Timing can be everything. If we didn't have the numbers in front of us, we would question whether the Twins are really 13-6, with among the best records in baseball. Because, you see, the only three games we've watched start-to-finish in the past 8 days or so have been the three series finales against KC (twice) and Cleveland -- all losses with disappointing moments in all of them. Their season-to-date seems to us right now like a series of big buts -- a Sir-Mix-A-Lot special -- whereby optimists and pessimists are fighting it out, with the truth landing somewhere in the middle. Consider:

*The Twins have been atrocious with the bases loaded (.148 batting average, just 4 hits in a whopping 27 at bats) and have failed in other such clutch situations (.251 BA with RISP). ... But, the middle of their order with Mauer, Morneau and Cuddyer has been splendid, and through it all they are still tied for 4th in MLB in runs scored with 101. ... But many other key players have either had lukewarm starts or really bad starts (Jason Kubel is hitting .169! The sky is falling!). ... But even with some of those rough starts, tons of players are being patient at the plate to the point that a lineup that used to jump on every first pitch is now -- gasp! -- leading the majors in walks! (While also having the fourth-fewest K's at the plate).

Optimist conclusion about the offense: The Twins won't hit so poorly in the clutch or with the sacks full all season, and while Morneau won't be this hot all year, the projection is that the offense which in reality has already performed pretty well should be even better when others start clicking. Pessimist conclusion about the offense: Once teams start throwing them strikes and the middle of the order hits a skid, they'll be in trouble.

*The starting pitching has been inconsistent, with Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker leading the charge in that department. ... But, overall, the starters have been pretty good, and Francisco Liriano looks like he might be back to dominant form. In addition, the bullpen has been phenomenal, putting up a 2.37 ERA to the starters' reasonable 4.19. Jon Rauch has shown the mentality and the ability to be a closer, while Matt Guerrier continues to do more with less. The lefties seem fine even with Jose Mijares.

Optimist conclusion about the pitching: The Twins should be able to expect similar production, if not a little bit better, from the starters. If the bullpen holds up, this is a pretty nice staff. Pessimist conclusion about the pitching: The bullpen holding up is a big if, and we're all still holding our breath with Liriano. If he falters, nobody else has ace stuff on the starting staff.

*The defense has been magnificent in many regards, with only 2 errors in 19 games (leading the majors in fewest errors by a wide margin. The Dodgers, by comparison, have 10 times as many errors with 20). ... But the decreased outfield range without Carlos Gomez has shown on some occasions, and despite just two real errors, there have been some troubling mental mistakes.

Conclusion about the defense: We're grasping for straws with negatives. This defense looks nice and solid.

Overall conclusion: The team has shown a frustrating inability to finish off sweeps ... but the Twins have won all six of their season series and are on pace for 111 victories. While they won't win that many, we don't think 95-100 is unreasonable.

Your thoughts in the comments ...