There's an article on ESPN recently decribing a new state UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) that calculates Runs Saved by a defender, with 10 runs equating to a Win.

It goes on to say Hardy was worth 8.1 UZR last year but averages 11 UZR over 3 years and we traded him.  It also says losing Hudson and even.....wait for it.....Nick Punto really hurts our middle infield.  We also had really bad defense out of Cuddy at 1B last year, but hopefully Morneau will return just fine this year.

Our Outfield is aparantly very very bad and cost us 5 wins last season between Young, Kubel, and Cuddyer.  I know Young isn'ta stud and Kubel is probably a better fit at DH, but I didn't realize our defense was THAT bad last year.  I know Casilla and Nishikoa or whatever his name is are big question marks this season for defense, but weren't we ranked pretty high in defense last year?

I realize these sports writers and their east coast bias can't fathom the reality of the midwest: The Twins Win The Division Almost Every Year phenomenon, but let's face it, Casilla could mature and break out this year, Nishi could be awesome, Pavano and Liriano could build on their great seasons, Slowey could stay healthy, Duensing looks like a badass in the making.....there's so much UPSIDE to this team year in year out, why do people constantly try to find reasons for the Twins not being a contender each season?  There's only 3 things you can be sure about in this world....death, taxes, and the Twins competing for the division.

Any other thoughts about this upcoming season and our defense?