Every day the Twins don’t win a game is one less day that they have to gain ground in the AL Central race, and as July turns to August, the time to make a move is starting to slip away. And although that’s a very Tim McCarver-ish statement, it really is true.
The Twins thought that if they could tread water until the walking wounded returned to the lineup, they could make a run up the standings, but it hasn’t really worked out that way. First Joe Mauer, and now Denard Span are back, and the Twins are really no better than they were when the season started. Whether their fortunes turn with the return of Justin Morneau remains to be seen, but the Twins hope so. Morneau is expected back in two to three weeks.
One of the only consistently good players for the Twins this season, Scott Baker, takes to the mound tonight against Joel Pinero. Baker is 8-6 on the season with a sterling 2.86 ERA, but is only 1-5 with a 4.49 ERA career against the Angels.
Tick, tock.