Week One of April
Baltimore Orioles: April 4th, 6th, & 7th
In 2015, the Minnesota Twins faced the Baltimore Orioles seven times. In each of those games, Minnesota was able to win. Not only did they secure a perfect record, but they did so by outscoring the Orioles 43 to 18 over those seven games. In the offseason, Baltimore has lost their ace, Wei-Yin Chen, and have failed to address multiple line-up issues that faced them this offseason. As of late, the Orioles have been tied to Dexter Fowler and Yovani Gallardo. Those two players would improve Baltimore, but the Twins should fare well against the east-coast squad.
Prediction: Series Win
Kansas City Royals: 8th, 9th, & 10th of April
Unlike the Orioles, the Kansas City Royals gave Minnesota a tougher time in 2015. The reigning World Series champions handed Minnesota 12 losses in the 19 occasions they faced each other last season. Though some aspects of the 2016 Royals are different than their World Series squad, the roster is largely the same. If the Twins want to have success against the Royals, they’re going to have to put up runs against the starting rotation early, and force Kansas City to reach into their bullpen early. That being said, it is likely that the Twins find themselves outmatched for this series.
Prediction: Series Loss
Next: Week Two of April