The Minnesota Twins are currently 45-37 and just a couple games behind the first place Chicago White Sox in the American League Central.

The Twins were not supposed to be anywhere near the top of the standings at the start of the year after all of their offseason losses, but the young starting pitchers have steadily progressed throughout the first half of the season.

Scott Baker has established himself as a solid No. 2 and Kevin Slowey has been fantastic of late. Nick Blackburn has also proven himself to be a reliable starter.

Offensively, outfielder Jason Kuble has been a pleasant surprise and has shown more than a little pop in his bat.