Categories
MLB

2012 Minnesota Twins MLB Season Prediction with Futures Odds

2012 MLB Handicapping: Minnesota Twins

Everything that could go wrong went wrong last year for the Minnesota Twins. No team was bit as hard as the Twins by the dreaded injury bug. The team that was a perennial favorite to be at the top of the AL Central standings could only muster up 63 wins.

The front office firmly believes that this team, which has won six divisional titles in the past ten years, will return to the top this season. Is there reason for optimism in Minnesota or is this the beginning of a downward spiral?

Here are some MLB Futures Odds for the 2012 Minnesota Twins from Bookmaker

Odds to Win World Series: +7,000
Odds to Win AL Pennant: +3,500
Odds to Win AL Central: +1,200

Can the Twins stay healthy? Do they have a chance to jump right back to the top of the AL Central?

Let’s take a closer look at the 2012 Minnesota Twins

The Twins roster has had quite a big overhaul in the past year or so. Minnesota started last season with Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel all as primary options in the outfield. None of those guys are with the team as we head into the 2012 season. Denard Span was hitting .300 until he suffered a concussion last June, and the team is counting on him to get on base consistently at the top of the order. Josh Willingham was a solid pickup in the offseason, and he will start in right field. Ben Revere will get the nod in left field, and he has speed to burn, but he needs to become a more consistent hitter. Jamey Carroll was brought in to plug a hole at the shortstop position.

All of the new guys may be interesting, but the truth is the Twins season will be made or broken by whether Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau can stay healthy. When they are healthy, there isn’t a better combination of hitters in the majors, but they haven’t been healthy much at all the last couple years. These two missed a combined 173 games in 2011, and the team suffered in a big way. Both seem to be healthy going into this year and Minnesota needs them in a big way.
[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
While the lineup has some issues, it is the pitching staff that sticks out as a real weak spot for the Twins. Carl Pavano isn’t a bad pitcher, but it isn’t a good sign when he is your ace. Francisco Liriano is the guy with the most potential, and the Twins need him to become more consistent. He threw a no-hitter last year, but he also finished with a 5.09 ERA. If Liriano regains his old form, this team could surprise some people. Scott Baker posted an impressive 3.14 ERA in 21 starts last year, but he is expected to start this season on the DL because of shoulder issues. Jason Marquis was brought in to be an innings eater, but he isn’t the pitcher he was a few years ago.

The bullpen has even more question marks. Matt Capps is slated to be the closer, but he was booed off the field multiple times last year as he blew nine saved and converted only 15. Don’t be surprised if Glen Perkins gets a shot at closing for this team, since he was the team’s best reliever last year. Middle relief could be a major issue, and if their starters don’t go deep in the game the Twins will struggle.

Minnesota isn’t likely to lose 99 games again this year, but I find it hard to believe this team will just jump back to the top of the division. There isn’t enough depth here, and there are too many players with a history of injuries. A finish around .500 seems like the most likely scenario, but there is a ton of pressure on Mauer and Morneau to stay healthy.

2012 Minnesota Twins Projected Record: 80-82

View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2011  – Picks Packages for 2012 On Sale! —–>

By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.