Minnesota's Postseason Run Points to a Bright Future

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins have gone into each season with hope for excitement, as each organization does. Until 2023, though, there was always the cloud that was postseason ineptitude hanging over their head. With recent success, everything has changed.

 

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

There are two ways to look at the Minnesota Twins 2023 postseason run. On one hand, you could mute excitement by choosing to focus on the Twins winning just a single game in the American League Division Series. That hurts even more after splitting on the road in Houston and holding an advantage when returning home. Conversely, you could be ecstatic about the playoff monkey being gone and multiple streaks ending.

When the Twins knocked off the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 of the Wild Card series, they ended a streak that has hung over the head of the state for so long. Nothing about the Twins in the postseason has mattered for years because 0-18 became the narrative. Until that streak ended, it was a mind-numbing retort from anyone looking to downplay excitement.

After John Schneider lifted Jose Berrios, and Minnesota went on to win Game 2 of the wild card series, they proved there was even more out there. Ending an inability to win a postseason series since knocking off the Moneyball Oakland Athletics, it quickly became a possible thought that Rocco Baldelli’s club could play spoiled and knock out the reigning World Series champion.

No matter what level of realism existed behind it, there was a buzz during Game 3 and Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Astros. Even after Sonny Gray got behind 4-0 in the first inning, Twins fans remained on their feet for multiple innings and got excited again as the team made a late surge. It wasn’t expected that Jose Urquidy would stifle the bats in Game 4, but the entirety of Target Field was shaking as Byron Buxton stepped in and Max Kepler struck out.

Those feelings don’t go away simply because the run has ended. This franchise is in a good place with youth, and it’s clear that the leadership has continued to trend towards an infrastructure of sustenance. It’s great that the talent returning has Minnesota in a good place, but the desire to do something with it is higher than ever.

There have been multiple seasons in recent history where Minnesota is projected to win the AL Central. Ron Gardenhire made a habit of winning the division only to have his teams fall short in the playoffs. Minnesota needed to re-establish that ability on yearly for years, but now the desire will and can be for something more. The Twins making the playoffs can't be met with the refrain that it won’t matter. Advancing past a better team, or being the better team someone wants to take down, is the next step.

Ultimately, winning a World Series is what every player and team strives for, but only one organization accomplishes that each season. As we saw coming from a watered-down AL Central this season, anything can happen once you make it to the postseason. The fanbase and those in the clubhouse know that they can do damage when making it into October, and now forcing that issue has to be the goal.

It’s cliché to hear players repeat a desire to win a division, grab a ring, or some other months-long endeavor during spring training. The youth on this team has now experienced it, and so too have some veterans who otherwise had not yet played past September. They’ll be hungry to put value behind the 162-game grind, forcing those games where everything matters is necessary.

Minnesota should be the favorite to win the AL Central next season, and they’ll be well-positioned for some time. Continuing to invest in the organization and force the issue of constant end-of-season relevance is no longer just a nice thing. This postseason run set a new standard, and now it’s time to embark on it.

View full article

[tony&rodney]

The future is coming and the Twins have as good a chance or better at winning the AL Central than any other team. The club does need to continue with changes, however, to bring in a couple of players that will improve the team and solidify a  hold (for now) on the division. You will recall that last April both Cleveland and Chicago were seen as more likely to win the AL Central as the Minnesota Twins. Talent, depth, and improvement are important for continued success.

[Five minute major]

This team absolutely needs to add bats.  They simply do not hit above average pitching and better at all.   They beat up on weak teams in their division and scored runs late in the season when several teams had mailed it in already.   We just cannot have more Gallo's, Castro, Solano, Farmer signings while letting CES and Steer leave with nothing in return.  

Pitching did not lose the Twins this series.  It was absysmal hitting (outside Lewis).   

 

 

[Schmoeman5]

21 minutes ago, Five minute major said:

This team absolutely needs to add bats.  They simply do not hit above average pitching and better at all.   They beat up on weak teams in their division and scored runs late in the season when several teams had mailed it in already.   We just cannot have more Gallo's, Castro, Solano, Farmer signings while letting CES and Steer leave with nothing in return.  

Pitching did not lose the Twins this series.  It was absysmal hitting (outside Lewis).   

 

 

Lewis had 1 good game. Game 1 vs Toronto. The other 5 games he was 3-19. So what qualifies as absysmal? All told he was 5-22. That's not quite mendoza but it's not real good. 

[USAFChief]

"Postseason run."

Heh.

[Patzky]

17 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

"Postseason run."

Heh.

They did finally get up off the couch.

