Minnesota Twins: 10 Positives in an Otherwise Depressing Year

Finding a needle in a haystack would be a pretty difficult task. That is, of course, assuming that a needle is in there at all.

We search and search through the hay—and probably some animal droppings—in hopes of finding that one needle. Few people find that needle and fewer people find positives in the 2012 Minnesota Twins season.

The Twins have underperformed thus far, to say the least. In fact they have come out of the gates to the worst start in franchise history, but somewhere in the haystack that is the Minnesota Twins there is a needle or two of positivity…somewhere.

Joe Mauer’s Health

The Twins have played 30 games so far, Joe Mauer has played in 29 games. He is hitting .278, which is low by Mauer's standards, but fans shouldn't ask for too much. In a season of utter disappointments, the fact that Mauer is always on the field is an absolute positive.

Josh Willingham’s Dominance

Josh Willingham came to the Twins in the offseason and was on fire from the start. He has recently cooled off, but his play has made Twins fans forget the departed Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer. Willingham has seven home runs and is hitting .313—not too shabby.

The Arrival of Brian Dozier

The Twins are only four games into the Brian Dozier era and so far, so good. There’s nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about either. Dozier gives Twins fans hope for the future, which may be all that fans are asking for anymore.

Justin Morneau’s Health

Yes, Justin Morneau is currently on the DL, but it’s his wrist. Granted the wrist is a recurring injury for Morneau, but it is better than the alternative concussion.

It’s not good for a team when a former MVP is on the sidelines, but it is best for both the Twins and Morneau that it’s his wrist and not his head.

Assured of one All-Star

The All-Star Game has gone downhill in popularity recently, but sometimes in dreadful seasons it’s a benchmark to look forward to.

Every team gets one representative—likely the only reason the lowly Twins will get one. It’s looking like Josh Willingham will be visiting Kansas City an extra time this year.

Scott Diamond

Talk about a diamond in the rough.

Scott Diamond was tearing up Triple-A, and I assume the higher-ups in the Twins organization had a conversation like this:

“This kid is pitching really well for Rochester."

"No one’s pitching well for us. Let’s call him up.”

Good call. In his only start thus far, he threw seven shutout innings, allowing four hits with one walk and six strikeouts.

Easy to Get Tickets

The Twins are 8-23 and the worst team in baseball. Tickets are available.

Just watch the game on TV and you’ll see the empty green seats. If you want to go to a ballgame, now’s the best time. Heck, there won’t be a lot of traffic on the parking ramp, either.

Target Field Is Still Beautiful

Tickets are easy to get, so it’s good that Target Field is still an attraction. This is still only its third year, and I’m sure there are a select few that haven’t gone to the new park.

Going to the ballpark, especially a new one, can still be fun even if the home team doesn’t have a good chance of winning.

Danny Valencia’s Demotion

You could see this one coming for awhile.

Danny Valencia has been on the clock ever since rumors began circulating that Ron Gardenhire isn’t a big fan of his. That clock ran out for Valencia on Wednesday when he was optioned to Rochester. That’s what happens when you have the range of a pebble and hit .190.

High Draft Picks

Every fan’s silver-lining for a team with a horrible record, high draft picks. The problem is the MLB Draft isn’t the easiest to predict with the prospects having to fight through the levels of minor league ball. Finding the perfect draft pick is a little like finding a needle-in-a-hay-stack.