The Minnesota Twins begin a four-game set tonight in
Chicago, and it’s arguably their most important series of the year. How much
importance lies in the amount of weight put on Postseason positioning, however.
After sweeping the Cleveland Indians over the weekend Rocco
Baldelli’s club has all but put a nail in that proverbial coffin. Terry Francona’s
squad has another tilt with the White Sox yet to play and cannibalizing divisional
foes shouldn’t help them climb back into the race. That leaves Minnesota and
Chicago, four games, division on the line.
Here’s the deal, there was never a point in which it seemed
in doubt that the Twins would miss the Postseason. They are one of the five
best teams in baseball, and an argument for the top two is more than healthy.
Despite a midseason skid, even in a sprint, they’ve been well positioned the
entire way. It’s that positioning, and exactly what they’re playing for, that
remains to be seen.
Winning the AL Central in just 60 games loses some of its
luster. Having home field advantage with no fans, and for just one three-game
series prior to moving to a neutral site waters down impact. What Baldelli and
his club must not lose sight of however, is understanding exactly what they can
control.
Right now, it appears that some combination of the White
Sox, Indians, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees could all be included
amongst the bottom half of the Postseason clubs. Two of those are well known
divisional foes, while the other two are regular juggernauts on an annual
basis. None of their positioning is determinable solely by Minnesota, however.
If there’s a “lighter” inclusion come playoff time, it’d
have to be argued that the Toronto Blue Jays qualify. Minnesota trying to play
a matchup game seems like a losing proposition however, and a shift in mental
makeup that generally would thrive off competition. Short of playing guys
through injury, it’s time to go for it.
Winning this series against the White Sox, as they have done
twice already this year, should be viewed as a must. Go grab hold of the AL
Central and chase down the Tampa Bay Rays in hopes of landing the best seed in
the American League. From there, setting yourself up for familiarity during the
most volatile series makes too much sense.
First through fourth gets home field advantage in the opening
round of the Postseason. Having secured that while winning the division sets a momentum
building precedence going into somewhat of a crapshoot. There’s a definite
boost playing within the confines of familiarity and having the ability to
escape the game outside of a hotel room.
Regardless who Minnesota finds in the opposing dugout come October,
they’ll all have more warts. Cleveland and Chicago have been routinely bested
in the regular season, while the Astros and Yankees have pitching and injury
question marks of their own, respectively. As was thought to be the case going
into the year, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine’s club should have a leg up on
virtually anyone they square off against.
The sky doesn’t fall if the Twins come up on the short end
of the four-game set on the South Side. That said, it’s a series that should be
managed with the highest priority and with no stones left unturned. Time to get
it done and begin riding a wave that ends in a parade.
