Starting rotation

A topic I believe deserves a little attention, I want break down each player and they're outlook for the season.
 First is Francisco Liriano, I think last year he showed us that he is getting back to his 2006 form, which was basically lights out. Franky is still a bit of a head case, who seems to create to much pressure for himself in big game situations, and that seemed to hold him back a bit throughout the 2010 season. 2011 should be even better than his 201 K's last year. with his nearly untouchable slider, he is a shoe in for Cy Young discussion. I think the sky is the limit for Liriano in 2011.

The number 2 spot goes to recent free agent sign, and my favorite Twins pitcher Carl Pavano. What can a twins fan say about this guy that people don't already know? he is a crafty veteran who's stuff isn't overpowering with velocity , but he makes up for that with perfect pitch selection and speed changes.
They don't call him " the inning eater" for nothing either Pavano was 6th among American league pitchers last year in innings pitched with 221. Which is exactly the kind of impression we needed him to set for our younger pitchers last year.

Scott Baker will make for a solid #3 starter this year if he can overcome to two big problems with his game. One being annoying little nagging injuries. Now lets get this straight, I'm no pro athlete, I don't know what it's like to strain your body day in and day out. Still for some reason I feel like Scott Baker's workout plan found a way to find every little nagging sore elbow and knee out there. That also may had played a roll in his second problem. Lack of consistency in his delivery. the first few starts of the year for Baker in 2010. One could only guess which type of delivery you would get to see on that given night. This was very frustrating to watch as you saw it lead to easy hits for the opposing batter.
I know I'm being a little to hard to Baker but I feel it's just for the man who was our opening day starter last year. Though one stat I can't take away from Baker is his walks. He was 5th Among AL pitchers in least walks allowed last year.

# 4 is Brain Duensing. I have perhaps to many positive things to say about this guy. He is a solid lefty, good control and presence on the mound. My reason for having so much faith in this guy is how much he has stepped up and proved himself in big situations ( game three of the ALDS excluded of course).
Duensing spent most of the season in the bullpen last year where he shined just as much as he has as a starter.
I would like to see more innings pitched and less home runs this year, and Ihave nothing but faith  that he can deliver!

Rounding out the bottom of the rotation in Kevin Slowey. who yesterday was given a brand new 2 year contract. Slowey's game is location,location,location and he uses that to it's full potential. He has been compared to over the years as our new Brad Radke. In my opinion he still has some work to do to live up to that name, but as long as he stays healthy throughout the year and stays calm in tough situations, there is no reason he can't.


Yes I know I didn't mention Nick Blackburn. And to be frank it's because I think he is the odd man out in this equation, Blacky has been so up and down over the years, I think it's time for people like Duensing and Slowey to step up and contribute  more to the rotation.
This scenario will play itself out more soon with spring training just around the corner. I will be watching closely to see it progress.

New twins faces.

It seems like there are actually not that many worth noting, Tsuyoshi Nishioka our new Japanese shortstop being the one exception. It would be an understatement to say I'm excited to see this guy play in person. From what I have seen of him so far ( on YouTube ) he has a very quick, nearly perfect swing. Similar to Ichiro's in a way but with much more power behind it! My guess is he will be Perfect in the #2 spot. This guy Is no slouch on the bases either, Very quick and aggressive which again is exactly what the twins need in their new younger faster lineup!


I'm looking forward to keeping everyone up to date on whats happening with the Twins down in Fort Myers, but in the mean time if there is any topic someone wants my take on, please feel free to comment  or shoot me an email at Thetwinsnerd@gmail.com  Thanks!

First post!

Hey twins fans, thanks for checking out my first post!

I started this blog because I'm a life long Twins fan, who follows anything and everything involving the team. Listening to sports talk radio one day got me thinking, people deserve a positive look at the twins that isn't ruined by years and years of disappointment that comes with being a Minnesota sports fan, I'm 23 years old, so I was born the year of the 87' series, and only about 4 years old in 91' needless to say, I don't remember either of them. I grew up in a very underwhelming age of Twins baseball, with the team finishing below .500 year in and year out, yet I am not forever scared by it, I am an eternal optimist and I like to think I apply that to my views on baseball.

All that being said, I think Twins fans have a lot to look forward to for the 2011 season. The team has a year of experience in the new ball park under their belts, and they have alot of the same talent coming back (which I will go into in my next post ) to give it another go at the playoffs.

Thanks again for reading the first blog and be sure to follow me throughout the up coming season, I promise to make it interesting!