Can patchwork Twins mend its way to a division title?

Two days after the All-Star Game, the Minnesota Twins returned to action with as Francisco Liriano took the Target Field mound last night against the Kansas City Royals.

At 41-48, could the Twins (once a dismal 17-37) compete with and surpass division foes Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago to win the American League Central? Maybe.

One could have been considered crazy to think so six weeks ago. As of today, however, a seventh division title in 10 years is a remarkable possibility. But despite the wonderful run they've made, the rest of this 2011 journey is promising to be an arduous, uphill climb.

The Twins have won 24 out of its past 35 games and are within 6.5 games of the Tigers - a spectacular feat. They've also been very fortunate to be playing in a division where the leader is only six games over .500.

So it would seem feasible that a division title and playoff bid would be within their reach.

However, based on talent, it's not reasonable to think Detroit (49-43), or Chicago (44-48) for that matter, will have less success in the second half as they've had in the first. In fact, it's very rational to believe these teams will play better.

Considering was has transpired for the Twins thus far, taking home the Central crown would be simply sensational. But thanks to the team's impressive play of as of late, it's certainly within the realm of possibility.

Let’s examine a few things that have happened in their 2011 season thus far. Then we can construct a hypothesis for the team’s final outcome.

Minnesota’s opening day lineup was very promising.

Leading off, Denard Span, followed by Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Danny Valencia and Alexi Casilla.

All but Nishi and Casilla have had proven big league success.

Mauer has three batting titles and an MVP, Morneau is a four-time All-Star with an MVP as well (thus the two being pitched as the M & M Boys - a famed moniker attributed to all-time baseball greats Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris). Moreover, at ages 27 and 29, respectively, the Twins sluggers are both in the prime of their careers.

Span, 27, is the Twins 2002 first-round draft pick and a player who has appeared to be a player on the rise (and was rewarded handsomely for it, netting a five-year, $16.5 million in 2010). Young, the overall No. 1 Major League Baseball draft selection in 2003, was returning from a breakthrough 2010 season - 21 home runs and a team-high 112 RBI. Cuddyer, who has been a 10-year-rock for Minnesota, made his first All-Star appearance on Tuesday.

The final two starting pieces of the lineup (Kubel and Valencia) had not shown MLB star caliber ability prior to this season, but have had nominal success in the Bigs. Kubel, 29, entered the season with periods of proven big league success and a spectacular spring training. Valencia, 24, exhibited the makings of a burgeoning star last year (producing 10 homeruns and 46 RBI in a half-season’s amount of at-bats), thus tabbed as the Twins opening day third baseman this year.

Offensive starters aside, this year’s Twins also featured the vast majority of a pitching staff that ranked tops in the AL Central last season (with a 3.95 ERA), veteran slugger Jim Thome (who batted .283 with 25 home runs in 2010) and a state-of-the-art, spectacular new ballpark.

Needless to say, excitement and expectations abounded for the Twins entering 2011.

Then came April 1 and an season-opening, three-game series at Toronto.

First game: Toronto 13, Twins 3. Disappointing, but what’s one game out of 162? Next game: Toronto 5, Twins 1. Game 3: Minnesota was able to win 4-3, however, a little bit of worrisome tone began to settle in Twins Territory nonetheless, albeit still only three days into the season.

Twins faithful rightfully believed this funky aura would soon rub away. But a trip to New York to face the Yankees was next, and the Twins lost two of three. Okay. But those were the powerhouse Pin-stripers, taking one of three could almost be considered applaudable. However, the Twins promptly came home and lost three of five to lowly Oakland and Kansas City.

The problems continued to mount. Mauer and Nishioka went down with injuries, Morneau, who was thought to have recovered from a severe concussion suffered last season, was not returning to form and the team’s losing ways continued.

The woes hit rock bottom when the Tampa Bay Rays came up to Target Field and swept the Twins in a three-game series April 27-28.

It was a series Twins fans would love to forget, but one still forged in the depths of their memory banks.

To refresh with details: Two words, Ben Zobrist.

The Rays utility man had the series of his life. In game one, Zobrist was relatively tame, collecting a two-run triple and a sacrifice fly in five plate appearances - although the triple did set the tone in a four-run first inning. Tampa won 8-2. As for the following day? (a day-night, double-header) Zobrist connected for a home run, two doubles and 8 RBI in a 15-3 Rays win in game one; in the nightcap, he tacked on another home run, double, 3 runs and 2 RBI to spearhead a 6-1 Tampa victory.

In total, Zobrist was 8-for-14 with six runs scored and 13 RBI. Tampa defeated the Twins by a collective score of 29-6.

Minnesota followed the Rays ruination with a pair of losses to Kansas City to finish its first month of 2011 with a 9-17 record.

The frustration had a distinct feeling of a disgust. As poor as the record was, the team's performance was worse, as the Twins flat out stunk.

On May 1, the Twins ranked dead last the American League in pitching (bearing a 4.88 ERA) and nearly last in all of baseball in offense - ranking 29th both with its run production (82) and team batting average (.233).

Only the Padres ranked worse in hitting (.211 average, 77 runs). But at least San Diego had the 3rd-ranked pitching staff in baseball.

The Twins stunk. And things worsened. The Mauer and Nishi injuries, along with the discouraging play from Morneau, were not the only problems. Other key players struggled, too.

Cuddyer, Young and Valencia were horrible at the plate.

