The Twins are a half game out of first place in the Central Division this morning after winning three of four games at home this week against Chicago. The last year the Twins won the division was two years ago, but on August 1, 2006 the Twins were 9.5 games behind first place Detroit.
The 2006 Twins pulled off a remarkable comeback to win the division, while this year’s team hasn’t chased a team like Detroit that was 71-35 with the best record in baseball two years ago on this day, August 1, 2006. Chicago’s record today is 60-47, while the Twins are 60-48.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau elevated his play from the ordinary to the exceptional during the 2006 season and won the American League’s Most Valuable Player award. He’s toward the top of anyone’s list now to win the 2008 award. During the White Sox series he had two three RBI games and increased his career RBI’s against Chicago to 69 in 76 games. Morneau is tied for third in league batting at .320 and is second in RBI at 83.
The Twins are at home for a three game series against Cleveland starting tonight. They are 8-4 against the Indians this season, including 5-1 at the Metrodome.
While every series is important in a pennant race, anxiety goes up a level in anticipation of New York’s visit here August 11, 12 and 13. The Twins are only 7-15 against East Division teams. The record against the Yankees is 2-2 at home, 0-3 at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have won seven of their last 10 games.
Patrick Klinger, Twins vice president of marketing, reported via e-mail earlier this week that advance ticket sales are 20,000, 21,000 and 25,000 for the series.