2006 Minnesota Twins Predictions
The Minnesota Twins have been the best in the American League Central
division in recent years but they took a back seat to several team last season
as they won just 83 games after recording better than 90 wins in each of their
previous 3 seasons. With the AL Central continuing to improve, pushing the AL
East for the best division in baseball, the Minnesota Twins will have their work
cut out for them again this year The Minnesota Twins time in the sun has in all
likelihood passed with the emergence of the young Cleveland Indians, who figure
to be good for some time, and the World Series Champion Whitesox. Minnesota fans
should be prepared to face finishes in the middle of the pack for the rest of
the decade at least. If you want proof, the Twins were just 16-21 versus the
World Champion White Sox and emerging Cleveland Indians last season. They will
have to do a better job against the top teams in the division if they want to
get back to their AL Central dominance but I just don‘t see it happening. On the
bright side, one sign of a good team is beating the teams that you are supposed
to beat. The Twins were very successful against the remainder of their division
foes, the Tigers and Royals, winning 24 of 38 games. You should expect this
inner-division dominance to continue, especially at home, as Minnesota is a
remarkable 108-49 as a home favorite within their division the past 5 seasons.
But I wouldn’t be surprised if it decreases somewhat in 2006 and again in 2007
as the Sox and the tribe will continue to steal more games from the Twin Cities.
Ace, south paw Johan Santana got off to a bit of a rough start, but he should
have another solid year. When he’s on the hill, the Twins are a safe bet,
especially at home. You can fully expect him to continue the dominance he has
shown over the last two seasons this year. Brad Radke struggled for him last
year, going 9-12 and Carlos Silva was just 9-8. Both of these guys were hampered
by the injury bug and you can fully plan on them making a solid recovery this
year and having decent seasons. Their bullpen anchor Joe Nathan is almost as
good as they get, last year he put up 43 saves with 2.70 ERA. He’s a good one
the Twins need to hang on to.
The offensive side of the coin is really where Minnesota needs to improve if
they expect to jump up in the standings. Catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman
Justin Morneau are a couple of young guys who should continue to get better each
time at the plate, but they are going to need Shannon Stewart and Tori Hunter to
step it up and regain their old form. The additions to the lineup are Luis
Castillo and Rondell White, too guys that are past their prime and are probably
past the point of being able to contribute effectively to the team.
No one thought the White Sox had a chance in 2005, and most, including me are
counting the Twins out in 2006, but their ability to play small ball and their
stellar defensive play keeps them in every game. If they can win their close
ones, the Twins could be the surprise in the AL Central this season, but I won’t
believe it until I see it.
2006 Baseball Predictions
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