They did again. For the first time since 2009-2010, the Twins are in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. With no fans during a pandemic, playing just 60 games, the boys of summer did it.
With the final week of the regular season here, this team has persevered through lots of injuries. Unlike 2019 when it was peaches and cream winning 101 games and hitting an MLB all-time record 307 home runs, the 2020 Twins have battled all season to get to this year’s playoffs.
After 30 games, the Twins were 20-10 and suddenly hit a bump in the road, losing six in a row. They have rebounded, however, and clinched a playoff spot. This 60-game sprint shortened season has exposed them. Currently they are 33-22 after taking two of three from the first-place Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Twins are two games back of the first-place White Sox for the Division title. The Twins have five games remaining against Detroit for two games and then the Cincinnati Reds for three, all at Target Field. The Twins are 21-5 in Minneapolis and just 12-17 on the road.
Sixteen teams will qualify for the playoffs, eight in each league. That’s the most playoff teams in MLB history. Last year just 10 teams qualified for the playoffs.
In the American League, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Oakland, Twins and Yankees have clinched. Right now the Twins are staring at a potential Wild series with the New York Yankees.
New York, 31-22, is chasing Tampa Bay in the American League East, just 3½ back with seven games to play. The Twins currently have the number-four Wild Card spot; the Yankees are five. So hold your breath and buckle your straps—the Twins can still win the Central Division with some help.
The White Sox have four games left with Cleveland and three with the Cubs. This is exciting stuff. MLB has what they expected, tight races to the very end.
Larry Fitzgerald is a longstanding contributing columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder. He can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday and Friday at 9:10 am, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on “Almanac” (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.