As spring nears, Twins eager for healthy camp
2 views
Skip to first unread message
Marty
Feb 13, 2012, 7:34:04 AM2/13/12
to Marty Hinrichs, Google Group
02/13/12 12:00 AM EST
As spring nears, Twins eager for healthy camp
Returning stars, new additions dealt with injuries in 2011
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins head to Fort Myers, Fla., this month ready to move on from last year's disappointing results.
Injuries ravaged their season, and they ended up with the
worst record in the American League. It led to a change atop the organization, as Terry Ryan returned to his former role as general manager, replacing Bill Smith in early November.
Ryan made a number of moves in his second stint as GM, signing veterans such as Jamey Carroll, Josh Willingham, Joel Zumaya and Ryan Doumit, while seeing longtime Twins Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel depart via free agency.
But as always, the key to the season will be the health and production of star players such as Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Denard Span.
"The big questions are health," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "If Morneau's there, he's my first baseman. If Mauer's there, he's our catcher. If that doesn't look like it's going to work out, and somebody tells me that they don't think this is the right way to go, then we'll have to do some ad-libbing, but until then, I really want to go in there knowing what we have and where these guys are going to be. I want them to know that."
Ryan made a number of moves in his second stint as GM, signing veterans such as Jamey Carroll, Josh Willingham, Joel Zumaya and Ryan Doumit, while seeing longtime Twins Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel depart via free agency.
But as always, the key to the season will be the health and production of star players such as Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Denard Span.
"The big questions are health," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "If Morneau's there, he's my first baseman. If Mauer's there, he's our catcher. If that doesn't look like it's going to work out, and somebody tells me that they don't think this is the right way to go, then we'll have to do some ad-libbing, but until then, I really want to go in there knowing what we have and where these guys are going to be. I want them to know that."
Despite last year's 99-loss season, Ryan has maintained since taking over as GM that the club is not in rebuilding mode and is still aiming for a return to the playoffs.
"I'd like to get to the postseason," Ryan said. "It would be nice to win the division, but I think anybody's goal is to make it to the postseason."
Pitchers and catchers report
Feb 18.
"I'd like to get to the postseason," Ryan said. "It would be nice to win the division, but I think anybody's goal is to make it to the postseason."
Pitchers and catchers report
Feb 18.
Full squad reports
Feb. 23
Feb. 23
First Spring Training game
Home vs. Rays, March 3 at 12:05 p.m. CT
Home vs. Rays, March 3 at 12:05 p.m. CT
Opening Day
Away vs. Orioles, April 6 at 2:05 p.m. CT
Away vs. Orioles, April 6 at 2:05 p.m. CT
Triple play: Three questions that need answers
1. Can the Twins stay
healthy?
It's been well-documented that the Twins utilized the disabled list 27 times last year to lead the Majors. Injuries to players such as Mauer, Morneau and Span hurt the most, but they were far from the only players who saw time on the DL.
If the Twins are to bounce back this year, they're going need to see their star players avoid the DL and produce like they have in the past. Mauer, Morneau and Span have said this offseason that they're feeling much better and are optimistic they'll be healthy in 2012, but now is the time for them to prove it on the field.
It's been well-documented that the Twins utilized the disabled list 27 times last year to lead the Majors. Injuries to players such as Mauer, Morneau and Span hurt the most, but they were far from the only players who saw time on the DL.
If the Twins are to bounce back this year, they're going need to see their star players avoid the DL and produce like they have in the past. Mauer, Morneau and Span have said this offseason that they're feeling much better and are optimistic they'll be healthy in 2012, but now is the time for them to prove it on the field.
2. Do the Twins have the starting pitching to compete in the AL Central?
The rotation was ravaged by injuries last season, as Carl Pavano was the only starter to avoid the disabled list and make more than 30 starts. But aside from the injuries, Twins starters mostly struggled on the season with a 4.64 ERA that ranked as the fourth-worst mark in the Majors.
