As the trading deadline came and went and the Minnesota Twins didn't make any moves, it became clear that GM Bill Smith has decided to play the hand he has, and the Twins will rise or fail with the guys currently on the roster.
Quite frankly, that's not very encouraging. The Twins have had inconsistent pitching, especially in the rotation, for most of the season. But that said, Minnesota enters their series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 7 games out. Time is running out, so if the Twins are going to make a move, it has to start tonight.
But their task will be a daunting one, as the Angels roll out Ervin Santana, who threw a no-hitter in his last outing. Santana, who is 6-8 with a 3.47 ERA on the year, probably won't throw another no-hitter, as back to back no hitters by a pitcher has only happened once in MLB history, but Santana is still a pretty good pitcher.
For the Twins, Brian Duensing takes the bump, he of the 8-8 record and 4.35 ERA. Duensing, who is on a bit of a roll, has won four of his last five decisions, has been downright respectable on the road this season, posting a 3-4 record with a 3.48 ERA.
The milestone watch is on for Jim Thome, who is three home runs from 600 club. Thome is 8th all time on the home run list, and when he enters, it will probably be the most low key entry to a club this elite in baseball history.