Five key issues for the Twins to address

October 2, 2016 at 12:39AM

Fix the starting pitching

After Ervin Santana, the Twins have no one to rely on. Phil Hughes returns. The development of Jose Berrios is critical to the future. Can they upgrade with a trade? Will Stephen Gonsalves get a shot?

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Miguel Sano said he's losing weight this offseason. Is that a sign that he's willing to put in the work to get the most out of his talent? Offensively and defensively? And where will he play?

What to do with Plouffe?

Trevor Plouffe's days could be numbered, with Sano now at third and other options at designated hitter. Could Plouffe, who's arbitration-eligible, be non-tendered a contract?

Who to trade?

Among the few trade chips the new staff will have are veterans Brian Dozier and Plouffe. Dozier would bring the biggest return, and the Twins need help in the rotation and behind the plate.

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Resolve logjam at DH

The Twins potentially have Byung Ho Park, who should be better in Year 2, Kennys Vargas, Sano and Joe Mauer, who might need more time at DH as he ages. There doesn't appear to be room for Vargas. Will the Twins consider severing ties with Park? Could they then return Plouffe and shuffle him around DH, first base and third base to spell Sano and Mauer?

La Velle E. Neal III

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Bailey Ober used to babysit Drake Maye at their brothers' sporting events in North Carolina.

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