Coming from behind is an honored tradition in American sports. It’s something all sports fans of losing teams hold onto in the face of continued losses; that almost up to the certainty of mathematical elimination, there is a faint hope. You may not always acknowledge it, but it’s there. After all, as Yogi Berra once said, "It’s ain’t over ‘til it’s over."
When I first thought of this column, the Twins were mired in last place, 16 and a half games off the pace in the Central Division. They had the worst record in the Major Leagues by a wide margin. Half of their starters were injured and hope for a marvelous comeback seemed very dim. Things have changed somewhat. Our boys have won five straight and went from sixteen and a half games back to 11 and a half. Our heroes’ chances went from darn near impossible to "maybe they have a chance." The following is a rose-colored glasses look at what could happen: Not that it will, but it’s possible.
First of all, the Twins are not trailing the New York Yankees. They are twelve and a half games behind the Cleveland Indians, who for the first part of the season led a charmed life. I think the Indians will eventually settle into fourth or fifth place. So, discounting the Indians lead, the Twins are nine games behind the Detroit Tigers. That sounds a little more doable.
Secondly, the long season works on behalf of the Twins. As the Indians are going to find out, the breaks tend to even out over a 162-game schedule and the Twins are overdue for some breaks. Perhaps injuries will even be kept to a minimum
Thirdly, both Nishioka and Mauer will be back. That’s not just a rumor. They will play in the last half of the season, according to all reports. Both are all-stars, one from the Japanese league the other from the American League. If they perform at the level they are capable of, what a boost for the Twins.
Justin Morneau seems to be in tough shape and, while we admire his grit and determination, perhaps he needs to sit for awhile. I never thought I’d say this, but I feel better with Cuddyer playing first base. Get yourself well Justin, for a possible playoff drive. The Twins won the division last year without Morneau and if the fates smile on us, maybe it can be done in 2011.
Fourthly, counting on the law of averages, Delmon Young and Danny Valencia may well hit their batting average and power numbers of last year during the rest of this season. What an offensive boost that would be.
The pitching could be very good if they stay away from sore elbows and are consistent. All of the starters have pitched very well on occasion. Put it together guys! The relief pitching has been somewhat encouraging over the last few days. Soon we will have Glen Perkins back and with Mijares, James, Swarzak and Capps and a little help from Hoey and the rest of staff, they may provide adequate relief.
But perhaps this is the year that Ron Gardenhire earns his last year’s Manager of the Year award. He is going to have a difficult time mixing and matching players on this team. The Twins look much better with more speed in the outfield. Should Gardenhire continue to play Ben Revere? The little guy provides a spark the Twins need desperately. Does he play left field in place of Young? How well Gardy uses the Twins’ pluses and minuses may well determine the Twins’ pennant chances.
