False Prophet's 2007 Plan for the Minnesota Twins

If I were Terry Ryan, here's how I'd look at the team.

Overview and Reflection

The Minnesota Twins are in a good situation. They have a rotation 7 deep for 2008, and 6 deep for this year. They have a young team, as minus Hunter, everyone has a good amount of time left on their contracts and are still young.

Last year, the Twins won the AL Central and lost in the ALDS to Oakland. They had injuries to Torii Hunter, Shannon Stewart. Francisco Liriano, and Brad Radke that kept them from being the clear cut World Series Favorites. They started out rough, but quickly rebounded going on long win streaks from May to July. The offense is great, with The Pirannahs and the killer 3-4-5 stretch of Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, and Justin Morneau.

2006 Report Card

Offense

This team had 2 players to hit 30 HR's and 100 RBI with Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau; and if Torii Hunter played a few more games would have made it. Joe Mauer was the MLB batting Champion, and is, IMHO, the most likely to become the 2nd player to hit .400 or better for a season.

Then, their is the Famous Pirannah's; Jason Tyner batting 8th, Jason Kubel Batting 9th, Luis Castillo Batting 1st, and Nick Punto Batting 2nd that even Ozzie Guillen admits is a pain to plan around.

Final Grade: A-

The only problems is the 6 and 7 spot in the lineup, which is not weak, but nothing hard to pitch to. Also, Joe Mauer has to rest every 3rd day, and his replacement Mike Redman is not even close to as good as him.

Defense

This team has Torii Hunter that will play with two smashed legs, and a infield that plays old school baseball.

Final Grade B+

The infield was so healthy, I don't know how deep they are; which is a huge concern for me. Joe Mauer has a knee that if gets smashed will put him out for the year, and that would kill their productivity.

Pitching

Johan Santana was an Ace this year, winning the MLB pitching triple crown this year. Brad Radke was the reliable number two pitcher, but had a stress fracture in his shoulder, ending his season, and his career (he was going to retire at the season's end anyways). The team had a bad begining. Carlos Silva and Kyle Loshe both failed to produce, and Loshe ended up being traded. Scott Baker was a flop, and was replaced by Francisco Liriano, who subsequently was replaced by Matt Garza after his elbow injury. Boof Bonser was a consistant pitcher late, and Silva made somewhat of a Comback.

Final Grade B

The team has 4 spots filled in the rotation, and struggled to produce a steady rotation.

Overall Grade

B+

This team is 2 injuries away from winning the World series, but now is stuck with a pitching problem, and a green farm system.

On to the offseason

Offseason

Find another Pitcher

This is the biggest thing. They have a 4 deep rotation, assuming either Garza or Baker doesn't make it. They have a Southpaw Ace with Santana, then a Bi-Polar pitcher in Silva, followed by 3 second year pitchers. They don't need to go after Barry Zito. In fact, it would be a bad idea, as they are winning off of the "don't pay anything method," but need someone that can help steady over the rotation. I would look at Bruce Chen or Adam Eaton because neither are extremely talented, but both are cheap options.

Don't Screw anything up

A lot of times teams in their situation will pull some stupid trade and try and land some big name player. If they don't do this, things should be Fine.

Trade Prospects

The team has A LOT of pitching prospects, but the rest of their farm teams are a bit dry with good fielders. I think Ryan should trade some Pitching Prospects for some non-pitching prospects in an attempt to get a good set of back ups in place.

Overall

The AL Centeral is tough, but the Twins will win it. You heard it hear first; the Twins are the 2007 World Series Champions.

Expected Lineup and Rotation

Lineup:

Indicates 3rd day starter
- Indicates possible replacement

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BWWWaterboy

693 days ago

Score 2

Nice take.

Although without Liriano, it's gonna be an uphill battle. This team overachieved in 2006. Morneau and Mauer are not going to produce at the same level they did in '06. Morneau hit .237 or something in '05. They are still several pieces away.

But still, nice work.

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PeanMajor Leaguer

693 days ago

Score 1

i dunno, morneau was always a huge prospect -- no reason to think he can't do it again