Twins 2012: Perception Isn't Reality

Justin Morneau (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you've listened to Dick Bremer and Bert Blyleven (and sometimes Ron Coomer or Roy Smalley) on Minnesota Twins baseball telecasts long enough this season, you might be under the impression that if the team caught a few breaks, they could actually have a shot at an American League playoff spot.

The reality is that, with another slow start out of the gate, the Twins are again bringing up the rear in the AL Central division after the All-Star break.  They are 36-49, eleven games in back of the division-leading Chicago White Sox.  That's not as bad as the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in terms of who's the worst teams in Major League Baseball, but it's pretty close.

The offense on the Twins has improved because Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have been relatively healthy for the first time in quite awhile.  Newcomers Josh Willingham and Trevor Plouffe have also shown an ability to hit the ball beyond the fences.  They won't make anyone forget Jim Thome (now with the Baltimore Orioles), but still . . .

As for the pitching--well, where do we start?  There have been 11 different starters so far this season, due mainly to injury or ineffectiveness, which has prompted the Twins to call up Cole DeVries and Samuel Deduno from their Rochester, N.Y. minor league team.  Francisco Liriano, an embarrassment at the start of the season, is now pitching well enough to possibly get traded to a contender.  And Glen Perkins has done a so-so job as the team's closer while Matt Capps nurses an injury.

By the time you see this, some of these players may be traded elsewhere or let go on waivers.  General manager Terry Ryan is having a tough time deciding whether or not the Twins should be buyers or sellers.  It comes down to this:  If you think you have a shot at the playoffs, then you'd better get yourself some starting pitching.  If you don't, then start getting rid of your high-priced talent in favor of prospects.

Unless you've moved on to your Netflix account, or are counting the days until the NFL training camps open, try this exercise.  The next time Dick and Bert (and Ron and Roy) give even the slightest hint of optimism about the Twins' play, clap your hands and make a wish.  It won't actually work miracles, but you might feel better about yourself and the baseball team you've been watching.