Twins Offense Fulfilling Its Potential, And Then Some

Plenty of doubts swirled around the Twins pitching staff entering this season, and unfortunately things have played out as many feared (or worse) in that department.

Yet, the offense looked like a safe bet to score a ton of runs.

The potential power that this group boasted, on paper, led some to wonder if they might approach 200 home runs, a feat that hasn't been accomplished by a Twins team in 50 years.

This unit's lacking production over the first leg of the season was by far the most disappointing development among many, in my mind.

It's now a distant memory.

The Twins have managed to turn things around in a big way when it comes to run-scoring. Here's a comparative look at what the Twins and Red Sox offenses have done since June 1st (not including Thursday's games):

Boston: 54 G, 273 R, 70 HR, 28 SB, .276/.343/.449 (.792 OPS)

Minnesota: 56 G, 305 R, 76 HR, 39 SB, .271/.336/.466 (.802 OPS)

It isn't a huge difference, but the Twins have outhit, outrun and outscored this star-studded Red Sox lineup for two months and running. You can throw many different numbers around but this, to me, really encapsulates the emergence of Minnesota's offense.

That 200-HR benchmark that seemed like a pipe dream in May? It's suddenly well within reach. Presently the Twins are on pace to finish with 193, which would be the fourth-highest total in franchise history and the most since 1987.

What's truly remarkable about this ongoing offensive tear is that it has come to fruition without much support from the expected (or hopeful) contributors. Miguel Sano missed all of June and has slumped since his return. Byron Buxton still has not turned a corner at the plate. Byung Ho Park posted a .684 OPS before being sent to the minors. Oswaldo Arcia is in another organization.

Others have been pulling the weight to make up for these shortcomings. Up and down the lineup, people are getting it done. Brian Dozier, who gained a reputation for falling off in the second half, has been scorching since the break. Kurt Suzuki is amidst a career year. Joe Mauer is coming off a jaw-dropping series in Cleveland, restoring hope that his April wasn't a total fluke.

And, of course, Max Kepler is enjoying one of the better power-hitting rookie seasons we've ever seen.

For the most part, these performances carry promising future implications. And the outlook for the offensive unit overall is even more encouraging when you consider the untapped potential of guys like Buxton and Sano.

The next general manager, whether it's Rob Antony or a newcomer, is going to face some daunting challenges when it comes to rebuilding the pitching staff. But he/she is also going to inherit a talented and dominant young offense, which is now taking the step from potential to proven.