Tolbert remains in lineup for Game 2
Posted on April 12th, 2008 – 2:57 PMBy Joe Christensen
KANSAS CITY, MO. — Matt Tolbert gets another start at shortstop tonight, and Mike Lamb is getting a night off, as the Twins play the Royals in game two of their series.
It’s going to be another cold one tonight. There have been times of snow and rain today. None of the snow has stuck on the ground, but there’s been a wind blowing about 20-mph all weekend. Even tomorrow’s forecast sounds cold now.
TWINS
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Brendan Harris, 2B
8. Denard Span, RF
9. Nick Punto, 3B
Starting pitcher: RH Boof Bonser
Royals
1. Alberto Callaspo, SS
2. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B
3. Mark Teahen, LF
4. Billy Butler, DH
5. Jose Guillen, RF
6. Alex Gordon, 3B
7. Miguel Olivo, C
8. Ross Gload, 1B
9. Joey Gathright, CF
Starting pitcher: RH Brett Tomko
Kauffman Stadium. First pitch: 6:10 p.m.
266 Responses to "Tolbert remains in lineup for Game 2"
Boy Monroe isn’t getting much playing time this year.
should he(monroe) be??? He is a poor mans rondell white…..lol
is it just me or has redmond not played this season? did i miss something? is he injured?
Uggh…Keep Lamb in the lineup everyday. Man Gardy has an incredible amount of MAN love for Mr. Mendoza line. Makes me puke a little in my mouth. Even Span in RF is borderline…
Why is not Lamb playing over Punto? I would rather play Denny Hocking over Punto.
Let the Punto parade begin!
Punto 3-4 today with a nice play in the field.
Or, 0 for 4.
Why Punto!?
Why!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Give the Punto hatred thing a break. He has a whopping three at bats all season, so it’s not like he’s being overused. I have no problem with him getting an occasional start so long as it isn’t overdone.
Carlos G= Carlos Gomez
I should change my identity. Maybe C Gomez will be less obvious.
Makes me puke a little in my mouth.
How did this grotesque combination of words ever become a part of anyone’s vocabulary? And when will it stop?
I like the line up IF Punto has to play at least Tolbert is playing short so we don’t have two automatic outs in the line up.
Also, I would imagine Span gets the majority of starts in RF til Cuddy’s back if for nothing else that Kubel and Monroe seem to be prone to getting hurt. (Kubels knees, Monroes calf in ST)
Go Twins!!!
If Monroe isn’t going to get to play, they should just release him and keep Span as the 4th OF, and then Kubel can DH, and spell either Cuddyer or DYoung when they need a day off, and they can DH. The team isn’t all that bad, but didn’t they learn from the Rondell White experiment?
I personally would like to see Span playing everyday, so I think AAA is the best place for him when there isn’t an injury need with the Twins. I think at this point in his career he needs to play everyday and not waste away on the bench behind Gomez, Young, and Cuddy with the Twins.
Nickname time:
1. Go Go
2. Dilbert
3. Joe Cool
4. Slapshot
5. The Rake
6. More Kubel
7. Branden
8. Nards Pane
9. Ruinto
Boof
Are Everett and Punto related?
Hey, for some reason I am optimistic that Punto will have a good game here. He has been relegated to a bench player, and I have yet to hear any complaints coming from him. Nothing wrong with wishing well for a “team” player.
look span is never going to be a starter on the twins. not with gomez there in center. so what is going full time with rochester going to help him?
his best place is a 4th outfielder and that is what he will be on the twins.
“Uggh…Keep Lamb in the lineup everyday. Man Gardy has an incredible amount of MAN love for Mr. Mendoza line.”
Guess who’s below that Mendoza line? Well it’s Lamb who’s batting a whopping .188….Punto however has exactly 3 at bats all season, and actually got a hit and sb out of it, plus plays MUCH better defense. It’s ok if he gets a start a week in there.
Maybe Lamb needs a break after that foul off his foot. maybe it’s still sore?
No biggie. Plenty of offense to win this one. Tomko was hittable Sunday, just didn’t string ‘em together.
“so what is going full time with rochester going to help him?”
