Minnesota Twins

Will Ron Gardenhire win his fourth straight division title? You'll have to keep reading to find out, but you'll probably realize what I think by the end of this column. The Twins won the Central crown last year with a 92-70 record, winning the division by 9 games. They will get a healthy Joe Mauer back and have their entire starting pitching rotation returning, including Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana.Minnesota led the league in pitching last year and has a good shot at doing the same again this season.

Led by Santana (20-6, 2.61) the top four pitchers should turn in the same performances as last season. Brad Radke (11-8, 3.48), Kyle Lohse (9-13, 5.34), and Carlos Silva (14-8, 4.21) are all ready to go again this season in which their pitching will lead them to another title run. Joe Nathan is a qualified closere and should get plenty of chances to do so this season.

The Twins were 10th in the league in hitting last season, so the pitching needs to be in top form again. Joe Mauer should be solid behind the plate as he was looking before his injury. The outfield is one of the best in baseball with Shannon Stewart, Torii Hunter, and Jacques Jones patroling the Metrodome turf. Lew Ford is also more than adequate as a back up outfielder. With the outfield and their defense, hitting, and speed returning, the questions about the team surround the infield. Doug Mientkiewicz and Corey Koskie are both gone, as is their excellent defense. Second year man Justin Morneau will be the first baseman and the hot corner will be tamed by Michael Cuddyer. The Twins will find out if the defense on the corners will hold up well enough to keep pressure off the pitchers and offense. Luis Rivas will start at second base and do fine, but the shortstop position is up for grabs and will be a question mark for the team this season.

A fourth straight division title is well within the reach of the Twins, it will be up to the pitching, and the stacked outfield to deliver it.