This is the hardest time of the year to be a baseball fan. At least it is for me. I actually really enjoy the offseason. I love hearing rumors, and trying to think about what the Twins could do, and what they will do. Who will they sign? Will there be a trade? From the end of the World Series until about the middle of January, it is fun. Then there is the Twins Winter Caravan which is a great time, followed by the weekend of Twins Fest. In a little over a week, one of the great phrases will be uttered, "Pitchers and Catchers Report!" And, I'm of the belief that Opening Day should be a national holiday! And, then there is the 162 game season. Obviously it's much more fun when your team is winning, but that long journey from April to October is what it's all about.

However, there are those pesky three weeks between Twins Fest and the beginning of spring training. Generally, there won't be any more transactions. The Super Bowl is done, and all we can do is wait. Once Spring Training starts, there will be plenty of storylines to follow!

So, on days like today, the best idea for a topic to discuss is: Predictions.

Predictions are always fun. We can voice our opinions and even if they seem funny now, after the long season, it's possible to be right. We probably won't look back at them, but we can.

So today, get your votes in for the following 2012 Twins awards:

1.) Twins Hitter of the Year 2012

2.) Twins Pitcher of the Year 2012

3.) Breakout/Surprise Offensive Player of the Year for the Twins 2012 (not necessarily the best hitter, but a guy who far exceeded expectations) -

4.) Breakout/Surprise Pitcher of the Year for the Twins 2012 (may not be the best pitcher, but really stepped up)

5.) Twins Rookie of the Year 2012

6.) Twins Minor League Hitter of the Year 2012

7.) Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year 2012

Let's stop with that for today. We can make more predictions as the season approaches. My votes would be:

1.) Joe Mauer - One injury-plagued season should not deter people from remembering how good he is!

2.) Francisco Liriano - It's a contract year for him. If he wants to make any money, he better step up!

3.) Ben Revere - He made a lot happen last year in the field and on the bases, and he didn't even hit well. Watch him actually get on base in 2012 and see what happens! Should be fun!

4.) Matt Capps - If he's healthy, he is pretty good. Right now, people are very down on him, but he's solid when healthy.

5.) Liam Hendriks - I believe that if any of the starters get hurt in June or early July, Hendriks will be the guy to step in. Parmelee could be the guy if Morneau can't play.

6.) Oswaldo Arcia - Should be back completely at 100% Needs to cut down strikeout rate, but hits and hits for power to all fields.

7.) Alex Wimmers - many thought he would be last year, but it was a crazy season for the right-hander. He could jump 2-3 levels in 2012... we hope!

Get your predictions in today!