Since the early part of the season it looked as if the Tigers were destined to win the pennant this season. With other teams tumbling in the AL Central the unexpected Minnesota Twins began to seize every opportunity. They were counted out in the first half. With the dominating pitching of Johan Santana coupled with the excellent work of a strong bullpen the Twins are locked in and aimed at nabbing a playoff spot. They're a mere 1.5 games back from the Tigers for first place. Three teams in the division obviously aren't going to make the postseason.
After activating Francisco Liriano off the DL the Twins are as strong as ever in their rotation. To top it off Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are leading the team in batting average, homeruns, and RBIs. With their new addition, Phil Nevin plus outfielder Rondell White the offense is fine. The Twins have took the AL by storm, though predicted to finish 3rd or 4th in the division. Santana has earned 18 wins and leads the AL in strikeouts (230). He is arguably the best pitcher in baseball right now.
Owning a 83-59 record in September is sweet, however to fend off the competition hot on their tails the Twins may need to win 94 games or more to reach the playoffs. They're in good shape at the moment, but don't think for a minute the Tigers or WhiteSox aren't as eager to splash into the playoffs. If Mauer, who is shooting for a batting title, keeps up his hot hitting Minnesota just might claim the pennant. Then again it's tough to determine until the final week when tension is high and the best baseball is played. Good luck to the Twins in their quest for a playoff birth.
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