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Tuesday lineups: Twins/Orioles

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 – 3:49 PM
By Joe Christensen

After winning the final two games of the Yankees’ series, the Twins will try to avoid another letdown this week against the Orioles.

Remember, the Twins took three of four from the Red Sox three weeks ago, only to get swept the next three games by the Blue Jays.

An interesting challenge awaits tonight, with the Orioles calling up righthander Radhames Liz from Class AAA for this start. Liz actually faced the Twins in his major league debut, Aug. 25, 2007, when he allowed five earned runs on four hits and three walks. Liz was 1-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 11 starts this year at Class AAA.

Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn have already thrown bullpen sessions here today. Assuming they are both on track to pitch Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Updates to come…

Update (6:30 p.m.): Justin Morneau said his left leg is feeling better today, and he’s back in the lineup for the 58th time in 58 games.

“I talked to him again today, and he wants to play,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “There’s DH days that I can give him, but right now he’d rather be out there playing.”

Nick Punto said is out of the lineup again but said the hamstring is definitely not as sore as it was when he went on the disabled list. He said he hopes to be back in the lineup Wednesday.

Orioles (27-29)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B

2. Nick Markakis, RF

3. Melvin Mora, 3B

4. Aubrey Huff, DH

5. Kevin Millar, 1B

6. Luke Scott, LF

7. Ramon Hernandez, C

8. Adam Jones, CF

9. Freddie Bynum, SS

Twins (30-27)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, RF

6. Jason Kubel, DH

7. Delmon Young, LF

8. Mike Lamb, 3B

9. Brendan Harris, SS

Metrodome. First pitch: 7:10 p.m.

202 Responses to "Tuesday lineups: Twins/Orioles"

BC of ND says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Bakers back and your gonna be sorry. Where’s my LNP is he still hurt?

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm

FLATBLADE:
How could you forget our #9 batter?

“flatblade says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm

Starting Lineup Tonight: (Take it to the Bank)

Gomez CF
Casilla 2B
Mauer C
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer RF
Kubel DH
Young LF
Lamb 3B
Punto SS

Pitching K-Slow”

Nacho says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 3:57 pm

I see a big game from Lambino!

Kay says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm

Kind of thought Morneau might be given a night off based on the descriptions of his assorted bumps and bruises.

mike wants wins says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:06 pm

I too thought that Kay. Maybe he’s feeling better.

Everett_Fan says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm

Punto must be hurting. Is he going back on the DL? And what about Everett, did he get another cortizone shot or is he just nursing the arm?

gobbledygookguy says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm

morneau is a freaking hockey player he doesn’t need a day off. a couple stiches between innings good to go. you can tell which m & m boy was the basketball player.

Kay says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm

I hope so mike. Hate to have him out of the line-up, but he’s been in a bit of a slump the last few games and if he’s hobbling around out there, give the guy a night off or make him the DH.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:14 pm

Punto’s new role is designated pinch bunter.

Seriously, he looked gimpy crossing the bag last night on his sac bunt. Of course, part of that was spiking the Yank’s foot. (Good job, Nicky)

I think Nicky has a slow healing hammie. I would guess he may be on the DL again soon if it doesn’t feel better in a couple of days.

SweetOne says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Carlos,

You mean by Thursday when we have to activate Baker?

Kay says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:17 pm

You’re right ggguy! If Mauer had a hangnail Gardy would probably sit him.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm

I am making a call… Mauer goes yard again. He kind of liked the feeling. And with that monkey and most of blog-world off his back for no HRs, he will be swinging freely.

Feelin’ pretty good about our Catcher. You could be paying $7.5 mil for Hernandez’s .218 batting average.

Eric says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm

Is someone really concerned about poor wittle Adam Everett? Give me a break.

Hopefully someone took him out back and put old Adam out to greener pastures.

