The Twins' lineup will get a significant boost when Kendrys Morales joins it. There are a lot of other assumptions in that mix, but a lineup that goes Santana-Dozier-Mauer-Willingham-Morales- Arcia-Plouffe-Pinto/Suzuki-Escobar looks pretty good. It makes multiple spots in the order better. It was a prudent signing for the Twins to show confidence. It also could be a very short-term rental, if Morales proves himself but the Twins are 12 games out by the trading deadline. In that case, they could trade him for an asset. If the Twins remain within striking distance, they can keep him.
It was a bold move in a season in which the Twins have been more decisive with roster decisions than in past years. Now it's time for more bold moves.
The Twins have a bunch of starting pitchers tearing up Class AAA Rochester. The two best prospects among them are Trevor May and Alex Meyer.
Twins starters have improved since a terrible April, but overall their 4.97 ERA among starting pitchers is dead last in MLB.
Phil Hughes has been mostly great, except for his last outing. Ricky Nolasco is commanding a big salary and has shown signs that he will earn it lately. Kyle Gibson, in Year 2, is earning his spot. The last two spots, filled by Kevin Correia and Sam Deduno, should be on very shaky ground. Correia is in the final year of his contract and generally has not pitched well. Deduno has been functional as a No. 5 starter most times out, but on Sunday he was brutal.
If the Twins fancy themselves contenders, or at least more competitive, every game is precious. The leash needs to be short -- like, one more trip through the rotation short -- and if things don't improve in those last two spots, they should be as bold with pitching as they were when they signed Morales.
