"When it was suggested to Jason Kubel that the Twins might be a much different team next year, the right fielder looked around the clubhouse and said, "It already is."

Good point.

The Twins started "only" four rookies Tuesday night against the Royals because Kubel (foot) and Michael Cuddyer (wrist) returned from injuries. On Sunday at Detroit, only one Twins starter - Joe Mauer - didn't start the season in the minor leagues.

Injuries have been the major factor for all the call-ups - the Twins have used the disabled list 24 times this season - but they also traded Delmon Young and Jim Thome, who led the team in runs batted in and home runs, respectively, when the Twins won the American League Central last season. To make this team whole again, the Twins need to acquire more than their health, though that would be a good place to start.

"It's no secret Justin (Morneau) and Joe (Mauer) need to be healthy for this team to be good," Cuddyer said. "Those are your cornerstones."

That won't be determined until next spring, which could be an issue as Cuddyer and Kubel decide where to play in 2012. Both will become free agents at the end of October, and both want to play on a good team next season.

"That plays a big part for me," said Cuddyer, 32. "Realistically, this is probably my last contract, so you want to win; there's no question about it. I've never won a world championship. I've been on winning teams, been on great teams, yet you definitely want to win a World Series - at least get into the position where you can."

The potential free agents also include reliever Matt Capps and possibly closer Joe Nathan, who has a $12.5 million team option against a $2 million buyout. Most important, though, are Mauer and Morneau, around whom the rest of the team will be built. They are the best, and highest-paid, players on the team and neither has been healthy this season. "