COLUMN: Twins will slowly but surely get back to the top
Opening day is something all Minnesota Twins fans should relish. A fresh year, another opportunity to win the American League Central Division and best of all, summer is near. If those fans want to place some money on their team, they may click links such as 해외배팅사이트.
The last two seasons for Twins fans have been an absolute nightmare. Before that, they had been the model of consistency, having great pitching, playing small ball and hard-nosed baseball. All in all, they were winning the “Ron Gardenhire Way.”
However, the last two seasons have been anything but that. The Twins have been near the bottom in almost every pitching category, and the batting hasn’t been much better. They haven’t been able to shake the injury bug, and many people have become frustrated. All of that has amounted to a record of 129-195 over the past two seasons, good for back-to-back last place finishes within the division.
Ron Gardenhire has been the Twins manager since 2002. Entering this season, he will be in the final year of his contract and the Twins are attempting to squeeze whatever magic is left in his continually growing belly.
The Twins’ payroll is $81 million this season, the lowest it has been in quite some time. The low payroll proves the Twins know they are in full rebuilding mode. About the only players left from the division winning days are the M&M boys. Justin Morneau, in the final year of his contract and Joe Mauer, entering the third year of his eight year $183 million deal. Those two players alone account for almost half of the team’s payroll. Morneau is surely seeing his final days in Minnesota, with many expecting him to be dealt by the trade deadline. Minnesota has almost admitted giving Mauer that ridiculous contract was a mistake, putting him on waivers last year to see if anyone would swallow up his contract.
Sports Illustrated predicted the Twins would finish last in the AL Central for a third-straight year. Unfortunately, I agree. However, for the first time in years, Twins fans should keep their eyes peeled… on all their minor league affiliates.
Over the winter, the Twins traded the top two hitters in their batting order: outfielders Denard Span and Ben Revere. In return for the two, Minnesota received quality pitching prospects Alex Meyer and Trevor May, as well as their top major league pitcher this year, Vance Worley. General Manager Terry Ryan got the memo: pitching needed.
Mlb.com ranked the Twins’ farm system as the second best in baseball, so there is hope and plenty of excitement. Their farm system is littered with talent, something I am not accustomed to. In fact, Jonathon Mayo of mlb.com said the Twins have five of the top 100 prospects in baseball.
Twins fans should get to know four of them as quickly as possible. Miguel Sano, ranked the top third baseman prospect in baseball, is ranked 20 overall. Last season, in 129 games he mashed 28 homeruns in Single-A ball. And oh yeah, he’s just 19 years old. Expect him in a Twins uniform by 2015, maybe even next season.
Last season, the Twins had the No. 2 pick in the MLB Draft. They used it on another youngster, center fielder Byron Buxton. Buxton is just 19 years old as well, and is considered a “five-tool” player, meaning he can hit for power and average, as well as steal bases, track down fly balls in the outfield and possesses a plus arm. Not even a full year removed from being in high school, he’s already considered the No. 28 prospect in baseball. It might take time for “Buck” to develop, but watch out once he does.
The other two prospects for Twins fans to keep a close eye on are a little more developed. Center fielder Aaron Hicks was drafted with the No. 14 pick in the 2008 draft straight from high school. The California native, now 23 years old, was named the opening day starter this season. He is a switch hitter who shows excellent patience as well as being an outstanding defensive player. Four out of six baseball experts on cbssports.com predicted he would win American League rookie of the year this season. That’s a lot of praise for Mr. Hicks.
The next prospect is former Missouri Tiger pitcher Kyle Gibson. The Twins selected him in the first round back in 2009. He rose through the minor leagues quickly, looking to be a for sure starter for the Twins by 2012. However, he hit a speed bump, needing Tommy John surgery two summers ago. He spent all last season rehabbing and looks to be back as strong as ever. Minnesota is having him start the season at Triple-A, but I fully expect him to be wearing a Twins uniform this season, most likely sooner rather than later.
So while watching the Twins this season, try not to get too frustrated. The wins may not add up this season, but once these youngsters start to grow and mature in to their bodies the Twins could start to rise up the rankings again. So I remind you, through all this muck, Terry Ryan has a solution. It just may take a few years to show.
