OAK 7, MIN 2: Twins Drop Independence Day Rubber Match in Oakland

Cleveland is now only 6 games back. It wasn't that long ago that everyone assumed we were a lock for the division. That series with Cleveland right after the all star break looms large. 

I see that Andrew Vasquez has been taken off the 40 man roster. I wonder if they are getting ready to put Brent Rooker  on the 40 man.

I hope we can get healthy fast, and I hope the starting pitching can find it's groove again, because our starters have not been anything close to what they were in the fist 2 months. and if the club can't find the clutch hitting again, this team will fold like a cub scout tent on the lake with a 76mph winds ripping it down.  the middle relief roster is down right bad

Well, it's still not 3 steps...

Whatever that's worth.

I would have gone with "Twins Refuse to Win Two in a Row"

Article refers to Berrios as ‘ace’. Twins are now 1-4 in the last 5 games started by their ace. There comes a time when a team is struggling, where the ace has to be better than good...or in today’s case, better than passable. Berrios certainly isn’t part of the problem...but, as our ace, he’s had a couple of opportunities recently to serve as the solution...and hasn’t done so.

Very disappointing.  They all have a break coming. This was not the time to let down and it was a big let down. We do not have to lose three in a row to have a bad week or two.  

They all have a break but not everyone wants or needs one.   There have been many times in the past where I hated the break because the Twins were on a role and other times I have thought they could use the rest and a reset.   This is one of those times.  Cleveland gets a break also but I am guessing they would rather not have one at this time.   When Twins are hot I don't even like the single days off.   

Article refers to Berrios as ‘ace’. Twins are now 1-4 in the last 5 games started by their ace. There comes a time when a team is struggling, where the ace has to be better than good...or in today’s case, better than passable. Berrios certainly isn’t part of the problem...but, as our ace, he’s had a couple of opportunities recently to serve as the solution...and hasn’t done so.

I've never really thought of him as an ace but in the last 28 days he is 0-2 with a 2.17 ERA.   That is better than good in my book.   He also gave them a good start though in a loss after that 18 inning game that gave the pen a rest.      

Twins haven't had a winning streak longer than three games since May 26th.

Everyone expected Cleveland to be good this year so it's not surprising they are gaining. Every team goes through some down times and in this case it's happening while the Tribe is playing their hottest ball of the season. It is concerning that this team can't seam to hit with RISP. It's also concerning that two of our all-star pitchers pitched against that A's and those are the two games that were lost (blister didn't help Odo). This squad doesn't have a lights out pitcher - Berrios is on his way but not there, yet. The last concern is the defense. Entirely too many errors on more than routine plays. That's a lack of focus. I don't know if this team was coasting but it's time to get re-focused and start making routine plays.

Injuries are going to be brought up but nobody has had more injuries than the Yankees and they seem to be doing fine.

Not losing 3 in a row still equates to a .333 winning percentage so the key is still winning series as it always has been. Give them a pass on a 2-4 road trip but really need to win this home series against Texas. There really is not a lot of difference between winning and losing at this level so confidence and expecting to win must be maintained if the potential for this season is to be realized.