Things to look for in the 2011 Twins season

1. Tsuyoshi Nishioka filling the second spot in the batting order with a legitimate OBP. Joe Mauer probably should have been batting second for the past several seasons instead of the generally feeble batting middle infielders put in that spot in the past.  I expect a high .375+ OBP this year from "Nishy."

2. The bullpen stepping up once again as always.  A healthy Joe Nathan means that the back end of the bullpen is quite strong with the (strangely maligned) Matt Capps and Jose Mijares as primary setup men. It is also helpful to remember how effective Glen Perkins was out of the bullpen before becoming a starter. I do not really trust Jeff Manship or Dusty Hughes, quite frankly, and expect the Twins to have to replace both of them fairly early on in the season (Waldrop, Slama, Burnett, and Diamond being the likely candidates).  Kevin Slowey in a new role will be an interesting thing to watch.

3. Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer in their last seasons as Twins. The outfield depth in the minors is impressive and it will likely be time to move on to the young talent in favor of two fairly overpriced players with decreasing defensive utility and a lack of offensive consistency.  Cuddyer could stay around. I would have preferred trading Kubel in the offseason.

4. The official ace-dom of Francisco Liriano (and hopefully an extended commitment from the Twins).

5. Trading deep strengths for needs at the deadline. Potential trade candidates include Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, Matt Capps, Anthony Slama, Ben Revere, Rene Tosoni, Brandon Roberts, and Evan Bigley. Likely needs are another ace-like starter and a right-handed power bat.

6. Beating the Yankees in the playoffs.