Ya know Twins, you're making it really hard to hold out hope for you guys.

Three days ago, the Twins were 5.5 games out of first with 32 games to go and a chance to get at Cleveland directly. Best case scenario was that they could get within 2.5. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Much like the Detroit series in July, the Twins got swept while coming close much of the time. Back then, the Twins lost all three to Detroit by one run. This week against Cleveland, the last two were one-run affairs. Those hurt, especially at this stage in the game.

Now they're 8.5 games out with 29 games to go. That's quite a daunting task. Especially when you can't beat the team in front of you. But alas, like many others, I'm beginning to give up hope for this season.

I know, I know, just last week I was pushing off the naysaying and trying to restore hope for this team. But after this last week, it's clear that the Twins do have a lot of work ahead of them in the next few months.

What bothers me most about the Cleveland series was that the problem was less of the offense, and more of the pitching. In the beginning of August, the Twins scored 6 runs in a four games series and they were still able to split the series 2-2. This time they score 11 runs, and 0 wins. Not even the mighty Santana could hold the Indians back. In fact, he went 0-4 against them this season.

So, do I throw in the towel yet? Well, nothing's over until the math confirms it. So yes, they still have a chance, but hope is certainly running short.