Less than 20 games into the 2022 season, Minnesota Twins fans are already up in arms about the team’s struggles. We all need to just relax, have a drink or two, and remember that things will be okay. We may be on the up and up. We all know that this team is different than the 2021 squad. Here are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t worry about the Twins.
1. Offense is still explosive
If you don’t think the Twins still have an explosive offense, you’re wrong, but it’s okay. Bits a pieces of 2019’s Bomba Squad still remain. Sure, we aren’t hitting juiced balls anymore, but we still have the talent to hit some piss missiles.For the better part of April, this has been very difficult team to watch at the plate. Instead of having one Miguel Sano, all 9 batters looked like Miguel Sano (who, by the way, is still hitting below .100). We really have had to scratch and claw our way to some wins. And yeah, that caused some people to, understandably, worry about the Twins.
While the offense has certainly had its struggles, they also have shown signs as of late that they may start to produce soon. In the recent 3 game series against the Chicago White Sox, the Twins outscored them 17-7. Maybe the offense has finally awoken for the season. Who knows.
All I’m saying is, do not count this team out offensively.2. Starting rotation is better than as advertised
One thing we aren’t accustomed to here in Minnesota is having a solid starting rotation. To find a rotation that gives us any positive combination of stability/excitement, we would have to go back to 2010.
Led by Joe Ryan, this Twins starting rotation is ranks amongst the best in all of MLB. The rotation currently boasts a 2.68 ERA (5th in MLB), a 1.01 WHIP (2nd in MLB), and an opposing batting average of .208.
What surprises me the most is the fact that our best pitcher is Dylan Bundy. Bundy was a signing that shocked me, given how awful of a season he had with the Angels, but intrigued me. He has certainly delivered on this “prove it” deal. Through his first 3 starts, with 15 innings pitched, Bundy currently leads all starting pitchers with a 0.59 ERA.
You can definitely see the difference in his approach compared to years past. He’s not pitching to the hitter anymore, he’s throwing to the catcher. His stuff looks significantly better as well. It’s apparent that he now has big dick energy that allows him to throw any pitch in any count. I love it and you should too. It’s quite clear that its radiating to the others in the rotation as well given their success as a whole.It’s a guarantee that we won’t finish the season like we have been starting off, but anywhere close to top 10 or even top 15 in the league, I’ll take it. One thing I think that can be agreed upon, this rotation is a lot better than what we all were expecting.
3. It’s a long season
It’s been said over and over, but I’ll repeat it anyways. The MLB season is a marathon, not a sprint. Teams go through their struggles. This team is built to contend, but all pieces need to operate in unison to do so. I imagine once Spring fucking decides to come around, this time will begin to fire on all cylinders.
Sure, we started off shitty in 2021 and really never gained any traction after that. But that’s not a reason to worry about the Twins this season. Things are different now.
What I’m most excited for is Carlos Correa to begin to hit. He certainly has gotten off to a slow start and it definitely has hurt us offensively. Seeing as he is one of the best players in the game, he’ll turn it around. Pro’s know how to do that (I’m looking at you, Miguel Sano. Triple A Scum).
In the mean time, we can enjoy the offensive weapon Byron Buxton and pray to the baseball gods that he remains healthy.
There is no need to worry about this team, seeing as we aren’t even out of April. There is too much talent on this roster for us not to finish in 1st place in the AL Central. Hell, we’ve won 5 in a row after last night’s hilarious debacle. It’s not how you win, it’s how many you win.
Even the bullpen will smoothen out at some point. By signing Correa, the front office has shown fans that this team is ready to win now. If needed, they will make a move to bring in more relievers.
Have faith, Twins fans. There’s no need to worry about the Twins. This is going to be a fun summer!
Former professional High School Baseball player. 12 Handicap Golfer. Patrick Reusse blocked me for calling him old.