Winter of our Discontent

By David Jensen

Another season is in the books. For the second time in three years, the Twins showed fans all over the upper Midwest what it’s like to be a baseball fan in Baltimore or Toronto. To have a decent team get beat up by and finish behind two good teams. It sucks, but it’s a damn sight better than what Kansas City and Pittsburgh have come to acknowledge as a fact of life.*

Ahead of us is a very challenging off-season. The result of which could put the 2008 Twins anywhere from first to fourth in the central. I don’t think management could screw things up so badly as to finish behind Kansas City, could they?** Parting with Lew Ford was a good first step. The second would be signing Carlos Silva without giving him a raise, perhaps even giving him a pay-cut. He is valuable as a veteran and good for about ten wins, but if someone wants to give him more money, put him on that train to Cincinnati and don’t think twice, it’s alright.

At second base, we’ll have to live with the decision that sent Luis Castillo to New York and see if Alexi Casilla can become a worthy replacement. Jason Bartlett will get another chance to prove he’s not an out with legs and a decent glove. Hopefully come late May, his on base percentage will be higher than Morneau’s batting average. The only hole in the infield is third base. Nick Punto is a utility player, not an everyday third baseman. Who can we get? I don’t know, but I’ll keep looking.

Minnesota has a strong foundation in Mauer, Morneau, and Dorn. To keep players, fans and peanut vendors happy, they must re-sign Torii Hunter. He’s been great on the field, in the clubhouse, and for the community. He is a Twin. He deserves a check that will keep him in the Metrodome for the rest of his career.

What will new GM Bill Smith do during his first winter at the Helm? A complete overhaul via free agency, or bring in the farm system to fill holes in the lineup and field? Sign Santana now, or bring in Steve Trachsel and Rick Reed?

*George Brett is not walking through that Door!

**Seriously, please give me money and I will save the Royals.