It never hurts an organization to have players continue to develop and not stagnate on the bench. I would like to see Span have a good year in AAA and try to deal him in a package to get a need position as in 3B. Using him as a 4th OF isn’t going to help him develop or make him more attractive to other teams. If I remember right he is a former 1st round pick and with development should be worth something.
i hope punto does very well, as he needs to start a game now and then, as hes part of this TEAM, but i do wish we could see a bit more of monroe, as i just think he needs some more at bats to get on track, he is not over the hill by any means, and could have on hell of a year yet….
guys does it not appear that since it’s under cold and a huge wind blowing that maybe we went with the fastest possible lineup? So that’s why Punto I guess. I think advantage us with the faster lineup on a crazy weather day like today.
Punto- BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I hate Punto playing as much as anyone but have been ecstatic that Gardy hasn’t been using him and am fine with him starting today. Lamb is a bit older than many of our players and probably needs more frequent days off than say Morneau, Gomez, Young, etc.
Also I know Redmond started at least 1, maybe 2 games so far this year.
Boooo to Monroe, I’m really not a fan. I say more Kubel makes me a happy boy.
God, relax people. We are ten games in and Punto has 3 at bats. It is ok to start him here or there. I think Lamb actually hits lefties as good as righties- so maybe that is why they give him a rest against a RHP (otherwise, why not wait until a LHP?)
Monroe may never start against a RHP… which is ok. But if they put a lefty out there later in the game he would be a good pinch hit candidate…
Wow, I find the punto bashing incredible. Seriously, he’s had 3 at-bats so far this year - THREE!!! Not that I think he should get a ton of at bats, but can’t the rhetoric die down a little bit now that he’s being used in an appropriate role? Lamb certainly deserves a day off every once in a while, and tomorrow is a day game. So, Lamb was going to get a day off either tonight or tomorrow - why not tonight?
Ironically, there’s more people saying “lay off Punto” than there are people actually critical of him being in the lineup. I believe we’ve finally reached the point where we feel sorry for him. I hope he has a great game.
Mauer will probably have a day off tomorrow, Punto and Red Dog in the same line-up might not be a good idea.
Average Joe,
Haha, that’s so true. As glad as I am that he hasn’t been playing I’ve noticed myself feeling a little sorry for him too. I guess now we know why Gardy has had such a hard time benching him all these years.
Add me to “lay off Punto”. If he were starting ahead of Tolbert, that would be different - but with Lamb and Everett both out of the lineup, why all the whining? Does ayone really expect the 9 position players (incl. DH) to play every game? Gardy and TK have both believed in playing everyone occasionally.
cmathewson:
Love the nicknames.
I like when Gardenire breaks up his routine os playing the backups. Putting them all in the same game like he usually does just pisses a Sunday away!
So having Punto in tonight, and putting Tolbert at 3rd base tomorrow makes more sense.
It looks like there is potential for Gardy to Evolve into a smarter manager!
This is only Punto’s second start. He deserves a little playing time now and then.
Well not going to bash NP here, but it’s time to see those Royals’ powder blue alts in action!
SDAVE2
You hit the nail on the head….Lamb tomorrow, and Reddog catching…probably see Everett again by then, unless Tolbert has ANOTHER career game. If that happens, I think it is time to put him somewhere (short)for some time and let him go on. Bottom line, let the manager manage….
Another thought re:Monroe. I don’t see him getting a lot of PT, especially as long as the other OFer’s are playing adequate. Tough for him, since he had such a poor season last year, he probably needs some regular AB’s/games to get in the groove and show that he can get back to a couple of years ago. Only way that will happen (especially when Cuddy returns), is if we have more injuries, otherwise, it’s tough to do just PHing and ocassional DH. So far it looks like he might be the weakest fielder of the OF. If Span doesn’t drop off, and hits well once he returns to AAA, I see them bringing him back up later in the year and sending Monroe packing.
finally some people sticking up for lnp, I can’t understand some of the people on here how they have almost a hatred of the guy, I like him. Even though he’s not a great hitter he still plays the game hard and can be fun to watch. I’m sure it’s just as frustrating for him, if not more so, to not be able to contribute as well batting as he can but it seems like he is working hard and whatever he doesn’t have in natural ability he makes up for with heart.
Man Gardy has an incredible amount of MAN love for Mr. Mendoza line.
It’s his second start in two weeks. Do we know the whole story? Maybe Lamb’s still feeling some leftover pain from the foul ball he took off the ankle.
