5.28.19
The Minnesota Twins have been quietly waiting for their time to shine in the AL Central. A division dominated by the Cleveland Indians these past few years, the Central has been disregarded by many because of the lack of competitive play within division. The Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers have all finished below .500 since 2017.
This season the Twins have come out of the gate strong. They are leading the division under new manager Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli is only 37, and is the youngest manager in the entire league. His hiring brought excitement to a young team, after he spent 8 years with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has been credited with contributing to much of the Rays progressive strategies regarding on field play.
As of today, the Twins are 36-17 and among one of the strongest teams in the league. They feature a young and exciting pitching staff featuring Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi. Other key contributors include Byron Buxton, Willians Astudillo, and Eddie Rosario. Third baseman Miguel Sano has just come back from injury as well.
It will be interesting to see if the Twins can maintain their stronghold in the Central.