Minnesota only made one real change to the rotation, as right-hander Jason Marquis (4.43 ERA in '11) is replacing left-hander Brian Duensing (5.23 ERA). But the Twins are hopeful that Francisco Liriano can revert to his 2010 form, and that Scott Baker can stay healthy after pitching well in the first half of last year.
3. How will the bullpen fare?
Last year, the Twins were faced with overhauling their bullpen after losing several key players to free agency, and it didn't work out too well; the relief corps' 4.51 ERA was the worst mark in the Majors. Joe Nathan and Matt Capps were free agents this offseason, and the club decided to bring back Capps as its closer.
Capps struggled last year with a 4.25 ERA, but he dealt with a forearm injury, and the Twins are confident he'll pitch better this year. Glen Perkins remains the club's best reliever after a breakout season, and the Twins are hoping Joel Zumaya can stay healthy and serve as the top right-handed setup man. Duensing's move to the bullpen should help, while the Twins believe inexperienced relievers such as Alex Burnett and Anthony Swarzak can step up and contribute this year.
2010 record
63-99, fifth in the American League Central
The rotation was ravaged by injuries last season, as Carl Pavano was the only starter to avoid the disabled list and make more than 30 starts. But aside from the injuries, Twins starters mostly struggled on the season with a 4.64 ERA that ranked as the fourth-worst mark in the Majors.
Minnesota only made one real change to the rotation, as right-hander Jason Marquis (4.43 ERA in '11) is replacing left-hander Brian Duensing (5.23 ERA). But the Twins are hopeful that Francisco Liriano can revert to his 2010 form, and that Scott Baker can stay healthy after pitching well in the first half of last year.
3. How will the bullpen fare?
Last year, the Twins were faced with overhauling their bullpen after losing several key players to free agency, and it didn't work out too well; the relief corps' 4.51 ERA was the worst mark in the Majors. Joe Nathan and Matt Capps were free agents this offseason, and the club decided to bring back Capps as its closer.
Capps struggled last year with a 4.25 ERA, but he dealt with a forearm injury, and the Twins are confident he'll pitch better this year. Glen Perkins remains the club's best reliever after a breakout season, and the Twins are hoping Joel Zumaya can stay healthy and serve as the top right-handed setup man. Duensing's move to the bullpen should help, while the Twins believe inexperienced relievers such as Alex Burnett and Anthony Swarzak can step up and contribute this year.
2010 record
63-99, fifth in the American League Central
Projected batting order
1. CF Denard Span:
.264 BA, .328 OBP, .359 SLG, 2 HR, 16 RBI in 2011
2. SS Jamey Carroll:
.290 BA, .359 OBP, .347 SLG, 0 HR, 17 RBI in 2011
3. C Joe Mauer:
.287 BA, .360 OBP, .368 SLG, 3 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
4. 1B Justin Morneau:
.227 BA, .285 OBP, .333 SLG, 4 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
5. RF Josh Willingham:
.246 BA, .332 OBP, .477 SLG, 29 HR, 98 RBI in 2011
6. DH Ryan Doumit:
.303 BA, .353 OBP, .477 SLG, 8 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
7. 3B Danny Valencia:
.246 BA, .294 OBP, .383 SLG, 15 HR, 72 RBI in 2011
8. 2B Alexi Casilla:
.260 BA, .322 OBP, .368 SLG, 2 HR, 21 RBI in 2011
9. LF Ben Revere:
.267 BA, .310 OBP, .309 SLG, 0 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
1. CF Denard Span:
.264 BA, .328 OBP, .359 SLG, 2 HR, 16 RBI in 2011
2. SS Jamey Carroll:
.290 BA, .359 OBP, .347 SLG, 0 HR, 17 RBI in 2011
3. C Joe Mauer:
.287 BA, .360 OBP, .368 SLG, 3 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
4. 1B Justin Morneau:
.227 BA, .285 OBP, .333 SLG, 4 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
5. RF Josh Willingham:
.246 BA, .332 OBP, .477 SLG, 29 HR, 98 RBI in 2011
