1947’s “Miracle on 34th Street” was acclaimed as one of Hollywood’s finest films, nominated for best picture and winning academy awards for best supporting actor and best writer.

It’s a story of a practical mother trying to convince her little girl, there is no such thing as Santa Claus. Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus is taken to court and eventually proved to be Santa Claus by none other than the U.S. Post Office. It’s a fantasy, but definitely a feel-good movie.

These past two weeks we have witnessed the Miracle on 34 Kirby Puckett Place, the home of the Minnesota Twins. Not that they were uncommonly lucky, they weren’t. They performed way above our expectations and as they have all season, and surprised us. I tried to figure out what happened. Then I realized that these are not the April Twins, they are the halfway through the season, July Twins.

Let’s look at the beginning lineup as it compares with the lineup of today. The result is somewhat surprising for while I knew there have been many changes I didn’t realize the extent of the makeover.

The outfield has remained relatively stable when compared to the infield. About the only surprise has been center fielder Carlos Gomez. He has quickly become a fan favorite for his hustle, ability and personality. There are some games that Gomez simply seems to take over. It appears that he comes to bat every other inning and disrupts the game, seemingly scoring at will. He is still young, learning and making mistakes, but what potential with his speed and power.

The infield is a different story. As you remember, we started the season with Mike Lamb at third, Adam Everett at shortstop and Brendan Harris at second with Justin Morneau at first. All changed with the exception of Morneau.

Brian Buscher came up from Rochester, playing well, learning third base, hitting .350 and more than .500 with runners in scoring position. No one expects him to continue that terrific clutch hitting, but he has been a minor miracle.

Around the infield the next position is shortstop Brendan Harris. He has played a good shortstop and is hitting well for his position. There is talk that he doesn’t have the range of some. I don’t care. He makes the routine plays, doesn’t try to do too much, is solid on double plays and has a strong arm. Those that remember Greg Gagne, shortstop of the ‘87 and ‘91 champs will see similarities between Gagne and Harris.

Next on our infield tour is second baseman Alexi Casilla. Since called up from Rochester, Casilla has been a revelation. Everything Terry Ryan thought when he moved last year’s second baseman Luis Castillo to the Mets has come true. As I write this Casilla is hitting over .300 and has shown surprising power and baseball sense. Not since the days of Chuck Knoblauch have we seen the command of second base that Casilla displays.

There is a reality show that with hair changes, makeup and clothing, attempts to take years off a person’s age. The Twins have had a makeover only with different people and positions. I hope this makeover will be more lasting. In any case, there are four shiny new packages under the Christmas tree in Gomez, Buscher, Harris and Casilla for Twins’ fans.

The jury is still out on our pitching youngsters, but the elves seemed pleased and are searching for wrapping paper. Another article will be coming on our pitching staff and hopefully I will be able to repeat the following statement concerning them. Like the “Miracle on 34th Street,” it appears that Santa Claus has arrived and his presents to the Twins will stay shiny and bright and remain the Miracle of 34 Kirby Puckett Place.