It Took A Team

Veteran Hitters Kick Start The Lineup

Over the first half of the season, the Twins lineup was paced by their veterans. Brian Dozier led the team offensively (841 OPS pre-ASB)) and was rewarded with a (belated) All-Star Game appearance. Besides mentoring rookies and organizing dance parties, Torii Hunter impacted the team offensively with 49 RBI and a 756 OPS pre-All-Star break. Trevor Plouffe matched that production with a 769 OPS and 46 RBI. Finally, Joe Mauer contributed despite a dip in his batting average with a 935 OPS with runners in scoring position.

Consistent Starting Pitching

Kyle Gibson leads the team in ERA and innings pitched, despite also being one of the youngest (27 years old) members of the staff. Mike Pelfrey and Ervin Santana both had good and bad stretches, but Pelfrey’s first half (9 Quality Starts before the All-Star break) and Santana’s second half (10 QS) combined to be a solid top-of-the-rotation presence. Maybe most importantly, whether starts were taken by Phil Hughes (11 QS), Tommy Milone (9 QS), or even Trevor May (7 QS) the team has received more opportunities to compete in games.

Next Man Up In The Bullpen

The bullpen hasn’t had year-long fixed roles like some past Twins bullpens, but has had several players step up as others battled injuries and slumps. Closer Glen Perkins was flawless before the All-Star break, Blaine Boyer dominated late innings in May (0.68 ERA), and May’s move to the bullpen provide that same consistency after the All-Star break. Finally, Kevin Jepsen has absolutely sparkled since acquired at the trade deadline (1.80 ERA), providing - well – relief to the Twins and their fans.

The Kids Take The Torch

Imagine if you were told in April that Miguel Sano (935 OPS), Eduardo Escobar (759 OPS), Aaron Hicks (722 OPS), Eddie Rosario (754 OPS) & Tyler Duffey (3.14 ERA) were going to be the most consistent performers in August and September. Only one of them was even on the team on Opening Day. Unlike The Natural, none has literally hit the cover off the ball. But their sudden rise and contributions to the team might be stranger than fiction.

Stats Attack

Last year, the Twins had two starting pitchers who made at least 30 starts. This year, they Twins had two starting pitchers who made at least 30 starts. Here’s how those two fared both years, compared to the rest of the starting rotation:

Partly because Phil Hughes had such a great year last year, the top two starters were slightly better last year. The difference this year has been the back of the rotation, where Tommy Milone (4.07 ERA), Ervin Santana (4.10), Trevor May (4.43) & Tyler Duffey (3.14) have provided a significant boost over 2014 fill-ins.