ending up against a Yankee team with a $300 million payroll.

We have yet to play ONE pre-season game and you guys are talking about getting knocked out of the first round of the playoffs? That's insane. This is baseball. Who in their right mind this time last year would have predicted the Giants winning the world series? Anything can happen. We might be great. We might suck. The point is, this is the preseason and there's no sense in being anything but optimistic... that is if you like baseball. Complain all you want during or after the season, but not now. It's pointless.

I'm a TK guy but, good grief people, we haven't played a game yet. Give Gardy a break. Actually, I think we will be doing pretty good if we make the playoffs this season. There's a lot of question marks, but that's why they play the games. Should be interesting.

Lots of question marks this season. First topic: The lineup. My projected order: 1 Span CF, 2 Nishi 2B, 3 Mauer C, 4 Morneau 1B, 5 Cuddyer RF, 6 Kubel DH, 7 Young LF, 8 Valencia 3B, 9 Cassilla SS. If Delmon comes out on a terror, possibly flip him with Cuddy. Alexi would be good in the 2 post as well if he performs like he can and stays consistent. I think our lineup can be awfully good, especially with a healthy Morneau. Obviously Mauer staying healthy is key, but I think the top 2 spots in the order can really make or break this lineup. Span needs to have a better year and then we need production at the number 2 spot either between Nishi or Alexi. If they cant get it done, bat Mauer second. Defense should be strong but the Young and Cuddyer at the corner outfield positions lack ideal range.

Lots of question marks this season (continued). 2nd Topic: Pitching. Starting pitching is a bit worrisome. Pavano and Liriano should be fine. I wouldn't classify either of them as an ace but I would say strong number two guys. Then of course we have 4 guys fighting for 3 spots. I'm not sold on any one of them. All of them are capable of a pretty decent season or a terrible season. The key for each of them is location, location, location. They don't have the nasty stuff to get by without pinpoint accuracy. The guess here is, Baker and especially Blackburn will have better seasons than last yr. Who knows with Slowey? Duensing has been pretty good but I just don't think he can stay consistently good because of his stuff. Hope I'm wrong though. Overall, should have some better production than last yr since Baker, Blackburn, and Slowey had off years (even for them). One name I forgot to mention, Kyle Gibson. If he lights up the minor leagues again, look for him to be called up if/when the rotation has issues. By the time playoffs roll around he could be good enough for the 4-man rotation and really give us a boost. He would have the 2nd best stuff of the starters, next to Liriano.

Lots of question marks this season (continued). 3rd and final topic: Bullpen. I'm not as worried about the pen as some people. I think it will be okay, potentially really good. If Nathan can defy Tommy John odds and be his old self, it will be HUGE. In that case, Capps as the set-up man is very good. I predict Neshek can be back to what he was a couple yrs ago. He can be nasty as another late-inning set-up man if hes back to what he was. Throw in Mijares as the situational lefty set-up man. If he has decent control he is always pretty tough. Then Slama is another option. Didn't do much in the bigs last yr, but based on his dominance at the minors he could be solid. Manship is adequate as a long-reliever. the one starter who doesn't make the rotation can be another long relief guy. So, the pen looks pretty good to me and if Nathan (maybe biggest question mark on team) is back to his old form, I think it can better overall than last yr. GO TWINS!