Cuddyer, consistently batting fifth or sixth, managed a mere 4 RBI through his first 33 games of the season. Young, who primarily hit sixth, finished May with a .197 batting average, one home run and 5 RBI (very poor, although in fairness to Young - as opposed to Cuddyer - he missed several games with a rib injury). Valencia registered a .211 batting average with only two home runs through his first 95 at-bats.

The two pitchers thought to be the aces of the staff - Liriano (14-10 with a 3.62 ERA last season) and Carl Pavano (17-11, 3.75 ERA in 2010) - were both awful.

Liriano owned a 1-4 record with an abysmal 9.13 ERA after his first five starts. Pavano (who was given a two-year, $16.5 contract in the off-season) posted a lofty 6.64 ERA with a 2-4 record through his first seven starts.

Then there’s Joe Nathan, who, much like Morneau, was also unable to make a successful return from a sidelining injury from last year. The four-time All-Star who is four saves short of becoming Minnesota’s all-time saves leader, blew three of five save opportunities before removing himself from the closer’s role and finishing April with an ERA of 10.00.

Only Span and Kubel were having success. Span had a .300 batting average with 29 runs scored through his first 203 at-bats, while Kubel was having an All-Star caliber start of the season (.310 average, 30 RBI in 200 at-bats).

But two players don’t make a team as the Twins followed its 9-17 April with a 8-19 May.

Mercifully, the team’s struggles seemed to have bottomed out on June 1, when its record reached twenty games below .500 after it was swept three games by Detroit at Comerica Park.

On June 2, the Twins were prescribed with just the right remedy - a four-game series at Kansas City. Visiting a ballpark, Kauffman Stadium, where Minnesota has been perennially dominant (albeit this time coming in more woeful than ever), the Twins did not disappoint.

The Twins swept the Royals to ignite a string of success the team is still riding as they come out of the All-Star break. Okay, they were temporarily deterred with a six-game losing streak in late June, but they were able to recover from it quickly.

How have they managed this turn-a-round?

Well, it’s almost a mystery.

Mauer and Nishi finally returned recently, but neither have posted eye-popping numbers. Morneau (wrist and neck injuries) has not played since June 9. Kubel and Span, the team’s only two solid hitters through April and May, have been out with injuries as well - Kubel (sprained left foot) hasn’t played since May 30, Span (concussion) has been out since June 6.

So how have the Twins gone 24-11 over the past six weeks?

Manager Ron Gardenhire and his staff have carved out a winning ballclub with the likes of Luke Hughes, Trevor Plouffe, Rene Rivera, Ben Revere, Rene Tosoni and Brian Dinkleman.

Okay, Dinkleman only had 14 at-bats, so he did not have much of an impact (I just couldn’t resist mentioning a guy with a name like that). But the rest of this group has had at least 60 at-bats and made clutch contributions that have bred sudden success for a team that, at one point, looked destined for historical shame.

The aforementioned group of players have not put up strong numbers or lit up many scoreboards; but they have complemented a hot stretch of hitting by Casilla (32-for-87 (.368), May 24 - June 17), an impressive offensive resurgence from Cuddyer and a stark turn-a-round from the team’s starting pitchers, to put themselves back into division (and playoff) contention.

It’s been an amazing ride. But can it continue?

The team has relied on clutch hits from inexperienced players and superb pitching performances from its starters to win ballgames for a long time now. But how much longer can this continue?

Players are beginning to return from the disabled list. As mentioned, Mauer and Nishi are back, and they’ve been playing better as of late as well. Thome, who missed time with back and toe issues, has returned. Young was officially re-activated yesterday. Morneau isn’t due to return until mid-August, but Kubel and Span are expected to return shortly.

This return to health should help a little, but the Twins have an awful bullpen and will still require strong contributions by prospects the team was not expecting to promote to the pros this season.

A division title is still possible. Difficult, but possible.

Thinking optimistically, let’s revisit those first month team statistics and rankings. Then compare them to where they're at today.

On May 1, Twins pitchers combined for a 4.88 ERA (which ranked last in the AL, 27th overall). The team’s offense, once again, was the second-worst in MLB in both batting average (.233) and runs (82).

As of today, Twins pitchers have shaved its cumulative ERA to 4.29 (which ranks 13th in the AL, 26th overall). The offense has produced 347 runs (13th AL, 25th overall) and raised its team batting average to .248 (11th AL, 21st overall).

The climb in rankings is not overwhelming; but the statistical (and record) improvement is remarkable, considering where the numbers were in earlier in the season.

It should be noted that the team's offensive upswing has been made without much improvement in power. On May 1, the Twins ranked 29th with 11 home runs. As of today (two and a half months later), the team has hit 55 homers.

Also, the team’s pitching numbers are weighed down significantly by its bullpen - which, at an ERA of 5.01, ranks last in baseball (Detroit is second-worst at 4.68). Thus further enforcing how impressive the starters have been.

Remember Liriano and Pavano’s drastic struggles earlier in the season?

Liriano, who pitched a no-hitter at Chicago on May 3, has still been inconsistent but has shown signs of recapturing his ability to dominate - lowering his ERA from 9.13 (April 27) to 5.06 and improving his record from 1-4 to 5-7. Pavano has improved mightily, re-emerging as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers - sharpening his ERA from 6.64 (May 8) to 4.10 and evening his record at 6-6.

Scott Baker ("Big Spot" Scott) has easily been the team’s steadiest pitcher throughout the season. The 29-year-old righthander is 7-5 with a 3.01 ERA and 104 strikeouts - his ERA and strikeout total rank 10th and 13th, respectively, among AL competition.

