After Years of Struggling, the Minnesota Twins Are Back

​Article by: Zach Henley

https://www.latimes.com/resizer/Ac5yTIo0SA6IXAaj8T4B39jTN9o=/800x0/www.trbimg.com/img-5ce83566/turbine/la-1558721888-ytgmmy8xug-snap-image

Since 2012, the Minnesota Twins have struggled to succeed and become ready for a playoff spot. After missing the playoffs for the 6th straight year, the front office in Minnesota was ready to make some changes. Starting with personnel, the team hired former player Rocco Baldelli as their new manager. This move showed the players that they are done with older coaches and want their coaching staff to get younger as their roster gets younger. During free agency, the team signed vets Martin Perez and slugger Nelson Cruz to have some experience in the clubhouse. After losing franchise players Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier, this team was becoming one of the youngest in baseball. 

The statistics for the Twins speak for themselves. The team currently averages 6 runs per game, along with a slugging percentage of .518 and their OPS percentage is currently at .860. These numbers put the Twins around the top of the league in almost every category, including their record, which is a league best 36-16. Another big part of their success is due to the long ball. After roughly 50 games, they have a total of 100 home runs as a team, which is on pace to beat the current record set by the New York Yankees in 2018. The team is now on pace for 327 home runs, which would destroy the previous record by 60 homeruns.  

The outstanding part about this rejuvenated Twins team, is that they are playing as a complete unit and do not need to rely on one superstar talent to push them along each game. Every player is doing their part and they, as a result, have become a very nice surprise as the 2019 season continues to progress. 

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed the article be sure to drop a like! Also feel free to comment your thoughts and opinions down below.

To get keep getting news and updates on all things sports, be sure to keep it here, with Heated Sports!​​