A week ago the Twins were nipping at Chicago's heels.
Now they're only a game up on the Indians, who appear headed upward as the Twins descend. C.C. Sabathia, who's pitched reasonably well but gotten little support, shut out Minnesota 1-0 on Tuesday. Scott Baker pitched a terrific game but wasn't quite as good as Sabathia.
If the Twins keep losing, you have to wonder if they'll start shopping some of their players. I'd think Juan Rincon, suspended for using steroids a while back, would be a likely candidate for a team like the Yankees that needs help in the bullpen.
I never liked Rincon much. He's the one who blew a game against the Yankees a few years ago in the playoffs by giving up a home run. And I don't like juicers. As far as I'm concerned, let him go to the official major-league steroids, the Yankees. (Hey, did you see Roger Clemens used Viagra as a performance enhancer -- on the field supposedly. Wow, his reputation has sure gone to hell in a short time.)
But it's deflating to see this happen each year. The Twins have a short window to succeed -- and then management starts thinking about money. (Hey, here's an idea -- get rid of Carl Pohlad, who wanted to contract the team a while back. The swine.)
I think the Twins would've had a shot at the playoffs this year if they had kept Torii Hunter and Johan Santana. It's pretty clear now that they decided that the Twins are looking to the future. Maybe that's sound policy -- but when do they decide to focus on the present?
It's getting harder to believe the Twins will contend. But you can't give up on them -- not considering all their young players, the quality of the farm system and the team's history.
We all know that two years ago the Twins were eight games under .500 in June and made a huge push. But a few things have to happen for that to happen again.
First, I think Francisco Liriano has to come back and show flashes of his old stuff.
Second, key players such as Joe Mauer, Delmon Young, Craig Monroe and Jason Kubel have to hit for power consistently.
Third, the bullpen has to improve. It's been weaker than in the past. Joe Nathan's still great, but the setup guys have faltered.
Fourth, the young rotation has to make constant improvements.
This might all happen. But it's asking for a lot.
