Puckett's Pond
Fansided

Minnesota Twins: Have they closed the gap on the Indians?

By John Geiger II

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 07: Fans enter the stadium before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees for game two of the ALDS on October 7, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 07: Fans enter the stadium before the game between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees for game two of the ALDS on October 7, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Minnesota Twins did more than make a splash this off-season, they made waves across Major League Baseball. However, have they done enough to close the gap on the Cleveland Indians?

The Minnesota Twins went bargain shopping this Winter and came home with some impact players. They signed one of the top starting pitchers, and the top left-handed power bat, available on the open market. On top of that, the Twins also walked away with three former All-Star relievers, all on short-term affordable deals.

Minnesota didn’t stop there, as they also acquired one of the best starting pitchers available on the trade market. It was a whirlwind off-season in the Twin Cities and Minnesota’s revamped pitching staff has this fan base thinking about more than just the playoffs. However, the Twins finished 17 games behind Cleveland in 2017, and that’s a lot of ground to make up.

A brief look at the Indians off-season

It was a snooze fest in Cleveland for the majority of this Winter. The Indians brought in Melvin Upton Jr., Yonder Alonso, and bunch of “has beens” to gear up for another pennant run. However, it’s not about who Cleveland signed as much as it is who they lost that gives Twins fans hope.

Gone is former All-Star catcher Carlos Santana as well as quality reliever Bryan Shaw and outfielder Jay Bruce. However, Cleveland is well equipped to handle those losses and are still the favorites to win the American League Central crown this season.

More from Minnesota Twins News

A brief look at the Twins off-season

By all accounts, the Minnesota Twins won the 2017-18 MLB off-season. However, there are no trophies awarded for this, and Minnesota will need to perform starting in April. They added Addison Reed, Zach Duke, and Fernando Rodney to solidify an already strong bullpen.

The Twins were also able to fill their biggest need this off-season by acquiring Jake Odorizzi and signing Lance Lynn, bolstering a sketchy rotation. Furthermore, they signed the power bat this lineup has been missing in Logan Morrison. Every one of these moves sets this team on a collision course with the Indians, while also keeping this team flexible for the future.

Minnesota didn’t have to shell out lavish long-term contracts for any of the players they signed in free agency. Odorizzi also came cheap, costing the Twins only a mid-level prospect. These moves have set the course for an exciting 2018 season in the American League Central.

The Twins have definitely closed the gap on the Indians and should be among the best teams in the American League this season. However, the only way we’ll truly know the answer to this question is after the season kicks off. Minnesota Twins fans believe this could be the year they win it all. Now, we will just have to wait and see.

Next: Remembering a legend on his birthday

Stay tuned to Puckett’s Pond for the latest news and stories about your Minnesota Twins. Want to share your opinions with other Twins fans? Join the writing team here at Puckett’s Pond and have your voice heard! Contact me via Twitter or apply above for more details.

Home/Minnesota Twins News