Who would have thought that the only true pennant race would be in the mediocore American League Central? Not me.
The New York Yankees just clinched the East (what else is new?), their rival Red Sox are close to having the Wild Card locked up and the Angels are sure-champs out West. The National League also appears to be pretty well set.
With just seven games remaining in the regular season, the Twins were set to open a four-game series at Comerica Park on Monday night. I was all geared up for the game against the Tigers, an exciting series as the Twins looked to erase the two-game deficit they faced.
Unfortunately, the weather in Detroit was about the same as the Twin Cities: cold, windy and rainy. The postponed game created a doubleheader situation for Tuesday, leaving the teams and fans in suspense one more day before seeing these two teams fight it out for their spot atop the AL Central.
These remaining games for the Twins and Tigers are drawing a lot of attention. The originally scheduled afternoon Thursday finale was picked up today by FSN North. I also heard that ESPN will broadcast Wednesday's game, and FOX will highlight Saturday's game at the Dome versus Kansas City.
When major sports networks are turning to AL Central/midwest teams to broadcast at a national level, that's a pretty big deal.
By the numbers, it's a tough task
It is a bit of a tall order for the Twins. If they go 1-3 or get swept, they will be eliminated. Even a split would put them in a tough position. To use the sports cliche "must-win," these games truly are must-win situations.
We'll just have to see how this series shakes out, and then it's back home to face the Royals, while the Tigers host the White Sox. No matter what happens, at least Twins fans will have a few things to celebrate, regardless of a playoff berth:
1) Joe Mauer's (most likely, knock on wood) AL Batting Title. He started his season a month late with a home run on his first swing. He hasn't looked back since. Mauer has once again made hitting look easy. Very easy. He is an essential part of this ball club and is very deserving of all his individual recognition.
2) The Twins have played outstanding September baseball. Not only have they been winning series, they have also gone on season-high winning streaks and notched a few sweeps. They're making a race out of the division with their great play. You can't ask for too much more.
3) Michael Cuddyer. Back in April, he struggled immensely. He seemed to strikeout more than anything else. And now, as he has taken over for the injured Justin Morneau at first base, he is going to finish 2009 with a career year (30 homers and 89 RBI, through Sept. 27). There is even some buzz of him being named a Comeback Player of the Year. Oh, and his nickname lately has become "Clutch" on Twitter.
4) Goodbye to the Metrodome. The Twins will play their final regular season home game against the Royals this Sunday. It's a bittersweet change for the team, as it leaves behind the stadium where it won two world championships. But I'm sure everyone will love being at Target Field... at least on warm summer evenings.
When the Tigers versus Twins series finally gets underway, I hope fans will once again be treated to some exciting, playoff-caliber baseball games.
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