Twins poised to take even more lumps in AL Central

When it comes to projecting this season's AL Central champion, you can make a credible case for the White Sox, Tigers, Royals and Indians.

All four teams appear to have the talent to finish first in the division, and a mad dash to the finish line is a definite possibility.

Then, there are the Twins.

Minnesota has finished last in the Central three times in the last four seasons and, barring a miracle, the Twins are headed for the basement again this year.

"We're optimistic," general manager Terry Ryan told reporters at the start of spring training. "We're in good shape around the diamond and have some choices on the mound. I think we have the ability to generate runs and we have good speed. And I think we're going to improve defensively. Now it's just a matter of sorting it all out."

Minnesota made some notable off-season moves, bringing back veteran outfielder Torii Hunter and adding Ervin Santana to the starting rotation.

The biggest transaction came in the dugout, where Hall of Famer Paul Molitor replaces longtime manager Ron Gardenhire.

Molitor, a St. Paul native, is aware of the immediate challenges.

"Our team has had four very difficult years," Molitor said. "We have not quite figured out with the new core of players that we have on how to get over the hump and win more."

If there is a bright spot, the Twins are loaded with talented young prospects, headed by outfielder Byron Buxton and power-hitting third baseman Miguel Sano.

Buxton and Sano were both slowed by injuries last season, but the duo is expected to gradually lead Minnesota back to respectability.

Among the veterans, the Twins still look to Joe Mauer for leadership.

Now playing first base after dealing with concussion issues as a catcher, Mauer is still owed $92 million over the next four years and needs to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season (.277, 4 home runs, 55 RBI in 120 games).

Hunter, who broke into the major leagues with Minnesota in 1997, is back on a one-year, $10.5 million contract after batting .286 with 17 homers and 83 RBI with the Tigers last season.

Offense isn't the Twins' main concern.

Santana was signed to a four-year, $54 million deal and he is an obvious upgrade to a rotation that had the highest ERA (5.06) in baseball last season.

With the Braves last year, Santana was 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA. He'll pitch behind No. 1 starter Phil Hughes, who won 16 games for Minnesota in 2014 while walking just 16 in 209⅔ innings.