What a wild ride it has been for the Twins.  From 12 games back in the division, at a point where all hope seemed to be lost, to beating out the Tigers by one game. 

To be honest I never expected this.  When the Twins were 12 games back, I called for the Twins to dump their veterans, and start building for the future.  They were a team with little going for them, and I felt it was time to get the kids like Cassilla, Span etc. some playing time because the season was shot. 

My wish came true, Castro, Sierra, and Batista were dumped, and Punto, Bartlett, and Tyner were put into the starting line-up.  But something unexpected happened.  As the Twins committed to youth and speed, things began to turn around, and their season was ressurected.  At the time I was excited by the new-found talent on the roster, but still believed the playoffs to be out of the question.  I was determined to enjoy a taste of the future today, but still viewed the Twins 1 or 2 years away. 

 But the Twins kept winning, and they made the Division a three team race.  As the season progressed, the Red Sox and White Sox dropped out of the Wild card race, which left the Twins and Tigers alone to fight for the Division.  While it took a collosal collapse by the Tigers, the Unthinkable happened, The Royals swept the Tigers, and the Twins overtook them in the division on the final game.

Now the Twins prepare for their playoff series against the A's.  This is a series where I believe the Twins (despite losing Liriano) have a strong advantage.  I'm predicting a victory in 4 games for the following reasons.

Johan Santana pitches game one.  There isn't a better 2nd half pitcher in the game right now that Johan Santana.  Game one is the most important game of the series, with Johan on the mound the Twins will not need to bring in their best bats, 3 runs should be enough. 

 Brad Radke pitches game two.  There isn't a hungrier pitcher in all of baseball right now.  Radke is pitching like an iron man, despite a stress fracture and a torn rotator cuff, Radke has forced himself back on the mound and gotten by on grit and determination. 

M&M's (Mauer-Morneau) - The AL batting Champ Catcher, and the MVP himself Justin Morneau create a lot of punch in the Twins line-up.  Mauer's uncanny ability to find his way on the basepaths combined with Morneau's ability to rake the RBI's will create havoc for A's pitchers.

 Torii Hunter - Torii has found the perfect time to live up to his batting potential.  He has caught fire and has reached a career high in HR.  The Twins will need his bat if they want to score some runs against the A's strong pitching staff.