There are many things the Minnesota Twins of 2011 might want to accomplished and none more then getting that first playoff series win out of their way which could spring that first World Series title returning to Twinkie Town since 1991. Today begins the defense of another division title that could once again come down to last day of the season. The Twins have retooled their middle infield, piecing together a bullpen and are returning a couple superstars. With improvements from the Tigers and White Sox it should be another great summer in the Midwest.
For the fifth straight year the Twins will run out a different middle infield tandem then they had the year previous. For many clubs this would be disastrous, causing significant fall in the standings. Over the last five years the team has averaged 88.8 wins a season with three divison titles to their name. This includes 2008 when they played game 163 and lost to the White Sox. This season tandem has the possibility of being a long-term solution with Alexi Casilla and Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Alexi Casillahas not proven himself capable of starting a whole season with many routine plays that turn into the circus but has a strong arm along with speed that provides a boost in the bottom of the lineup. Alexi must stay focused throughout the year to have any chance to return in 2012. The upside is his age he is 26 and the hope is just at cusp of his prime. Tsuyoshi Nishioka is a unknown for the most part as he makes his Major League debut this evening. Coming over from Japan he is considered to be and has shown in spring training to be a slick fielding switch hitter that has speed and can handle a bat. What this means for the Twins is that they can have a reliable second baseman that will put down the bunt when needed and run the bases well. Tsuyoshi is a superstar in Japan but maybe only above average in the American game. That will do for what the Twins need in 2011. Here are some key numbers from them in 2010:
| Alexi Casilla | Tsuyoshi Nishioka | |||
| (JPPL) | ||||
| Avg. | 0.276 | Avg. | 0.346 | |
| OBP | 0.331 | OBP | 0.423 | |
| SB | 6 | SB | 22 | |
| E | 5 | E | 15 | |
| Games | 69 | Games | 144 |
We will see if 2011 will be the start of a solid middle infield for years to come.
As expected the front office had redesign the bullpen in 2011. With many former players now scatter around the Major Leagues the Twins have done what is typical of their decade of success and have promoted from within. Tomorrows bullpen will look like this:
| Closer: | Joe Nathan |
| Closer: | Matt Capps |
| Setup: | Jose Mijares |
| Setup: | Kevin Slowey |
| Middle Relief: | Dusty Hughes |
| Middle Relief: | Jeff Manship |
| Long Relief | Glen Perkins |
This is quite a bit different then 2010 ended but on paper it is a little weaker but could pack a punch with Slowey in the pen along with Nathan’s return. I believe this group can over achieve in 2011 as Ron Gardenhire and his staff has been accustomed to do in the past. Matt Capps is also listed here as a closer because Joe Nathan’s elbow will be rested as needed to make sure he will make a full recovery.
The aforementioned Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau are returning from significant injuries that ousted Nathan for the whole year and Morneau for half and playoffs. These two superstars will be hoping to bring a much need push to their respected positions to lead the 2011 Minnesota Twins. Joe Nathan’s last full season with the Twins brought 47 saves and 2.10 ERA that dominated the league with his over powering stuff. Coming of Tommy John he may not be able to do that this season. He will need to be a smarter pitcher if he wants to keep that closer spot through 2011. Justin Morneau will begin his 2011 season in the exact spot where is all ended in 2010. He played 81 games and was headed for a second MVP before it was derailed by a concussion that was caused by a knee to the head accidentally delivered by John McDonald turning a double play. It will be interesting to see what will happen when Morneau heads down to second base in the same situation. Will he just jump out of the way or will he go full tilt as expected? Morneau success in the long will determined if he can repeat and finish what he started in 2010. That will go along way to show you where the Minnesota Twins will end up in 2011.
With the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tiger claiming and showing on paper to have much improved teams I do not think that will overcome the dominance the Twins have displayed in the Central division over much of the decade. The Twins will win their third straight title but it will by slightest of margins.
| Projected Standings | ||
| Twins | 91-71 | - |
| White Sox | 90-72 | 1 GB |
| Tigers | 88-74 | 3 GB |
| Royals | 77-85 | 14 GB |
| Indians | 70-92 | 21 GB |
Tonights pitching matchup is Carl Pavano verus Ricky Romero in game 1 of the 2011 season and game 1 of the series. Opening Day 2011 is here. Good Luck and Play Ball!
Twins Stat of the Day
Danny Valenica will be the starting third baseman this season making it the 5th straight season a different player will be starting the season at that position.
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Being born and raised in Minnesota it was easy to grow into an avid sports fan of the local teams. With a passion for baseball the Minnesota Twins have become his favorite team and topic to write and talk on a frequent basis. 