Curt

Great discussion.. just a few things... "the leadoff hitter only leads off once per game." Rickey Henderson led off an inning 1.82 times per game when he batted first in the lineup. I don't know why that would be different for him vs any leadoff hitter.All other things being equal (they are not!), The first position in the batting order will get 144 more PAs than the ninth position, on average.Regardless of whether or not the first batter in the lineup actually leads off an inning. He is always up before the best hitters on the team (assuming your best hitters are 2-3-4). A high OBP there improves your chances to score

The matrix below shows the current standings, what those standings project for wins in 162 games and what the twins pace must be to match that win total. I do not think Chicago is a 90 win team and I believe 85 wins will win the division. The Twins will have to play .636 ball to get there though. Here's to hopin'. [TABLE] [TD=width: 86][/TD] [TD=width: 26, bgcolor: #E6E6FF]W[/TD] [TD=width: 26, bgcolor: #E6E6FF]L[/TD] [TD=width: 38, bgcolor: #E6E6FF]Pct[/TD] [TD=width: 41, bgcolor: #E6E6FF]Proj[/TD] [TD=width: 63, bgcolor: #E6E6FF]Twins pace to match[/TD] Chicago 47 38 .553 90 .701 Cleveland 44 41 .518 84 .623 Detroit 44 42 .512 83 .610 Kansas City 37 47 .440 71 .455 Minnesota 36 49 .424 69 .429 [/TABLE]

Great update. I think you missed Danny Rams at Ft. Myers. 0 for 4 against Twins according to this http://www.news-press.com/article/20120406/SPORTS/304060037/0/pbcs.dll/Fort-Myers-can-t-get-started?odyssey=nav|head