Game 2

The Twins were not supposed to be in the playoffs this year. At the start of the season, the Twins were viewed by most pundits as no better than the third best team in the AL Central, far behind the new-and-improved Chicago White Sox and the young, exciting Cleveland Indians. Then the season actually started, and the Twins played so poorly that it looked like they were actually the fourth best team in the division, behind even the lowly Detroit Tigers, who had suddenly become a force.

As the season wore on and the Indians proved to be a non-factor in the division, the Twins still were picked as no better than 3rd, behind those pesky White Sox and the magical Tigers. The Twins didn't give up, and finally in June turned things around. Still, no one could believe that they would make up the monumental amount of ground that they had ceded to the Tigers and White Sox. Of course, as we all now, they did just that.

I bring this up now because there might be a temptation to look at what has happened in the first 2 games of the playoffs this year and come to the conclusion that the Twins aren't any good. That would be an unfortunate, and false, conclusion. No matter whether the Twins win on Friday, and Saturday, and Sunday (as would be necessary to advance), this season was a tremendous success. Losing to the A's in the first round would be incredibly anti-climactic and disappointing, but it would not cancel out what happened over the last 4 months.

Now, for some thoughts on today's game:

1.) Boof was ok, certainly pitching well enough to deserve a win. Sadly, for the second straight day the offense couldn't get it going. When the only two runs scored by the Twins in a game come from homers, something isn't working right. Unlike yesterday, there aren't obvious things that jump out at me (by the hitters) that were done wrong; they just didn't get hits, simple enough.

2.) Torii Hunter made a mistake, trying to do way too much. This will be overanalyzed to death, but I think it's as simple as Hunter pressing because the offense (other than the homers) hasn't been doing anything, and he knew that if he could catch that ball the game would remain tied. Sadly, that was a very poor decision that earns him the Goat of the Game.

3.) How fitting that the Twins season comes down to the ailing shoulder of Brad Radke.

4.) The Twins have won three straight games in the past, lots of times. This series isn't over yet.

Seriously, folks, that's about all I have today, except mentioning that my predictions aren't in great shape right now. Only the Yankees are doing what I expected them to do to this point. Hopefully things turn around.