6. DH Ryan Doumit:
.303 BA, .353 OBP, .477 SLG, 8 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
7. 3B Danny Valencia:
.246 BA, .294 OBP, .383 SLG, 15 HR, 72 RBI in 2011
8. 2B Alexi Casilla:
.260 BA, .322 OBP, .368 SLG, 2 HR, 21 RBI in 2011
9. LF Ben Revere:
.267 BA, .310 OBP, .309 SLG, 0 HR, 30 RBI in 2011
Projected rotation
1. Carl Pavano, 9-13, 4.30 ERA in 2011
2. Francisco Liriano, 9-10, 5.09 ERA in 2011
3. Scott Baker, 8-6, 3.14 ERA in 2011
4. Nick Blackburn, 7-10, 4.49 ERA in 2011
5. Jason Marquis, 8-6, 4.43 ERA in 2011
Projected bullpen
Closer: Matt Capps, 15/24 saves, 4.25 ERA in 2011
RH setup man: Joel Zumaya, Did not pitch in 2011
LH setup man: Glen Perkins, 2.48 ERA in 2011
Closer: Matt Capps, 15/24 saves, 4.25 ERA in 2011
RH setup man: Joel Zumaya, Did not pitch in 2011
LH setup man: Glen Perkins, 2.48 ERA in 2011
The new guys
RF Willingham: Coming off a career year with the A's, Willingham signed a three-year deal worth $21 million to join the Twins. The 32-year-old should bring plenty of power from the right side, as he's hit at least 20 homers in four of his six full seasons in the Majors, including 29 last year. But he's also making the transition to right field after serving mostly as a left fielder throughout his career.
SS Carroll: The Twins inked Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract early in the offseason to become their new starting shortstop after Tsuyoshi Nishioka's struggles last year. Carroll doesn't have power, but makes up for it with his ability to get on base, posting a .368 on-base percentage over the last two seasons with the Dodgers. The 38-year-old has lost some of his range, but is still regarded as a steady defender at shortstop.
C/DH/1B/OF Doumit: Doumit, who signed a one-year deal worth $3 million, is expected to bring versatility to the Twins with his ability to play catcher, right field and first base. And the switch-hitter also has some pop in his bat with a career .277 average and .777 OPS. But the 30-year-old also needs to prove he can stay healthy, as he played in just 77 games last year because of a fractured left ankle.
RHP Zumaya: As is always the case with Zumaya, it's all about his health, considering he missed all of last season after undergoing elbow surgery. But the Twins liked what they saw from Zumaya when he threw in front of scouts in early December, signing him to an incentive-laden one-year deal. When healthy, Zumaya, 27, is a top reliever with a career 3.05 ERA and 210 strikeouts in 209 2/3 innings pitched.
Prospects to watch
RHP Liam Hendriks: Named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Hendriks, 22, posted a combined 3.56 ERA at Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester. He also got his first taste of the big leagues, making four starts down the stretch with a 6.17 ERA. He's expected to start the year in Triple-A, but could rejoin the Twins' rotation if a starter falters or suffers an injury.
1B Chris Parmelee: Although he's yet to play at Triple-A, Parmelee made a name for himself as a September callup, hitting .355/.443/.592 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 21 games. There's a chance he could make the club out of Spring Training if Morneau is unable to play first base, but the Twins would like to see him get more seasoning in the Minors at Triple-A. But either way, the 23-year-old's stock is up after his impressive showing with the Twins.
OF Joe Benson: Like Parmelee, Benson skipped Triple-A and was called up by the Twins in early September after impressing at Double-A with a .285/.388/.495 line, with 16 homers and 13 stolen bases. Benson, 23, didn't fare as well in the big leagues, hitting .239/.270/.352, but he should see time with the Twins again this season even though he'll likely start out the year at Triple-A, with Trevor Plouffe serving as the Twins' fourth outfielder.
