Monroe gets nod over Kubel as DH
Posted on March 31st, 2008 – 2:39 PMBy Joe Christensen
Craig Monroe will start at designated hitter tonight, as the Twins face the Angels in their season opener at the Metrodome. Jason Kubel is on the bench.
“Tonight, I just wanted to see that guy [Monroe] out there,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s been having a good spring, drives the ball and all those things. Put him out there tonight, and tomorrow might be a different story.”
Twins
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Michael Cuddyer, RF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Craig Monroe, DH
7. Mike Lamb, 3B
8. Brendan Harris, 2B
9. Adam Everett, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Livan Hernandez
Angels
1. Chone Figgins, 3B
2. Gary Matthews Jr., DH
3. Vladimir Guerrero, RF
4. Garrett Anderson, LF
5. Torii Hunter, CF
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. Howie Kendrick, 2B
8. Mike Napoli, C
9. Maicer Izturis, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Jered Weaver
Metrodome. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.
524 Responses to "Monroe gets nod over Kubel as DH"
first
I can’t help but think that our offense should be better but opening up the season with Livan Hernandez makes me think that we’ll need all the offense we can get!
hmm… I wonder what ‘numbers’ Gardy looked at to make this decision. Righty DH vs. Righty SP.
But I’ll keep my Craig Monroe signed baseball from TwinsFest out for the game tonight for luck.
Wow… Gardenhire never ceases to amaze me. Let’s continue to stunt the progress of Kubel so he’ll leave and become a star somewhere else. While we’re are it… let’s bring in more Punto’s and Everett’s so we have a crappy offense to back up our young rotation.
Wow. 18 months ago the Twins had the Cy Young winner in his prime, the best young pitcher in baseball, one of the best pitchers in team history in Radke, a promising rookie in Boof Bonser, and a stacked minor league system on the mound.
Now, Livan Hernandez, who bombed out with the Nationals and no team thought enough of to sign until shortly before camp, as our opening day starter. This is going to be one BAD season for our Twinkies.
Why Cuddyer 3rd??
I don’t get it. Isn’t that spot normally reserves for players that hit better than .270 and 15 HR?? I’d switch Cuddyer and DY. Cuddy must be in on Punto’s blackmailing scheme.
Starting Monroe at DH is a good, yet gutsy call. I know it doesn’t fit the typical rules of choosing a left-handed hitter to bat against a right-handed hitter, but Monroe dominated in Spring Training and is ready to prove himself after a horrid 2007 season.
Prediction: 2-4 with a HR.
I wonder how Livan will do compared to Mark Buehrle today:
37.80 ERA; 7 runs in 1 and 2/3 innings.
Gardy just has to do the non-obvious things (benching Kubel, batting Cuddy 3rd instead of DY) to make sure that everyone knows that HE is the manager and not anyone else. Makes no sense to me.
I’m guessing Gardy numbers consist of some count of these: “putting some good swings on the ball”, “hitting the ball hard”, “putting the ball in play”, “slapping the ball around”.
How upsetting this is!!!! Hardly even recognize the team!
Good luck, Monroe- Get on out there and tear it up!
Don’t foget the obligatory “…Craig-y worked his tail off this Spring…”
Now let’s go bowling!!!
I suppose it’s my personal problem, but I’m pissed Kubel isn’t starting.
He soared the 2nd half of last year. And now he’s on the bench. Makes no sense.
Just hope Kubel doesn’t get down because of it. A 2-run pinch hit double would help his ego…….
Ron Gardenhire is an idiot. I sensed this coming all along. This makes me sick.
Absolutely, completely ignorant.
How is this man a baseball manager?
Is this boner move #461? I lost count a while ago.
if cheapskate Pohlad had opened the billfold for a bona finde power hitting DH, we would not be having this discussion.
I am tired of the DH role being filled by Rondell Whites, Kubells, Monroes.
give us a power hitter
ben,
Livan had offers. He was holding out because if the Mets didn’t get Santana or Bedard he was there back up plan.
Extra innings in Detroit.
I’m mad i’m not starting! But I’m collecting my 2.4m!
No other comments until T tells me what the proper and correct opinion is.
Kubel will pinch hit late in the game for Everett and Punto will come in at short
Punto, first off the pine.
Ya notice that J. Jones is posting Nicky Numbers today: two groundouts, two whiffs.
If Monroe hits like he did just TWO seasons ago you’ll all be saying Kubel who.
Why the surprise at Cuddy #3? Gardy’s been saying all spring he planned to use him there and DY at #5. He wants to protect Morneau so wants the better hitter batting behind him. I don’t like it but it’s old news.
“If Monroe hits like he did just TWO seasons ago you’ll all be saying Kubel who.”
No, no I won’t. Because if Kubel hits like he did the second half of last year, that will be far better than the way Monroe hit two years ago.
This MLB Extra Innings on Directv is beyond SWEET. Wow all these games in HD, the channel where you can watch 8 games at once, easily switch the audio for each game, follow the scores/innings, etc. Man o Live I may skip the trip in this horrible snowy weather down to the Dome and stay in my Lazyboy!!!
C’mon now Royals…
Also,
Cuddyer should see better pitches with Morneau hitting behind him.
Gardy knows what he’s doing. Monroe probably has better stats against Weaver. Kubel needs to prove to Gardy that he can handle the role. From what I hear Kubel is pretty indifferent about a lot of things. Gardy probably wants someone who has fire in their belly to start.
One game into the season Gardy has already screwed up Kubel’s head. The kid was our best hitter the last half of last year and all reports are that after a so-so start he was hitting the ball very well the last week/10 days of spring training (correct me if I am wrong Joe cause I wasn’t there). After being screwed with much of the last two years, this kids psyche’ is very fragile. Way to go Gardy!
I seen to remember Kubel getting some quality hits last year in the second half, but nothing that would make me think he could ever reach the numbers put up in 2005 & 2006. Dude I think Monroe is hitting like .450 at the dome in his career.
Relief pitcher Bautista for Detroit throws 100 mph. Jones is still the closer though. Looks like Bautista could easily be one too.
Tigers replace J Jones in left with Thomas for late innings defense.
Amazing…first game of the season and people ALREADY are complaining that Kubel isn’t getting the start, and people are complaining about why player X is batting this slot and why player Y is batting in that slot. I thought we could possibly get through ONE game before this mundane nonsense started back up.
Monroe can crush the ball
Scuba Steve,
Kubel is 1 for 5 against Weaver and Monroe is 0 for 3.
And I’m sure all of you who are ripping on Gardy would do an even better job an managing…
Bunch of fricking whiners…let them play some games first good god people….
And I’m sure all of you who are ripping on Gardy would do an even better job of managing…
Bunch of fricking whiners…let them play some games first good god people….
Detroit is going to run out of pitchers if the game doesn’t end soon. They used 3 pitchers to get through the 7th inning (each getting 1 out).
Great lineup. Mauer will never have any baserunners clogging up the bases in front of him, and Young won’t have to worry about making outs in front of a someone that can hit. Perfect.
Roger,
I think Gardy screwed up your psyche more than Kubel’s with this move. Get a grip man, it’s game 1
Aw come on guys. Dont pick on Kubes and Monroe. Who would you rather have…one of them or Thome (remember we had a shot at him last year)? OH…Wait…What did Thome do? TWO HR’s….Already!!!????!!! Oopps…Nevermind.
This is what happens when:
1. you have a 32 year old fa outfielder who knows this is his year to get a fat contract (which most baseball wonks agree is good value for the 1st 3 years then over payed for the last 2)
2. you have a pitcher (garza) who won’t / can’t listen to the coaches.
3. you have an infielder who can’t hit Morneau’s weight.
4. you have a pitcher who wants to pitch in New York (Santana)
You end up with the 1997 twins all over again. Keep in mind that this team is not built to win in 08, but to contend in 2010 for the new ballpark.
By then - we will have a pitcher or two or 3… We will have gomez, mauer, morneau, cudiyer, etc… plus some new blood.
“And I’m sure all of you who are ripping on Gardy would do an even better job an managing…”
Actually yes, yes I could. Mangers only make a small difference in wins every year–two, maybe three.
Gardy’s already costing us in the wrong direction.
Young hasn’t show the plate discipline to bat 3rd yet he’ll be there someday this is a learning year no point in getting worked up that cuddyer is batting 3rd.
Kubel how ever consider this VS left handed batters .291 .346 .406
Vs right handed batters .269 .307 .430
Kubel was 1 for 5 monroe was o for tell me what numbers Gardy was looking at.
those are Weavers numbers btw.
The Washington Post named Gardy the Top Manager in the league based on his in game decision making and how he handles the players.
Okay everybody, take a deep breath. There are 161 lineups to second-guess after tonight, I’d hate to see you guys burn yourselves out too early in the season. While I have no doubt that many of you have a lot of knowledge about baseball the fact of the matter is you are not more qualified to run a team than Gardy. You have to accept that. On the other hand, debates like this are part of why baseball is so interesting so you might as well go nuts and have a little fun. Just try not to take yourselves too seriously.
Jared ZZZZZZZ,
Kubel produced HR’s and RBI’s at a greater rate than Cuddy last year for the WHOLE SEASON, and he was the best Twins hitter in the 2nd half.
Monroe soared in ST, then get really cold.
Gardy must know something we don’t. If Monroe doesn’t produce tonight, then Gardy has to tell us what that something is.
Monroe started hot, but tailed wayyy off and finished at .265 with a .288 OBP.
Hardy the numbers of an earlier post that said “Monroe dominated in Spring Training “
Fred’s got a lot of negativity going on. First he tries to tell us that Gardenhire is on boner move #461, then he thinks Kubel can do better than Monroe in 2006: 28HR 92RBI’s
Anyone in baseball will tell you Gardy is one of the best managers in the game. I’m sure Joe C. has my back on this one, since he covers MLB.
And if Kubel, can put up some numbers like Monroe did in 2006, that’s great, but until he does….Monroe is going to get the nod on opening day. Don’t forget we have 161 games after this one. Kubel will get his chance to shine.
Keep it on the positive, Fred.
Fred’s got a lot of negativity going on. First he tries to tell us that Gardenhire is on boner move #461, then he thinks Kubel can do better than Monroe in 2006: 28HR 92RBI’s
Anyone in baseball will tell you Gardy is one of the best managers in the game. I’m sure Joe C. has my back on this one, since he covers MLB.
And if Kubel, can put up some numbers like Monroe did in 2006, that’s great, but until he does….Monroe is going to get the nod on opening day. Don’t forget we have 161 games after this one. Kubel will get his chance to shine.
ENJOY the game Fred! Try it, you might like it.
Not taking myself seriously. Seriously.
I cant wait to talk to my father-in-law tonight and have him tell me that today is exactly the reason we shouldn’t have outdoor baseball.
Why does Craig Monroe wear #61? That’s a spring training number. This is the regular season get a real number.
I’ll enjoy the game a lot more than Nick G’s double-posts.
Sorry that’s Livan Hernandez.
Still it’s a spring training number.
Now Kubel is a better hitter than Cuddy. Come on! Don’t get me wrong I like Kubel. He is one of about only 2 or 3 MLB players from my home state for crying out loud, but if Monroe has a good year Kubel can’t keep up with him.
Sure in game decisions. If I had Gardy’s bullpen to manage I would look like a genius also. Like I posted last week, Gardy is clueless when it comes to match ups. He uses gut feelings when setting his lineup. I hope the best for Monroe, but this is one of the most idiotic moves of all times. You have a platoon at DH for exactly this reason…a quality RHP on the bump (which Monroe cannot hit..see career splits) to allow Kubel to get cuts at since Weaver’s career splits are just as dramatic. Since the Angels have only Darren Oliver as a lefty in their pen, this is the perfect opportunity for Kubel to show his worth with a late inning plate appearance by Monroe (1-2 vs Oliver).
“And I’m sure all of you who are ripping on Gardy would do an even better job an managing…”
Actually yes, yes I could. Managers only make a small difference in wins every year–two, maybe three.
I am sure MLB players would respect the suggestions and commands of a computer geek who has never played pro baseball.
Fred
If managers only account for a few wins and losses each year why get all upset over this line-up. Relax dude and try to enjoy some baseball!
skolvikings,
#61 is not a ST number. ST numbers are in the 90’s.
I’m sure that #61 is what Monroe picked.
I like the lineup, but I understand those concerned about “freeing Jason Kubel.”
I was under the impression the plan was for Kubel to DH against righties and Monroe to do the same against lefties. Guess that plan is out the window in game one.
Meanwhile, Johan is about to make his Mets debut!!!
Anything over 60 is spring training. So you are saying they only have 10 guys in ST 90-99?
Craig Monroe had ONE legitimately good year in a mediocre career, and that was 2004. In 2006, he hit 28 homeruns while the Tigers juiced the bases for him and knocked him in a ridiculous percentage of the VERY few other times he got on base. All around, he had about average offense, but below average for a left fielder. Last year, he fell off a cliff.
I’ve got the numbers right in front of me. Kubel’s adjusted OPS+ last year, in a year he spent recovering from injury and lack of playing time, was 109. Monroe’s adjusted OPS+ was worse than that every year but 2004, even hitting in a stacked Detroit lineup. Kubel is young and has upside while Monroe is on the wrong side of 30 and has only downhill to go, as indicated by his skyrocketing strikeout rates.
Oh, and in spring training Monroe got one more total base than Kubel, despite the fact that Kubel hit only .235 compared to .265 for Monroe. They hit for equal power, but even when he was struggling, Kubel could walk enough to advance as many bases as Monroe when he was “on.”
My name is “Kubelfan” because Kubel is the most underrated player on the Twins roster.
When is everyone going to realize what I have realized for awhile. Kubel will not live up to the hype that everyone has for him. If Kubel really was that good as people say he is then none of us would be questioning who is better Monroe or Kubel. He is no Mauer he is No Cuddy he is just Kubel. Nothing great nothing special it is just Kubel
Gardy’s fine, I ain’t gonna bash him.
And maybe he’s a genius if Monroe soars tonight.
Still doesn’t solve the Kubel problem. The kid is just getting beyond his knee problems and now it’s crunch time for him to develop.
Monroe’s the veteran. He can wait on the bench and still be who he is.
Kubel is a better hitter than Craig Monroe. I don’t think he’ll ever hit 28 homers in a year, but he could hit 20 and drive in over 100 because he’ll be a doubles machine.
Second half last year, he had 23 walks to go with 33 strikeouts. That’s a good ratio.
Kubel could be Carlos Guillen. And he has a better shot at being that good than Monroe does of ever posting an OBP above .320 (again).
Let me ask you guys this, who would you rather have–2006 Mauer, or 2006 Monroe?
I know I am being negative, and I apologize to those of you who this bothers. I just knew this was going to happen as soon as the Twins signed Monroe. A promising youngster was going to be forced out of the lineup because Gardy has a “veteran” who knows “how to play” and “was in a world series”
kubel hit good the 2nd half, compared to whathe did the first half. he hasn’t lived up to expectations. doesn’t hurt to try something else. it’s only the 1st game.
1-2-3 inning for Johan. Made Hanley Ramirez look silly.
jimmy bee, let me shred your knee and then tell me how you feel a year and a half later. Oh, and you’re a professional baseball player.
I agree Fred. I would rather have 2006 Monroe than Mr. Sideburns with a bad knee/hip/whatever.
The mighty Detroit Tigers lost to KC in the opener, only managing to put up 4 runs with their high powered offense.
Weaver’s delivery and arm angle are tough on right-hand hitters like Monroe.
This is one of the more obvious days to pick Kubel to DH.
“I agree Fred. I would rather have 2006 Monroe than Mr. Sideburns with a bad knee/hip/whatever.”
I was actually trying to make the opposite point. So, you would disagree with me.
2006 Mauer was much, much better than 2006 Monroe.
Kubel will get his chances. He just needs to out-hit Monroe. That’s not much of a challenge. If he can’t do that, he doesn’t deserve to play.
I’m not one to knock Punto I like him in a Denny Hocking type roll, but how is it that Gardy can find AB’s for him and not for Kubel, it fascinates me. Gardy must really have it out Kubel, also I know it’s only one hit but .333 is better then .000 and I always thought lefty vs righty was better then righty vs righty, but hey I’m a blogger not a maneager what do I know?
Monroe is #27. Livan has used 61 for a while.
DET bullpen blew the lead. Leyland better get used to it.
Here’s a novel thought, keep Gomez in AAA and let him learn how to hit, throw monroe in center and actually allow Kubel to get into a rhythm by becoming an everyday player…I know, everyone is an expert.
“Kubel will not live up to the hype that everyone has for him.”
He already has. He was offensively comparable to Cuddy last year.
I wouldn’t say Detroit had a stacked line-up until 2006. 2003 they had the second worst team ever. 2004 2005 & 2006 Monroe crushed especially at the dome. If Monroe can’t hit and his time is done Kubel hs his chance. until then I say go with the guy who has had the better career.
“The mighty Detroit Tigers lost to KC in the opener, only managing to put up 4 runs with their high powered offense”
Detroit’s only truly good starting pitcher takes the loss too. Nice.
Thank you KUBELFAN, lets go KUUUUUUBBBBEEEES!
Er, I mean doesn’t win.
Kubel might have been offensively comparable to Cuddy last year, romer, but Kubel is a totally one-dimensional player. Kubel can’t play the field. It’s rather frightening with him in left. Kubel can’t run. So in order for Kubel to have value he has to hit.
Sabathia getting hit, Buehrle rocked. Can Livan outperform Meche on opening day? He KNOWS how to pitch.
romer was that for 1/2 a year
The Twins haven’t used a DH like most teams us DH for a long time now. I don’t expect that to change this year. Getting upset at Kubel not at DH is silly. He’ll get his 400AB’s. If his psyche is so fragile that this sets him back it’s time for him to find a new line of work. But I bet he’s handling it well knowing he’ll get his chances.
Santana: six up, six down.
At this pace Gogogogogomez better hit for the cycle tonight!!!
In Detroit, Inge made a bare-hand bobble in CF as he was hurrying to try and throw a runner out at home. Run scored. But they say Granderson will be back in a couple weeks.
Pudge looked ineffective defensively. Maybe this is the year he finally gets old.
Leland called for a pitchout in back-to-back pitches. I wish Gardy were more proactive like Leland is.
Romer seriously. I like some of your posts but you sound silly when you try to tell us Kubel is as good or better than Cuddy.
Have we all forgotten that Jason Kubel completely shredded his knee a couple years ago? It takes time to come back from an injury like that - sometimes a couple of seasons. Kubel finally showed that he is capable of playing at a high level in the second half of last year; do no forget that he hadn’t had a ton of at-bats at the major league level prior to last season. Why start a player on the downside (over-30) of his career, especially when you consider that Monroe was never an elite offensive player.
For all of you who say Kubel is overrated or “hasn’t shown” he can have success - I urge you to give him one more shot. Nobody is confusing this team with a World Series contender. Why not give a young guy the at bats over the vet who will not be around to help us in a couple years when the team matures. This is what anger posters like Fred and Kubelfan and myself - Gardy has repeatedly messed around with playing time for Kubel at the expense of the Garret Joneses and Craig Monroes of the world. I will readily admit that Gardy does many things well; however, my one MAJOR criticism of his managerial style is that he simply doesn’t give all players the same opportunities. If Jason Kubel had been given the same amount of opportunity that Gardy has given Nick Punto, we may have already seen Kubel blossom into a full fledged star.
Ah! Can’t wait for outdoor baseball! Sitting in the sun, soaking up the suds in t-shirt and shorts… Oh, wait a minute, I forgot we’re in Minnesota. Guess I’ll stay home out of the snow, sleet and freezing temperatures.
WTF? What is up with all the Kubel fanatacism? The guy has done virtually nothing in his career and everyone is calling Gardenhire an idiot because he doesn’t start him for one game. The Tigers lost to the Royals today, I guess they’re out of it.
Guys it’s only one game hardly an indication that Monroe will be the regular DH. Maybe there’s something else regarding Kubel we don’t know about or maybe Gardy wants to save him for a key PH situation to try to win the first game.
Is it just me or is everyone on this board completely pissy?
I understand some good-natured second-guessing, and even the Kubel-Monroe banter but c’mon people this is opening day. Is this really the time to suggest Minnesota shouldn’t play outside in 2010?
Minnesota is know outside of Minnesota for 2 things.
1/ 10,000 lakes
2/ Bad weather
Why the He_ _ are we getting an outdoor stadium. We are going to have 1/2 our games either rained out or snowed out
“Leland called for a pitchout in back-to-back pitches. I wish Gardy were more proactive like Leland is.”
Fine line between proactive and overcoaching.
Stunt the progress of Kubel so he can become a star somewhere else? You have got to be kidding me to the guy that posted that. Kubel has been given every possible chance and hasn’t taken advantage of it. I don’t foresee Kubel ever becoming a “star”.
PJS…what makes you assume Kubel can’t play in the field? One-dimensional? I seem to remember him playing some LF last year…even running, throwing and catching. Actually, after looking at his defensive stats…actually plays a pretty average LF. Not shabby for someone who can’t play in the field. Its not 2005 anymore PJS…let it go. Kubel can and does run now…and has been jerked around by Gardy for far too long.
Kubel is where he belongs…aren’t we kidding ourselves when we look at him through the lens of an upstart talent? He hits the ball hard, but he is not a power hitter and he’s not a hitter for average–he’s simply an average hitter.
I can’t fault Gardy with this lineup–sure, I’d like to see D. Young given that No. 3 spot, but he’ll get it eventually.
With no Punto, it’s all smiles for me. Let’s just hope that’s a continued trend this season…Harris, a 2-for-3 wouldn’t be a bad idea tonight, my friend.
If Monroe hits like he did just TWO seasons ago you’ll all be saying Kubel who.
If Monroe hits like he did two years ago, he’ll still hit worse than Kubel did last year (OPS+ of 99 compared to 109).
Romer seriously. I like some of your posts but you sound silly when you try to tell us Kubel is as good or better than Cuddy.
Not nearly as silly as your man-crush on a guy who has trouble posting a .300 OBP, and who has throughout his career been pretty awful against right-handed pitching (where Kubel happens to excel).
i have to laugh when i see all the love kubel is getting. he may eventually end up being an ok player, but everytime i see him at the plate my response is “oh well, here comes an out”. am i missing something in what i have been seeing of him up to this point? i know the last 2 months of last season were ok, but really??
Kubels #’s were very good last year when in context of the number of AB’s. But he is one dimensional on a team that doesn’t use the DH in a conventional way. You’d never play him over Cuddy. Young won’t sit out too many games either. So really what can he do but DH and play a few games in the OF?
And even if the Twins used the DH conventionally his #’s weren’t good enough to earn that spot. We’d likely have brought someone in to fill that role. My prediction is that unless the Twins stay in the race he’s on another team by September. He capable of more AB’s than our system will allow him to have. He’ll be more attractive to another team than he is to us. Stuff minor trades are made of.
No jimmy bee, stats for the whole season. Kubel had fewer AB’s than Cuddy, but produced at a slightly greater RATE than Cuddy, and REALLY was producing at a greater rate the last half.
