Goin' Good

The Twins 16-14 record isn't all that impressive by itself. But they're in first place by 1.5 games, and more importantly, they're 12-6 in the division.

Just how important is that? Last year, the Twins were a more than respectable 51-39 against teams outside the AL Central. But against divisional opponents they were a miserable 28-44. That cost them a chance to compete for the postseason.
If the Twins can continue to hold their own against Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and yes, Kansas City, they just might be able to stay in this thing.

A big reason for that is the pitching. It is still, five weeks into the season, outperforming expectations. Boof Bonser's start on Sunday can't be overstated. Shaking off a six-run first inning that was as much due to bad luck as anything, to put up 5 zeros, is veteran/ace type stuff, and another sign that Boof and Scott Baker could form a solid tandem at the top of the rotation.

In the bullpen, Brian Bass has pitched very well of late, while Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain seem to be shaping up. Dennys Reyes is back to his '06 form, and Joe Nathan is Joe Nathan. It's still too early to be worried about Pat Neshek's minor struggles.

Other positives:
*Craig Monroe looks like he's shaken off his terrible 2007 season, and just might end up being a productive player this year (even if he is overpaid at $3.8 million).
*Joe Mauer is getting on base a lot.
*Carlos Gomez has been much better since the Twins started giving him a day off here and there.
*Justin Morneau is hitting like a cleanup hitter should.
*Adam Everett appears to be back to his old self in the field.
*Matt Tolbert has been a steady bench guy.

But, to quote Winston Wolf, Let's not start (expletive) each other's (expletive) yet.
This is still a flawed team.
Baker is going to the DL, and I'm still waiting for Nick Blackburn to start taking some lumps when the league catches up to him. Livan Hernandez has been hit hard in his last few starts, even the one Friday night when he only gave up a run. Glen Perkins is apparently going to be called up to replace Baker, and you never know what you'll get there (he does have a 2.97 ERA in Rochester). Kevin Slowey is back in the rotation after a month on the DL, which sounds like a recipe for some long balls.

Jason Kubel is getting to play every day, and while he's driving some extra base hits here and there, he's getting on base at a putrid rate.
Delmon Young and Mike Lamb have been no better at the plate than Nick Punto.

Of course, maybe that's reason for optimism, rather than pessimism. If Kubel was hitting .300, if and if Young and Lamb were both slugging over .450, the Twins would be looking even better. There's still a chance those things will happen eventually, so perhaps we have not yet hit the high-water mark.