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Fantasy Forces:
CL-Eddie Guardado (32)- After years of mediocrity in the Twins' bullpen, Guardado was given the closer role when Hawkins struggled
late in '01 and carried his success into an amazing '02. With a team record 45 saves, Guardado saved all but six opportunities and was
equally effective each half. With the talent around him on the staff and the lineup, he should get near 40 again.
SS-Cristian Guzman (25)- Guzman has the potential to be one of the game's most explosive shortstops, but was hindered by
shoulder problems last year, resulting in a dropoff from his stellar '01 season. He has tremendous speed and hitting ability although
he continues to be hounded by a lack of discipline. Until he improves on the 17 walks he had, he will stay out of the leadoff spot but
is a top-five AL shortstop.
CF-Torii Hunter (27)- Hunter established himself as one of the game's premier five-tool players but suffered a large dropoff
after making the catch of the year in the most irrelevant game of the season. Like many of the hitters in Minnesota, he isn't
committed to waiting for the walk. Impatience aside, he has not come close to his potential and is going to win an MVP one day.
LF-Jacque Jones (27)- Named as the everyday leadoff hitter when Gardenhire was named manager, Jones rewarded the Twins with a
bust-out performance. In true Twins form, Jone won't walk but is apt enough with the bat to overcome his aggressiveness. His
speed is better than his steals indicate and he should see improvements there although his power has likely peaked. Jones is arguably
the AL's top left fielder.
Better Days Ahead:
RF-Michael Cuddyer (24)- A former first rounder, Cuddyer lit up Triple A before making his debut and gave a glimpse of his huge
power potential but struggled in other facets of the game. He is still learning to play the outfield as a former infielder and will be
given the bulk of the duty in right as the Twins hope he can become the all-around player he was in the minors. He is a sleeper for
the AL ROY but may not get enough ABs.
DH-Matt LeCroy (27)- Injuries forced LeCroy into the lineup and his production against southpaws warranted a bigger role in '03. A
one-time catcher, his future seems to be as a DH and should he get a full season of ABs, he could approach 30 homeruns but he likely will
settle for respectable numbers in the meantime as he shares time with Mientkiewicz and the young right fielders.
P-Johan Santana (24)- Once Radke and Mays returned to the rotation, Santana was shuffled back to the bullpen but his presence may yet
force a trade of Reed. Armed with an explosive fastball/slider combo, he is learning to harness his ability closer to the plate and
has proved to be extremely tough to hit, especially lefties. Although it will take an injury or trade to move to the rotation, if he
does he will become one of the league's top strikeout artists.
Risky Business:
SP-Joe Mays (27)- Mays followed up his 17-win 2001 season with elbow surgery and a delayed start to the '02 season. Once he
returned he wasn't nearly as effective with his stuff as he found himself in repeated trouble. Mays has a solid repertoire and is a
quality #3 but is surely a risk until it is certain he has his arm strength back. He will only get better as the year goes on. |
Supporting Cast:
RF-Bobby Kielty (26)- With Brian Buchanon shoveled off to San Diego, the right field battle focused on Kielty and Cuddyer.
Although he doesn't have the potential Cuddyer does, he has uncanny patience and is a steady producer in any role, making him a certainty to
grab some good PT.
3B-Corey Koskie (29)- Koskie put together his best year in '01 but was saddled with hamstring troubles early last season and never
regained his stroke upon returning. With a trio of free swingers in front of him, Koskie should see plenty of fastballs but isn't
opposed to taking the walk either. A good hitter, both his homeruns and steals were probably higher than should be expected on a
yearly basis but he will still be a top run producer.
SP-Kyle Lohse (24)- When Radke and Mays were saddled with injuries, Lohse stepped up and earned himself a permanent spot in the
rotation. Using improved control and a dominating curveball, Lohse was nearly unhittable after the break and could find himself in the
fourth spot if the Twins decide to trade Reed.
1B-Doug Mientkiewicz (28)- Mientkiewicz may be the most patient hitter in the lineup but also is the only hitter who has likely
already peaked. Dependable and steady, the lefty will be in the lineup most days but doesn't have the power potential of a typical
first baseman and with the young talent abounding in Minnesota is unlikely to get much more than 500 ABs.
SP-Eric Milton (27)- After waiting for the lefty to harness his arsenal into ace material, it is time to take Milton for what he is-
an inning-eating flyball pitcher who's willing to get hit rather than keep the ball out of the strikezone. He is consistently inconsistent
and despite excellent control gets in trouble when he can't locate his power pitch. With Milton, you take the good with the bad.
C-A.J. Pierzynski (26)- In a lineup littered with hitters who drive to get the mail, Pierzynski is more unlikely to walk than
any of them. But like the others, he is capable enough to get by without it. Suited for the back half of the lineup, he doesn't
provide much power but could climb to double digits and will be among the top hitting backstops in the league.
SP-Brad Radke (30)- Before Milton there was Radke, who overcame groin problems that led to multiple DL stints to post his usual
numbers although the injuries led to his first sub-10 win season as well as falling short of 200 innings for the first time since his rookie
year in '95. The Opening Day starter for seven years now, he will make it eight this year and should be back to his old self.
2B-Luis Rivas (23)- Like Koskie and Guzman, Rivas saw injuries derail his '02 season early on. A free swinger who shuns
walks, Rivas has arguably the best speed on the team but needs to improve his presence on the basepaths. Like the rest of his game,
this will come. In time, he may become an effective leadoff hitter but until he becomes more patient he will reside at the bottom of
the order.
Past Their Prime:
SP-Rick Reed (37)- On a staff coated with young talent, Reed dismissed his trade demands and became the Twins' most reliable
pitcher. He won 15 games, including 9 after the break while remaining the game's top control artist. Although his repertoire and
command will allow the late-bloomer to pitch into his forties, it's unlikely he will duplicate his '02 season and should drift back to his
previous form. He is a good trade candidate still with Santana on the outside looking in, but with the questionable durability of the
rotation might end up staying right where he is.
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