And Kurt, that’s the problem — it’s not looking like Kubel will get 400 AB’s this year. He needs 500 and it’s looking like he’ll get 350.
PJS- yes Johan is throwing well already but look who he is facing today, the Marlins and they are not very good besides hanley ramirez. And i saw somewhere today that their payroll is going to be 17 mil this year?? that sucks for their fans.
Cuddy produced when it mattered in a pennant race. Cuddy had injuries last year. Kubel is nowhere near as good as Cuddy.
Pete…clearly your opinion of him at the plate trumps all of his stats. Clearly you don’t have a negative presupposition about his value.
Nonetheless, I can’t help but think that perhaps you just don’t like the guy and want him to fail in order to justify your opinion. Just look at your quote, “i know the last 2 months of last season were OK”. OK?? His last 2 months would have been MVP worthy. That is a bit better then OK. Still, you’ve decided because of a few rough half seasons coming back from knee surgery that he is worhtless player. Yet one more vote for why stats can save us from armchair scouts who decide a player coming to the plate is one more out, regardless of what actually happens.
GEEZ and i thought the hockey blogs were harsh after the trade deadline…. we havent even seen the team in warmup gear yet and the lazyboy managers are ripping into the team!
While i question the reasons or methods that are used at least lets see if gardy made the right call or if he pressed the wrong buttons.
If it were that easy to manage in the big leagues their would never be an opening until someone died!!!
Did the Twins screw up by giving Cuddy that contract if Kubel is starting to have better stats than Cuddy. Should we have given that new contract to Kubel. Did we sign the wrong player to a new contract. NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
on the contrary jt, i hope he does well, i am not being an armchair scout i am just not convinced that showing up for 2 months and putting up numbers for the 1st time in his career gives him a ticket to cooperstown.
“Kubel is where he belongs…aren’t we kidding ourselves when we look at him through the lens of an upstart talent? He hits the ball hard, but he is not a power hitter and he’s not a hitter for average–he’s simply an average hitter”
He. Didn’t. Have. A. Knee.
Try coming back from that after a year and feeling comfortable playing a professional sport. The kid is 26! Come on!
He hit .343 at AAA before he blew his knee out in the Arizona fall league–where he was also destroying the pitching.
The Twins have nothing to lose this year. Give the kid 500 ABs to see what he can do.
Pete says:
March 31st, 2008 at 4:16 pm
on the contrary jt, i hope he does well, i am not being an armchair scout i am just not convinced that showing up for 2 months and putting up numbers for the 1st time in his career gives him a ticket to cooperstown.
“Kubel for Cooperstown” all in favor say I
Gardy’s a good manager in a lot of ways. He’s great with a bullpen, for example, and I think he does a lot of little things that we don’t notice. He DOES play favorites, though, and often doesn’t give young players much of a chance. Kubel was by far the best option for LF or DH last year, and he still only got 418 AB. That’s not giving someone a chance.
“A chance” is what Josh Barfield got with San Diego and Cleveland, 539 AB one year, 420 the next. When it was clear that he wasn’t going to work out, he was demoted to get regular playing time.
Consider that last year, Kubel hit significantly better than Delmon Young. Young got 645 at-bats…that’s a chance. Now, the Twins will probably give him close to 600 ABs…a chance.
A chance is a starting position and the knowledge that you can go out there and screw up a few times and it won’t mean you’re sitting the next day. Scott Baker and Jason Kubel weren’t given much of a chance until recently. Now that they’re finally giving Baker a chance, he’s become a solid pitcher. They didn’t give Bartlett a real chance for a long time.
It’s a pattern with the Twins, and a frustrating one, because it really does hurt the development of the very young players that the franchise relies on.
When we built the metrodome it was to get out of the Minnesota Cra_ weather. Doing this was smart. When we build the next stadium it is back to the cra_ weather and missing tons of games. After we come to our senses we will build the next stadium after the new one in a dome.
snepp, I don’t think Kubel is a better hitter than Cuddy.
Just that he WAS last year, ESPECIALLY the last half.
And why is there a bunch of the rest of you trying to be ignorant of that fact?
Can’t you remember the pain of not having a decent DH last year? Kubel finally solved that problem, and now he sits.
And he’s as good on defense in LF as Monroe is in CF.
Finally, I’m thinking this Monroe thing today might be like the Livan thing. Gardy just wants a veteran in there for the opener.
Otherwise, I can’t figure it out.
Pete,
Why don’t you think his minor league numbers have any relation? You claim the last 2 months of 2008 is the only time in his carerr he has put up numbers. First, he put up great numbers in 2004 in his call-up with the Twins. Plus, his Career minor leauge hitting line is .320/.388/.499.
Why don’t those count in your analysis of Kubel? You don’t think minor league track record has any relevance to major league performance? This guy was an amazing hitter in the minors. Had a great debut in the majors. Had major surgery and finally started to come back around last year. He’s actually had a very good professional career except for 2006. He should be seeing the plate 500 times this year.
Why not argue over the lineup? What else is there to discuss at this point?
I too am a believer in Kubel. 2006 was the first year back after shredding his knees, and was a bad year. 2007 started badly, but he was the Twins 2nd best hitter after the All Star Break. Some of you are stuck in 2006, and can’t shake that picture out of your head for some reason.
There is no reason (that the stats or ST performance suggest) for Monroe to DH tonight and not Kubel. Monroe may very well hit well tonight, but if you go based on likelihood (i.e., you don’t judge after the fact, but before the fact) you should play Kubel.
Also, saving Kubel to PH and playing a lesser hitter is not too smart. By that logic, Morneau shouldn’t play, but only PH. You want your best hitters to get the most ABs.
Rob Neyer just a few minutes ago:
ROB NEYER
Monroe shouldn’t have been signed in the first place. Once the Twins made that mistake, the next was nearly inevitable.
Only two years until outdoor baseball. Nothing like eight inches of snow to make me look forward to driving a hundred miles for a postponement.
Anybody who can’t muster up something positive to say about the home team on opening day of ANY season must be living a truely sad life.
Kubelfan,
Really great analysis. It reminds me of Castro instead of Bartlett in 2006. Another example of the organization not really giving someone a chance. It does seem to be a common theme the past few seasons. I was hoping Smith would impact it for the better, perhaps Gomez over Span and the singing of just one veteran pitcher is a step in the right direction. Just think of how much better this team would be now if we didn’t give starts to Ponson and Ortiz last year. Our “inexperienced” rotation would have far more experience to compete this year.
I was just hoping Kubel would finally get a shot and it is clear he won’t unless Monroe goes down with injury. Even if he always plays against RHP, Kubel still won’t get the atbats he deserves. Alas.
In hindsight it would be nice to recognize the great players as quickly as possible and speed up their rise to stardom. Unfortunately most don’t ever realize that level of play in the bigs. It’s far more prudent to make players earn their spots. Bartlett earned his time. Baker earned his starts. They were never given the spots. They were given opportunities to produce. Until they did they didn’t have the spot.
Kubel doesn’t have a spot. The Twins do not use the DH spot conventionally. there is no spot for him to earn. LF and RF are taken by proven players defensively and offensively. He can’t play CF. It’s a numbers game and they don’t favor Kubel. And I’m with you in that I think his numbers were far better than people realize. but this just isn’t the right situation for him.
jt, i hope you are right, but the path to success in the majors is littered with guys who put up outstanding numbers in the minors. i hope kubel gets a chance and becomes a consistent dh that can be counted on as a #6 offensive threat. i know he had the knee surgery and all and if he is past that and becomes the steady player the twins hoped he was going to be all along it would solve one problem they have. it would be great if he could be a .320/25/100 guy in the majors, i just need to see it before i will ever believe it.
outdoor = no sense bad weather
dome = good sense bad weather
outdoor new stadium = no sense bad weather
second dome = back to senses
Neyer, best baseball mind at ESPN. I belive he was the only one to pick the Twins third in the division. Looking forward to seeing Gomez get on (whenever he can). Something about him on first and Mauer hitting one of his doubles down the line….1st to home on a double is a great play!
johan perfect thru three, albeit against the marlins…
What does “do not use the DH spot conventionally” mean? That they prefer lessor hitters there?
Kurt,
I agree that they don’t use the DH conventionally, but I think that has been more to the fact that they haven’t found a player to fill that spot.
Trade Kube, Punto and Monroe to Cin CI for Adam Dunn and use him for the Twins next DH
Some of you are hilarious. It’s still over an hour before the 1st game out of 162 and your already bashing Gardy’s decisions….it’ll never end. People take the lefty vs. lefty/righty vs. righty thing too seriously…..what’s the problem with Monroe starting tonight? There will be times Kubel plays against lefties as well. How do you know Kubel didn’t say “Gardy, i don’t really see the ball that well coming out of Weaver’s hand”…..give Monroe the start and put me out there tomorrow.
I think being the DH and hitting over .300 (like he did the last half of last year) is EXACTLY “the right situation for him”.
Pete,
I’m not saying he will duplicate those numbers. However, there are two counterpoints. First, there are not many people who put up those numbers in the minors (4 years worth…very decent sample size) that haven’t also produced in the majors at a very high level. Good/great hitters are good/great hitters. Second, there has yet to be a good/great hitter in the majors that sucked in the minors. The problem is that unless he gets 500 or so AB’s, how are we ever going to see if he can produce in the majors? You say you’d like to see him do well, but seem like you don’t want him to start or see lots of playing time. Doesn’t his minor league numbers at least suggest he gets a legitimate “shot” at the majors, meaning 450-500 AB’s? If that happens, and he hits .260/.310/.350 I have less of a problem relegating him to bench duty.
KURT….why can’t Kubel be an everyday DH? What about his stats to fit with playing every day at that position, regardless of how the Twins use the DH? I just don’t follow.
There are 161 games left after tonight, I think it’ll be fine if Kubel doesn’t start opening day.
I’d rather get to see all of the new hitters in one shot anyways 
all you kubel nuts please just relax, gardy will give him plenty oppurtunitys, and as of now has been very patient with kubel, probably alot more patient over the last 3 seasons than alot of organizations and manager would have…soooo reeelaaaaaaxxxxxxx…its game one and monroe has always hit well in the dome and gardys giving him a chance 1st day out of the chute…nice move on his part..make him feel welcome……
The Twins do not use the DH spot conventionally.
That’s right, unlike most teams the Twins prefer to stick offensively-challenged players in that spot.
The only way I can see Livan being effective is pitching after a gasser. My hope is when the franchise is back; he pitches before the 48 year old Cuban.
SO
No I agree. if they found an Ortiz …oh wait. OK if they found an Ortiz and new they had an Ortiz I think they would make the adjustment. but they’re not going to change their ways to accomodate a slightly better than average bat. He has been given the chance to show he’s more than that. He’s shown a glimpse, but he’s far from having forced the Twins hand. And for me as much as I like Kubel, Buscher looks interchangeable with him and more useful. I don’t see the Twins making a great commitment to Kubel unless he forces them through great AB’s. Sorry.
jt,
i don’t know why you would think i do not want him to do well, i would be ecstatic if he did well. i am just not as worked up as some appear to be about him not being dh in game #1. he probably gets an at bat tonite and him not getting 3 or 4 tonite does not preclude him from still getting 450 at bats on the year. if we are a month into the season and he is only getting a handful of at bats a week then i think people have the right to complain, until then i don’t see the issue.
Pete, would you settle for .290/20/90?
Would accept that from Cuddy?
The whole righty against a righty debate is sort of moot. How many lefthanders did a righty hit off of in any level before the pros?
I don’t like Kubel. I don’t think that he has what it takes to be the star that he is supposed to be.
I like numbers 1 through 6 on the lineup. In fact, I love it. But 7-9 HAVE to be changed. Where did our infield prospects go? Is Casilla really our best prospect, who was sent back down to Rochester? I hate to say it, but I think we need to trade another pitcher for an infield prospect, preferably third base.
I wish I could edit.
-Knew-
Kubel should’ve been dumped a year ago. He’s ok in the field about half the time..about the same as his bat. He’s not qworth hanging on to.
at least punto is getting left alone today.
i agree that kubel, if given the full time job may put up as good or better numbers than cuddy. there does seem to be a lack of commitment by gardy to give him a full time job, or gardy just doesn’t like the way he gets after it? maybe as the season goes on things will work out for him.
its game one and monroe has always hit well in the dome and gardys giving him a chance 1st day out of the chute…nice move on his part..make him feel welcome……
What an awful justification. @#$% putting the best team on the field that provides the best chance to win, let’s make sure everyone feels all warm and fuzzy inside.
The whole righty against a righty debate is sort of moot. How many lefthanders did a righty hit off of in any level before the pros?
What? That doesn’t make sense at all.
romer,
i would accept that, but as i have previously said i don’t have a whole lot of confidence that kubel is going to put up those type of numbers, would be great if he did, but i don’t see it happening.
“I don’t like Kubel. I don’t think that he has what it takes to be the star that he is supposed to be.”
Great analysis. Idiot.
Another vote for stats.
Pete,
I see where you are coming from. I agree with you, perhaps we are getting to worked up. If Monroe stealing playing time is a habit of this team throughout the season, glad to hear you will join the fray! Thanks for the dose of reality. Good chatting with you.
Uh oh, Johan gave up 2 runs. Some people in NY would say to cut him
I think we’ve got a pretty good Minor League train going for third don’t we? I don’t know if we’ll have a guy ready next year but I think it looks pretty good at the lower ranks. Plus Buscher is working pretty hard at defense. He actually won defensive player of the year a few steps back and set defensive records in college. the game was too quick up here but he jumped from AA to the bigs and turf. He might turn out ok.
A HR too Shaun. Actually, it is interesting how many HR’s he gave up last year. For his sake, hope its not a trend or he could have another slighty less then Cy-Young year. Still, I can’t imagine the pressure he is going to feel from the NY Media and fans if he doesn’t perform well this year. Wow.
Wouldn’t you say it’s commen for a guy who rely’s on his change up so much to give up a lot of homers? I wonder how Pedro’s career homeruns match up with Santanas?
Santana Sucks, every player that reached base scored. I’m kidding of course (about the sucks part).
Santana has 1h, 1bb, 2er, 3k in 4 IP.
Pete, you’re right, you won’t see it happening because he won’t get the AB’s like when you saw it happening the 2nd half last year.
And Kurt, now I understand. Buscher and Kubel are interchangeable.
Gotcha……..
Kubel is a waste of a roster spot.
Corey,
Pedro’s HR numbers are much better than Santana’s. Pedro’s career high is 26, but most years he gives up less than 20.
Santana gave up 33 last year but has given up 20 or more 4 years straight
interesting—maybe Santana watched Radke pitch for too many years. He led the leauge in homeruns given up at least 2 years.
I’m off children…have to drive home and hopefully won’t take 2 hours to drive 14 miles. May the twins be with you.
This game is about love, not about labor
This game is about passion and grace
That is no longer common place
And now we look and we can barely see
But there are a few that are making history
The meaning of love defined
On a diamond no one dare ever wear
And so many people seem to miss the magic
Of a seemingly effortless game
Oh yes this is the best
The best time of the year
When the passion is pouring out
The gloves and bats of the legends
Old, young, and brand new
That kind of drama will unfold
When the weather gets warm
From winter’s barren cold
We know that much is true
In this beautiful game
History is to be made
And every memory from this day
Is not so much of baseball
But religion come to life
Baseball marks the days, and the years
The decades that shaped the heart of this country
Babe Ruth made us shake our heads
The legend of Ted Williams
And Roberto Clemente’s death
Brought to so many the defininition of hero
To a new heroic new level
Will .400 ever be approached
Certainly there will never be another
Williams, Mantle, nor Willie Mays
But could this be the year
For some new heroes to start their journey
To stand immortal, in the Hall Of Fame
BC Beneke March 30th 1997
(I had a dream last night that Carlos Gomez hit a low line drive in the gap, Torii Hunter dove, and it went passed him, and Gomez hit an inside the park home run welcoming in the new, and saying goodbye to the old)
I had a dream last night too. I thought it was a good one but not that good
sweet one… solo homers don’t usually bother pitchers very much… it’s when they walk two guys before the homer, or the walk they usually give up after the homer… that’s when they get messed up.
I was reading the Qu’ran last night and a bolt of lightning came through my window and ran this information into my brain. The Twins will lose tonight but then run the table. 161-1, 11-0 in the post season, 3 30 game winners, Nathan will save 85 games and Mauer will hit .501. Allah said so, so it must be true.
Kubel has never proven he could hit well. The guy is not an athlete. Big deal he had one decent half of a season. He’s a waste of time. Never looks like he cares about anything. Give Monroe a chance. Thats why we picked him up in the first place.
kubel is a great left handed bat off the bench and part time dh…..thats it, so lets get used to it……i hope he does well all year…we have been waiting for what ..3 years?? ….i really dont know if he has the mental part of this game down…he seems a little laid back and ho hum…..maybe im wrong, but i would like to see a bit more fire in his belly…..i hope im wrong
well yeah…then it must be true.
Dave,
You’ve got to be kidding that Kubel is a “waste of a roster spot.”
C’mon. That’s a little extreme.
Hey Pete, I appreciate your statement. I’ve never had as much confidence in Kubel as Gardy had a few years ago.
Just hoping he gets his chance.
First Kerry Wood gives up 3 runs in a 0-0 game in the top of the 9th.
Now Fukudome hit a 3 run HR of Gagne. Wow.
It is a shame the Twins can’t be playing outdoors on a beautiful night like tonight.
Is that the best name in baseball this year? Fukudome. Better than Coco Crisp, or Milton Bradley. Maybe it just means more to us metrodome sufferers.
Oh crap, I just remember I’m in a fantasy league. I wonder if I have a lineup.
Should anyone really be surprised by this move? You’ve got a classic righty/lefty platoon at DH, but Gardenhire will manage to screw it up every chance he gets. Kubel has a .764 career OPS vs. righties, but a .675 OPS vs. lefties. Meanwhile, Monroe has a .814 OPS vs. lefties and a .721 OPS vs. righties. You really have the opportunity to create a productive DH position for this first time in several years, but it’s already off on the wrong foot.
Prediction: Monroe goes 0 for 4 with one K.
Hey BC Beneke, I also had a dream last night. In it you promised to stop posting on these blogs, but clearly it was only a dream.
Gardenhire never ceases to amaze me. One minute he loves a guy, the next minute he’s making up some bull about why he’s playing someone else in his place. Yes, it’s opening day…and I’m way ahead of myself. Kubel will never get a real, fair chance as long as Gardenhire manages the Twins. The organization signed Lamb, a left-handed hitting third basemen, and Kubes should of seen the writing on the wall. Unless Kubel hits 400 in his at bats and Monroe stinks, Kubel will not see 500 AB’s. My guess is Kubel won’t sign another contract with the Twins…and he shouldn’t. I get a kick out of all the Kubel haters in here. You know the ones, those that thought Tyner and Ford were superstars, Punto an allstar, and Bartlett an impecable pirranha.
We’ll never know how good, or not good, Kubel, a top prospect in the organization and still fairly young (600 total AB’s) is…and that’s a damn shame considering this should be the year we find out.
I challenge Gardenhire to put Kubel in the lineup consistently. But he won’t. He’d rather hang tough with flunking veteran then back a struggling prospect.
Bingo is right
See:
RonDL
Jason Tyner
Josh Rabe
This is the best lineup I think. Gardy knows what he is doing. That is why he is watching the game from the dugout and we get to sit at home and watch it on the big screen. If you think the Twins are crap you should move to a different state. Go Twins! They are going to be good.
If you want the Twin’s to be good, find some way, any way, to get the organization to hire the Cliburn brothers to manage them.
[i]Kubel has never proven he could hit well. The guy is not an athlete. Big deal he had one decent half of a season. He’s a waste of time. Never looks like he cares about anything. Give Monroe a chance. Thats why we picked him up in the first place.[/i]
WHAT are you talking about? Kubel mashed minor league pitching before he shredded his knee. He mashed pitching the second half of last season. His career numbers at the MLB level are still better than Monroe’s. Monroe is a scrub who hasn’t been decent since 2004. Gardenhire benching Kubel is just one insistence in a string of them about him benching better players for “scrappy” players he likes.
Anyone else think we’re going to hear at least a smattering of boos aimed at Torii “you’ll miss me more than Johan” Hunter?
He didn’t bench Kubel. He played Monroe.
Gaaaaame time!
I’d rather see Kubel DHing vs. righties instead of Monroe for several reasons (not the least of which is that Monroe is more versatile off the bench as the only bench OF,) but:
* it is the first game of the season
* Monroe has a hotter bat right now
* at least its Monroe out there and not Punto/G. Jones/Tyner/L-Rod in the DH hole
so even though I want to, I can’t criticize Gardy about this…
Win Twins
hey at least we’ll have an average DH this year compared to years past and how many left handers are there if they do a “platoon” monroe will only play once every ten days so i agree put the veteran in there and see what happens
The plan for now is Cuddy third. By the start of next season Young will be batting third.
* at least its Monroe out there and not Punto/G. Jones/Tyner/L-Rod in the DH hole
Exactly. It’s a sizeable improvement from the “DH” choices we had last year.
i was stating the obvious there
Gardy will win loyal Twins fans over everytime, they’ll always find the good in the guy. I’m just going to kick back and watch a year of 500 ball and no progress toward next year. It’s a spiderweb: You climb in and get stuck in the middle with no way out. lol
look at GoGo Go!
[…] Rotation from Joe Christenson: 1. Carlos Gomez, […]
why is fsn not showing the game i’m getting fsn final score thats sucks
Johan who? Livan 3-up, 3-down.
nice way to start it
I thought maybe Livan at least threw 87-88. It will be hilarious to watch him this year.
Cuddy won the 3rd spot in the lineup.
All eyes on Gomez.
I’m not even saying he will be bad. Just that I haven’t seen a guy try to do this for awhile.
Gameday has Livan throwing 87. He’s throwing offspeed stuff.
Go Go Go!
He did throw 87 in the first.
Livan wasn’t throwing in the high 80s according to the ESPN radar. More like 82-84.
Great post Shaun!!!!!!!!!!!!
They’re BOTH All Stars this year!!!
Nice hit Mauer.
Bert said 83-86.
Well ESPN’s radar gun automatically deducts 3mph from small market pitchers and adds it to the velocity on yankees/redsox pitches.
That’s what I wanna see all year. Of course can’t get too excited being it’s the 1st inning of the season.
Dave E.,
I could have sworn there was some graphic that flashed on the screen that showed Derek Jetter getting that RBI 
Torii getting booed!! Love it.
No-no, Shaun. I’m excited. It’s fun man!
show us your stuff young
smell em’? Delmon?
not exactly
BIG
CHANCE
FOR
MONROE
ffffffffffffffffffff
Kubel defintely would have driven in a run or two there
For the sake of having all the newcomers on the same page, the twins should’ve kept Cuddy, Mauer and Morneau out
So, Weaver’s thrown 17 pitches with one out and two on. The next two batters swing at the first pitch.
Hey, a much better outcome from the top of the order than last year. Gotta love it.
Hunter could have at least flew out to Go-Go.
Does anyone know where to find the game on TV???? I’m going CRAZY! Both FSN and ESPN2 say it’s there but it’s not!
Great block by Mauer. Best there is.
Whew, Harris caught it.
regular tv 29
Nancy, it’s on My29 WFTC
Nancy— Try Ch. 29 if you are in the Twin Cities.
I called my cable company and they told me FSN is having problems. Nice way to start your broadcast season. Wish they would run a crawl to let people know, like they do for a rain delay.
wish people would read the paper to find out what channel the game is on
Nice instant recovery by Everett too.
GRRRRRR!!!!
Both FSN and ESPN2 say it’s on, and it isn’t. ESPN2 says the game is blacked out. I live in Hibbing and the local Duluth stations aren’t showing the game.
LAME-O!!
I guess tomorrow night will be my season opener…
Thanks for the info you guys! And domesleeper, I DID look in the paper and it says FSN and ESPN2…
TV Details:
Once through the lineup. The Twins have Gomez to thank for that run.
Why did Gardy take the bat out of Cuddy’s hand and call a hit and run? Even so, Cuddy kinda almost knocked it out. Cuddy’s been hot lately.
I guess Gardy was setting up Monroe.
Standing O for Hunter. Good to see most Twins fans are not like some of the confused individuals who post here.
I can’t wait for that open air stadium. Great night for outdoor baseball. Once you get blanketed with 4-5 inches of snow on your parka, you stay nice and warm.
Looked like he was out.
Replay showed for sure he was out.
Ball beat the runner by plenty. Frickin’ ump.
Game is blacked out on espn for me so im following mlb’s gameday and was wondering why Livan was throwing like 5 changeups in a row. Then I looked at the velocity that is 85mph and realized that it is his fastball. Livan Hernandez’s fastball is so slow that MLB gameday thinks it is a changeup.
Nice weather for the opener. Stupid useless dome.
2-2 for Go Go. Not a fan of the Punto imitation though.
I’m so angry that ESPN isn’t showing this in Iowa. Did Gomez seriously just steal 2nd on a pitchout?
overthrown but he would have beaten it either way
yes greg, but bad throw
Cuddyer out looking. Morneau ground out. Re-mindful of 2007, middle of the order production.
I’m on MLB gameday too. Did Cuddy just take a called 3rd strike with the fastest guy in baseball on third and one out? Tell me that didn’t just happen.
Seriously, Greg, yes.
Ball sailed over the defender and was caught by the backup infielder.
Looked like to me, and Dick and Bert said, that he beat the throw anyway.
gomez is so exciting
Gomez really could be a superstar if he could get on base at a decent rate. I’m worried about how much of a free swinger he is going to be. It won’t matter a whole lot this year but hopefully sometime in the next couple he gets some plate discipline and could really cause some havoc as a leadoff hitter.
In a good way, he looks like a high school kid. Didja see the way the threw the ball back in to the infield?
He’s an original.
Hot dang…heck of a heads up play by both Harris and Morneau. Don’t think Justin expected Harris to fling it over that quickly.
And Gomez…wow. Hopefully he can keep it up when the league gets to know him
Very poor execution with runners on. Had 1st and 2nd with one out in the first, and Young and Monroe fly out on one pitch. Now with a runner on second and NO outs, we somehow fail to score the runner. Mauer did get him over to third, but still with one out I’m pretty sure that’s a guaranteed run on the run expectancy matrix.
Just got lucky there in the top of the 4th. Livan is going to need more than one run.
It wasn’t pretty, but I’ll take it.
So Young and Gomez have their first Twins hits…can Monroe join?
he threw
Is there anyone from outside the cities able to see the game on TV?
i like the aggressive baserunning so far
We should send that cocky Gomez down to AAA after this game to teach him a lesson
Sure, Mark. It’s on cable systems that carry My29.
Mark, try them in this order:
my29 (or whatever your myNetwork affiliate is), FSN North, ESPN2.
It’ll be on one of those three.
lamber time
I like the production from the new blood (Gomez, Young, Lamb)
Please don’t anyone bring up last years 3b after Lamb’s RBI.
good start boys,,,, and with only 2 at bats i already want to get a gomez jersey. maybe billy smith did ok here!!!!!!
this team can hit
Everett’ll get the job done. Somehow.
I really think Gomez can have an impact on the team ala Peterson’s impact with the Vikings
would love everett to homer here to insure punto will stay on gardys bad list for 2 weeks!!!!!
EF, you must be thinking about Watkins, our .341 hitting third baseman……..
at least*
Is anybody else really interested in what happens if Gomez comes up with men on?
anything to keep punto out of the lineup
Tough luck there for Harris. He’s screwed whichever way he goes.
Now 1st and 3rd with one out and we come up empty. This is going to come back to haunt us.
sh#t now gardy’s thinking punto would of hit his classic flyout for an rbi there and everett already on his way to the dog pound,,,, alright im done with the punto talk until he goes 0 for 4 tomm.
Oh yeah LNP4Life? How have the 3 and 4 hitters been doing tonight?
Morneau’s been in a slump since last August. Looks to me like he’s full of hockey intensity at the plate. Maybe he’s not relaxed enough.
4 shutout innings for Livan.
So far, looks like we hit better but the fielding is scary.
On the upside, with the exception of Everett and Monroe the news guys seem to be recovering.
Ouch. Livan…buddy. Just gotta finish this inning.
Here comes the Livan meltdown.
That’s a BIG run last inning. But that DP to end the 4th may be a godsend for LAA.
Perfect turn for Everett.
After Livan gets out of an inning, here is my idea: Put the world “INNINGS” or multiple little “INNINGS” and have Livan become a Pac-Man and have him “Eat Innings” on the scoreboard with the Pac-Man sound effect. He is an Inning Eater! GENIUS!
CHAOP CHAOP CHAOP
I LOVE IT! But what would replace the power pills?
love we lost 7 ip 3 h 2 r 8 k’s starts the season 1-0
Livan paints the outside corner to LH batting Figgins.
Either way, the ump isn’t giving the outside corner tonight. Charley Rellaford.
Figgins wins. He hit a good pitch.
Ouch. Big double play…too bad he couldn’t finish him.
HATE Figgins. Scrub
Where’d the strike zone go?
Livan ate up five innings, (innings eater, get it?) now let him go get a dome dog. He’s looking a little thin.
Bring in Rincon or whoever. The price of Gomez jerseys just went up, also.
What other Latin American pitcher does this remind you of?
DrunkenWildDude, don’t worry, we’ll get that line out of Liva…I mean Bake, uh, Bons, ah, Nick Black…, no, maybe Kevin Slo…
Never mind.
Monroe and Everett are the only new guys who have yet to get hits. The rest got rid of the butterflies.
Gomez leading off again, they’ll push him in if he can get on again.
You know, I think that bit of ego Gomez has is a huge benefit right now. He doesn’t seem nervous at all.
How much you want to bet Gomez ends up at least on second and we don’t get a run?
JUMP ON IT, JOE! ! !
We should have kept Span and his OBP 
How much you want to bet Gomez ends up at least on second and we don’t get a run?
You’re in an awefully bad mood considering it’s opening day. I think you had one upbeat comment all game…
yeah baby, might give pohlad some money with a gomez jersey pretty soon, i know its early but you gotta love the effort and intensity with the dude.
I’m liking Gomez more each time he comes up.
I have to say, I am very impressed with Gomez right now. I didn’t realize how fast he really is. Granted we won’t see 2 for 2 with a walk and 2 stolen bases every night, but this kid has potential.
Poor Gomez. 2-2, BB, 2B, 2 SB, 2R
That’s going to be a tough act to follow.
BUT NEVER SLIDE INTO FIRST! (Well, maybe this one time.)
Great veteran hit by Cuddy.
BTW, Monroe looks tight tonight. He must have read my blog entries.
Is Gardenhire simply a complete idiot?
Let’s see, right-hander on the mound.
Monroe, a right-handed bat, hit an embarrasing .194 against righties last year and is a dismal .249 for his career.
Kubel, a left-handed bat, hit an impressive .288 versus lefties last year.
Easy choice, right?
Apparently not for Gardenhire. Do the math. This guy is an idiot.
this kid has potential.
No kidding. They may have missed one opportunity, but how incredible is it that they have a leadoff hitter that can get on base that often…and quite likely be at least on SECOND before the end of the next AB?
When’s the last time the Twins had that?
T, the word you are looking for is awfully, I believe.
There, I just posted a positive comment previously.
It’s not my fault that our situational hitting has been extremely poor for several years and it’s looking like the same old tonight. I just try to be realistic rather than blindly optimistic like a lot of people on this blog. Helps to keep my blood pressure down.
Cuddy close to getting picked off 1st two times in a row.
BUT NEVER SLIDE INTO FIRST! (Well, maybe this one time.)
I think he slid to avoid the tag more than to beat the throw. You’re talking about Gomez’s bunt right?
Apparently not for Gardenhire. Do the math. This guy is an idiot.
Yeah, and the idiot went with Gomez instead of Span or Pridie and so far it doesn’t look too bad.
Can we not crucify the manager after one game’s worth of ABs from Monroe?
T:
Don’t even mention the name “Carew” yet. Jinx.
I’m excited as anyone about Gomez but you really can’t read that much into one night’s performance. I’m glad he took a walk and I hope he will have a good eye at the plate, but there isn’t a whole lot to suggest that he will at least this early in his career. He does have amazing potential though and hopefully he will build off tonight’s performance.
Weaver doesn’t have a slide step. Twins take advantage and get some steals.
I just try to be realistic rather than blindly optimistic like a lot of people on this blog. Helps to keep my blood pressure down.
Fair enough. I have to admit that at least you’re got problems with issues that are actually happening.
Though I bet you’re as relieved as I that you were wrong about your Gomez bet.
Well, keep in mind that Gomez isn’t a great on base guy, and he’s certainly not going to do this every game. But his speed is an asset.
And we’ve missed ore than one opportunity tonight. Try three runners in scoring position with one or no outs and no runs in those situations.
Napoli can’t find the 2nd base bag either.
He does have amazing potential though and hopefully he will build off tonight’s performance.
That’s more what I’m going at. Didn’t mean to sound like I’m ready to buy his jersey and name my kids after him.
But I’m very glad to see he steps in and starts doing well right off the bat. There was a double pressure on him in this game (He’s the “post-Hunter” CF, and the “guy from the Santana trade”).
And it doesn’t look like any of it’s bothering him at the moment.
Wadaya mean, Weaver has no move to first? Gomez and Cuddyer are just burners, that’s all!
Scott, to be fair Weaver is a pretty solid pitcher. They probably aren’t going to touch him up for 15 hits. Lets just get a lead to Neshek and Nathan.
Yes, relieved is the correct word. HAVE to get a runner in from third with one out. Good hitting by Cuddy.
Greg, I agree. I’m not expecting Gomez to draw a lot of walks, but he’s a threat to steal every time on, and that will help.
I just hope Livan can get through the 6th.
T
you’re right, Gomez slid to avoid the tag that would have been the only way to get him out. Pitcher was behind him.
No T. Gomez’s bunt was even close to a tag-out. The second baseman would have run into him and tagged him?
Everett_Fan, Weaver is by no means exceptional and twice we had a guy on third needing a deep fly ball. You just don’t want to leave guys on third very often. They’ll need those runs.
wasn’t even close
Yeah provided he gets on base enough he will do wonders for Mauer’s production and he realizes such and that is great.
Weaver was really hoping to get Gomez to chase one his last time up. They won’t want to pitch to him if he’s doing what he is tonite
Quality start for Livan.
