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5 reasons the Minnesota Twins will win the wild card

By Josh Criswell

Aug 11, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki (8) slides into home plate for a winning run as teammates celebrate in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Target Field. The Twins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki (8) slides into home plate for a winning run as teammates celebrate in the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Target Field. The Twins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Kennys Vargas (19) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Twins 11-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Kennys Vargas (19) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeated the Twins 11-7. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

September call-ups will provide a spark

For most teams, September is an opportunity to call up top prospects to see how they fare at the MLB-level. For contenders, it is a chance to add the final pieces necessary for a playoff push.

In 2015, it is an opportunity for Minnesota to do both.

The Twins have not been particularly strong in any facet of the game this season. Their starting pitching has been far from dominant, their stolen base numbers rank among the worst in MLB and their hitting is just as bad. Currently, only one eligible hitter on the roster is batting above .280, and their cumulative .248 batting average ranks 23rd in all of baseball.

September call-ups may not be the cure to the problem, but they can provide the Twins with a spark for what is shaping up to be a tightly contested wild card race.

The first wave of call-ups were announced on Tuesday, with designated hitter Kennys Vargas, relievers Michael Tonkin and A.J. Achter, shortstop Danny Santana and catcher Eric Fryer joining the MLB club. Vargas will likely be the biggest contributor of the group. In addition to providing depth behind Miguel Sano at designated hitter, he can relieve Joe Mauer at first base if needed.

And perhaps their biggest impact player is not even on the roster yet.

Right-handed ace Jose Berrios was not among the initial September call-ups, and the 21-year-old will be making at least one more start at Triple-A Rochester. Berrios’ talent is no secret. He has recorded a 1.80 earned run average over his past nine starts, and has established himself as the premier pitching prospect in the Twins organization.

For a team with a struggling pitching staff that does not have a starting pitcher with an ERA under 3.80, Berrios’ addition would be a major boost for the wild card race.

Next: Glen Perkins will overcome injuries and anchor the bullpen

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