Once upon a time, starting in the late-70s, the Kansas City Royals seemed to win the American League Western Division title every single year, chuckling at the woeful Minnesota Twins.
This was during the years of George Brett, Freddie Patek and Frank White.
After a World Series win in 1985, the Royals generally faded to the background — until few years ago, when they were crowned an “up and coming” team.
In 2013, Kansas City seems to be fulfilling that promise. And yes, at the expense of the woeful Minnesota Twins.
Heading into tonight’s contest in Kansas City, the Royals have a 10-3 record against the Twins this year, including a stunning three-game sweep over Minnesota at Target Field last week.
For the Twins, now it’s time for revenge on the road.
“It’s going to be a tough series and hopefully a little payback,” manager Ron Gardenhire told the Star Tribune.
Slugger Justin Morneau adds: “They feel like they’re in the race. We have to go in there and disrupt that.”
Since it’s only Aug. 5, the Royals (56-52) are certainly in the race.
They’ve won 11 of 12, and trail Cleveland by 4.5 games for the American League’s second wild-card spot.
The Twins (48-60) have won three straight (against the Astros), and are a 12.5 games behind the Indians for that same wild-card spot.
Looking at the calendar, it would take a medium-sized miracle to make up that distance. But can the Twins crush some dreams along the way?
Kevin Correia (7-7, 4.49 ERA) starts for the Twins, against Jeremy Guthrie (11-7, 4.22).