Great bounce back inning.
Missed the Monroe AB. What happened please?
So Rincon, Neshek, Nathan?
Anybody old enough to remember this:
http://www.fortunecity.com/bennyhills/pun/190/gogogomez.htm
I bet Carlos would hate it!
Guerrier Neshek Nathan would make more sense in my eyes. I don’t fully trust Rincon yet.
Monroe hit one well to second but Kendrick was able to knock it down, recover, and throw Monroe out. He’s right on pace with my prediction.
OK OK OK. Harris runs the ball out, gets to 2nd on the Angels gaffe.
Let Hunter take it! Dumbasses!
I imagine Crain is not ready for this situation either. I’d be fine with Guerrier in the 7th.
Who’s scarier looking, Everett or Guerraro?
Livan is coming back out!
Thanks, Scott. Another positive entry by you……I think.
T Only when people stop jumping on kubel for a bad game.
i dont know if im a big fan of livan coming out here in th 7th. seems like he is getting a little fatigued and why not throw the best bullpen into clean it up.
Given the fact that Guerrero doesn’t speak English, I’d go with Vlad.
Doh! I don’t like it. Even though it’s 6-8 for LAA, they’re 4 for 6 vs. Livan! I feel like if you get 6 innings and only 2 runs allowed from Livan, you take it and go to your strength, the pen.
Quality start for Weaver. Not a very pertinent stat category tonight though.
romer says:
March 31st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Thanks, Scott. Another positive entry by you……I think.
Which one? The one about Crain?
Wow, that 5th inning had me worried….but now he’s through the 7th.
Who would of thought Livan Hernandez would match the production of Santana on opening day? Granted he had one strikeout and Santana had 8 but both went 7 and gave up 2 runs.
Like I said last week, AL teams have 7 innings to beat the Twins this year, with Neshek and Nathan for the 8th and 9th.
Let’s see if Gardy uses that formula or if he’s as dingey as some of us have been saying he is.
I think you run Livan out in the 8th…. let him pitch till trouble….. we’re going to need the bullpen alot this year.
back to gomez to lead it off!!!!
hell of a game for livan….couldnt ask for more….thx livan…..hope the kids learned something from the old vet tonite…wow….
SCOTT:
He reminds me of Freddy Krueger for some reason. I suppose he’ll grow on me.
No, Scott. Your answer to my question about Monroe.
Save the bullpen. Run Livan back out. We have too many question marks with Baker and Slowey being sickly.
Pfft. What a mistake Gardy made bringing up Gomez. Look at that ugly K!
What CRAP!
Shawn, you worry about winning this game, not about who’s going to be tired several months from now. Livan’s done. Neshek for the 8th.
No more Livan please. It’s a run-one game. Time for the double-save of Neshek/Nathan.
Oh wow! Livan didn’t have a meltdown!! Who would have thought that people who post on local media blog boards might not be the geniuses they thought they were?!
i agree with scott you take the games you can take.
romer, you asked what Monroe did and I told you. It wasn’t intended to be positive or negative, it’s what happened.
done? 84 pitches and he doesn’t throw hard…. he could go more…. would be fine either way
I agree with Scott on this one. This is Neshek and Nathan’s job.
They are going back to the top of their order. You let the great bullpen do their work.
Dave E, how about we see more than one start? Don’t act all “I told you so!” Remember Ortiz posted a sub-3 ERA in April last year.
THAT is why you go to the pen!
Sept 2008 you will no longer miss Torii. Sept. 2009 you will not trade Go Go for Torii in an even trade.
MLB.com Headline:
Amazin’ debut for new Twin Gomez vs. Angels
Get that frickin’ Figgins.
epic battle may be looming for the final out NATHAN VS. HUNTER AHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHAH
I wouldn’t trade Gomez for Torii today…. of course, the salary would have something to do with it
Got that friggin’ Figgins!
I just vividly remember reading posts that said things along the lines of “Do we get discounts on opening day tickets since Livan is pitching?” or “With Livan in the rotation, we can expect a loss every 5th game.”
All these anti-Kubel posts just goes to show the incredible ignorance of the majority of Twins fans. The same people who bash Kubel are the same silly fans who used to wear Guzman and Rivas jerseys to the Dome. The same silly fans who say that David Ortiz didnt do anything in a Twins uniform. I believe this includes about 95% of Twins fans unfortunately. Simply ignorant, but good for the Twins, they can play a total scrub like Monroe and have countless morons praise the move. Incredible.
I believe both called 3rd strikes this inning were wrong.
epic battle may be looming for the final out NATHAN VS. HUNTER
That would be poetic.
not happening now T
Guerraro is having a bad hair day.
Still can’t wait to see Hunter v. Nathan.
This is where Gardy has no idea about situational managing, and proves he doesn’t look at that stats. He would have brought in Reyes to face Anderson just for the lefty/lefty match up. When in fact Neshek has a better career OPS against vs. lefties at .680. Reyes’ is .685 vs. lefties. So why not leave Neshek in? It’s just like batting Monroe vs. a righty and leaving Kubel on the bench. There’s no reasoning.
Good thing Neshek struck out Anderson.
Figgins and Guerraro are a little off balance. Went from 59 mile per hour pitches to underhand heat.
There we go. Kubel PH’s for Monroe.
Still ticked that Gardy made the #3 batter play hit and run in the 1st with no outs
good job Koobs
Another Metrodome double.
Good job Kubel. How nice to have that option available off the bench.
And don’t worry, Monroe will get his hits.
Would you look at that.
Yeah baby! Ya HAPPY, Scotty?
Scott, the LFer didn’t have a chance. That’s one of those duckfarts or whatever they’re called.
We have a Punto sighting. He pinch runs for Lamb just so Gardenhire can get him in for the 9th for “defense.”
Monroe hit .249 last year. He won’t get his hits. I don’t mind him playing a little against lefties and being a decentish bench bat but not for the money he is making.
Punto is in the game.
Would anyone PH Tolbert for Harris against the sidearming RH pitcher?
Bill Cosby calls them “ferfs” and “bloopers”.
OHNOES! Punto’s pinch running for Lamb!!!
If things go how they’re supposed to, he won’t get an AB.
Happy that we have loaded bases with one out and won’t get a run? No.
Whoops my mistake he hit .219 last year.
GRAND SLAM! ! !
i’d ph tolbert for everett……right as i was typing that he almost hit a homerun
Boy. That would’ve been…odd.
oops! nevermind.
so close
I agree with AJ. That’d be a good spot for a Tolbert PH.
It’s too bad Monroe was 0fer, that would’ve also been a good place for Kubel.
Did Punto slide into first?
im liking the new twins with some fresh blood, alot of potential which is fun as a fan even if we dont compete for a division title. but same old problems exist with runners in scoring position but hopefully we will fix that.
Anderson, Hunter, Kotchman. This won’t be Nathan’s easiest save ever.
Had to leave Everett in to bat so he can play D for Nathan.
loving the hunter vs nathan matchup!!!!
our multi-million dollar closer is in lets not let me down
livan throwing 74 nathan 94
time to earn your dough, joe
3 for 14 w/RISP. Ouch.
Hernandez 7IP, 7H, 2ER, 0BB, 1K
Santana 7IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB, 8K
I’d call it a push today!
Great win for the Twins. Lets hope the play like this consistently! Nice Game LIVIAN!
yeah
That must have felt good for Nathan.
Good old Torii.
to quote south park scott, do you have a little sand in your vagina or something? This is exactly the kind of games the twins need to pull off all year!
NATHAN 1 HUNTER 0
SHAZAM! Siddown, Torii.
And Scott, like you keep reminding us, it’s only the first game.
Because on the plus side, there were a TON of opportunities. How often did the Twins have that last year?
The hitting will come around. The fact there’s already guys on base could be viewed as an upgrade over last season already.
Multi million dollar closer gets multi million dollar hitter.
S,D,&ROCKNROLL says:
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Great win for the Twins. Lets hope the play like this consistently! Nice Game LIVIAN!
How about we win the game first?
Don’t be suprised if Carlos Gomez is the Twins starting center fielder Tuesday night.
“Great win for the Twins. Lets hope the play like this consistently! Nice Game LIVIAN!”
Jinx master.
BENCH PUNTO! ! !
how did that feel hunter u greedy bastard
kmack. who was that guy we got in the trade for Santana? What’s his line? Factor that in.
i always get nervous when joe pitches i dont know why
I think the roof is leaking.
I am ready for Tuesday night. Come see me Go Go. Maybe 3 runs scored and 3 SBs tomorrow. Maybe I steal home so I don’t get stuck on 3rd base.
TWINS WIN! Guess we’ll go 162 and 0!
hey were winning the division enjoy it while it last but im pretty impressed with our team except for the starters may be our roadblock this year
Couldn’t have asked for a better opener. Driving up for Wednesday’s game from Mankato. Hoping to bring the brooms.
domesleeper, No, I cleaned it out earlier. You guys just can’t handle raw numbers, can you? If I’m not jumping up and down with pom-poms in my hands the entire game and jerking off to my Gardenhire photo, then I’m just too negative. We were 3 for 14 w/RISP. That’s a FACT. I said “ouch,” because that’s not too good. But I’m glad you guys are happy with it.
Keep drinking the Kool-Aid with the blindfold on.
Beisbol been berry berry good to Carlos.
Dave E
4 Game Series
Gotta say, GREAT start to the season. Much better being 1-0 instead of being 0-1. Nice comment on the push between Santana and Hernandez. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how you got there, all that really matters is that you got there.
3 for 14 is better than Punto was last year! J/K. Nice game boys, still room for improvement though, but they got the W!
Sign me for 15 years now for $100 million. Next year it goes up to $100 million for 10 years. Then, $100 million for 5 years in 2010. Torii who?
Twins win!!!! yeah we all have to realize that we are not world series contenders and that the team will have some growing pains. but if they put in an effort like tonight the rest of the way i will be happy.
good stuff tonight and a great win for livan.
Wow, Scott. Got a life outside sports? I didn’t realize you were such a sensitive person when it came to games.
I’m from Woodbury!
Hooters girls swimsuit show after the Twins on Fox Sports. In case anyone goes for that stuff.
KATIE:
You go for that stuff?
I remember Scott. I race him. I go go home to third before he go home to first. HAHAHAHAHA. He not want to spill his cup of beer while he tells everyone how smart he is. True bandwagon fan. Don’t need him now. Don’t need him when we win our next title.
Dave E, I’m actually not the sensitive one. Talk to domesleeper and T about that. I get attacked for posting one stat that’s deemed as negative, because hey, we won, so clearly there’s nothing that can get better.
Read all of the posts before you comment.
For all these negative nancy’s. pack it in. livan pitched great, Gomez performed well and overall the line up looks great. surprise team here after one game.
take away a few strikeouts and Twins would have had more runs!!
if you can’t say anything good stay home and off the blogs/
Win Twins!
CARLOS:
Your English is a little broken. You should look into one of those study courses. I took one to improve my memory. Bill Carnegie Course, I think it was.
GREG:
“if you can’t say anything good stay home and off the blogs”
That doesn’t sound fun at all!
Next year maybe I buy a college.
gogogogomez. Nice win Twins.
CARLOS: LMAO ! ! !
sorry cesar. I don’t think your negative.
win Twins!
i just watched the game on ESPN her ein California and great game.
Greg,
Livan pitched great? The lineup looked great? Oh wait, you must be one of those guys afraid of stats. Livan pitched well, not great. The lineup was minimally effective, not great. I’ll say it again, 3 for 14 w/RISP. That’s not great on any level.