Jason says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

someone mentioned my guy Lew Ford as an example of one in a series of outfield “busts” for the Twins in the previous post…

Ford is slowly coming out of it for Hanshin…pinch hit tonight (Japan’s version of tonight) increases his avg. to .227…a 57 point increase since being recalled from the Japanese minors!

Good call on nailing the lineup, Seth…but I still gotta disagree on your take on D. Young’s outfield plays and the legitimacy of booing.

I like the lineup; I like what we have going…a little nervous if one day off was good enough for Kubel, but we gotta roll with it I guess…no LNP = nice going, Gardy!

Everett_Fan says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:21 pm

Eric, the only problem is we are getting too thin at middle inf. Give me a break!

what the .... says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm

It’s time to give Morneau a couple days off let Punto play first and provide the big bat in the clean up spot.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:22 pm

SweetOne says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Carlos,

You mean by Thursday when we have to activate Baker?

Yes. I think it could be the next move to put Nicky on the DL and give a little more time to move a pitcher via trade. Gardy doesn’t want to lose a position player for long and especially he would want to get rid of one pitcher before the NL games coming up in a week.

dimwit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm

I’m so tired of watching these bums that the Twins have in the outfield now. Gomez=BUM, Cuddyer=BUM, Young=BUM. What would it take to get last years guys back. Now those were some good players. Lew Ford, Jason Tyner, Spiderman, Rondell White. That was as good an outfield as the Twins have ever had. I’d even take Dustan Mohr, Bobby Kielty or Brian Buchananon over any of these BUMS. They all stink. BUMS BUMS BUMS BUMS

gobbledygookguy says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm

something does seem a miss with Punto not in the line up now for 3 gms. wonder why, kind of unlike gardy. maybe he tweaked his hammy mowing gardy’s lawn.

jimmy bee says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Bill Hall for the Twins and he is a 3rd baseman

Jason says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm

well gobble, considering the Twins are 0-1 in games Punto started in the last week, and are 5-1 in games he hasn’t started in the last week…I’m too crushed.

Eric says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:39 pm

“Eric, the only problem is we are getting too thin at middle inf. Give me a break!”

And we’re even worse at middle infield when that POS is healthy.

Right now, Punto, Harris, Casilla, Macri, Clark, Plouffe and probably a couple backups in A ball are better options than Everett when he’s healthy.

danimals says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm

If Punto has slow healing hammy, what will he do over at the All-star break …. oh… never mind.

gobbledygookguy says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:40 pm

what would the twins have to give up for hall? brewers starters are not great. he’s not playing much hitting poorly, but 9 hr. be a new guy to complain about for a couple months, fresh meat!

dimwit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm

jimmy bee,
russel branyon would be the better pickup

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:44 pm

be a new guy to complain about for a couple months, fresh meat!

Funny, but oh so true. ;-)

gobbledygookguy says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:49 pm

branyon isn’t much different than lamb is he?

danimals says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm

lets swap Guerrer for Hall. He can be their new closer (i’m assuming they’re still looking for one). keep Nathan!!

Kay says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm

Why the Everett hate Eric? We have not seen him play healthy much this year. When he is healthy, his bat is supposed to be not quite as lame as LNP’s - he even has 1 HR on the year compared to LNP’s 0 - and his defense, better.

I too am crushed that the Skipper’s little buddy is not in the starting line-up again tonight. Gosh darn.

dacham says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:02 pm

Kay

I like “Skipper’s little buddy”

Maybe fans could wear red shirts and white hats when Punto enters a game and they could play the theme song too!!

dimwit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm

branyon makes Lamb look like an All-Star. Career .229 hitter with 124 HR’s

dimwit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm

plus the 40.4% K rate

Kay says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm

That would be hysterical. I can’t take credit for that name though - I have seen it, or something similar, used on these blogs before.

Now I have that theme song stuck in my head.

dimwit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:22 pm

Bill Hall already has 13 errors at 3B this year. It’s his worst position defensivly. He’s also played a lot of innings at SS, 2B and CF.

melshmeister says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm

I like Punto… I like him better on the bench than the starting lineup though.

