30 Teams in 30 Days is a third of the way through and today features the Minnesota Twins. The Twins had a great season in 2010 and were able to win the AL Central by 6 games. This was no easy feat, but the Twins had the best home record in the American League going 53-28. And that home record was achieved in the brand new Target Field (pronounced Tar-jay). Despite the great home record, the Twins once again were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Minnesota was all able to succeed without their star closer, Joe Nathan, who underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2010 season. Even without Nathan, the Twins lineup was stacked in 2010 and many of those faces are returning to Minnesota in 2011. They are: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, Delmon Young, Alexi Casilla, and Jim Thome. Unfortunately, Orlando Hudson "O-Dawg" (a favorite of mine) left the Twins to go to the Padres. The starting rotation is still strong, just as it was in 2010, and the bullpen will be even stronger with Nathan back. The Twins have reported that Nathan has to prove himself to obtain the closing position, because it is rightfully Matt Capps' position. Which is only fair to Capps. I do believe that the Twins are once again going to make it into the playoffs, whether it be by winning the AL Central or the AL Wildcard. Hopefully they will make it past the first round, they deserve it. Especially with Joe Mauer still on the team. I'm not sure if you follow video games, but Joe Mauer has been on the cover of MLB The Show for the past two years! Which is unheard of, I'm sorry but I had to say it. Tomorrow starts the coverage of the AL West, so be prepared. I wish the Twins and Joe Mauer luck with success in the 2011 season and hopefully the 2011 postseason.
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