Looked like the roof was leaking in front of the camera.
hey …were one game up on detroit…who said we wont compete?? great win twins…one day at a time…
too many men left on base tho…need to stay away from that…
To the glass is half empty kind of guys. Lots of stats; lots of negativity even in win. Enjoy the game. Go Go is exciting. But since you only like stats and not wins. Try this… Weaver is lifetime 24-9, including 2-0 with a 2.11 era against Twins coming into this game. Weaver just got his first L against the Twins. Maybe Twins win 70 games this year. So what? Enjoy it. Enjoy Go Go.
mj1, don’t say that. That’s negative. We won, that’s all that matters. There’s nothing to improve on. Livan is the Cy Young, Gomez is the MVP, the Twins will win the World Series, Gardenhire will be coach of the year, no team is better.
We won but Kubes should have started
Wuz up wit dat Gardy
/foolish move
love it Carlos G
I’m not trying to be negitive I was very happy through out the game.
Young and Gomez will mix well with M&M
Repeat after me, Gardenhire:
Kubel is your DH. Kubel is your DH. Kubel is your DH.
Nuf said.
Scott, whatever. he pitched great first game and held the best lineup in the American league to 2 runs.
Get over it.
Will happen the rest of the season unknown. But you fit the description of not being on blog sites.
Win Twins!
The game was not as close as the score indicated. The Angels only mounted one threat, and a nice double play indicated. Pretty good against one of the teams some people thought could win it all.
Weaver had a command problem once in a while with his curve to RH-ers.
I don’t remember Livan having any command problems.
Well, that didn’t come out like I thought I wrote it. A nice double play put an end to the threat.
Gomez had great game and even if he struggles the twins need to stay with him. Young is awesome too. We have the offense. Need to have the young pitchers throw strikes and let defense work. I am sorry to say this but I would really like casilla up at 2b. Can you say lightning! Harris, punto and tolbert are probably fine but man I can not wait till I see both of those on the field and on the bases.
its great to get the first one…especially with all these new guys…makes all the difference in the world to start off with a win….enjoy it and get ready for tomorrow….lets hope boof, slowey and the rest learned a few things from livan tonite…the post game coverage has been lousy so i havent heard any gardy interviews…anyone else heard from him?
SCOTTY:
“Livan is the Cy Young, Gomez is the MVP, the Twins will win the World Series, Gardenhire will be coach of the year, no team is better”
Do you think Punto ruined his chance at a Gold Glove?
Teams will figure out Livan more the 2nd or 3rd games they see him. But it’s looking good for him for a couple months.
He threw a 59 mph oophus. I wish he had a trick 90 mph fastball in him. You know, a wild, let-it-go, unprofessional throw that would surprise them a few months from now.
MJ1:
No Gardy post-game here. Just some dum Hooters swimsuit contest with Warren Moon judging.
Greg, best lineup in the AL? Are you freakin’ serious? Detroit, Boston, Cleveland, New York. I’d maybe put the Angels fifth. Nice try though. I fit the description of not being on blog sites? So you mean not a senseless idiot then? You fit the description of someone who knows nothing about baseball.
Dave T, it’s not basketball. One good swing and the Angels tie it up. It would NOT have been a close game if the Twins had executed w/RISP. People are accusing me of looking too much at the negatives, but all of you are looking way too much into the positives.
CeZar ToVar, I’d much rather see a Hooters swimsuit contest than a Gardenhire post-game interview!
Scott says:
March 31st, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Here comes the Livan meltdown.
Ya good call Scott! hahahahaha. if you hate these guys so much why dont you just get a new team, maybe the Brewers??
Fox 9 just got gomez name wrong…Chris Gomez on the subtitle. HAHAHAHA. Bet that won’t happen again.
Here is what I think we learned tonight:
Gomez is really fast. He will steal a lot of bases. Mauer will get a lot of fastballs to hit.
Livan is at least as good as Silva… aa good swap and saved money.
Gomez can catch fly balls in the dome and is just as fast out there as he is on the bases.
Everett can reach the left field foul pole with his power stroke.
Delmon has a gun and will get a bunch of assists this year.
My apologies to T. Just saw the replay on the Gomez bunt single. He was right to slide into 1st. 2nd baseman might have tried to tag him in a dangerous play. Good for Gomez to avoid the collision.
SCOTT:
Former Vike Warren Moon judged the Hooters. He voted for couple number 13 from Atlanta. She wasn’t that great. But Moon didn’t vote for Cris Carter as one of the Top Five Receivers of All Time either.
Guess that should be “contestant” number 13!
CARLOS:
“Chris” Gomez! That’s a good one. Don’t count on them getting it right though. They said “Carlos” Santana was pitching one day!
Lamb’s RBI makes the difference. I like him, he’s a stick man.
And thanks, Twins. Today is my birthday. So I’m doing okay, duh.
Any bloggers who were at the game? The crowd seemed subdued. Hard to tell on TV though. It was nice to see Nathan smiling after he struck out Hunter. No vengence I’m sure, just a personal kick out of it and the historical situation.
Don Shelby on Ch 4 just did his cutsey little essay on the return of Torii, stating that Torii underestimated his value before the Angels’ offer.
Wrong, Don. The Angels overestimated his value.
And Don says if someone offered him $90M to work in Kalamazoo he’d…think…about it, “wouldn’t you?”.
But Hunter did more than think. And it doesn’t look like he’ll get a ring this year.
$30M is worth more to Hunter than his friendships, which have a lasting value worth much more than money. And the beautiful Twin Cites are worth much more than the rat race LA.
Game 1 is over. I just hope all the Hunter nostalgia is over too.
And Don says if someone offered him $90M to work in Kalamazoo he’d…think…about it, “wouldn’t you?”.
I am downright bored of that argument.
I currently make 5 figures. If I suddenly got an offer to make $90M at some one-horse town I’d likely do it (for a year and then retire)
But Torii’s initial offer from the Twins was $15M a year, which is still way more than I’ll ever see in my entire LIFE.
It’s an apples to oranges comparison.
There’s nothing to improve on. Livan is the Cy Young, Gomez is the MVP, the Twins will win the World Series, Gardenhire will be coach of the year, no team is better.
Well if you’re looking at it like that, your posts are comparable to:
“This win was meaningless. Hernandez will get crushed in his next start, Gomez will come up injured, the Twins will go 1-161 and be contracted…and Gardenhire will go insane trying to keep Minnesota from being sucked into the massive blackhole generated by Punto’s bat.”
I can’t help but think of all the negative blogs about Livan during the first 3 weeks of SPRING TRAINING.
Last year it was all negativity on Silva. Those guys knew they are going to make the team, so they just work on their stuff and don’t worry about hits and runs given up. They are just getting ready for when the games count. Maybe next year the negative and downright rude bloggers I read will finally remember that its just SPRING TRAINING. You know “PRACTICE”
One game is just one game, but it was fun to watch Livan throw his game tonight. He was a real veteran crafty pitcher in every way.
I can see why he can throw so many innings every year. He doesn’t throw hard enough to hurt his arm.
And Gomez really had to excite a lot of fans who really hadn’t heard much about him. You know, normal fans. Not Twins baseball junkies like me and a lot of you.
Anyway, it was a great opener. Nail biter, exciting and we won. Twins baseball is back alive and well. I want to do this again tommorrow.
HAVE FUN!!! GO TWINS!!!
I hate everyone who leaves Minnesota.
I hate everyone who doesn’t think Minnesota is better than Heaven.
I hate everyone who thinks that the worst Minnesotan isn’t better than the best outsider.
Everyone in Minnesota agrees with me.
Now, don’t anybody leave!
Torii was a great Twin but I don’t recall many walk off hits in Minnesota and sure enough he strikes out in the 9th when the Angels needed a rally. That K by Nathan was fun to watch. Good win and great to have baseball back. Memo to Gardy. Quit screwing around with Kubel and let the kid DH against righties.
The Twins only scored three runs off a guy who had nothing. I wasn’t impressed.
That was an error on Morneau that didn’t get called, wasn’t it? Lots of those every year in the dome.
Small ball won it. Stolen bases, 3 singles.
Bartlett would have caught the ball that Everett didn’t get to.
Ya well Craig nobody really cares if your impressed or not. The Twins won and your trying to find negatives? wow your really a sad person. i feel sorry for you
Well here is a positive for you: Carlos Gomez is almost as fast as a young Christian Guzman. If he turns out to be as good as Guzman, the Twins have found themselves one fine player. How’s that?
Nice hunch, Gardenhire. Next time, try sticking to the numbers, like a real manager:
Left-handed hitting Kubel:.288 hitter last year against right-handers.
Right-handed hitting Monroe:.194 hitter last year against right-handers.
Weaver: right-handed pitcher.
= start Kubel.
repeat as necessary.
It is quickly apparent that Cuddyer is not, and will not be, a genuine #3 hitter in the batting order. He is terrible with men in scoring position and lacks the consistency in hitting to be a productive #3 hitter in an otherwise very sound Twins lineup. It will become a glaring problem for the Twins as the season progresses. It may turn out that Harris ends up batting #2 and Mauer #3. But why waiste half the season or more while Gardenhire tries to figure it out? A very high number in the statistics book will be the LOB after Cuddyer’s name, which will cost the Twins alot of crucial wins during the season and take them out of the division race. Why is Gardenhire such a slow learner?
Twins can be better than last year with a more promising young lineup.
To bc and the other naysayers-How long will it take to admit that maybe we did not get had in Garza and Johan trade packages?
Twins can be better than last year with a more promising young lineup.
That’s the feeling I was getting to. They may have been missing that cruical clutch hit last night, but you can’t just ignore the fact that there was usually one or two guys most of the time last night.
That in itself is a feat comparred to last year’s barren basepaths.
fyi..the santana trade made the final four in this offseason tourney. way to go, twins.
http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/04/01/the-2008-final-four-of-offseason-fleeces/
Socrates, it is not because Hunter is gone.
Hunter moved on, he took money, more of it than most of us will earn in our lifetimes (even if we win the lottery).
That is what the facts show because afterall, the Twins did make competitive offers to him.
But, he wants to play a loyalty card and make everyone believe he is the consumate team man … who wanted only to stay here. I think that is completely false.
We can move on too. I do not resent Hunter leaving, I only resent the media treating him like the Second Coming and focusing on him instead of our young and very promising lineup that squeezed out a nice win last night.
Shelby’s Hunter minute, was almost sickening, “that even Hunter underestimated his own value”.
Greetings from NY, twinkie fans. Have you all shoveled out of the snow yet? LOL.
I watched the Twins play on ESPN last night and was delighted to see Gomez doing what he can do. I hope you still don’t think the Mets prospects were crap, which is what you kept telling me in the midst of the Santana sweepstakes. I kept telling you how good Gomez and Humber can be, but you just kept calling them every bad name in the book and told me to to $%*^ it! Aren’t you glad Bill Smith sort of agreed with me?
I’m telling you, you’re going to love Gomez. He’s just like Jose Reyes. They are good friends, by the way, and workout buddies in the Dominican Republic. But after seeing Carlos last night, it struck me more than ever how much they are alike. When he played with the Mets, he couldn’t lead off, because we had Jose in that spot, of course. So we didn’t even get to see Carlos’ talents displayed fully. Now that he has the leadoff job, he can really blossom and show off what he has. And he can change the nature of the game just as quickly as Jose can. It’s ironic that Gardenhire is telling Gomez to slow the game down a little. That’s exactly what they had to tell Jose Reyes when he first came up to the majors.
