Kuzul

In 2001, the Minnesota Twins (along with the Montreal Expos) were threatened to be contracted from Major League Baseball.

Take a look at where this team has come in the time since.

Rather than folding like a cheap suit, the Twins have risen back to becoming a potent catalyst in the sport in the last decade.

The 2010 season was a special year for the Twins, as highly anticipated Target Field opened for business.

The Twins took the division and ran away with it in September, winning 94 games and finishing six ahead of the hated White Sox.

Fans reached a seemingly all-time high in happiness, and merchandise and ticket sales were through the roof.

There are several factors on why they have been the team to beat in recent history, and why they will continue this trend in the 2011 season. 

This might be shocking to some, but I don’t honestly see the Twins losing a step to the rest of the division by giving up some of their better-known players such as Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier and J.J. Hardy (and possibly Carl Pavano, Orlando Hudson and Jim Thome, as well). 

The offseason proceeding the 2011 season has been one of the most busy in recent history. Teams are shipping their superstars for up-and-coming prospects, and vice versa.

There has been no lack of signings in the AL Central, as even the Twins have acquired highly-touted Japanese shortstop Nishioka Tsuyoshi.

The Chicago White Sox perhaps made the largest move, acquiring slugger Adam Dunn from the Washington Nationals. They have also reached a deal with former Twin reliever Jesse Crain.

The Detroit Tigers signed catcher Victor Martinez, and in doing so acquired one of the most well-rounded at the position.

The Cleveland Indians have signed just about everybody that they needed to during this free agency period.

The Kansas City Royals have gotten rid of long-time outfielder David DeJesus and 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke just signed with the Brewers last night. On the flip side, they have agreed to two solid deals with former 26-year Atlanta Braves in Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur.

So why do I still believe in the Twins having a shot?

First Off, They Have the Best Farm System In All of Baseball

If you name a current Minnesota Twin, their is a decent chance that he came up with the team. Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, Danny Valencia, and Scott Baker are just a handful of many who have called the Twins organization home since their beginnings.

In all honesty, I could go all day naming players on other squads who called the Minnesota farm system home first. Johan Santana, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, David Ortiz, Torii Hunter and A.J. Pierzynski are just a few current pros who highlight the many who were brought up by Ron Gardenhire’s club.

What does this have to do this year’s team though?

Easy; it just means that the Twins have a greater chance to develop players like Ben Revere and Brian Duensing into the major leaguers that they have aspired to be since they were toddlers.

This is of course based on the fact that new talent develops, and in Minnesota there isn’t much doubt that it will indeed happen.

Still want to argue with that “best farm system in all of baseball” comment? I didn’t think so.

Secondly, They Time and Time Again Destroy the Division Competition

The Minnesota Twins have dominated the American League Central Division in the last decade.

In that time they have had just one losing campaign, in 2007. In that same span the Royals have had nine, the Indians and Tigers with six apiece, and the White Sox two.

As previously stated, they have won six division titles: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2010 (don’t forget that in 2008 the White Sox needed 163 games to eliminate Minnesota).

The White Sox and Indians each have a pair of titles in that same period, and the Tigers and Royals have been empty-handed (although the Tigers did have a World Series appearance in 2006).

The Twins have been more successful than most of the league in the last 10 years. They have won 888 games in this period, totalling more victories than the rest of their divisional foes: the White Sox had 850; the Indians put up 795; the Tigers totalled 731; and the lowly Royals have won just 662.

Why isn’t there a reason to believe they can win it in 2011?

The White Sox always seem to be better on paper than the Twins, but Minnesota always knows how to beat the White Sox, especially later in the season.

Finally, the Twins Play Their Best Baseball from July On

Year in and year out the Twins play their way seemingly out of the division race by May, only to rise up and defeat the competition in the final 90 games or so.

Whether they were pitching back-to-back-to-back complete game shutouts (as they did a few years back against the Royals), or sweeping the White Sox in September, I as a Twins fan expect a burst like that every year.

With the team developing players like no one else, beating the competition better than almost everyone, and playing flawless ball from July on, it seems no one in the division will stop the Minnesota Twins.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The winter meetings have seen a lot of action so far.

Carl Crawford signed with the Boston Red Sox yesterday for seven years and 142 million dollars. This was in the wake of the huge contract given to Jayson Werth a week earlier from the Washington Nationals.

After the top two hitters on the market have signed, the remaining players have a starting point in negotiations and there are still plenty of quality hitters remaining for teams looking to fill out their lineups.

