Last season’s 101-win performance elevated 2020 expectations for the Twins, but they wouldn’t have been the first Minnesota team to turn optimism into a sadder reality. With the team in first place at the unofficial start of summer, Twins Daily asked players and staff to comment on the season so far and what happens next.Minnesota fans had every reason to be optimistic entering the 2020 season. A relatively easy division, a potent 1-9 lineup, and improved rotation options all led to confident predictions of postseason baseball. Still, things sometimes just don’t work, be it a due to injury or regression or clubhouse strife. The Twins have surmounted those obstacles so far and are guaranteed to be in first place come Memorial Day.

 

“There haven’t been any games,” said manager Rocco Baldelli. “I mean, yes, technically we’re in first place, but so is everyone else.

 

“There’s a pandemic,” he added.

 

While the Twins have held their own, they are joined in first place in the AL Central by Cleveland, their consensus rival for the division crown. Joining them are the surprising White Sox, Royals, and Tigers.

 

“I don’t know what this means,” said Twins outfield Max Kepler. “This is very confusing to me.”

 

No team in the rest of the American League has broken from the pack. We asked Twins center fielder Byron Buxton if he felt this improved the odds for a deep postseason run.

 

“What’s wrong with you,” said the speedy outfielder. “Stupid. Just stupid.”

 

With the team competitive as June nears, we asked Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey if the front office was working the phones to make some moves in advance of a possible pennant run.

 

“We are not in the office right now,” said Falvey. “There’s no season right now. Are you OK?”

 

One thing is for sure, Twins fans are excited and ready to go for what promises to be a thrilling summer at Target Field!

 

“We probably won’t be able to have fans in the stadium this summer even if we can play,” said Falvey. “You really seem like you’re not well?”

 

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"The number you have dialed is currently not being monitored. Please call again when we issue a press release announcing that we are back in our offices," the Twins public relations department said in a prepared statement, when asked for an official response concerning the pennant race.