The Twins do seem to be struggling since leaving the Twinkie Dome.
But something is amiss in Minny.
The move from the infernal Metrodome to lush Target Field has enhanced the Twins’ bottom line, as expected — they signed Joe Mauer, their homegrown All-Star catcher, to an unprecedented eight-year, $184 million contract extension before he hit free agency.
But playing outdoors means playing real baseball, and an end to the quirky home-field advantage the Metrodome’s grayish-white roof and unpredictably spongy turf provided.
Mauer is a case in point. He hit 16 of his 28 homers at the Metrodome in 2009, its final season. He has 18 in two-plus years since, including only four at Target Field, where the spacious dimensions negate his power to the alleys.
“They’re an indoor team that no longer plays indoors,” Sox broadcaster Steve Stone said.