Here are the top 20 hitters remaining.

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Adam Dunn finally got his wish.  When Dunn’s signing with the Chicago White Sox becomes official, he will have the longest contract of his career.  Last time he went through free agency, he could only find a two year deal.  But, thanks to GM Kenny Williams, Dunn has long-term security through 2014.

And Williams will have another albatross contract.

Before the ink is even dry on Dunn’s deal, Williams will be stuck with a contract he can’t move.  Dunn is a great power hitter.  This is not in question.  But Dunn wasn’t even the best left handed power hitter available.  And some of Dunn’s numbers are cause for long-term concern.

In 2010, Dunn hit .280 against right handed pitching.  But he only hit .199 versus lefties.  His numbers from 2007-2009 vs. LHP: .268/.195/.238.  Dunn isn’t a complete player, and yet he’s going to be banking the highest number of any designated hitter.

Another cause for concern is after six straight seasons of 100 or more walks, Dunn’s free bags fell to 77 in 2010, and his on-base percentage dropped nearly 50 points from 2009 to 2010.  His strike outs also increased to 199, up from 177 in 2009 and 164 in 2008.

That being said, here are five players who will provide better bang for the buck of their future 2011 teams.

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Veteran Jim Thome‘s season ended yesterday when the Minnesota Twins were swept by the New York Yankees.

With Thome having no contract this offseason, and amid rumors of whether he’ll return for another season, could Yankees general manager Brian Cashman make a move for him?

At the age of 40, he proved that he can still produce, hitting 25 home runs in just 108 games, not to mention picking up some clutch hits along the way.

He would be the DH if he joined the Bronx Bombers, along with Lance Berkman and guys who need a break every once in a while. Manager Joe Girardi would even have more options and depth with the addition of the home run-happy, slugging first baseman.

Thome could also easily reach the 600-home run mark, as Yankee Stadium is the dream for left-handed power hitters.

He also stated earlier this season that it would be tempting to retire if the Twins won the World Series, telling us that he would like the win another championship before he hangs up his uniform.

The Yankees are going for their 28th World Series win, and they make a playoff push every single season.

The Bronx is a perfect fit for Thome, and he doesn’t come very expensive, either.

It certainly won’t hurt the team.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

In a perfect world, according to my most favorable teams they divisions would annually end something like this:

American League East: Baltimore Tampa Toronto Boston and New York

American League Central Minnesota Kansas City Detroit Chicago White Sox, Cleveland

American League West: Texas Oakland Los Angeles, Seattle

National League East: Florida, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and Atlanta

National League Central: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Chicago, Houston, St. Louis

National League West: San Diego, Colorado, Arizona, San Francisco, LA Dodgers

As you can easily tell, I am a fan of small market clubs.

I as happy as I am to see Cincinnati make the playoffs after a 15 year drought (1995) and Texas after an 11 year span (1999) it was just as equally disappointing to see San Diego miss, especially at the expense of the boring, overrated Atlanta Braves who have wasted a playoff spot in every one of their last 15 appearances save for the 1995 miracle vs. almost as equally pathetic Cleveland in what I like to call the World Series from Hell.

Besides, its not like they are going to do anything anyway, so why not give San Diego a chance, we all know they could have used the extra cash from the playoff revenue.

Growing up Cincinnatti was good (1990) along with the Oakland A’s (I’d like to see a replay of that World Series with the Reds playing their role and my Minnesota Twins playing that of the A’s even if their 2010 payroll-top ten is significantly higher. Can you imagine Commissioner Selig’s face having to go to those small, cold markets? Can you imagine the complaining corporate America would be doing if their precious Yankee$ do not make it, in addition to the Phillie$ getting bounced early? This is what I am hoping for.

ALDS ESPN Yankee$ at lowly Minnesota Twins

My heart wants to say Minnesota in who cares-3, 4, 5, but the fact remains the Yankee$ are the Yankee$ and something about October just brings out the best in some people: Luis Polonia, Scott Brosius, Shane Spencer, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Paul O’Neill, Tino Martinez, not to mention Mo Rivera, Jeter, Pettite etc.

Reasons the Yankee$ will win: They have the history, they have the experience, they are the defending champions and as much as I hate them, they are who we thought they were. October is their time to shine. Last year they won the World Series their first year in their new building, somethng I am hoping the Twins can copy-if they took good notes.

