Twins won't be denied a second time around

October 7, 9:45 AMMLB ExaminerAlex Brown

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AP Photo/Paul Battaglia

For the second year in a row, the Twins were forced into a one-game playoff for the American League Central Division title.  In the 2008 play-in game, they lost a heartbreaker to the Chicago White Sox.  In the 2009 version, they would not be denied again, winning a 12-inning battle with the Detroit Tigers and thrusting themselves into the playoff picture.

This game had everything – clutch hits, superb defensive plays, and good pitching.  The end of the game proved to be especially exciting, when the Twins got out of a jam with closer Joe Nathan on the mound, doubling Curtis Granderson off first base on a Magglio Ordonez line out.  The Tigers had their own chance to turn two later however, as  outfielder Ryan Raburn atoned for a terrible defensive play by nailing the potential winning run at the plate as the second out of an inning-ending double play.  All in all, this was one for the ages.

Despite a good effort, what I wrote back in September 2008 rings true today – the Twins play a unique style of baseball.  Everybody buys in, and it’s taught from the minor leagues on up.  This is why it’s no big deal when key players such as Justin Morneau, Joe Crede, and Kevin Slowey are unable to contribute.  Even though this contest was close, you had the feeling that when the Tigers stranded the bases loaded the Twins would not let the opportunity get away.

I don’t think the Minnesota Twins are long for these playoffs, but that shouldn’t tarnish what this franchise has been able to accomplish.  In an era where teams throw money at their problems (how’s that working out, Mets?) the Twins are building a winning franchise the right way.