Time To Make A Statement

There have been many varying opinions in the media about this weekends series between the Minnesota Twins and the New York Yankees. The consensus one is that this will be one of the top American League series of the weekend, as both teams have identical records of 22-12. However, on one side of the coin, it's just another series in the middle of May. That would be how the Yankees would look at it and how the Twins should look at this. However, in recent history, that would be hiding the elephant in the room.

Over the past decade, the Twins have bowed down to the Yankees. Especially in the playoffs. They don't have trouble beating other AL East teams or American League mega powers, but there is something in the Twins head that can't get past the Yankees. When the Twins do beat the Yankees, Twins Territory goes into shock. Well, as Owen Hart would say "Enough is Enough and It's Time For A Change"

Many Twins fans are going to use this series as a barometer as to how close the Twins are to making a run in the playoffs. Yes, it's mid May, but a series victory over the Yankees in Yankee stadium would give this team a shot in the arm.

Since Ron Gardenhire became manager of the Twins in 2002, the Twins are 3-23 in regular season games at Yankee Stadium. The Twins were also 0-10 against the Yankees including a post season sweep. That's enough to terrorize Twins Territory worse than Freddy Kruger. It's gotten to the point where I would accept not getting swept at Yankee Stadium this weekend. If the Twins lose the series 1-2, I would be OK with that. It's not the end all be all, and it would get the "We can't beat these guys" feeling out of the Twins minds.

Also there's the point that the Twins are no longer the little engine that could when it comes to baseball teams. The Twins have added veteran guys over the past year who can perform in clutch situations. They have one of the best 3-4 combinations in all of baseball with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, and they have an above average pitching staff that should improve as the season goes on. The talent is there.

So bring on Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, LeBron James (too soon?), and everyone else. I hope the Twins can escape with one win, and if they can GASP win the series, Twins Territory will be in a partying mood on Monday morning.