Of the newbies, Ben Revere has shined the brightest. Filling in for Span in centerfield, the excitable 23-year-old has made several outstanding catches, batted .275, stolen 11 bases and scored 24 runs. Revere’s downside is his lack of arm strength, but the former Twins 1st-round pick (drafted 28th overall in 2007) is winning over coaches, teammates, and thousands of Twins faithful, with his defense, speed and perpetual smile.

Revere wears jersey No. 11. Hmm, a Twins outfielder who wears #11 on his back and an endless smile on his face. Trigger any memories, Twins fans? (Ahem. Jacque Jones, circa 1999-2005)

Plouffe, who was recalled from AAA Rochester on Wednesday, put up some decent power numbers in his first stint (three home runs, 10 RBI in 58 at-bats) but the shortstop had some defensive issues. The Twins had Plouffe play some other positions at AAA and hope this time around will go a little better for him.

Tosoni, who was sent back to AAA on Wednesday, batted .205, but had two home runs and 10 RBI in 73 big league at-bats. The outfielder also came up with a couple late-inning hits that helped the Twins seal up victories.

Rivera, who split catching duties with Drew Butera when Mauer was out, batted only .181 with one homer and 4 RBI through 72 at-bats. However, despite his lack of offense and inexperience in the pros, the 27-year-old Puerto Rico native showed terrific gumption and leadership with handling Twins pitchers (both the rookies and veterans).

Lastly, but not least, among Minnesota’s new players making an impact this season is Luke Hughes. While he’s not been spectacular (.249, three home runs, 15 RBI in 168 at-bats), like Tosoni, he, too, has come up with some clutch hits. Hughes has also filled a void defensively, playing second base when Nishi was out and first base in place of Morneau.

The contributions by the team’s rookie call-ups aside, the biggest key to the Twins offensive rebirth has unquestionably been Cuddyer. Since about the time Kubel went done with his injury, Cuddyer has risen from his early season woes and carried the team with his bat.

Three solo home runs and four RBI. That’s it. That was Cuddyer’s production as of May 10. The 10-year Twins veteran was admonished in local newspapers and by fans (and rightfully so). But Cuddyer remained confident and upbeat, and he now leads the team with a .298 batting average and 13 home runs, while boosting his RBI total to 43.

Moreover, Cuddyer has achieved his recent success while playing terrific defense at right field, first base and second base. He’s also been a wonderful mentor to the Twins' rookies.

The consistent leadership both on the field and off merited Cuddyer an All-Star selection - the first of his career. And although he saw one pitch and popped out, he was proud to represent his team and the Twins were proud to be represented by him. Also, whereas some of the veteran All-Stars skipped the game due to other plans and the slightest of injuries, Cuddyer was overjoyed with being chosen and soaked up the honor as best as possible.

So bringing the first-half analysis full circle and back to today ... Can the Twins, once 17-37 and left for dead, make the playoffs?

It will definitely be a difficult challenge. But yes, they can.

There are two competitors that are particularly daunting - Detroit and Chicago.

Detroit has a terrific lineup, led by Miguel Cabrera (.311, 18 home runs, 59 RBI), Victor Martinez (.316, 50 RBI) and Jhonny Peralta (.312, 14 homers, 50 RBI). The Tigers also have a bona fide ace in All-Star Justin Verlander, who is 12-4 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and an ML-best 147 strikeouts.

Chicago, who is currently 5 games behind Detroit, has a stronger overall pitching rotation (led unexpectedly by Twins castoff Phil Humber - 8-5 with a 3.10 ERA). The White Sox also have a power-packed offense, which, with the exception of Paul Konerko (.319, 22 home runs, 67 RBI), has vastly underachieved thus far. Thus, despite the cringing of Twins' fans when hearing Chicago announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson make his "He Gone!" call, it's safe to expect the bothersome phrase to be echoed more often throughout the rest of the season.

Cleveland has been great, but there’s no way they can sustain their current success. The Indians have a chance to finish .500, which, all things considered (youth- and talent-wise), would be a positive sign for them. Kansas City has some exciting rookies and a potent offense, but they are still a losing ballclub. The Royals pitching woes trump its solid hitting as the team appears to be destined to finish in last place.

It will be very difficult to surpass Chicago and Detroit, but Minnesota is definitely capable of it.

Below, I’ve outlined some of the keys to a Twins title run:

* The team is getting some key cogs back. Strangely enough, however, the Twins have played its
best when its been the least equipped ... Minnesota cannot expect sustained success from back-ups and call-ups. Veteran staples, such as Mauer, Morneau, Span and Young, will have to be healthy and play well in the final ten weeks of the season.

* As similar with the first point, some of these veterans will have to get on hot streaks, as the
team cannot (nor should not) rely on Cuddyer to continue carrying the them for the remainder of the season.

* Valencia, who has played well in July thus far (batting .349 with 2 home runs and 13 RBI through 11 games), will need to continue to supply more power and play consistent defense at third base.

* Nishioka must continue to progress well. The Japanese import has improved his defense and hitting in recent weeks. Minnesota cannot expect the 26-year-old to have phenomenal success in his first MLB season, but finishing with a .270 batting average and scoring runs at a higher frequency are objectives within his reach.

* The starting rotation must continue to pitch well and go deep into games. Minnesota’s bullpen is shaky and the offense, while it should improve, is unlikely to become a powerhouse.

