MLB Schedule Release: Predicting the Minnesota Twins 2013 Record

The 2012 Minnesota Twins are just 16 losses away from a 100-loss season, a dubious honor their franchise has not “achieved” since 1982.  However, the mostly disappointing 59-84 Twins have just 19 games left in the season; a 100-loss campaign is most likely not going to happen.

Yet another season with fewer than 65 wins is quite possible, but Twins fans should not be completely upset.  Next year will be a better season.

In light of the recent release of the 2013 MLB schedule, let's break down how and why next year will be somewhat better for the Twins. 

Season Highlights 

The Twins will play fellow AL Central teams for a total of 76 games in 2013.  In 2012, the Twins have played .500 ball against their division rivals.

In 2013, the Twins play 32 games against AL West teams.  Thus far in 2012, Minnesota is 11-28 against the AL West.  The Twins will also play the Houston Astros for six games; the Twins have not faced Houston since 2009.

Next season, the Twins will play 32 games against AL East teams.  Traditionally, the Twins have struggled against this division, going 58-112 against the AL East since 2008.

The Twins also will be playing 22 inter-league games next season.  The Twins fare well against the National League, with a 51-39 record over the last five seasons.

2013 Prediction

Based on the Twins' most recent records against their 2013 opponents and the number of games the Twins will play, Minnesota will be 73-89 next season.  This chart summarizes this information.

The chart is by no means fortune telling or dependent on talent acquired or released.  It does, however, give fans a basic idea of where the Twins could be in 2013 if they play similarly to how they did in 2012.