SS Brian Dozier: Dozier was named the club's Minor League Player of the Year after hitting a combined .320/.399/.491 with nine homers, 12 triples and 24 stolen bases at Class A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain. He's seen time at second base and third base, as well, but the Twins think he can stick as a shortstop. Dozier, 24, could make his big league debut at some point this season.
On the rebound
C Mauer: Mauer played in just 82 games last season because of various injuries and illnesses, including bilateral leg weakness, neck stiffness, a viral infection and an upper respiratory infection that turned into a bout with pneumonia that ended his season on Sept. 14. But Mauer has said at various points this offseason that he's feeling healthy as ever, and is looking forward to getting back to his All-Star level of production.
1B Morneau: Like Mauer, Morneau dealt with a range of injuries that derailed his season, as he had surgeries on his neck, left wrist, left knee and right foot while also dealing with concussion-like symptoms. Morneau, who was limited to just 69 games, said during TwinsFest that he remains optimistic about this season, but is still working toward fully recovering from the concussion symptoms that have plagued him since July 2010.
CF Span: Span was the latest Twins player to be beset by concussion-like symptoms, as he was injured in a home-plate collision on June 3, and played in just 15 games the rest of the season. But he said in late January that he's feeling the best he's felt physically in two years, and expects to be ready to go in Spring Training.
LHP Liriano: The southpaw looked like he was developing into an ace in 2010 with a 3.62 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 191 2/3 innings, but he regressed last year with a 5.09 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 134 1/3 innings. He pitched in the Dominican Winter Leagues this offseason with the hopes that it will help him build the arm strength to be healthy and effective in 2012.
Long gone
OF Cuddyer: Cuddyer leaves Minnesota as a beloved player after spending 11 seasons with the club. The Twins will miss his bat and versatility, but also his leadership abilities in the clubhouse. Cuddyer opted to sign with the Rockies on a three-year, $31.5 million deal, while the Twins decided to sign Willingham. Cuddyer insisted upon signing the deal that there were no hard feelings, but it will be strange not seeing him in the Twins' lineup.
OF Kubel: Like Cuddyer, Kubel played his entire career with the Twins, but left Minnesota for a two-year deal worth $15 million and an option for 2014 with Arizona. With Revere expected to start in left field, along with the additions of Willingham and Doumit, the Twins felt they didn't have room for Kubel on the roster.
RHP Nathan: The closer leaves the Twins as the club's all-time save leader with 260, along with a sparkling 2.16 ERA over seven seasons. Nathan had an up-and-down season last year with a 4.84 ERA after missing the previous year with Tommy John surgery, but pitched much better in the second half. The Rangers rewarded him with a two-year deal worth $14.5 million that includes an option for '14, while the Twins felt Nathan was out of their price range.
RF Willingham: Coming off a career year with the A's, Willingham signed a three-year deal worth $21 million to join the Twins. The 32-year-old should bring plenty of power from the right side, as he's hit at least 20 homers in four of his six full seasons in the Majors, including 29 last year. But he's also making the transition to right field after serving mostly as a left fielder throughout his career.
SS Carroll: The Twins inked Carroll to a two-year, $6.75 million contract early in the offseason to become their new starting shortstop after Tsuyoshi Nishioka's struggles last year. Carroll doesn't have power, but makes up for it with his ability to get on base, posting a .368 on-base percentage over the last two seasons with the Dodgers. The 38-year-old has lost some of his range, but is still regarded as a steady defender at shortstop.
C/DH/1B/OF Doumit: Doumit, who signed a one-year deal worth $3 million, is expected to bring versatility to the Twins with his ability to play catcher, right field and first base. And the switch-hitter also has some pop in his bat with a career .277 average and .777 OPS. But the 30-year-old also needs to prove he can stay healthy, as he played in just 77 games last year because of a fractured left ankle.
RHP Zumaya: As is always the case with Zumaya, it's all about his health, considering he missed all of last season after undergoing elbow surgery. But the Twins liked what they saw from Zumaya when he threw in front of scouts in early December, signing him to an incentive-laden one-year deal. When healthy, Zumaya, 27, is a top reliever with a career 3.05 ERA and 210 strikeouts in 209 2/3 innings pitched.
