We’re diving into the AL Central this week for our Offseason Review/Season Preview. We begin today with the 2010 Division Champion Minnesota Twins… but you already knew that because you saw the title of this post.
Biggest Additions: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Jim Hoey
Biggest Subtractions: Orlando Hudson, J.J. Hardy, Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Jon Rauch, Brian Fuentes
Offseason Review: When you look at the names above, you probably realize something important – the Twins didn’t have a great offseason. It sure seems like they lost a lot more than they gained this year. Two of the biggest moves the Twins actually made this offseason are off the radar… well, the above list anyway. They re-signed both Jim Thome and Carl Pavano. Both don’t seem like significant moves, but both were significant parts of 2010’s 94 win team. Additionally, Justin Morneau should be returning from a concussion that kept him out for most of the second half, and Joe Nathan, who missed all of 2010, will be back.
Season Preview: It’s pretty hard to be down on a team that won 94 games last year, but as mentioned above, they didn’t really have a great offseason. Realistically, they didn’t need to, but their two closest division rivals did quite a bit to improve. Because of this, I find it hard to say that the Twins will win the division again.
Final Record: 87-75, 2nd in the AL Central
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