* Matt Capps, Nathan and Glen Perkins must provide a solid back-end of the bullpen. The middle relief has been awful and its unknown how well it will improve (either via trade or improvements within). Perkins has been a bright spot all season (1.87 ERA, 36 Ks in 33.2 innings) and Nathan has been better of late. Those two will have to keep throwing well and Capps must regain the dominant form that merited him a $7.15, one-year contract this past offseason.

* Players such as Hughes, Plouffe and Revere must continue contribute well. The health and level of play from Twins veterans is not imminent. Three players in particular - Morneau, Span and Thome - all have nagging conditions and injuries, and can not be counted on for consistent production. Thus, the aforementioned rookies will be needed to fill gaps at the first base, designated hitter and outfield positions.

* Minnesota will need to play good defense. This team is unlikely to be the best defensive
team in baseball, but it will need to make the routine plays and be above average overall.

* Lastly, the team will require some good fortune. As mentioned, Detroit and Chicago have top-tier talent likely to play better baseball in the second half of the season. The Twins will have to win 49 of its final 73 games to reach 90 wins. That’s a lot to ask for. It might be possible for the Twins to win the division with a win total in the mid-80s, but whatever the case may be, Minnesota must benefit from some luck to achieve such a win total and/or for the Tigers and White Sox to fall short that many wins.

It’s sure to be an exciting 10 weeks (July 14 - September 28) as three teams (possibly four, if Cleveland can keep winning) battle it out to the end.

The MLB’s unbalanced schedule will add to the excitement, as the majority of the teams’ series with division opponents have yet to be played.

For the Twins, beginning with its game last night against Kansas City, the team plays 45 of its final 73 games against the Indians, Royals, Tigers and White Sox - whereas the team played just 26 divisional games in its first 89 games.

Minnesota will look to start its second half strong as it has a tremendous opportunity to gain significant ground immediately. The Twins, who have won 13 of its past 17 home games, come out of the All-Star break with 12 straight games at Target Field.

The team hosts four-games series with Kansas City (July 14 - 17), Cleveland (July 18 - 20) and Detroit (July 21-24).



**The photos used in this story are (from top to bottom) as follows: Joe Mauer high fives Matt Capps after a July 8 win at Chicago, Mauer congratulates Justin Morneau at a 2010 road game, Carl Pavano fires a pitch in Minnesota's 13-3 opening day loss at Toronto, Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist cracks a three-run bomb against the Twins on April 28 at Target Field, Joe Nathan gets removed from a game at Tampa Bay on April 16, Luke Hughes congratulates Rene Tosoni after a home run May 10 versus Detroit, Reliever Jim Hoey (who posted a 7.71 ERA and 2.14 WHIP before being demoted June 23) exits the mound at a May 14 game versus Toronto, Ben Revere rounds second on a lead-off triple against the Dodgers on June 29, Michael Cuddyer appears at the July 12 All-Star Game in Arizona with his son, Detroit pitcher Justin Verlander, Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko, Valencia slugs a home run in Minnesota's 9-7 win over Milwaukee on July 3, Perkins delivers a pitch in the May 14 defeat of Toronto, Young crushes a double in an 8-4 Twins' victory over the Royals on July 14.

Twins top Royals on beautiful night of baseball at Target Field

Finally, I made it. My first Twins game at Target Field.

What started two and a half months ago - when I presented my father and grandpa with tickets as a Father’s Day gift - was executed in splendid fashion as the three of us witnessed a marvelous 4-3 Twins win on a beautiful Wednesday night at the Twins’ spectacular new ballpark.

The weather could not have been much better - low 60s, clear and calm - while the views were stunning and the pitching was phenomenal.

Brian Duensing allowed four early hits, but responded by pitching eight strong innings to top Kansas City Royals ace Zack Greinke as the Twins held on for the win and a three-game sweep.

The night began with three generations meeting up to take the Light Rail from Bloomington. My grandfather’s first time on the electrical transportation system was a success as the three of us ventured from Metro Transit’s 28th Avenue station to Target Field.

Upon our arrival, Twins fans aligned with an indelible glow as we gaped at this spectacular structure’s entrance. My dad, grandpa and I slowly caroused through the field level concourse while taking in several aesthetically-pleasing sights.

Our first stop was to visit my friend Alex, a Twins guest service employee, at his dugout box perch along the first base line. Myself a former Twins employee, Alex would be one of many ex-co-workers I’d converse with that evening.

After hiking back up the steps to the concourse level, the three of us stumbled upon the Twins Live pregame show set. The time was approximately 6:22 p.m. as Marney Gellner, Tim Laudner and Ron Coomer prepared for their 6:30 show.

At this area, we also stared up toward the top of the flag pole where Twins designated hitter Jim Thome planted a majestic 480-foot shot Monday night.

We continued to peruse the pleasant pageantry of Target Field’s splendor in making our way toward the outfield and our second-deck seats. Some stairs near centerfield led us to the soon-to-be infamous Minnie and Paul neon sign.

Just beyond the gigantic jubilant Twins twin brothers icon was the 100-feet wide, 57-feet high video scoreboard. Right below there, in section 232, we arrived at our first row seats.

There was some slight trepidation from my father but mostly delight as the three of us peered down and around from our lofty perch.

Catchers Joe Mauer and Drew Butera stretched out in centerfield as Greinke conducted his pregame warm-ups in left. Minutes later, Duensing took the mound for the game’s first pitch to Royals centerfielder Gregor Blanco.

Blanco harmlessly hit Duensing’s third pitch to second for the first out and the Twins hurler completed an easy 1-2-3 first frame.

