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Not the time for Minnesota Twins fans to panic

By John Geiger II

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 22: Rain is seen on the seats at Target Field as the start of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox is delayed on June 22, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 22: Rain is seen on the seats at Target Field as the start of the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox is delayed on June 22, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins were in need of a team like the Cincinnati Reds to help break their losing ways. However, that’s not how the weekend series played out and this season is starting to look bleak.

When the Minnesota Twins drop four in a row to the New York Yankees, it’s almost expected by fans. However, when the Twins have their butts handed to them by the lowly Reds over a three game series, it might be time to worry a little bit.

Although the Reds made even José Berríos look mortal, it is still too early to panic for Twins fans. Right now, this team has hit a rut and can’t seem to find their way out. However, it only takes one thing to go right to change everything and Minnesota is primed to rebound from this horrid start.

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Reason to believe in a bounce-back

The Minnesota Twins have a very good starting rotation, and they’re still missing a key piece. Although the Twins have started the season 9-14, they are only 3 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central.

Logan Morrison has started the 2018 season on the coldest of cold streaks and has contributed almost nothing offensively. However, that trend is not permanent and LoMo will still hit his share of home runs. Whether he will do enough to convince Minnesota to pick up his option is up for debate, but he will not be this bad all season.

Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer have started the ’18 season strong and that is helping the Twins stay afloat. It has only been the recent performance from the bullpen that has sent the start of this season off the rails.

When Ervin Santana returns from injury this rotation will be among the best in Major League Baseball. However, the bullpen rebuild has not gone according to plan and adjustments will be needed. The first change needs to happen with the closer role.

Fernando Rodney is not a viable MLB closer at this point of his career. He has allowed seven runs, five of them earned, through his first seven and 2/3 innings pitched. Addison Reed has allowed four runs, all earned, across 14 innings pitched and has previous closing experience.

Next: A look at some hot starts in the Minors

Minnesota still has plenty of time to figure things out in the bullpen, and plenty of reinforcements on-hand to help. The division is still well within reach and the Twins have five months to get things right.

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