Going into Major League Baseball action Monday, the Minnesota Twins -- thanks to a 9-2 start to September -- had a six-game lead in the AL Central and the second-best record in the league, just two games behind the New York Yankees.
Thank goodness for the Twins. It sure wasn't a good week for other Minnesota sports clubs.
For on-the-field disappointments, one has to start with the Minnesota Gophers' setback on the gridiron Saturday. Playing at home against South Dakota, which is in the midst of a transition to Division I, the Big 10-affiliated Gophers came out on the short end, 41-38. The loss may ultimately cost already beleaguered coach Tim Brewster his job by season's end.
Two days earlier, the Vikings struggled offensively during a 14-9 road loss to New Orleans. Granted, it was one game and the opponent was the defending Super Bowl champs, but already some are wondering if last year's magic has vanished.
With the horrific Timberwolves' NBA season on the horizon -- not to mention a Minnesota Wild NHL team that has missed the playoffs the last two seasons -- we're even more grateful for our beloved boys of summer.
