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Minnesota Twins: Hitting Must Improve if Twins want to Take Next Step

By Jordan Ison

Apr 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Cleveland won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano (22) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Cleveland won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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In 2016, the Minnesota Twins were a wreck at the plate. What may be even scarier, they’re on pace to be even worse at batting in 2017.

Last year, the Minnesota Twins boasted the worst record in the MLB, finishing at 59-103. Despite the horrendous 2016, the new year started off looking good for the Twins after sweeping the Kansas City Royals in the first 3 days of the season.

Now, nearly two weeks later, Twins’ fans are starting to hide their heads under their covers again. The Minnesota Twins have now lost four in a row and the bats have absolutely stalled, averaging only 2 runs per game in that 4-game stretch.

While Twins’ fans expect the team to improve from 2016 to 2017, there is reason to believe this may not happen. Their offense has struggled vitally so far this year – yes, even more so than 2016. The Minnesota Twins are on pace to a lot worse, actually, offensively in 2017.

After just 15 games, the Minnesota Twins have a batting average of .233 compared to an average of .251 a year ago.

More from Puckett's Pond

The 2016 – 2017 Slash Lines

2016 – .251/.316/.421

2017 – .233/.326/.362

As you can see, the on-base percentage is looking a little better, and that can be attributed to the amount of walks to Twins have been able to earn. As for putting the bat on the ball, the Twins are on pace to struggle, badly.

Right now, the Twins are on pace to have 1,253 hits, 118 home-runs and 626 RBI’s  in the 2017 campaign. In 2016, the Twins had 1.409 hits, 200 home-runs and 690 RBI’s.

Obviously, there is a lot of time left in the season, but Minnesota needs to address this issue soon. As Twins’ fans, we don’t want to have to live through another 100-loss season.

The bright side for the Minnesota Twins is the pitching. It’s been wonderful thus far, and a vast improvement from last year. With that being said, there is still no way the Twins will get close to the playoffs hitting the way they are right now.

Next: Choosing the Minnesota Twins All-Time Dream Team

Whether it’s reaching into the minors or changing up the lineup, Paul Molitor needs to do something. 2016 was a horrible year for Twins’ fans, and it’s scary to think that 2017 could be even worse.

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