At the end of the season, fans and experts alike look back at the moments when the fortunes of a team changed, for better or for worse. Hindsight analysis is elementary, so here at SFTB, we recognize and discuss the importance of a series before it is played. This way, we as baseball lovers can appreciate every pitch and every at-bat with the understanding of the moment’s value, and celebrate or jeer accordingly to the game’s every run.
The attention of baseball faithfuls shifts to a pivotal series in Minnesota, where the defending AL champions look to reclaim throne after being ousted on June 3rd. The Royals have already ruled the division for 45 days in the young season, but a recent slump that saw Kansas City go 3-9 in the past 12 games has provided the Twins with an opportunity.
By no stretch of the imagination are the Royals or the Twins on a hot streak right now. Just snapping a three-game and a two-game losing streak, respectively, the divisional race for supremacy is far from over, with the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians one solid week away from contention.
As it stands now, however, the series is pivotal for both the Royals and the Twins. The loser will continue to slump, and find itself planted firmly in the middle of the division, struggling to wade out of the whirlpool odefeat, while the winner will reverse their luck of late and gain crucial momentum to separate itself from the pack.
And should a sweep happen, the team on the receiving end may never be heard from again in the 2015 season.
Of course, it’s far too premature to be using definites, but this series will be a game-changer heading into All-Star break next month.
For the Kansas City Royals, the season began as a continuation of the Cinderella postseason experience of 2014, reeling off seven consecutive wins, and going 11-3 to start. As the powers overseeing baseball would have it, the Minnesota Twins struggled out of the gate, amassing a 5-9 record over the same initial 14 games.
As the hitters defrosted from the long winter, both teams picked up steam and consistently defeated division rivals. Game after game, win after win, and streak after streak, they now find themselves staring at the biggest challenge of the season – each other.
The spotlight of the series will not shine on the pitchers. The Royals proudly showcase a team ERA of 3.50, second in the AL, but concealed in the numbers is the 4.49 ERA for starters. Minnesota has a 6-points-below-average ERA of 3.91, but a comparatively superior starter ERA of 4.03.
Regardless, the series will be dominated by superior defense in the field and even better offense on the bases. The Royals feature three back-to-back Golden Glove winners in Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Alex Gordon, with a couple more players deserving of the award as well. On the power side, the Twins have a clear edge, with five more team home runs than the Royals, led by a surprising power surge from Brian Dozier. The leading hitters of Torii Hunter, Trevor Plouffe, and Dozier have already combined for 27 home runs – exactly half of 2014’s total between the three men.
So, what are the keys to success for both teams?
In the case of the visiting team, they need to return to the success formula of the postseason. When the Royals get on base, no matter how it is accomplished, tremendous pressure is placed on the opposing team. The pitcher sweats about keeping baserunners in check, the catcher’s attention is distracted, and defensive shifts are utilized to minimize damage. Kansas City has never shown great power, but the team has never required its batters to swing for the fences.
On the defensive end, if the Royals are to take at least two games in the series, expect some highlight reel catches. As discussed earlier, the Royals have an abysmal starting staff, with the exception of Chris Young (for now). The team’s Gold Glovers will have to earn their money in this series, and support the pitchers by eliminating runners whenever possible.
Lastly, manager Ned Yost has to make the crisp decision in every game to pull the starting pitcher when trouble is brewing. With an absolutely sensational bullpen to turn to, Yost cannot afford to wait for the starters to pitch their way out of jams. There are times in the season when a manager has to give his confidence to the pitcher, and allow them to overcome adversity. This series is not the time.
For the surprisingly effective 2015 version of the Minnesota Twins, who finished at the bottom of the division at a laughable 22 games under .500, their keys to success are polar opposites.
First, the Twins must restrict the running game of the Royals. Just as the key to success for the defending league champions is to cause havoc on the base paths, Minnesota must prevent that. However, this is easier said than done. According to ESPN, catchers Kurt Suzuki and Chris Herrmann have thrown out 14 baserunners – and allowed 33 stolen bases. With the speed of Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson, expect this aspect of the game to take center stage in the series.
The Twins also need to find their power stroke early and often in the series. The team has a number of power hitters that should take advantage of the subpar pitching of the Royals. Short of homers, if the batters can muster a few extra-base hits against the Royals, it will be nearly mission impossible for Kansas City to overcome the deficits.
Finally, despite no one expecting a pitchers’ duel in any of the three matchups in the series, the pitchers of the Twins need to step up their performances. If Phil Hughes, Trevor May, and Tommy Milone – the three probables for the series – can go 6 or 7 innings giving up fewer than 3 runs, the Twins have a chance at a series win, or even a sweep. Closer Glen Perkins has been outstanding in his role, so with strong outings from the setup men in the bullpen, the Twins should have no problem closing games out.
It is nearly impossible to predict the impact of a series on the final outcome of the season, but as it turns out, every game does count in baseball. While division leads can be squandered in a matter of weeks, having a lead at all is an invaluable gift.
After Monday’s series, either the Royals or the Twins will be blessed with the present, undoubtedly leading to a promising future.