As it turns out, the Twins are on pace to win 88 games. That seems about right to me.

Player assessment, position by position, is always going on. So I’d just stay with a team-wide assessment.

Besides the extensive weakness of offensive power, the only other weakness looming is the bullpen — because of Neshek’s exit.*

I don’t think the Twins are over-achieving this year. And I think they can compete with all teams.

I’m not expecting them to make the post-season, but they have a decent chance.

For this year — and for the years to come — they must find a better SS and a power-hitting 3B to improve their chances.

But I don’t see that happening this year.

If and when Baker and Liriano return and are lights out, then they could become the favorite for the wild card this year.

If the Twins make a surprise trade or two, that could tip the Central-Division balance too.

So, assuming no injury epidemic, looks like 88 wins.

*(I really don’t see any other weaknesses — not their youth, starting pitching, hitting, fundamentals, defense, lineup as a whole, the bench, management, or front office. Sure, there is lack of strength in some of these areas, but nothing like last year’s holes at 3B and DH and/or LF.)

Emily Litella: I’m here tonight to speak out against busting schoolchildren. Busting schoolchildren is a terrible, terrible thing. I hear this is going on all over the country. Mean policemen arrest little children and put them in jail in the wrong neighborhood, so they can’t even play with their little friends. Imagine, busting schoolchildren! The food in jail isn’t good, and even though they get bread, I don’t believe they can get toast. Or nice cake. Now, who will tuck them in? Where will they hang their leggings? Where will they set up their little lemonade stands? Well, they don’t have toys in jail, except maybe..

Chevy Chase: [ interrupting ] Miss Litella?

Emily Litella: Yes?

Chevy Chase: I’m sorry. The editorial was on bussing schoolchildren. Bussing. Not busting.

Emily Litella: Oh. I’m sorry. Never mind.

And then after thinking about what I’d read, I would decide the writer was serious (or not).
Then find out later I was ABSOLUTELY WRONG!!!!
NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!!!!
Christina, join us other fools.