And it begins

Spring training has begun.
And obviously, things are a little different this year. Torii Hunter, Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett are gone. And the Twins aren't expected to be in contention for a playoff spot.
I don't think the Twins are going to be bad, but I don't think they have a very realistic shot at the playoffs. I'm guessing somewhere between 75 and 83 wins. Their lineup should be a lot better, but the rotation is full of questions.

I could put together a list of at least 25 questions for spring training, but a lot of them are obvious. This is what I'll be paying closer attention to during spring practice.

*Boof Bonser's weight issues
He's lost over 25 pounds since last year (click on the photos for the full before and after look), when he posted a 5.10 ERA. The Twins felt his weight was a problem, and when you consider how well he pitched in the early innings compared to how badly he pitched in the middle and late innings, they may be right (it may also be that his stuff is simply better suited to the bullpen - we'll see).
So the question is, Does a lighter Boof mean a better Boof?






*Denard Span - seriously?
The first round pick of 2002 has been largely a disappointment as a minor-leaguer, but has come out swinging (figuratively) this spring, calling out media and bloggers who have written him off. He says he's going to be the Twins opening day CF, and he will be given a chance. I'm inclined to think his bat simply isn't good enough. Maybe he'll develop late, like Hunter did.

*Craig Monroe - will he stick?
If Monroe, who hit .219 last year, makes the team, he gets $3.82 million. If they cut him, they only have to pay him 800K. I really don't understand why the Twins offered him so much to begin with, and I think they'd probably be better off cutting him. But the Twins seem to think they can fix him, so I'm guessing that as long as he hits above .100 he makes the team.

*Nick Punto - will he play?
Please Gardy. You have a Gold Glove SS in Adam Everett, and two above-average offensive infielders at 2B (Brendan Harris) and 3B (Mike Lamb). Punto should be nothing more than a defensive replacement and once-a-week starter.

*Will Joe Nathan sign an extension?
Nathan is one of the game's top 3 closers. He can get a deal that would pay him in the $15 million a year range, but seems to be indicating he'll stay in Minnesota for less.
I don't think they should do it. The Twins organization is loaded with quality arms, and probably 4 to 7 of them could make quality closers. I love Nathan, he's the best the Twins have ever had, but a team on a budget simply shouldn't spend major money on a closer.
Gardy's pushing hard for the Twins to sign him, though. If it happens I certainly won't be upset, because Nathan is great. I just think there are better ways to spend money.