The Minnesota Twins battled back to overtake the Detroit Tigers in Game 163 to win the American League Central title. They did all this without the services of slugger Justin Morneau who went down with a back injury in September. Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and Delmon Young all stepped up around AL MVP Joe Mauer. Offensively, the Twins were third in the AL in batting average (.274), second in triples (40), and fourth in walks (585) and on-base percentage (.345). However they were 9^th in homeruns (172) even with Mauer’s power surge. The young rotation floundered for the first half of the year with inconsistency and injuries and they had eight pitchers (besides Pavano) who made more than two starts on the season. This led to the Twins pick up of Carl Pavano, who was unexpectedly sought after at the trading deadline because he was healthy and pitching well for the Cleveland Indians. The Twins were 11^th in ERA (4.50), second in homeruns allowed (185), and third in hits allowed (1542). However the pitching staff did not walk a lot of hitters, as they allowed the least amount of walks in the AL.

Joe Nathan saves another game

The bullpen was led by closer Joe Nathan who is one of the most unsung closers in the game despite his 2009 postseason struggles (converted 47 out of 52 save opportunities). Rookie Jose Mijares, late season lefty specialist Ron Mahay, and trading deadline acquisition Jon Rauch provided the set up of Nathan. (Who can forget Mahay coming in late in the season to face the Tigers Curtis Granderson and getting him out every time?) Reliever Matt Guerrier also provided a ton of relief (79 games which was first in the AL) and performed well (5-1 with a 2.36 ERA).

With the Twins move to their new home Target Field, it is hard to know what to expect from the 2010 Twins. The Metrodome was considered one of the best home-field advantages in sports and the team was built around the stadium. However no one knows how the open-air stadium will play out. Maybe pitching, speed, and defense (the Twins were 2^nd in the AL in fielding percentage with just 76 errors in 2009) won’t cut it at Target Field. At least you know it will be cold. Manager Ron Gardenhire will guide his team through the first season in the Twins new home, hoping to bring home another AL Central title, and maybe even a World Series trophy (like the NY Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals did in their first year of their new ballparks). Here’s the Twins wish list:

1. 

   Carl Pavano

   A veteran starter: With the opening of Target Field, it figures that the Twins will have a little more money to spend. Spending it on a veteran starter to help the young rotation bounce back from injuries and inconsistencies is the first priority. Carl Pavano accepted arbitration so most of the money will be going to him. Will Pavano stay healthy or was his 2009 season an aberration? The Twins may need to add another starter to add some more depth just in case (maybe Rich Hill or Tim Redding?).

2. Infielders: First base is locked up with All-Star Justin Morneau and back up Michael Cuddyer. Early in the offseason, the Twins traded speedy centerfielder Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee for shortstop JJ Hardy. Hardy had been a disappointment for the Brewers (.229 in 2009 with just 11 homeruns and 47 RBIs) so maybe a change of scenery will do him good. Utility man Nick Punto should fill in at either second or third base so the Twins are looking to fill at either position. Punto may be a better second baseman (he made no errors in 63 games there in 2009), so look for a move to come for a third baseman. The Twins could re-sign Joe Crede, as he won’t have to play on turf anymore and expressed interest in coming back to Minnesota. They could also spend money on Mark DeRosa. Either choice gives them a good clubhouse guy that wants to win and has postseason experience. However they could fill the need in-house with Matt Tolbert and Brendan Harris, as the two played there in 2009. Or maybe Australian prospect Luke Hughes will break through in spring training to win the job.
3. A bat off the bench: With the trade of Gomez, the Twins are without the speed and defense he provided. The Twins may prefer a versatile outfielder that can spell Jason Kubel in rightfield or can play centerfield (moving Denard Span to right). A left-handed bat out there is Rick Ankiel, who provides power along with great defense and a strong, accurate arm. Rocco Baldelli is another consideration, as he cannot play everyday, but can give a spark when he does play. Rumors have the Twins linked to Minnesota native Robb Quinlan, which would provide some power.