I’d especially like Punto on the DL come Thursday even better… Macri is a nice 3B to have against LHers.

I’m not much of a Macri believer, but he contributes the most out of our other choices against LH starters.

sane says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:26 pm

We need Bill Hall at 3B.
We have a Buscher at AAA and we need a Butcher at MLB.

melshmeister says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm

I know its fun to fantasize about ‘what could be’, but the Twins will not be making any moves this year that upgrades their line up… we did that in the off season picking up Lamb and Monroe.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 pm

did anyone know the Lakers and Celtics met in the finals alot during the 80s?

robmuk says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm

we need a guy like atkins in colorado, he is the real deal, much, much better than bill hall, iknow the twins won’t spend that kind of money on a player. pohlad won’t even buy a stadium, the taxpayers had to

Shaun says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:28 pm

I would have taken Bill Hall back in 2006. I think like Punto 2006 was his career year.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Jason, one day on the bench will help Kubel. Look what it did for Delmon and Gomez ;)

On a serious note, with how well Casilla’s been doing this year…anybody else getting a “06 Nick Punto” vibe?

A guy nobody expected to do anything when he was called up, gets called up, starts contributing all over the place, batting 2nd….

I’m hoping people keep that in mind next year when the league catches up in 09 and Casilla starts the season off slow.

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm

Eric,

Re: Everett. Here are some interesting numbers:

The Twins have problems against LHP this year. Everett’s splits against LHP?

.364/.462/.455 (.916 OPS)

yeap

melshmeister says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm

They need to change those names… very disrespectful to the Celts and those who recreation on the open waters.

Atkins would be fantastic.

AaronK says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm

The Rockies are going to be looking to trade Atkins this year with them out of the race and I Stewart ready to take over 3rd. He is a great right handed hitter with power and is decent to below ave in the field. He would make this a feared lineup esp if Young and Cuddy start rolling as they are right now.

melshmeister says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm

Difference is that Casilla won’t be gauranteed $2+MM $$$ for not living up to expectations.

Garza pitching tonight against the Pink-hose

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm

I agree, I’ve been coveting Atkins (and Rowand until he was off the market) for a while.

Though I’d expect at the first sign of struggle we’d see a rehash of the Young stuff around here.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm

While I’m still not ready to start saving up for the postseason tickets, I have to agree that with the unexpected stuggles of Detroit thus far, it’s left the division wide open.

Chicago and the Twins fighting it out at the top right now? Whodathunkit?

dacham says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm

Which pitchers would the Rockies take for Atkins?

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 pm

The Twins will not go after Atkins, Holliday or any other Rockies player.

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm

Atkins might be a solution (as might be Andy LaRoche). A few things to consider:

Atkins’ career away splits are .272/.341/.439 (which is fine, pretty close to Cuddyer’s life time numbers) but he is a below average 3B with a career fielding percentage of .950 (.927 this year) and RF 2.33. For reference, Lamb’s fielding percentage this year is .967 and RF 2.49.

He will be expensive. I am not sure what Cororado might want for him, but I think that they might be looking for MLB-ready starting pitching + middle infield help + relieving (and, unfortunately, I do not think that Boof+ Punto + Rincon would do it ;) )

You’d have to sign the guy to a probably $5-6 mil/year contract for a while, because despite the fact that his numbers are inflated by playing in Denver, those numbers count come arbitration contract time.

There might be better in-house options. I think that Cuddy should be starting at 3rd instead of Lamb (with Monroe at OF) against LHP. He will give the same production as Atkins. Gardy should bite the bullet and do it. Also, I’d love to see Hughes getting called up instead of people like Clark and Buscher who are going nowhere…

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm

We really don’t want coor players. They look like superstars at coors and you pay the price for a superstar but you get an above average player for a superstar price.
Atkins Home
.335 .396 .526 .922 117
Away
.272 .341 .439 .780 84

bisonaudit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm

Doesn’t everyone know this and discount appropriately?

