Minnesota Twins Whatnot: July 9

For this edition of Twin's Whatnot we bring in the starpower. We have some guests from the most popular Minnesota Twins blogs in the world who are making their inaugural appearance in this feature.

Sorry for the length, I will start a rotation for next week. Bring on the questions!

What is going to be more probable? Minnesota winning the Wild Card or the AL Central? What will happen?

Marty Andrade: With the Red Sox and the Rays playing so well, it's hard to believe the Twins have a legitimate shot at the Wild Card spot. For the Twins, the way to the playoffs is through the AL Central title. As for what will happen, it's hard to say.

A quick look at the numbers suggests the White Sox are the real deal, but the Twins have the ability to make the right moves and strengthen the team before the trading deadline.

Josh Johnson, of "Josh's Thoughts": I believe the Twins have a much better chance of winning the AL Central than the Wild Card, as I don't see them beating out any of the AL East teams (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees).

I want to say that I see us staying in it all season, but I have my doubts. I believe we lack a few pieces that's needed in a championship team, and I believe that although this team has already exceeded expectations, they are better suited at making a run for the playoffs next season. I see us staying in the race all year, but I don't see us making the playoffs.

Andrew Kneeland, of "Twins Fix": The AL Central will be easier for Minnesota to win than the Wild Card position, but it is still going to be hard. Ever since the loss of Pat Neshek, Minnesota has showed their need for an effective set-up man. I still believe that Craig Breslow can adequately fill this need, as Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier obviously cannot.

Minnesota would also need a great bat in order to contend with Chicago late in the season. I've read rumors of Barry Bonds coming to the Twins, and I wouldn't be totally opposed. The only disappointment would be watching Jason Kubel get less playing time. 

Nick Nelson, of "Nick and Nick's Twins Blog": I certainly think it's more likely that the Twins will win the AL Central. The Red Sox have the most talented team in the American League, in my opinion, so I expect them to have a strong second-half.

Meanwhile, I see no reason why the Rays can't continue to play at something close to their current rate. And, of course, the Yankees can never be discounted.

The Central seems more vulnerable because the Indians (who I felt were the division's best team prior to the season) have essentially bowed out, and the Tigers' pitching remains extremely questionable.

The White Sox are well built offensively, but I think we'll see some decline in their rotation and bullpen over the second half. 

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