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Front Page: The Minnesota Twins Are 2019 AL Central Champs

Nick Nelson

By Nick Nelson
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Nick Nelson GOAT

Nick Nelson

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On Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins defeated Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians 2-0 at Target Field. In this thoroughly impressive silencing of the reigning four-time division champs, the Twins began to make a statement.

 

Six months later, they've finished it. For the first time since 2010, the Twins are division champs. It's been quite a ride.On October 6th, 2010, a 29-year-old Rocco Baldelli went 0-for-3 against Texas as DH for the Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS. This is noteworthy both because they were the final at-bats of Baldelli's major-league career, and also because – about 1,000 miles north of Tampa on that same day – the Twins were opening a series against the Yankees.

 

Of course, Minnesota was swept by New York (again). And they haven't won the AL Central or returned to the ALDS since. That is to say, they hadn't. Until now.

 

Nine years later, Baldelli is rookie manager for the upstart club that ended Cleveland's division dynasty and shocked the baseball world. His team's 52nd road win of the year in Detroit (!), combined with a Cleveland loss to the White Sox, shaved the Magic Number down to zero.

 

Not so long ago, Minnesota was a league-wide punchline when it came to power hitting and power pitching. But here in the instantly legendary year of 2019, they have broken the franchise record for strikeouts and the major-league record for home runs. And in the process they've restored their long-forfeited status among MLB's premier class.

 

Baldelli coming in as a 37-year-old with zero managerial experience, and overseeing one of the best finishes in Twins history (with a division clinch on his BIRTHDAY, no less) is an amazing story easily lost in the shuffle of a season absolutely brimming with them.

 

And it's not over. With 98 wins in the books, this is already the second-winningest team in Twins history and they have four games left to match the record of 102 from 1965. Then, it's time to bring one of the most powerful and imposing lineups in MLB history into New York, as clear yet capable underdogs. Their first-round foes will be all too familiar, but this Minnesota squad is not. With power throughout the lineup and a deep, daunting bullpen, the Twins are not to be discounted.

 

You know we'll be covering it all exhaustively from every angle at Twins Daily. For the first time in this site's history, the Minnesota Twins are preparing for a postseason series. We can't wait to share the journey with all of you.

 

But for now, soak it in. Pour a glass of champagne. After nearly a decade in the dumps, the Twins have retaken the American League Central.

 

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DocBauer St Paul Saints

DocBauer

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WHAT A SEASON!

 

I predicated 80+ wins with a shot at 92-93 if a few things broke right. I am happy as can be that I was both right and wrong!

 

This has been one of the most fun and fantastic season's I have ever experienced as a lifelong fan of my beloved Twins!

 

I want 100 wins!

 

I want the Bomba record!

 

Yes, OF COURSE I want the magic to continue and win at least one series if not "the whole damn thing".

 

But in full honesty, right now, no matter what happens, I am pleased and happy and just GLOWING in the season OUR Twins have had.

 

No matter what happens, never let us forget what a tremendous season and ride this team has taken us on!

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rghrbek Draft Eligible

rghrbek

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Great achievement.  I could not be more proud.  We should enjoy this magical season, we as a community deserve this.

 

The fact that the last two months we were devoid of solid starting pitching makes this sweeter.

 

I am not optimistic about our playoff match ups, but I would be crazy not to have a lot of hope, as this team has proven me wrong all year.

 

I'm always a proud twins fan, but this year has been special for a loyal fan base that deserves this.

 

Bring on the yankees.

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twinssporto St Paul Saints

twinssporto

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I watched the locker room celebration tonight and enjoyed the interviews. Surprisingly, the best one in my opinion was with Gibson. Audra asked him about his ailments and he deflected and said there were others who had more difficult circumstances to overcome than he did. I've never had ulcerative colitis but my dad did. It's a horrible disease. He's a total class act and in my mind a champion already. I think the chemistry of this team is special. Can't wait to watch the fireworks with the Yankees!

 

By the way, congratulations to all the other Twins fans tonight, especially the TD gang. You all made the season so much more fun and entertaining. Just glad we could sweat this out together.  Let's go beat the Yankees then argue and discuss the Astros later.

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jimbo92107 Ft Myers Mighty Mussels

jimbo92107

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I may be the only one, but I'd like to thank Michael Pineda for his contribution to this division championship. Pineda came back from both TJ surgery and knee surgery to provide solid starting pitching for the Twins, right up until he got popped for PEDs. He is not the only guy on this team that has gone through this suspension, and hopefully he will come back better for it. If Pineda can come back clean and manage his health in a more responsible way, I hope to see him next year in a Twins uniform. 

 

Skol Twins!

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Dantes929 GCL Twins

Dantes929

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How big was that double header win against Cleveland.   Sweeping them instead of being swept made that the biggest day of the season.    You want hope for the playoffs?   Our best day of the season where we won both ends of a double header against one of the hottest teams of the 2nd half and still a playoff candidate were bullpen games.    Bullpen games where Dobnak, our hottest pitcher this month, didn't even throw.

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SwainZag Ft Myers Mighty Mussels

SwainZag

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So proud of these guys.  So much angst of what could have done better, who else we should have gotten, etc.........that this is going to be the best team win wise in over a half a century.  Whether or not we realize it now, this is something special.  Teams don't win 98+ games often.   We are in for a ride.  

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