Let's get a little optimistic

 The season has been rough for the Twins, no doubt about it. Just ask anyone who has watched them. The 2024 schedule came out yesterday, and it seemed like so many people are already done with this season, having another calendar to look ahead to was a therapeutic balm. But this season isn't over. Circumstances being what they are, even though they are pretty mediocre so far, the Twins are only half a game out. And there is certainly reason for optimism. 

I noted last week, and before that to anyone who would listen, that the biggest issue with this team is that the players we expected to be the best on the roster have been among the worst. Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton have been quite bad. Jose Miranda has been terrible. Christian Vasquez has failed to contribute. While Miranda will likely be replaced, we should be able to count on Correa, Buxton and Vasquez to get better. They are too good not to get better. 

There have been some health issues, though not as pronounced in recent years. Royce Lewis and Jorge Polanco could definitely help with the anemic offense, particularly at third base, as Edouard Julien has been one of the highlights of the season so far. Still, another bat is another hope for a little bit of offense. I've also noted that the Twins have been aggressive in supplementing their team in the past. I would be surprised if they didn't do something at the deadline this year. And recent history says that the Twins won't be shy to dream big. What about a rental of Nolan Arenado for the rest of the season? 

I'm not going to get carried away thinking about potential trades. Those have had a tendency to turn sideways in the past, so let's look at a positive trend that is already here. The Twins have the easiest schedule in baseball left ahead of them. Minnesota has struggled against the top teams in the league, and feasted on the dregs. A start to the second half in Oakland might just be the kick the team needs to get moving. 

If that doesn't work, well, at least the rest of the division is in the tank too, Something that the Twins fandom forgets after so much postseason ineptitude is that getting your ticket to the dance is all it takes. The Twins have been better than their record indicates based on their Pythagorean record (based on runs scored vs. allowed) and given the pitching they have, there isn't reason to believe that will change a lot. 

In short, the Twins should make the playoffs, and when they do, anything could happen. Optimism!