Unwarranted Pessimism?

by MJesser on Mar 30, 2008 1:54 AM EDT

SI just released their annual MLB Preview , which predicted the Twins to rank last in the AL Central in 2008. Obviously these are just pre-season predictions from a national media outlet, but I find it hard to imagine the Twins losing more games than both the Royals and the ChiSox.

I certainly don't blame the writers for being pessimistic about the team this year. After all, we have retained 3 (4 if you count Kubel) of the 9 opening day position players (Mauer, Morneu, Cuddyer) from last year and only 1 of the 5 members of the rotation from opening day (Bonser).

What do you think? Does the off-season turnover lead to the Twins finishing 5th in the AL or are the writers at SI way off base?

Poll

What is your reaction to Sports Illustrated ranking the Twins last in the AL Central in 2008?

My middle name is Pessimism. Their prediction is spot on.

2 votes

Twins will finish better than KC but behind the ChiSox.

3 votes

Twins will finish better than the ChiSox but behind KC.

2 votes

Are they crazy? The Twins will finish better than both.

33 votes

Who gives a flying flip what Sports Illustrated thinks? Just give me the Swimsuit Issue and shutup.

17 votes

57 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I don't think

the Royals have enough pitching to finish out of the AL cellar this year, but they do keep getting better. They have a few talented hitters and a couple talented arms, but they're still a year away from competing enough to get themselves off the floor.

With Chicago, they're getting old but there's still a lot of talent. If lots of things go right for the Sox, or if lots of things don't go well for the Twins, I could see Chicago finishing third.

Still...just give me the swimsuit issue.

by Jesse on Mar 30, 2008 7:42 AM EDT reply actions

ESPN Mag

Said the same thing, fifth place finish.

by Neil on Mar 30, 2008 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

2008

Both KC and Minn will be looking to the future. The Twins are *not* going to be very good in 2008. Pitching is either young and unproven or old and not-so-hot. Hitting is worse than last year and the Twins had a crummy offense in '07. On the bright side, they should be better in 2009 and competitive for the new ballpark in 2010.

by MilwGonzo on Mar 30, 2008 1:05 PM EDT reply actions

I guess

if even the more optimistic fans would place the Twins either 3rd or 4th in the division, its not hard to believe that we could be the worst team.

It is very possible that our starting pitching implodes in my eyes, which would leave us in deep trouble for the season.

Even so, I don't really care what the national media says. Can't imagine they do much but make safe picks.

by guinness junky on Mar 30, 2008 2:25 PM EDT reply actions

Um, "yes"?? I mean "No." ... oh, h_ _ _

Every team, regardless of the sport, starts its season with some "questions" & how well they do depends on how well they're answered (along with the pop quizzes that come up during the year).

You want a "We're doomed!!!" prediction, all you have to do is assume the Twins can't answer any of their questions.

Except baseball is a weird game - who was expecting a 96 win team (2006) to drop under .500 in 2007?

IMO, assuming all the answers will be negative is unduly pessimistic.

by BD57 on Apr 1, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions