MLB Exploring AL Central Expansion to Include More Beatable Teams for the Twins

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have seen some ups and downs to start the year. Perhaps a new MLB initiative can turn the tide in their favor.

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Major League Baseball announced today that the AL Central will undergo an emergency expansion in a stunning move designed to shake up baseball’s competitive landscape (or at least, the portion of it that includes the Minnesota Twins). The decision comes after the Twins’ rough start to the season, as the league scrambles to ensure Minnesota continues to stay relevant in the division.

The realignment effort, dubbed the "Competitive Balance Through Strategic Opponents Initiative" (or CBTSOI, because baseball loves a good acronym), will add several struggling teams to the division. Among those in consideration are the Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates (but only after Paul Skenes is safely traded), Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Nationals.

“We took a long, hard look at the state of the AL Central and realized that we could make it even more Twins-friendly,” said an anonymous MLB executive. “Historically, this division has been a safe haven for teams looking to be slightly above .500 and still host a playoff series. We felt we could reinforce that by bringing in some like-minded clubs.”

One unnamed Twins' front office member was quick to express enthusiasm for the move. “Listen, I won’t pretend that we weren’t worried. Cleveland looked kinda competent for a second there, and the Tigers have, like, three decent pitchers. That’s not the AL Central we know and love. Adding the Rockies to the mix? Now that’s more like it.”

Twins players have also welcomed the news. One player, who wished to remain anonymous but was later spotted rewatching highlights of Joe Ryan striking out the Royals on repeat, voiced relief. “Look, I love the challenge of the game, but I’d also love to see more 7-1 wins in early September. Imagine closing the season with six straight games against the Nationals and Angels. That’s what baseball should be about.”

Not everyone is thrilled with the realignment. One Rockies executive, who seemed unaware his team was even under consideration, was confused by the decision. “Wait, we’re moving divisions? Huh. I mean, sure, I guess. Will it change anything? We still have to play baseball, right?”

A Nationals player, speaking under condition of anonymity, voiced frustration with the move. “So let me get this straight… we went from having to deal with the Braves and Phillies to suddenly facing the Twins and Royals? I mean, it sounds easier, but knowing our luck, this probably just means Minnesota is about to turn into the Yankees of the Midwest. Fantastic.”

While the move is not yet finalized, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before Rob Manfred rubber-stamps the new alignment. “We’re always looking for ways to keep the sport fresh,” said a source inside MLB. “And what’s fresher than guaranteeing the AL Central winner gets a bloated regular season record and an early postseason exit?”

For now, Twins fans can sit back, relax, and enjoy the league’s continued commitment to ensuring the road to October is as smooth as possible. And if this move doesn’t quite do the trick, rumors persist that MLB is considering automatic postseason berths for any team that finishes the year with a positive run differential against the White Sox.

View full article

[LambchoP]

Maybe if they added a couple A ball or AA teams to the AL Central we could raise our winning percentage a bit. Not sure we could even beat most AAA teams right now the way we're swinging the bats ;)

[Blyleven2011]

If this was a possibility which it isn't, 

If mlb were to add more feeble  teams to our division so we get more games against bottom feeder losers ...

Minnesota , we have a problem  , we won't win anymore games because of 1 major problem in our organization  ...

TOTAL SYSTEM FAILURE  

[laloesch]

All kidding aside the Twins have big problems as it is in the Central without any other teams added.  Kansas City is being run very well and Detroit has turned a corner.  It looks like the White Sox and Twins are gonna be the bottom feeders for a while