2011 MLB Preview

Minnesota Twins Preview

The Minnesota Twins have won the Central Division six of the past nine seasons. In today's professional sports, this is surely an accomplishment worth noting. It wasn't long ago that these Twins couldn't make it to 75 wins and were the perennial cellar dwellers of the American League.

While the division titles have been great, the Twins need to make a run deep into the playoffs to be considered one of the truly dominant teams in Major League Baseball. As any good, optimistic MN sports fan would say: "2011 will finally be the year the Twins beat the Yankees and take that next step!" 

However, getting to playoffs could be more of a challenge this year given the upgrades made by the hated Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers. The Twins also have some serious questions that need to be answered before any Twins fans start putting deposits down for postseason tickets.

1) Will Justin Morneau return to form? Before going down with a concussion last July, Morneau was one of the front runners for the American League MVP. Missing his bat in October was something the Twins simply couldn't overcome. If the Twins want to win their third consecutive division title and make a deep run in October, they will need their all-star first baseman a full season.

2) Who will be the closer for the Twins in September and October? With Joe Nathan recovering from Tommy John surgery, a big question remains as to how he will last during the season. Fortunately, the Twins also have all-star closer Matt Capps in case Nathan can't shoulder the load.

3) How will Casilla play as an everyday shortstop? This isn't the first time the Twins have asked this question. This is certainly Casilla's last chance as an everyday player, at least with the Minnesota Twins. While Casilla has his fair share of question marks, he is surely an upgrade over Nick Punto.

4) How will Japanese baseball translate into American baseball? Tyoshi Nishioka was an all-star in Japan and many believe he could be the next Ichiro. He plays great defense, is quick, and is an ideal number two batter. He should be fun to watch.  

5) Who will Ron Gardenhire have pitch in the later innings? The Twins lost a number of reliable bullpen arms in the offseason and it may be difficult to recover from those losses. The Twins will surely need Mijares to step up and assume the role of a dominant lefty.

MLB Playoffs

Here are my predicted winners for 2011:

AL East: Boston Red Sox

AL Central: Minnesota Twins

AL West: Texas Rangers

AL Wildcard: Chicago White Sox

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies

NL Central:  Milwaukee Brewers

NL West: Colorado Rockies

NL Wildcard: Atlanta Braves

ALCS: Red Sox vs. Twins

NLCS: Phillies vs. Brewers

World Series: Red Sox over Phillies in seven games

Let me know how you think the 2011 season will play out. Either way you look at it, 2011 looks to be a fun and exciting year of baseball. Who knows, maybe 2011 will be the year Minneapolis hosts a championship parade!

- Bobby