Michael Rand and Patrick Reusse look at an eventful recent stretch for the Twins, which included a 2-4 home stand against the Yankees and Astros while several of their key players continued to try to work their way back from injury. Both of them concluded that the Twins' pitching is to blame, and injuries don't tell much of the story -- just a bad plan and ineffectiveness.
In a discussion about Byron Buxton rehabbing his latest injury in St. Paul while the Twins played key home games, Reusse said he senses Buxton is unhappy with the organization. As the trade deadline looms in about six weeks, there could be a purge of the Twins' roster. While Buxton is unlikely to be dealt midyear, don't rule out an offseason trade -- meaning none of the Twins' core of established players is untouchable.
And a tribute to the life and career of Mudcat Grant, ace of the 1965 Twins, who died on Friday at age 85.