Minnesota Twins: Wake Me Up When September Ends
The end for the Minnesota Twins is nigh and none too sooner as a miserable, underachieving 2016 season comes to a close.
The Minnesota Twins never did quite get off the ground and are now in the midst of a 13-game losing streak as the disheartening season may finally be taking its toll.
Just 29 more games left.
But let’s look at the positives to begin with.
Once again, the offense has proven to be a run-scoring machine, ranking 14th in the league with 599 runs through Wednesday.
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The Twins also flexed their muscles, hitting 153 home runs, which will easily top their mark of 156 in 2015.
Brian Dozier and Ervin Santana both had very commendable seasons with Dozier topping his All-Star year in practically every category and Santana being the staff anchor.
If only he could snag just a bit more run support.
With just a month left, Dozier has already hit a career-high 32 bombs, driven in a career-best 81 runs and is on pace to top his hits mark (148) and doubles (39).
Dozier could also potentially cut down on his strikeout mark and reach 100 runs for the third straight season if things work out.
Santana was a tough luck loser for a lot of the season as his bullpen, defense, offense or combination of any of the three failed him on multiple occasions.
Eleven times he gave up three earned runs or less and the Minnesota Twins lost.
It’s not very often you’ll see a 6-10 record with an ERA of 3.54.
The team also had some strong performances from unlikely sources. Max Kepler was an absolute revelation upon his arrival.
Thus far he has 16 homers and 59 RBI’s with a strong shot at the Rookie of the Year award.
Another nice surprise was Brandon Kintzler who stepped in for an injured Glen Perkins and ineffective Kevin Jepsen to collect 12 saves through August with a 1.87 ERA.
Then of course, you have the Robbie Grossman’s, Fernando Abad’s and Eduardo Nunez’ of the world who put up career numbers in a lost season.
Now let’s look at the bad.
The sophomore slump hit Miguel Sano as inconsistency both hitting and in the field along with injuries hurt his 2016.
The same goes for Eddie Rosario who went to Triple-A at one point due to ineffectiveness.
Byron Buxton and Byung-ho Park both disappointed despite some nice flashes here and there. Both played their way into an eventual demotion.
But perhaps the most frustrating aspect was the team’s start. The pitching could not get it going after a season of improvement in 2015, neither could the offense.
you take the good with the bad and while the team took a step back, there is still potential.
Despite Dozier’s terrific numbers, he started out the season in a terrible slump making his stats even more impressive.
His averages in April and May?
A mere .191 and .215.
The starting staff would have a great series one minute and an awful one the next.
Same goes for the offense.
Now in the middle of this season-worst 13-game losing streak, the Minnesota Twins just keep finding ways to lose.
But you take the good with the bad and while the team took a step back, there is still potential.
Remember, they are still young.
Jorge Polanco shined in his first extended trip to the majors while the rest of the offense started to click.
It may take a facelift of the starters but the team does remain just a solid staff away from contention.
When will it happen? Definitely not this year and maybe even not next for that matter.
But keep the faith Twins fans, they aren’t too far away from recapturing those glory days.
At least I hope so.