The Twins finished the 2001 season in 3rd place in the NL Central with a 78-84 record. Fans were ready to storm the 'Dome when they heard management was about to do an about face and not re-sign pitcher Ben Delacruz. The team was to be centered around this future ace. His face was on every billboard in and around the Twin Cities. Without him, wouldn't all be lost? Delacruz slipped into free agency on midnight October 29th. The sun still managed to come up the next day. Delacruz eventually became a Brave, and the Twins became a more balanced team. Currently, they are a half game back of the division lead, and poised to make a serious run at the playoffs.

The difference between the 2002 Twins and last year's squad may simply be attitude. This year they have a guy that can beat you any day he pitches in Michael Griggs. The line-up, top to bottom, is as dangerous as any in the game. They know the goal: get into the post-season. From there, they also know, anything can happen. Look what Detroit did behind Eric Tryon. Minnesota lacks a Tryon, but they do have Michael Griggs.

Michael Griggs transformed from a 15-15 pitcher last season to a 12-2 nightmare for the opposition. Do you know what kind of pitcher wins 15 and loses 15 in the same season? One that a) pitches deep into the game (6 2/3 per start) and b) doesn't get consistent run support. Sure, his ERA was a point and a half worse last season. Chalk that up to attitude, too. "There weren't any expectations here last season. I think that is where we really let ourselves down," recalls Griggs. "This year we have a goal set, we know each other better, and we are all committed to doing our part."

Equally important to Minnesota's impressive first half run are the 2-3-4 hitters, backstop Edmundo Talavera (.355-16-59), first baseman Rick Hazel (.325-20-68), and rightfielder Bryon Ridout (.326-7-26). This may be the most potent 2-3-4 in the league. Talavera was hitting .400 or better through the last day of June. The line-up as a whole is second only to the Cubs in average (.282) and third in the NL in runs.

Minnesota made recent moves to bolster their pitching by adding veterans Adam Seabolt from the Yankees and Deshawn Perez and Adam Jowers from the Cubs. This cements everyone's ideas about what is expected here this season.

The Central is a wide open division with Florida, the preseason pick in many publications, not yet able to get on track. The distance one club is able to put between themselves and the Marlins early on may prove to be the deciding factor as to who takes the division title. And from there... well, just ask the Tigers.