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9 Reasons The Minnesota Twins Will Struggle In 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Twins are back in action as the 2015 season started Monday at Detroit.

The Twins made some wholesale changes in the offseason, with the biggest being replacing manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson. Things can't get much worse for the Twins after four straight seasons of at least 90 losses. The team will need to do something as fan attendance is on the decline and lately, the team hasn't been relevant after the All-Star break.

So can the Twins be a team that contends for a playoff spot or will it be another long, frustrating summer at Target Field? It's too early to tell, but most that know the game well don't have high expectations for the Twins in 2015. Here's nine reasons why it will probably be another losing season in Minnesota.

Minnesota Twins v Detroit Tigers
(credit: Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching

A baseball team only goes as far as its starting pitching, and the Twins starting rotation was among the worst in Major League Baseball last year. The names in the mix this year haven't changed much, so unless pitching coach Neil Allen has some tricks, it's nothing but question marks after Phil Hughes. It's hard to win games when you're down 4-0 by the fifth inning.

Ervin Santana
(credit: CBS)

Ervin Santana's 80-Game Suspension

The Twins spent $55 million on a four-year contract for free agent pitcher Ervin Santana, giving some credibility to the starting rotation and a chance to be competitive. But late last week, he was suspended for 80 games for the use of performance enhancing drugs. Now that rotation, until July, is the same as Minnesota had last year.

Detroit Tigers v Minnesota Twins
(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Outfield Defense

Among the biggest question marks for the Twins entering the season is the outfield defense. Aaron Hicks is athletic but his struggling bat sent him to the minor leagues from Spring Training. Torii Hunter is a veteran, but doesn't have the range he once did. Oswaldo Arcia makes up for a lack of defense with his bat, and Jordan Schafer's speed makes him an asset in center field but misplayed a ball that led to a run on Opening Day.

Arizona Diamondbacks v Minnesota Twins
(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Doing The Little Things The Right Way

The Twins had five hits in an Opening Day loss, but none of them was solid. The Tigers stole two bases on Phil Hughes without trouble. Arcia hesitated on an outfield throw that led to a Detroit baserunner taking an extra base. Paul Molitor stressed attention to detail and doing the little things the right way for the Twins to win this season. It hasn't translated, at least yet.

Kansas City Royals v Minnesota Twins
(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Can Mauer Recover From Rough 2014?

Joe Mauer moved from catcher to first base last year to avoid injuries, but missed the last month of 2014 with a concussion. He hit a career-low .277 with just four home runs in 120 games. He started Monday with a 1-for-4 game, and the hit was a seeing-eye single. The Twins need Mauer healthy and hitting for more than singles to be competitive this season.

Cleveland Indians v Minnesota Twins
(credit: Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Need For A Consistent Power Hitter

The Twins haven't had a player hit at least 30 home runs since Justin Morneau. There's potential this year with players like Kennys Vargas, Arcia and even Trevor Plouffe. But the Twins need a hitter in the lineup consistently that opposing pitchers feel the need to work around. There's not a consistent threat at the plate when the Twins have a runner in scoring position, other than maybe Mauer.

paul molitor
(credit: CBS)

Molitor In New Territory As Manager

Paul Molitor is in his first season as the Twins manager, but he's only as good as the players the organization can provide for him. He'll encounter situations where he has to make decisions. Some will work, others won't. He'll need to stick by his principles of defense, pitching and taking chances in the right spots to be successful. One thing you don't have to question is his passion for baseball, it just has to translate on the field.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v Minnesota Twins
(credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Twins Predicted To Finish Last In AL Central

Most baseball writers and experts have the Twins finishing last in the American League Central Division and at or near 90 losses. It would be the fifth straight season if that happened, and the honeymoon phase is over at Target Field. Fans won't come to games if the team isn't competitive regardless of how nice the stadium is. It's up to the players to use the low expectations as motivation to surprise in 2015.

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
(credit: Elsa/Getty Images)

Top Prospects Staying In Minor Leagues

The Twins have one of the best minor league systems in baseball, but the prospects haven't had enough time to develop and be ready at the major league level. Everyone wants to see Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, but they both missed most of last season with injuries. Eddie Rosario is in that mix also, as is starting pitcher Alex Meyer. Jose Berrios could also be an impact player soon. If the Twins want to create some buzz, Buxton and Sano will play at Target Field before the season is over.

The harsh reality is that the Twins will likely struggle again this year. The team can't really be judged until Santana pitches, but the Twins might already be out of the playoff mix by then. So that begs the question, when does football season start?

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