It would only be fair to start off by saying the piranhas are my pick to win the AL Central. Yes, I realize how bold of a prediction this is following the Twins' 99-loss season in 2011. However, after studying this division very closely for about the past 12 years, it has taught me one thing: the Twins are unpredictable, and can win in any given year. Sure, the Tigers could easily shut me up and Minnesota could come in 4th or 5th place, that's not out of the realm of possibility; but I love bold predictions, and this is my boldest for the AL Central in 2012. So let's get down to the meat of it and take a look at the Twinkies' roster. The Twins' offense is poised to be a typical piranha-type lineup. They've got the guys we know what to expect from, including Denard Span, Alexei Casilla, Danny Valencia, and of course Joe Mauer & Justin Morneau, assuming all stay healthy. They'll all give us our fair share of headaches throughout the next 6 months. Youngster Chris Parmelee will get his first real shot at the big leagues, taking over at first base, so veteran Morneau can stay well-rested and comfortable in the DH spot. While Parmelee has not proven anything in the big leagues, he has had a very consistent career in the minors, and Ron Gardenhire's past of taking a chance on young guys gives us no reason to believe that their new first baseman won't help them win some ballgames. 
New acquisitions include Jamey Carroll at short stop, Ryan Doumit in right field, and Josh Willingham in left. All 3 have been very formidable hitters during their major league careers, and I think they'll fit right in to this Minnesota Twins roster. Carroll is a fundamentally sound player who can put down a bunt or execute a hit-and-run whenever you ask him to, Doumit is a consistent hitter who can help keep Joe Mauer's legs healthy by spelling him at catcher from time-to-time, and Josh Willingham will merely even out the loss of longtime-Twin Jason Kubel on offense, while adding a more versatile option on defense. To me, the Twins pitching staff yields many more questions than does their offense and defense. While their bullpen seems to be shaping up just fine with Matt Capps permanently taking over for longtime-Twins closer Joe Nathan, their rotation looks to be a bit shaky. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Liam Hendriks, Nick Blackburn, and Scott Baker seems to be what the rotation will be finalized at. For the Twins to be contenders, the following needs to transpire: Pavano simply needs to keep par with his last 2 seasons, which have been solid. Liriano needs to shake off his rough 2011 performance and return to his 2010 form which had AL hitters scratching their heads. Hendriks needs to step up, plain and simple. We don't know much about this kid, so who knows, maybe he'll make a name for himself this year. Blackburn needs to realize he's merely their end of the rotation-guy, feel no pressure, and go out their with some confidence for the first time in a couple years. And finally, Scott Baker needs to come back from injury and be the consistent pitcher he's always been for Minnesota. Is that a lot to ask for? Probably. But have Gardenhire and his Twins "wow'ed" us before? They sure have. 
