Sliding

The Twins have lost two of three and are showing signs they might not be able to stay in the race in a weak division.

The bullpen lost a home game against the Orioles, with Brian Bass losing the game after Scott Baker had pitched so well. Bass had a 5.30 ERA and it's worrisome that the bullpen has shown cracks. Losing Pat Neshek was a big blow.

Some guys are just not hitting. The Twins need more from the DH posltion. Delmon Young needs to step it up. And Joe Mauer has to hit more homers. Michael Cuddyer needs to hit better than .253.

So the Twins lost a game vs. the Orioles when they couldn't hit and the bullpen wasn't quite up to snuff. The next night it was the pitching that was horrible, though it was a windy day when the balls were blowing out.

Nick Blackburn had a terrible outing against the White Sox, giving up seven earned runs in four innings. Ouch. 

But again the bullpen had a letdown. Juan Rincon gave up two runs in 1.1 innings and Bass gave up a run in two innings. Rincon's ERA is 5.19, Bass's is 5.26. That doesn't cut it.

The Twins gave up four homers and 16 hits to the White Sox. Minnesota did score six runs on 12 hits, but it wasn't nearly enough. And the Twins are down 4-0 against the Sox.  The Twins are three and a half games back of the White Sox.  

I see a troubling pattern. The Twins can't put together a complete game even they win. Some days they hit well but their pitching falters. Other games their pitching is good but they can't hit. Their fielding has been suspect and the bullpen not nearly as good as in years past.

I'd hate to see the ?&^%$ White Sox win the division, but so far they look like the best team in a weak division. I'd love to see the Twins prove me wrong.