An afternoon with the Twins

Wow, can two days change a man's outlook on his favorite team - the Minnesota Twins. On Tuesday afternoon, I was texting friends "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear." Later that night, we lost 6-5 and then last night it was a 7-2 defeat.

Going in the Twins needed to win three of four and get this thing tied heading into the weekend. Now, with a win this afternoon they would split, and trail two games with three games to play. A long shot.

But we like to say "Hey, there's always next year, right?" And there is and it's the first in the new Target Field. We've been promised 20 million extra to the payroll (we've heard that before). Well, it got Terry, Lyle and I talking today.

What would I do for 2010?

First off, you start with what you have:
Keep
SP: Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Brian Duensing, Nick Blackburn
RP: Joe Nathan, Jon Rauch, Jose Mijares, Matt Guerrier
IF: Joe Mauer, Jose Morales, Justin Morneau, Nick Punto, Brendan Harris
OF: Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez, Jason Kubel

That's 18 players. The easy ones: Mike Redmond will not be retained (coach?) and Joe Crede will not be resigned.

Let's start with starting pitching: You have four solid pitchers, but what is missing (besides an ace) - a veteran. I could see a guy like John Lackey of the Angels brought in. I don't think Carl Pavano is that guy. Nice Aug/Sept guy...but April-Sept?

Relief pitchers - Will Pat Neshek make it back? Will they resign Jesse Crain, who was terrible but solid the last six weeks. How about lefty Ron Mahay? What will they do with Frankie Liriano? Glen Perkins? So many options but likely only six spots.

Infield - Morales slides in for Redmond, but starting shortstop/second base (Punto starts somewhere) and third base are open. Could Orlando Cabrera be brought back? He's been good and might even be better on grass. But he's 36.