Can the Twins field a team right now?

From the Seats, November 18, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS - Sure they can. Will they be the 2005 Central Division Champions? I don't know about that, but do know that they can field a team if the first pitch were to be thrown tomorrow.

I have gone through and used my artistic abilities to create a nice baseball diamond with current players we have signed and where they could play. So without delay, here it is, what we have and where they could play:

I think the questions on this are all on the infield. Will Punto and Ojeda play short? I doubt it, but they could. I think the Twins will pick up someone to play short. Who? There are rumors all over the place of who it could be. But they are just that, rumors.

Will Cuddyer play third? I would guess he might start there over Tiffee. But if Rivas is traded and is not there than Cuddyer goes to second and Tiffee has to play third.

Another big question is Mauer. Will his knee allow him to play? Will he be ready to play and if so, how much? Supposedly Terry Ryan has been in talks with Henry Blanco.

The entire point in doing this is to show that the Twins have not lost everything from last year. Stewart, Hunter, Ford, Santana, Silva, Nathan and Rincon are all huge parts of this team that will be here in 2005. If one does not take a risk, they will not gain anything new, no new opportunities will be created.

Percival signs with Tigers

DETROIT - The Tigers signed Troy Percival to a two year deal worth $12 million. Percival signed with the Tigers it ended a 10 year career with the Angels where he picked up 316 saves. In the past 3 seasons he has had 30 or more saves.

Detroit has been trying to make another offseason like last year and have gotten off to the right foot by signing Percival. Jeff Kent has also talked with the Tigers.

If the pitching is there, the Tigers could break the .500 mark in 2005.