I believe the Twins lack of success is due in part to their minor league system. The Twins were notorious for always developing outstanding hitters in the 60's thru the 80"s, i.e. Oliva, Carew, Killebrew, Bostock. The minor league emphasized the basics. The Twins played the game soundly. Players promoted to the show, had the basics down. Throwing to the cut off man, bunting, taking the extra base, etc were all part of the Twins' game. Now it's home run derby and a prayer that our pitchers aren't as bad as the opposition.