Swept the Twins last year (7-0) and 3-0 in playoffs. Karma is on their side. Until they get beat, even if Twins somehow take first game or two that’s gone good enough until these spoiled elitists are gone.

Reasons they’ll lose: Wonder how long it will be before we find out A-ROID juiced in 2009? Someone’s gonna talk a decade or two from now, is my guess. He was too good to be true last year. Look how they treated (as I predicted) 2009 hero’s Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui who were both given their walking papers despite Matsui (MVP) and Damon .381 BA. Granderson is all or nothing. Pettite’s coming back from long injury, Burnett’s already out. Jeter’s having his worst year. They gotta slow down some time right? Buster Olney (Yankee homer) calls this the “most wide open American League I’ve ever seen” (yesterday’s SportsCenter). Keep telling yourself that, Yankee lover.

Reasons the Twins will win: Went 2-4 against New York this year. While that’s not much its light years ahead of last year. Also, the last time they played, the Twins won (in NY) so they have some momentum and that in the back of their minds. Also, Jason Kubel emerged as a legit Yankee$ killer having hit a Grand Slam off Rivera in the game. Also, the last time the Twins played them at home, they too won so this first game is huge.

The bad luck, jinxes, (14-46) in their past 60 head to head have to end sometime right? Why not take a page from the NBA’s Suns who had similar woes against the cow-town Spurs before finally beating them. A good friend of mine, Yankee fan, admits “this isn’t our year” and “the Yankees aren’t going to do anything, they’re hurt”. I’d like to believe him but until the Twins prove me wrong, they get what they deserve.

Yankee-cowards Morneau, Perkins, and Nathan who I bashed last year relentlessly won’t play this year giving me hope. The same hope that newcomers Hudson, Thome, Capps, and Fuentes don’t carry that putrid Yankee$ stink with them like the latter three did. Good riddance. Thank god they moved on from crybaby Morneau. Get over it already and come back next year.

Reasons they’ll lose (see reasons Yankees will win) also, I dont like the Twins hosting. Granted the last time they hosted a series they won (2002) but nothing since. These aint the A’s. Also, when you are a road team you are hoping for a 1:1 split. Yankee$ should at least do that, we all know Twins won’t win 1st two or ESPN will hype-rventilate. I really wish the Twins were going to the Bronx 1st. Less pressure since you aren’t defending home field trying to take at least one.

In the end I expect a SOBathia gem 2-0 shutout of the Twins at home in game 1, followed by the usual 3-1 heart-breaker that we saw last year setting the stage for a Yankee$ $weep in New York as always. Petitte is automatic in game 2. Yankee fans want us to think they are the underdogs (0-3 all time as a Wild Card) but there is a reason SOBathia is their ace and Phil Hughes went 18-8. I ain’t buying it until I see it. Too many years of expections so why have any?

Yankee$ in three.

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays

Reasons Texas will win: At first I gave them no chance due to their lack of playoff experience. Still Lee’s good for at least a win right? Bobby Valentine already picked them in 4 and Chris Singleton thinks they can come out of the AL although he’s the only one that crazy so far although I could live with it if and when my Twins lose. They’ve got the hitting we know that.

Reasons they’ll lose: Read a stat that Texas is 0-12 against the rest of the AL competition. Also, only one of the American League teams (Atlanta in the NL) to have a losing road record. You get the feeling like the Reds of the NL, they are simply happy to finally be here after years being out, never mind the fact they’ve never won a playoff series in their history. The only active team to say that. Lots  of reasons to not like them, still its good to see them back, can’t say that enough. Rusty Greer, Roger Pavlik, Mickey Tettleton, Johnny Oates, Dean Palmer, guys I grew up watching the last time they made the playoffs would all be proud.

Reasons Tampa will win: Forget their bandwagon home crowd full of converted Red Sox fans who just plain hate New York, or the transplants, or the fake fans who only started following the team in 2008. The team makes Tropi-crapa field their home and use it to their advantage. Honestly the atmosphere is great there. I’ve been there as a pseudo Rays “fan” (until Baltimore gets back). They have the experience. Many see this as a final run with Rafael Soriano, Carl Crawford, and Carlos Pena although I think only Crawford will depart. The Rays if they lose are still going to be a threat in 2011.

Reasons they’ll lose: Overconfidence. Underestimating their competition. James Shields and his crap 5.18 ERA, Jeff Neimann fading down the stretch (largely due to injury)Matt Garza can’t possibly duplicate 2008 can he? They won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this time. 27th in hitting (BA) has to come into play at some point, right? Pressure to keep Crawford around a bit longer.

