Minnesota Twins 2012: 5 Surprising Stats

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Despite a largely unsuccessful 2012 campaign thus far, the Minnesota Twins' season hasn't been all bad for everyone involved.

While they may not have this year's MVP, Cy Young or Rookie of the Year, what they do have is a little success that they can build off of for next year and certainly be proud of.

Let's explore some of the success stories for the Twins in 2012.

31 Home Runs

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New to the Twins this year, Josh Willingham has brought a lost sense of pop to the lineup after the departure of Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel.

The outfielder has hit 31 home runs this season, the first Twins player to reach this accomplishment since 2009. 

With about 40 games left in the season, Willingham has plenty of time to reach 40 home runs.  He'd be the first Twins player to hit that mark since Harmon Killebrew did it in 1970.

Success to build on.

30 Stolen Bases

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Drafted by the Twins in 2007, Ben Revere has brought hitting, defense, speed and a big smile to the Twins' lineup in 2011 and 2012.

The 24-year-old has 30 stolen bases so far in Minnesota's 2012 campaign.  With about 40 games left in the season, Revere could break the 40-stolen base mark, a feat that hasn't been reached since Rod Carew stole 41 in 1973.

How can you not smile about that?

10 Wins

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Lefty sensation Scott Diamond has truly broken into the majors leagues this year for the Minnesota Twins.

The starting pitcher has won 10 games this season.  Not impressive?  Well, this was something that no Twins pitcher could accomplish in 2011.  Plus the guy only have five losses.  

Not a bad record to build off of for next season.

.312 Batting Average

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After an injury-plagued 2011 season, Minnesota's own, Joe Mauer, has been back to his old self in 2012.

As of August 26, 2012, Mauer is hitting .312 through 118 games.  Mauer hit .287 in 2011, managing only to play half of the season.

A healthy Mauer means a successful Minnesota.  If he can remain healthy and the Twins can make more moves next season, then who knows what might happen.

Maybe a .500 season in 2013?

17 Home Runs

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The concussion-plagued former MVP, Justin Morneau, has certainly made a comeback in 2012.

So far this season, the 31-year-old has hit 17 home runs and is currently on pace to hit 22 on the year.  The man hasn't reached twenty home runs since he hit 30 back in 2009, so to reach this mark again is something to be proud of.

Since losing the likes of Thome, Kubel and Cuddyer, Minnesota needs all the 20-plus home run hitters they can get.