Saturday Short:
The Key to Twins 2011 Season
We talk a lot
about all of the question marks for the Twins heading into the season, and no
question, after winning 95 games a season ago, it is remarkable how many
unknowns there are heading into spring training. In my mind, one word describes
the biggest issue for the Twins 2011 season. That word will determine,
potentially, whether this team finishes first in the AL Central or falls to
third. The word is one that every team has to worry about every season, and one
that often fits into the cliche world. The word is “health.”
Yes, that refers
to Justin Morneau and the concussion that he suffered
last July. Yes, that refers to Joe Nathan and his return from Tommy John surgery
last spring. It refers to Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker who each had “minor” offseason
arm surgeries. It refers to Francisco Liriano who experienced
some shoulder soreness the last few days. Joe Mauer
and Michael Cuddyer each had “minor” knee surgery in
the offseason. Pat Neshek’s return to 100% with a
full season under his belt after his Tommy John surgery is a big story this
spring. James Hoey and his, as Phil Mackey said on
1500espn yesterday, 185 mph fastball needs to stay healthy (and throw strikes).
Carl Pavano has never been a beacon of health, and
hopefully he can hit the 200 inning plateau again in 2011. And there are always
unforeseen injuries throughout a season, big or small.
It is safe to
assume that the Twins will not be 100% healthy all year. Neither will the White
Sox or the Tigers or anyone. But this season more than any recent season, the
term “health” is such a big thing heading into spring training. There are
plenty of other question marks, including a lack of depth at some positions
that make health even more important for the Twins. What is the backup plan if
Joe Mauer or Justin Morneau
get hurt? Who gets playing time if any of the Twins
infielders get hurt? I actually am less worried about the Twins pitching staff
as it relates to health than I am the position players because of the depth
question.
I have no
problem saying that, IF HEALTHY, the Twins have the best team in the AL
Central, just ahead of the Chicago White Sox.
What do you
think? What is the Twins most important key to their 2011 season? How would you
rank their top five issues? Feel free to leave
your comments here. Also, for more links to Twins articles and thoughts
throughout the weekend, be sure to follow
me on Twitter where I like to retweet
Twins-related articles and post thoughts frequently.