If forced to choose, I would say that pitching and fielding is often slightly more important than hitting and run-scoring in baseball, which I consider the greatest of all sports.
That being said, I am going to make an exception this year when it comes to what may or may not make the ultimate difference for my hometown Minnesota Twins. So, here goes: if either outfielder Delmon Young or designated hitter/outfielder Jason Kubel has a breakout season, the Minnesota Twins will most likely make it to the playoffs this coming October. If neither of them distinguishes himself from his past accomplishments, the Twins probably won't make the playoffs.
For Delmon Young, this might mean a .300 average, 15 or more home runs, and 80+ RBI. Alternatively, it might mean a .280+ average, 18+ home runs, and about 90 RBI or therabouts.
For Jason Kubel, this might mean a .290 average, 20+ home runs, and 90+ RBI. Alternatively, it might mean a .275+ average, 25 or so home runs, and 90+ RBI.
These two players have great potential, but up to this point they have yet to fulfill expectations. Still, they're both relatively young (especially Delmon Young, who is still under the age of 25), and they both are presently healthy. I'd love to see both of them step it up a notch or two this baseball season, but this is not a perfect world. Hence, I'd be happy if one of these two players has a very good season at the plate.
With a hopefully healthy Joe Mauer (.328 last season) joining Justin Morneau (129 RBI last season) and company in the Twins line-up a few weeks from now, the team will most likely be in the playoff mix throughout the 2009 baseball season. (Obviously, the pitching staff also needs to do well in order for the team to compete.) So if Delmon Young or Jason Kubel can add to this mix by providing consistent pop at the plate, the Twins' chances look good. If not....
Delmon Young: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6138
Jason Kubel: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6102
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2 comments:
Their starting pitching is looking very very suspect Hass..I'm not sure Delmon or Kubel will make the difference if the pitching fails.
Yes, Penigma, I agree.
As I stated in my posting, the pitching staff is also going to have to do well in order for them to compete.
I think the starters will eventually be okay, though it would help if they got themselves straightened-out more quickly. (That might be an optimistic outlook, but there you have it.)
It's the relief corps (other than Nathan, of course) that worries me when I take the long-haul into account. If they can't get themselves straightened-out, the Twins are in trouble.
If the pitching staff does settle down into a nice rhythm, however, Kubel and/or Young will have the opportunity to be "difference-makers"....
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