originally posted at http://twins-extcs.blogspot.com/

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The Arms:

2012 will see the return of Johan Santana and could, in fact, be a defining year in evaluating who got the best of the 2008 Trade. With Deolis Guerra as the only remaining piece of that trade still with the Twins organization, it seems every good outing for Johan will push the Mets further into the win column.

If this spring is any indication, we should also see a lot from pitchers from our not too distant past in 2012. Last night, R.A. Dickey tossed 6 really good innings for the Mets, giving up only one hit in the 6^th. Meanwhile, Joe Nathan did what he was hired to do and pitched a scoreless ninth to close out the game for the Rangers.

If we were to pick 5 starting pitchers of former Twins, the rotation might go something like this:

1. Johan Santana

2. Matt Garza

3. R.A. Dickey

4. Kyle Lohse

5. Phil Humber

As for the Bullpen:

1. Joe Nathan

2. Grant Balfour

3. Jon Rauch

4. Jesse Crain

5. Matt Guerrier

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZthjbJNj54E/T2ymU24klkI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/DzKpSP2hZyI/s640/arms.jpg

With Andrew Bailey leaving Oakland, the closer position is up for grabs and Grant Balfour might just be the guy. This could result is some good numbers for Balfour this year, especially if he can continue to manage a low ERA.

Guerrier should see plenty of middle inning work in Los Angeles, much as he did in Minneapolis. Rauch, on the other hand, seems to be struggling this spring and may not play as big of a role as he once did. Plus, the Mets pitching staff is already fully stocked on Ex-Twins with Santana and Dickey.

Crain is out indefinitely...

Sergio Santos should be in the equation as well... better closer than Nathan this season. Fuentes also. Can probably use a 7 man pen too