Perhaps there is no better division in baseball than the American League Central.

Aside from the bottom-feeding Kansas City Royals, every team has a chance to compete and win the division. The Minnesota Twins made a miraculous comeback last season to upend Detroit and win the division crown, only to see their progress vanish with a first round loss to Oakland.

Such is typical of the Twins lately. Overachieve in the regular season, underachieve when it counts. Since the turn of the century they have made the playoffs four times (2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006) but have managed to get past the first round only once (in 2002 when they lost to the eventual champion Angels in the ALCS).

Regardless, making the playoffs in baseball is tougher than any of the other major sports. Combine this with the fact that Minnesota’s payroll is routinely one of baseball’s lowest, and it is incredible that the Twins seem to exceed expectations every year.

Achieving such a feat for a small-market ballclub means that some of baseball’s best management rests in Minnesota. General Manager Terry Ryan has a tough job trying to win with such a limited budget, but has still come through with acquisitions like Shannon Stewart in 2003 and pitchers Ramon Ortiz and Sidney Ponson this offseason. No matter how much money is floating around other ballparks, he still keeps the Twins competitive.

However, the Twins have a problem that many of the economically superior teams don’t have: holding onto their players. This is a team that once had DH David Ortiz, who has become one of the most feared hitters in baseball since leaving Minnesota. Ortiz hit .266 with 58 home runs and 238 RBI in 455 games with the Twins; in his four seasons with Boston, he has batted .294 with 173 HRs and 525 RBI in 588 games. Centerfielder Torii Hunter and ace pitcher Johan Santana have had good careers with Minnesota thus far, but only time will tell how long they can stick around with the Twins (don’t be surprised if both leave after the 2007 season).

Aside from their financial constraints, the Twins have a lot to smile about on the field. Their infield and outfield are virtually the same as last year, with veteran outfielder Rondell White most likely replacing Shannon Stewart as the only change. And of course, the reigning American League MVP and MLB batting champion return happy and healthy as ever.

Both first baseman Justin Morneau and catcher Joe Mauer received satisfying deals in the offseason. Morneau re-signed for another year at $4.5 million while Mauer received a longer contract at 4 years, $33 million. Morneau shouldn’t have anything to worry about after the season because a long term deal is imminent, barring a horrific collapse in the upcoming season. The two lefty sluggers are as talented as any duo in the league.

Morneau had an unfortunate 2005 season, but his .321 batting average along with 34 HR and 130 RBI in 2006 helped him beat out heavy favorite Derek Jeter for the AL MVP. More importantly, Morneau led his team during their furious charge toward the end of the season to beat out Detroit and win the division crown. As a first basemen he only committed 8 errors and can play the line as well as anyone.

Mauer has brought some much-needed recognition to Minnesota and won the batting title last season as a catcher, a true rarity. His major league leading .347 average catapulted his rising star status, and eased concerns about his ability to stay healthy that had stemmed from a 2005 knee injury. If he and Morneau can return to similar form in 2007, a new brand of the M & M boys will cause many pitchers to have sleepless nights.

The rest of Minnesota’s infield was won’t homer you to death, but will hit for average and play solid defense. Nick Punto will finally get to be an everyday player, starting at the hot corner. He doesn’t have any pop in his bat but is an above-average fielder and  hit.290 in 135 games last year. Shortstop Jason Bartlett is very similar to Punto, being a .290-type hitter who won’t carry any power numbers but plays hard and is an excellent baserunner.

Second baseman Luis Castillo is always reliable as a hitter, and is showing it in spring training this year, batting .481. However, he has 11 years under his belt and has been plagued by some injuries in the past. He has sat out games already this spring due to back issues, and if he misses time during the season it will be a blow to Minnesota. Castillo is still speedy at age 31 and consistently hovers around .300 as a hitter