Successful Season Already?

[Nightfly]

Does winning a very weak division and a best-of-3 WC series win constitute a successful season?

While ending the 18-game postseason losing streak is noteworthy, it still highlights nearly two decades of playoff futility more than anything. And we've only reached the divisional round, where we are 0 for our last 6.

So, let's say we fall to Houston in 3 or 4 games, and are only competitive in 1 or 2 of those. Do you feel good about 2023?

[Slap Shot]

If they get worked by Houston it will leave a bad taste in my mouth. But let's be realistic - with their overall payroll (16th in MLB?) should expect more?

[weimy froob]

first of all every season is a successful one when the stanks don't win the WS. this has been a good season if you've followed the twins too. lots of highlights in the second half--once they started playing their rookies on a regular basis.

[jffl_commish]

Winning a pathetic division that no one else wanted to win is meaningless. Ending the most embarrassing streak in sports does mean something. Success on that front.

[feekdogg]

I've got to say yes, just because that's such a huge monkey off the organization's back. They did what they should do. Win a weak division. But they took it even further.
On the other side, they could have avoided the first round and been hosting the ALDS if they'd just won a couple more games. They cost themselves by giving Joey Gallo way too many chances when everyone knew he had little to offer when they signed him. They sat on their hands at the deadline, I assume because they were scared of getting burned again like they did last year. The bullpen struggled in the middle of the year. It's a strength again because they're getting something out of Paddack, they figured out Varland could be a reliever and Stewart came off the shelf just in time. They made some great under the radar moves with Castro and Taylor that helped immensely, but their big spends have all been busts (or in Correa's case, simply a bust at the plate). The rookies have stepped up huge, just stop taking chances away by pinch-hitting for them with the frickin' Jordan Luplows of the world. I'd still like to see a different regime spearhead this young group going forward, but this year probably buys them at least two more years.

[Phil Leotardo]

Mostly yes. As others have said, if they were to get embarrassed in the ALDS it would effect my feelings, but if they lose a competitive series, I'd be fine with how it went.

[Coach X]

Considering who the manager is, for the players this season was a massive success. I legitimately think with a decent manager the team wins 5-10 more games and likely has the 2 seed. Rocco is a thorn in their side, and they are still winning big games. Pretty impressive. Down side of that is he is likely back multiple more sessons because of this success.

[ForCaleb]

Yes, given how well they turned it around after the AS break. But there's more work to do.

I'll argue the Twins are the slightly better team even if they don't have home field advantage.

Post AS break:
Twins 42-29
Astros 37-31

Rotation: Twins
Bullpen: Astros
Defense: Twins
Offense: Astros
Bench Depth: Twins

[FishNChipsGuy]

To this I say World Series or bust my guys

[tbgh]

At least they won a playoff game. And winning one series was fun. Let's go win another one and then see where we're at.

[Slap Shot]

42-29 since the break, a team full of young players and a AAA team filled with prospects.

Compare that with the Wild who insist on staying/getting older...

[minnemike]

42-29 since the break, a team full of young players and a AAA team filled with prospects.

Compare that with the Wild who insist on staying/getting older...

THat's the best part of this so far.... all the young guys getting post season experience against the champs. And holding them even so far is even better.

[Small Hands]

This season has absolutely been a success. I was in college The last time they won a playoff series. Their window is now though, cuz Gray is as good as gone after the season.

[feekdogg]

This season has absolutely been a success. I was in college The last time they won a playoff series. Their window is now though, cuz Gray is as good as gone after the season.

I'm not going to close the window on this one yet. Winning changes things. That might make him change his mind/mend the fences a little on his issues with how the organization handles its starters.

[Gordonbombay]

Def a success. We had a chance in game 1 vs the Astros and won game 2. I am going to say they will win game 3. Not sure who we'd be trotting out for game 4, I'd almost rather see Ryan than Ober again. Solid chance there will be a game 5 with Pablo pitching for all the tostitos.

[Phil Leotardo]

Def a success. We had a chance in game 1 vs the Astros and won game 2. I am going to say they will win game 3. Not sure who we'd be trotting out for game 4, I'd almost rather see Ryan than Ober again. Solid chance there will be a game 5 with Pablo pitching for all the tostitos.

Ryan get's game 4, almost 100%. Game 3 is a huge one, don't want to have to trust Joe with the season on the line.

[focker]

I think so. Won the division, broke the playoff futility streak and are now playing competitive ball against Houston. Win game 3 and maybe we take this series.

[Gordonbombay]

I think so. Won the division, broke the playoff futility streak and are now playing competitive ball against Houston. Win game 3 and maybe we take this series.

A lopez verlander dual for game 5 would be epic

[Da Gas Man's Ghost]

I think so. Won the division, broke the playoff futility streak and are now playing competitive ball against Houston. Win game 3 and maybe we take this series.

This is accurate and also why we are losers.

[OliverMiller]

Not a success, but not a failure. Winning a series would be a success

[TheLokNesMonster]

I have a high standard for this organization. The season is a bust if they don’t get to post season. If they get to post season and don’t get to play for the World Series, it is a disappointing season.

[tbgh]

No. This franchise needs to get to the Alcs. They lose in this round far too often.

[Slap Shot]

[Hornets]

Imagine our local 9 in the World Series this next week with highs in the 30's!!

[salamander]

Does winning a very weak division and a best-of-3 WC series win constitute a successful season?

While ending the 18-game postseason losing streak is noteworthy, it still highlights nearly two decades of playoff futility more than anything. And we've only reached the divisional round, where we are 0 for our last 6.

So, let's say we fall to Houston in 3 or 4 games, and are only competitive in 1 or 2 of those. Do you feel good about 2023?

Not winning the World Series equals failure.