The Ugly – Minnesota Twins Still Winless
If the Orioles have been one of baseball’s biggest surprises this season, then the Twins have been one of the biggest disappointments. Last season the Twins shocked baseball by going 83-79 and missing the playoffs by only three games. Minnesota appeared to arrive as a contender earlier than expected, and fans wondered if they could continue their climb to contention in 2016.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The Twins have been close in almost every game they’ve played this season, but they’ve been unable to get over the hump. They were swept by the Orioles in the first series of the season losing by scores of 3-2, 4-2, and 4-2. Following their trip to Baltimore they headed to Kansas City to face off with the defending world champions. Just as in Baltimore, the Royals proceeded to sweep the Twins and send them to an 0-6 record.
What’s gone wrong this season? So far, several key contributors have struggled. Brian Dozier is hitting a disappointing .182/.308/.364. Last season’s break out prospect Miguel Sano has also had his share of struggles. The young slugger is hitting .158/.273/.158. He’s yet to hit a ball out of the park, and he’s already struck out eleven times. Byron Buxton and Byung Ho Park have also contributed to the offense’s struggles. Outside of Eduardo Escobar and Joe Mauer, the Twins haven’t really had anyone produce offensively.
Fans had high hopes that the Twins core of young talented players could build on last season’s success and make a push in the very competitive AL Central. Unfortunately, they’ve already dug themselves a hole right out of the gate in 2016.Unless the bats wake up soon, there’s little chance that they’ll have any opportunity to be competitive this year.