The glass is 3/4 full, not 1/4 empty

[mini_tb]

Let's stop and smell the roses.  The Twins are playing meaningful games in the first week of September. 

 

Expectations going into the season weren't much rosier than previous seasons.  With a strong minor league system, the future was bright, but the 2015 season was going to be another long one.  After getting outscored 22-1 in a 3 game sweep by David Price and the division rival Tigers to open the season, things certainly looked predictably bleak.   

 

Yet here we are.  It's the first week of September.  The Twins are second place in the division with a realistic shot at the postseason.  The Tigers, now without David Price, are in last place. 

 

This has been a really fun and unexpected season.  I'm still tuning in on near nightly basis in September.  I can't say the same about the final seasons of the Gardenhire era.  And it should only get better in 2016 and beyond.  This is a good time to be a Twins fan.

 

There have certainly been some questionable decisions made this season.  One thing guaranteed for the 2016 season is that there will be some questionable decisions made then, too. 

 

Like many others, I do think Berrios should have been called up earlier in the season.  It just doesn't bother me.  What I view as a missed opportunity doesn't send me into a negative rant about the Twins' management style. 

 

The bullpen?  Yeah, disappointing at times.  So be it.  I choose not to dwell on these things much.  Fien's performance against the Sox?  It's just 1 game that ended in a disappointing fashion.  There's no denying these do add up over the course of a season, but complaining/venting about it ad nauseum doesn't accomplish anything. 

 

Joe Mauer's lackluster performance and the crazy salary he is making?  Yeah, it's unfortunate.  When he grounds into his next double play, I promise not to turn red and have steam coming out of my ears.  The Twins are still winning, and I'm enjoying it.  

 

I choose to move on and continue to enjoy my favorite team game by game.  I'm not saying I don't question their moves, but I don't dwell on the negatives.  There were good decisions made this season, too.  They just don't stand out as much or aren't as readily noticeable.  It's a 162 game season.  A shot at redemption is just a day away. 

 

Let's try to be more positive.  Step back.  Look at the big picture.  No matter how it ends, it has been one hell of a season for our favorite team.  And I appreciate it.  Enjoy the 162 game roller coaster of a ride. 

 

Besides, it could always be worse.  We could have Hawk Harrelson as an announcer.

 

Note: please don't interpret this as me calling out any individual posters.

[DuluthFan]

I don't recall Terry Ryan promising a World Series win or appearance this year. I believe he said something about playing meaningful games in September (or something similar). If you are to judge the season on any preseason predictions, this season has been a success.

 

 

[gocgo]

Totally agree that the season has been entertaining already and the Twins have far exceeded expectations (especially after the first week).  I was one of many who overreacted after the first week.  After that, my goal was that they play .500 ball.  When they were 10+ above .500, I really started to get excited.  Now, I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping that we avoid a September collapse.  The key part of this tough road trip will be to avoid extended losing streaks.  What's realistic about 9 road games against Houston, KC, and the Sox?  1-2, 1-2, 2-1 for a 4-5 road trip?

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Agree completely.

 

But, these guys are trying to win and this is a pennant race! "You guys were supposed to suck, pack it in and wait until next year when you are better" does not make a good locker room speech to the players. I think the off season is the best time to reflect on how well the Twins have done in 2015. So expect there to be pretty heavy debate and second guessing right to the end.

[Kwak]

While "playing meaningful games in September" sounds like a "good" result--it is truly the objective of every team, every season.  In fact, most teams in MLB can still say "they are playing meaningful games" today!  As a goal, that is a rather low bar.  My response is why after you stated the Twins are "keeping assets in reserve" would you be satisfied if the team falls a game or two short?  There was unspent budget (Santana's 80 game suspension) plus any insurance money recovered due to injury to players.  Plus, anybody who realistically could contribute to the success of the team for the rest of the season.  Everyone expects the players to "give their best" during the season, why not the Front Office as well?

[ScrapTheNickname]

Who is playing "meaningful games in September"?

Seven of the 30 MLB teams. (Jays, Yankees, Astros, Rangers, Twins, and Angels).

Not one NL team is playing meaningful games in September.

That is, their fates have been decided - those who are in are in, those who are out are out.

 

Kind of interesting, I think.

[Hrbowski]

 

Besides, it could always be worse.  We could have Hawk Harrelson as an announcer.

 

From what people say about Dick and Bert, you would think that he was worse, which is of course debatable.

[jimbo92107]

The fish-head general sniffs the air. Is this a trap?? His fins flail nervously as he looks about, suspicious. Fish-head generals are good at spotting traps!

[Thegrin]

Every game is interesting.  The Twins are playing against long odds.  Ain't it fun ?  

[davidc3915]

 

Who is playing "meaningful games in September"?

Seven of the 30 MLB teams. (Jays, Yankees, Astros, Rangers, Twins, and Angels).

Not one NL team is playing meaningful games in September.

That is, their fates have been decided - those who are in are in, those who are out are out.

 

Kind of interesting, I think.

Since I live in Chicago, I must endure all of the Cubs hype.  And while I am grudgingly admitting they've been a surprise, i have to wonder how'd they fare in the AL.  The Cubs feasting on the likes of the Reds, Brewers, Phillies, Marlins, et al makes their meteoric rise a little bit less impressive, at least to me.  I have so many family members and friends that are Cubs fans, so I take a bit of a beating for this viewpoint.  The bottom teams in the AL have far superior records to the bottom teams of the NL.

 

Sorry for the anti-Cubs rant.  I just needed a place to vent where those hearing it would more likely sympathize with me.....thanks TD readers!

 

Trying to keep what's important in perspective and enjoy this Twins season for what it is....a pleasant surprise

[Danchat]

 

Who is playing "meaningful games in September"?

Seven of the 30 MLB teams. (Jays, Yankees, Astros, Rangers, Twins, and Angels).

Not one NL team is playing meaningful games in September.

That is, their fates have been decided - those who are in are in, those who are out are out.

 

Kind of interesting, I think.

Yeah... now that I take a look, the only thing I see going on in the NL is a competition for the 2nd seed - the Dodgers are just 1 game ahead of the Mets. They're basically just competing for home field advantage. 

[Blake]

Pretty much mirrors my thoughts.

[Squirrel]

 

From what people say about Dick and Bert, you would think that he was worse, which is of course debatable.

I can see you are still posting from that hospital room!

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

Yeah... now that I take a look, the only thing I see going on in the NL is a competition for the 2nd seed - the Dodgers are just 1 game ahead of the Mets. They're basically just competing for home field advantage. 

I hadn't thought of that, which, given the one-game playoff, is HUGE.

[jimmer]

 

I hadn't thought of that, which, given the one-game playoff, is HUGE.

Why is that?

 

The three division winners (the #1, #2 and #3 seeds) don't play the one-game playoff.  

 

Now, the Pirates and Cubs.  THEY are battling to host the one game playoff game.