Roy Smalley told Sports Headliners the Twins might have fewer abilities “on paper” than the Yankees and Rays but Minnesota is still a formidable potential playoff team with its talent and attitude.
Smalley, who follows the team as an analyst for Fox Sports North, said if the Twins had an additional high quality pitcher it could be a difference maker for Minnesota in a playoff series. “In a short series it just comes down to who can step up,” he said.
Still, the Twins have turned heads this year. Yes, there is talent with pitchers like Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano, and position players such as Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, Jason Kubel and Danny Valencia. Bench contributors have been impressive, too, players who have come from Triple A Rochester to sub for injured regulars, or players filling roles assigned to them last spring like clutch slugger Jim Thome (six home runs in the last 10 games).
But the Twins’ resiliency in overcoming injuries and determination to keep winning, including close games, prompts Smalley to speak with conviction about the franchise he helped to a World Series title in 1987. “Very tough in the gut,” Smalley said of the 2010 Twins who have won six of their last 11 games by one run.
The patience and perseverance to win close games has shown up in the team’s competition against the White Sox this season. The two teams have played nine one- run games. The Twins lead the season series 10-5 going into tomorrow night’s final three games between Chicago and Minnesota.
The series has the host White Sox in a predicament. With each team having only 19 games remaining, Chicago is six games back of the Twins in the Central Division standings. The Twins are the likely winners of the division even if they win only a game or two this week in Chicago.
What’s also important is for the Twins to maximize their wins and possibly finish with the best record in the American League. That would assure home field advantage in the league playoffs.