I think the Twins have improved dramatically for 2008.
Some have criticized Cuddyer in RF, saying he's mediocre, suggesting Kubel take over there.
Personally, I like Kubel at DH and Cuddyer in RF. His arm makes him more valuable as a RF than the average. If either Pridie shows he's got great range in CF, or the Twins pick up another very good CF, Cuddyer's slightly shorter range won't be much of an issue.
I think last year's downturn for Cuddyer was twofold: the injury, and decline in the entire team's BA. When you've got guys like White, Jones, Punto, Rodriguez, Casilla, Ford and Buscher all hitting in more than 30 games last year and all batting below .250, you're going to have problems. (The vast majority of those players won't be in Twins uniforms this spring.) Pitchers then pitch around the Cuddyers and Morneaus of the world.
The Twins also had a big hole in DH - which I believe they have addressed this offseason. Jeff Cirillo played in 50 games last year, mostly as DH or PH. He hit .261 with 2 homers. That doesn't strike much fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers.
With new acquisitions Young, Monroe, Lamb, Harris and even Everett, we will be a better team. Of those only Everett failed to hit double-digits in HRs, and Everett and Monroe failed to hit .250.
Yes, we traded away Bartlett and lost Hunter. But Young, Harris and Lamb should more than make up for the loss. And I believe Pridie is ready for the big show in CF. He batted .318 with 10 HRs for AAA Durham in 2007 (63 games, 245 AB).
Sign Santana, Morneau and Nathan to LT contracts, and let's get to spring training!
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I hardly believe the Twins have improved. I believe this team is headed for the Central Basement for years to come. Terry Ryan is a smart man and he realized with no contract in place for Santana, Morney, Cuddyer or Nathan after 08 the Twins are in a rebuilding stage. The farm system is void of power bats or power arms and the prospects that will come in trades for Santana and Nathan will be young and cheap. You think Liriano will be all the way back, pipe dream. I love Cuddyer's heart and believe he should be locked up to a hometown deal. He seems like the kind of guy who would like to be here. Why do you think teams like the Brewers are paying Gagne 10 mil or Rangers Guardado 2 mil or Silva gets 4x12. Pitching is a premium and we dont have any other than Santana and our late inning bullpen.
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