The Royals were able to get to Duensing the next two innings, collecting four hits and the game’s first run. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s 2009 Cy Young award winner, Greinke, stifled the Twins bats tossing four hit-free innings.

Then, after two outs to begin the bottom-half of the fifth, things unraveled for Greinke as Minnesota mounted a rally.

A four-pitch walk to the Twins’ .200-hitting DH Jose Morales was Greinke’s undoing. The free pass was followed by a J.J. Hardy single to break up the Royal ace’s no-hit bid, then two extra-base hits ensued as Twins lead-off hitter Denard Span concluded his team's rally with a two-run triple.

The 3-1 lead looked solid as Duensing regained control on the mound - allowing two singles in retiring 16 of 18 batters after a third-inning hit by Josh Fields.

Hardy hit a solo home run in the seventh inning for the only other blemish against Greinke - who surrendered five hits and three walks in throwing a complete game.

As Matt Capps jogged to the mound to begin the ninth, a Twins win was virtually guaranteed. However, Hardy’s homer proved hugely important as the Minnesota closer faltered in attempting to get the third out.

Wilson Betemit began the inning with a double, but Capps induced consecutive ground outs to simmer a possible Royals rally. However, a walk, single and stolen base had Royals pinch-runner Jarrod Dyson in scoring position as the tying run.

With Minnesota’s lead trimmed to one, Kansas City suddenly gained momentum and had its All-Star closer, Joakim Soria, warming up in the bullpen with the Royals hopeful of stealing its way to a win.

The crowd was on pins and needles as Capps faced Kansas City’s Mitch Maier. Fortunately, for the Twins, five frantic pitches later Maier popped up to Delmon Young in left to end the game.

Minnesota (83-57, 1st place in the AL Central) completed its nine-game home stand with eight wins - six of which were by one run. Combined with a White Sox loss yesterday, the Twins have taken a commanding six-game lead over Chicago.

The loss dropped the hapless Royals to 57-82, guaranteeing Kansas City its seventh straight losing season.

Toronto's tugboat horn tallies ten

Minnesota brought its bats accross the border this week, but apparently its pitchers left their prowess at customs.

Tonight, minutes after the Rogers Centre tugboat horn sounded for the 10th time in three nights, the Toronto Blue Jays handed the Twins their second straight loss and fifth in their past seven games.

Jose Bautista's towering blast to left field off Twins reliever Ron Mahay in the eighth inning marked home run No. 10 for Toronto in its three-game series against the Twins. And thankfully for the Twins, Bautista's league-leading 23rd HR would induce the final disdainful horn blow as Minnesota's misery would end soon after with the Jays capping off a five-homer, 8-1 win.

Scott Baker (7-8) took the loss for Minnesota, who will try to regroup before tussling with the division-leading Tigers tomorrow night in Detroit. Baker and reliever Adam Burnett allowed two home runs each as pitchers were pounded and earned runs abounded.

Minnesota's lone run tonight came from Michael Cuddyer - who started at his third different position in three nights - who homered in the fourth. Overall, the Twins hammered out six home runs and 14 total runs of their own this series, but it was not enough to overcome the poor pitching efforts.

Compound the recent Twins woes with Detroit's sweep of the awful Orioles and the white hot White Sox four-game sweep of the Angels, and Minnesota suddenly finds itself trailing its top two divisional foes in third place of the AL Central.

Manager Ron Gardenhire will call upon Francisco Liriano (6-6, 3.32 ERA) to silence some dangerous Detroit bats tomorrow as the Dominican lefty faces off with Tigers ace Justin Verlander for a 6:05 CT start.

Solving the Power Outage problem

Solving the Power Outage problem

March 29, 2006

Solving the Power Outage Problem
Twins and Al Central breakdown
by Jeff Barthel


The Minnesota Twins have oiled up the leather, stretched out the lumber and limbered up their arms in anticipation of beginning the 2006 regular season with the hope to reclaim the American League Central title.

To do so, however, the Twins will undoubtedly have to hit better—especially when it comes to power. In an era known for power hitting, the Twins have not had a 30-homerun hitter since 1987 (Gary Gaetti with 31, Tom Brunansky with 32 and Kent Hrbek with 34).

So, where are these extra-base hits and long balls going to come from? Like many other Twins teams in recent years, this year's Twins have many players who should be considered 30-homer worthy. Who should be considered as the top power-hitting contenders for the 2006 Twins?

Tony Batista – The 32-year-old veteran third baseman hasn’t played Major League Baseball since 2004. Minnesota hopes the ex-Orioles, Blue Jays slugger (who’s topped the 30-homer mark three times in his 10-year career) can provide the much needed power; but it’s hard to believe he can get back to MLB form and knock out 30.

Torii Hunter – The defensive superstar’s hitting has become more consistent in recent years. Last season, which included missing more than two months due to injury, Hunter only hit 16 home runs. However, in Hunter’s previous four seasons he led the team in home runs three of those years — including hammering out 29 homers in his 2002 All-Star season.

Joe Mauer – Female fans, dream on. This 22-year-old catcher will be a phenomenal hitter. Look for Mauer to hit .300-plus and possibly lead the team in batting average. But, as far as home runs, this St. Paul native will likely hit 30 at some point in his career, it’ll be a few years though. As for 2006, look for Mauer to hit some homers, but not more than 24-25. The third-year catcher will provide Minnesota some consistent hitting, but not a ton of power … yet.

So, who will be that first Twin since ’87 to hit 30 home runs?

