Minnesota Twins going to be better next year, team president says

The Minnesota Twins will finish in last place in the American League Central for the second straight season, but team President David St. Peter thinks the team can win the division in 2013.

St. Peter told Charlie Walters of the Pioneer Press:

"Assuming we do what we're setting out to do, I don't see any reason why we can't be very competitive and, ultimately, win our division in 2013," he said. "I think everybody here believes that. You can turn this thing around quickly.

St. Peter cites improvements made by the Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds in 2012 versus their 2011 campaigns as examples of dramatic improvements from one year to the next. The Orioles finished in last place in the American League East while the Athletics and Reds finished third in their respective divisions in 2011 and all three have qualified for the playoffs this year.

The Twins finished 63-99 in 2011 and are 66-95 this season with one game remaining in the regular season.