AL Division Series: Familiar Story for Twins (so far)

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Twins beat the Yankees in the Bronx and then fell behind 1-2. The difference this year was that they had game 2 in the bag...well, almost. Ron Gardenhire's decision to persist with Joe Nathan for that fateful 12th innings may well have ended the Twins' chances of advancing to the ALCS. Of course, there's no telling how the 12th innings would have gone anyway what with A-Rod, Jeter and Sheffield due up. In any case, that was the turning point. But let's hope the Twins can pull one back at the Metrodome and set up a game 5 at the Bronx - the pressure should then be on the Yankees because they would be expected to win! On the other hand, the Red Sox may really break the curse this year, the way they've gone about their business since August. Of course, they're likely to once again run into the Yankees, but on the surface that's what the Red Sox want (at least the fans do!).