The Twins reached the All-Star break at 44-50 after beating Colorado on Sunday.

Here's how that compares to their record at the three previous All-Star breaks:

2011: 41-48.

2012: 36-49.

2013: 39-53.

Slightly better starting pitching, due mostly to Phil Hughes and Kyle Gibson, has made the Twins a little better this season despite vital injuries to key hitters, like Joe Mauer and Josh Willingham, and the failure of Aaron Hicks to become a useful big-league hitter.

But the Twins' chances to finish strong could be handicapped by the innings limit on AAA pitcher Alex Meyer, and the expectation that the Twins will trade away a few valuable players as the trade deadline approaches.