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm

Monroe doesn’t throw Jeter out last night and the Yankees have a runner in scoring postition for ARod,leave Cuddy in the outfield.

bisonaudit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm

Cuddy saved a possible run with that throw. Mauer gave one up with poor position on Morneau’s throw home on A-Rod the inning before.

bisonaudit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm

two innings before?

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm

There is no discount for home/road splits at all.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm

Poor position or not A-rod was out by a mile.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:30 pm

thrylos, the Cuddyer @ 3B option played out. Poorly I may add.

He’s found his home in RF.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm

Left field fans threw a homer ball back again. At least it wasn’t a future Hall-of-Famer’s ball.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm

Hopefully this isn’t the Boston/Toronto…thing…again.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm

Unconventional, but I’ll take it.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm

I was watching on radio. Gordo and Gladden thought that Gomez’s throw had the runner at the plate before it was cut off. Any thoughts on that?

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Carlos G,

the play at the plate was not on TV. Nor the TV announcer said anything to that effect.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm

At this point in the game, it’s the smart move.

If they botch the play at home, the runner is likely safe at 3rd. He then scores on the deep fly ball hit in the next AB for a 3-0 game and an extended inning.

If you don’t trust your offense to get two runs, you don’t trust your offense at all.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm

On a side note, with Everett going through his second stint on the DL, and Neshek on extended DL time…how does that work as far as payroll and contracts?

Does the team still pay the player (like expensive sick time?) or do they have some financial support when a player is unable to play due to injury?

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:04 pm

I am pretty sure they still get paid in full.

bisonaudit says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm

They’re got insurance on the expensive contracts for sure but I don’t know if it’s just catastrophic coverage or if it covers run of the mill DL stints as well. I’d guess not.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm

“You can smell like Jessie Crain”…

In before: “But he STINKS!”

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Just checked video at mlb.com. It doesn’t show the plate either. Probably the same feed as fsn. From that replay, it looked like a strong throw, but didn’t really look like it was a sure thing at the plate. Gladden was complimenting Hernandez for drawing the throw away from the plate. I see Dick was suggesting it was a very poor base running move. Even the media don’t agree on the 2nd guessing.

I agree that it was the right play.

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:17 pm

T,

the contracts are guaranteed and players get paid in full (if disabled or released) unless they retire. There is no concept of disability in pro sports :) In some large contracts there is insurance and this concept came about after Bo Jackson’s injury a couple of decades ago…

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm

Tough play for Cuddy. Either way that run scores. Thankfully Delmon made the next play so the runner at 3rd didn’t make a difference.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm

This team is so consistent!

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:31 pm

That called strike to Young was half a foot outside

SethSpeaks says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm

Not to add fuel to any fires because it’s ridiculous, but….

Luke Hughes with Home Run #13 tonight.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Kevin Slowey, you are not going to be an above average ML pitcher until you figure out a freakin way to put hitters away when you have 2 strikes on the hitter.

Absolutely ridiculous.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Not what you want to do on an 0-2 count…

SethSpeaks says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm

If the called strike to Young was a half a foot outside, the 0-2 pitch to Mora was 2 feet inside, which is where you want an 0-2 pitch.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Joba in his first start this season. Goes 2 and 1/3?

Oh boy…THAT’S not going to sit well.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Why not Rincon? This game appears to be out of reach.

Why waste a ‘pen guy that could do some good later? Especially on this string of 20 some games.

And that Joba thing…wowza. That’s trouble considering the bullpen usage during the Twins series.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm

How often have the Twins had GRDs when it was pretty clear it was gonna be a triple?

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm

Is it just me or does it seem like slowey does not stop talking and doesn’t seem to notice that others arent paying attention or don’t care.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm

Dare I say it? The Return of the Pirahnas?

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm

Sit rincon back down this isn’t over.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm

Here go the electric boys. back to back doubles from the speed guys.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm

OK! Not of reach yet.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm

YES

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm

And our Singles Hitter strikes again!

