With TwinsFest in the rear-view mirror, the Twins are now just 13 days away from reporting to spring training in Ft. Myers, Fla.
After back-to-back 90-loss seasons, there are still more questions than answers when it comes to the roster and the coaching staff. But from the time TwinsFest started (Friday) to when it ended (Sunday), the organization fielded dozens of interview requests in an effort to provide some answers and generate some enthusiasm for the upcoming campaign.
In no particular order, here are some major plotlines heading into the February/March camp:
Will Ron Gardenhire keep his job?
Star Tribune writer Jim Souhan talked with GM Terry Ryan, who said fans shouldn’t be too concerned about Gardy’s status.
Who will play center field?
With Denard Span and Ben Revere gone, Aaron Hicks seems to be the leading candidate. He tells Fox Sports North that winning the job has been “his plan for a while.”
Twins reliever Glen Perkins says losing Span and Revere is tough, but in the end it’ll be good for the team:
Who will play third base?
The Twins are on record. It’s Trevor Plouffe’s job to lose, even though he had a lousy second half in 2013. Ryan tells the Pioneer Press: “I’m going to rely on his first half instead of his second half and move forward.”
Can Kyle Gibson crack the starting rotation?
Now that Gibson has recovered from Tommy John surgery, Ryan tells the Pioneer Press: “At some point in 2013, you’re going to see him pitch for us.” Whether that’s in April or later, largely depends on what Gibson does in spring training … or if the Twins can sign another free-agent starting pitcher (Joe Saunders?).
Will Justin Morneau be traded?
His contract is up after the year, which might make his prime trade bait as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Morneau, who like Joe Mauer is enjoying an injury-free offseason, says it’s out of his control, telling Fox Sports North: “My job is to play first base and help us win games and all that other stuff will kind of happen as it happens.”
What will the final roster look like?
Here’s the tongue-in-cheek preview from Twinkie Town blog. Here’s the “I’m-never-wrong” prediction from Pioneer Press columnist Tom Powers.
The last word on 2013? Back to Perkins, who is nothing but positive:
