Twins 4, Blue Jays 0 (F)
Posted on March 7th, 2008 – 12:15 PMBy Joe Christensen
DUNEDIN — Carlos Gomez opened the game with a bunt single to second baseman Russ Adams, who charged the ball and didn’t even have time to make a throw. Gomez stole second base on the next pitch from A.J. Burnett, moved to third on Nick Punto’s textbook bouncer to first and scored on an infield single by Delmon Young.
In other words, we’re under way.
There’s a steady 20-25 mph wind blowing straight in from right field, so this is bound to wreak havoc. Glen Perkins walked Alex Rios to open the Toronto first, and Gregg Zaun followed with a single before Ron Gardenhire made a mound visit. Pitching coach, Rick Anderson, is back in Fort Myers watching some other lefthander pitch.
Now that’s an effective mound visit. Perkins pitched out of the first-inning jam, retiring Matt Stairs, Frank Thomas and Lyle Overbay.
(*) Anderson is never going to hear the end of this from Gardy. Perkins wound up retiring nine of the final 10 batters he faced — all after that mound visit.
Perkins’ line: 3IP, 2H, 0 R, 1 B, 3K.
He threw 43 pitches, 32 for strikes.
(*) Philip Humber came in to pitch in the fourth inning. Adam Everett just made the best play I’ve seen him make this spring, diving toward center field to steal a hit from Frank Thomas, and throwing him out easily at first.
(*) Everett led off the fifth inning with a double, and Gomez followed with a run-scoring triple. Pure entertainment. In a move-him-over situation, Gomez swings and misses with another huge hack. But he goes on to hit a ball down the right-field line, off the end of the bat. The ball landed just fair and spun into foul territory.
Right fielder Adam Lind tried to corral it, but there was no stopping Gomez, who flew around the bases — nearly tripping between second and third, of course. Nick Punto scored him with a safety squeeze bunt to first base. No way Gomez needed to slide. First baseman Lyle Overbay only had one play, at first base. But Gomez still slid home feet first, twisting a bit for added style points.
I forgot to mention earlier that in Gomez’s second bat, Burnett appeared to throw at him twice. Both pitches were at the legs, forcing Gomez to move his feet. But the hard-throwing righthander didn’t seem to appreciate that first-inning bunt.
(*) Humber allowed just one hit in two scoreless innings. Throw in his 1-2-3 outing in his last appearance, and he’s starting to distance himself from the Concordia performance.
(*) Home run Randy Ruiz. Wow. He just crushed a pitch over the left field wall.
(*) Kevin Mulvey tossed a 1-2-3 sixth inning, and a 1-2-3 seventh.
(*) Julio DePaula basically got five outs in the eighth, as errors by 2B Alexi Casilla and 3B Matt Macri helped the Blue Jays load the bases with one out. But DePaula got Matt Watson to ground into an inning-ending double play, keeping the Twins’ shutout bid intact.
(*) Ricky Barrett escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the ninth by getting a double play — sweet turn by 2B Casilla and SS Matt Tolbert. Even sweeter, because this game ended in a swift 2:17.
TWINS
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Nick Punto, 2B
3. Delmon Young, LF
4. Garrett Jones, RF
5. Randy Ruiz, DH
6. Brian Buscher, 1B (Thanks for the heads up on earlier typo, T.)
7. Matt Macri, 3B
8. Jose Morales, C
9. Adam Everett, SS
Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins
Blue Jays
1. Alex Rios, CF
2. Gregg Zaun, C
3. Matt Stairs, LF
4. Frank Thomas, DH
5. Lyle Overbay, 1B
6. Adam Lind, RF
7. John McDonald, SS
8. Joe Inglett, 3B
9. Russ Adams, 2B
Starting pitcher: RH A.J. Burnett
Knology Park. First pitch, 12:05 p.m. (Central).
62 Responses to "Twins 4, Blue Jays 0 (F)"
I’m guessing that should be “1B” next to Buscher. Nice start by Gomez, and I cannot wait to see Young. Hope he’s in the game when they broadcast it Sunday on FSN.
Thanks for keeoing us posted Joe, there are other players on the team beside Francisco.
It is really starting to feel like Gomez will make the big club and start in CF. So long, Denard. I wonder if Pirdie starts in AAA.
Joe, were you near anyone with a radar gun? If so, where was his velocity?
Re: Humber
diving toward center field to steal a hit from Frank Thomas…
That’s impressive. He puts some pepper on those hits.
…and throwing him out easily at first.
That not so much. In the ‘07 playoffs, Cuddy almost cut down Thomas on a ball that dropped into right field.
Doesn’t sound like much? Well, Thomas was on his way to first at the time.
Punto looking good in the #2 spot. I think Nick has played all his games at 2B. That’s his spot this year.
Tolbert getting looked at for the utility spot. They should try him at 3rd, as an every day guy. They don’t have anyone to play there, anyway. He would offer some speed, a component severely lacking this year.
Joe,
How is Humber, stuff-wise???
Good to see some positive outings from him.
Thanks for the updates Joe. It sounds like Gomez might win the CF job after all — his “pest” value as a lead-off hitter and baserunner is off the charts.
Of course Punto made an out, what he needs to do is gat a hit in that situation, but they are the the Twins
Hopefully he’ll work at that “huge hack” thing. But I like the other stuff I’m reading.
If he developes as the Twins hope he does, he could easily fill the ego-gap left by Hunter in center field.
Hopefully he doesn’t turn into a jerk about it.
On another note, is anybody else liking the offensive output this Spring so far (knock wood of course)?
I think Gomez/Pridie are feeding off one another as motivation (heck, drop Monroe and let these two continue it in the bigs), not to mention Young seems to be adjusting to hitting either 3 or 5 in the lineup (PUT HIM 3RD!)
I can’t wait to see this team on Sunday.
Gomez is about as unpolished as it gets. Casilla last year was just as bad, maybe worse. Both should soon be boarding, The Rochester Express.
I think Monroeis going to be a key rbi guy for us. He had one crummby year, but otherwise he’s an established hitter… Plus he’s been hitting well in ST.
Craig, if you haven’t figured it out by now…I stopped putting any value in what you said when you started suggesting the Twins trade Morneau for pitching.
mleeob: The only reason I’d be reluctant to see Monroe on the roster over Pridie and Gomez is because he’s a short term place holder. If either one of those two is ready for primetime, then he needs to step aside.
Unless they feel whoever between Pridie and Gomez doesn’t make the squad out of Spring would be better served getting regular starts in AAA.
Lamb and Everett are the same thing. They may help the team for a year or so, but even they know it’s only while guys like Buscher, Harris, Macri, and Tolbert (and yeah…I guess Casilla) get their acts together.
So far, all 4 prospects we got in the Santana trade are showing good signs the Twins got the right players. Yes, I know it’s early ST but it’s still nice to see… for now.
T-
I agree w/ you except for Lamb. They signed him to a 2 year deal, and I firmly believe he can be a pretty good 3B for us. I’m predicting 18HR 75RBI for Lamb this year.
Trading Morneau for pitching, needs to happen now, more than ever. The Twins are still under the mistaken belief that he is a good player. It is likely there are a few other GM’s that also are. Now, is the time to act, and make the trade, but unfortunately the Twins can’t see it.
Lamb should DH and be a back up first baseman. He can’t field.
Gomez sounds like he would be a great lead off hitter with his speed, all he would need to do is get on base and run!
Mauer, Punto, Everett, Span. The Twins could be okay up the middle. I still want to see Everett’s range on the turf.
The corners are soft. Really soft. I see Young at some point moving to RF this year, and the Twins getting a swift, sure-handed player for left. Brandon Roberts may develop during the season.
Cuddy could move to 1B, or maybe be packaged with Morneau. I think the Twins will most likely keep Morneau, plodding along, losing a lot of games.
The Twins are still under the mistaken belief that he is a good player.
Uh huh.
I think Nick has played all his games at 2B. That’s his spot this year.
Remind me again why anybody should take you seriously?
Twins 6 Red Sox 1 in the 6th
Morneau and Monroe both have HOME RUNS!
They signed him to a 2 year deal, and I firmly believe he can be a pretty good 3B for us.
I haven’t seen enough of him to be able to form an opinion, but I think in the long run Buscher would be a better choice.
Twins 6 Red Sox 1 in the 6th
I may be mistaken…but they’ve scored at least 6 runs in every game since last Sunday. Give or take a splitsquad I didn’t catch.
*shoot*
That should read “last Saturday”
Craig — The Twins are beating Boston 6-1, due in no small part to Morneau’s first-inning, two-run homer. Twins pitching has given up only 1 run in two games today. You picked the wrong time to crawl out from under your rock to propose trading Morneau for pitching.
Brian “the Butcher” Buscher, can’t play any position. They can release him.
He’s redundant. Kubel and Lamb are the same player.
Since it’s getting to be SAT season (and because I like Conan)
Logic:Craig::Water:Duck.
Whatever the case, the Twins offsense this spring is looking like they’re getting used to each other. Pitching staff has hda some rough patches but otherwise I’m excited to watch the young guys go.
Kubel and Lamb are the same player
Except Kubel can’t play third and I don’t think Lamb is an outfielder.
You’re reaching Craig. I think I hear your fingernames on the bottom of the barrel.
Should be: *fingernails*
Though I do like inventing words.
There are few things more meaningless in baseball, than spring training stats, and W/L results.
“Kubel can’t play third and I don’t think Lamb is an outfielder.”
Lamb can’t play third and I don’t think Kubel is an outfielder.
It’s fun to watch you contradict yourself…
I think Nick has played all his games at 2B. That’s his spot this year.
There are few things more meaningless in baseball, than spring training stats…
Don’t forget trollers. Nobody likes trollers.
Ooooh Craig, good one ….. NOT!!
“It’s fun to watch you contradict yourself…”
Who the manager is playing, and where he is playing him, might mean something in spring. No contradiction, at all.
Great players have awful springs, and awful players have great springs. It happens every year.
Substitute “teams” for “players”. This is also true.
As someone who has listened to Craigs garbage many times on these sites. I’ve found the best thing is to ignore him. I still think it’s someone who is just saying stupid things to piss people off. I really hope he doesn’t think the things he’s saying are true. Other than the ST being meaningless. I’ll agree with that for the most part. with that, let the ignoring begin.
IGNORE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keeping monroe isn’t a bad thing if he is hitting he could be a trading chip this summer along with lamb and nathan. gives pridie or gomez a half yr to sharpen up in aaa.
Kubel’s hitting last September is kind of like hitting in spring training. You can’t take it seriously.
“It’s easy to get fooled in September.” - Terry Ryan
i would love to see casilla win the 2B job nick is hitting .111 and harris is hitting .077 and he sucks at defense and Casilla is hitting a .286 and it seems like he is playing a better Defense this year
i know it is just a week in spring traning but right know he looks like the best option and harris cant
I just use logic and accept players as they are. It’s just accepting the real world. I don’t get emotionally tied to players. I’m a “just the facts”, kind of guy, as far as baseball goes.
I don’t dislike Morneau. he’s a nice, quiet, guy. A hard worker and by all reports, a good teammate. He’s just not a very good baseball player.
I still think it’s someone who is just saying stupid things to piss people off.
There’s no “think” about it. Though on occasion it’s fun to feed the trollers and see what they can come up with.
From the looks of things this is the only blog that still lets him in the front door.
i would love to see casilla win the 2B job
While that would be nice, I honestly think Harris will work out better in the long term. We’ve seen what Casilla can do in the majors and we’ve seen what Harris can do. Yes Casilla maybe needs more time to get his head in the game, but that means he has to be IN the game. Why do that when Harris has shown himself a better offensive player. His defense hasn’t been that good, but that’s more likely to come around than the mental aspect that Casilla had trouble with.
Dano,
yah if spring continues like this I agree it would be great to have Casilla in there. If Harris doesn’t pick it up at the plate he has no chance of starting. That’s why the Twins like him is he’s supposedly a better hitter than the rest of the MI for the Twins. It’s only a week but yah it would be kinda nice to see Casilla turn a corner this spring.
Punto has all but won the 2B job. Gardy absolutely loves the guy.
Anyone who doesn’t realize how much Gardy loves Punto, has not been paying attention. He loves to watch him play. Gardy will decide who plays, and Gardy says, fielding is what is important up the middle. Punto has the glove.
I would play Punto everyday, even if he hits .195. He wins so many games with his glove. I love Punto, just like Gardy does. He definitely needs to play.
Good one.
Craig’s an idiot and knows nothing about baseball.
I want to see Chris Basak play a little at 3B. The Twins need someone there who can catch the ball. Harris, Tolbert and Machado also deserve a look.
The Twins fielding stenches!
