MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Philadelphia Phillies & Minnesota Twins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#30.

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Danny Santana
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
3B Trevor Plouffe
DH Kennys Vargas
RF Torii Hunter
LF Oswaldo Arcia
C Kurt Suzuki
CF Aaron Hicks

PROJECTED ROTATION
Phil Hughes
Ervin Santana
Kyle Gibson
Tommy Milone
Ricky Nolasco

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Glen Perkins

Set-up: Casey Fein

Top Prospect: Byron Buxton (CF)

BREAKOUT - The home-road splits for Kyle Gibson were glaring as the big right-hander was much better in the friendly confines of Target Field. If the 2009 first round pick has a few more strong outings on the road he could easily become the ace of this well-traveled veteran pitching staff.

SPRING STORYLINES - It was an ugly end to a tremendous managerial career for Ron Gardenhire in Minnesota. The only way to replace him is with a Hall of Famer in his first managerial job. Paul Molitor has the tall task of mixing veterans and youngster together and come up with something the is competitive in maybe the most challenging division in baseball this season.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 70-92 (5th in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 66-96(5th in AL Central)

#29.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Ben Revere
3B Cody Asche
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
LF Dominic Brown
RF Grady Sizemore
C Carlos Ruiz
SS Freddy Galvis

PROJECTED ROTATION
Cole Hamels
David Buchanan
Jerome Williams
Aaron Harang
Kevin Slowey

*Cliff Lee (60 Day DL)

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Jonathan Papelbon

Set-up: Ken Giles

Top Prospect: JP Crawford (SS)

BREAKOUT - The second the losses start to pile up more players will be moved. If the Phillies find a suitor for the closer Jonathan Papelbon it will open up the door for Ken Giles to shine. The hard-throwing reliever should build on a strong rookie season and grab double-digit saves for a last place team.

SPRING STORYLINES - The only thing on the mind in Clearwater is who is actually a Phillie, and who is just a trading chip for younger players that can help rebuild a watered-down farm system. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are shells of their former MVP caliber-selves and every seeing-eye-single brings some hope back into the heart of their loyal fan base. Then they strikeout in their next 10 at-bats and Philadelphia goes back to the Eagles and what Chip Kelly might do next.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 73-89 (5th in NL East)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 68-94(5th in NL East)

**Check back tomorrow for the Astros & Diamondbacks*