But lord…
—–
In other news, Santana now 1-2 for the Mets. Do you think they want to throw him into the East River already?
an interesting tidbit about this lineup. Lamb has faced Tomko more times than any other Twin’s hitter (17 AB) and is a .294 lifetime hitter against him. Other than Mauer the only Twin who hit a HR against Tomko is Adam Everett (who has a career .538 slugging percentage against him.) Punto has never faced Tomko.
Gardy usually pays attention to match ups like this… This might mean that Lamb (flu/foot) and Everett (arm) might be a bit more beat up that was let know and need some rest…
Just for the heck of it…Punto’s started in two games out of 11. That’s roughly 18% of the games played.
So if he continues at that rate, he projects to start in 30 games this season. Three atbats (minimum) per game and we’re looking at 90 ABs this season. (Barring injury *knock wood*)
Can we live with a guy getting 90 ABs in a season?
On the other hand, the logic of starting Span 2 days in a row over Monroe, escapes me.
Span has been hitting. Monroe has not. That’s reason enough for me.
ard karuw been helpin me wit da buntin. My dad help me too. I havin fun.
those guys play that close for gomez and he might knock one of them out one of these days
T
90 AB’s is fine with me….if Tolbert keeps playing well, that should hold. Punto has his place right now, ultimate field reserve (safe to play in 7 pos.)…until something better comes along, he’ll stay there, then he’s gone.
On another note, I appreciate the psuedo play-by-play by the posters here. Since I live in the great white north, no radio, rare TV and crappy bandwith from my server (hence MLBTV is not an option), I follow the game on ESPN Gamecast (feel sorry for me?), and like to read the details here on the plays….please keep it up!
AKDanimal… 5 weak at bats so far against tomko… gomez with popup and 4 little rollers; he looks much better today than last week; keeping the ball down and curve looks good; that is until Kubel rocked one to the corner and out. HR…
This Kubel guy might be a keeper.
Kubel goes yard - 2 outs - 2nd inning.
Tomko had a fever, and the only prescription was more Kubel.
AKD…even with dialup you could get Gameday Audio. It uses a 12k stream.
Kubel puts his pants on one leg at a time in the morning just like everybody else.
…Except after that he goes and hits homeruns.
I knew T would need more Kubel
Quick 1-2-3 for Boof
nice solid play by tolbert; he keeps playing and hitting well, he will put pressure on everett.
AKD
Tomko has looked good. But the upside for the Twins is they have been fouling off pitches working the count. Some good ABs against some good stuff. I think he’s got 33 pitches already. Boof just went 1,2,3 on 7 pitches.
You should get MLB.tv I’m in Denver and thats how I watch the games. Fairly cheap too.
Kubel baby…Kubel.
I knew T would need more Kubel
I want to meet the poster who coined it so I can shake their hand.
PUNTO!!!
Hmmm…
Punto has two starts, in those two starts he has two hits.
That’s roughly a .300 average. 
punto with a rip. way to go kid
Shaun
Thanks, I actually have cable modem, and I’ll try it. I do stream Gustie Football games, but it’s hit and miss as well.
More Kubel, please…
Thanks for the FNG’s. Is it just my impression, or is Mauer struggling. Seems to be a lot of GO’s.
How’s Boof looking (other than skinny)?
Boof so far has good life on his fastball. Breaking pitch looks solid and his location has been good so far. First time through lineup though.
“Weirdest giveaway”
How about when the White Sox gave away Esteban Loiaza bobbleheads almost a month after he was traded to the Yankees.
Boof - 2 walks already tonight…
The Devil Rays had that with
Jason Tyner i think too
did anybody catch that pre=game stat for bonser’s run support? i thought i heard something like 24 of 32 starts he has had 3 or less runs.
Boof Boof Boof. Kubel Kubel Kubel. That’s what we’re talking about!
Santana had very little run support last year too but rarely gave up 2 walks in 2 innings.
Awww Tolbert’s worthless. TRADE HIM!
shoot; gardy won’t like that error on the throw tolbert
0-2 and an error - time to pull back a little on the Tolbert hype - why can’t we be happy with having a good, hustling utility guy and stop with the talk that he is the next big thing
boof, boof, boof!
The first time I saw the whole “more Kubel” thing was on either the Seth Stohs Speaks or Aaron Gleeman’s blogs. One of them had this whole “free Kubel” thing going, then, one day, he had a picture of Christopher Walkin and the “I need more Kubel” quote from SNL.
So does Blyleven get credit for a call there ? lol
BOOF! WAY TO PICK UP TOLBERT!!
