Buckle up, Twins fans, this is going to be fun. With a tick under 50 games remaining in the regular season, this is about the point when teams get a good idea of their postseason expectations. We are past the trade deadline, the teams that are going to lose 100 games have identified themselves, & the new(ish) playoff format gives each team still in contention a road map to playing in October.
For the Minnesota Twins, playoff contingency hinges on the next three days as they begin a four-game series with the first place Cleveland Guardians, a team they trail by 3.5 games. This series could prove to make or break the Twins season, as these games will drastically impact the AL Central standings. When you play a team that you are in direct contention with, these games feel like playoff games. Theoretically, let’s say the Twins sweep the Guardians in four, that would propel Minnesota into sole possession of first place in the division. If the roles were reversed, the Twins could very likely kiss their postseason hopes goodbye. They would fall nearly eight games back with 45 games remaining. A comeback from that would be nothing short of epic.
I would be remiss if I did not mention that with the MLB playoff format now, virtually 90% of the teams are in contention for a wild card spot. But the Twins, defending AL Central champs, want nothing to do with that. They feel the division belongs to them and they want to protect that.
This is far and away the Twins biggest series of the season due to its direct impact on how the division will shake out. It is officially crunch time and the Twins have the opportunity to make the final 1.5 months of this season must-see-TV. Games 1 & 2 today will start at 1:10 PM & 7:10 PM
Comments