Minnesota Twins: Can the Twins beat the New York Yankees in the playoffs?

The Minnesota Twins are heading towards their first playoff appearance since 2010, but can they make it past the New York Yankees?

No matter how the Minnesota Twins finish the season, they can take great pride in the strides they’ve made this year. Coming off a 59-103 season, the Twins are shocking the MLB by being the 13th team in major league history to have a winning record following a 100 loss season. Not to mention, they are heading towards a playoff berth.

Clearly, the Twins have blown away expectations.

Heading into the season, it was suppose to be another rebuilding year under new baseball chief officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine. Instead, the Twins are likely heading to Yankee Stadium to play New York in the American League Wild Card Game. A do-or-die showdown that leads to a Division Series matchup against the Cleveland Indians or Houston Astros.

For many Twins fans, a matchup against the Yankees doesn’t sit well. In the Twins’ last two playoff appearances, they were swept by New York. Additionally, the Twins are 1-8 at Yankee Stadium in the last three seasons.

Essentially, the Yankees have had the Twins’ number, especially in New York.

So, can the Twins turn the tide this time around? Can the Twins finally break through against their AL foe in a do-or-die game?

History sides with the Yankees and there’s no way to say whether the Twins can defy history or not. But, I do like the Twins’ chances better in this scenario.

Unlike previous postseason matchups with New York, this one comes down to one game. In 2012, the MLB changed the playoff format to include two wild card teams in the A.L and N.L. The two Wild Card teams from each league play a one-game playoff for the right to advance to the Division Series.

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Basically, the Twins should feel much better about beating the Yankees in a one-game playoff as opposed to a five or seven game playoff series.

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While I hope they break through against the Yankees, I’m still less than optimistic.

I mean, New York pretty much wrapped up the top wild card spot after sweeping Minnesota at home just over a week ago. I’m also skeptical that the Twins’ bullpen can be relied upon against a potent Yankees lineup headed by Aaron Judge.

Even so, the Twins have been full of surprises this season, so there’s no reason to doubt that this squad can’t defy the odds yet again. They are definitely capable of putting together a great game behind likely Wild Card Game starter and ace Ervin Santana.

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If they do win, it could be just what they need to turn the tide against New York. Most importantly, playoff baseball would return to Minnesota for the first time since 2010.