Santana still isn’t getting run support 
But he’s having his normal slow April.
AKD, you have a cable modem and your speed is that bad? Who’s your provider!?
OK Mauer, anyplace but 2nd this inning please.
crud
What’s the record for most ground outs to the right side of the INF in one season?
AKD, Morneau just about knocked tomko’s leg off, but he recoverd and made an ackward backhanded throw to 1st to get him out. That’s gonna leave a mark.
Shaun
Bush Alaska = 1 step above third world….
Small co-op does phone,elec,cable and internet (don’t even ask about cellular)…I’ve been told it’s a bandwith problem, not enough to go around during high use times.
run support, run support, run support…blah blah blah…
Funny, you always here the violin playing for these pitchers when they lose 2-1 or 3-2 but when they win 9-8 or 11-10, you never here about them thanking the hitters. Pitchers are the biggest babies and although I really Bert, he’s one of the biggest.
Chill out on Tolbert he has half as many errors as Everette and is batting .400 + points higher
I do believe that boof and/or mauer are learning how to pitch from livan. Lot’s of curves, changing speeds nicely, and moving the ball around. When you don’t throw 95, this is the way to win.
Even if you do throw 95, you need a decent mix of pitches to be successful. Mixing it up and hitting spots are the key. Throwing hard is nice, but not necessary.
Anyone know how many pitches for Boof so far??
JJ, i like him as a utility guy, hell, I even like LNP, I am just pushing back against the idea that he is an everyday player, that’s all
JJ, If Tolbert is still hitting .300 plus after 200 ab’s then we can start getting excited. You mention half as many errors, but he also gets to a lot less balls.
65 thru 4 innings
65 pitches for Boof after 4
Yep, you’re in the Great White North AKD!
Typical problem with cable modems-too many people on a node at one time will cause the bandwidth headaches. The cable company I used to work for did a pretty good job of avoiding that, but still had other problems like cable lines shaking loose when an EL train would go by someone’s house here in Chicago.
Krissy, go to yahoo sports and click on the twins box score. The pitch count is at the bottom.
Jeff - I know I could go look for it - I’m just being lazy!
And bats .400 points higher u dont have much of an argument, at this point
punto 1 for 1 with a walk; he needs to play everyday
JJ, Nobody is disputing that Tolbert has played better at the beginning of the season, what we are disputing is this notion that he is an everyday player. We have played 2 weeks and he hasn’t proven anything yet.
So far I have loved his game, but it is a LONG season.
What has Everette proved starting? What is your point Everette should have started tonight?
JJ, Please show me where I said he should be starting tonight? I just get sick of hearing about the 2 errors he made and how that automatically means he is playing bad SS.
Everett has proven at the MLB level that he can play at the highest level defensively. He has proven that over the course of years, not 2 weeks. Yes he has never been a very good hitter, but he has hit decent at times. I don’t love Everett, but his defense is incredible.
my point is that Harris should be batting in the 2 hole and Everett will get the majority of starts this year at short - it would be nice to see tolbert play in 60 games
I will be all far Starting Everette if Tolbert does not produce, I want the twins to win. You can’t down Tolbert because he doesnt get 2 or 3 hits every game. All Everette had to do is hit .200 to keep the starting job.
I hope you guys don’t think that Everett has lost his job because of a 2 week period. Gardy isn’t stupid, he will let Tolbert get ab’s while he is hot. Once he cools off he won’t be playing very often. Makes perfect sense to me.
Aaron is right, defense is the cornerstone of the Twins. Anyway, appears Boof is following his usual script; scoreless until he gives up a big inning, usually 3 or 4 runs. Would be nice if this year it was different.
Another good inning by Boof. Both hits were not hit hard. Squib ground ball that finds a hole on the left side and a flare liner to center. Hopefully has at least one more good inning.
The whole Tolbert discussion. I think he’ll play more that 60 games. He’s got a lot to prove, but has looked very good at the plate. Harris has been performing very well and I have no problem with batting second, though when Cuddy comes back will be interesting to see how the lineup is adjusted.
Shaun-
Yep, it seems like a different world…but to me, a pitchers dual between Bonser and Tomko is REALLY a different world….
JJ - Tolbert has 20 major league at bats. Nice to see him getting hits, but I agree with the other folks here — we’re not ready to anoint him ROY quite yet. He’s playing every day, and that’s fine. But let’s stay somewhat realistic for at least a month or two.
