After yesterday's weird one game road trip to New York, the Twins losing streak now stands at nine games heading into a three game series against the Seattle Mariners this week at Target Field. And after the losing streak, the Twins must now win 4 of their last 10 games in order to avoid what would be the second 100 loss season in Minnesota Twins history. Of course, the last time around was 1982, when a a core of young Twins, including Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Tom Brunansky and Frank Viola, took their lumps during a 102 loss season. But five years later, that core won the World Series. How about if I just leave you with that image in your head?
Liam Hendriks was hit pretty hard his last time out in his second Major League start, giving up 5 runs over 5 innings in Kansas City. While Gardy has been impressed with his poise on the mound, I suspect he's in full "silver lining" mode with the youngsters at this point. Hendriks will be facing a Seattle Mariners offense that is by far the worst in the Majors. Then again the Mariners scored 12 runs yesterday during a weird one game road trip of their own in Cleveland, so go figure.
Jason Vargas is left handed, doesn't miss many bats, and his ERA and FIP are a bit above league average, with ERA- and xFIP- both at 112. Vargas won't blow anyone away with his mid-to-high 80's fastball, and he's a fly ball pitcher who takes advantage of spacious Safeco Field. Target Field plays pretty much the same, and considering he's facing much of the Rochester Red Wings lineup, I wouldn't expect too many long balls outside of perhaps Michael Cuddyer and his 1.019 OPS against lefties this season.