Slashing payroll yet again and ignoring glaring weaknesses during the offseason went every bit as badly as feared, but the Twins' problems didn't end there.
For the third straight season, the Twins have fallen apart after the All-Star break, despite a new manager, a new general manager, and a new Pohlad in charge.
By adding Hoffman, A.J. Minter, and Dean Kremer without subtracting any major leaguers, the front office gave the Twins a real chance to grab a playoff spot.
Zoll said adding pitching, and specifically bullpen help, "will be a clear focus." But the status of catcher Ryan Jeffers, an impending free agent, is still up in the air.
Why do things feel different for the Twins despite having nearly the same record as this same point last season? And what are their playoff chances at the break?
Talking to the Twins' owner about the trade deadline, Byron Buxton, attendance, payroll, Jeremy Zoll, Derek Shelton, and why everything comes back to winning.
