Minneapolis — There are excuses for underperformance and there are reasons for it.
Victor Martinez, speaking honestly and forthrightly before Monday game's, owned up to his struggles this season. He was, though, loath to make excuses for them.
"For me, by far this is the worst year of my career," he said. "But I keep trying. I'll tell you something – I never quit. I never gave up. I keep going out there all the time and I keep playing. You know, I take it personally.
"This has been a bad season for us and it starts with myself.