Written by Andrew Kneeland
| 10 March 2011
Daniel Shoptaw of C70 At the Bat recently asked me to give my thoughts on some Minnesota Twins topics. You can find my answers below, but be sure to visit his website to read the takes of two other Twins bloggers!
Click here to read the rest...
C70: What was your opinion of the Minnesota offseason?
TT: It was a pretty dull offseason for Twins fans, but a middle infield shuffle did keep things entertaining. Minnesota dealt JJ Hardy to Baltimore in a poorly-disguised salary dump, and showed off their new-found international scouting by signing Tsuyoshi Nishioka in what could be the bargain of the winter. I believe the team's offseason was a net loss, but a healthy Morneau could keep the Twins where they were last year.
C70: Did Delmon Young finally take a step last year or was it a mirage?
TT: He did take a step forward in the offensive department, but Young is still miserable in the field. In fact, his defense is so poor it almost negates his bat. Even so, Young will spend a considerable portion of the 2011 season in left field, and Twins fans will be hoping he can find a way to complement his power with some on-base skills.
C70: What are the expectations for Joe Nathan this year?
TT: There are zero expectations for Joe Nathan this year, which is why the Twins felt obligated to tender a contract to the vastly-overpaid Matt Capps. If Nathan can resume his dominance in the 9th inning, Minnesota could have a very reliable back end of the bullpen. But 'expectations'? I expected Nathan to retire after he went down with injury last year, but he's trying a comeback. Nathan is going to have to be good to live up to his $11.25 million contract, but we certainly don't expect him to.
C70: Is there a Twins prospect that will make a significant impact this season?
TT: Kyle Gibson will likely be making his major-league debut at some point this season, most likely when the Twins' rotation is in need up an upgrade. Gibson has four quality pitches and is almost universally regarded as a potential #2/#3 starting pitcher, with 'ace-like' upside.
C70: What is your prediction for Minnesota's record and divisional finish?
TT: I expect the Twins will finish roughly where they were last year, with maybe an extra loss or two to account for the improved division. Assuming Minnesota can count on the contributions of a healthy Morneau for a full season, they should be at least be in contention for a playoff spot next September.
