So the Twins are in the playoffs, following a fairly routine 8-1 thrashing of the Kansas City Royals last night. Boof Bonser continues to make a strong argument for being the #2 starter for the Twins by taking a no-hitter into the 5th inning. Meanwhile, Torii Hunter joins Justin Morneau in the 30 homer club, continuing what has been an impressive hot streak since he returned from an injury in July. So, can the Twins go all the way?
The answer is yes, because everyone else in baseball has flaws, too. The Yankees have been riding their incredibly formidable lineup all season, and Chien-Mien Wang has been remarkably consistent all season long, probably the #2 pitcher in the American League behind Johan Santana. But the Yanks are not invincible. They have relief issues in front of the redoubtable Mariano Rivera and there are days when the bats have fallen silent. If the Twins draw Oakland first, it would be quite beneficial, but there's reason to believe that the Twins could do it anyway, even with their questionable starting pitching. On paper, I'd rather have Mike Mussina than Boof, and I'd certainly rather have Randy Johnson than Carlos Silva. Still, Mussina and the Big Unit are clearly running on fumes at this point. If Bonser and Silva are equal to the challenge, the Twins could win this thing.
One other thing - if the Twins get to the World Series, be sure to thank Ozzie Guillen for keeping his foot on the gas in the All-Star Game. Having the home field advantage could be huge against whoever emerges from the National League.
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