Tomko fielding his position very well. Knocks it down and throws Tolbert out. Tolber shattered his bat on the pitch before, smallest piece left I’ve ever seen. lol.
Mauer should change his uniform number to 43.
Mauer 3 for 3 tonight on ground balls to 2nd. Anybody track that stat. It seems like at least 15 by now.
All the talk during the off season about whether Mauer should be hitting 2nd or 3rd is going to be all for nothing if he keep grounding out to 2nd base and Gardy has to move him to 8th or 9th.
joe mauer…stay away from joe vavra and just start hittin the damn ball the way you know you can….this is getting disgusting…6 ft 5-6 whatever and hits weak ground balls, little nubbers…not exactly the way richie sexon hits the ball- when is the last time mauer pulled a shot into the rt center field gap for at least a double….
Mauer’s swing looks long. Never seems to be on top of fastballs down the middle, fouls em off or loops them the other way. Maybe his bat speed just isn’t there yet.
Tolbert has been fun to watch. Lets not get our panties in a bunch either way. If he gets PT he’ll of earned it, which is not a bad thing for the Twins.
The ground balls to 2B are fine when he’s hitting in the 2-hole and Gomez is on 2nd.
boof is going to need another run here soon…i dont trust this one run to hold up…but what excellent pitching the twins are getting from this young staff..wow…if the offense would just click this team could do serious damage…
I’m not gonna argue about Tolbert, but if Everette continues to hit sub .200 much less .095 he won’t be starting, sorry to tell everyone that.
“Fine” is not the word we should be using when talking about Mauer. The expectations are higher than that. It would be “fine” if got a base hit.
The Royals are truly a clone of us, right down to a middle of the order singles hitter. Smith is probably trying to trade for Butler as we speak.
Good point about the offense mj1. But as someone said the Twins value defense so that means a better hitter could sit in favor of a glove.
Since that philosphy obviously hasn’t gotten the Twins to the World Series I think the Twins need think more offensively, like keeping Tolbert in the lineup everyday.
Boof is really throwing the ball well this year. Outside of the first inning in his first couple starts he has been spot on. Hopefully the offense gives him a little more support tonight so he can be more sure of getting the Win
well maybe redmond will catch tomorrow…give mauers bat a break and chance to cool off…
In the stadium commercial, Mauer is hitting the ball into parking lots and restaurants; maybe he just needs a different helmet.
The first time I saw the whole “more Kubel” thing was on either the Seth Stohs Speaks or Aaron Gleeman’s blogs. One of them had this whole “free Kubel” thing going, then, one day, he had a picture of Christopher Walkin and the “I need more Kubel” quote from SNL.
Actually, it was neither. I posted the link here a couple days ago.
http://twinsfanatnicks.blogspot.com/2008/04/well-there-goes-perfect-season.html
“I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more Kubel!”
I’ll say it again, I have never seen a player his size have so much trouble pulling the ball and hitting for power. If he ever moves to 1B or 3B, he will be a very average big leaguer at best.
no speed on the bench to pinch run tonite …
Two weeks ago, how many of us would have thought that Bonser and Tomko would be locked in a pitchers’ duel, and that Kubel, Harris and Punto would have the only Twins hits?
Shaun — I understand your point, but I really don’t think Tolbert’s starting or not starting is the difference-maker as to us getting to the World Series or not…
text book hit and run
Nice execution on the hit ‘n run. Harris does a great job with the bat there. Nice call Gardy!!!
punto better be bunting….
Let me amend that — “and that Kubel would get an infield hit”!!
I guess that’s why they actually play the games, instead of just what we think will happen.
Punto needs to bunt the runners over
Boy, I’m starting to think Monroe’s going to be the odd man out when Cuddy comes back.
Unless Span finds a home with another team…
puntos big chance….and now he has time to think about it….oh shit….
AGREED! Punto has to be bunting here. And if he executes will keep his perfect game going!
First time I’ve seen a pitching change that brings in a new pitcher to face Punto…
Punto has handled the bat well so far…let’s see what he does here.
Do the Royals still have Ambriox Burroughs (or however that’s spelled)?
Haha, nice work Punto…where was the freaking bunt last year!
ah .. punto is a new man….2006 is back…lol
bunt again Carlos…make then field it
Way to go LNP!!!
Nicely done by Punto. Now Gomez with a chacne to crack ir open.
Gomez and Tolbert need to come through here.
