Three keys

Keys to the Twins' success in 2008:

• The Relief Corps has to remain strong. This is probably the least-worrisome component of the Twins' potential for success.

• Defense, Defense, Defense: The Twins have improved their defense up the middle in the infield with Everett at SS, but Castillo was better defensively than any of the current Twins. If Tolbert shows he can play 2B well, Harris and Punto might yet be the bench players. In the outfield, the Twins have three strong arms in Young, Gomez and Cuddyer, but Gomez' talent is pretty raw. Overall, the defense will be about the same as last year, or perhaps a hair worse.

• The Offense has to click. This is one area where the Twins have at least tried to improve, getting Young and Harris from Tampa Bay, signing 3B Lamb and Monroe, and acquiring Gomez. This offense could click to point of scoring 150 more runs this year over 2007.

• The starting pitching has to learn. This is a young staff, and we have to be patient. Don't expect a lot from Liriano. After recovering from surgery a year ago, he'll still be feeling his way back to success. And Hernandez won't be around too long. He needs to return to the National League. But Slowey, Bonser, Baker, Blackburn and Humber will all contribute to this season and most should have positive winning percentages.

Those are the top keys. They're incredibly obvious. But they can contribute to a winning Twins' season.