Minnesota Twins

The Twins seem to be hoping for there first 30+ HR season since 1987 to come from Jusitn Morneau. It very well may, but Morneau is so well-known that I cannot envision him being a sleeper. After all, he did hit 22 HR last season. That is not an amount that anyone would be shocked to see rise to 30.

Jason Bartlett, on the other hand, was highly touted entering last season but did not live up to that touting. This season I expect him to do so. I see a 10 HR/15+ SB campaign with a non-harmful AVG (.270 or so). Given his poor 2005, he should come fairly cheaply - no more than $9 or $10 if he is available when multiple team finds themsleves with some draft cash and a need in the middle.

Jason Kubel will be given every chance to win a starting job. He was highly-touted following the 2004 season. Despite missing all of 2005, he has not been forgotten. I would not hesitate to go into the high teens for him if he is healthy, but I also do not consider that sleeper value either. My general full-value for ROY candidates available in the draft is $18. To me, that is the happy medium between future potential and current season capability.

In the rotation, everyone talks about Francisco Liriano. I have nothing to add except to say I was queried by a writer friend prior to last season about the potential for a book that followed him through his 2005 season. I thought it would have been interesting, but I never expected Liriano's breakthrough 2005 season either.

Scott Baker is the player I would watch. With Liriano sucking all the air from the room, Baker could go for a fraction of the cost and do as well. His ratios are just as good as Liriano's are, but he won't cost double digits as I expect FL will.

In the bullpen, no one is taking Nathan's job. Jesse Crain will get some hype, but I am leary of a pitcher who dominates in the bullpen while striking out only 25 in 79 2/3 innings. Yikes! he walked more than he struck out. Sell high if you have him! (Think Dan Kolb.)

In the minors, keep an eye on Denard Span. Torii Hunter is expensive, and Span could provide a nice alternative. I wrote about him earlier this off-season right here.