Rays in 4 (although nothing would surprise me and if the Twins actually win (hell freezes over) I want to play Texas, so Go Rangers, conditional o the Twins winning, otherwise, go Rays! Easily the x-factor series of the 1st round (best one). Could see several games going into extra innings.

NLDS Atlanta Braves vs. San Francisco Giants

You know the saying “If you don’t have anything nice to say….” That’s how I feel about the Braves who I still don’t forgive them for wasting all those oppotunities in the ’90s and denying other teams Pittsburgh chances to do something which may have created parity.

Forget the fact Atlanta is either one big ghetto (depending on where you are) or a cosmopolitan city full of snobbish transplants and “old money” and there are a lot of reasons to hate Atlanta as I do. Overrated Bobby Cox, the damn annoying “chop” that still rings in my ears having to suffer many an October with that droning. Won’t matter though, they won’t be staying long.

Reasons Atlanta will win: Annoying rallying around Bobby Cox and his impending retirement, same for Chipper Jones.  They can’t choke every time they are in. New faces immune to 1990s failures.

Reasons Atlanta will lose: Typical loser franchise come October. Seriously, 14 division titles should have got the Yankee$ of the NL at least 3-4 rings. They went 1/5 in the Fall Classic with my Twins starting them out in the right foot. In 2006 28,000 fans showed up for game 1 of the NLDS. It was explained that “In Atlanta you expect to make it past the first round”.

Tickets were going for $6 on StubHub for this team of fickle followers. I know-I checked. If there is an excuse in the book for failure, this team, this city, and their blind-loyal announce teams will find it. 0/4 in NLDS since 2001. I can’t wait until they go away. Remember the Padres should be the Giants rally cry!

Reasons the Giants will win: (see reasons Atlanta will lose, above!) Seriously, just by playing this annual disappointment, they got the luck of the draw. Can throw Tiny Tim (Lincecum) twice if they actually have to). Have momentum now.

Reasons they’ll lose: Tim can’t do it all. New generation of Braves fans, yet to be disillusioned could bring a new 1991-like excitement. Braves have to snap jinx sometime right? Honestly, this is the least intriguing series by far of the first round and I really don’t care for either team so I’m done.

Giants in 5 (Braves always make ’em interesting)

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philidelphia Phillies

In 2008 when the Phillies made the playoffs it was cool. When they won the World Series that year, while I wanted the Rays, I felt good for the city. Now its just getting old. Like Boston fans of 2004 and 2007 they act like its their birthright. Phily fans are lame in general but it was fun when they were just happy to be in the playoffs (2007) or 1993 which I have fond memories of.

Reasons the Phillies will win: ESPN wants them to. Seriously, get ready to hear the Halladay-Oswalt-Hamels love fest ESPN Bias. Playoff experience. Embarrassing whiffle ball park that benefits the home team. Just remember Phillies fans, I know when you sucked. Do you?

Reasons they’ll lose: Maybe the Reds have a 2008 small-market mentality like the Rays did. Maybe the Reds will sneak up on them and steal an early game or two swinging the series. Too many stars and too much expectations? Seriously, that’s all I got until the Reds show me something.

Reasons the Reds will win: At the risk of repeating, maybe they can sneak up on someone seeing how they should have no pressure having no experience. Chapman could be this year’s David Price x-factor, rookie phenom. Still seems like a team just happy to be there, despite the fact I picked them as a pre-season Wild Card.

Reasons they’ll lose: Just repeating the same things, so I’ll refain, Prove me wrong, Reds, I want to play you in the Series!

Phillies in THREE (see 2008 Brewers) Just happy to be there.

Stay tuned for next round picks when it gets closer.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Baseball is all about stories. The game is beautiful, tactical, and intense, but more than any other professional sport in world history, baseball fans crave more storylines and drama. Babe Ruth was a legend because of his larger-than-life personality. Josh Hamilton is a hero because of the drug addiction he overcame to become one of baseball’s best sluggers.

In the playoffs, this sense of added drama is even more heightened. Stories of redemption, persistence, and (sometimes) sheer dominance demand to be told. Given the level of coverage the postseason receives in our modern media-crazed world, those stories will find their way into the headlines and television segments to which we will all pay more attention as the World Series draws near. Here are five of the best ones you can expect to see.

