2015 Minnesota Twins: Winning On The Horizon

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Aug 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Minnesota Twins (To be determined)

While the value in the parentheses above states “Yet to be determined,” part of the determination can already be made. This team is going to compete, it should be better, and raising some eyebrows should definitely be part of the goal.

Looking at plenty of the principles that previous rosters have already shown us, applying them to what could be the way the Twins open 2015, leaves no reason for anything but excitement.

Here’s your projected 2015 Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster:

Rotation: Phil Hughes, Ervin Santana, Ricky Nolasco, Kyle Gibson, and Tommy Milone

Bullpen: Glen Perkins, Casey Fien, Brian Duensing, Tim Stauffer, Caleb Thielbar, J.R. Graham, and Mike Pelfrey

Starters: Kurt Suzuki, Joe Mauer, Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe, Danny Santana, Torii Hunter, Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Arcia, and Kennys Vargas

Bench: Eduardo Escobar, Josmil Pinto, Jordan Schafer, Eduardo Nunez

Looking at a grouping at a time, the Twins have to feel absolutely ecstatic. Should Milone round out the rotation, the Twins will have quality major league pitchers, with front end dominance, at each rung of their rotation for the first time in years. The bullpen has more options than the club will know what to do with, and names like Alex Meyer and Trevor May don’t even appear.

On the offensive side of things, the Twins are coming off a season in which they were one of the best in the majors at scoring runs. Not only should Mauer return to form, but Hunter adds another bat to the lineup. Should Hicks bring any of his minor league success of 2014 with him this season, the Twins are in a good spot.

With plenty of talent on the horizon, including Sano and Buxton pushing for time, along with a guy like Eddie Rosario, Twins Territorians absolutely have to see a difference in the construction of the team this time around. Sure, there’s plenty that can happen up until that point, but give me the over on 77 wins, with an outside chance that September is a lot of fun.

Italics were used to signify players believed to be locks for the 25 man roster.

Next: Positional Battles; Who's In The Pen For The Twins?

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