Just Not Good Enough

Most fans were ready for the Twins to lose to the Yankees in the ALDS after the Yankees went up 2-1 in game 3 of the series Sunday night. Carl Pavano had pitched well and it was time to look toward next year. Then Nick Punto slapped a double to left field and it appeared more of that old dome magic was in works. Not so fast. Denard Span promptly hit a chopper that never appeared to have enough steam to get through the infield and Derek Jeter easily gloved it before going into centerfield. Punto, the Piranha, had other thoughts and kept running with his head down. He was reacting to the crowd noise he said which he felt indicated Span's hit went through. Nick never put his head up and ran through Scott Ullger's stop sign at third base. Eventually stopping and sliding to the turf about 20 feet from home. He was easily thrown out at third base and makes what has to be one of the worst baserunning blunders in Twins history. That speaks volumes considering Carlos Gomez is on the team. Punto's boneheaded play put a dagger into Twins fans' hearts and made an acceptable loss extremely bitter. It made the Twins appear desperate and junior varsity like which comes off as pathetic when your playing the 103 win New York Yankees. The whole series showed the Twins were just not good enough to advance in the playoffs. Unless serious moves are made to upgrade the team the Twins will win the division next year, but they will watch the Yankees celebrate again and this time it will be in 40 degree weather at Target Field.