How do you think the Twins will do in '07?

[FLAtwinsFan]

I feel the Twins are very much alive in the best division in baseball. As long as they figure out the pitching staff the offense should come to play at the beginning of the season instead of in June.

[FLAtwinsFan]

I didn't want to look like a huge homer, so I decided to go with 90 wins, but I believe that the Twins can get to 100 wins for the second time in franchise history, even without Radke and Liriano (but it's probably a lock in '08).

Lets just say that the Twins will win around 25-30 of the games where Johan is on the mound (before you get all over me, he won't get the decision for 5-7 of them :waving ). That leaves about 65-70 games up to the rest of the pitchers, I would probably say the rest of the starts could pick up around 45-55 wins, and the bullpen records 15-20 games. The offense has more than enough talent to keep the pitchers in the game at all times. It's a reach but come on they won 96 last season and they had a terrible start.

also, how great is it going to be in 2008 when Santana finally gets some competition for the Cy Young, from Liriano.

Who's looking forward to a Santana vs Dice-K matchup this season? I have a feeling Santana strikes out 13... again. All while Mauer goes 4-4 with 2 opposite field doubles and 3 RBI's, Morneau takes him deep once going 2-4, with 2 RBI's. As awesome as it was, it won't come down to another Kubel walk-off Grand Slam.

[TwinsCards]

While I think the Twins will be very competitive this year, I'd still feel a lot more comfotable with a more experienced staff. Behind Santana and Silva, you're looking at a lot of youth (Bonzer, Perkins, Baker, Garza). Also, the additions of Ortiz and Ponson, don't do much to calm my nerves. Santana'a lock, but which Silva will we see (the 2004/2005 Silva or the 2006 version?)

I agree that the offense shouls be solid, but would like to see another solid year from Punto and Bartlett.

All in all, I think the Twins have as good a chance as any to go all the way. A Division crown is a distinct possibility and 90+ wins is pretty assured (IMO).

Looking forward to a great season though and seeing what roster they come north with.

Blake

[Colorado Express]

The Twins are a tough read this season. They could easily be an upper-90 win team or they could be a lower-80 win team.

1. They play in what will likely be the toughest division in baseball again this year. I really like the Indians chances for improvement, the White Sox are a better team than they played the 2nd half of last season, I see a decline in the Tigers win total and somewhere in the mix will be the Twins.
2. They have a few "unknowns" (4 and 5 starters, LF/DH, 3B). I like the Twins' track record, but who knows. I, for one, think that the Twins' young rotation will be decent and somewhere out of their group of very good prospects (Baker, Garza, Durbin, Perkins, Slowey), they'll be able to find 2 solid starters. It's too bad that it's looking like Kubel will not be able to fulfill his potential because of his knee problems, but should he be able to play long enough to get 400 ABs, he could be a big help to the lineup.

I'll give them 90+ wins and the AL Wild Card, but had they had Liriano, I would have likely voted 90+ wins and World Series champs.

[KCGHOST]

Toughest thing about projecting the Twins is the strength of the AL Central. I went with 90+ wins, but after that it is a crap shoot. The Indians should have better pitching than last year with a potent offense. The White Sox are a bit of a mystery and could contend or collapse. Will the Tigers young pitching improve or regress this year. It's hard to believe they will have another year of hitting HR's at just the right time in a lot of games.

[FLAtwinsFan]

I'm still waiting for Jim Leyland to come riding into town on a Unicorn to tell us last season was just a joke, he's sorry, and they'll be back to the Tigers of 2003 anytime now.

[TwinsCards]

I'm still waiting for Jim Leyland to come riding into town on a Unicorn to tell us last season was just a joke, he's sorry, and they'll be back to the Tigers of 2003 anytime now.

Yeah, that was a pretty "fantasy-laced" season for the Tiggers, but I think they remain right in the thick of things this year. Agree with most others that the AL Central will be the toughest in baseball, but too bad the media will still focus all their attention on the Yankers and Dread Sox.

FLAtwinsFan - Will you be attending any of the spring sessions?

[FLAtwinsFan]

FLAtwinsFan - Will you be attending any of the spring sessions?

I'll be on spring break right in the thick of spring training, so after I get back from the Bahamas I think i make the drive over to Ft Myers and hit up a couple games.

I already have the itch to get back up to Minnesota and see the Twins in action. I can't wait for summer to get here. I bet all you 'sotans can wait till that snow melts, too.

[wu-tang clan]

I bet all you 'sotans can wait till that snow melts, too.

definitely. we just got a huge snowfall, and we're projected to get 8-14 inches more in the next few days... :(

I predict the twins will get the WC this year, and win 93-96. I dont know how they'll fare in the playoffs though.

[Cuddyer Roxs]

The twins will do good.

[Boof4mvp]

just think though how good they will be in 2008, or at least there rotation,
1 Santana
2 BOOF
3 Liriano
4 Baker/Slowey
5 Slowey/Baker/Perkins/Garza

in other words we need to trade some of them so we can get some bats next year