Where does one sign up for the Punto fan club!!!
Gomez still a bit raw with men on base.
ughh, Gomez looked bad and way over excited.
GBG,
Nor was that my point. Twins have more offensive issues than a currently well hitting rookie SS can fix.
Ouch. Three breaking balls out of the zone. In fact not even close.
hit a grand slam Tolbert!
i would hope twins hitters have to look at video tapes….gomez needs some serious schooling….but we knew that i guess…thats the worst at bat ive seen from him this year….awful
Thats a horrible at bat by Gomez.
So, why Gomez wasn’t given the bunt signal?
Gomez woudl need the perfect bunt, or else it’s an easy out at home.
Does Boof have another inning in him, must be around 95 p’s?
Sure bad AB there but I still would give Gomez some time here. Now later in the season if he did that…
I would have pinch hit Monroe here after the switch to the lefty.
*tsk*
Tolbert’s average dipping below .500…what a disappointment.
i would pinch hit monroe in a heart beat now
Ughh
Geez…come on guys.
Gomez is sometimes very painful to watch. Bases loaded, no outs. It’s one thing to be aggressive, another to give away your at bat.
Boof will pitch im guessing, only 89 pitches so far. Any trouble and hes gone though.
Ok, a gal can dream.
Horrible by Tolbert and Gomez.
Good thing it’s still early in the season or I would be freaked about Mauer’s lack of hitting.
Awful situational hitting from the top of the order. They coulda busted this thing wiiiiide open. Joe - dust off your Quick Swing.
Fine line between a dream and delusion. lol
Hey, he didn’t groundout to 2B!
Yep, David Ortiz is hitting .070 after all. It’s early, but that was a bad set of AB’s.
maybe mauer needs a time out in rochester–its worked for a few others…
how disappointing is this one…whoa…if kc comes back now, there will be an awful taste in the mouth….
Is Mauer 0-for-the series?
I would have liked to see Boof get another inning…ohh well.
I would have liked to see Bonser begin the bottom of the 7th…
But we’ll see what happens.
Come to Minnesota and smell the Guerrier.
…Sorry, I’m killing time now.
I like Tolbert alot, but if I’m Gardy I might think of bringing in Everette for his D at this point.
I call a punto defensive gem to save the game
Is Mauer 0-for-the series?
Morneau went 0-LAA and that turned out alright.
I don’t care what all of you Mauer worshippers have to say, he is not a clutch hitter. Most guys that are clutch guys are hacking when they get a strike. Joe is just happy to work the count. I am already sick of it after two weeks.
I don’t think sending Mauer to AAA is the answer.
Ben D, that is why you pinch hit for Tolbert against the lefty with Monroe. That was a great chance to bust the game open and get our best defense on the field. I fully agree with you.
Jeff -go ahead …laugh.
Folks - Everett’s name does NOT end in an “E”!!
mauers last 9 at bats have been as bad as they can be…weak…what the hell is wrong with him…he doesnt even look good at the plate….looks weak/tired…arghhh
Mauer and Young don’t like the cold but Kubel seems to. Maybe we can install a refridgeration system for Kubel to sit in between innings at the dome.
What did Span dolast inning? I missed it and Gamecast skipped him.
AK, base hit up the middle.
Good inning by Matt G.
i thought I read that Everett has some arm issues right now. If that is the case, playing in 40 degree weather may not be good.
Are they really going to march Liriano out to pitch in 45 degree/rain weather tomorrow? Seems like a bad idea to me.
Maybe Mauer has the flu now?
i would have pinch hit for mauer…redmond can catch the last 2 innings…i would have taken my chance…gardy..no guts..
You guys do know that Everett reportedly has a sore shoulder. End of discussion.
If these Twins don’t like the cold, I am sure they are looking forward to 2010.
If I got paid 2.5 million a year I would learn to like the cold, might even love it.
delmon is about due to put one in the seats i would think…hes overdue to start showing some power….
mj1, if Gardy woiuld have pinch hit for a previous batting champion in that situation, he would have been thrown out of the major league managers club.
mj1 — who would you have brought in?
Me too Ben…me too.
not much clutch work done here tonite…still think monroe should have been in there against mahay…not sure what gardys waiting for…
fyi, the replay clearly showed that Yound beat the tag in the second base…
It isnt like Everett is sitting out because he dosnt like the cold weather.
