Yes, the Minnesota Twins are still winning baseball games, which is great. However, this home stand has revealed some issues that cannot go unrecognized. I’m here to be the pessimist that opens other fans’ eyes. I still think that this team is one of the best in the league, but there are actually areas where the Twins can improve and even better themselves.

Issue #1

Over the last six games, Minnesota has thrown some pretty sloppy defense out onto the field. The Twins had played great defense up until this home stand, but that disappeared over this last week. There was a game in this stretch where they had FIVE errors in one, nine inning game. There was a play where Miguel Sano made TWO errors...by himself...on one play. I think that the Twins are still a good defensive team, but they have to get this figured out. It has already cost them a game on this home stand, as they only gave up four earned runs in their 8-6 loss to the Royals.

Issue #2

Minnesota’s bullpen has been brutal for most of the season, but it reared its fat, ugly head in a big way this week. They have allowed 16 runs over the last six games. That is horrible and needs to be addressed by the front office here shortly. I’m fine with Taylor Rogers, Blake Parker, Trevor May, and Ryne Harper, but Matt Magill, Fernando Romero, and Tyler Duffey aren’t going to cut it. The San Francisco Giants have a guy named Will Smith who would be an awesome get for the Twins. Or, maybe they can land Kirby Yates from the Padres who has 23 saves and a 1.24 ERA this season.

Issue #3

The Twins have left an alarming amount of people on base over the last two series. 47 base runners to be exact. Hitters have lacked the clutch gene this week when the opportunity was presented to them to drive in runs. Minnesota had the bases loaded three times on Sunday afternoon against the Royals and struggled to scratch any runners at all across the plate. They would strand 15 in that game. Again, I don’t foresee this being a long term issue, but wasting opportunities is never a good thing.

As I mentioned, the Twinkies are still in great shape and are truly one of the best teams in the league. But, instead of easing off the gas and patting themselves on the back, they can be active in trying to fix the issues that may be restricting the team. A little constructive criticism can go a long way.