Bold Predictions for the Twins Offseason
Entry posted by jtkoupal ·
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1. Paul Molitor Will Be the Next Twins Manager
OK, maybe this is not that bold, but it is most likely going to happen. He has received nothing but compliments from Gardy and some players, so let's hope he is the guy.
2. The Twins Will Sign Either Justin Masterson or Brandon McCarthy
Pitching, pitching, pitching.... That has been problem number 1 the last 4 years. Either of these are good options that will help turn the Twins rotation around. They are not Scherzer, Lester, or Sheilds, but they will perform well.
3. Josmil Pinto Will be Traded
Terry Ryan and the Twins are dead-set on Kurt Suzuki behind the plate, so that leaves Josmil Pinto in a situation where he must either rot on the bench or rot in AAA if he stays with us. Otherwise, we could trade him for a more valuable asset to us, otherwise he will rot either on the bench or in AAA.
4. The Twins Will Not Lose 90 Games
This year will finally be the year where the Twins approach .500. I'm not going to say that they will eclipse .500, but come year's end, they will approach it. They will not lose 90 game in 2015. There are young players developing, new management, new coaching, and the pitching will improve. The turnaround will take its next step in 2015.
5. Joe Mauer's Decline Will Continue
Joe Mauer had a bad year by Joe Mauer standards. If his name was not Joe Mauer, he'd be considered "average". However, the large contract is really killing the organization right now. Think what $23MM could get in Free Agency. 2 solid pitchers maybe. 1 superstar pitcher, and then a little extra. His season was not good, and I wouldn't hold your breath on it getting any better from here.
6. Kyle Gibson Will Emerge as the Twins' Ace
Gibby showed flashes of what he can do in 2014, but the year of experience and familiarity with different hitters and situations will improve his game plan. He will execute his pitches more effectively and we will see the strikeout number climb a little. I don't expect Phil Hughes to have a year like he had this year. I expect Big Phil to sink to the mean a little bit. He will be solid, but I believe Gibson will overtake him as the Ace.
7. Oswaldo Arcia and Kennys Vargas Will Combine for 55 HR
Given that they healthy, Ozzy and Kennys will be forces in the middle of the lineup for the Twins in 2015 and beyond. Both showed what they are capable of doing last year. Expect Vargas to get pitches to hit, as he is hitting behind Mauer, and expect Arcia to swing at enough pitches (balls, strikes, it doesn't matter) to hit his share of bombs.
8. Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton Will Debut
It's almost inevitable that these two prospects will get their feet wet in 2015. Especially if Hicks and whoever plays left field are not performing. Miguel Sano will displace Plouffe, which could lead to a move to the outfield or a move to a different city.
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