Minnesota Twins Spring Training Tickets - Preseason Overview

Minnesota finished just a game behind the division-winning Chicago White Sox in the AL Central in 2008, and although the Twins were well behind the Boston Red Sox in the race for the Wild Card spot, they still looked like a playoff team all the way through the season. As we get geared up for 2009, the Twins and their fans know they have a solid team that could make the postseason this upcoming year. But how will the offseason moves affect this team's performance? Let's take a look at some of the key ups and downs from last year and then discuss the current situation facing the Twins as Spring Training gets underway.

2008 Highlights
In the American League there were only two other ball clubs who scored more runs than the Twins, the Texas Rangers and the Boston Red Sox. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau were the highlights of one of the best offenses in the league. As a team the Twins had the third highest batting average and the second most hits in the AL. The Twins were arguably the best small-ball hitting team in the league, as evidenced by the excellent batting averages of Morneau (.300), Mauer (.328) and Delmon Young (.290). As far as pitching was concerned, Joe Nathan was one of the team's favorites. Nathan was an All-Star who ended the season with 39 saves, 74 strikeouts and a career-low 1.33 ERA. Scott Baker led the way for the starters, with an ERA of 3.45 and 11 wins. As a team the Twins gave up the least walks in the American League.

2008 Lowlights
The Twins lacked power, hitting the second fewest home runs in the AL and ending with a team slugging percentage well below average. The starting pitchers were dragged down both ERA-wise and salary-wise by Livian Hernandez and his 5.48 ERA and $5 million salary while he was in Minnesota. The Rockies didn't get much more out of him after he left for Colorado. Not being able to close in on and pass the White Sox in the playoff race remains the biggest downer in an otherwise excellent 2008 season.

Spring Training and Future
For the most part the Minnesota Twins were quiet in the offseason, and that might just be a good thing. When you finish one game out from the playoffs and you have a fairly young team, you can rest on the idea that you're guys are going to get one year better, and one or two games more victorious, thus allowing for a playoff appearance.

Thinking about joining the Minnesota Twins in their spring training games down in Hammond Stadium in Fort Meyers, Florida? If you want to see some of the new players on the team, you should check online for Minnesota Twins spring training tickets. Some players you might be used to seeing, but won't see anymore, include Adam Everett, who signed with the Tigers, and Eddie Guardado, who signed with the Rangers. Luis Ayala joins the pitching staff, and you can see him battle guys like Boof Bonser and Craig Breslow for a spot in the bullpen.

Joe Nathan needs a solid reliever to set-up his closing masterpieces. The job is still up for grabs. Another interesting storyline is Joe Crede, who just joined the team from (guess who?) the Chicago White Sox. Crede might win the third base job, but Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris might put up worthy efforts in spring training.

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