[Nine of twelve]

40 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

"Postseason run."

Heh.

Winning 3 of the first 4 games is a run. Kind of.

[twinstalker]

Does it?  And was it a "run?"  The Twins were two wins shy of the only three years they could ever be accused of a postseason run.  Don't let 0-18 affect you the rest of your life.

[tony&rodney]

4 hours ago, Five minute major said:

This team absolutely needs to add bats.  They simply do not hit above average pitching and better at all.   They beat up on weak teams in their division and scored runs late in the season when several teams had mailed it in already.   We just cannot have more Gallo's, Castro, Solano, Farmer signings while letting CES and Steer leave with nothing in return.  

Pitching did not lose the Twins this series.  It was absysmal hitting (outside Lewis).   

 

 

In fairness to the Twins, the team was better in the postseason than Atlanta, a team lauded as among the top three all time great offenses in MLB history. The Twins also did better with the bats than Baltimore, Tampa Bay, and the Dodgers as well. Any team can wind up losing a series against some good pitching. Pablo Lopez made the Astros struggle mightily. The Diamondbacks are a pretty pedestrian team but if they win tonight they will suddenly be getting plaudits and praise beyond all reason. The playoffs are fun and it isn't practical to demand victory. It is reasonable to expect good performance.

Julien and Correa were terrific in the postseason as was Lewis. Farmer did fine in limited duty. I want to see better hitting too but am really having a hard time identifying someone who is both a good bet to perform and is a sensible acquisition. Ohtani? Sure, but what are the odds? Soto? Is he even available and at what cost of players sent back to San Diego? It is a down year for bats and it may be quite difficult to pry away a decent piece of lumber from any team.

BTW, the trade for Mahle was highly praised nationally and favored by an overwhelming number of folks on Twins Daily. Unfortunately, Mahle hurt his shoulder and then his elbow too. Bad luck for him and the Twins. To close, all of Castro, Solano, and Farmer played significant reserve roles for the Twins and were solid contributors to the season's success. Yes, to any magical bats able to be added. Now .... how?

[Beast]

Getting beat 3 games to 1 in the division series is not a postseason run.

[JD-TWINS]

How did the best team in the AL (The O’s) do with no experience - they got beat like a drum!!

Small steps when it comes to postseason.

Tired of the gloom & doom here……the guys saying we didn’t change the face of the team & how it’s sites are set going forward this year are the same guys that we’re saying we were going to max out at 78 wins in June!!

With Lee coming and another youngster at some point in ‘24 we’ll be just fine starting the season with a similar roster as ‘23.

Regular season record v. some competitive clubs:

Astros - we won 4 of 6

Rangers - we won 5 of 7

Phillies - we won 2 of 3

Diamondbacks  - we won 3 of 3

That’s 14-5 against the last 4 teams standing. We got beat up by Tampa & Atlanta for balance & reality check. My point here is our only success doesn’t come only in the AL Central!! That is old!!

[Brandon]

To move forward we would need to resign or replace Gray’s production.  The rest of our free agents are more easily replaceable.  Though the middle IF and bench depth can evaporate if we are not careful. 

[JD-TWINS]

52 minutes ago, Brandon said:

To move forward we would need to resign or replace Gray’s production.  The rest of our free agents are more easily replaceable.  Though the middle IF and bench depth can evaporate if we are not careful. 

I would be surprised if we weren’t amenable to our arbitration guys…….this will help to maintain our depth. The guys like Taylor - Solano I’d think we would make offers to that were league competitive. Solano probably elevated his salary level to twice his ‘23 number & Taylor probably elevated his value as well. I’d guess 1 year deals for $4M & $5.5M to get them signed.

Gordon - Castro - Farmer - Solano - Taylor - Vazquez - Larnach are the depth pieces we would expect to be of value in ‘24……….need some decisions on who to trade/release ………….Luplow - Stevenson - Gallo are all gone from consideration…………I’m guessing Polanco is traded as well at some point.

By June 15, core of:  Buxton - Correa - Jeffers - Julien - Kepler - Kirilloff - Lee - Lewis - Wallner

Vazquez - Castro - Farmer - Solano

We’ll need guys like Lee & Martin for roster flexibility during times of injury & recovery because our other depth pieces have no options left.

The roster is jammed with real players in my example & that’s moving on from Taylor & Polanco. Tough decisions coming for FO.

 

GRAY’S PRODUCTION being replaced is sensitive. He pitched great even when he didn’t have all his good stuff. However, the TEAM was 14-19 in his starts. Whether he didn’t get enough run support, we didn’t make plays, or the bullpen coughed up an opportunity…….we were 5 games under when he started. He probably gave us a good opportunity in 25-26 of his starts. His record individually was 8-8.

