The Difference

More battle tested, yes. Simply better? No longer. At this stage, however, battle tested takes on amplified importance.

The Twins began realizing their potential on September 1. They did not lose more than two consecutive games at any time after August 11. They're learning to win more from internal confidence than from a surge of emotion. Next year should be something to savor.

"Winning turns opinions, but winning doesn't often happen at once; it takes a foundation of success to become a powerhouse. We've seen the start; now it's time for Minnesota to relentlessly pursue their best."

Like this last line says, they have their start. The streak is broken. Mainstream baseball media now knows the Twins can win baseball games in October. Before this year, it was always, "Sure they can make the postseason but they won't win any games." Winning the series against the Jays not only ends the angst Twins fans have every fall, but it is the foundation of something new. A new era is coming in Twins baseball, and whether it ends with a World Series or more heartbreak, I couldn't be more excited. 

16 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

but this series made it clear that, despite some gains, they're still a long ways off from being one of "big boys" in MLB. 

I agree. But takes more than one season to become a "big boy". However the first step is progressive improvement seasons like the Twins had this year. The focus on next year is to have another step forward and not backwards. 

So we are to believe the start of something good has happened. Only time will tell. WE could say the start of a new losing streak has happened too. That this team played beyond its potential this year and made the playoffs despite Rocco throwing games away. Can we be sure the Detroits, KCs. Clevelands and Chicagos will concede division crowns every year going forward or will the Twins have to eventually put their BEST foot forward each and every game to sustain success? Will the FO start using money efficiently and effectively to build a better team or will they continue to throw money away for Gallo type players or Buxton part-timers that arent there when you need them most? A lot has to change for the Twins to become a big-boy and the current "process" won't get them there.

21 minutes ago, rv78 said:

So we are to believe the start of something good has happened. Only time will tell. WE could say the start of a new losing streak has happened too. That this team played beyond its potential this year and made the playoffs despite Rocco throwing games away. Can we be sure the Detroits, KCs. Clevelands and Chicagos will concede division crowns every year going forward or will the Twins have to eventually put their BEST foot forward each and every game to sustain success? Will the FO start using money efficiently and effectively to build a better team or will they continue to throw money away for Gallo type players or Buxton part-timers that arent there when you need them most? A lot has to change for the Twins to become a big-boy and the current "process" won't get them there.

My glass is half-full. And if they sharply reduce the batting whiffs in 2024, it'll be closer to the brim.

2 hours ago, BH67 said:

My glass is half-full. And if they sharply reduce the batting whiffs in 2024, it'll be closer to the brim.

That will take a totally different approach to what they have been doing offensively. The only way Rocco knows how to manage is when his players hit enough Home Runs to win. Manufacturing runs is not in his DNA. Good Luck hoping for a reduction in whiffs. The FO and Rocco see no problem with it. 

18 hours ago, Logi_Clevs said:

"Winning turns opinions, but winning doesn't often happen at once; it takes a foundation of success to become a powerhouse. We've seen the start; now it's time for Minnesota to relentlessly pursue their best."

 

Like this last line says, they have their start. The streak is broken. Mainstream baseball media now knows the Twins can win baseball games in October. Before this year, it was always, "Sure they can make the postseason but they won't win any games." Winning the series against the Jays not only ends the angst Twins fans have every fall, but it is the foundation of something new. A new era is coming in Twins baseball, and whether it ends with a World Series or more heartbreak, I couldn't be more excited. 

We have turned the page, and the past is the past. The potential of this team is exciting!

29 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

Sorry, just to clarify - a "big boy" team is a team that can reliably return to the postseason and make LCS noise along the way. Didn't happen for the Braves or Dodgers this year, but they've both recently proven they can make it there. The Twins haven't ... yet. That's the mark I'd love to see them reach.

 

Up here the Twins will have reached Big Boy status if the team gets front page news coverage from TV talking heads; right now the Twins are third page news.

The TV talking heads, local news,  spoke about them after babbling about the Vikings, Gophers and Wild all summer.