All they do is win ball games.  This years version of the Minnesota Twins is different than the previous Central Division winners.  The difference is determination.  I’m not sure where the motivation for this comes from…  Possibly the death of Kirrrrrrbbbbyyyy Puckett?  Possibly to prove the critics wrong?  Possibly to make up for their HORRIBLE April and May?  Either way, it looks as if this is the Twins year.  Even though there are three series left prior to the end of the year, it looks as if our team will make it to the playoffs.

Let’s review what has happened to the Twins thus far.

- We started the year with guys named Batista and Rondell.  We finally parted ways with Batista in June.  In the place of those guys are Nick Punto and Jason Bartlett.  Both have done a great job filling in and Bartlett has secured his spot as our shortstop of the future.  Punto has an amazing glove but I feel that he will be replaced next year and sent back to his “utility” status.  He’s much more valuable resting guys like Bartlett, Castillo and third baseman to be named later.
- Our rotation has been shakey at best.  In April the lineup consisted of: Santana, Radke, Silva, Baker and Bonser.  Now our rotation consists of 3 rookies (Boof, Baker and Garza), Santana and a new and improved Silva.   We have come to forget about Liriano and we’ll look forward to seeing him pitch next year.

- Our starting outfield has been in flux the majority of the year.  Remember Shannon Stewart?  Neither do I.  Guys like Jason Tyner filled in admirably when Torii Hunter went down.  Tyner then took over the role of left fielder until Rondell White realized how to hit a fastball again.  Now it consists of RoWhite, Hunter and Cuddy.  Oh, and by the way, Cuddy has his 100 RBIs and has career highs in Homeruns, Doubles, Runs, RBIs, Hits and walks.

With all of these obsticles, the Twins have found a way to overcome adversity.  They keep on winning ballgames with gritty performances.  Each and every night a different guy takes the team on his shoulders to win the ballgame.

Place your bets…  My thoughts about the rest of the regular season/off season:

1.  The Twins will make the playoffs.  I think that it will be of the wild card variety and they will play @ Oakland to start the series.  Twins win that series 3-1 behind a strong performance from Santana (he starts game 1 and 4 - both for Wins)
2.  The Twins will go to the ALCS and lose to the Yankees.  Bobby Abreu is series MVP.
3.  The Twins will pick up Torii Hunters contract extension.  How could they not?  Assuming he stays healthy and has an off season to rest his problamatic foot, he should be great next year.  The knock on Torii was his streaky bat.  This year he has been much more consistant.  He has 26 HRs, 86 RBI (could veyr well reach 100 if he remains hot) and is starting to get his speed back after so many months of being hobbled.

4.  Justin Morneau is robbed of the MVP.  The award goes to Derek Jeter for no real good reason except that sports writers think that it’s his time.  His numbers are average at best (except his BA which is second in the league).  The ECCA (East Coast Conspiracy Association) talks about his quote “leadership and defensive skills”.  All of the writers west of Ohio note that Jeter is not even the best shortstop on his team AND with all the offensive firepower around him he should have better numbers.

5.  Twins go shopping for a 3b with more power!  They finally get it right and trade for ARod!  Just kidding.