Prospects to watch
RHP Liam Hendriks: Named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Hendriks, 22, posted a combined 3.56 ERA at Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester. He also got his first taste of the big leagues, making four starts down the stretch with a 6.17 ERA. He's expected to start the year in Triple-A, but could rejoin the Twins' rotation if a starter falters or suffers an injury.
1B Chris Parmelee: Although he's yet to play at Triple-A, Parmelee made a name for himself as a September callup, hitting .355/.443/.592 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 21 games. There's a chance he could make the club out of Spring Training if Morneau is unable to play first base, but the Twins would like to see him get more seasoning in the Minors at Triple-A. But either way, the 23-year-old's stock is up after his impressive showing with the Twins.
OF Joe Benson: Like Parmelee, Benson skipped Triple-A and was called up by the Twins in early September after impressing at Double-A with a .285/.388/.495 line, with 16 homers and 13 stolen bases. Benson, 23, didn't fare as well in the big leagues, hitting .239/.270/.352, but he should see time with the Twins again this season even though he'll likely start out the year at Triple-A, with Trevor Plouffe serving as the Twins' fourth outfielder.
SS Brian Dozier: Dozier was named the club's Minor League Player of the Year after hitting a combined .320/.399/.491 with nine homers, 12 triples and 24 stolen bases at Class A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain. He's seen time at second base and third base, as well, but the Twins think he can stick as a shortstop. Dozier, 24, could make his big league debut at some point this season.
On the rebound
C Mauer: Mauer played in just 82 games last season because of various injuries and illnesses, including bilateral leg weakness, neck stiffness, a viral infection and an upper respiratory infection that turned into a bout with pneumonia that ended his season on Sept. 14. But Mauer has said at various points this offseason that he's feeling healthy as ever, and is looking forward to getting back to his All-Star level of production.
1B Morneau: Like Mauer, Morneau dealt with a range of injuries that derailed his season, as he had surgeries on his neck, left wrist, left knee and right foot while also dealing with concussion-like symptoms. Morneau, who was limited to just 69 games, said during TwinsFest that he remains optimistic about this season, but is still working toward fully recovering from the concussion symptoms that have plagued him since July 2010.
CF Span: Span was the latest Twins player to be beset by concussion-like symptoms, as he was injured in a home-plate collision on June 3, and played in just 15 games the rest of the season. But he said in late January that he's feeling the best he's felt physically in two years, and expects to be ready to go in Spring Training.
LHP Liriano: The southpaw looked like he was developing into an ace in 2010 with a 3.62 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 191 2/3 innings, but he regressed last year with a 5.09 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 134 1/3 innings. He pitched in the Dominican Winter Leagues this offseason with the hopes that it will help him build the arm strength to be healthy and effective in 2012.
Long gone
OF Cuddyer: Cuddyer leaves Minnesota as a beloved player after spending 11 seasons with the club. The Twins will miss his bat and versatility, but also his leadership abilities in the clubhouse. Cuddyer opted to sign with the Rockies on a three-year, $31.5 million deal, while the Twins decided to sign Willingham. Cuddyer insisted upon signing the deal that there were no hard feelings, but it will be strange not seeing him in the Twins' lineup.
OF Kubel: Like Cuddyer, Kubel played his entire career with the Twins, but left Minnesota for a two-year deal worth $15 million and an option for 2014 with Arizona. With Revere expected to start in left field, along with the additions of Willingham and Doumit, the Twins felt they didn't have room for Kubel on the roster.
RHP Nathan: The closer leaves the Twins as the club's all-time save leader with 260, along with a sparkling 2.16 ERA over seven seasons. Nathan had an up-and-down season last year with a 4.84 ERA after missing the previous year with Tommy John surgery, but pitched much better in the second half. The Rangers rewarded him with a two-year deal worth $14.5 million that includes an option for '14, while the Twins felt Nathan was out of their price range.
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Marty Hinrichs
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages