Week Two of April
Chicago White Sox: 11th, 13th, & 14th of April
Last season, the White Sox had significant trouble in their infield. The Twins were able to capitalize on their weaknesses to go 13-6 against the White Sox in 2015. This offseason the team added Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie to help improve the club. One of the staples of the White Sox, starting pitcher Chris Sale, is often referred to as the main reason they are expected to compete. Oddly enough, the Twins had great success in their campaign against Sale in 2015. Over 33 innings, Sale put up a 7.37 ERA against Minnesota. Despite some upgrades to the club, Chicago could find themselves coming up short against the Twins.
Prediction: Series Win
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 15th, 16th, and 17th of April
Though only facing each other seven times in 2015, Los Angeles seemed to have Minnesota’s number in their match-ups. When the Twins were still in the hunt for the wild card, the Angels took three games out of a four game series including both games of an important double header. That series really hurt Minnesota’s chances for the remainder of the season. Ultimately, the Twins would go 2-5 against the Angels and were outscored by seven runs total. Hopefully Minnesota will seek revenge in this April series. With Albert Pujols likely to be on the disabled list for the match-up, the Twins have an opportunity to take advantage of the Angels’ patchy line-up.
Prediction: Series Win
Next: Week Three of April