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:50 pm

I like doubles.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm

OK! Not of reach yet.
(darn right it was a duplicate comment you detected)

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm

No no. Keep warming up Rincon…hide Guerrier or Crain somewhere else whiele they get their tosses in. The Twins appear to be responding to his presence in the ‘pen.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Good manager move to pull Liz. We figured him out the third time through the order. those three hits were smoked.

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Alright, with the amateur draft coming up, here is an obscure factoid to file under the “once bitten, twice shy” category:

The Twins drafted Nick Punto in the 33rd round of the 1997 draft out of Saddleback College in CA, but he elected not to sign and drafted next year (in the 21st round by Philly). BTW, Gardy was the Twins’ 1st base coach in 1997. The next is history…

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 pm

What was Gardy before he was the Manager? Was it still 1B coach?

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:55 pm

Boy, Morneau has had a tough time driving in runs lately.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 pm

“Boy, Morneau has had a tough time driving in runs lately.”

You know what that means in Blogger Land don’t you?

BENCH MORNEAU!

*runs*

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 8:58 pm

Gardy coached 3rd for awhile…. he was the 3rd base coach when he shopped in my liquor store

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Was it me or did that slider catch a lot more of the plate than pitch 1.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Rincon!

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm

T,

in 1998 he became the Twins’ 3B coach and stayed there until he got the Twins’ manager job.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm

and why do we keep him?

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm

Rincon…Rincon rincon rincon.

What can I say but…rincon.

what says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm

Here we go Rincon, we get within 2 and it probably will be 5 by the time this is all said an done

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm

I think every twins fan should fork in some money to pay rincon to go away and never come back.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm

I think Gardy was 3rd base coach in 91 as well

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:02 pm

i got a few bucks

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Rincon should come in when we are 10 runs behind in the 9th.

Mitch says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Q: Who is the only Twin to ever be suspended for violating the MLB performance enhancing drug policy?

A: Juan Rincon.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm

“and why do we keep him?”

Because nobody else will take him…

At least Gardy’s not wasting any time.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm

that was worth it gardy

Col. Nathan R. Jessup says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm

Viva El Gasolino!

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:04 pm

Does anybody else want to join me in wondering how different the season may have been had the Twins been able to include him in the Young/Garza deal?

Anybody else want to join me in wondering how different the RAYS would be with Rincon in their pen?

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Shoot! Sox leading KC 8-4 in seventh. AJ homered.

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Mitch,

Swarzak did, too…

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm

In Gardy’s defense, Rincon has to be able to do SOMETHING to be worth anything to this pen.

If he can’t do anything except pitch in mopup duty (what this game was before the bottom of the 7th) then he’s worthless.

At this point, if the Twins can get ANYTHING for him from ANYBODY I say do it.

Nora says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm

Is Rinon playing for the twins or the opponant? Can’t tell the way he gives up runs and squashs Twins rallys.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:06 pm

With him just sitting in the pen not pitching at all they probably lose 5 more games. He is so bad that he can drain the confidence of every other pitcher down to nothing.

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm

well, The Twins are 8-13 with him pitching…. will be 8-14 without a rally…. i gotta believe a better reliever gets us a win or two.

Hilary C says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm

I will NOT QUIT!!! Neither should the Twins!!

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Swarzak was suspended for recreational drugs not performance enhancing.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Kansas City has Yabuta pitching.
Shake,shake,shake,
Shake,shake,shake,
Shake Yabuta!

(ok that was dum)

Mitch says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Not including minor leaguers…

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:08 pm

Bullpen looks fantastic tonight.

Wild pitches galore!

When will the Twins finally cut bait with Rincon?

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Thursday?

Hilary C says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm

They appear to let up (big time) after victories against big name foes. As for me, I do not!

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Is Gomez’s aim getting better as of late? Or is it just me looking for silver linings tonight?

Floridafan says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Can someone help me here. Rincon is spanish for_____________.

