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Houston Astros: Which AL Contenders Most Improved Team?
By Eric Huysman
#6 Minnesota Twins
Aug 2, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kevin Jepsen (49) pitches to the Seattle Mariners in the eleventh inning at Target Field. The Mariners win 4-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Additions
Kevin Jepsen 2015 Stats 2-6 record/ 3.21 ERA/ 35 SO in 42 innings
The Twins now sit in the second wild card slot in the American League with a 54-50 record. One game ahead of the Blue Jays and Orioles. While they did make a trade during the trade deadline to improve their team, some of their talented young players have made their debut this year including Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano, and Byron Buxton. The have succeeded the way the Astros have this year with young talent mixed in with a good veteran signing of Torii Hunter from the Tigers.
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The trade they made gave them a veteran reliever in Jepsen. The Twins have been looking for that setup man to Glen Perkins for a while, with the bullpen faltering now and then. Is Jepsen and elite option in the bullpen? No, but he is better than what they had. I’m not saying the Twins aren’t going to succeed, but they did the least to prepare for a run.
July 30th before trade: 15.8 % chance of making the playoffs
August 1st after the trade: 20.3% chance of making the playoffs
Next: #5 Baltimore Orioles