The youth have arrived

In an offseason riddled with blockbuster trades, free agency additions, multi-year deals for the core of the team, as well as the departures of beloved superstars Johan Santana and Torii Hunter, it is difficult to envision what the team will look like on Opening Day.

The Twins haven’t had to worry about their starting rotation for a long time. For the last decade, the Twins rotation has been stable, refined and predictable. With the departures of Carlos Silva, Matt Garza, and Santana, the rotation is suddenly unreliable but potentially the best young rotation in baseball. Below I have detailed the projected starting rotation.

Starting rotation:

1.) Francisco Liriano, LHP
This might be a surprise but who is slotted as the Opening Day starter will be the most important decision the Twins organization will make. In an offseason where they trade the ace of the staff and possibly the best left-handed pitcher ever in baseball, they need to make a statement. If what the organization says is true, and Liriano is 100 percent healthy, then declare him the ace by starting him Opening Day. Tommy John surgery takes 12 months to recover from and Liriano’s had 18 months. In order to ensure he doesn’t get hurt again, the Twins need to monitor his pitch count. The only way to keep his workload consistent is to start him on day one. If the Twins want to erase any questions about Santana’s departure, this will quickly accomplish that goal.

2.) Scott Baker, RHP
If it weren’t for Liriano’s return, Scott Baker would be the successor to Santana. However, he shouldn’t feel too bad about taking a back seat to a talent like Liriano. Baker showed flashes of greatness last year with a near no hitter and a noticeable increase in confidence. He has the potential to become an ace, but will need to continue to mature mentally. With Baker, it’s his confidence that tends to fluctuate and with it goes his talent. Baker is the key to this staff because he can either stabilize it or continue to provide question marks.

3.) Boof Bonser, RHP
Bonser has had impressive moments. I still remember in one of his early starts as a Twin, Boof loaded the bases in the first inning with no outs and then proceeded to strike out the next three batters swinging. That team was the Seattle Mariners. The three players he struck out? All Stars Richie Sexson, Carl Everett and Adrian Beltre. However, his weight has held him back but that might be a thing of the past. Boof lost 20 pounds in the offseason, which could be the difference needed to make him a formidable threat.

4.) Livan Hernandez, RHP
Although I disagree with this signing and was content moving forward with a young rotation, Hernandez might be a pleasant surprise. He always has been known as durable which would justify his nickname as an “innings eater.” Hernandez could lead this team and mentor the pitching staff. He has the tools to be a dependable starter and by signing a one-year contract, he will be playing for his 2009 salary. Since it is likely the Twins will miss the playoffs, Hernandez could be a mid-season trade that brings us a special player ready to contribute for the new stadium in 2010.

5.) Kevin Slowey, RHP
Kevin Slowey makes me nostalgic for Brad Radke. This kid could be something special. He has the control of Radke and the poise of a veteran. His rise through the minors didn’t take long, and his numbers were more impressive than his counterparts Liriano and Baker. If Slowey‘s numbers can transition from the minors to the majors, he could be fun to watch. Many may prefer the lefty Glen Perkins saying he deserves his chance, Nick Blackburn or lefty Brian Duensing because of their recent success in the minors, Phil Humber because of his potential from being a third overall draft pick or maybe even Kevin Mulvey due to his comparisons to Carlos Silva. Though these are all viable options for the fifth spot, Slowey will provide guaranteed stability. Compared to his counterparts, Slowey has impeccable control - walks barely exist in his resume. With this young rotation, less walks is the preferred attribute.

The Twins youth movement has arrived, and it all starts with Liriano taking over the throne left empty by Johan Santana.