Cuddyer not in Twins starting lineup
Posted on June 14th, 2008 – 4:18 PMBy Joe Christensen
MILWAUKEE — Michael Cuddyer is not in the starting lineup tonight because of his sore knuckle on the base of his right ring finger.
Cuddyer won’t take batting practice but does hope to play in Sunday’s series finale.
Brian Buscher is starting at third base, with Mike Lamb on the bench, even though the Twins are facing righthander Jeff Suppan.
Gardy said if Buscher hits he’ll keep playing, though Lamb will see playing time, too. Both of them can play first base, which might give Justin Morneau a chance to DH on the next homestand.
Update (4:55 p.m.): They are closing the roof here, as another storm is on its way. Let’s hope its a short one. The drive home tomorrow already looks imposing enough.
Think about this: The Brewers have kept the roof open for only six of their first 30 home games. That’s a harrowing stat for the Twins, with an open-air ballpark being built for 2010.
Twins (33-35)
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Glen Perkins, P
Brewers (35-32)
1. Corey Hart, RF
2. Joe Dillon, 2B
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Mike Cameron, CF
6. Bill Hall, 3B
7. Jason Kendall, C
8. Craig Counsell, SS
9. Jeff Suppan, P
Miller Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.
179 Responses to "Cuddyer not in Twins starting lineup"
Totally unrelated topic here but are there any 2008 Twins draftees playing in the College World Series besides that closer for Miami?
i dont like injuries, but i am glad cuddy is just enough to keep him out of the lineup….he needs to sit for awhile as his game has abandoned him, and what bothers me is that it doesnt seem to bother him, he still laughs and jokes about losing, as if its not big deal, sorry but as a loyal fan, i have a hard time with that…….lets hope this lineup is a winner and we keep going from last nite….it would be nice to see buscher come in and just take away the 3rd base job in such a way that nobody questions whose job it is…end the search now buscher, as that would be one less problem for the twins to solve…and now back to reality…..
No team is going to take Cuddyer, with that ridiculous contract, Bill Smith signed him to. He is here to stay. Same is true for Mike Lamb.
Buscher can’t field. The only reason he is with the team, instead of in Rochester, is because Howie Clark has sore ribs. Buscher is not going to grab hold of the 3B job and keep it. The skills aren’t there. He is nothing more than organizational depth. About the third layer down.
Think about this: The Brewers have kept the roof open for only six of their first 30 home games. That’s a harrowing stat for the Twins, with an open-air ballpark being built for 2010.
I was under the impression they’re real anal about closing the roof during a game, leading to many games getting played indoors when you would expect it to be open.
I’ll take my chances on an outdoor stadium, thank you.
Also, the roof is usually closed if they believe they need to close it during the game, so I THINK that they have it closed more often than they need to.
i luv u
see youre having a bad day me…
by 2010 and beyond, they are going to regret not having put a retractable roof on that stadium so much, i cant tell you….how assinine to think in minnesota you can get by without a roof…just this season alone, how many games would have been shut down, cancelled etc. too damn many and especially if youre spending 4-5 $ in gas to come and watch from anywhere but the cities….but the braindead have made up their minds and this is what you get….just more stupidity on that large of an investment……
Not the old Roof or No Roof thing again! Those of you that are angry about No Roof can stay home. I myself will be enjoying outdoor baseball.
Perry,
“are there any 2008 Twins draftees playing in the College World Series besides that closer for Miami?”
Blake Martin; LHP; LSU; 17th round
in addition to the Miami closer (Carlos Gutierrez)
Brian Buscher is starting at third base, with Mike Lamb on the bench, even though the Twins are facing righthander Jeff Suppan.
What am I missing? Buscher bats left handed too, doesn’t he? That sentence makes it sound like Gardy is ignoring a platoon situation, but he’s not. Or am I reading that wrong?
Thanks Sane. I will watch Miami which is playing now and look for LSU.
dont ever bunt gardy what ever you do…just keep hittin into those effen double plays…..what the hell does it take…isnt this national league besides….i give up on gardy again today…well at least mauer is 2 for 2 —this is how losing streaks happen..downright stupidity…..arrgggh
gardy= RALLY KILLER!!!!
how about Young?
And the issue with Buscher over Lamb is that Lamb actually hits balls in the outfield on occasion…
mj1,
At least you have ruled Mauer not guilty of hitting into two DP’s.
It was Gardy’s fault for not bunting a former batting champion who is now hitting .329.
If you think the rest of the MLB managers are having their best hitters sacrifice, and Gardy is the exception, you need to check around the League a little bit. Try getting out of the house.
Gardy is highly thought of by the other baseball professionals, regardless of what the blog commenters say. You can either believe the experts or the pseudo-experts. Your choice!
its time to start questioning gardy…i dont think his head is in the game anymore as it used to be…maybe the death of his brother or something has taken alot from him and thats ok, but the game still has to be played and he needs to step up if thats the case and move on… turn this over to someone who can deal with it properly and give it the proper attention….these are just some thoughts crossing my mind, and in many ways i hope i am way off base, but i am afraid im not
What if mauer drives those balls into the gap like last night or puts it in the seats like he has been against lefties. You don’t bunt your #3 hitter unless its late in the game.
ya toby he sure has been putting alot in the seats…how many now??
I have no problems about the bunt. I have problems with Lamb sitting today and Delmon sitting yesterday. And yes Gardy has not been there this year, so this team needs to put him out of his misery…
Sacrificing Mauer early in the game is WRONG. You have decided to forgo a potentially big inning to play for a single run BEFORE you have any idea how many runs may be necessary to win.
Its not done and no manager with a clue would do it unless he had a Santana-type pitcher throwing for him or against him.
Sacrifice Mauer twice SUCCESSFULLY (and don’t ASSUME it will be successsfully) and you may lose 7-2.
Down in the farm Duensing is getting lit:
5IP 5H 4R 0BB 6K 1HR
Rochester down 4-0 and Plouffe playing 3B again tonight
He is playing third because their starting third basemen is playing for us tonight.
Toby,
Machado or Santos could have played 3rd tonight… and this is 2 nights in a row
The fact that Gardy makes decisions contrary to the opinions of the commenting clueless does not mean “his head is not in it”.
It just means he knows more about his job than his critics are capable of understanding.
mj1 says:
June 14th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
ya toby he sure has been putting alot in the seats…how many now??
He has 2 in June.
No one bunts their #3 hitter in the 4th inning. Pretty much no one bunts their #3 ever… some might in the 8th or 9th. The only way Mauer bunts there is if he thinks he can get a hit with it.
Plouffe profiles more as a 3b than those guys but is full capable of playing ss.
“Plouffe profiles more as a 3b than those guys but is full capable of playing ss.”
If Plouffe has a defensive deficiency, it is his lack of range (like Brendan Harris). His likely MLB destination is 3B, similar to other range-challenged shortstop prospects.
In fact, Sergio Santos is a classic range-challenged shortstop prospect, who is fighting his almost certain shift to 3B.
I’ve never heard or read anyone question Plouffe’s range. I don’t knwo where that is coming from.
Those Twins 3B sure love their Sac Flies!
Hopefully monroe picks up harris
seth,
“I’ve never heard or read anyone question Plouffe’s range. I don’t knwo where that is coming from.”
Baseball America Prospect Handbook 2008, p.278
“His quickness is below average for his position”
“must improve his footwork to remain a shortstop”
“He has average speed”
I personally have seen him play SS for Crespi High School, but admittedly that was 5 years ago, but I thought then he had only above-average range for a HS shortstop.
sane - apparently I should rad Baseball America, huh?
buscher’s got a cannon! i’d much rather see him play third and see what he can do there and at the plate than watch lamb play another out.
Seth,
“sane - apparently I should rad Baseball America, huh?”
If you are questioning BA credibility, that is your right. However, now you have “heard or read” someone “question Plouffe’s range”.
“its time to start questioning gardy…”
hmm. seems like that’s always what time it is on this blog.
I don’t really question BA. They have pretty solid sources.
If you ask me, next time Gardy asks his 3 hitter to sacrifice early in a game, THEN it will be time to question him.
seth,
Sorry!
I misunderstood your comment:
“sane - apparently I should rad Baseball America, huh?”
Professional at bat for Gomez taking that 6 pitch walk. Last pitch was a normal pitch he would have swung at earlier. NOW it’s time to bunt.
