The Minnesota Twins won the American League Central for the sixth time in the last nine years a season ago by finishing six games ahead of the second place Chicago White Sox. Minnesota, which posted a 94-68 record in 2010, is favored to retain its division crown in the most recent 2011 MLB Predicitons. The Twins are presently listed at +150 moneyline odds to win their third consecutive AL Central title.
Minnesota garnered three straight AL 
Central titles in the early 2000's by means of a great defense and solid pitching staff. The Twins changed up the formula a bit a season ago, relying more on its offense than, perhaps, ever before.
Minnesota ranked sixth in the league with 781 runs scored and its .273 team batting average was third best behind the Rangers and Royals.
Those numbers should stay elevated in 2011, especially if first baseman Justin Morneau returns healthy from a concussion he suffered last July. Morneau, who was hitting .345 with 18 homers and 56 RBI when he went down, has still not been cleared to play; however, all signs point to him being ready sooner rather than later.
Even if the Canadian is unable to go early on, the Twins have plenty of bats to keep the offense rolling. Joe Mauer, Jim Thome, Michael Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel are all capable of plating runners with the power shot and the team has a good table setter in Denard Span.
The Twins bullpen, which finished with a 3.49 ERA last season (eighth best in the majors), did see the departure a few arms in the offseason (Matt Guerrier, Jesse Crain, Jon Rauch), but those losses should be offset by the retrun of closer Joe Nathan.
Minnesota's starting rotation is not on par with what teams like Boston or Oakland possess, but it is certainly the equal of its AL Central competition.
Minnesota Twins 2011 MLB Predictions: Second Place in the AL West
Minnesota Twins 2011 World Series Picks:
To Win 2011 World Series +2000
To Win 2011 AL Pennant +900
To Win AL Central +150 (Two of Five)
Regular Season Wins – Over 86 (-110)/Under 86 (-120)
