stringer bell

I've imagined Kirilloff to be a Joey Votto type of hitter, high batting average, relatively few strikeouts lots of extra base hits, but not a threat to win a home run championship. I've also seen him as the surest bet to be a major league regular of all of the Twins prospects. It's puzzling to see him called up now, but I guess the Twins must know what they're doing. The Twins have won the most regular reason games in the American League since Baldelli became manager. They are the only AL repeat division winner. Still waiting for postseason success.

For whatever reason offense was way down in the regular season. Here's two good examples: Nelson Cruz had an OPS this year of .992 this year versus 1.031 last season. Eddie Rosario's OPS this year was .792 versus .802 last year and both actually had higher OPS+ numbers this year. As a team, the Twins dipped from elite offensively to middle-of-the-road and were even more dependent on home runs to fuel their offense. Saturday's offensive performance was so different from the great majority of games--no homers, but steady pressure on the opponent, lots of doubles and good hitting with runners in scoring position. Run prevention improved almost as much as run production diminished and the Twins managed to win 60% of their games. They have a chance to advance deep in the playoffs, but some who were disappointing in the regular season need to be better. The American League playoff is a tournament where all the participants have significant strengths and weaknesses. I truly believe anyone can win and anyone could lose in the first round. The Twins have a huge monkey on their backs and winning both a game and series is the minimum for saying that progress was made this year (IMHO).

In this strange season, I think winning home field is more important than winning the division, although it would be nice to be the "home" team in subsequent series. For the record, I do want the Twins to win the division and #2 seed, but health of players is more important. Secondly, it would be great to see Sanó, Garver and Cruz get dialed in right now. Kepler looks like he's found his swing, Rosario is going well and Arraez demonstrated that he could get out of bed on Christmas morning and go 3 for 4.

Home field for the first playoff series. Twins can be no lower than a #4 seed.

We haven't seen many games like this. Doubles, advances, RISP hitting.

Polanco isn't quite as big a concern as Sanó and Gaver, but he is way off from last year.

Really good at-bats for the 1-3 hitters.

Top 10 worries going into the playoffs: 10) Lack of momentum if the Twins fail to beat Cincy at least once. 9) Berríos lack of ace-ness 8) Taylor Rogers might be the second best Rogers twin. 7) Garver only hits one ball solid every other day. 6) Marwin is hitting like a light-hitting utility infielder. 5) Cruz is looking the part of a 40-year old man. 4) There is no sure thing to close games. 3) Sanó is a mess at the plate. 2) Donaldson's calf 1) Buxton!

I was surprised that the team let Bailey go. I thought he might have a chance to be the fifth starter in the second round. They do have Odorizzi, Dobnak and Smeltzer, probably in that order, to be a fifth starter if needed. With three days off between the first round and the second round (in the bubble), I guess they wouldn't need a fifth starter until Game 5 of the second series.

You want a serious answer? 40-man issues. Here at the tail end of the season, the team decided Bailey couldn't help them so they could use his 40-man spot. If they bring up Colina earlier, they have to keep him on the 40-man all year plus probably use an option if he is not ready. They brought up guys like Gearrin and Coulumbe and Minaya knowing they could and would DFA when they needed room on both the 40-man and active roster.

Down to 81.00, but could be 162.00 if the runners on base score.

I'm much less optimistic about the Twins' chances in the postseason than I was at 7 PM tonight.

No mercy.

Now that the White Sox lost, the Twins don't need this game to win the Central. That seems to be Rocco''s mindset.

What's next? Balk, wild pitch, double steal?

Help the young man get an out. We don't want a Fred Bruckbauer.

Oh crap!

I'm still believe the Twins will have to win a game to eliminate Cleveland.

Cleveland has one in and a runner on second with none out, Surprised? Not me.

Berríos finishes his season with a 4.00 ERA.

#1 seed is out. Looks like the Twins probably will continue to control their own destiny.

Call me a perfectionist, but I don't think the lineup is "long enough" with Sanó and Gonzalez near the Mendoza line, and if Donaldson can't play even more so. Garver hit another ball hard, but his Ks have been excessive.

Reds messed up the relay. Polanco could have scored, now Gonzalez and Kepler can't get it done.

Nice Garver!

Walks and homers.