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American League Central

April 03, 2005|By Previews by South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Hot seat: Joe Mauer. Will his knee hold up after two big setbacks last year?

Best case: A fourth straight division crown arrives on the wings of change. ... Michael Cuddyer and Jason Bartlett make Twins fans forget Corey Koskie and Cristian Guzman, at least in terms of offensive production. ... Johan Santana and Brad Radke make their new contracts look like steals for the front office.

Worst case: Joe Nathan can't replicate his All-Star showing (44-for-47 on save chances) in his closer follow-up. ... Jacque Jones' pending free agency proves a distraction. ... Lew Ford slides back to journeyman status after shocking nearly everyone last year. ... They don't get a fourth straight chance to win their first pennant since 1991.

LINEUP

LF Shannon Stewart

SS Jason Bartlett

C Joe Mauer

1B Justin Morneau

CF Torii Hunter

RF Jacque Jones

DH Lew Ford

3B Michael Cuddyer

2B Luis Rivas

ROTATION

LHP Johan Santana

RHP Brad Radke

RHP Carlos Silva

RHP Kyle Lohse

RHP Joe Mays

BULLPEN

RHP Joe Nathan

RHP Juan Rincon

LHP J.C. Romero

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