But please be patient. You know he’s going to hit some rough patches. And some of you will probably be calling for him to go to the minors. Let him learn though his struggles. He’ll be a better player for it. Jose Reyes struggled big time in the beginning of his second year in the majors. His OBP was way below .300 at one point. A few fans called for him to be sent back to the minors. And Rob Neyer called him the worst player in the majors. Well, the Mets had patience and stuck with Jose and it paid off. You might have to show similar patience with Carlos.
He’s a fun player to watch. Infectious (like Jose Reyes is). There will come a time when you will not want to trade him for anything. He’ll grow on you too much. You will come to love him.
Metsfan
I was in the VAST minority who felt that the Mets offer for Santana was the BEST on the table. It makes me laugh to think of the people who kept saying the Twins should have Coco Pebbles playing CF this year.
Iceman,
Players who say they want to stay with their current team are saying what they have to say. When YOU go to work today, consider telling your co-workers/bosses that you would rather work elsewhere. Tell them you can get better offers from other companies and see how that works out.
Hunter is a great guy - his past and current teammates agree. My take (from a distance) is that he is a great guy.
I wish he would have stayed with the Twins for $1million per year, but I have already named three of my future children after Carlos Gomez, so life DOES go on.
Charlie, yeah I think there were a very few of you who didn’t immediately tell me to go $%%Q it, lol.
But most of you were stuck on Hughes — who was a big longshot anyway. I mean, I don’t think Cashman would ever have given him up in the end. And even after the Yankees pulled out, most of you were stuck on Ellsbury and/or Lester.
A leadoff hitter like Gomez (or Jose Reyes) who is fearless and can change the entire tenor and direction of a game with his speed is hard to come by.
And I love Gomez’ personality. Some perceive him to be cocky. But I never looked at him this way. He has unbridled enthusiasm (just like Jose). And they love the fans. Right before the Mets were set to play the Yankees in interleague last year, he told reporters “I used to think Yankee Stadium was the greatest. Not any more. Shea is the best.” Now how can you not like a kid who says things like that? He will be good to Twins fans too. Believe me.
I will enjoy watching him develop into a star for the Twins. It’s a good thing he’s in the AL, or I’d have to temper my own enthusiasm for him.
I am very curious to see Humber and Mulvey at AAA this year too. The kid is a few eyars away unless he REALLY does something special but I think 1 or both of the other 2 pitchers could spend some time up this year. Humber looked really good this spring and is close.
Gomez can change the game. I liked him better than Melky or Ellsbury and he looked good in game 1 at least. WAY too early to tell but I still believe when the new stadium opens fans will be ok with the trade.
I’m going to hold out praise/criticism on Gomez until at least he has the chance to shine/tarnish here in the next several weeks. Trust me, what we saw last night is definitely promising. However, a baseball season is not made/lost in April, let alone on opening day. Its just like the local media darlings to start singing his praises…and in 2 weeks if/when he’s gone 2-45 w/Zero stolen bases (cuz you can’t steal first) it’ll be interesting to see the tone they take with him. I just hope everyone holds out judgement on this kid for a while. Keeping on the positive though, it is obvious he has a tremendous amount of upside!
On another note… 1 - dayoldbread, 0 - Mathew (the closer came through last night!)
I hope “tomorrow might be a different story” means that Gardy is going to start Kubel tonight at DH. If he means Monroe might get a hit, I am going to be pissed.
Monroe vs. Garland: 7-for-33 (.212 avg), 3 HR
Kubel vs. Garland: 7-for-17 (.412 avg), 3 HR
Same production, half the ABs.
“make everyone believe he is the consumate team man”
When down-playing Hunter’s contributions, think of this:
How many times have Mauer, Morneau or Cuddyer run full-speed (without fear)toward walls, fences or other barriers to catch flyballs?
Charlie, IMO Humber has more upside than Mulvey, but he won’t ever be an ace. However, I think Humber can be a #2 or #3 (which is what I see Lester’s upside as). But don’t scoff at that. A solid middle-rotation pitcher is hard to develop and will even cost a mint on the free agent market these days. And the White Sox won a WS with a staff full of #2’s and #3’s in 2005. I don’t think they had an ace that year.
The wildcard is Guerra. I really have no sense of his potential as he is too young.
I hope Humber gets an opportunity to pitch for the Twins this year. I’ll be following his progress at AAA and also when/if he gets a promotion to the big club.
IMO, Kubel is the DH tonight.
Last night, Monroe hit the ball hard twice for no hits. Kubel popped up to left for a double in front of Garrett Anderson.
Monroe feels great because he started, and hit the ball hard after a terrible 2007. Kubel feels great because he is tied for the MLB lead in BA. Gardy feels great because both his DH feel great.
When’s the last time that Mauer or Morneau has needed to run without fear at a ball in such a fashion?
Any thing heading towards the wall for either is foul. I would call both of them stupid for getting hurt trying to make a play on a foul.
Hunter did what he did because he had to make that catch to take away a hit. Equal gamble, but far greater reward if successful.
I’m not downplaying it…but it’d be like asking people who don’t miss Santana when the last time Nathan or Neshek struck out ten in a game.
——
Also, last night I said Gardy should have pinch hit Tolbert for Everett. Thinking about it now, that’s a bad idea. Though Tolbert in the long run will likely be a better hitter…that would’ve been his first Major League AB if my memory is correct.
Don’t know if it would’ve been wise. I personally think the better move would have been to keep Monroe in the game and gone with Kubel to hit for Everett (with Tolbert coming in defensively in the 9th)
But I admit that involves using hindsight, because Kubel PHing for Monroe (who was 0-3) was trying something different. I can’t recall the specific situation that he was in (how many on) so I can’t say if it was wise or not.
But in the future, I’d like to see Gardy keep whoever the DH is in the game and save the other guy for a Harris or Everett PH late in the game.
Some of that could be Gardy still getting adjusted to the sheer number of new faces. I don’t think he’s used to looking down the bench and seeing Kubel, Tolbert, Redmond as opposed to Cirillo, Rodriquez, and Ford.
Some of that could be Gardy still getting adjusted to the sheer number of new faces. I don’t think he’s used to looking down the bench and seeing Kubel, Tolbert, Redmond as opposed to Cirillo, Rodriquez, and Ford.
—
Best comment of the season to date…man we had a terrible bench last year (and in so many previous seasons)
“Any thing heading towards the wall for either is foul. I would call both of them stupid for getting hurt trying to make a play on a foul.”
If I am pitching to Travis Hafner, and I pop him up in foul territory, I am praying for a little stupidity from my C and 1B. If they let the foul popup drop, Hafner may hit a line-drive off my forehead on the next pitch. But, at least the M&M boys were unhurt.
Does anyone remember Brian Downing diving down the dugout steps to catch a foul popup? Sometimes a player can demonstrate he has heuevos, and the rest of the team follows suit.
Metsfan
I think Humber as a #2 behind Liriano would be a pretty good thing in another year or 2 if they both can regain their health. I think Mulvey could be a good bullpen option along the lines of Guerrier.
I agree that Guerra is a HUGE unknown. He could either be a right handed Santana type talent or could completely wash out. I am glad that the Twins were willing to take a chance that he could be something special.
dayoldbread-It’s ok to hold your praise/criticism untill after the first game or first month.But bc and others critized the trade the day it was made.If Guerra realizes his potential,this could rival the AJ trade.
“If my uniform doesn’t get dirty, I haven’t done anything in the baseball game.” - Rickey Henderson
for one night gomez reminded me a lot of ricky. if he comes close to what ricky did the trade will be a great one just on that. long way to go however.
ricky’s first full yr:
9 hrs, 53 rbi, .303 ave, .420 obp, .399 slg, 100 sb.
anything close to these #’s would be fantastic, but not very realistic. while screwy ricky was probably the best leadoff hitter ever.
Why would you pinch hit for Everett in that situation? You don’t want to take the best defensive SS in all of baseball out of the game in a game you are leading by 1 run going into the 9th.
If I am pitching to Travis Hafner, and I pop him up in foul territory, I am praying for a little stupidity from my C and 1B
When’s the last time you saw a popup traveling fast enough to require somebody to even chase it at full speed? Let alone hit a wall to catch it?
Again, Hunter plays centerfield. Any ball hit to him needs to be caught or it’s a hit. Since Hunter has never played a position in which he has to cover foul territory (at least that I can reacll) we have no comparison to how he’d react on a foul popup.
Like I said, I’m not talkin down Hunter…but it’s apples to oranges.
I should rephrase that…”require a C or 1B to chase it full speed?”
Everett’s bat sucks! Its gonna get old watching him bat.
gobbledygookguy
Nice quote i was thinking the same thing he has the same type of intensity but i wonder how fans will react if he does the Ricky twirl after he hits his first HR.
“When’s the last time you saw a popup traveling fast enough to require somebody to even chase it at full speed?”
“a popup traveling fast enough?”
Its how far you have to run in how short a time that determines your pursuit speed?
Morneau often runs just slow enough to avoid having to look bad on a popup in short RF or foul territory.
When did Hunter ever look like he was riding the brakes?
Free Jason Kubel!
Craig says:
March 31st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
“That was an error on Morneau that didn’t get called, wasn’t it? Lots of those every year in the dome.”
I thought the new Craig loved Morneau.
I think Mr. Hyde (old Craig) is re-emerging from Dr. Jekyl. (new Craig)
And why would you pinch hit Everett with a guy who has never had an MLB at bat. Come on now
did len-3 go on vacation?
Could Tolbert done any worse than Everett. Lets see how long it takes Everett to get a hit this year or on base. Your Damned right I would put tolbert up there with no MLB at bats.
Yup, USAFChief agrees with Sane. USAFChief thinks the new Craig is just like the old Craig. First person, third person, or some other person.
I’d also add IMO if the Twins were behind in the 8th, Gardy probably pinch hits for Everett, but with the lead, he decided to leave in his very good shortstop. And USAFChief agrees with Gardy’s decision in this case.
I would have pinch hit Tolbert for Harris, Tolbert has a much better glove and rarely strikes out
Just think how much second guessing there will be on here when the Twins LOSE.
Just think how much second guessing there will be on here when the Twins LOSE.
No kidding. I couldn’t believe the whining through the entire game yesterday. Even when up 2-0 it was as if a loss was inevitable, and the win was somehow a miracle.
The Strib boards will melt when the Twins lose. It’ll be that over the top.
Charlie,
If the Twins win a game 30-0, there will still be 500 posts second-guessing the Twins, firing Gardy, releasing Punto, and replacing the pitchers,2B,SS,3B and DH.
Santana is hurt, according to MLB Fleece Factor. He’s going in for a MRI.
Just April Fool’s fun.
I wish they would post tonight lineup to give people something to complain about.
should be about time for a new blog somewhere, wouldnt you think…anyone heard from len3 in a day or so…lol…
think we’ll get an update today? didn’t the season start last night?
As soon as gomez slides into 1st and breaks a finger or arm blame me!
if anyones interested …democratandchronicle.com is the rochester ny paper that has pretty good coverage on the redwings…will be fun to follow that team also..starting pitchers are perkins, duensing, mulvey, humber and stennet …that last one i may have a bit wrong…
yes, the complaining and second guessing on this blog is a bit crazy, but i guess thats the fans right to state their case, but i wish it would stay within the realm of sanity…
only lineup change i would expect would be to see kubel in dh, considering the success hes had against this guy…3 hrs…the bats seem to be coming around a bit, but morneau seems to be flat somewhat, maybe tonite he can have some good at bats…also will be interesting to see if gomez starts drawing people to the dome pretty soon…..
CharlieMurphy
People on here complain bc they want the Twins to Win!
write Gardy some love letters if u dont like it
new blog
I would not be on this board with no bitchin! How boring would that be.
mj1,
Heath Totten not Stennett AAA starter, I think.
