How our writers and columnists see the 2015 Twins finishing

La Velle E. Neal III

Prediction: 75-87, last place Central

The offense, starting pitching and even defense should be better, but the combination of being in a tough AL Central and the arrival of several top prospects — and the expected growing pains — will minimize any improvement over 2014.

Phil Miller

Prediction: 75-87, fourth place Central

Kyle Gibson becomes a consistent winner, Kennys Vargas puts up 26 homers and 126 strikeouts, and the Twins remain competitive into August. Best of all, six rookies arrive in September with plans to stay for good.

Jim Souhan

Prediction: 78-84, last place Central

A full season of Danny Santana and Kennys Vargas, a year of maturity for the young core and even a half-season of Ervin Santana leads to improvement, even if it doesn't lead to contention.

Patrick Reusse

Prediction: 71-91, last place Central

The Ervin Santana suspension added to a flammable bullpen and a slip in run production ... yeah, the Twins are in line to be a solid last in the Central and losers of 90 games for a fifth consecutive season.

Sid Hartman

Prediction: 81-81, fourth place Central

If the Twins pitching is better they should improve on last season's 70-92 record. And I expect Paul Molitor to do a fantastic job in his first season as manager.

Chip Scoggins

Prediction: 70-92, last place Central

News of Ervin Santana's 80-game suspension took a wrecking ball to optimism regarding the team's improved starting pitching. That's quite a way to start a season. The Twins bullpen and outfield defense already were major concerns, and now the rotation is, too.