The Twins Are Going to Be Great, and They Know It

[Cooper Carlson]

The Minnesota Twins are entering 2020 with higher expectations than this team has experienced in years. Some teams might back away from these expectations, but this team is hungry to win. Players and coaches are not afraid of the challenge ahead of them. They are embracing it.Spring training is officially underway, and for the Twins, things are a lot different than last season. Instead of coming off a disappointing 78-84 record with a new manager and questions everywhere, the Twins will begin this season as favorites to win the division. They are generating hype in the national media like Twins fans have never seen before and it’s still hard to believe this is happening to the Minnesota Twins we have all known for our whole lives.

 

With all the expectations surrounding the Twins, you may think there is a lot of added pressure. Fortunately, this team is embracing it all and they seem to be aware of how special of a season this could be.

 

Rocco Baldelli, who has openly said to the players that they are here to win a World Series, had this to say about unfinished business in 2019 per Phil Miller of the Star Tribune: “We proved ourselves a little bit going out there and having a very successful year. We want to go out and do more than that.”

 

Last spring it was a lot of Rocco putting together a successful blueprint with no real expectations laid out and we weren’t quite sure what to expect. It is already noticeable that this year the Twins mean business. Players like Jose Berrios, Nelson Cruz, Trevor May, and Marwin Gonzalez have spoken on what to expect this season.

 

Berrios commented on the message from Baldelli about getting to the World Series to the Star Tribune as well: “It was a good feeling to hear him say that. He said ‘We’re here to win a World Series’, and it makes you say, yeah, we can do that.”

 

Nelson Cruz, who was brought in last season to contribute both at the plate and in the clubhouse, also knows what this team can achieve. He said Baldelli’s message “was a great message. [The World Series] should be the goal.”

 

Marwin Gonzalez is someone who may have to win back some respect from the fans, but this quote from the Star Tribune should help: “The team we have right now is better than last year, and even though we got out in the first round, a lot of players saw what it’s like to play in the playoffs.”

 

Finally, my favorite quote from a player is what Trevor May said about the message from Baldelli to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com: “I think that now that we’ve had that experience, going into the playoff experience, we’ll have a lot more belief. A little bit more of a chip, a little bit more of a ‘We don’t want to go home right now.”

 

Ultimately what I get from all of these quotes is something we haven’t really seen from the Twins. It’s a mentality of "We know we’re good and we’re not scared of anyone." Watch out for the 2020 Twins. In previous seasons we have heard players saying they want to compete and fight for a playoff spot, but this is different. Everyone has their eyes on the World Series and anything less would be disappointing.

 

Players and coaches are not afraid of the challenge ahead of them. They are embracing it by aiming as high as they can.

 

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[Linus]

Every year is different. Predicting is a fools errand so people should settle in and watch the games play out

[howieramone2]

One thing we can count on, if we don't win the final game, some of our members will consider the season a failure.

[theBOMisthebomb]

I don't remember this amount of confidence and swagger from a Gardy era club during spring training. I see this raising of the expectations as a positive thing for the Twins and quite refreshing in this town.

[blindeke]

Can't wait!

[Marcusesm]

But then there's the Damn Yankees...If the Twins don't find a way to get the #1 seed, I just can't see them getting past the Evil Empire. 

[Brandon]

I think 1992 was the last time we had that much swagger and press and expectation.

[TwinsFan4]

I'm loving these quotes; we don't have to play possum we're the division favorites as we should be. Let's go out there and win some games

[insagt1]

I love the confidence. Thats half the battle! If these guys expect to win, they'll make it happen. My only sadness is the taint on this entire season so far. The Astros cheating scandal has cast a real pall on things. Never used to feel this way, but I'm beginning to think unless their 2017 championship is revoked, nothing is going to heal or get fixed. If the punishment is that severe, maybe it will be a deterrent. Right now, its still a mess and the Astros will be a target in every city. Thats just not good for the game.

Clearly not enough has been done to make it all go away. The Olympics take away medals. MLB I believe has to take stronger measures. Harsh? Well, they cheated. So maybe not. Did others? Maybe, but they didn't win the WS.  They must be held accountable so this won't fester and ruin the season. My thoughts.

[davidc3915]

All of this excitement and confidence, while foreign, adds to the intrigue of this season.  The downside is there would be a bigger letdown if things don't go as we all hope they will, but it's the risk that we all take as fans of the team.  It's a good feeling to be in this position, as opposed to the same old "We hope to be competitive and not be totally embarrassed by July" mentality that permeated Spring Trainings for far too long!  I for one am looking forward to this ride, and hoping it doesn't come to a stop until late October!  Go Twins!

[4twinsJA]

A lot to be excited about this year being a Twins fan. Injuries and unforeseen performance drop-offs will happen this season. Appears Twins are built to withstand some of this with quality players waiting for their opportunity. Looking forward for some of the high level prospects to get some exposure to MLB this year.

[USAFChief]

 

One thing we can count on, if we don't win the final game, some of our members will consider the season a failure.

Depends on what day that final game falls on.

[gunnarthor]

I like this team a lot. The Mauer led teams seemed a lot more quiet. This team reminds me more of the early 2000 Twins with Hunter always talking. This core is a lot more upbeat. Hopefully they can get past the Yankees this year!

[Yawn Gardenhose]

 

I think 1992 was the last time we had that much swagger and press and expectation.

 

I keep getting flashbacks of 2011 when I read articles like this. That spring all the talk was "we just need to figure out how to get past the Yankees." While I don't expect a 99-loss season like that squad, I certainly don't think this is a *great* team and it wouldn't shock me if the team is closer to .500 than it is to topping 101 wins.   

[gunnarthor]

 

I keep getting flashbacks of 2011 when I read articles like this. That spring all the talk was "we just need to figure out how to get past the Yankees." While I don't expect a 99-loss season like that squad, I certainly don't think this is a *great* team and it wouldn't shock me if the team is closer to .500 than it is to topping 101 wins.   

I agree. I was shocked in 2011. But I think the idea isn't so much whether this team is a 95 win or 85 win team - that's another thread - the player's seem to think they are a really good team. They seem confident maybe even cocky. It's fun.

[highlander]

In any endeavor winning it all should be the goal. Because, well, 1980 Olympic Hockey. When opportunity meets preparation glorious things can happen.

[Ruven]

When it comes to competitive evaluations trust the players. Players know how good they are and how good their team is and where their team ranks (on paper, before any games are played) in the league. This is true at every level of competition. The players know.

 

Evaluations are not predictions. Anything can happen. The season can seem very long at times. But the players know this team is good, really good, and that’s a great place for a team to be before the games begin.