Twins' Pitching Surprisingly Drowning in the AL

For many years, other Major League teams have looked up to the Minnesota Twins and respected the way the team handles all aspects of the game.

General managers praise the team for developing their own players and using young starting pitching along with solid fundamentals to stay competitive.

The Twins have not been known as a team that features a lot of power or recognizable superstars. The elder statesmen of the rotation, Scott Baker, entered this year just 27 years old.

But a team that finished last year seventh in the AL in team ERA is now third worst.

Only Baltimore has given up more home runs as a staff, according to baseball-reference.com.

The Twins have stayed consistent, however, in their base on balls statistics, as the team remains the lowest in walks allowed.

As well, the Twins' power has returned—already pounding out 40 home runs, leaving them in the middle of the pack.

So what seems to be the issue in Minnesota? Twins manager Ron Gardenhire believes it's a lack of motivation.

When he addressed the media last night after a close loss, Gardenhire noted the lack of enthusiasm in the dugout. The team just has not appeared to enjoy the game, and spirits are unusually low.

With no Santana to throw a gem to inspire the rest of the rotation, no starter apart from Kevin Slowey has pitched a game well enough to get this club going. Baker, appointed the ace of the staff, has one win in seven games with a scary ERA of 6.98.

But most games have come down to one inning.

Baker lost a no-hitter in the seventh inning to the Kansas City Royals, and continued to implode from there. Even last night, Liriano was given a two run lead and promptly handed the White Sox seven runs.

The Twins rotation, who last year were heralded for their efforts after losing Johan Santana and Carlos Silva, must now look inside themselves for inspiration.

One thing that is going well for the club is defense. The team, with Michael Cuddyer's throwing error, now have 15 on the season. Only the Phillies have given up fewer errors, pointing more fingers at Minnesota pitching—the fifth worst in the majors.

With such a young staff, Gardenhire is trying not to use tough love on anyone, instead hoping the team will relax. When this team is laid back and enjoying the game, they are often one of the more dangerous clubs around.

The Twins did receive good news when pitcher Glen Perkins came off the DL, and it is expected he will be back shortly after some needed rest for his inflamed elbow.

Furthermore, Delmon Young is said to return on Sunday following the passing of his mother.

Also, the Twins called up Anthony Swarzak after placing Craig Breslow on waivers. Breslow was picked up shortly after by the Athletics.

The good news for the Twins is that the season is only 41 games young, and there is plenty of time to turn things around.

However, if they are counting on this to happen, the team must look to its rotation to improve. Improvement needs to start with Baker and Liriano, the veterans on staff.