The End of an Outstanding Month

[stringer bell]

Today is the last day in May.  If the Twins were to win, while the Chicago teams both win their games, the Twins will finish the month of May with the best record in the American League.  The Twins are 19-7 and have improved on every facet of their game in this month.  There has been roster turnover, which improved the quality of the both the lineup and the bullpen.  Obviously, there are still roster questions to be answered, but a winning record eases pressure to make immediate moves.

 

How has this been done?  It is obvious that there has been improvement in the pitching staff, beyond that, runs have been scored and scored early in the game.  The addition of Aaron Hicks (especially) and Eddie Rosario has improved a very weak outfield defense to something close to average. 

 

The second question is "can this continue?".  While the underlying numbers suggest that the Twins have benefited from a great deal of good fortune, there are other factors that indicate that things can improve. 

 

It has been a fun ride.  Even if the club regresses a bit, there is reason to believe the Twins will remain relevant for the whole season.  Far better than everyone but the most cockeyed optimists predicted.

[JB_Iowa]

 

 

It has been a fun ride.  Even if the club regresses a bit, there is reason to believe the Twins will remain relevant for the whole season.  Far better than everyone but the most cockeyed optimists predicted.

 

There were a few of those here although I wasn't among them.  I just try to appreciate every game they are playing.

 

 

 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I tend to think that this team is playing a bit over their heads right now, but at the same time, they have reinforcements on their way, particularly where they are weaker.  I still think they will finish around .500, given the start, maybe a bit more.  I wouldn't call them contenders just yet, but I do think that with some key promotions, they should be able to stay in it.  The pen is terrible, but there's good reinforcements there.  Vargas or Arcia should instantly upgrade DH.  That right there would keep them in the hunt for a while I think.

[Craig Arko]

And today Nolasco gets a chance to close out the month 6-0. We all saw that coming, right?

[spinowner]

 

And today Nolasco gets a chance to close out the month 6-0. We all saw that coming, right?

He and Toronto's starters both have 5.12 ERA's. Based on that in-depth analysis I'd say he has a 50/50 chance of accomplishing that.

[stringer bell]

20-7 for the month of May!  The Twins have won 20 games in a month a total of nine times in their history.  Only a couple are better percentage-wise than the just completed month.

 

20-win months:

 

1963 (June)         20-10        3rd Place.  Finished 91-70

1965 (July)          22-9          AL Champs.  Lost World Series to the Dodgers 4-3.

1966 (August)     21-11         2nd Place.  Finished 89-73.

1967 (August)     21-11        2nd Place--lost pennant on the last day of the season

1969 (July)          23-7         Division Champions.  Swept by Baltimore in the playoff.

1970 (Sept)         21-10       Division Champions.  Swept by Baltimore in the playoff.

1990 (May)         21-7         Last place.  Went 7-21 in June!

1991 (June)        22-6         World Series Champs.

 

[stringer bell]

Here are May splits for the Twins' pitchers and hitters:

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/stats/pitching/_/name/min/split/41/minnesota-twins

 

http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/stats/batting/_/name/min/minnesota-twins

 

While the record was great, there wasn't a lot of unsustainability. The team's best players all had good months and the pitching was good, all around.  

 

On to Boston, with a half game lead.  What could possibly go wrong? 

[REPETE]

I don't consider myself a cockeyed optimist, but I have to say, I predicted in Spring Training the Twins will win the World Series.  I've been right twice before!!!