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The Minnesota Twins have clinched the AL Central and heading into the final week of the regular season they are likely to rest key players such as Jim Thome, Joe Mauer, and Michael Cuddyer.

A first round matchup with the New York Yankees is looking more and more likely with each Yankee loss and Tampa Bay win. 

Which team gives Minnesota the best chance to advance is a discussion for another time. The main focus here is going to be what the Twins need to do in the postseason to ensure they advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2002. 

Here we go…

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The Minnesota Twins clinched the American League Central earlier this week.  Every year, the Twins seem to make the playoffs even if they don’t have the best talent.

Joe Mauer is the best player and linchpin of this Twins team, but there are many other players you don’t know that are crucial to the success of this team.

Here are five players who need to have a big postseason for the Twins to have a shot at winning the World Series.

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Minnesota Twins fans have an unusual luxury that they have not enjoyed in quite some time.  Instead of sweating it out until the final week or final day of the season as to whether the Twins would get into the playoffs, Twins fans can sit back and enjoy some quiet time of reflection on the season.

In looking back at the season, one question that fans are going to argue and debate over their favorite beverage in the next few days is who was the most valuable player for the Minnesota Twins this year.

You can go with a pitcher or an everyday player and a compelling case can be made for your favorite player.

There is no easy answer to the question.

Several players put up good numbers worthy of most valuable player consideration.  However, no one player put up ridiculous numbers that makes the conversation pointless and no one player for the Minnesota Twins was consistent throughout the year. 

Below are the nine Twins that are most worthy for consideration as the Most Valuable Player for Minnesota.

Michael Cuddyer

Cuddyer is batting .272, with 14 homeruns and 77 RBIs on the season.  Cuddyer’s numbers are not eye-popping but if there has been a Twins player that has been consistent throughout the year it would have to be Cuddyer.  The real value Cuddyer has brought to the Twins is his flexibility and enthusiasm to play multiple positions throughout the season.  Cuddyer has played first base, second base, third base, right field and center field.  “He’s a warrior,” Denard Span said. “He epitomizes the Twins way. He just amazes me how night in and night out he’s ready to play, and he has the same energy level.”

Justin Morneau

The former American League Most Valuable Player appeared in the first half of the season to be ready to add another MVP trophy to his mantel.  Morneau was simply on fire before the all-star break with a .345 average, 18 homers, 56 RBIs, an on-base average of .437 and a slugging percentage of .618.   Justin almost single-handedly kept the Twins in the race during the first half of the season.  Unfortunately, Morneau has not been able to play since July 7 because he has been suffering concussion type symptoms. 

Jim Thome

The Big Man in the middle has provided the long ball threat that Twins needed to fill with Justin Morneau being unable to go during the second half of the season.  Thome’s titanic blats have drawn favorable comparisons to Harmon Killebrew who he passed on baseball’s all-time homerun list this summer.   In just 271 at-bats, Thome has 25 homeruns and 59 RBIs.   Jim has on-base average of .412 and a slugging percentage of .631.  In September when it was time to finish the White Sox, Thome stepped up his game batting .357 while hitting 7 homeruns and knocking in 14 RBIs.

Thome has also provided the classic veteran leadership that rubs off favorably on the young guys in a clubhouse.  Rookie Danny Valencia said of Thome that “he’s always prepared. I’ve never been around a guy who takes his job so seriously. I try to do what he does, because he’s been successful, and still is successful at what he’s doing.” 

Kevin Slowey

Slowey currently stands with a 13-6 record with a 4.18 earned run average.  Some will undoubtedly point to his slow start to the season and the fact he has given up 20 homeruns in 153 innings that he is not worthy but Slowey deserves some consideration for his control and what he has down the stretch of the season.  The most amazing statistic for Slowey is that he has 115 strikeouts to only 29 walks for a team leading strike out to walk ratio of 3.96.  Kevin is simply not going to give out free passes and beat himself.  Since the All-Star game, Slowey is 5-1 with a 3.38 earned run average.  Slowey also improved upon his strikeout to walk ratio in the second half of the season; he has 47 strikeouts against only 10 walks since the All-Star game.