I think we can replace his innings and at least the same 14 wins or more with Varland taking up his starts. Nobody wants to hear that or think that it may make sense.

Not saying we shouldn’t offer Jordan Montgomery $85M for 4 years or Gray $52M for 2 years or Kenta Maeda $26M for 2 years but I wouldn’t ignore that we have Varland and his head tells him he should be a starter. We have 4 other capable guys at age 28 and under control for 4-6 years each.

Could use keeping status quo roster to early sign 2-3 guys.

If needed, be aggressive for A possible need at the deadline.

[h2oface]

12 hours ago, twinstalker said:

Does it?  And was it a "run?"  The Twins were two wins shy of the only three years they could ever be accused of a postseason run.  Don't let 0-18 affect you the rest of your life.

Now I just let 0-2 affect me. 😇

[TopGunn#22]

Great points JD-Twins, I'll offer a couple counterpoints:

There is no way I'm offering Maeda $13 million per year.  At his age and diminishing performance I'll use that money elsewhere.  Sonny is not coming back, but he can be replaced and possibly improved upon.  Montgomery or Eduardo Rodriguez would give us a LH in the starting rotation and each will win in double digits.  Blake Snell would be GREAT.  But he's going to be waaay too expensive.  I predict Sonny Gray never comes close to the type of season he gave the Twins this year in his next contract.

Speaking of guys I think will provide diminishing returns next season and beyond:  Solano and Taylor.  I'd rather roll with Austin Martin or a trade candidate for CF.  Payroll, without the $55 million from our TV deal is going to have an impact.  We need to promote younger guys who are inexpensive at this point.  That's Martin and Brooks Lee.  I might move on from Caleb Theilbar if keeping him is not cost efficient.  Funderburk will do just fine.  Moran should improve.  Plus, Caleb is always good for at least 2 I.L. stints per season at this stage of his career.  

The Twins may need to be especially creative on the trade market since free agency may be problematic.  I want to note that I think it's a stretch that the Pohlad's will need to cut or maintain our salary structure absent the TV money.  We get a TON of money from revenue sharing already. We should see an increase in attendance.  They have a chance to build a winner for a long time.  The TV money will eventually return in some form.  Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish.  However, we all know how the Pohlad's think and operate.

If payroll stays at about $150 million they should/could be fine.  If they increase it only nominally, they should be fine.  If they cut it, they may be squandering a chance to build a multi-year division winner.  They need bats.  But is was PITCHING that got them where they went.  They have a lot of promising young hitters.  Get at least one more GOOD SP and add one solid (not marginal) bullpen arm and I think they'll be ready to defend that divisional title.

 

[Whitey333]

We are all happy the Twins made the playoffs and at least broke the 0-18 streak.  Let's be realistic. Getting into the playoffs by winning an absolutely putrid division is one thing.  But going 3-3 in the playoffs does not constitute a run.  Twins only had 3 hits in each of the last two games at home.  Had absolutely terrible situational hitting by swinging fir the fences all the time when many times just a ground ball or flyback would have produced a run or two.  This happened way too many times this year.  This team made progress the past two years which is something to build on.  Twins have many free agent decisions to make.  Making good choices should set us up well.  Missing on personnel decisions would set us back at a time when we need to advance.  Go Twins.

[Otaknam]

20 hours ago, Five minute major said:

This team absolutely needs to add bats.  They simply do not hit above average pitching and better at all.   They beat up on weak teams in their division and scored runs late in the season when several teams had mailed it in already.   We just cannot have more Gallo's, Castro, Solano, Farmer signings while letting CES and Steer leave with nothing in return.  

Pitching did not lose the Twins this series.  It was absysmal hitting (outside Lewis).   

 

 

Good point on Steer and CES and Steer. But the Twins bench was very good, including Castro. Castro has great speed, and can play multiple positions. Solano and Farmer filled in admirably and provided some right handed punch, which they need with Buxton always injured. Every team needs productive and versatile players off the bench. The Gallo signing was an $11 million mistake that can be better spent elsewhere. 

[Guest]

On 10/21/2023 at 1:08 PM, USAFChief said:

"Postseason run."

Heh.

 

23 hours ago, twinstalker said:

Does it?  And was it a "run?"  The Twins were two wins shy of the only three years they could ever be accused of a postseason run.  Don't let 0-18 affect you the rest of your life.

 

23 hours ago, Beast said:

Getting beat 3 games to 1 in the division series is not a postseason run.

