28-year old lefty swinging Jason Kubel had a breakout season in 2009 for the Twins last year. He played in 146 games for the Twins last season and he was 154 for 514 (.300 avg, .908 OPS) with 73 runs scored, 28 homers and 103 RBIs. The Twins are hoping that Kubel’s knees will allow Kubel to challenge Delmon Young for the starting job in LF in 2010. More than likely though Kubel will DH against lefties and play LF against righties. That would allow 39-year old lefty swinging Jim Thome to get his fair share of action in 2010.

Jim Thome played in 124 games for the White Sox & Dodgers last season and he was 90 for 362 (.249 avg, .847 OPS) with 55 runs scored, 23 homers and 77 RBIs. Thome is starting to slow down a little hit as he did whiff 123 times last season. Thome hit .262 with a .881 OPS against righty pitching last season. He cranked 18 homers and 55 RBIs in 271 at bats against righties last season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE DH IN 2010: A