Season Preview

Like Oakland, the Twins are entering a transition year with Torii Hunter, Johan Santana and Carlos Silva gone. You don't lose a trio like that and not take a hit. The comparison with Oakland ends there, however. While the A's are entering a rebuilding phase, the Twins' is closer to retooling. Signing closer Joe Nathan to an extension on March 24 was only the latest indication. Video Outlook

Strengths
There are a lot of clubs who would be very interested in a middle-of-the-order that includes Delmon Young, Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer. Add former batting champion catcher Joe Mauer, and the Twins won't be nearly as clawless as a lot of folks are assuming this year. The continuity of manager Ron Gardenhire and the front office remains this organization's best asset. Yes, even though Terry Ryan stepped down as GM, he's still very involved. GM Bill Smith has been in the organization for nearly 20 years, and baseball minds like Mike Radcliff, Joe McIlvaine and Jim Rantz don't make many mistakes.

Weaknesses
Livan Hernandez is slated to start opening day. Where have you gone, Brad Radke? Hernandez is the weakest Day 1 starter for the Twins in at least a decade, and some might take Bob Tewksbury, the 1998 opening day starter, over an aged Hernandez. The thinking here is it's at least the Twins' worst since Allan Anderson threw the opener in 1990 for a team that would finish last in the AL West. There are serious pitching questions, but keep an eye on Scott Baker. This is the year he could emerge as the breakout member of the staff.

Difference Maker
Francisco Liriano. If he successfully comes back from a surgery that knocked him out of all of 2007, Liriano could pitch the Twins into contention. That's a lot of pressure on one man, and Gardenhire is determined to take it slow and easy with Liriano. Smart, especially early. Whatever happens, probably the 2.16 ERA he posted in '06 is out of the question.