Minnesota up against the wall, down 2-0

After a historic run in the second half of 2006 to pass the WhiteSox and Tigers then claim the AL Central division title the Twins are in danger out being eliminated in the playoffs. They seemed to have took the Athletics too lightly. Obviously, there were a few risks and defensive miscues that lead to their defeat Wednesday. Tori Hunter diving catch attempt was just off the mark and as a result the A's Mark Kotsay was able to pull his team ahead with a 2-run inside-the-park-homerun. In the playoffs such mistakes can cost you the series. The Twins still have hope as they send Johan Santana to the mound in Game 3.

In Game 1 Santana recorded the loss despite a solid pitching outing in the ALDS. The bats in Minnesota's lineup will have to ignite and it will be up to Hunter, Mauer, and Morneau to do the damage. The offense should score early and often against Rich Harden otherwise it will be a straining task to get back into the game. The one good thing working in the Twins favor is that Oakland is 0-9 in Game 3s since 2000. They should be thankful that they're not facing Barry Zito.

Allowing Esteban Loaiza to go 5 innings and give up 6 hits through 5 innings without driving in baserunners also hurt the Twins yesterday. I see how Joe Mauer holds up behind the plate. If takes a beating with foul tips, pitches in the dirt, and collisions at the plate it may effect his production from the offensive end. Winning 3 straight is no easy feat for any team in the postseason, but with the Twin's power and good bench they should be able to score enough runs. They'll need to get at least 6 innings out of their starting pitchers though. We'll see what happens in the series. It's do or die for the Twins.