The Twins got out of the first week of the year with a 5-2 record outscoring their opponents 32-21. The Twins are getting good hitting and solid pitching which is a pretty good recipe for success. They open Target Field this week with a 3-game series against the Red Sox starting today and then the Royals come in for a 3 gamer this coming up weekend. Despite getting off to such a good start, the Twins are still 1/2 a game behind the Tigers in the A.L. Central.

The Twins took 3 out of 4 games from the Angels in Anaheim to start the 2010 season. They did it with the bats cranking 9 homers against a solid Angels’ pitching staff. The bullpen was also pretty solid which was a pleasant surprise for the Twins. The Twins are clicking on all cylinders right now as they travel to Chicago to play the White Sox this weekend. I think the White Sox are the top threat to the Twins repeating as A.L. Central Champions so this weekend is important to both teams.

Scott Baker has really stepped up in the 2nd half for the Twins.  He has started 13 games since the All-Star Break and he is 6-5 with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.  In 86.2 innings he has allowed 95 hits, walked 16 batters and whiffed 57.  Baker has now started 22 games this season for the Twins and he is 9-8 with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.  Baker has probably locked up a starting job in 2008 for the Twins.  The Twins are now 74-77 for the season which has them in 3rd place in the American League Central, 15.5 games behind the Indians.

The Twins are currently 72-73 on the season which has them in third place in the American League Central, 13 games behind the Indians.  The Twins had a lot of injuries this season plus the starting rotation was pretty poor behind Johan Santana.  Maybe things will be different next season when Francisco Liriano is back in action.

The Twins have been a very average team in 2007.  They are 69-69 which has them in third place in the American League Central, 10.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians.  The Twins are also 7 games behind the Yankees for the Wild Card in the American League so it would take a minor miracle to get the Twins to the playoffs.  Injuries to Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer both hurt the Twins big-time this season.  Torii Hunter has been outstanding in his playoff walk year as he is hitting .291 with 81 runs, 27 homers and 96 RBIs this year.  Justin Morneau is also having a good season proving his MVP year of 2006 was not a fluke.  He is hitting .279 with 77 runs scored, 29 homers and 96 RBIs.  The starting rotation has not been too good outside Johan Santana who is 14-11 with a 3.15 ERA this season.  The Twins would be much closer to the playoffs if Santana was not an amazing 0-5 against the Cleveland Indians.  Closer Joe Nathan has been lights out once again this season as he is 3-2 with 29 saves and a 1.70 ERA.  The surprise out of the bullpen has been how good that Matt Guerrier has pitched this season.  Guerrier is 2-4 with 1 save and a 2.25 ERA so far this season.