Minnesota Twins

The American League Central division is a dead heat.

With their loss to Baltimore on Monday, the White Sox dropped into a tie with the Minnesota Twins.

The Detroit Tigers, 6-19 since the All-Star break, have gracefully bowed out of the race for the division, making it a two-team contest—two teams that competed in just such a race back in 2008.

Full article can be seen here: http://stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/william-hammond-stadium-s204/

Hammond Stadium, the home of the Fort Myers Miracle, showed why it was miraculous.

Even driving through the entrance was entertaining, as the stadium showed its great curb-side appeal with a fountain and two lines of giant palm trees.

With this welcoming kind of feel, the mood was light as spectators were ready for a great evening of competitive baseball.

When the Twins struggled their way into the All-Star break, going 8-13 and falling to third place in the American League Central division, things were looking pretty bleak.

All-Star first baseman Justin Morneau hasn't played a game since July 8 after suffering a concussion. 

Currently infielder Nick Punto and Gold-Glove second baseman Orlando Hudson are on the disabled list.

The non-waiver trading deadline has passed.

The Texas Rangers made arguably the biggest move in the AL with the acquisition of ace Cliff Lee.

They also added some depth with shortstop Cristian Guzman, infielder Jorge Cantu, and catcher Bengie Molina.

In typical New York fashion, the Yankees have put themselves in a position to repeat as World Series champions with the additions of first baseman Lance Berkman, outfielder Austin Kearns, and pitcher Kerry Wood.

It had been reported over the last couple of days that the Minnesota Twins were looking to acquire a pitcher in order to bolster a bullpen that could use work, despite having the best ERA in the league today.

It appears as though the Twins have found that man. But he most certainly came with a price.

In exchange for the 26-year-old right-hander, Minnesota had to trade one of their best prospects, catcher Wilson Ramos.

During a year in which pitchers are being sold for remarkably low prices, the Minnesota Twins announced last night that they had traded Wilson Ramos to the Washington Nationals for closer Matt Capps. On the face of things, it seems a very high price to pay for a closer.

In a day that has already seen Roy Oswalt head east and Miguel Tejada head west, Nationals closer Matt Capps is now on his way to Minnesota, according to several sources.

The Twins have acquired former Nats' closer Matt Capps for catching prospect Wilson Ramos, according to Steve Stone of the White Sox.

Capps was enjoying a terrific season with Washington, while Ramos is a solid prospect for the Twins.

Capps has 26 saves in 30 opportunities, with a 2.74 ERA and just nine walks in 47 games. 

Ramos throws very well and while his receiving needs work, his bat plays well despite a lack of plate discipline.

Meanwhile, what does this mean for the rest of the AL Central?

If I had more title space, I would have called this the "Twins Edition."

With the Twins turning the tide at the beginning of the second half, it's time to look at some of Minnesota's big guns and the effect they may have on the American League.

Awards, playoffs, whatever works. I've got enough odd/frightening/bewildering/upsetting predictions to last us until next season.

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The Minnesota Twins have come into their own since the All-Star break despite being without Justin Morneau and more recently Orlando Hudson. With the two on the disabled list the door has been opened for other players to step up. Here are five players that have the potential to make the biggest difference outside of the regulars.

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