minnesota twins history
minnesota twins history
When I think of the Minnesota Twins, I harken back to the days of Harmon Killebrew, Zoilo Versailles, Tony Oliva and Bob Allison. Old Chicago White Sox announcer Bob Elsen would refer to them as the “Minnesota Strong Boys”, for that’s exactly what they were. Fans that purchased Minnesota Twins tickets back then were treated to spectacular hitting. Come to think of it, the Twins did some other things well, with pitchers Jim Perry, Jim Kaat and Camilo Pascual and defense led by Versailles, Jerry Kendall and Rich Rollins. That combination took them all the way to the seventh game of the 1965 World Series where a guy named Sandy Koufax ended their dream season. The point is they advanced a long way from the downtrodden Washington Senators days that pre-dated that team.
This franchise has had its ups and downs since coming to the Twin Cities but they won two World Championships and several division titles along the way. Ron Gardenhire’s bunch released their grip on the American League Central last year as the White Sox led right out of the gate and the Cleveland Indians made a serious run as well. So, now its time for this franchise to retrench and get back into the mix, which is exactly what they’ve done.
The Twins have some good arms at the top of their rotation in Johan Santana, Brad Radke and Kyle Lohse. But that may not be enough unless they get some help from guys like Francisco Liriano or Carlos Silva. Of course my personal choice is Boof Bonser who spent last year at AAA Rochester. Joe Nathan, with 43 save in 2005, will once again handle the closer duties.
The Twins will need to more runs to get this staff the wins they need. Joe Maurer, Justin Morneau, Tori Hunter, Rondell White and Tony Batista will be challenged to provide that support. Luis Castillo should add speed, fielding and some punch at the top of the line up, as he’ll follow the reliable Shannon Stewart. It is hoped that Jason Kubel will step in to replace the departed Jacque Jones. The pesky Lew Ford will be around to torment the opposition as well. It remains to be seen whether all these improvements and maturity of the youngsters will be enough to overtake the White Sox or hold off the Cleveland Indians.
One thing for sure, fans that purchase Minnesota Twins tickets will be watching their team managed by one of the best in baseball in Gardenhire. The Twins play the game his way and that style is taught throughout the organization. He’ll have a good mix of youth and veteran talent to work with, but as always the starting pitching must do its share and then some for the Twins to retake the American League Central.
