First Base-
Justin Morneau is one of the top first basemen around. He will man first at least 5 nights a week throughout the season. This year though Justin has something that he has never had before, a backup. Jim Thome is not someone you want playing first on a nightly basis, but every two or three weeks maybe he can go out there and get the job done and let Justin DH.
Second Base-
Orlando Hudson is a signing the Twins almost had to make. He is exactly what they needed; above average glove with the ability to hit second. Backing up O-Dawg will be potentially one of the most valuable utility men in the game. Nick Punto has the ability to play three infield positions with superb defense. Alexi Casilla is the second basemen in waiting. He had a terrific year two seasons ago. Hopefully he can dig himself out of Ron Gardenhire's doghouse and regain some of that promise. Matt Tolbert could also play a similar role to that of Punto.
Shortstop-
Another big acquisition, J.J. Hardy fills a huge hole for the Twins. He needs to hit like he did in Milwaukee two years ago. If he does or even comes close to that then the Twins have found the shortstop for the foreseeable future. He also brings a plus glove to the field. Punto will back him up here.
Third Base-
Brendan Harris should be the starter here in my opinion. It is possible that the team could bring in someone like Joe Crede, but not likely. I believe Harris could be very productive as a third basemen. He could hit 9th. Punto will be the backup. Danny Valencia could see a call-up at some point to take over here.
Catcher-
Huge position battle here. Okay maybe not. Joe Mauer may very well be the best player in the game today. The intrigue here is when will the Twins lock him up long-term. Notice I say 'when' not 'if'. Jose Morales is one of the top backups in the league.
Outfield and DH-
Denard Span is quickly becoming one of the best center fielders in the league. He also is a very good leadoff hitter. Michael Cuddyer is the right fielder. His fielding may be interesting to watch without that baggie which he has played so wonderfully for the past few years. He also serves as the primary right-handed complement to Mauer, Morneau, and Jason Kubel. Delmon Young is the big wild card. He has the talent to be a superstar. His problem is performing consistently. In my opinion I think what he did in the last month of last season is a preview of what is to come this year. I can see him providing another right-handed complement to those lefties. Jason Kubel is one of the of the top DHs in the league, if not the best. Jim Thome is also a great DH, but his talents will be great to have as a late game pinch hitter.
Starters-
This staff is lacking a true 'ace'. Although it does have four 2-3 starters. Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, and Carl Pavano are all solid and give the team a chance to win night in and night out. Now Baker will be the 'ace' going into the year, but by the end of the year it is possible it will be someone who I have yet to mention, Francisco Liriano. He will likely be the 5th starter to begin the year, but he appears to have finally got some of his stuff back from the Tommy John surgery. He has received glowing reports from the Dominican League. Hopefully that translates into this season. He may very well determine how far this team can go.
Bullpen-
Joe Nathan is one of the top closers in the game, if not the top one. Jose Mijares, Jon Rauch, and Matt Guerrier have all shown they are effective set up men. Pat Neshek is perhaps the most dominant arm other than Nathan, if he returns to the level he was at before his injury then this will be quite possibly the best bullpen in baseball. Jesse Crain has also set up in the past and is a very good arm. Brian Duensing will be the long man and can step in to the rotation if need be.
25 man Roster
1 Denard Span CF
2 Orlando Hudson 2B
3 Joe Mauer C
4 Justin Morneau 1B
5 Michael Cuddyer RF
6 Jason Kubel DH
7 Delmon Young LF
8 J.J. Hardy SS
9 Brendan Harris 3B
Bench
Jim Thome 1B/DH
Jose Morales C
Nick Punto Utility
Jason Pridie OF
Rotation
1-Scott Baker
2-Nick Blackburn
3-Kevin Slowey
4-Carl Pavano
5-Francisco Liriano
Bullpen
Joe Nathan
Pat Neshek
Jose Mijares
Matt Guerrier
Jon Rauch
Jesse Crain
Brian Duensing
Other pieces that might help-
SP Glen Perkins
SP Jeff Manship
RP Anthony Slama
IF Alexi Casilla
IF Matt Tolbert
3B Danny Valencia
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