Of the above-mentioned, Hunter and Batista are the most probable; however, the key to bringing some power back to Minnesota’s lineup will be its 24-year-old Canadian import — third year first baseman, Justin Morneau.

In 2005, the towering first baseman’s production (or lack thereof) paled in comparison with his lofty potential. Preseason illnesses and getting hit on the helmet hampered Morneau’s production last season. He finished last season with a .239 batting average, 22 home runs and 79 RBI.

Although his RBI total led the Twins, expect better things for Morneau this season. At 6-feet-4-inches, and a strong 227 pounds, the burly first baseman should be able to knock out 30 and drive in 100 if his health holds up.

This season Morneau has been in good health so far. He competed in the World Baseball Classic for Canada and rejoined Minnesota with plenty of time to prepare his swing and first baseman skills for the new season.


**This story was published in The Wake, the University of Minnesota student magazine. It was accompanied by an AL Central preview I did and may also be accessed (with its complementing visuals) at:

http://www.wakenews.org/content/2006/03/29/stories/830

Baseball is Back and so is Torii

Baseball is Back and so is Torii

February 22, 2006

Baseball is Back and so is Torii
Insight from the Wall Climber himself
by Jeff Barthel

For baseball fans, this is the time of year you get that “itch”—you know the season is just a few weeks away, yet you wish it began tomorrow. As for baseball in Minnesota, one of its most revered athletes can’t wait to get back to playing the sport he so cherishes.

“It was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced,” Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter says of the ankle injury he suffered last season. “I had a slight crank in my ankle and my talus (a.k.a. anklebone, which bears the weight of the entire body), and I had some ligaments that were stretched … that was the worst pain ever.”

The event occurred July 27 at Boston’s Fenway Park, since then, much to the delight of Hunter, he has fully healed. The Major League Baseball veteran entering his 10th season shared his appreciation for modern medicine.

“Surgery’s so easy these days, 20 years ago if I had a knee problem they’d have to cut your leg open and you’d have to wait a year before you’d come back,” says Hunter.

Known for his death-defying, wall-climbing, homerun-robbing catches, the Gold Glove centerfielder also says there’s no chance he’ll change his style because of the injury. “All I want to do is go out there and play hard and if [injury] happens, it happens,” says Hunter, “but I’m still gonna run into that wall, you can believe that.”

After his incident with the Fenway wall occurred, making things tougher for Torii, the injury rendered him unable to play the final two months last season. It frustrated him, he could only watch as his Twins fell from playoff contention and finished in third. Then, to add insult to his injury, Hunter also had to witness Minnesota’s arch-nemesis (the Chicago White Sox) waltz through the playoffs and win a World Championship.

“It was tough man, sitting at home,” says Hunter about watching the 2005 MLB playoffs from his home in The Colony, Texas. “I felt (as a team) we should have been there because we made in three years in a row and we failed every time. And now Chicago, after three years of us winning (the AL Central), they win it on the first try,” adds Hunter, with dismay.

Although Torii is grateful to be a Twin, he does admit to being a tad bit jealous of Chicago. Over the off-season, he caught up with former teammate and current White Sox catcher, A.J. Piersynski. The two appeared on FSN’s Best Damn Sports Show together, where AJ was able to give Torii an up-close look of his shiny, new ring.

When asked his relationship with Piersynski, Hunter smiles and talks of spending many good times with his “buddy.” He says the two enjoy sharing off-season ventures such as getting together for golf or a trip to Vegas together in the off-season. So then, what happens when Torii’s coming in to score and there’s a play with A.J. standing at the plate?

“What I always tell him is when I’m rounding third and your there standing with the ball, I’m going to have to take you out,” says Hunter, “then he’s like ‘well Torii, I’m ready for you.’”

Hunter (who stands 6-foot-2, weighs 220 pounds) takes pride in the fact he played football and confidently claims he’s stronger than the 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pound Piersynski. Despite his no-fear attitude, he does recognize an advantage for A.J.—his
catcher’s gear.

“He’s the one who’s got a chance to survive and I don’t,” says Hunter with thoughts of a collision with Piersynski, “so we’ll see who survives.”

Putting last season to rest, Torii is excitedly preparing for 2006. And with him, he’ll take his fifth Gold Glove—a prestigious award that sometimes slips under the radar, especially when it’s given in the off-season and the team is no longer hot news.

Torii’s Gold Glove collection now adds up just one short of his childhood idol, Twins Hall of Fame centerfielder, two-time World Champ and owner of six Gold Gloves, Kirby Puckett. With all due respect to Puckett, thinking of Torii’s Twins of today—with Hunter playing in his prime, and as Twins fans of today adoringly cheer “Torii, Torii” just as the team’s fans of the late ’80s and early ’90s affectionately screamed “Kirby, Kirby,”—has then the centerfielding baton been passed?

“When I first signed with the Twins, I knew about Kirby Puckett and that he was the guy who made all the plays here,” says Hunter recalling his younger years. “Kirby Puckett was one of the players I definitely admired and respected.”

When asked about the thought of passing Puckett in Gold Gloves Torii recognizes Kirby’s greatness, humbly responding, “Oh man, how ‘bout one more.”

Hunter went on to speak about this coming season, about the White Sox acquisition of Jim Thome, Chicago’s improved pitching staff and all the challenges he’s excited to face, but for now, he’ll get set for training and bonding with new teammates—such as ex-Marlins Gold Glove second baseman Luis Castillo, power-hitting third baseman Tony Batista and new hitting coach, Joe Vavra.