Is it just me or should they have taken the risk and tried to get gomez to steal and then bunt him to third?
“next time Gardy asks his 3 hitter to sacrifice early in a game, THEN it will be time to question him.”
Agreed!
I don’t like the sacrifice there, either. Let Gomez try to steal second.
“Is it just me or should they have taken the risk and tried to get gomez to steal and then bunt him to third?”
Completely agree with you!
Steal there is good play too. I hear you guys. I like the more sure thing of getting Gomez to 2nd. But, steal is a solid choice too.
Ugh this guy is tough.
Morneau must stay closed, stay on the ball and go oppo.
If he gets jammed, live with it!
Did I type that fast enough?
But not tough enough
Ditto, Kubel.
pretty hard to question gardy this inning.
Kubel is bailing out.
he can only hit a mistake.
No mistakes.
AMF Kubel.
I imagine if Gardy puts Red Dog or Macri in for Kubel, that they go to Torres instead. But, Kubes really struggles against a lefty like that… well, most lefties.
Solid managerial moves this inning.
Who would play right if they would have PH for Kubel?
“But, Kubes really struggles against a lefty like that”
He struggles because he won’t adjust like Morneau.
“Morneau must stay closed, stay on the ball and go oppo.”
Buscher looks like he wants to play 3b at least one more game.
LV Dave,
Yeah, defense would have been a problem. Not sure if Macri or Buscher could handle OF. Maybe Slowey. He’s pretty good pinch runner. LOL.
(I am also in agreement with Gardy. Just hated to see the wasted Kubel AB).
Crain is dealing
And Crain looks GOOD tonight. Really reminds me of 2007 pre-injury.
Carlos G,
I would have loved to have PH for Kubel there as well, you just knew what was going to happen.
Oh well, but what about the Crain Train? All Aboard?
Carlos G,
Unless Cuddy is out of uniform, he could be emergency OF until his next at bat.
If we don’t get the run in I am going to pull my hair out.
Hart hustled about the same as Delmon did after his disasterous dive. I wonder if he’ll catch the same amount of hell.
Lamb can’t really intend to bunt… can he?
“I wear my sunglasses at night” gave us one there.
Crain at 95 on the black. Man, it will be great if he is back.
Buscher — nice.
Wow, that was an aweful mis-play in RF on Buscher’s single.
“Lamb can’t really intend to bunt… can he?”
I assume you’re not actually watching the game?
wow, someone other than the twins made a stupid outfield error that may cost them the game. the way everyone posts around here, the twins are the only team that does that.
well… here’s Nathan
Great play by Casilla
Seth ~ That’s the problem with the “Submit” button… you can’t take it back when you type the wrong thing!
Look at all those Twins fans, its great to see that on the road, even though its in Milwaukee, it is something to see. I was in milwaukee last year, if you have not been there for a twins series, i strongly encourage it, it’s an experience you won’t forget
Bring in Reyes to face LH-hitting Branyan–KIDDING!!!
Plouffe at 3rd:
i have seen him play at AA a few times…. doesn’t seem to have the greatets range
ah shit
Would have been nice if that curveball had been called a strike than he can bury another slider instead of throwing the heat.
Wow!!! Branyan missed the slider by about a week… Why throw him a fastball thigh high?!?!
OUCH!
Seth
Do you think that the Twins will send Revere up to FT.Myers this ALL Star break… they should if you ask me. Revere has completely dominated Low A
DOH
fire gardy.
I’ve changed my mind on that, Tyler… Revere’s got a lot to work on defensively, but he can do that in Ft. Myers too. He’s stayed above .400 for long enough, and it’s not like he’s all that young.
Seth
So do you think the twins will do that though?
Seth, Revere is 20 and in his second season in proball
honestly no… I won’t be surprised either way.
thrylos - I know that, but the Twins have typically had their top draft pick hitters out of high school go to Beloit for the whole year. Parmelee and Benson were in Beloit last year. In the past, they have then pushed such guys to Ft. Myers that next year. They were smart and kept those two back. But did you know that Revere is only like 3-4 months younger than Benson and Parmelee, so what I’m saying is that age-wise, I don’t think he’s too young.
there goes Kubes again trying to kill the ball… doesn’t anyone tell him that a single can be ok in some cases?
