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.