This comment site is all but useless due to whackos being allowed to comment ad nauseum.
Is this team ever going to have a good fielding first baseman again? The guy we have now has as much range as my grandmother…….
…..and my grandmother has passed away. Ha-ha.
You guys figure it all out. I’ll be talking to y’all soon. Bye now.
…..and my grandmother has passed away. Ha-ha.
If only she could have passed away before she had children.
Why the hell does Craig have to say something every 4 minutes? He is a complete idiot. Start Punto at second? twins fielding stenches? trade Morneau and Cuddeyer? Give Basak a look? You just like seeing your own rediculous posts and pissing people off. The twins will be solid offensively and defensively. If the pitching is decent, we will be solid.
Just couldn’t leave you guys alone, now could I? Truth is, the record they have put up so far this spring is only an illusion. Liarino is simply gonna have a bad year. He barely can hit 90 on the gun, and his slider is toast. Baker is gonna have his typical implosion year, and man, who really thinks that Smiley can do anything this year against true major league talent?
Our hitters are soft on the corners. Justin got lucky today, but he will not be the 40 homerun threat that everyone puts him out to be. He will hit 30 homeruns, and cost us 90 runs this season due to poor baserunning skills and even worse feilding.
Lamb is nothing but a stopgap at third. He simply isn’t gonna be there very long. Punto will be our 2nd or 3rd baseman before long. That should help the defense, and his offense has nowhere to go but up.
I am looking for good things out of the defense this year, with a speedy center, and maybe Young in right. Maybe Gomez has a future as our left-fielder to play next to Span.
Anyway, heres to the Twins winning 80+ this year, if the pitching lets us get there 
T and others (for something completely baseball unrelated),
STOP EGGING CRAIG ON. IGNORE HIM. I firmly believe he’s just in here trying to piss people off. Other than sheer idiocy, that can be the only reason he’s making such baseless claims. It’d be one thing if he backed them up with some kind of stat….I won’t hold my breath. So stop wasting so much time on a person who either doesn’t have the baseball acumen to have these convos, or is simply a jerk.
For basbeall related topics:
- I’m seeing a big comeback year from Craig Monroe. He and Young together will make the club forget about Torii.
- I was on the Kubel express last year, but at this point TRADE HIM AND SELL HIGH. We’re set at the corners for a long time, and he’s not good enough to be a DH
- Gomez is entertaining, but is he the next coming of Jacques Jones, with the way he swings?
- I’m REALLY worried about Everett and Harris. They’re on pace to TOTAL nick punto’s average from last year (i know it’s only ST, but still…)
- How ’bout the Johan trade?? Lookin’ good so far…
“Gomez is entertaining, but is he the next coming of Jacques Jones, with the way he swings?”
Think of Jacque Jones but MUCH FASTER, MUCH STRONGER ARM and hitting TBD.
Aside from his incorrect assessment of Morneau and Liriani (and other pitchers; you can never can tell with pitchers) is Craig wrong about Lamb being a weak link? or everett or potentially Harris?
Young will be solid in the outfield and so will Cuddyer.
Should Gomez play in the minors for some time - I think so. But if he makes the team he should play until he proves he’s overmatched, for the moment.
Sane - good point. The hitting TBD is what worries me. Re: Jones - I always thought Jones had a cannon, but he threw the occaisional duck (think 04 ALDS). But I’ve had people tell me otherwise…? And the speed thing has me excited. This kid seems to be exactly what the Twins wanted out of guys like Guzman and Rivas - he singlehandedly manufactured runs against Toronto.
Roundabout - I think Lamb will be fine. I think projecting him at .265/18/85 might be optimistic, however, for me, it’s about improvement over what we had last year - Nick Punto. I think the worst we’ll see out of Lamb is .240/10/60, and that’s a monumental improvement over punto. As far as Harris goes - I’m worried he may be a one year wonder. He hasn’t been impressive thus far. Everett’s D has been great, and that’s all we can ask for.
What about this - Buscher’s been killing the ball all spring. If Harris doesn’t pick it up, can Lamb play second and Buscher start the year out at third?
David,
Lamb is too slow to play 2B.
He is a 3B-1B (plus catcher at Cal State Fullerton.
Give Harris more time.
He has had several good years in the minors prior to his good MLB year last year. Hitters usually rise or fall to their level and Harris is a good hitter.
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