A Twins team that has spent most of the season in first place still has 87 games remaining but that doesn’t lessen the significance of a series that begins at home tonight against the Tigers and another series July 9-11 in Detroit. After the July series the two Central Division leading teams don’t play again until the two final series of the year, August 31-September 2 in Minneapolis and September 24-26 in Detroit.
The Twins hold a one half game lead in the division standings over Detroit going into tonight’s game. Minnesota and Detroit know all about precarious outcomes following last season’s playoff game between the Twins and Tigers that decided the division championship.
Last season the Twins were 8-2 at home against Detroit, 4-6 in Detroit. Without that home domination, the Twins wouldn’t have won the Central Division title. This season the Twins swept a three game series at Target Field in April, while in May the Twins could only win one of three games in Detroit.
The games this week and in early July are part of a challenging schedule for the Twins between now and the All-Star game break July 12-14. The Twins play four games at home against Tampa Bay (July 1-4) and the Rays might be baseball’s best team. The schedule prior to the All-Star break also includes three games in Toronto against the mediocre Blue Jays.
The Twins have been ranked among baseball’s better teams so far in 2010 but some observers maintain they’ve been a disappointment despite their talent. “They’re in a good division (for winning),” one critic said. “I expected more.”
The Central Division historically and today remains mediocre. The Twins have capitalized on the opportunity winning five titles since 2000. They may well add a sixth in 2010 but critics thought the team would be more impressive after making three notable off-season acquisitions: shortstop J.J. Hardy, second baseman Orlando Hudson and designated hitter Jim Thome.