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Twins' Big Hitters Not Living Up To Expectations

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The two Twins in the batting order that could change the season are Brian Dozier and Miguel Sano. If they hit the projections coming into the season, things would be different.

Last season flowed all the way to the All-Star game for Brian Dozier. This season has been a battle.

"I been a part of some ups and downs, last year obviously with some success. Down to the wire the last couple of games, and that kind of thing," Dozier said. "And then obviously you turn the page to this year and it's been the exact opposite.

"But at the same time, we're guys that are winners. It's not like we're going to lay down and quit or anything like that."

So he called on his good friend Torii Hunter to help.

"Torii's one of my better friends ever in the game. Any time you can have someone, whether it's Torii, whether it's Molly, whether it's Josh Willingham to talk to," Dozier said, "anybody that's been around through ups and downs for as long a number of years as they have, any chance you get to kind of pick their brains of how they kind of handle certain situations, that can only help you."

And what he's learning is that this game is a whole lot about the game played between the ears.

"More mental side of it. When you start pressing, and you start trying to do too much at the plate and hit the three run homer with nobody on base and that kind of thing, you got to take a step back and take what pitchers give you," Dozier said.

The other mystery, Sano, has hit no doubt home runs the past two games. Friday, he hit one against one of the best in the business, Felix Hernandez.

But he's been up and down and been questioned by the people who employ him this season.

"Every time I try to learn something," Sano said. "And try to play the game and prepare myself all the time to play the game.

"I never get frustrated. I be happy in the dugout and try to help my teammates."

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