The middle of the Twins' lineup looks as strong as ever -- probably stronger, considering how healthy Joe Mauer feels this spring -- and the bullpen could be one of the deepest in the American League. But none of that will matter if the Twins' young starters cannot rise to the opportunity being handed them, and especially if LHP Francisco Liriano never approaches his pre-surgery form.

ROTATION:

1. RHP Livan Hernandez

2. RHP Boof Bonser

3. RHP Kevin Slowey

4. LHP Francisco Liriano or RHP Nick Blackburn

5. RHP Scott Baker

Liriano's status has been a question mark all spring, which isn't a surprise considering he missed the entire 2007 season after Tommy John surgery. He seems healthy, but he hasn't been willing to throw all-out so far, and he has admitted to being "scared" to throw his devastating slider. He likely will start the season in Class AAA until he is comfortable again (with Blackburn filling his spot), but the Twins need him back as soon as possible.

Hernandez gives the Twins at least one known quantity, though he has as many bad days as good. The season really hinges on Baker building upon his strong second half of 2007, on a noticeably thinner Bonser pitching with more confidence, and on Slowey or one of the other youngsters matching their minor league success on a bigger stage. Baker starts at the back of the pack because he was slowed by injury and illness this spring.

BULLPEN:

RHP Joe Nathan (closer)

RHP Pat Neshek

RHP Jesse Crain

RHP Juan Rincon

LHP Dennys Reyes

RHP Matt Guerrier

RHP Brian Bass

Think of Nathan as the canary in the Twins' coal mine -- if he's still around to add to his four-year total of 160 saves, Minnesota will continue to think of itself as a pennant contender. The contract extension he agreed to on March 24 should quiet most of the trade rumors.

As long as Nathan is around, the Twins should be successful in shortening games. Guerrier and (if he regains his pre-2007 form) Rincon are sturdy in middle relief, and Crain will shoulder some of Neshek's heavy load in the late innings. It might be the Twins' strongest position.

LINEUP:

1. CF Carlos Gomez

2. C Joe Mauer

3. RF Michael Cuddyer

4. 1B Justin Morneau

5. LF Delmon Young

6. DH Jason Kubel/Craig Monroe

7. 3B Mike Lamb

8. 2B Brendan Harris

9. SS Adam Everett

A stronger-than-ever Morneau should see plenty of hittable pitches with Young behind him, and the Twins are optimistic that duo can blossom into an RBI machine, particularly if Mauer stays healthy. Kubel and Monroe figure to platoon at DH unless Kubel finally proves he can handle an everyday role.

The bottom of the order merely needs to avoid weighing down the offense the way that Nick Punto (.210) did last season, something even the light-hitting Everett should be able to accomplish. The big unknown, however, is whether the Twins go with a prototypical (if unproven) leadoff hitter in Span or roll the dice with the big (and mistake-prone) talent of Gomez. If it's the latter, there won't be many more thrilling players in the American League -- and that's both good and bad.

RESERVES:

C Mike Redmond

INF Nick Punto

OF Craig Monroe

INF Matt Tolbert

Monroe will be the Twins' most dangerous pinch-hitter of the last two or three seasons, on days when he doesn't serve as the designated hitter. Redmond is a reliable slap hitter and a great handler of pitchers behind Mauer, though the Twins would prefer not to use him as often as they did last season. Tolbert edged INF Brian Buscher for a roster spot.

ROOKIE WATCH: RHP Nick Blackburn and RHP Philip Humber gave the Twins tough roster decisions by pitching well this spring. They figure to receive opportunities throughout the season behind a young starting staff. CF Denard Span has greatly impressed the Twins with his progress, and had the Johan Santana trade not brought Carlos Gomez to Minnesota, he would have locked up the leadoff spot.

MEDICAL WATCH:

C Joe Mauer (right quad) is completely recovered after a winter of rest and says he feels as healthy as he has in two years.

RHP Scott Baker (flu) returned to toss a minor league game March 26, and he will face minor-leaguers again on March 30. He hopes to make his first regular-season start April 4.

LHP Francisco Liriano (left elbow surgery) says he has felt no pain this spring, but he doesn't appear to be throwing as hard as possible yet. The Twins, careful not to rush him after Tommy John surgery, might opt to send him to Class AAA to work up his stamina.

CF Carlos Gomez (left hamstring) missed the March 26-27 games. He is day-to-day.

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