Zach

Looking at the Twins' playoff record since the 2000s, they havent gone far no matter who they play. It may be that the Twins just were the lesser of the two teams in each losing year, and becoming intimidated brings that out in their play. Many others in the thread have defended our losses to New York pointing out that we were simply overmatched--but we played hard and lost in the high pressure and tight situations. In 2006 we lost to an Oakland team that seemed pretty equal to us in talent--in worse fashion than we did to the Yanks two years before with a worse team: 2006 lost in 3 with the last two games not even close 2004 lost in 4 with two games going extra innings And in the 2002 series win against Oakland we didnt exactly dominate. The deciding game was a one run win with a 9th inning shootout. I'd say that the Twins have played well in the playoffs--probably beyond their potential in some cases, and this intimidation business is a way of explaining the losses without admitting the possibility that we were simply just not as good as the other teams--the yankees, or anyone else. Had we drawn another team as often as we have the Yankees, its likely we would have had the same results. The Twins are a great team, and I love them for that alone.

Ichiro seems to have opened up a new door in baseball with the Japan market--and that is still getting wider. His bridging the two styles of play so well cant be put into numbers (though I'm sure some sabermetrics mind has already done it) and for me, thats enough to put him in first ballot. There is a snobbish, or maybe purist-minded prejudice against the Japan baseball world from our American perspective--and certainly it isnt so hostile as the blatant racism-feuled prejudice of the Negro leauges, but Ichiro's part in connecting Japan and American baseball cannot be overstated in my mind.

I cant understad how the twins have been without an ace for so long. Santana left 5 years ago now, and I feel we havent seen any real dominant starter since. How has starting pitching been left so obviously mediocre? Are aces that difficult to get? Are any potential phenoms on the way through the farm? thanks for your thoughts all.

Its refreshing to see that so many others are feeling like there may be potential for an upside suprise with this year's line-up--even if its a shakey sort of potential. I am wondering about what we think about Nishiyoka this year. I have heard some reports that he may be working for a roster spot, but then others are completey disregarding his potential contributions. Nishiyoka was obviously disappointing last year, but should we write him off yet? Maybe he needed a year to adjust. It seems that he might be a nice fit for the doubles and high on-base style ball the Twins seem to be embracing again. I rememer listening on the radio to alot of early last season talk, and hearing of Nishiyoka's ability to, "slap the ball" for a good number of base hits or more. Thanks for your thoughts..