The Twins are 23-17. In the "up your predictions" thread, there has been a good discussion of luck, peripherals, and a lot of other factors that have contributed to the good record. I'm not convinced that the Twins will contend given the shakiness of the bullpen, the lack of upside of the current rotation and still rather large holes at key positions. However, they have to proceed as contenders right now, no matter what advanced statistics and believers in a full rebuild would say. Certainly, I concur that Twins have to go forward as if they are contenders. There are factors that indicate that the team can continue to be relevant throughout the summer. First of all, there is much room for improvement from players who have performed well in this decade. Secondly, there is help available in the minor leagues for the Twins soft spots--the pitching staff, center field and maybe catcher. The Twins have a good lineup, surprising strengths in the pitching staff and so far, a bulletproof back end of the bullpen. I guess I will believe until the Twins really hit the skids.