Minnesota Twins
 The Minnesota Twins are known for getting more out of their roster than they
deserve. If that proves to be true this season, the Twins could be more
difficult to dispatch than a first glance at their roster would permit.
Like every team in the majors, the Twins will rely on their starting pitchers to
lead them to the playoffs. Rick Aguilera, who has battled injuries the past few
seasons, will lead the Twins rotation, with off-season addition Bob Tewksbury
backing him up. Tewksbury, who is baseball's active leader for fewest walks
allowed per nine innings should act as a positive veteran influence on young
starters Brad Radke an Frankie Rodriguez, who will fill out the starting battery.
The Twins bullpen lacks a definitive closer, or middle reliever and will rely on
a combination of Ike Trombley and Eddie Guardado to finish off close games.
The off-season addition of Terry Steinbach at catcher gives the Twins a proven
leader on offense and defense. Joining Steinbach around the infield will be
Chuck Knoblauch, who is ready to break his own team record for runs scored
following a lucrative contract extension, Paul Molitor, one of the most
"intelligent" hitters in baseball, Scott Stahoviak, Pat Mears, and rookie Todd
Walker who can focus on his defense as he will bat at the bottom of the order.
There will be a hole in center field as a result of the loss of Kirby Puckett to
glaucoma, but Rich Becker, Roberto Kelly, and 1995 American League Rookie of the
Year Marty Cordova will fill his spikes adequately.
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Oakland Athletics
Off-season losses took the Oakland Athletics, a team that won a surprisingly high
78 games last season, and moved them farther away from the playoffs. Shane Mack,
Kevin Elster, Terry Steinback and Mike Bordick, all left and took with them the
core of veteran talent that led this team. Still, manager Art Howe may have a
few surprises up his sleeve.
The A's have one of the youngest starting rotations in the majors. Pitching ace
Ariel Prieto left Cuba and went straight to the majors (without a stop in the
minors) two years ago and is now capable of twenty wins. Willie Adams, a wiry
second year pitcher, will try to repeat his rookie year brilliance as the number
two starter. The rest of the rotation is up for grabs as first round pick John
Wasdin, lefty Mike Mohler, Dave Telgheder, and Mike Oquist will fight to fill the
remaining spots. The bullpen will try to find a strong set-up man and closer in
Billy Taylor, Don Wengert, Dane Johnson and Matt Dunbar.
But, while the A's have little to look forward to from their pitching staff, they
should have no trouble putting runs on the board. First baseman Mark McGwire and
DH Jose Canseco have been re-united in the middle of the lineup and are expected
to produce some much needed power. Shortstop Tony Batista is coming off a strong
season, Scott Brosius is comfortable with his swing after finishing last season
with a .304 average, and outfielder Jason Giambi crushed 20 homeruns last season,
will be a nice supporting cast. So, if the A's can overcome the shaky defense
in their outfield, they could help determine who will be the champion of the AL
West (even if it isn't them).
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Oaktown
