Inexperienced Pitching Staff? Check.
Team Leader Lost? Check.
Cy Young Winner traded? Check.
Best Young Pitcher traded? Check.
Bill Smith's first offseason as GM of the Minnesota Twins left fans with a feeling similar to a crowbar repeatedly striking a man's left testicle. Experts concluded that the Twins would be the worst team in the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers and Cleavland Indians looked to fight for 1st and 2nd place with dominating offensive attacks. The Minnesota Twins were not going to compete for a division title.
Three months later, that left testicle has healed up just fine.
Despite Smith's big offseason investments in Mike Lamb and Adam Everett being complete non factors, the Twins have had one hell of a season. Livan Hernandez, regardless of having an ERA higher than Willie Nelson, has eaten his innings to 10 wins, 8 of which are at home. Alexi Casilla, who was hitting near .200 in the minors, has given the Twins great defense at second base, as well as a .300 average. Former strikeout king Denard Span has stepped it up this year, and has taken over the lead-off role. Joe Nathan, nearly traded in the offseason, has had the best season of his career, recording his 29th save last night. Jason Morneau, the unknown Home Run Derby champ, is making Canada proud with his gaudy RBI numbers. Golden Boy Joe Mauer is still driving women wild with his fantastic sideburns.
Oh, and did I mention the 24, 25, 26, and 27 year old pitchers that all have winning records?
Maybe it's Livan's veteran presence.
Maybe it's Delmon Young's rigid running style.
Maybe it's the smell of Gomez's bat.
Or maybe, just maybe, the Twins have a good team.
Whatever it is, its working.
Experts? Fuck the experts. The Twins are rolling.
Team Leader Lost? Check.
Cy Young Winner traded? Check.
Best Young Pitcher traded? Check.
Bill Smith's first offseason as GM of the Minnesota Twins left fans with a feeling similar to a crowbar repeatedly striking a man's left testicle. Experts concluded that the Twins would be the worst team in the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers and Cleavland Indians looked to fight for 1st and 2nd place with dominating offensive attacks. The Minnesota Twins were not going to compete for a division title.
Three months later, that left testicle has healed up just fine.
Despite Smith's big offseason investments in Mike Lamb and Adam Everett being complete non factors, the Twins have had one hell of a season. Livan Hernandez, regardless of having an ERA higher than Willie Nelson, has eaten his innings to 10 wins, 8 of which are at home. Alexi Casilla, who was hitting near .200 in the minors, has given the Twins great defense at second base, as well as a .300 average. Former strikeout king Denard Span has stepped it up this year, and has taken over the lead-off role. Joe Nathan, nearly traded in the offseason, has had the best season of his career, recording his 29th save last night. Jason Morneau, the unknown Home Run Derby champ, is making Canada proud with his gaudy RBI numbers. Golden Boy Joe Mauer is still driving women wild with his fantastic sideburns.
Oh, and did I mention the 24, 25, 26, and 27 year old pitchers that all have winning records?
Maybe it's Livan's veteran presence.
Maybe it's Delmon Young's rigid running style.
Maybe it's the smell of Gomez's bat.
Or maybe, just maybe, the Twins have a good team.
Whatever it is, its working.
Experts? Fuck the experts. The Twins are rolling.
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