Delmon Young

Many Twins fans felt that acquiring Young was a mistake and that the Twins should rectify the situation by trading Delmon as soon as possible for an arm that bolster the pitching staff.  Fortunately, the front office didn’t listen because Young put the Twins on his broad shoulders and carried the team during the month of July this year.   While some Twins fans will point to Delmon’s defense in the outfield as precluding him from being considered as the Twins most valuable player his numbers and importance to the team in July can’t be denied.  July was a critical month for the Twins as they lost Morneau and it would have been easy for the team to curl up in the fetal position without the big slugging first baseman.  No need, Delmon to the rescue.  In July, Young had 12 doubles, a triple, six homeruns, and knocked in 30 runs.  Young even had a stolen base.  Delmon also had a .434 batting average and a slugging percentage .736 in the month.  On the year, Delmon’s numbers are 18 homeruns, 105 runs batted in and a .299 batting average.

Carl Pavano

If there has been a workhorse for the Twins pitching staff it would have to be Carl Pavano.  Pavano’s ability to take the ball and go deep into games was very valuable to the team in that he gave the team an opportunity to rest the arms in the bullpen every fifth day consistently throughout the season.  Pavano has already pitched 210 innings in the season and tossed seven complete games.  In comparison, Twins starters Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, and Nick Blackburn between them only have two complete games.  In June and July, Pavano was nearly unhittable.   In June, Pavano limited opponents to a .186 batting average; and in July, Pavano limited opponents to a .235 batting average. On the year, Pavano is 17-11 with an earned run average of 3.60.

What is the secret weapon to Pavano’s success this year?  Pavano’s success has to be tied to the decision to go with his Mario Brothers’ mustache.

Brian Duensing

Duensing would be the lovable dark horse candidate to be the most valuable player on the team.  Duensing started the season in the bullpen and performed admirably in short relief with a 2-1 record, an earned run average of 1.62 and limiting opponents to only a .187 batting average.  When the Twins starters faltered during the days of summer, Duensing stepped up and took the ball and became a dominant starting pitcher.  Since the All-Star break, Duensing has been 8-1 in 11 starts with a complete game, compiled an earned run average of 2.48 while keep the opposition to a batting average of just .268.   The only drawback to Duensing’s claim to the MVP award is that he has only pitched 119 innings on the season.

Joe Mauer

It is difficult not to pencil in Mauer’s name as the Twins Most Valuable Player Award every year given that he will likely be on the short list for the American League Most Valuable Player Award for the rest of this decade.  Mauer’s numbers on the year are solid in that he is second in the league in batting with a .331 average, nine homeruns and 74 runs batted in.  Mauer “struggled” before the all-star break as he hit just .293.  Since the All-Star break, Mauer has a .383 batting average, a .459 on base percentage, and a .541 slugging percentage.  Mauer has also been Mr. Clutch for the Twins this year.  With runners in scoring position with two outs, Mauer is batting .391 with two homeruns and 24 runs batted in; further, his on-base percentage is .525 and his slugging percentage is .609 in those situations.  If Mauer had another five homeruns and 20 runs batted in on the season, the only question would be which player is the second most valuable player on the Twins.

Francisco Liriano – Team MVP

Yes, the knock on Liriano having a slow start to the season is legitimate.  However, when Francisco has been on his game he has been downright nasty and filthy as his team leading strike out total of 191 attests.   On the season, Liriano is a very solid 14-8 with an ERA of 3.44.   Since the All-Star break when the Twins made their big push to separate themselves from the Tigers and White Sox, Liriano has been crazy good with an 8-1 record and an ERA of 2.48.  Francisco has given Twins opponents little to hit in the second half holding opponents to just a .235 batting average.  The most impressive statistic for Liriano is that how rarely he gives the teams with the big bats an opportunity to change the game with a homerun, Franscisco has given up only five homeruns on the season.   In comparison, Duensing in 70 fewer innings has given up six more homeruns; Slowey and Pavano who have roughly pitched the same amount of innings have both given up more than 20 homeruns.

Liriano simply gives the Twins the best chance to win and has been rewarded by Manager Ron Gardenhire as the starting pitcher in the playoffs.  Why not also reward Liriano by awarding him the Minnesota Twins Most Valuable Player?

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Minnesota Twins were the first MLB team to punch their postseason ticket on Tuesday night after defeating the Cleveland Indians 6-4 at Target Field.

The Twins are currently a game back of the Yankees for the best record in baseball after their division clinching victory improved them to 91-60 on the year.

Minnesota clinched their second straight AL Central title, and they will be one of the top World Series contenders when the playoff get underway in October. 

Despite winning the division five times in the past decade, the Twins have been able to get over the playoff hump and into the World Series.

Here are five reasons why this will be the year the Twins get back to the World Series for the first time since 1991 and will ultimately win it.

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