Despite getting swept in a three-game series with the resurgent White Sox, the Twins have reason to be optimistic about the remainder of the season.

The schedule is in their favor.

Of their remaining 79 games, only 31 are against teams with a .500 record or better. The other 48 are against the likes of Cleveland, Texas, Baltimore and Detroit. A 90-win season is well within reach.

If manager Ron Gardenhire finally replaces Joe Mays with Johan Santana in the starting rotation, and if Eric Milton comes off the disabled list in August as planned, the Twins' problems with pitching will likely solve itself.

Don't give up on them yet. There's plenty of ball left to play.

Dwight; Boyum

boyum@postbulletin.com