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.

Comments Welcome

Hardy and Hudson have missed so much time collectively with injuries it seems like a long time ago when they teamed up to help send the Twins off to a fast start in April, 15-8. The absence of those two and anemic hitting replacements has combined to give the Twins a pretty ordinary infield even though first baseman Justin Morneau has been spectacular hitting the ball.  His fielding has been impressive, too, and he combines with other position players for a usually solid defense.  The Twins have committed the fewest errors in the major leagues, 27.

Thome has made some noise with his bat but his numbers aren’t too imposing so far hitting .241 with six home runs and 19 RBI.  His inconsistency characterizes the overall offense that at times has been explosive such as in Philadelphia earlier this month when the club rallied from a 9-4 ninth inning deficit to win in extra innings. But often Twins bats have failed with runners on base.  Four of the big producers need to do more, Joe Mauer (three home runs–honest), Michael Cuddyer (modest totals including .259 average and 33 RBI), Jason Kubel (hitting .219 against left handed pitching) and Denard Span (.373 average at home, .192 on the road).

Although the Twins didn’t draw it up this way, enigmatic Delmon Young has come much closer to matching potential with results than several of his teammates.  Young is hitting .293, with eight home runs and 49 RBI.

Also not on the drawing board before the season began was a bullpen that has given up a lot fewer runs than anyone expected after the Twins lost closer Joe Nathan for all of 2010 because of his injured right arm.  That bullpen has helped an ordinary starting pitching staff that is still in identity crisis trying to find a couple of aces.  The starters collectively looked overmatched during the two most recent road trips where the Twins lost of five six games.

Last year the Twins front office came up with summer time acquisitions that made a difference in winning the Central Division.  Whether the decision makers will add to the talent pool again will be determined soon, but in the meantime the Twins are advised to make good on their opportunities starting tonight against Detroit.

Comments Welcome

At tonight’s game the Twins are selling Schweigert hot dogs for $1 at Hennepin Grille, Taste of Twins Territory, Mill City Grill, Halsey’s Sausage Haus and other locations at Target Field.

Twins fans remember former owner Calvin Griffith as a character but he couldn’t match Charlie O. Finley who owned the Athletics in Kansas City and Oakland from 1961 to 1980.  Charley Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball’s Super Showman is a new book that will be out next month, according to the June 16-22 issue of USA Today Sports Weekly.  Authors G. Michael Green and Roger Launius admit to a favorite among Finley’s many wacky ideas: installing an elevator under the pitching mound to deliver relief pitchers.

Bruce Krinke and other Gopher football supporters hope to have a bronze bust of Bruce Smith placed in the hall of fame area at TCF Bank Stadium.  The bust has been completed by Faribault artist Ivan Whillock but hasn’t been bronzed yet.  Smith, a Faribault native and the only Gopher ever to win the Heisman Trophy, helped Minnesota to national championships in 1940 and 1941.  The Gophers sports hall of fame will open later this year at the stadium.

Best thoughts and prayers to Lynx president Conrad Smith for his recovery from surgery to remove a malignant tumor in his head.  Conrad has been a sports executive in town for many years working not only for the Lynx but the Timberwolves, Twins and North Stars.

For the first time in franchise history the Wild are selling partial season ticket packages.  With a waiting list of over 7,000 for full season tickets, the franchise has a target market for the partial packages that are expected to help the Wild continue its streak of 409 consecutive home sellouts, the longest in the NHL.  The all-time longest streak is 452 by Detroit.

The Wild will host the NHL Entry Draft next year on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25.  A crowd of 15,000 or more is expected the evening of June 24.

The franchise is discussing plans for recognizing former North Stars forward Dino Ciccarelli who recently was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Dallas Stars’ Mike Modano, who was the North Stars’ No. 1 draft choice in 1988, might play next season for the Wild, Detroit, Los Angeles or Dallas, according to an NHL source.

Eight MIAC football players have been named to the D3 Senior Classic preseason watch list. The classic is a post-season all-star game showcasing Division III players and played annually at Salem Stadium in Salem, Virginia. The MIAC players include running back Ben Wartman, center Josh Ostrue and defensive tackle Brian Villar from St. Thomas.  Also on the list are quarterback Joe Boyle and outside linebacker Jeff Gilbertson from St. John’s.  Others being considered are Carleton tackle Brad Eckelmann, Bethel defensive tackle Andrew Johnson and Concordia safety Zach Debeltz.

Comments Welcome