17 pitches. I’d love to see Nathan’s contract. Does he have a clause in there that he can’t pitch more than 1 inning? How much are we paying this guy?
That was close.
Carlos jumped too soon.
“jumped too soon” and didn’t find the fence quick enough. Glad they got the call right
I wish they would just show the flippin replay on the board so people would calm down.
kind of surprised Gomez couldnt haul that in!!
That was the right call regardless in my opinion. But we will hear how MLB needs replay after this one
If the Twins find away to lose this game, the headline should say: Twins out-homered again, what a surprise.
and what about Guerrier? I can’t remember a pitcher to make such a catch before
it’s going to be funny when replay is in effect, and that call is announced a live ball and not a homer, and the crowd still boo’s.
even if the twins lose this game, it has been one of the most exciting games i’ve seen in a good while.
Fielder is someone the twins should try and get, have him be our DH. I wonder how much it would take to get him!!!
“the headline should say: Twins out-homered again, what a surprise”
Why? I think 4-4 (or whatever the final score is) is more important than 2-0.
“Fielder is someone the twins should try and get, have him be our DH. I wonder how much it would take to get him!!!”
I believe that the conversation would start with Mauer or Morneau and then include another 3-5 players.
100 mill
“even if the twins lose this game, it has been one of the most exciting games i’ve seen in a good while.”
From a fan’s perspective, shouldn’t that be what it is all about? Thanks for saying that!
“Brian Buscher is starting at third base, with Mike Lamb on the bench, even though the Twins are facing righthander Jeff Suppan.
What am I missing? Buscher bats left handed too, doesn’t he? That sentence makes it sound like Gardy is ignoring a platoon situation, but he’s not. Or am I reading that wrong?”
Ahh, forgot Macri was available.
Very good game indeed especially if macri can get us a lead.
Is it me or Maddux is trying too hard to look like Frank Zappa?
He had better not K here.
Grand salami by Gomez
I am perfectly content with a sac fly or base hit.
come on Gomez
i knew that was coming, carlos is just terrible with RISP
Casilla needs to dump one over princes head.
Or a grounder to the SS, good job twins.
This has been about the second most frustrating game this season.
OK. Bases loaded Gomez up. 1 out. Why the hey isn’t Gardy calling for a bunt?
Look at how branyan went about his business after he hit that homerun and compare it to prince raising his hands over his head and walking along on his triple. That is whats wrong with so many young players.
Bass in????? Lord
Kind of painful seeing him in knowing one long ball ends it.
Actually I think Bass in now to face the bottom of the order is a good idea.
There are only so many pitchers. When your highest paid pitcher can only go 1 inning, you need other guys to come in and step up.
who do you prefer? Bonser, Reyes or Breslow?
Will this team ever learn how to score someone from third with one out? This is becoming somewhat critical, hey?
I hope the Twins get this one, but it has been an entertaining game either way
I would keep Bass in, and if it goes to the 13th, bring in Breslow.
little rain tonight in Binghamton tonight, Shawn?
just a little something… who was the pitcher that gave up that big grand slam to Jason Kubel in extra innings two years ago for the Red Sox?
yeah, a little bit, didn’t have to water the grass.
Did The New Brit game get rained out?
was it Tavarez? i misremember
maybe they’re in New Britain… it only went about an inning and a half.
yeah, they are in New Britian
they might not have gotten it in here either.
Maybe a little grand slam for young Mr. Young.
does Delmon have to swing at every first pitch?
Ok maybe a game winning hit to cap off Buscher’s night.
Buscher!!
If he isn’t starting tomorrow…
OK, Bushcher can hang with the big boys for a while.
Brian Buscher’s third consecutive hit! Clutch!
Who needs Lamb
2 run lead…. who do you want?
Bass
Breslow
Bonser
Reyes
I say stick with Bass
Dennys is coming out, uh oh
I’ll second sticking with Bass with Breslow ready on short notice.
I was hoping for Breslow but Reyes is ok. Personally I would let Bass pitch until someone reaches and then bring in Reyes/Breslow.
Bonser did give up 6 runs in one inning…
Cuddy! Don’t hurt yourself.
I don’t like any of the options much, lets get more runs ol bad hand Cuddyer
Well. Here’s Cuddy.
