It’s getting to be that time of year again.  We are about one third of the way through the schedule and the Twins record sits at 34-33.  This season can be summed up with one word:  Inconsitency. 

The Twins have shown inconsistency in hitting, pitching, fielding, base running.  All aspects of the game have been hit or miss.  It’s not as if one player is struggling.  It’s that all players are struggling all the time.  Sure there are guys who are statistically doing well.  Morneau, Hunter and Cuddyer come to mind.  That being said, they also have games where they completely disappear.  There is talk that the Twins need to trade for a third baseman that can hit.  I agree but I wonder whether that will make a difference

The pitching staff has been horribly inconsistent.  Santana is still striking out the side but he’s also given up the big inning and has been unable to keep the ball down in the strike zone.  Boof Bonser will have a game where he looks all world and is unbeatable.  The next game he’ll be mediocre at best.  Silva has been about as contant a factor as any of our pitchers.  Even he had a horrible last start. 

When asked about the Twins troubles, Gardy continues with the party line….  He throws out the old cliche of “We’re battling” and “We haven’t played together as a team”.  Yep, Gardy I would say that is about right.  The Twins have NOT played together as a team and their series to series ups and downs would point that out.  Losing two of three to the Nats and Brewers is not a good way to catch the Indians and Tigers.  Those are the teams that we need to beat.

In the next three weeks the Twins will go through what might be arguably the toughest stretch of their schedule.  The Twins will play at the Mets, Yankees, Detroit and a host of other teams that are over the .500 mark. 

This stretch of games will be the ultimate test as to whether the Twins think that they can contend.  With the inconsistent play that has plagued them thus far, they could easily drop to 10 or more games behind the Indians and Tigers if they continue down the same path.

I guess that we’ll have to wait and see.  I’m trying to be optimistic but I just don’t like our chances.