The Minnesota Twins franchise is a member of Major League Baseball's American League Central Division. Beginning in the 2010 season, the Twins will play their home games at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
History
The team began as the Washington Nationals/Senators from 1901-1960. The Senators were known for having a well known roster, including Hall Of Famers Goose Goslin, Joe Cronin, Bucky Harris and Walter Johnson. The Washington team won the 1924 World Series and the American League Pennant in 1924, 1925 and 1993, before moving to Minnesota.
In 1960, the Nationals moved to Minnesota to become the Minnesota Twins. The Twins enjoyed immediate success, with the help of star player Harmon Killebrew, as they won 91 games in 1962, and 102 games and the American League championship in 1965. They lost the 1965 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. They continued to play hard and compete throughout the 60's recapturing the American League West title in 1969, and a pennant win in 1970.
In 1987, the Twins built their team around pitcher Bert Blyleven and young star Kirby Puckett. The two All Stars led the Twins to World Series victories in 1987 and 1991. After these two titles, the Twins franchise fell into a poor slump recording eight straight losing seasons from 1993-2000.
Minnesota Twins of the 2000's
The Twins shed their losing habits in 2001, and put together six consecutive winning seasons from 2001-2006. They won the Western Division title in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009.
One of the biggest contributors to the Minnesota Twins success in the 2000's was 1999 draft pick Justin Morneau. Considered to be one of the best first baseman in MLB, Morneau won the American League MVP award in 2006, and won the Home Run derby in 2008. In 2005, the Twins signed another contributor to the organization, arguably the best catcher in baseball, Joe Mauer for nearly $6 million. In 2008, he won his first Gold glove, and in 2009, Mauer became the second catcher in Major League Baseball history to win the American League Most Valuable Player award.
The Twins finished the 2009 regular season (87-76) and won The American League Central title after playing a tie breaker game with division opponent Detroit Tigers. After defeating the Tigers, the Twins moved on to the American League Division series where they were swept in three straight games by the New York Yankees.
Active Roster
Pitchers:
Scott Baker
Nick Blackburn
Alex Burnett
Clay Condrey
Jesse Crain
Rob Delaney
Brian Duensing
Deolis Guerra
Matt Guerrier
Francisco Liriano
Jeff Manship
Jose Maijares
Joe Nathan
Pat Neshek
Carl Pavano
Glen Perkins
Jon Rauch
Kevin Slowey
Anthony Swarzak
Loek Van Mil
Catchers:
Drew Butera
Joe Mauer
Jose Morales
Wilson Ramos
Infielders:
Alexi Casilla
Estarlin De Los Santos
J.J. Hardy
Brendan Harris
Orlando Hudson
Luke Hughes
Justin Morneau
Trevor Plouffe
Nick Punto
Matt Tolbert
Danny Valencia
Outfielders:
Michael Cuddyer
Denard Span
Delmon Young
Designated Hitters:
Jason Kubel
Jim Thome
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