The first 30 games of the 2011 Twins campaign have been anything but smooth for the two-time defending American League Central Champion Minnesota Twins.

They currently sport a 12-18 record, good for a .400 win percentage—the second worst in MLB.

There is hope however for the Twins, who currently sit 8 1/2 games out from the division leading Cleveland Indians. 

Here are five reasons why.

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