The AL Central; a legitimate discussion

[Willy]

I don't mean to sound negative but I don't think we have that great of a shot at the division anymore. Even TK was interviewed on KFAN and said that if we get 10 back, it's over. We just need to take care of ourselves and not worry about the sox. They may slump, but they'd have to slump very bad for us to get back into it. With they way they're pitching this year, I'm not so confident they will go on a long losing streak.

Just can't lose games to poor teams and that is exactly what we have done this year. You look back at all those games we gave away and now this streak and you have to take it in perspective. Not saying give up, but just need to take care of ourselves and not worry about anyone else.

[rundrave]

Numbers dont favor the twins, but still alot of baseball to be played. Numbers updated as of before todays game, according to the startribune.

The White Sox are 49-22 and 10 games ahead of the Twins. If the White Sox play .500 the rest of the season, they would finish with 95 victories. The Twins, 38-31 after losing 8-1 to Detroit on Wednesday at the Metrodome, would have to go 58-35 to finish with 96 victories.

Looks like its gonna have to go right down to the wire if the Twins have a chance. I am not gonna throw in the towel until its clinched for good, regardless if its next week or the last day of the season.

[Willy]

Oh, me neither. I'm just trying to let some people know that just think: it's a long season, just wait you'll see, the sox will fall, etc., etc. That's not how it's going to happen. It's far enough into the season that every game matters, whether we want to admit it or not. We have to take care of business and let the chips fall where they may. I'm not counting on the Sox or anyone else to falter and just let us in the playoffs.

By the way, good outing for Silva today and finally a win. Silva has really been consistent this year.

[B. Amish]

very nice to see some REAL baseball talk around here!

I think the twins have got to make a move. It sounds like the management is really thinking about it, unlike years past. Can anyone say "middle infielder"?

I say bring in a patient hitting, on-base percentage guy who plays short or second. Remember how the trade for Stewart really got the team rolling a few years back.

[pikehunter]

I'm with you B. Amish. Like I mentioned previously, I think the fix is going involve Cuddyer at second, where he's so much better defensively.

I think they need a Stewart-like move as well, and they'll do it if it makes financial sense. They won't make a move that will limit what they can do to win the next couple years - and I like that about this club. That said, I'm hoping for a reasonable move by deadline.

Don't be surprised if before then we see a whole lot of Glen Williams at third and Cuddyer at second. Williams has been a pretty pleasant surprise for a guy who spent 11 years in the minors - 10 hits in eight games (22 abs). It's not a move that will help in terms of power, but it could be a temporary fix.

[Willy]

I'm pretty sure if we trade for someone, it will be Randa. We looked at him in the offseason but management thought Cudddy could do a better job than he has. I'm with you guys, put Cuddy at second, platoon SS between Punto and Castro (with Punto playing most if he can). That way you have a little more pop in the lineup and can bring in Castro and Rivas in towards the end of the game to play the field.

I don't know if you'll see Punto play short though. I'm pretty sure that Gardy and the boys are pretty happy with the way Castro has performed there defensively. He is very solid with his glove.

[pikehunter]

I agree Willy. I don't think there's anyone else they think would help.

Hopefully our boys can patch together a few here ... I'll be in Milwaukee Saturday and Sunday and will report back next week - hopefully regarding a few wins!

Go Twins!