Englepuck Kirbydink

I believe it was 92 (93?), when Kirby was being heavily courted by Boston. I remember having my friend over that night for a sleepover (we were 10), and watching a clip of the news conference on TV when the Twins re-signed him. I remember running down the street with my friend chanting "KIR-BY'S STAAAAY-ING" at the top of our lungs like idiots.

Given the exit of Cuddy and Kubel, I'd say the expectations are production and veteran leadership (although it still feels weird to consider him an actual veteran!). Whether his health will allow him to meet those expectations is another question entirely. Defensively I think he'll be his old self. If Willingham and Revere can be average/average+ offensively, it'll take some of the heat off of Span. This roster has so many damaged parts, making it hard to envision any clear picture of what's going to happen, because so much depends on the health of so many guys who were not healthy and recovered but who have done great things when healthy. Exciting AND scary, I think!