The Wake

The Minnesota Twins have oiled up the leather, stretched out the lumber and limbered up their arms in anticipation of beginning the 2006 regular season with the hope to reclaim the American League Central title.

To do so, however, the Twins will undoubtedly have to hit better—especially when it comes to power. In an era known for power hitting, the Twins have not had a 30-homerun hitter since 1987 (Gary Gaetti with 31, Tom Brunansky with 32 and Kent Hrbek with 34).

So, where are these extra-base hits and long balls going to come from? This year’s Like many other Twins teams in recent years, this years Twins have many players who should be considered 30-homer worthy. But, who are the top power-hitting contenders for the 2006 Twins?

Tony Batista – The 32-year-old veteran third baseman hasn’t played Major League Baseball since 2004. Minnesota hopes the ex-Orioles, Blue Jays slugger (who’s topped the 30-homer mark three times in his 10-year career) can provide the much needed power; but it’s hard to believe he can get back to MLB form and knock out 30.

Torii Hunter – The defensive superstar’s hitting has become more consistent in recent years. Last season, which included missing more than two months due to injury, Hunter only hit 16 homeruns. However, in Hunter’s previous four seasons he led the team in home runsthree of those years—including hammering out 29 homers in his 2002 All-Star season.

Joe Mauer – Female fans, dream on. This 22-year-old catcher will be a phenomenal hitter. Look for Mauer to hit .300-plus and possibly lead the team in batting average. As far as homeruns, this St. Paul native will likely hit 30 at some point in his career, but it’ll be a few years. As for 2006, look for Mauer to hit some homers, but not more than 24-25. The third-year catcher will provide Minnesota some consistent hitting, but not a ton of power … yet.

So, who will be that first Twin since ’87 to hit 30 homeruns?

Of the above-mentioned, Hunter and Batista are the most probable; however, the key to bringing some power back to Minnesota’s lineup will be its 24-year-old Canadian import—third year first baseman, Justin Morneau.

In 2005, the towering first baseman’s production (or lack thereof) paled in comparison with his lofty potential. Pre-season illnesses and getting hit on the helmet hampered Morneau’s production last season. He finished last season with a .239 batting average, 22 homeruns and 79 RBI. Although his RBI total led the Twins, expect better things for Morneau this season. At 6 feet 4 inches, and a strong 227 pounds, the burly first baseman should be able to knock out 30 and drive in 100 if his health holds up.

This season Morneau has so far been in good health. He competed in the World Baseball Classic for Canada and rejoined Minnesota with plenty of time to prepare his swing and first baseman skills for the new season.

AL Central Breakdown

Chicago White Sox

Last year: 99-63, first place
Manager: Ozzie Guillen (third season)
Key additions: Javier Vazquez (SP), Jim Thome (DH/1B), Rob Mackowiak (Util.)
Key losses: Aaron Rowand (OF), Damaso Marte (RP), Frank Thomas (DH)
Outlook: The Sox are definitely the favorites to win the Central this year. A healthy Thome could have Chicago fans forgetting about the Big Hurt (Thomas) in a hurry. Pitching-wise, this team is tough too. The starters are solid, but the bullpen is especially tough. Chicago’s relief core will feature a pair of reliable veterans (Cliff Politte and Dustin Hermanson), as well as a flame throwing 25-year-old closer (Bobby Jenks) who’ll be shutting the door on several Chicago opponents this year.

Cleveland Indians

Last year: 93-69, second place
Manager: Eric Wedge (fourth season)
Key additions: Paul Byrd (SP), Guillermo Mota (RP)
Key losses: Coco Crisp (OF), Kevin Millwood (SP), Arthur Rhodes (RP)
Outlook: After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, Cleveland will be contending for the AL Central crown once again. The problem is they’ve traded away one of the League’s most consistent relievers (Rhodes) and its undervalued centerfielder, Crisp. Rhodes, a veteran of 16 MLB seasons, posted a 2.08 ERA in 43.1 innings with the Indians last year. As far as losing Crisp goes? Well, the Indians will have a very talented heir-apparent to Crisp in Grady Sizemore (22 HR, 81 RBI through a team-leading 640 at-bats in 2005), but Sizemore’s presence will not make up for the loss of its 26-year-old, slick-hitting centerfielder. Over his three years in Cleveland, Crisp provided the Indians with consistent hitting (.287 career avg.,) and excellent speed (15-plus stolen per season average).

Minnesota Twins

Last year: 83-79, third place
Manager: Ron Gardenhire (fifth season)
Key additions: Rondell White (DH), Luis Castillo (2B), Tony Batista (3B)
Key losses: Jacque Jones (OF), J.C. Romero (RP)
Outlook: The Twins enter 2006 with possibly the League’s best pitching staff. Leading the pitchers will be 2004 Cy Young winner Johan Santana and 2005 All-Star closer Joe Nathan. Offensively, Minnesota hopes to have a quality mid-lineup hitter in ex-Detroit Tigers slugger, Rondell White. Minnesota plans to play White exclusively at the designated hitter (DH) position. Someone who could be an offense igniter is ex-Marlins second baseman, Luis Castillo. He will bring the team a lot of speed (281 stolen bases) and figures to be a consistent hitter at (or near) the top of the Twins lineup. A dark horse for Minnesota may be Rueben Sierra. Sierra, at 40 years of age, is undoubtedly past his prime; however, he has shown he still has a good ability to hit the long ball.

Detroit Tigers

Last year: 71-91, fourth place
Manager: Jim Leyland (first season)
Key additions: Kenny Rogers (SP), Todd Jones (RP),
Key losses: Rondell White (OF/DH), Jason Johnson (SP)
Outlook: Not good. Detroit will try to rekindle its dead flame with a new manager this year. Leyland, who enters his 14th season as a MLB manager, will have his work cut out for him in what will likely be another losing Tigers season. Detroit signed veteran pitchers Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones, but these two will not be able to salvage a difficult situation in Detroit. The Tigers still have All-Star catcher “Pudge” Rodriguez and up-in-coming first baseman, Chris Shelton (.299 avg., 18 HRs and 59 RBI last season).

Kansas City Royals

Last year: 56-106 (last place)
Manager: Buddy Bell (first season)
Key additions: Reggie Sanders (OF/DH), Mark Grudzielanek (2B), Joe Mays (SP)
Key losses: Jose Lima (SP/RP), Terrance Long (OF)
Outlook: Royals new skipper (Bell) will be trying to pick up the pieces of K.C.’s 100-loss season, but it’ll be a mighty task. Despite losing 106 games last season, Kansas City was able to make a couple nice acquisitions. MLB journeyman Reggie Sanders brings the Royals something they desperately need: experience. Sanders has played with seven different teams throughout his 15-year career – including the past two with National League power St. Louis. Through his career thus far, Sanders has hit for a .267 average, while knocking out 292 homers (including 31 with Pittsburgh in 2003). The other veteran pick-up who could help K.C. is second baseman Mark Grudzielanek. A veteran of 11 Major League seasons, Grudzielanek comes to the Royals with a career batting average of .287. The 35-year-old, Grudzielanek, also played for the Cardinals last season.