Article: Arcia Powers Up Twins Offense

Download attachment: arciaswing.jpg As I sat at Target Field on Sunday afternoon, watching a dull game play out between two of the worst teams in the majors, I was finding it difficult to kindle my interest. A lineup that included Jamey Carroll, Doug Bernier, Clete Thomas and Chris Herrmann was being shut down by a pitcher who had entered the game with an 8.07 ERA.

I wasn't watching a good team. For the most part, I wasn't even watching the development of players who might be featured on the next good team.

One very notable exception was the guy who broke a late-inning tie and propelled the Twins to victory[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK], placing an exclamation point on a triumphant weekend. Oswaldo Arcia is back, and he brings electricity that the fan base needs about as badly as the lineup does.

Arcia was sent to Triple-A in mid-July following a particularly brutal string of at-bats. The move was understandable -- he was truly out of sorts -- but it took away one of the most intriguing players on the roster. The 22-year-old outfielder had been mentioned as a Rookie of the Year candidate, and his .725 OPS at the time of his demotion still ranked among the best on the team.

To his credit, Arcia responded very well after being sent down, raking to the tune of .375/.490/.725 in 13 games, and that was plenty to get him called right back up. He joined a Twins team that had lost four straight and helped power them to a weekend sweep over the Astros, going 5-for-12 with a triple and a decisive homer in the series.

Arcia is a dynamic talent, and his bat instantly upgrades an offense that has been shockingly terrible. He's a big addition, and not only for the pop he brings. He also provides something far more simple, and in equally short supply: a reason to watch.

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