Although the Minnesota Twins disappointed this season, pop's female stars had a memorable run in the Twin Cities. With a tip of the cap to the boys of summer, here's a look at how 2011's women were in a league of their own.

ADELE: Xcel Energy Center • Aug. 24

After two trips to the disabled list, she finally proved why she's the ace of the staff. Even though she may be more of a thrower than a pitcher at this early stage of her career, she has great stuff and performs with restraint and finesse. Her in-the-moment personality and stand-up attitude about her injuries and canceled starts made her even more likable. Read the original review.

NICKI MINAJ: Xcel Energy Center • July 6

This rookie is the perfect leadoff hitter. Opening for Britney Spears, she showed more spark and fire than the headliner. She's a four-tool player who can sing, rap, dance and command the stage. She even stole the show from Britney during the veteran's encore yet still came across as a team player. Read the original review.

RIHANNA: Target Center • June 16

She has developed into a well-rounded No. 3 hitter, which was a pleasant surprise. We knew she could deliver top-flight dance-pop and ballads, but she hit a home run in concert with her live singing (stronger than expected), sexy dancing (no surprise) and an ability to make the performers/dancers around her better (admirable trait). She needs work in engaging the audience. But at 23, she's still young. Read the original review.

TAYLOR SWIFT: Xcel Energy Center • June 14-15

Like Joe Mauer, this phenom hit her stride fairly early in her career. Always remarkably poised and confident, at 21 she has become more ambitious with her concepts and theatrics onstage and pulls them off with aplomb. Her voice, which had been the only hole in her game, has improved. And she played a double header. Read the original review.

FLORENCE WELCH: Minnesota Zoo • July 17

With her powerhouse voice, she's like a rookie pitcher with a killer fastball who can strike out nearly every batter. However, there is a certain sameness to her material, so she needs to develop a variety of pitches. High hopes for Florence & the Machine. Read the original review.

BRITNEY SPEARS: Xcel Energy Center • July 6

Boy, she seems to have lost a lot since her last local appearance two years ago. We've all seen washed-up superstars who get by on the strength of their personality, but she seemed especially indifferent, unenergetic and all about that big paycheck. Read the original review.

KATY PERRY: Xcel Energy Center • Aug. 23

She's pushed the right buttons and made smart plays in her rookie campaign as an arena headliner. But during this appearance, after a short stay on the disabled list, she kept taking big swings and missing. She was clearly trying too hard and not at all concerned about pleasing the younger members of her fan base. She's not ready to bat cleanup. Her style is too flashy; she needs to play with more heart and humanity. Until then, she belongs near the bottom of the batting order. Read the original review.

KE$HA: Roy Wilkins Auditorium • Aug. 30

She's got the skill set, especially in the songwriting department. But maybe she was brought up to the majors too soon. She doesn't understand yet how to play in the big show. This summer's performance was more of a minor-league, er, club-level effort. Still, with some good coaching and better training habits, she has the makings of a utility player. Read the original review.