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Simmesota Twins Finally Make Playoffs Earth-Sim Sports Oct. 2nd -- After three years of heartbreak, including missing the division title and wildcard by one game, the Simmesota Twins have finally reached the postseason. "It feels great," said Gary Sheffield, who was acquired during the contraction draft. "When you're in a division where Barry Bond is hitting 88 home runs, you know the wildcard is the only way into the postseason." Barry Bonds, who averaged a home run every 5.9 at bats this season, was a terror for every team -- including the Twins. "He beat us several times this year," said Josh Beckett. "He carried the White Sox to the division title." Beckett (17-8, 3.17 ERA, 201 K's in 199 innings) along with Kelvim Escobar (18-9, 3.60 ERA, 198 K's in 215 innings), were the key components for the Twins wildcard run. The two are in the top ten in almost every AL pitching category, and are in the running for this year's Cy Young. "It's been great year for Josh and me," said Escobar after clinching the wildcard, "but I think Oswalt (19-3, 2.13 ERA) will win Cy Young." The wildcard run will also be remembered for a big trade, and a couple of changes to the rotation in August. Troy Glaus, who was acquired for Eric Gagne and Aaron Boone right before the trade deadline, hit 13 home runs and knocked in 37 RBI's for the Twins, including 7 game winners. "He really carried us at times," said C6EO, the team's robotic manager. "He made a big difference." Glaus, who was struggling in San Francisco, experienced a resurgence after the trade. "Sometimes you just need a change of scenery -- that helped me a lot," said Glaus. C6EO also juggled the rotation, replacing Brian Moehler and A.J. Burnett with Jesus Sanchez (3-3, 3.75 ERA, 70% quality starts in August and September) and Dustin Hermanson (2-1, 4.11 ERA, 67% quality starts in August and September). "Those two really came through for us," added C6EO. Dustin, who was fishing in Florida before being signed by the Twins, was glad when he got the call. "I thought my career was over. It's great to be part of a playoff team."
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