Please provide your criteria for what a "run" is. Not really interested in what a "run" is not.

[PDX Twin]

10 hours ago, Whitey333 said:

We are all happy the Twins made the playoffs and at least broke the 0-18 streak.  Let's be realistic. Getting into the playoffs by winning an absolutely putrid division is one thing.  But going 3-3 in the playoffs does not constitute a run.  Twins only had 3 hits in each of the last two games at home.  Had absolutely terrible situational hitting by swinging fir the fences all the time when many times just a ground ball or flyback would have produced a run or two.  This happened way too many times this year.  This team made progress the past two years which is something to build on.  Twins have many free agent decisions to make.  Making good choices should set us up well.  Missing on personnel decisions would set us back at a time when we need to advance.  Go Twins.

I agree. Let's not forget that the Twins had the SEVENTH best record out of 15 American League teams. They would NOT have made the postseason with their record in any other division. And by having extra games against their pathetic division rivals, they played the EASIEST schedule in the league.

I'm happy that we were better than before, but not getting too far out over my skis at this point.

[USAFChief]

6 hours ago, Verified Member said:

 

 

Please provide your criteria for what a "run" is. Not really interested in what a "run" is not.

I'd say a "run" would at least still be in progress. 

[ashbury]

6 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

I'd say a "run" would at least still be in progress. 

Sorry the headline mellowed your harsh.  🙂

[KirbyDome89]

On 10/21/2023 at 7:00 PM, JD-TWINS said:

How did the best team in the AL (The O’s) do with no experience - they got beat like a drum!!

Small steps when it comes to postseason.

Tired of the gloom & doom here……the guys saying we didn’t change the face of the team & how it’s sites are set going forward this year are the same guys that we’re saying we were going to max out at 78 wins in June!!

With Lee coming and another youngster at some point in ‘24 we’ll be just fine starting the season with a similar roster as ‘23.

Regular season record v. some competitive clubs:

Astros - we won 4 of 6

Rangers - we won 5 of 7

Phillies - we won 2 of 3

Diamondbacks  - we won 3 of 3

That’s 14-5 against the last 4 teams standing. We got beat up by Tampa & Atlanta for balance & reality check. My point here is our only success doesn’t come only in the AL Central!! That is old!!

The idea that you take your beatings early on and then rise up is a fallacy. If "small steps," were a thing, guys like Kepler, Polanco, or even Buxton would've been carrying this team offensively in the postseason. 

There were plenty of piss poor performances outside of the matchups you cherry picked.

[Scott51104]

On 10/21/2023 at 1:06 PM, Schmoeman5 said:

Lewis had 1 good game. Game 1 vs Toronto. The other 5 games he was 3-19. So what qualifies as absysmal? All told he was 5-22. That's not quite mendoza but it's not real good. 

.227/.346/.773/1.119

[Schmoeman5]

1 hour ago, Scott51104 said:

.227/.346/.773/1.119

So. Subtract game 1 vs Toronto and show me the numbers. I gave him credit for that. After that he was 3-19 for .152 avg. Knocks his obp down and his slugging and OPS. Rose colored glasses.

[Nine of twelve]

3 hours ago, Scott51104 said:

.227/.346/.773/1.119

 

1 hour ago, Schmoeman5 said:

So. Subtract game 1 vs Toronto and show me the numbers. I gave him credit for that. After that he was 3-19 for .152 avg. Knocks his obp down and his slugging and OPS. Rose colored glasses.

It's silly to make an assessment about a player based on 6 games.

[RpR]

3 hours ago, Scott51104 said:

.227/.346/.773/1.119

3 for 19 says far more than the number you posted.

[RpR]

3 minutes ago, Nine of twelve said:

 

It's silly to make an assessment about a player based on 6 games.

Yet inspite of his short time here, so Many, are touting him as the future great  Ted Williams, of the Twins, so far he has looked more like the MIghty Casey.

You cannot have it both ways.

[Schmoeman5]

1 hour ago, Nine of twelve said:

 

It's silly to make an assessment about a player based on 6 games.

To put it in the proper context. The original post was about the Twins abysmal hitting in the playoffs.  But the poster said everyone except Lewis. I was just pointing out Lewis numbers and questioning why he was exempted. Especially since Correa hit .400 I wasn't making an assessment on Lewis and his abilities. Just stated that outside of game 1 vs Toronto he didn't fare too well. 

[wabene]

On 10/21/2023 at 5:10 PM, Beast said:

Getting beat 3 games to 1 in the division series is not a postseason run.

Yawn