MLB Playoffs Expansion Possible

The MLB may be heading towards expansion for their playoffs in 2012, or at least if Bud Selig has anything to do with it. Apparently the new playoff format would have the two Wild Cards in each league face off in a one or three-game series. The winner would then take the role of the current Wild Card winner, facing the league's first or second seed for a chance to play in the Championship Series.

How do you feel about expanding the playoffs? I personally have always liked that it's very difficult to make the MLB Playoffs. It keeps the top tier teams, with the 3 division winners per league and 1 Wild Card. My opinion is "don't fix it if it ain't broke."

Minnesota Twins Rained Out

The Minnesota Twins were rained out yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The game will be rescheduled for Thursday night, making it a double-header between the two teams. The first game is slated for 12:00 PM and the second game will start at 7 PM. Hopefully the weather can be accomodating.

Minnesota Twins Homestand

The Minnesota Twins have the talent - Mauer, Morneau, Thome, Kubel, Cuddyer, Young, Valencia, Span, Nishioka, etc. We know the 7-12 record is not an indication of what they are capable of. A lot of people will say it's the starting pitching or perhaps the new bullpen. Right now, the offense needs to swing the bats better. Let's just say the Twins have more to be desired in the offensive statistics categories and they will need to do more with the bats. The pitching has not gotten a lot of run support and that is part of the issue. We are 30th in runs scored and that stat must improve. Let's get after it on this homestand.

Minnesota Twins Split With Baltimore Orioles

The Minnesota Twins split a 4 game series with the Baltimore Orioles this week at Camden Yards. The Twins took the opener and the closing game, sandwiched in between were two victories by the Birds. So, after 19 games the Twins sit at 7-12. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young, and Tsuyoshi Nishioka have been out of the lineup at times, making it a little harder on the manager without his regulars. After an 8 game roadtrip, the Twins will now have a 6 game homestand. They will host the Cleveland Indians for 3 and the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays for 3. The Indians are 13-6 and lead the AL Central. This series is a nice time to gain some ground.

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Joe Mauer is on the DL

Joe Mauer has landed on the DL. Just not the way he has landed before. Apparently, he has battled a case of the flu that landed him in the hospital. Then it was reported that he has "bilateral leg weakness", which I have never heard of but seems like fatigue. Like they said on PTI, it's better than trilateral leg weakness. Hopefully Joe can figure out what's draining him right now and can return to his MVP form. He was placed on the 15 day DL so he shouldn't be out for too long.

Tampa Bay Rays Take 3 of 4 From the Minnesota Twins

It wasn't the way the Minnesota Twins had hoped it would go, but at least we finished on a strong note. The Minnesota Twins let 2 victories slip out of their hands and Johnny Damon made them pay. Matt Capps and Joe Nathan both struggled as Carl Pavano and Scott Baker threw gems. Capps has now replaced Nathan for the time being as the Minnesota Twins closer. So, were 15 games in and sitting at 5-10. We have some work to do, but at least we're not the Boston Red Sox.

Next up is a 4 game series at the Baltimore Orioles. Starts tonight. Let's go Twins.

Minnesota Twins Bats Must Come Alive

I am going to take the 3-6 start by the Minnesota Twins with a grain of salt. Meaning, it is a long season and I'm not going to fuss about a 9 game start, just as I wouldn't if we were 9-0. However, it has been the way we've lost that is a little alarming. We simply aren't knocking the ball around like a lot of us believed we would. Our batting average is .214, good for 29th in the league. Our runs and on-base percentage is 29th in the league as well. Hopefully with hosting the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday and Wednesday can change our fortune.

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Week One Notes

One week into the season. After one game has been rained out, our record is 2-4. We played at Toronto and New York. Thankfully we have gotten those out of the way now. Those are not two easy places to play, in fact they have been the hardest for the Twins to play at in recent memory. We will now play against Oakland, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore in consecutive series. These are more managable, as I don't think these teams have the firepower that Toronto and New York have. Denard Span has gotten off to a solid start in the leadoff spot and Joe Nathan has converted both of his save opportunities, really glad to see that.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka Breaks His Leg

Tsuyoshi Nishioka broke his leg yesterday while playing against the New York Yankees. As if we didn't already have a curse against them and bad luck, our second basemen now has a broken leg. There is no time table yet, but one can think it will be at least 6 weeks, maybe longer. His leg broke on a play that Nick Swisher was attempting to disrupt a double play. It really wasn't anything dirty, just a play that clipped Nishi's leg and landed on it awkwardly. Here's to hoping for a fast recovery. In the meantime, welcome Luke Hughes.

Target Field Opening Day

The Minnesota Twins are hosting the Oakland Athletics this weekend. It is opening weekend at Target Field, the spanking new ballpark in Downtown Minneapolis. The stadium was packed every game last year and was rated #1 by ESPN's best stadium atmosphere. The Minnesota Twins will be competing all season long for a division title and this weekend will start the journey at Target Field.

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