Except that you said "best case" scenario. A best case scenario is that Hicks and Parmelee put up the Koskie/Hunter production while Plouffe covers Mientkiewicz's production. Not likely but not impossible, either. Hunter only had an OPS+ of 102 in 2001. The 2001 Twins didn't have anyone who could put up anything close to a 140 OPS+ season. If Mauer stays healthy, he's close to a lock to do it. If Morneau rebounds at all, he should easily clear 120 OPS+ (he posted a 113 OPS+ in 2012, IIRC) and could approach 130 or better with a solid season. The 2001 Twins didn't have a Willingham or Doumit on the roster, either. Again, I'm not arguing the payroll point at all, merely the timeline. If things break right for the Twins, they'll be competitive in 2013 or 2014, not 2016.