Although Hunter suffered disappointment this past off-season: his injury, the White Sox, as well as the departure of long-time teammate (and close friend) Jacque Jones. Hunter says he’s confident in what players like Batista, Castillo and ex-Tigers slugger Rondell White can do.

So, as another calendar page turns and spring training begins, another exciting season of watching Torii Hunter and his Twins will soon begin.

Leaving Minnesota and making impacts elsewhere

It’s August 28th. The Minnesota Twins are one game behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League central, the Chicago Cubs have the best record in all of baseball, and the Washington Nationals have faded quickly into the MLB cellar.

I think it’s fair to say Minnesota has surpassed its expectations thus far, but how about those some of those ex-Twins and what they are doing for other teams?

Well, first off, let’s start with those Miracle Rays down in the lower east coast. Tampa Bay is 80-51 and owns a three and one half lead over the defending World Champs in the American League east.

In helping the team formerly known as Devil Rays, three Twins have played key roles. Pitcher Matt Garza has been a huge inning-eater and won 11 games thus far. The right-hander has made 25 starts, posted 110 strikeouts and compiled a 3.53 ERA. He ranks third on the team in innings pitched and totes an impressive 1.23 WHIP (Walks and Hits per Innings Pitched).

Aiding Garza toward the end of the games is ex-Twins middle reliever Grant Balfour. The native of Sydney, Australia has made 38 appearances for Tampa and has a team-high 13.08 K/9 ratio (strikeouts per nine innings pitched). Balfour has baffled opposing hitters in posting 63 Ks through 43.1 innings pitched. The 30-year-old has been a valuable set-up man to Rays closers this year.

Lastly, ex-Piranha (as previously deemed in Minnesota) Jason Bartlett has contributed nicely to the Rays success. Bartlett has not shown any power (zero home runs this year), but he has played a steady shortstop for Tampa and provided some speed. Through 99 games played thus far, the Rays SS has made 13 errors and stolen 18 bases. True, the 28-year-old infielder is homer-less, but Bartlett has provided the Rays with a respectable .271 batting average, 17 doubles and three triples thus far.

Moving on to the west coast. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have teetered with Tampa for the best record in the AL in recent weeks and months.

Leading the Angels offense has been Vladimir Guerrero, but ex-Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter has contributed as well. Vlad the Impaler (Guerrero) has compiled .289 batting average, 23 home runs and 78 RBI – leading Los Angeles hitters in all three of those departments – while Hunter has brought his savvy defense out west and contributed offensively as well. The seven-time Gold Glove winner has yet to commit an error this season. Hunter also has hit 19 HRs, compiled 67 RBI and is hitting .274 through his first five months with the Halos.

Switching gears to the National League, how about former Twins ace Johan Santana?

Well, he’s having another nice season, but lacks a little in the wins department. The left-handed two-time Cy Young award winner has posted a 12-7 record for the New York Mets. Santana doesn’t lead the team in wins, but does lead Mets starters in innings pitched, ERA and strikeouts. The brilliant Venezuelan lefty ranks second in the NL with his 2.59 ERA and 159 strikeouts (trailing San Francisco’s Tim Lincecum in both categories). As for Santana’s durability, thus far he has tossed a league-high 190 innings – excluding C.C. Sabathia (201.1 IP) who has pitched in both leagues this year.

The Mets also have ex-Twins second baseman Luis Castillo on their 2008 roster. Castillo, however, has been hampered by injuries this season. The Mets infielder has only played in 70 games and contributed a paltry .257 batting average thus far. Castillo has recently come off the DL, though, and may be a factor as New York continues battling the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL east.

Currently, the Mets hold a miniscule half-game lead over the Phils.

Other notes on ex-Twins:

Doug Mientkiewicz and Luis Rivas are with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mientkiewicz is having a bit more success than Rivas. The ex-Twins first baseman known for his swift defense and bubble gum blowing is batting .282 and has 28 RBI. Rivas is batting a mere .229 so far this season.

Remember the Hawk? Latroy Hawkins. He is now with the Houston Astros. He began the season as a member of the New York Yankees bullpen, but has migrated south. Hawkins has not allowed a run and has struck out 14 batters since switching leagues and joining his new club. Thus far, the right-handed journeyman has pitched in 11 games for Houston – the seventh MLB team Hawkins has played for since his nine-year tenure with the Twins.

Casey Blake has had a decent career since leaving Minnesota. After five and a half seasons with the Cleveland Indians, the talented utility man now has a chance to make a playoff push with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Blake, who just celebrated his 35th birthday Aug. 23, has five homers and 15 RBI while donning the Dodger Blue. Blake’s Dodgers hope to topple the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL west – currently L.A. trails the D-Backs by three games.

Ex-Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynki is still thriving in Chicago. Since becoming a member of one of Minnesota’s major rivals, the 32-year-old veteran is batting .277 with 60 HRs and 223 RBI. Anthony John Piersynksi also has accumulated 36 passed balls and 14 errors over that span of time.

Christian Guzman made the All-Star team this year as a member of the Washington Nationals. In fact, the former Twins infielder has been one of very few bright spots for his NL east cellar-dwelling team. The Nationals have an MLB-worst 48-85 record, but Guzman leads his team with a .298 batting average. The Dominican-born infielder has sparkled defensively as well – committing 13 errors through 110 starts at shortstop this season.

Livan Hernandez was picked up by the Colorado Rockies after the Twins released this season. Since landing his new roster spot, the 13-year MLB vet has not been so hot. Hernandez, once World Series MVP with the Marlins, has allowed 23 runs in 18.2 innings since joining the Rockies.

