The Twins lineup can score runs in bunches
The strength of the Twins throughout the season has been their ability to put runs up in bunches. While the teams of Twins’ past relied on small ball and playing the “Twins Way” to manufacture runs, this team has no such issues as they’ve put up runs and smashed the ball out of the park at a historic rate.
By now, you know that the Twins set the MLB record for home runs in a single-season last month, surpassing the 267 hit by the Yankees last season. Although they currently are in a battle with this year’s edition of the Yankees for the MLB lead, the Twins have still hit an insane 287 bombs on the year and should push for 300 by the time the season comes to a close.
Thinking back on the Twins teams of the 2000s, every inning was a crucible where the Twins had to scratch and claw for every run during their string of playoff failures. Although the game has changed dramatically since their last playoff victory in the 2002 ALDS, the ability to change the score with one swing of the bat is a huge advantage no matter what the opposing team throws at them.
But don’t take that from me, take it from Mitch Garver, who revealed his thought process to Dan Hayes of The Athletic (subscription required).
"“We’re trying to hit home runs,” Garver said. “You should. It’s the ultimate way to score. If you’re not hitting home runs, if you’re trying to string four or five hits together against (Justin) Verlander or Gerrit Cole or Zack Greinke, you’re going to lose. You have to go for home runs.”"
This team can definitely do just that and barring a power outage that would fall in line with previous Minnesota sports disasters, they’re going to be able to put up runs in the postseason.