Questions For 2007

The American League Central will only get tougher in this coming year and the Twins have some major questions to answer, along with some tough re-building choices ahead of them.

Detroit followed up its World Series appearance by adding Gary Sheffield as DH to an already muscular lineup. The White Sox have re-amped their bullpen by adding David Aardsma, Andrew Sisco and Gavin Floyd, while also making room for budding star Brandon McCarthy for Freddy Garcia. Cleveland added outfielder David Dellucci along with some bullpen help; even Kansas City spent some dough by signing starter Gil Meche to a five-year, $55 million deal.

Considering Minnesota's biggest losses this past season - rookie phenom Francisco Liriano to Tommy John surgery and dependable veteran Brad Radke to retirement - fans are left questioning the depth and stability of the Twins' starting rotation.

Of course, two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana will lead the pitching staff, but behind him follows a series of question marks.

Boof Bonser is expected to take the #2 spot, with his experience limited to one season. Carlos Silva is coming off one of his worst seasons ever, and the other two spots may be filled by the much-improved Matt Garza and hopefully, talented lefty Glen Perkins.

The Twins' apparent goal for the offseason was to add at least one veteran arm to that group. With the price tag on many free agents and the desire for young talent, a decent trade or pick-up was next to impossible for such a small-market team. While the club has remained fairly quiet, they did add infielder free agent Jeff Cirillo and Rule 5 Draft choice Alejandro Machado.

A steady dose of offense always helps to lighten a pitchers' load. Minnesota saw a bunch of young stars emerge in the lineup, as AL MVP Justin Morneau, AL Batting Champ Joe Mauer, and 100-RBIer Michael Cuddyer all had breakout seasons.

The infield appears to be stocked, with Jason Bartlett holding down the shortstop spot and Nick Punto locking up third base for the upcoming season. Luis Castillo proved he could stay healthy at second base and Morneau has drastically improved his defense.

Torii Hunter will once again rule the center of the outfield after the Twins picked up his $12 million option for 2007. Cuddy finally earned a permanent starting spot in right field, but a hole still remains in left field. The Twins brought back Rondell White (why?) to possibly take that spot, with questions surrounding Jason Kubel's unstable knees and the loss of Shannon Stewart. Jason Tyner and fan favorite Leeeeeew Ford, along with promising rookies Denard Span and Alex Romero are a few other possibilities for the outfield chart.

One of 2006's best bullpens will return in full force, only without righty Willie Eyre, who was released last month. A second lefty to take some burden off of Dennys Reyes would be welcome, as well.

There is still plenty of talent on the club, so don't count them out of the ALC race just yet. GM Terry Ryan has a history of making moves after the New Year, but if he doesn't, the Twins will have to stick with what they've got: a boatload of youngins'. Minnesota has long relied on its farm system for digging up talent, so the inability to acquire a big bat or strong arm is nothing new.