Well, thankfully, the Minnesota Twins' 2016 campaign has come to an end. The team limped to a 53-109 won-lost record, one game worse than the 1982 team and the worst franchise record since the team moved to Minnesota in 1961.
While the team's offense was potent featuring 200 home runs, the obvious downfall was the pitching, spotlighted by the starting staff's 37-71 record and earned run average of 5.40, worst in the majors. This is a need that the front office will clearly need to address in the offseason.
There were some flashes of promise, highlighted by second baseman Brian Dozier's career year (.260 average, with career highs of 42 HRs and 99 runs batted in), and the late season emergence at the plate of young stars Miguel Sano (.236, 25 HR, 66 RBI), Byron Buxton (.225, 10 HR, 38 RBI) and Max Kepler (.235, 17 HR, 63 RBI).
However, the struggles of the pitching staff and some veterans like third baseman Trevor Plouffe (.260 average, 12 HR and 47 RBI in 84 games) and first baseman Joe Mauer (.261, 11 HR and 49 RBI for the former AL batting champion) and a lack of steady defense were just some of the reasons for diehard fans to stay away this season.
I haven't been to a Twins game in a couple of years, but I've followed the team for about 30 years, and this year's team was one of the most difficult to watch. The potential is there, but there are pieces of the puzzle that need to be filled. It'd also be nice to see some veteran leadership in the dugout to help teach and support the core of young players. Hopefully the team can make positive improvements in 2017.
Well, that's all for now until the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood in a few weeks. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
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