Hilary C says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm

I am glad you guys are not in St. Paul listeing to Obama - thank you!

Mitch says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm

mierda

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm

*pfft* He was out on the tag regardless of baseline or not.

But two hotboxes and they STILL can’t score the guy from third.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm

Rincon is spanish for “That’s Bullsh!t”

Hilary C says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm

Paint your self in the perverbial CORNER! Vote for me!!!

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 pm

I am glad i am nowhere near that Hilary C

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm

That, my friends, is damage control.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm

“Can someone help me here. Rincon is spanish for_____________.”

That actually sums it up pretty well.

“Emptyness”

Hilary C says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 pm

Stop the presses!! Obama just annouced his victory???? Oh my, I am calling Bill and cry!!!

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Nice at bat for kubel

Twin Fan in So Cal says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Somebody turn Hilary off!! Hey - Delmon is going to hit one out tonight!

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 pm

He should have taken that

snepp says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 pm

Is Gomez’s aim getting better as of late? Or is it just me looking for silver linings tonight?

He siphoned off Joe’s accuracy while he was sleeping.

Twin Fan in So Cal says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 pm

Okay - Ican smell a HR coming!

what says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm

That was a pathetic swing by young

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm

Not tonight for DUY.

Twin Fan in So Cal says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 pm

next time . . . or perhaps another lifetime ;-)

Twin Fan in So Cal says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:21 pm

Man - Texas is killing Cleveland and now KC is slowly gaining on Chicago

Twin Fan in So Cal says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:21 pm

BTW - Joe Torre is now showing up in beach and surfing commercials out here in SoCal - funny to see

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 pm

snepp, I think we just found where Gomez has been getting his accuracy from now… ;)

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 pm

Way to go harris

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Nice wheels,Kubes.
But pick up your 3B coach next time.

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Remember when the O’s only had 4 runs?

That was nice…

T says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:24 pm

PS: There should be a new rule. If a starter only gives up X-runs, and the offense eventually gets that many after he’s pulled, he shouldn’t be on record for the loss anymore.

Case in point. When the Twins get that 4th run, Slowey should be off the hook.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:26 pm

Yeah it is a completely different game if rincon doesn’t come in to give the game away. I understand they want him to try and get it together but his trade value would be alot higher if he just distributed snacks and drinks to the other pitchers.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Good thing Manager Ron gave the ball to Rincon in a 2 run game.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm

His trade value would be higher if we ran his jersey out there with someone else pitching

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 pm

When’s the last time Twins went back to back HRs?

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:32 pm

Rincon should be cut when Baker is up.

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm

Good thing Cleveland gave up on Breslow, maybe the Twins could follow their lead and just cut Rincon.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 pm

For this Orioles team to have 11 hits is pathetic doing by the Twins staff.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Let’s see if the Twins can contain Ramon Hernandez in this next AB.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Unbelievable.

This bullpen is awful tonight.

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm

Mauer, Morneau , & Cuddyer…time to rally!!

thrylos98 says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm

Erik,

Rincon is awful (every night). The rest of the pen is ok

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:42 pm

Rincon is awful tonight the bullpen is doing fine.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:44 pm

And the rally begins.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Tough night at the plate for MVP.

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Time for a Kubel long ball

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm

And the rally looks to be headed towards ineptitude.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Someone is a glass half empty kind of guy

kmack says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm

Garza got lit up for 7 runs, 5 earned in 5.1 innings

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm

Delmon Young…

My, oh my.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm

It shouldn’t but that makes me very happy.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm

He is so due it isnt funny

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm

What is that brown stuff running down Delmon’s leg?

Oh, nevermind.

It looks like he just pissed himself.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:53 pm

That pitch wasn’t even close to the strike zone.

Delmon just got sick of not swinging his bat.

snepp says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm

*sigh*

Plate discipline ftw.

Floridafan says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm

ok, Rincon is spanish for spot ‘em a couple of runs and still beat ‘em.

