After late surge, Twins still have issues to solve

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins are clearing out their lockers at the Metrodome for the last time, leaving behind the storied facility and, they hope, their recent postseason struggles.

A day after being swept by the New York Yankees, the Twins know there's no consolation prize despite a September that had them come from behind to win the American League Central title in a thrilling tiebreaker.

"You've got to be proud to win the division five times in a decade," said first baseman and outfielder Michael Cuddyer. "That's not an easy thing to do. At the same time, it's kind of frustrating only once getting past the first round. That's tough to swallow."

Instead, the Twins packed their bags Monday as snow flurries fell outside, taking a last look at the room where Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek and friends celebrated two World Series titles. The current team had a lot of fun in there, too, including a raucous champagne spray session following the epic, 12-inning tiebreaker victory last week over the Detroit Tigers, who became the first team in baseball to blow a three-game lead with four left.

"We've got nothing to have our heads down about," said pitcher Carl Pavano. "How we got into the postseason was amazing. We fell short to a team that had the best record in the major leagues. What do you do? We battled them all three games. Sometimes you've got to tip your hat. I couldn't be more proud of these guys on this team, the way we battled."

Pavano, shortstop Orlando Cabrera and reliever Jon Rauch came in summer trades to shore up a team that sputtered around the .500 mark all season until a 17-4 surge started on Sept. 13. All-Star first baseman Justin Morneau and third baseman Joe Crede were shut down by then due to back injuries, just two of the untimely troubles the Twins had this year.

Joe Mauer sat at his cubicle and answered questions — surprise, surprise — about the one year remaining on his contract. The Twins are in for an expensive extension.

"I haven't thought about it yet," Mauer insisted.

The front-runner for AL MVP has thought about his health, though, after playing through a sore right hip flexor last week. His season didn't start until May because of a back problem, and he still had 28 homers and 96 RBIs on his way to a third batting title.

He'll get checked out soon to make sure there aren't any lingering problems.

"With the offseason I had last year, I can't take anything for granted," he said.

Mauer's contract is clearly the most important issue to address, but there are others. Starting pitching stability is one, even with the expected return of right-hander Kevin Slowey — who was 10-3 on June 19 — from wrist surgery.

His sensational rookie season in 2006 a faded memory, left-hander Francisco Liriano has all but pitched himself out of the Twins' rotation plans. The status of Glen Perkins is in question, too. Brian Duensing made a strong case to be next year's starting five, but until Pavano came a veteran leader was lacking.

He will be a free agent, as will Cabrera, Crede, reliever Ron Mahay and backup catcher Mike Redmond.

"It takes two to tango, but I enjoyed my time here. I'm not going to deny it," Pavano said. "I enjoyed my teammates. Will this team be a force next year? Without a doubt."

The 38-year-old Redmond fell behind rookie Jose Morales and might not be back, though he's not ready to retire and play elsewhere.

Cabrera expressed strong interest in returning, too, though that — as always — will depend on his asking price. Crede's health casts doubt on his candidacy to return, so the Twins again must figure their annually shuffling left side of the infield.

Target Field will bring millions of dollars more to the organization, giving fans more fuel for their pleas for more aggressive moves by the front office. The Twins won't suddenly become the free-spending Yankees, though, and ditch their draft-and-develop philosophy.

With as many as 10 players eligible for salary arbitration, most notably Liriano, left fielder Delmon Young and set-up man Matt Guerrier, the Twins will likely have to let at least a few players go.

"We were in the postseason, and anything can happen from there. This one hurts a little bit," Mauer said.

With six months until opening day at Target Field across town, workers continued to chop up dirt and convert the field — for football. The handful of players who milled around on Monday spent their time boxing equipment and bagging fan mail waiting to be answered — and some took their red nameplates as a keepsake.