Standings 7/25/15. Target on their back

[stringer bell]

The Twins have survived a disappointing road trip with their playoff status intact. They currently sit in the second wild card spot, four games clear of the competition. Tampa and Toronto are at .500, the next best records. I have periodically checked Playoff Probability through mlb.com, and currently they are ranked as the sixth most likely team to make postseason, trailing the four teams ahead of them in the standings and the Blue Jays. 

 

For the teams with playoff hopes, it appears that most, if not all, teams who think they can make postseason would rank the Twins as the team to pass. The Twins tough schedule combined with their overperforming in the W-L department make them a target. The best way to counter this perception, of course, is to keep winning.

 

Toronto promises to be active at the deadline. I don't know how many other teams in the AL feel like they can make a big investment in this year. The Twins have certifiable weakness in the bullpen, catcher and shortstop. If less teams are buying, they should be able to get quality to help them this year without mortgaging the future.

[Linus]

Boy is it fun to post about all the challenges the Twins have to hang on to their wild card spot! They have pretty good starting pitching so they have a decent chance despite their warts.

[Willihammer]

I really think you have to make eclipsing the Royals the 2nd half goal. There are no dominant AL teams except maybe the Angels - certainly not the Royals now that their best player is out and their rotation is hurting. The opportunity is there and attaining that goal doubles their WS chances.

[DaveW]

Even with this rather poor stretch of games 3-6, the twins still are 3 up in the wild card. Thankfully everyone is sorta just sitting on the fringe thus far.

 

KC is likely out of reach at this point IMO, stranger things have happened, but the addition of Cueto prob adds at least a win or two more that would be needed to catch them.

[Squirrel]

I never thought we'd be having discussions like this this year. But until some changes are made I will remain cautious about making the playoffs and even more cautious about going beyond one and done.

[DaveW]

I never thought we'd be having discussions like this this year. But until some changes are made I will remain cautious about making the playoffs and even more cautious about going beyond one and done.

Maybe it's for the best, the deadline is this week and the Twins "holes" have been looking pretty suspect as of late (RP, SS, C)

 

No more standing around, TR has to make some moves this week or risk letting a potential special season fade away.