Batting Order: The Twins had the most salary cap space going into pre-season free agency, allowing them sign stars CF Jacoby Ellsbury and SS Derek Jeter. Those two create a sensational punch at the top of the order, especially with hitting machine Joe Mauer in the three hole. While Josh Willingham provides power in the clean-up spot, the rest of the line-up is fairly lackluster, even with Ortiz and Morneau providing some fascinating OB 8 charts near the bottom of the line-up.
Rotation: A stellar rotation that does not decline significantly between the 2nd and 4th pitchers. Eric Milton is the ace, providing a traditional tier 2 control and chart. The key to the Twins success probably will rely on the Scotts winning games at the back-half of the rotation. If they're successful, Minnesota could make a little noise in the AL Central.
Bullpen: A good 'pen led by closer Joe Nathan and set-up man Glen Perkins. Those two will strike out a lot of opponents. Bob Wells provides a valuable control 6 as the third reliever. A solid unit overall that should hold up well over the season.
Overall: The Twins have some very exciting players, especially Ellsbury and Mauer, but they lack the depth in the batting order and sensational ace in the rotation to contend with Detroit and Cleveland this season.
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