1. LHP Francisco Liriano

2. RHP Nick Blackburn

3. RHP Kevin Slowey

4. LHP Glen Perkins

5. RHP R.A. Dickey

ROTATION ANALYSIS: RHP Scott Baker (shoulder) is expected to return after missing just one start. Dickey will fill in due to the Twins' curiosity about a knuckleball in the Metrodome.

Twins starters issued the fewest walks by far in the American League last season, and the trend continued in the spring, a critical factor for a pitch-to-contact rotation. There were only a few hiccups, most notably the swelling that appeared in Blackburn's surgically repaired knee, but it seems to have subsided.

The Twins are genuinely excited about the prospect of Liriano regaining his confidence and becoming a show-stopper again, with a new pitch -- his changeup -- proving as effective as the slider that made him famous.

RHP Boof Bonser, who opened the 2008 season in the rotation, was expected to give the Twins depth this year, but shoulder surgery short-circuited those plans. RHP Philip Humber will probably fill any holes that develop.

BULLPEN:

RHP Joe Nathan (closer)

RHP Jesse Crain

RHP Matt Guerrier

LHP Craig Breslow

RHP Luis Ayala

RHP Philip Humber

LHP Brian Duensing

BULLPEN ANALYSIS: LHP Jose Mijares seized the setup role with 10 electrifying performances last September, but he gave it back by showing up overweight for spring training and pitching poorly. He will open the season at Class AAA, but expect him to return once he regains control of his slider.

In his absence, Ayala and Crain will likely get the call as setup men ahead of the ever-automatic Nathan in the ninth. Breslow inherits Dennys Reyes' old job as the left-handed specialist.

LINEUP:

1. CF Denard Span

2. 2B Alexi Casilla

3. RF Michael Cuddyer

4. 1B Justin Morneau

5. DH Jason Kubel

6. 3B Joe Crede

7. LF Delmon Young

8. C Mike Redmond

9. SS Nick Punto

LINEUP ANALYSIS: There really is no set lineup for the Twins this season, not if Ron Gardenhire follows through with his plans to sit a starting outfielder -- CF Carlos Gomez is the benched player in the example above -- every night. The plan, though keeping the Twins flexible and beefing up the bench, has the potential to frustrate all four players rather than only one. And Span will make the biggest adjustment, since he'll play whatever position is left vacant by the odd outfielder out.

Joe Mauer figures to reclaim his third spot in the batting order once he's healthy, which could shuffle the lineup further. But Kubel's presence and growing confidence, the Twins hope, will force pitchers to give Morneau a few more offerings he can belt into the seats.

RESERVES:

CF Carlos Gomez

3B Brian Buscher

INF Brendan Harris

C Jose Morales

RESERVES ANALYSIS: Harris and Buscher were expecting to form a third-base platoon, right up until the day before camp opened, when Joe Crede signed on. They give the Twins better depth than they've had in a few years, since Harris has a good doubles stroke and Buscher has some power. But the extra starting outfielder is the factor that gives manager Ron Gardenhire plenty of flexibility.

Morales will get playing time because Redmond is nearly 38, but the Twins don't want him around long; getting Joe Mauer back is critical.

ROOKIE WATCH: After being carried into contention by a half-dozen contributing rookies in 2008, the Twins have only place-holders this year. LHP Brian Duensing will be in the bullpen to face left-handers, but only until LHP Jose Mijares straightens himself out in Rochester, and C Drew Butera is a short-term fill-in while C Joe Mauer works his way into shape.

MEDICAL WATCH:

C Joe Mauer (inflamed sacroiliac joint in his lower back) went on the 15-day disabled list April 2. The Twins hope he can return in April.

RHP Boof Bonser (torn right labrum and rotator cuff surgery in February 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list on April 2. He is out for the season.

RHP Pat Neshek (right elbow surgery) will remain in Florida all summer and targets a return by next spring.

RHP Nick Blackburn (left knee surgery) is pitching again and has experienced no new swelling.