LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2013 — The Minnesota Twins finished in last place in 2012 with a horrendous 66-96 record. With two last place finishes in the last two years, this is a Twins team that is far removed from the 94-win team of 2010.
The days of the Twins being perennial contenders are long gone. The cornerstones of the Twins’ offense, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, have gotten lost in a sea of injuries and loss of power over the last few years. It is doubtful that Mauer, who is a great hit for average guy, will ever hit for much power again, but Morneau certainly has the ability to regain his power should he stay healthy.
Joe Mauer: AP Photo/Jim Mone
Starting Pitcher Vance Worley is a great addition, but the loss of Denard Span is an even greater loss. The American League Central will be an open race, for the most part, but the Twins will be on the outside looking in.
Projected payroll: $77,362,500
Notable Players Out: CF Denard Span, RHP Matt Capps
Notable Players In: RHP Vance Worley, RHP Mike Pelfrey
Prospect Watch: 3B Miguel Sano and RHP Kyle Gibson
Highlight Hitter: C Joe Mauer (ZiPS 2013 Projections: .299/.388/.426 10 HR/69 R/67 RBI)
Highlight Pitcher: RHP Vance Worley (ZiPS 2013 Projections: 8-9, 4.49, 6.68 K/9, 148.3 IP)
Projected Lineup: C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau, 2B Jamey Carroll, 3B Trevor Plouffe, SS Pedro Florimon Jr., LF Josh Willingham, CF Darin Mastroianni, RF Chris Parmelee, DH Ryan Doumit
Projected Rotation: RHP Vance Worley, RHP Kevin Correia, RHP Mike Pelfrey, RHP Liam Hendriks, LHP Brian Duensing
Projected Closer: LHP Glen Perkins
Manager: Ron Gardenhire
Projected 2013 Finish in AL Central: 1. TBA 2. TBA 3. TBA 4. TBA 5. Minnesota Twins
Kevin J. Wells writes about Major League Baseball and punk rock music. Follow him on Twitter @WellsOnBaseball
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