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Lets hope so.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Can the Twins trade Delmon for Tim Lincecum, like was talked about during this past offseason?

Toby says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 pm

When delmon is hitting 25 bombs and Lincecum is on the dl after blowing out his elbow you will regret judging a trade after 2 months.

Krissy says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm

On WorldLingo.com Rincon translates as “corner”…
Discuss

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm

Poor AB by Macri.

The Twins hitters are absolutely horrid at taking a strike in the latter innings when they are trailing.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm

You mean like “Go stand in the corner for punishment”?

The New and Improved Craig says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm

Stop criticizing Delmon Young. He’s only 22 years, 8 months, 18 days, 22 hours, 8 minutes and 37 seconds old.

snepp says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

Geez, what a sorry inning at the plate.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

When delmon is hitting 25 bombs and Lincecum is on the dl after blowing out his elbow you will regret judging a trade after 2 months.

And when will these 25 HR’s come?

When he turns 25?

I forgot…he’s got loads of talent, and is only 22 years old. He’s destined to be great.

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

CRAIG:
That is extremely hard to figure out.

Floridafan says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

Kinda reminiscent of the Kyle Lohse meltdown. Maybe Lohse means corner also.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:07 pm

A definite letdown following the past 2 wins.

snepp says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm

Stop criticizing Delmon Young. He’s only 22 years, 8 months, 18 days, 22 hours, 8 minutes and 37 seconds old.

*snicker, snicker*

Mudcat says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm

SNEPP:
Don’t laugh. That is extremely hard to figure out.

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 pm

Trade rumor: Rincon for a 30th round draft choice or a Nicky rookie card. Gardy’s choice to make.

Erik says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm

Trade rumor: Rincon for a 30th round draft choice or a Nicky rookie card. Gardy’s choice to make.

Can we at least get a bucket of balls in return?

Carlos G says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm

Can we at least get a bucket of balls in return?

Nope. Bucket of balls was yesterday’s offer.

Tomorrow’s is a couple of broken MLB baseball bats.

sane says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm

“Trade rumor: Rincon for a 30th round draft choice or a Nicky rookie card. Gardy’s choice to make.”

If draft choices were tradeable in baseball, that would be a better joke.

The New and Improved Craig says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm

Nacho says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 9:01 am

“For everyone whining about DY and his age, just remember what you were doing at 22. Most likely trying stumble into Dennys at 3am after drinking yourself stupid.”

Dennys Reyes?

snepp says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm

Craig is all about the snark tonight.

The New and Improved Craig says:

June 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 pm

100% pure snark.

johnjsmith says:

June 4th, 2008 at 3:47 am

RINCON DELIVERS THE BALL AND THE BATTER SWINGS AND DRIVES THE BALL 400 FEET INTO THE LEFT FIELD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL, REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL,BUT A REAL LIFE OCCURENCE.PLEASE LET HIM GO-HE IS NOT VERY GOOD!

T says:

June 4th, 2008 at 10:58 am

FTR: Rincon did have a disappointing outing. But this team lost 5-3. Not 1-0.

There’s still the matter of Slowey’s inability to get hitters out after going 0-2 (including one that took an 0-2 pitch and planted it firmly in the left field seats).

Rincon didn’t do anybody any favors, but Slowey shouldn’t walk away scott-free on this one.

Sniff the bat says:

June 4th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

Slowey got outs. Rincon did not get anybody out. He’s lucky to only be charged with one run rather than two.

Coomer says:

June 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Ey! The frick business does this team have losin’ to the flippin’ Orioles for cripesake? I mean good god they oughta kick this teem right in the keester and get ‘em movin’ again! Bye Bye Baltimore Birdies, straightouttatownitellya.

kent says:

June 5th, 2008 at 7:49 am

When are the Twins going to hire some Major League television announcers. Instead, fans have to listen the those two clowns on TV who think and speak at the 4th grade level. Fans have to turn the sound off on the TV and listen to the radio announcers in order to enjoy the games.