Clutch!
YES
YES YES YES
best game of the year
What is the ruling?
What hand?!
!
probably trip, w/ error
This game went from frustrating to REALLY fun in about 30 seconds.
re: Brewer fans leaving early
aren’t they usually out after the 8th to catch an inning of Uecker on the radio?
I hope they replay this game tomorrow, i have only caught from the 8th an on
Jonas, that is exactly correct
This has been a great game all the way through.
You know you’re not in Minnesota anymore when the Washington Post describes Slowey’s outing yesterday as “effective.”
Gardy sure seems smart today.
after this i will put on game 5 of 2002 ALDS
Now that there is a five-run lead, I am good with Reyes. Save Breslow and Bass for tomorrow.
Bass was pinch hit for anyway
This game went from tough loss, to top five of the season.
yeah… I wasn’t expecting to get to the pitcher’s spot in the order.
Thanks Bud and Wendy Selig for turning the Brewers into a AAA+ franchise. I just heard that the Brewers haven’t been to the playoffs for 25 years. Maybe some of the detractors of Twins baseball ought to consider this, hey?!
Wow what a win. now I am just waiting for Punto to get healthy and give this team the extra boost of energy and defense the Twins need!! ( yes the Twins need punto)
Nearly everyone on this blog qualifies as a “detractor of Twins baseball”.
As a side note. Gordon/Gladden were dwelling early in the game, as they are accustomed to do, on the idea that home plate umpire Gibson had walked past Gogo before the game and said something to him that seemed to rile Gogo up. Maybe that’s what led to the 0-5? Hope so! Maybe Gogo will learn to concentrate and keep his mind in the game.Perhaps Joe C. will have a comment about this later.
All I am saying is give Buscher a chance!
Gardy to stick with Lamber because of $$$…
And who said Buscher can’t play defense?
He made a couple of defensive gems.
Fans didn’t see the real Buscher late last year…….
Go Buscher!!!!!
I was at the game tonight and it was awesome to see the Twins hang in there and win. Hats off to Cuddy!
Also there Friday night and it was great to see the runs coming in then too.
One more game Miller Park and hopefully good news!
Just saw the video of Cuddy’s triple. Anybody else notice when he was emphatically high-fiving everybody he wasn’t offering his right hand?
Hope he didn’t re injure anything. But wow…that’s gotta feel good for him.
You know what, I don’t think this team is in a hitting slump anymore. Getting to the 4 run mark is commonplace for them anymore.
The team is actually in 3rd place for runs scored in the AL. That I find hard to believe considering all the complaining that we have heard this year about our terrible hitting coach and our punch-and-judy hitters. They must be doing something right.
Heck, they are at 4.8 runs per game right now, not to shabby for this no-punch offense. Guess hitting a homer isn’t the only way to score a run, who woulda thunkit???
Me Too,
Great post!
Please continue to call out the Vavra-bashers and rub their noses in it.
At least until the next slump, at which time we can pause until the the hot streak after that.
Its amazing that Morneau, Mauer and the Seven Dwarfs have scored as many or more runs than such LOW BUDGET LINEUPS as the Yankees, Tigers, White Sox, Angels, Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays and Indians.
But lets continue to blast Vavra and the Twins out-dated hitting philosophy.
Don’t forget to rip Bill Smith for failing to add hitters to the mess the Twins ran up to the plate last year.
Also, rip Bill Smith for replacing the Jason Tyner, Luis Rodriguez, Lew Ford and Rondell White bench with Craig Monroe/Denard Span, Mike Lamb/Brian Buscher, Brendan Harris/Nick Punto, Matt Tolbert/Adam Everett.
And don’t let the numbers get in your way.
Angry criticism is more cathartic than taking a good sh-t!
I think that the Vavra bashers would be more than happy to get there noses rubbed in it on occassion, since that would mean a that something is going well for the Twins, and I am pretty sure everyone on here is a Twins fan.
However, that said, there sure are a bunch of whiners on here, that I can’t believe take the time or the effort to even watch these guys play.
I have been a fan for most of my life, and I can honestly say, I love to watch/hear them play, since it gives me time to do something other than WORK.
Well, Happy Fathers day to all the Fathers and especially any grandfathers out there.
