Game 163: You can't write this stuff

Wow. Just... wow. I have so many thoughts going through my head right now about this past weekend in sports that I'm not even sure where to start. But of course, the Minnesota Twins are the main topic of the night. I will try to condense things as best as I can.

If you told anyone throughout this summer, or even just a few weeks ago... heck, even a few days ago, that the Twins would be in for another game No. 163 with a chance to capture the AL Central Division, you would have said they were crazy. No one could have predicted this amazing baseball story that has unfolded with this resilient ball club.

What are the odds of a team playing in game 163 two years in a row? For that matter, what are the odds of a game 163 happening at all? It's so hard to imagine that after such a long season with so many variables, close calls and close games that two teams competing for the same playoff spot and division title would be dead even at the end of the regular season.

Remember Minnesota's collapse in Oakland after they had a 10-run lead? Or what about Chicago's last game in the Dome where closer Joe Nathan gave up four runs in the ninth inning? These games are two of the most glaring losses the Twins had all season, and now they seem hugely important. But that's playing the hindsight and 'what if?' game.

September ball
The whole idea of another tiebreaker boggles my mind. The way the Twins have played baseball during the month of September has been phenomenal. Players have stepped up and this team just kept on winning. And while the Twins were hitting baseballs like there were no tomorrow, the first place Detroit Tigers were falling into a badly-timed slump.

On paper, this race should be over. The Tigers led baseball's weakest division for virtually the entire season. After Chicago started fading fast, it appeared the Twins were the only ones close enough to give Detroit a run for its money. But even that seemed like a tall order. The Twins lost Justin Morneau for the rest of the season, and it left little hope of surging some sort of comeback a la 2006.

Oh how we were wrong. The entire season has been a roller coaster for the Twins, and after all the injuries and lack-luster performances, the common attitude has been what Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse would say: "See you in Fort Myers."

Unlikely heroes
After All-Star Morneau went down with an injury, he had other players in the clubhouse who came to the rescue. Michael Cuddyer has been a clutch hitter all month long, most notably as of late was his game-winning homer in the bottom of the eighth against the Royals yesterday.

Jason Kubel has also been on a power surge. He is having a career year with 27 home runs and 102 RBI. He capped off his game 162 with not one, but two three-run shots to help the Twins to their 13-4 victory in order to move on to the tiebreaker with the Tigers.

And then there's Delmon Young. This has got to be the biggest surprise of all. Anyone who thought he would come through as the hero this past week is not being truthful. He has had a disappointing year offensively, in my opinion, so for him to start coming through with some power and RBIs when the Twins really need him is simply head scratching.

Maybe he should get hit with a retaliation pitch more often.

The final weekend
This last weekend for the Twins at the Metrodome has been purely gold. You can't write this stuff. We all knew this weekend would be special because it would mark the end of the Dome era for the Twins, but they did us one better by making it count in their chase for the AL Central.

Who ever thought the Twins would be able to top their run to the title in 2006, and so soon too? This is what baseball and sports are all about. This is what sports fans love. This is why avid fanatics follow his or her favorite team all season long, in hopes of making the end of the season meaningful, and possibly following it up with a trip to the postseason.

Whatever the fate of the Twins in game 163, they have made this past month one for the books. It doesn't matter if they end up heading to Yankee stadium for the ALDS, or if they fold to the Tigers, who would limp into the playoffs. The Twins have played hard and proud, and that's all you can ask for as a fan.

Moving on
Yes, it would be sweet to sneak past the Tigers and into the postseason, but let's remember the awaiting opponent: the New York Yankees. No matter which AL Central opponent they will face, the Yanks have a bunch of huge advantages. I mean, they're the Yankees. They're a team the Twins, and many others, have always had trouble beating. So I think winning the division title might be miracle enough.

Let's remember all the great memories of these past couple of weeks. The Twins are putting on quite a show and sending the Metrodome out with a bang. Just breathe and take it all in.

You can't write this stuff.