Many negative words have been written recently about Minnesota sports. Included in the blackened group have been the Minnesota Twins. In reading the sportswriters and analysts it appears the Twins are in for a third consecutive losing season. I too, have not been very optimistic about the Twins’ chances this year. But I’ve decided enough of these dark forecasts. Perhaps it’s time to take a look at our team through rose-colored glasses.
I went to the Internet and got the following definition of rose-colored glasses. "If someone thinks about or looks at something through rose-colored glasses things look better than they really are." If anybody wishes to join me with the glasses, they are available on the Internet for $1.19 a pair. Pretty cheap for a change in one’s outlook.
Beginning with Manager Ron Gardenhire. Gardenhire was named American League Manager of the Year a couple of years ago. Since then he has gained more depth as he has gone through two losing seasons. He is now a more mature and experienced Skipper and can be relied on to use his newly acquired knowledge well.
Leading off for the Twins is Rookie of the Year centerfielder Aaron Hicks. Hicks is the next in a long line of superb center fielders. Displaying a good eye at the plate, he provided speed and power at the top of the line-up.
Batting second is catcher Joe Mauer. Finishing third in the MVP balloting, Mauer kept his high average while adding power. Joe also received a Golden Glove, throwing out more than 50% of base stealers testing his arm.
Batting third is Joe Benson. A Mickey Mantle clone who came into his own joining the 30-30 club in home runs and stolen bases with previous luminaries such as Barry Bonds, and he did it without steroids. He showed off his arm in right field, gunning down 12 base runners.
Batting fourth, Justin Morneau reverted to form hitting both for average and power. It’s rumored he will soon be traded to the Detroit Tigers for Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
Batting fifth is Josh Willingham. Rose-colored glassed didn’t help as Willingham did not improve on last season. However, that was plenty good enough.
Batting sixth, DH Chris Parmalee lived up to expectations and treated Major League pitching much in the same manner as he treated Triple A last year.
At third base, Trevor Plouff tied Joe Benson at 30 home runs, good for fourth place in the most home runs hit by a Twins category. And under the tutelage of Corey Koskie, Plouff won the title of most improved infielder.
Brain Dozier at second fulfilled all the hopes of Gardenhire and is expected to be the next Bobby Doerr.
Batting ninth, Pedro Forimon spent the offseason lifting weight,s gaining 15 pounds of muscle. He surprised everyone including himself by slugging 15 home runs at Target Field. His fielding was never a question and he brought the spectators at Target field to their feet more than once. He ended the season as one the Major Leagues top ten shortstops.
Jim Thome was signed to pinch hit and the 42-year-old slugger did very well, hitting one home run every 12 times at bat.
The Minnesota pitching staff did a complete reversal due to Terry Ryan’s acute free agent signings and trades with Vance Worley and Mike Pelfrey fighting it out down the stretch for the Cy Young award.
It was a wonderful year with the Twins setting a new attendance record, and even better things are expected next year.
