Twins wins Central; Mauer first catcher to win batting title since ‘42
Tigers blow six-run lead, lose AL Central title in extras
Wow…down to the last day of the season made for some phenomenal pennant races, eh? I have some very mixed feelings this morning, though. On a day when the Houston Astros booted a golden opportunity to put pressure on St. Louis, my Minnesota Twins caught and passed Detroit to win the AL Central title. In fact, the only day of the season in which Minnesota led the AL Central was yesterday, the final day of the season. For most of the season, Detroit was so far in front, that the race seemed to be for second place. Early on, Minnesota seemed dead in the water. Well under .500, they rebounded to have the best record in baseball since the All-Star break. The Twins are an anonymous collection of some of the best players you’ve never heard of. Somehow, they’ve managed to win games with a roster that, at first glance, looks as if it wouldn’t give the woeful Kansas City Royals a run for their money. Employing a roster of talented youngsters and castoffs with chips on their shoulders, the Twins are the anti-Yankees, the best team money DIDN’T buy.
Even without Francisco Liriano, Minnesota still has an impressive starting rotation, and with the best bullpen in baseball, they are well-constructed for a playoff run. They’ve learned that they can beat the Yankees, and at this point in time, they’re quite likely probably the only AL team that can stand up and compete with an NL team. With Joe Mauer, the first catcher to win a batting title in 64 years, and 1B Justin Morneau, a legitimate MVP candidate, Minnesota has the power they’ve lacked for years.
Don’t be surprised if Minnesota ends up in the World Series playing the New York Mets. It could happen, and it wouldn’t be nearly the surprise that you might think it is.
