Spring training is, for the most part, wrapped up and just about every position on the team has been decided. That means it's time to introduce the 2006 Twins, at least as they will be on Tuesday, April 4th.

The Starters

Catcher

Joe Mauer finished spring training on a tear, racking up 7 hits in the final two games against Pittsburgh. It's no surprise that Mauer will be the everyday catcher and likely will hold down the 3rd spot in the lineup.

First Base

Justin Morneau's power numbers weren't spectacular in the spring, but those will surely come. After returning from Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic, Morneau hit .375. The Twins are counting on him to be a big part of the lineup. Morneau may bat somwhere in the 4-6 slots of the lineup.

Second Base

Luis Castillo didn't do any basestealing this spring, but it is just spring, so we'll have to wait until the start of the season to see if he can be the basestealing threat he once was with the Marlins. Castillo had a good spring at the plate with a .453 on base percentage. With Castillo, the Twins finally have a true number 2 hitter who should be a big boost to an offense that desperately needs to score more runs.

Third Base

Tony Batista was brought in to provide power for the Twins. He hit 4 homers this spring, but his average was a dissapointing .224. His weak defensive ability means he's going to have to provide some offense to be a help to this ballclub.

Shortsop

This highly contested position has ended with Juan Castro getting the opening day job. Nick Punto figures to get some starts there as well early in the season. Jason Bartlett, who came into the season expecting to win the position, hit .382 but manager, Ron Gardenhire, opted to go with the defensive ability of Castro. Bartlett will start the season in AAA and hopes to eventually find himself at SS on a regular basis sometime in 2006.

Left Field

Shannon Stewart will bat leadoff again this year and play in left. The primary concern for Stewart will be staying healthy all year.

Center Field

Torii Hunter is returning from his ankle injury that caused him to miss the end of 2005. He's looked good in the outfield this spring, so there's no indication that the ankle will stop him from climbing up walls this season. The addition of Rondell White in the middle of the lineup and a hopefully improved season for Morneau should mean that Hunter will have increased protection in the lineup this year. Add that to the fact that he's in a contract year and he could have a surprising season at the plate in 2006.

Right Field

This is the one position that hasn't yet been decided. Rookie Jason Kubel, who missed all of 2005 to injury, seems to be the leading candidate at this point. Michael Cuddyer and Lew Ford are also fighting for the job, however both seem to be better as positioned to be bench players. Kubel has a good bat, and really his only position is RF.

• Cuddyer has the ability to play the infield (including 3rd where Batista leaves much to be desired), so it's easier to get him into the game via other positions.
• Lew Ford is capable of playing any position in the OF, so he may serve better as a 4th outfielder rather than as an everyday RF.

Cuddyer has looked very good at the plate in his last few games (2 of which were at the minor league level) so this position is anything but decided.

Designated Hitter

The Twins are hoping Rondell White will be able to stay healthy if he's the everyday DH. He's a proven hitter, but injuries have been a major problem for him throughout his career. Getting him out of the outfield could mean the Twins will have a solid bat at the DH and in the middle of the lineup, something they've been lacking in recent years.

The Bench

• Nick Punto (IF)
• Mike Redmond (C)
• Michael Cuddyer (OF/IF)
• Lew Ford (OF)
• Luis Rodriguez (IF)

This is assuming Kubel is the everyday right fielder. Ruben Sierra will start out the season on the DL, but will likely be called up as a pinch-hitting specialist when he's healthy.

The Pitchers

The Rotation

The Rotation is similar to last season with the exception of Scott Baker replacing Joes Mays in the fifth spot.

1. Johan Santana
2. Brad Radke
3. Carlos Silva
4. Kyle Lohse
5. Scott Baker

The Bullpen

The Twins should have a strong bullpen again this season with Joe Nathan anchoring it as closer.

• Closer: Joe Nathan
• Set-up: Juan Rincon
• Jesse Crain
• Matt Guerrier
• Fransisco Liriano
• Willie Eyre

It's hard to say what role Liriano will fill. He's a future starter, so he may see some action as a long reliever. However, he's also the only lefty in the bullpen so he could also be used in a matchup role. Liriano is capable of getting any hitter out, so he'd be more beneficial as a long reliever. Chances are strong that he'll be in the rotation before the season is over.