2012 MN Twins.

nojuice9 · Feb 8, 2012

I haven't decided yet, thinking about posting all my Twins plays in gynes thread. I would like to cover the Twins possible starting rotation in this thread. Please feel free to throw your two cents in or correct me if I make a mistake.

- Twins allowed over 800 runs last year.
- Twins finished dead last in strike-outs (940).

C. Pavano - odds are he's going to be the opening day starter, more than likely by default. He's in his late 30's and has pitched a ton of innings, gave up more hits than any other pitcher in the league.
F. Liriano - battled injuries and control issues. IF he can get it going he's money otherwise...
S. Baker - injuries (2) solid #3 otherwise.
N. Blackburn - injuries (3) second consecutive off-season with a arm surgery.
J. Marquis - 4.55 ERA & 1.43 WHIP career.

So, three of your five have injury issues and the other two have their own issues to work out. That plus the fact that as a staff they give up an ass load of hits and hardly any strike-outs points to a long season. I wonder how the Twins offense will do, will The M&M boys get/stay healthy? Laters.

nojuice9 · Feb 8, 2012

yes I know my write-ups aren't the best. It's the information and thoughts that you should focus on.

nojuice9 · Feb 20, 2012

alittle more on Liriano, he had a career high in walks last year (75) and posted his second worst ERA (5.09). I think that one should keep a close eye on his spring training and see how he progresses.

KDawgg · Feb 21, 2012

Twins have been heading downhill ever since trading Ramos

nojuice9 · Feb 29, 2012

where at in Nor CA? I have a number of friends in the Santa Cruz area.

KDawgg · Feb 29, 2012

Far from Santa Cruz but its a great place to visit... Grew up in the East Bay, now living between their and Sacramento. I follow the Twins off and on not by choice but because a buddy of mine is a die-hard Twinkie fan.
Twins and Giants (my team) are in similar situations with Mauer and Posey... I think they'd both make great 2nd Basemen!

KDawgg · Feb 29, 2012

Liriano: I still have nightmares about that trade... what a debacle. Not just the talent we traded (gave) but the POS we got in return.

nojuice9 · Mar 1, 2012

Santa Cruz is a decent place, no doubt. I was alittle shocked on how much passion they have for the Giants, laid back place at least what I've been exposed too. How do you feel your Giants will do this up-coming season?

nojuice9 · Mar 3, 2012

first official wager of the 2012 season.

Twins UNDER 73.5 wins (-1.25) 2.50 to win 2.00.
- the Twins went 63-99 (.389) last year. Alot of that was due to injuries and that could be a problem again this season. I also question their pitching staff and there ability to keep this team in games. I just don't see a 10 win increase with a bunch of questions.

Good Luck.

KDawgg · Mar 5, 2012

I like the Twins bet... shaky pitching, bad bullpen and question marks around Morneau and Mauer still.

I'm kinda torn on the Giants. There is a lot of variation in my opinion meaning that anywhere between 76-96 wins wouldn't surprise me. I think the general perception that Posey and Freddy Sanchez will be back and will be a huge boost is a lot to assume. I think those two will be fine come June but we play half of our games with Ari before June 1st. The Giants had a window of oppourtunity to be great but are letting it go by just like they did in 2002 when they refused to offer Tejada &/or Vlad to protect Bonds. No offer to Reyes or Beltran. Trading for players like Melky Cabrera & Angel Pagan when they could have signed CoCo Crisp or a number of similar talented guys. As negative as I sound I think the Giants make the wildcard(s), I guess 85 wins.
Arizona is going to be tough. I like the additions they made to the bullpen and staff. I like the upper level guys in the minors that will provide depth/trading chips come Aug/Sept. Ari 87 wins.