Here are five signs that the Twins are not a fluke.
1. Improved outfield defense
The Twins' pitching staff averages 5.77 strikeouts per nine innings, the lowest such mark in the Majors. The Twins also have the highest percentage of opposing swings that result in balls in play (21.2) and have allowed the second-most fly balls (473). So defense -- particularly outfield defense -- is important for them.
Last year that defense was atrocious. The Twins ranked next to last in the Majors in defensive runs saved (minus-73), and their outfield play was particularly bad (minus-50).