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MLB Predictions / Previews: Minnesota Twins

Here’s your 2009 Minnesota Twins predictions, not many people thought they would be competing for a playoff spot in 2008, but the Twins persevered and finished just one game back of the White Sox…

MLB Team Preview – Minnesota Twins

After they lost Johan Santana via free agency and then Francis Liriano to injury, not many people thought the Minnesota Twins would be competing for a playoff spot in 2008. But the Twins persevered and finished just one game back of the White Sox.

As the 2009 season approaches, the Twins aren’t being talked about as a potential World Series contender but they will definitely be a factor on the long term MLB odds, especially in the American League Central. 

The Twins have a very crafty batting lineup but it’s not exactly one that offers a lot of power. MLB betting fans will be curious to see how Justin Morneau responds after hitting just 23 home runs a season ago. That was a significant drop-off from the 30-plus he cranked in the previous two seasons. 

Joe Crede was one of the main offseason acquisitions for the Twins and they are hoping he can provide some pop to a team that had only two players hit more than 10 home runs. Crede’s numbers have been dipping in the last couple of seasons, though, so it’s unclear if he can provide the 20 home runs the Twins might be expecting. 

While power is an issue, there is no shortage of regular hitting or speed in the lineup. The Twins still ranked fourth in the Majors in runs scored and batting average last season and that shouldn’t change. 

One key factor that may hurt the Twins lineup is if Joe Mauer’s recovery from offseason kidney surgery keeps him out of action. He led the team with a .328 average last season. 

MLB betting fans know that the Twins mantra is based around speed, defense and pitching, so for them to be successful, all three facets must be functioning fluidly. 

Pitching likely won’t be an issue for this team as they field one of the top young rotations around. 

Scott Baker and Liriano will anchor the top two spots and, given the two of them combined for an 11-3 record with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.19 after the All-Star break, the Twins should be quite content with their top two starters heading into the season. 

Behind them is Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins and Nick Blackburn, all of whom are under the age of 27 and all of whom are expected to take steps forward this season. 

The bullpen will be key for the Twins if they plan to factor in the World Series MLB odds. Joe Nathan will close out games in the ninth inning and considering he’s saved 36 games or more in five straight years, there aren’t many concerns there. 

The question is who will play the role of setup man? Jose Mijares was fantastic in September, allowing only one run and three hits in 10 appearances but can he hold up this type of dominance over a full season? If the answer is no, then the Twins bullpen might be weaker than it has been in a while. 

Overall, MLB betting fans know that the Twins are a fairly sound team all the way around. They aren’t going to overwhelm anyone but they will play smart and with good speed, pitching and timely hitting, they should find themselves a top the American League Central by the end of the season. 

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By Cappers Picks

Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"

One reply on “MLB Predictions / Previews: Minnesota Twins”

Looking forward to another good year out my Twinks. They do the most with the least which makes watching them that much more fun to cheer for.

Here’s to An AL central title this year, Slainte’!

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