At the beginning of September, the Minnesota Twins stood 7 games behind the first place Detroit Tigers, and their chances of making the playoffs appeared to be slim. Things didn't look any better when, with 4 games left in the regular season, they were 3 games back behind the Tigers. However, the Twins kept battling and battling, eventually winning the AL Central in a one-game playoff before losing to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series.
The best player for the Minnesota Twins, and perhaps the best player in the entire American League is catcher Joe Mauer. Just entering his prime, Mauer put up one of the best offensive seasons for a catcher in the history of the game. As always, he hit for a great average (he collected his third batting title), and drew a lot of walks, which allowed him to lead the league in OBP for the first time.
This year, he also matured into a more powerful stroke, surprisingly leading the American League in SLG, finishing with 28 HR. He is also great behind the plate and could win his second straight Gold Glove Award. He should be the MVP of the American League, and he just might be the best player in all of baseball.
The Twins had a lot of solid hitters at the plate. Denard Span was a great leadoff man, hitting for a good average and patience and providing speed at the top of the lineup. Justin Morneau is one of the best power hitters in the game and great protection for Mauer in the lineup. Michael Cuddyer had a great year (hitting for 32 HR) and finally provided the Twins with a consistent power threat from the right side of the plate.
At DH and OF, Jason Kubel finally had a true breakout year that many have been expecting from him, as he hit 28 HR and batted .300. The Twins had a lot of dangerous hitters in the middle of the lineup.
The pitching, however, was very inconsistent. They had a lot of youth and a lot of injury problems, leading to many struggles throughout the season. Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker were the workhorses of the staff, each pitching 200+ innings. Francisco Liriano was expected to have a big year, but he showed that he is simply not the pitcher he was before Tommy John surgery, finishing with an ERA near 6.
Brian Duensing was solid, but it is uncertain how he projects long-term. The bullpen performed well, especially guys like Joe Nathan at the backend, and then Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares and Jon Rauch.
So the Minnesota Twins are a team that always seems to be in the hunt, as they will scratch and claw and get everything they can out of their talent. Once again, it wasn't always pretty, but they finished the 2009 season with an 87-76 record, adding another American League Central title to their resumes in the final season of play in the Metrodome.