We haven’t written in a while, and I wish we had better Twins news. Before the start of this season, the Twins had high hopes for 2021 after division titles in 2019 and 2020. And having fans (actual people, not cardboard cutouts!) in the stands figured to energize the team. After a pretty good 5-2 start to this season, the Twins went downhill fast and are now 28-41 (after three straight wins, actually) and are in last place in the AL Central, 14 1/2 games out of first place.
Although the offense generally has been far from great this season (they can’t seem to do much toward the end of games), the main problem for the Twins has been pitching. Their starting pitching was supposed to be good this year, but it hasn’t other than Jose Berrios. The starters are 26th out of 30 MLB teams with a 5.00 ERA. The relievers are also 26th out of 30 teams with a 4.96 ERA.
Of course, all the injuries don’t help. It seems as though all of the outfielders have been hurt at some point this season. That includes Byron Buxton, who was having a great season until he got hurt once again about a month ago. He might come back this weekend, but no one seems really sure. Third baseman Josh Donaldson, who has a history of leg injuries, injured his leg again this past Wednesday.
Because the Twins are basically out of the playoff race, they will likely trade some players for prospects before the MLB trade deadline on July 31. Nelson Cruz, who is 40 and not part of the team’s future, will likely be traded. I don’t like it, but that’s what teams do when they have no real chance at making the playoffs. Jose Berrios has also been mentioned as a possible candidate to be traded, as he will be a free agent after the 2022 season, but I think and hope they will try hard to sign him to a new contract during this season or next offseason. Reliever Taylor Rogers may also be traded.
Hopefully, the Twins can turn it around and finish at least .500. I hope they make the playoffs of course, but they have hardly any realistic chance of doing that at this point. They have won three straight games though, so who knows?!!
Written by: Sam Graves
Two Men On 
So nice to see a post from Two Men ON! Been a long covid time! i have not followed the Twins so have no comment. Hopefully the remainder of the yr is positive and next yr. will be a huge improvement. Your post was interesting Sam!
By: Bonnie Davis on June 19, 2021
at 12:09 pm
Every time I’ve looked at the sport section of the paper over the past several weeks I’ve wondered about this miserable season for the Twin – but alas – no guru to guide my thinking. So thanks for your insights and that ever faint hope that somehow things will get better for the team, and thus the city, and ultimately the world. So good to hear (read) you again – cheers.
By: rudi anders on June 20, 2021
at 10:52 am