Ex-Twins outfielder Jacque Jones began his season as a member of the Detroit Tigers. From there, things have not gone so well. The serviceable OF who was always known for his hustle and irremovable smile is now in the Florida Marlins organization. Jones hit .165 through 79 at-bats with the Tigers and was released from them on May 6. Then, after hitting .108 with Florida’s Big League club, Jones was relegated to signing a minor league contract May 20.

Rondell White and Craig Monroe are ex-Twins, though the thought of them resurfacing somewhere is about as feint as Tony Batista or Phil Nevin making an MLB roster again.

Lastly, how about Eddie G.? Eddie Guardado. Yes, “Everday Eddie” (as he was known by Twins fans years ago) has returned to Minnesota. Six years after posting career-high 45 saves for Minnesota, Guardado’s former club has decided to give its ex-closer another go. Minnesota dealt the Texas Rangers a minor league pitcher to acquire him less than a week ago. The six-foot stouthearted lefty has come full circle after filling in for Texas and a couple other MLB bullpens over the years. Guardado pitched with Cincinatti and Seattle on two separate occasions with each before beginning his 2008 season with the Rangers. Since beginning his second term the Twins Aug. 25, Guardado has allowed one run in two appearances. Joe Nathan will remain Minnesota’s closer, but the hopes are that Guardado can provide some quality late-inning relief this September.

Matt Lawton, Matthew LeCroy and other past Twins players are out of baseball now, but chances are their current MLB employment status is still palpable.

Minnesota makes veteran move that may benefit Liriano

For the first time in many years, the Minnesota Twins opening day starter will not be either Johan Santana or Brad Radke.

Neither will this pitcher be Livan Hernandez.

Tuesday, the Twins signed Hernandez when the 32-year-old journeyman inked a $ 5 million contract for the 2008 season.

Santana brought his top-dollar, Cy Young award-award winning arm with him to New York. Radke retired in 2006 after spending all of his 12 Major League seasons with Minnesota.

The Twins 2008 opening day starter this March 31 will likely be either Francisco Liriano or Scott Baker. As for the other three spots in the Twins starting rotation, Hernandez should earn one and there will be battles for the other two.

Starting rotation aside, one thing is certain about Hernandez, the native of Cuba and 12-year MLB journeyman will add veteran leadership to this very young Twins pitching staff (something Radke gave Minnesota for a long time).

Known as a common choice for Twins opening day starter over the years, Radke is not similar to Hernandez in physical stature or pitching style, however, the two right-handers are similar in durability.

Radke pitched 12 seasons of Major League Baseball.

Eisler "Livan" Hernandez will enter his enter 13th season as an MLB starter.

Throughout his Twins career, Radke tossed 2,451 innings for a 204.1 per-season average. As for Hernandez, the 2007 Arizona Diamondbacks starter has chalked up 2,371 innings for a 197.6 inning-per-season average.

Also, the two pitchers' career records and ERA are similar.

Radke was 148-139 in his career with a 4.22 ERA. Hernandez has compiled a 134-128 record and a 4.25 ERA.

Now, if you go beyond regular season achievements, you'll find Hernandez -- a 6-foot-2-inch, 245-pound native of Villa Clara, Cuba -- has the upper hand on Radke.

Radke has appeared in one All Star game (1998). Hernandez has two All-Star appearances (2004, 2005) and a World Series ring.

Hernandez was also the MVP of the 1997 World Series when he pitched the Florida Marlins to a seven-game championship over the Cleveland Indians -- a series that became known as the "Latino Series."

The message here is that Hernandez is experienced and he's Latin.

What other Latin pitcher is competing for a Twins starting rotation position?

Minnesota's future ace and 24-year-old flame thrower, Liriano (who grew up in the Dominican Republic).

To sum up Minnesota's one-year agreement with Hernandez:

No, the result will not give Minnesota a 2008 championship. Neither will Hernandez be a 20-game winner for his new club.

On the bright side, however, for the Twins' youthful pitching staff this move should bode well both for the staff (as a whole) and for Liriano.

Hernandez should benefit Minnesota by aiding Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson in the development of Liriano.

Furthermore, with the absence of Santana the move might also can assist Anderson in doing something else. Hernandez could be the key in aiding Anderson to mold Liriano into a future Cy Young award winner.

Hunter Earns his Wings

Torii Hunter's recently signed deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim does not change the stance I made on my previous entry. Hunter would like to win a World Series ring with the Twins more than any other team. The Angels' offer (5 years, $85-90 million) to play next to Vladimir Guerrero, Garrett Anderson and/or Gary Matthews Jr. on grass in an outdoor stadium was nearly impossible to decline. Beyond Mr. Hunter himself, Torii must think of his wife and two children. As for Minnesota's next move, it'll be to do whatever is possible to battle for 3rd place in the 2008 American League central race.

Twins Sign Monroe

The Minnesota Twins signing of Craig Monroe is very reminiscent of that of Rondell White two seasons ago. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? We're yet to find out; but, one suspects a Torii Hunter signing is on the horizon. The currently longest tenured Twin is a free agent this off-season. Sure, he's weighing his options; but, I believe he would like to win a World Series with the Twins more than any other team - including the New York Yankees and the Texas (where he resides) Rangers. The MLB nation will have to wait and see, but new GM Bill Smith is undoubtedly doing what he can (within Carl Pohlad's financial reasoning) to sign the seven-year Gold Glove Hunter.