Twins Winning With Their Bats

Although the Twins record is around .500, the way the rest of the season pans out they will be in the hunt for the AL Central division crown with the product they're putting on the field. Joe Mauer has been nothing but miraculous for the Twins since coming off his injury and he's the key to the success of the Twins. Unfortunately, when you're key hitter is a catcher, he needs to sit out for a few games here and there to keep him fresh, especially if you anticipate a deep run into the playoffs. However, on a day like today (Minnesota defeating Pittsburgh 5-1) without Mauer in the lineup, there are capable bat in the lineup to pick up the slack.

Michael Cuddyer never had a consistent position when starting his career with the Twins, but has found a home in right field. Recently, he's hit a streak of injuries which have kept him off the field, but he's back and playing the consistent we have been getting use to seeing from him. He's a righty bat with some power who bats in the middle of the lineup and will give 20-25 HR and 90 RBI.

Justin Morneau not only can hit, but he is excellent fielder at first base. However being in a small market, it's easy to forget when he hear the names of Teixeira, Youkilis, and Pujols. He's won an MVP and is a lefty power threat in the lineup. He's as dangerous as any hitter in a big spot to go deep. and provides protection for Mauer in the lineup.

When Jason Kubel was signed to a two year deal, the Twins were criticized because he was seen as a Eric Hinske like hitter without a position. However, Kubel has proven the Twins to be right hitting around .300 and is always in the middle of rallies and putting runs on the board with good power. Ideally, he's a DH but he is a capable left fielder when the Twins decided to use the DH to rest a player from playing defense (Joe Mauer for example).

Now no one expects Mauer to hit .400 for the rest of the season, but he is one of the best hitters in the game, will also have professional at bats, and is the model of consistency.

If the Twins want to go deep into the playoffs, their young starters will have to make a few more steps in maturity like Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey have. The Twins are always in the hunt every year, and some of the credit has to go to Ron Gardenhire for playing the game the right way and getting the most out of all his players.