Again, he has a sore shoulder. They have decided to let him rest it. He is our starting SS, and he will be for the rest of the year.
make that “Young”
Who in the hell is this Telly Hughes character? He sounds terrible. Couldn’t they find someone better while Marni is on maternity leave?
Hmm, I thought it looked like Young slid right into the glove and was clearly out.
jeff, what are you saying…pinch hitting for mauer is against the rules??? the guy has done nothing in the last 3 games at bat…
So if Monroe was in there, where is Kubel? RF?
I don’t think hitting for mauer is going to happen any time soon. the problem is mauer takes strike one right down main street 95% of the time he sees it. any baseball guy will tell you the best pitch in baseball is strike one.
Does anyone else think Marnie is hot as hell?
kubel would be done for the nite….
You guys are ridiculous.
PH’ing for Mauer?
It’s obvious you guys are in love with Nick Punto as well after his performance tonight.
mj1- generally you dont pinch hit with a 2 run lead. You keep your best defensive players in. Gomez (over Monroe), Tolbert (instead of a hurt Everett or Lamb- ever) and Mauer (over Redmond) are all better defensive players.
Easy Ryan, Everette will have his chance to start producing, but no team would keep even a gold glove at SS hitting below .100 pitchers in the NL have a better average than Everette right now.
nathan has to do it….boof really deserves it…
my god, shut up bert….you’re favoritism towards pitchers is a joke. That pitch to Butler was 6-8 off the plate. IT’S NOT A STRIKE.
i don’t want them to hit for mauer. i want mauer to adjust his approach so he does not always have to work form behind in the count. he believes all the BS he has heard about being such a great eye. having a great eye means that you know what to hit and what not to hit. It doesn’t mean you take yourself in to a 0-1 hole to show your plate discipline.
Um, Kubel doesn’t need to be PH for. He has accounted for 1/2 the runs tonight!
Erik; I think they were talking of pinch hitting for Tolbert, but I bet you 8 out of 10 times Tolbert gets a run home in that position.
I would move Tolbert to 2B and put Everette on short for the ninth.
Shaun, he’s scored both i believe
mj1 — so, you would pinch hit for a guy hitting .256 for the year and .312 career for a guy hitting .133 for the season and .256 for his career. Even with the L/R splits, Mauer’s avg. vs. lefties is higher. Not to mention the fact that you’re removing your catcher from the game…
No Ben, mj1 clearly and wrongly suggested they pinch hit for Mauer with the bases loaded.
James, I hope there is some clever reason to add an extra letter to the end of Everett’s name… otherwise your continual use of that spelling is just making you look silly.
no i would have pinch hit the right handed monroe for kubel…nothing wrong with that…you saw how kubel did against that lefty…..
If Punto goes 3 for 3 I’m gonna start drinking heavily.
And you guys need to listen to Krissy, she is correct about spelling Everett. There is no “e” at the end.
top 5 in the order: 1-20
bottom 4: 8-14
Erik — yes, I do love it when a Twins hitter gets on base three out of three plate appearances and has two hits. Unless he’s played horrificly in the field, which isn’t the case here. Sorry to disappoint you that Punto has had a good game and we are willing to acknowledge that.
Look at mj1 post at 8:15. Clearlysays he would pinch hit for Mauer with the bases loaded. Do not try to back peddle when the proof is there.
Sorry Jeff and Krissy I wasnt sure if his name ended with a e or a K
Gotta give Gardy some credit. Him starting Punto and Span at the bottom of the order looks like a good decision at this point.
PUNTO!
Good one JJ, touche. lol
yes i said it … i would have pinch hit for either one of them….when he didnt for mauer i would have for kubel …its that simple….think what you want….we need runs and i like the r/l match
Jeff - Thanks…It was starting to make me a little irate.
Ryan,
What looks silly is Everett(E)’s batting average, 2 errors and his sore arm.
Carlos G called for a punto 3-4 earlier today. 2-3 and a walk is pretty close. 2006 all over again. I have him making a nice play in the ninth.
Again, Everett won’t be playing today and probably not tomorrow. Otherwise, the shoulder injury is just a cover
AaronK — don’t you know that giving Gardy credit for anything is not allowed on this board!!!!!
Sorry guys I will try and run spell check before I hit Submit Comment from now on.
Everett(E) is this years RonDL…
How many errors did Bartlett have at this time last year?
Everette = A diminutive version of Everett? If so, sounds right so far in ‘08!
Dick has a call!!!
