Short term outlook
Going into this weekend, the Twins are 11 back of Detroit, and 2.5 back of Chicago. Only a week and a half before the all star game, and each will face 3 opponents before their vacation. 9 games for the Twins and Tigers, 10 for the Sox.
Series 1: 6/30-7/2
Brewers @ Twins, White Sox @ Cubs, Detroit @ Pittsburgh.
This is a cruel joke. Minus Houston, the central teams are facing off against each other... in the exact opposite order of each other. This has allowed the Cardinals to play the Royals and Detroit to play Pittsburgh. For the Twins to catch up, they're at a major disadvantage, because the Sox and Tigers are playing weak teams, both of whom were swept mightily by the Twins.
Tough battle for sure, but at least the Twins will have Liriano for the finally. And Pittsburgh is coming off that big victory against the Sox. Let's hope some momentum will carry over!
Series 2: 7/3-7/6
Twins @ Royals, Orioles @ White Sox, Tigers @ Oakland
That's more like it. Granted, Baltimore's not great, but the Tigers on the road against Oakland ought to be a good challenge. And the Twins get the Royals. The worst team in the majors. Not a bad way to bring up that road record.
Series 3: 7/7-7/9
Twins @ Rangers, Red Sox @ White Sox, Tigers @ Mariners
Another weekend of opportunity. The Red Sox are hot, let's hope they take a bite out of the White Sox (I'll call this series "laundry weekend"). And the Tigers will be on the road against a team that has won their last 5. Rangers have lost their last 5. Let's hope they keep it up.
Overall, it would be nice for the Twins to pick up some games. The first weekend might be a challenge, since they're unlikely to pick up any games, but as long as they keep steady, they'll have a golden opportunity to capture some in the last week. I predict that the Twins will need to go 7-2 to really keep up the pace. That's asking a lot, I realize, but considering their last 20 games, it's actually quite pessimistic. Ideally, the Twins will be in single digits for games behind by the All-Star Break.
Series 1: 6/30-7/2
Brewers @ Twins, White Sox @ Cubs, Detroit @ Pittsburgh.
This is a cruel joke. Minus Houston, the central teams are facing off against each other... in the exact opposite order of each other. This has allowed the Cardinals to play the Royals and Detroit to play Pittsburgh. For the Twins to catch up, they're at a major disadvantage, because the Sox and Tigers are playing weak teams, both of whom were swept mightily by the Twins.
Tough battle for sure, but at least the Twins will have Liriano for the finally. And Pittsburgh is coming off that big victory against the Sox. Let's hope some momentum will carry over!
Series 2: 7/3-7/6
Twins @ Royals, Orioles @ White Sox, Tigers @ Oakland
That's more like it. Granted, Baltimore's not great, but the Tigers on the road against Oakland ought to be a good challenge. And the Twins get the Royals. The worst team in the majors. Not a bad way to bring up that road record.
Series 3: 7/7-7/9
Twins @ Rangers, Red Sox @ White Sox, Tigers @ Mariners
Another weekend of opportunity. The Red Sox are hot, let's hope they take a bite out of the White Sox (I'll call this series "laundry weekend"). And the Tigers will be on the road against a team that has won their last 5. Rangers have lost their last 5. Let's hope they keep it up.
Overall, it would be nice for the Twins to pick up some games. The first weekend might be a challenge, since they're unlikely to pick up any games, but as long as they keep steady, they'll have a golden opportunity to capture some in the last week. I predict that the Twins will need to go 7-2 to really keep up the pace. That's asking a lot, I realize, but considering their last 20 games, it's actually quite pessimistic. Ideally, the Twins will be in single digits for games behind by the All-Star Break.
posted by Joe at 6/30/2006 12:11:00 PM
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