Yep the Twins would be in first place without Tingler, got it. The Twins have players they were counting on who are injured and unavailable. Many of the veteran players that are available are dinged up and or underperforming. That is why we are where we are. This has nothing to do with some spread sheet. If you want to win your players must take you there. How long have players like Polanco, Correa and Kepler been playing ball? Can you really believe they are not performing the way you want because of coaching this year?
I'll use Kepler as an example. Early this season it appeared he was going to the opposite field, finally. Had he turned a corner? It did not last. I cannot explain why someone like him who has played this game his whole life can't make that adjustment. It's this Popkins' fault? Hardly. How many coaches has Max had? Is James Rowson the missing piece? At some point the players either make the play or they don't.