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THROWING YOU A CURVE
WHAT THE TWINS NEED TO DO IN THE SECOND HALF For the ninth straight season the American League dominated the All-Star game. They scored early in the game and were able to hold off a charging National League offense. Johan Santana and Joe Nathan, the two players representing the Minnesota Twins, pitched well in their stints on the mounds, even though Joe gave up a run. Home field advantage in the World Series again belongs to the American League. The way the All-Star game went is exactly what the Twins need to happen to them as they start a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Hopefully they can get back into the race against the Central Division leaders, the Chicago White Sox. Good early pitching, early hitting with some power, good defense, and a bullpen that will save the game at the end will be the key for the Twins in the second half. Even though Twins had a 48-38 record in the first half and a lead in the American League wild card race, they find themselves nine games behind the White Sox in the Central Division standings. There were too many games in the first half where they found themselves behind early in the game. This can't happen in the second half if they want to get back into the race. The Twins' starting pitching, in the second half, needs to put some zeros on the scoreboard early so the offense can hopefully get a lead. A manager's hands are always tied when the team has to try and come from behind every time to get back into the game. The Twins have showed this season that they have to hit and run, sacrifice, and do the little things to create runs. They can not sit back and wait for the three-run homer. I may sound like a broken record, but the game of baseball is controlled by good starting pitching and solid defense. The Twins starters need to get their act together, except for Carlos Silva – you stay just like you are, and pitch some shutouts and complete games! The defense has definitely improved by the Twins trading for Bret Boone. I guarantee you that he will help the defense and the offense in the second half. Bret is a former All-Star and a former Rawlings Gold Glove winner at second base. He is also a bulldog when it comes to playing the game hard and he plays the game the right way. The Twins are 17-15 in one-run games while the White Sox are 22-9. Look at the standings and this is a huge reason why the Twins are nine games back going into the second half. The White Sox have the best record in baseball because they have been able to win a lot of their games late. In the first half, the Twins were hitting only .220 as a team after the 6th inning. This is another area that needs to improve in the second half. I mentioned the word bulldog, when I talked about Boone. Hopefully, his bulldog attitude will help in getting the Twins back into the race. All of us need to be bulldogs when it comes to our jobs and our life. Never giving up is a key to success. Be your own bulldog and know that you have given it your all. Thank you for reading my column and if you want to e-mail me your thoughts or comments, you can do so at my e-mail address at bert@bertblyleven.com. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great day and enjoy the Twins.
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