Five big questions for the Twins in spring training

The Twins open training camp Monday with a relatively set roster, but there still are plenty of intriguing storylines to follow.

[whatever]

Seems to me that the Twins actually have 5 outfielders splitting 4 positiosns(dh). Granted, if you had Kubel, Cuddy, and Young in the outfield at the same time you would have big issues but, I think you can arrange those spots using the DH and I think it will be a good problem, especially when someone gets hurt.
They are fine pretty much everywhere else(even third they will be okay) but short is an area that they really needed to do something with, at least ss or 3rd, and they chose to do nothing because they "couldn't find a good deal". Last time I checked, THERE ARE NO GOOD DEALS in pro sports! You pay big bucks for the good guys so you can win. To hide behind "good deal" is code for "we will NEVER pay high dollar for a free agent. Just out of curiosity, who was the last high priced player they brought in? What, can't think of one? Do you think that will change now?

[brachiosaurus]

The Twins should try Bonser in the set-up role. He did well in the second half of the season and is a player who needs to have a specific job and know what it is. He has good velocity, breaking stuff, and control. Bonser should focus on becoming a reliable reliever and forget being a starter. Guerrier is the guy who needed to step up but collapsed in the bullpen last year. He might have been useful in a trade since he had good numbers prior to last season. Humber would make a good long inning guy and spot starter. Guerrier can't set-up, start, close, or pitch long relief. He lacks versatility.

Let's hope that Gardenhire can be as impartial as possible and field the best team. He'll have some tough decisions to make going into the regular season. Certainly, Gardenhire has proved successful.

[Tybalt]

the WBC is an execrable joke; a completely phony event devoid of meaning. ALL major league players should refuse to participate. ALL major league managers should prohibit their players from participating. This is Selig's idea and Selig is an idiot.

[Tybalt]

Mauer won't be ready 'til May.

[Minfidel]

I think Guerrier got worn down last year because he was so versatile. When Neshek got hurt Guerrier was about the only guy in the BP that Gardenhire trusted and he had nothing left the last third of the season. Crane is the guy who has to put up this year or say good-bye. He's had a year since his injury, and if he doesn't show something in the spring and the Twins want to keep Bonser and Humber, he could be gone.

[Minfidel]

Sad to say, but I'm expecting a down year for Mauer this season. Baseball has become a full-year sport in terms of preparation and conditioning, and the time Mauer has missed since his surgery cannot be replaced. Look at what happened to Morneau a couple of years back when he had the off-season full of injuries and illnesses. He started off hot in April and then faded dramatically. There's no more grueling position in the game than catcher, and the missed time is going to haunt Joe all year. I hope I'm wrong, but this concerns me.

[brachiosaurus]

Clearly, Guerrier was unsuccessful at being versatile. He was the 7th inning specialist prior to Neshek's injury and proved unable to step out of that role. He's not getting any younger, either. After Nathan and Ayala, he's the oldest pitcher on the staff.

Yes, Mauer's surgery and recovery should concern the Twins. The fact that he is with the team is a good sign. But because of the late start on conditioning, Twins followers probably shouldn't expect any additional power from him this season.

[odennorsson]

I prefer Boof to Humber. Boof settled into the relief role and has upside still. Humber was probably included in the deal so the Mets wouldn't be in the position the Twins are in right now. I prefer Young to Cuddy even though I know I'm in the minority here; Cuddy just doesn't seem to be able to stay on the field.

[Shack in TX]

Is it just me? Or is it really hard to get excited about this year. Little to no drama, no new life added to the team, just hoping that the same cast of characters can do more than they have done before..... YAWN!

[knikster]

i think it would be hilarious if Delmon Young came roaring out of the gate on 'a mission'. I want five outfielders. I wonder why we need five starting pitchers, when they're only expected to throw five innings per start? Pitching is all about 'getting the batter out'. Starter, reliever,set up, closer, phoowie. Give the ball to the guy who's ready,and give the TEAM a chance to win one game each day. It takes twenty-five players to make a team. Use them all, liberally. Ther are 25 more in triple A.