Finally, it’s time for our first series preview of the year. The initial installment of our aptly-named “Central Intelligence” covers the Minnesota Twins. Despite the justified optimism overflowing among White Sox fans, most will admit that the Twins are the team to beat in the division this year, and for good reason — Minnesota is coming off a record-breaking season in which an absurdly powerful lineup led the club to 101 victories. Offseason addition Josh Donaldson will certainly help maintain that status, and the team also made some savvy rotation moves, including the acquisitions of former Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill.
2019 Rewind
- Overall Record: 101-61, 1st place in AL Central
- Splits vs. White Sox: 13-6 record, 125 runs scored to 65 runs against
- Postseason: Lost ALDS 3-0 to the New York Yankees
Inside Look
As will be the norm in our Central Intelligence series, a knowledgeable writer from the team in discussion will answer some questions for us. Today, we have one of the best in the business: Dan Hayes of The Athletic, whom Chicago fans fondly remember as a former White Sox beat writer. We are extremely lucky and thankful to have Dan on board for our first series preview of the year. Here is what he had to say.
What are the Twins’ expectations heading into the unusual 2020 season?
They should be high and it should be more than just win the division. The Twins already have an established, homegrown core in place that really took off in 2019. And just like they did the previous offseason by adding Nelson Cruz, they built around it further by signing Josh Donaldson, Rich Hill, and Homer Bailey and trading for Kenta Maeda. This is a team that set a new single-season MLB record for home runs and added Donaldson. It’s a really good lineup, a strong rotation, and a good bullpen.
After going toe to toe with the Yankees last year for most homers in the league, it’s fair to say the Twins have a high-powered offense. Is there a specific Twins hitter who you believe matches up well against the White Sox pitching staff, and if so, how should the White Sox try to contain him?
I love the White Sox offense, but it will be interesting to see how some of their young hitters handle their first season. The Twins’ core experienced those ups and downs and is an experienced group now. It’s a legit lineup and only the Yankees are likely to out-homer them. As for the second part, I think Cruz hit 11 homers vs. the White Sox last year, including seven at The Cell. Don’t give him much to hit.
From the outside looking in, a lot of people express doubts in the Twins’ pitching staff after Jose Berrios, Kenta Maeda, and Jake Odorizzi. How confident do the Twins feel in their rotation, and which pitchers do you believe are most equipped to handle a White Sox lineup that projects to hit a lot of home runs?
The Twins feel pretty good about their rotation and it’s understandable why they are, though nothing is certain. They love what Homer Bailey did in Oakland when he started to throw his split-fingered fastball in different spots in the count and believe he can improve with pitch mix. Also, Rich Hill is healthy. From 2015-19, he had a 2.91 ERA. If he stays on the mound, Hill would be an outstanding addition. But there’s a reason he’s only made 88 starts in those five seasons. Hill originally would have been out until mid-June to July but hasn’t missed time because of the shutdown. One thing that hurts the Twins is Michael Pineda was their most consistent starter after May last year. He had a 3.10 ERA from June 1 until he was suspended, a suspension that has 36 games remaining.
Sox fans know the big names for the Twins – Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, and Josh Donaldson, just to name a few. Who are some of the names that might slide under the radar to outsiders, but to Twins fans, are exciting names to watch out for this season? What do Twins fans expect from some of these under the radar guys?
Luis Arraez will win a batting title. With the game on the line last August, Terry Francona walked Arraez, a left-handed hitter, with lefty Brad Hand on the mound because his gut told him the rookie would come through. The next day he compared Arraez’s ability to put the bat on the ball to Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew. But when it comes to the lineup, take your pick. Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler, Buxton, Sanó and all-star Jorge Polanco are all in their physical primes. It’s a deep lineup.
Who are some of the names to look out for at the back end of the bullpen that the White Sox might not want to face in late-game situations?
Trevor May and Tyler Duffey were outstanding after the Twins acquired Sergio Romo at the trade deadline. Each has a very good fastball to pair with some nasty off-speed pitches. Throw them together with Taylor Rogers, Romo and Tyler Clippard and you have a group that gives you a lot of different looks.
What are you personally looking forward to as you cover another Twins season?
Honestly, I’m just glad we’re getting a season. The last few weeks have been nice to see baseball players doing their thing again. But I would love to see a full season of Buxton. He was coming into his own last year at the plate when he injured his shoulder. He’s dynamic. The Twins were 53-25 when he started in 2019.
Probable Starters
- Friday: Jose Berrios, RHP (Twins) vs. Lucas Giolito, RHP (White Sox), 7:10 PM CT
- Saturday: Rich Hill, LHP (Twins) vs. Dallas Keuchel, LHP (White Sox), 1:10 PM CT
- Sunday: Kenta Maeda, RHP (Twins) vs. Reynaldo Lopez, RHP (White Sox), 1:10 PM CT
We are very thankful to have worked with Dan Hayes on this preview! If you do not already, be sure to follow him on Twitter and to check out his work for The Athletic (subscription required).
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Featured Photo: Minnesota Twins/Twitter
