The Minnesota Twins are less than 136 hours from the time I
am writing this. It is the time of year where Twins fans including myself
cannot wait for the start, All teams are 0-0 with hope for each fan of their
favorite squads throughout Major League Baseball.
Las Vegas has projected the Twins to lose 98 games this
year, The last two seasons have been tough but true fans will stick with their
team knowing anything is possible.
I am excited for the coaching staff and specifically really
pumped to have Tom Brunansky as the hitting coach. I loved his days as a Twins
as I remember the days with Gaetti, Hrbek, Puckett and Bruno. I really think he
will be an asset as the hitting coach.
I amvery excited to see Terry Steinbach as bench coach, I
loved watching him in his playing days although most were with Oakland. The
experience he brings to the Twins as a former player is going to be so
valuable.
It was 2012 where the Twins had for starters, Carl Pavano, Francisco
Liriano, Jason Marquis as part of the staff and now 2013 these 3 players have
moved on. Matt Capps was the closer and now the duty will be handed off to Glen
Perkins. I love the move of having this left hander who has waited his turn and
now his chance to shine.
The change in the pitching staff in 2013 now brings Mike
Pelfey, Kevin Correia and Vance Worley as new guys to the organization, The
pitching staff in 2012 was a major problem so in my mind there is nothing to
lose. We have to believe these guys can show some stability. Scott Diamond the
best pitcher last season will be back but not right away, I am anxious to see
him on the mound. The negatives of last year Diamond was a player to be proud
of for the work he accomplished.
The 2012 starting included, Alexi Casilla, Denard Span, and
Danny Valencia all who are now longer on the team in 2013. I will admit I was
bummed out when Span was traded but then I knew we had Ben Revere. Then the
news of Revere being traded left me wondering what the plan is.
The 2012 roster also had Luke Hughes, Tsuyoshi Nishioka,
Sean Burroughs all who are gone as well.
A young mans who has been waiting his turn as he has been in
the minors has now been named the starting center fielder. His name is Aaron
Hicks. He had a very good spring and now has the chance to patrol center field
for a very long time.
I saw a projected starting line up and it went as follows:
Hicks lead off followed by Jamie Carroll, Mauer, Willingham, Morneau, Doumoit,
Parmalee, Plouffe, and new short stop Pedro Florimon.
It is a projection but if so I love it. I believe we have power
from 3-8. Plouffe can hit homers even at the 8th position. If Hicks
can avoid the rookie nerves I believe opposing pitchers better be ready for a
long day at the park.
This team has a lot of questions but it will sure be fun
watching as the year goes on and they figure it out. Las Vegas has pinned 98
losses well I chose to be optimistic in saying I believe we will go 86-76.
Time is ticking to the first pitch at Target Field. The
Twins will get to face Detroit ace Justin Verlander. It will be nice to see him
start out 0-1.
I must also add that Torri Hunter is now part of the Tigers.
He was one of my favorites in a Twins uniform. I hope the Twins sweep the
Tigers but would like to see Hunter have a good series.
The schedule starts out strange as the Twins open at home
for 3 then go on the road to Baltimore on April 5,6, and 7th. In 2012 Twins started the season in Baltimore
on Friday April 6th. What a
strange coincidence playing the Orioles at the same time of year.
I can’t wait, how about you ? LETS GO TWINS!!!!!
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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