GBG, I realize that! I can be a pain…lol
Nice win Twins!!!!
Game Over
Good to see we are winning with slumping Mauer and Young and no Cuddy.
twins pitching in 2008 …awesome and hopefully will only get better with each start and experience….get the offense going and this team is a big hit and look out central division….this team is no fluke…..hopefully liriano will have some success tomorrow…..
i agree that wins without the middle producing is always good. so far, so good with the young staff. I still cannot believe they are running liriano out there tomorrow in this weather.
Everett’s last full major league season (06) he had 7 errors. In 149 games, 479 attempts. He has never had a season with a range factor under 4.30.
Tolbert has one tonight, and had one of the most amature defensive plays I have ever seen a week ago friday when he threw to first on a chopper to second with guys on first and third and 1 out. One run scored, another runner to second, which led to a runner when the next hitter hit a single. Tolbert had 13 errors last season in 121 games, which was second most on the Red Wings team (after Tommy Watkins).
Your assessment of Everett’s defense is based on a very small sample size.
Nice game Boof, Kubes, Punto
I do believe that my call for the 9th game through with Punto. think Lamb makes that play?
back to back shutouts….when was the last time that happened….great win…
Really cant complain about the defense with back to back shut outs. Go Twins
Nice game by Boof tonight… I know he had “quality starts” out there the past two starts, but in both of those games he was hit HARD. Tonight he threw a good game. That is encouraging.
Harris continues to look good with the bat, and D-Span had a nice game as well. Heck even LNP had a good game.
There is a lot to feel good about.
Bottom line, Everett is a million heir now. He will miss games with a sore arm, family problems, bc of cold weather or whatever. He does not have the desire anymore, his career is at a end and he knows it. I think Tolbert broke his nose when he ran into morneau and would not come out of the game in ST. Thats why he will be our starting SS this year.
How many errors did Bartlett have at this time last year?
Bartlett had 4 errors after the first 7 games last year…
BOOOOFFFF! Top 5 in the lineup didn’t do much. Kubel could be in for a very good year. Nice to see Guerrier and Neshek bounce back.
Boof! Kubel! 1st place. Franchise tomorrow. Enjoy.
Ben, I would agree with you if there was any historical evidence that Gardy would bench a superior infielder because he his a poor hitter.
See Nick Punto (2007).
Dynamite drop-in thrylos, you beat me to the punch.
0.5 game of the division lead, 2 games ahead of Cleveland and 4 ahead of Detroit, with surprising pitching… I think that the Twins might be ok this year
(still think that it is a boneheaded decision to start Liriano tomorrow in nasty and possibly rainy weather… hope he doesn’t get hurt)
Ha! Silva just plunked Torii,
Hey ya’ll the Nick Punto bandwagon line is over there *points*
Yep.
Denard Span appears to be a real good player. Rating him as the best of the Twins outfielders, may be correct. He needs to play more, before that can be determined, but all indicators point in that direction.
The Twins will eventually have to make some decisions about their OF. Span probably can play all three OF positions, so they could use him anywhere. He is NOT a fourth outfielder. Not on this team, anyway.
Everett has not looked good in the field, or at the plate. I’m not saying he’s finished, but his best years may be behind him. His arm seems to be bothering him. That’s likely the main reason why Gardy isn’t playing him. He might need to continue to rest it. A SS has to have a strong arm. Hopefully, he can bounce back, and contribute something.
RIGHT WHERE WE THOUGHT WE’D BE
Half game out of first, Bonser throwing goose eggs, Punto batting .500, Santana getting rocked for the Mets.
I guess we expected all this. (I know, I know, long season.)
Kelly - Wasn’t that Bartlette?
Oh god, the Span comments return. Fine, if he can’t be a 4th OF with the Twins, trade him! I know the Mets always can use another glove out there.
Span is a bum and the only thing the organization need to decide is if their going to trade him or bounce him back and forth between the minors until he’s out of options!!
Your right he’s not a 4th OF he’s a 5th OF if that…..maybe 4th on the Pirates or nationals!!!
Kubel or Monroe should be playing right and the other DH’s!!
SIT DENARD SPAN IN THE PERVERBIAL JAIL SINCE JASON KUBEL MUST BE FREE AS MUCH AS HE HAS BEEN WALKING THE BASES FREELY.
Span is starting to hit. WTF? Bremer just said he got some clutch hits in KC.
Gotta be patient.
