Twins May Have Found Their True Purpose: Preparing the Yankees for October

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of ways the Minnesota Twins have contributed to the history of the New York Yankees. Unfortunately for Twins fans, most of them involve postseason heartbreak, blown leads, devastating home runs and the general feeling that October baseball would be more enjoyable if New York simply stopped showing up.

That history continued Monday night. The Yankees defeated the Twins 8-3 at Target Field, clinching a postseason berth in the process. Aaron Judge provided the knockout blow with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, turning what had been a competitive game into another familiar Minnesota loss. It was his first home run since May. 

Of course, there is an important distinction this year. The Twins won't be losing to the Yankees in the playoffs. They won't be in the playoffs.

Instead, Minnesota has found a new and perhaps even more meaningful role in the annual Yankees postseason machine: providing the emotional fuel necessary for New York to make a deep October run.

Think of the Twins as a charitable organization. They aren't necessarily winning games, but they are doing their part to make sure the Yankees feel really good about themselves heading into October.

"It's something we're proud of," Twins manager Derek Shelton said. "We wanted to make sure the Yankees felt confident going into the postseason. If that means giving up a three-run homer in the eighth inning, that's the kind of sacrifice we're willing to make."

The timing could not have been better for New York. Judge entered Monday's game still trying to shake off some rust after returning from a fractured rib. Then, against the Twins, he launched a three-run homer in the eighth inning that helped turn a 2-1 deficit into a 7-2 Yankees lead. It was his first home run since returning from the injured list.

"Honestly, we were looking for a little confidence boost," Judge said. "Then we realized we were playing the Twins. That usually does the trick."

There is a long history supporting this theory. The Twins have spent decades providing the Yankees with memorable postseason moments. Minnesota has been swept by New York. Minnesota has lost heartbreaking playoff games to New York. Minnesota has watched Yankees hitters celebrate at its expense.

Now, apparently, Minnesota is helping the Yankees get ready for another postseason run before the playoffs even begin. Bailey Ober has embraced the responsibility.

"There's a lot of pride in knowing you can help another team achieve its goals," Ober said. "We couldn't make the playoffs ourselves, so we're trying to make sure somebody has a really good October."

That's team-first baseball. It also helps that Ober was scheduled to throw batting practice fastballs to the Yankees lineup on Tuesday night. 

The Twins' post-trade-deadline collapse has certainly made the arrangement easier. Minnesota bought at the trade deadline with hopes of remaining in the American League playoff race, only to stumble badly afterward. A.J. Minter, one of Minnesota's trade deadline acquis itions, did his best to give away the game on Monday. So perhaps this was the plan all along.

Minnesota wasn't buying at the deadline to make the playoffs. It was buying to acquire the exact pieces necessary to provide New York with meaningful September competition. It was a long-term strategy. And judging by Monday night, it worked.

The Twins still have two more games against the Yankees this week, giving Minnesota an opportunity to continue its important role as New York's unofficial postseason tune-up opponent.

For Twins fans, it may not be the September baseball they wanted. But after years of losing to the Yankees in October, Minnesota has finally found a way to contribute without actually having to qualify. That's progress.

 

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[Parfigliano]

For years they roll over and pee themselves at first sight of a Yankee hat.