Is Max Kepler Figuring Out Lefties?

The Twins' rebuild began with the disastrous 2011 season, and it has yet to truly produce a contender. Long-term improvement and short-term overperformance have taken the team to winning records in two of the last four seasons, as well as a Wild Card berth in 2017, but the Twins haven't surpassed averageness.

A significant reason the Twins have failed to break out thus far has been a struggling group of young players. Eddie Rosario and José Berríos overcame initial difficulties to become the team's most valuable hitter and pitcher, respectively, but the Twins are still waiting on a few others to find their ways.

Byron Buxton was MLB.com's top overall prospect in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Though he plays center fielder like a Gold Glover, Buxton has struck out too much and repeatedly hit the Disabled List.

Miguel Sanó, ranked seventh on the 2014 list and third the year before, has phenomenal power and takes plenty of walks. But he's been unable to make contact consistently, reported to spring training overweight, missed time due to injuries, and was accused of assault last winter.

Jorge Polanco has had moderate success since becoming the starting shortstop in late 2016, but a PED suspension kept him off the field for half of 2018.

And then there's Max Kepler. The German has provided excellent defense in right field and shown enough flashes of offensive prowess to be a decent regular, but one thing held him back in his first couple of seasons.

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The Vikings' blowout win against the Dolphins and previewing Georgia Tech-Minnesota.

Aaron's Album of the Week: Neil Young, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

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We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 042

College football coaching changes, Vikings-Seahawks, and a selection of albums of 2018.

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We Are Maroon and Gold Episode 041

Conference championships, coaching moves, a bowl preview, and a quick recap of Vikings-Patriots.

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