Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Minnesota Twins, May 3-May 5

The Tribe continues their homestand with a three game set scheduled for Friday May 3 at a 7:05 PM start time, and matinees on Saturday May 4 and Sunday May 5 at 1:05 PM. After the game, the Oakland Athletics arrive for a four game set.

Team in a Box

The Twins have gotten off to a better start than expected, but this is solely due to their pitching. The lineup still has major issues as only Mauer and Morneau are the only credible infield hitters. The offseason dealing of outfielders has left them reliant on unproven prospects other than Willingham. The pitching staff has been surviving since they don't walk anyone. They also don't strike out anyone, so either the Tribe lineup will improve their numbers, or they will feast on them. And with the lack of power in the lineup, one would expect there to be more speed, but that has not materialized yet.

Projected Lineup

Not sure what to say here except, oof. If the starters can avoid letting the Mauer/Willingham/Morneau troika do any damage, the other six spots in the lineup are not very threatening. And even Morneau is struggling somewhat. Top prospect Hicks has been awful so far. The other rookie, Arcia, has been ok, but needs more seasoning. Even when Mastroianni comes back, I don't see a real improvement. Ryan Doumit was supposed to be playing more, but has started, yep you guessed it, poorly. He may get some DH reps with Willingham back in left and Arcia or Parmalee in right. Eduardo Escobar might get some play PT in the infield and the LGFT Giraffe, Jamey Carroll might see some time as well.

Projected Starters

Hernandez is the leftie that came over from the White Sox in the Liriano deal last summer. He is 24 and was effective in the minors, but has always had a low K rate. That may not work in the show. But as he is a leftie and has never faced the Tribe, so are we doomed? Correia spent the last 2 years in Pittsburgh as a below average innings eater. He only has faced us once, back in 2011, when he pitched well and lost. Pelfrey is another career NL'er (Mets) who joined the Twins this year. He was injured most of 2012 and also has never faced the Tribe.

Key Relievers

Perkins assumed the closer's role late last season and has been effective. The former first round pick from 2004 is one of their few pitchers with a good K rate. Roenicke was a waiver claim this offseason. He has been effective but hasn't had a good K rate since 2010. He has one lifetime appearance against us, back in 2009. Burton has been on fire this year which follows his very good 2012. Burton has 13 very effective appearances against the Tribe. Casey Fien and Brian Duensing are the other key relievers.

On the Shelf

• SP Cole De Vries (strained right forearm) - 15-day DL, possible early May return
• RF Darin Mastoianni (stress reaction left ankle) - 15-day DL, early-mid May
• RP Tim Wood (right rotator cuff strain) - 15-day DL, on AAA rehab

With Mastroianni on the shelf, prospect Oswaldo Arcia has been up and playing.

Almanac