StarTribune.com

Wednesday lineups: Twins/Padres

Posted on June 25th, 2008 – 5:49 PM
By Joe Christensen

SAN DIEGO — The Twins will put their seven-game winning streak on the line tonight against Padres righthander Greg Maddux, who has 350 career wins.

Check out all the lefthanded hitters in the Twins’ lineup.

Updates to come…

Update (8:20 p.m.): No injury, roster or lineup news to report. With the team on a roll, Gardy is hardly going to tinker with the lineup.

You may have seen this by now, but Francisco Liriano improved to 4-2 for Class AAA Rochester today, despite giving up six runs (five earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

He allowed two home runs, walked one and struck out three, leaving his ERA at 4.44.

The report said his fastball was again clocked from 88-93 miles per hour.

Update (9:25 p.m.): The Twins just announced that they have signed pitcher Shooter Hunt, their sandwich-round pick (No. 31 overall) in last month’s draft. Hunt pitched for Tulane University and has drawn comparisons to Scott Baker.

He will report to Elizabethton.

Twins (41-36)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. (S) Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. (L) Joe Mauer, C

4. (L) Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, RF

6. (L) Jason Kubel, LF

7. (L) Brian Buscher, 3B

8. Brendan Harris, SS

9. (L) Glen Perkins, P

Padres (32-45)

1. Scott Hairston, CF

2. Edgar Gonzalez, 2B

3. Brian Giles, RF

4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B

5. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B

6. Chase Headley, LF

7. Khalil Greene, SS

8. Michael Barrett, C

9. Greg Maddux, P

Petco Park. First pitch: 9:05 p.m.

252 Responses to "Wednesday lineups: Twins/Padres"

twayn says:

June 25th, 2008 at 5:57 pm

Looks like his homer last night kept Harris in the lineup after all. Before he went deep in the 9th, I was convinced Punto would get the start at short tonight.

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:05 pm

“Check out all the lefthanded hitters in the Twins’ lineup”

Are you counting Perkins as a “hitter”?

Ole says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

“Check out all the lefthanded hitters in the Twins’ lineup”

Ya the same lineup as last night, amazing.

JimCrikket says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

Say what you will about Gardy, but he’s old school enough to know, as Crash Davis tells us, “never ‘fool’ with a winning streak.” Not going to see much for line up changes as long as this line up is winning.

Ben W. says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

The same lineup as last night except Buscher and Harris have been flip-flopped.

robmuk says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

it is a no brainer stick with the hot bats.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

Nice lineup. Guarantees a quiet night on the blogosphere. I like it.

Wonder if there’s any particular reason for swapping Buscher and Harris. Perhaps stacking the lefties as much as possible?

Hopefully the boys are ready to swing, I don’t think the Umps going to be doing anybody any favors…

Sssuperdave2000 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:31 pm

I’ve got a question for someone smart out there. Joe mentioned in yesterday’s blog that the Twins have had 10 straight quality starts. I’ve always wondered about that stat though. What EXACTLY is it. I know it’s 6 or more innings and three or less runs, but that doesn’t do it enough for me. Here’s some examples of my question.

Situation A. A pitcher has given up 3 runs through 6 inning. He then stays in the game and lasts all 9 innings, but gives up a 4th run in one of the last 3 innings. Is that a quality start? Sure seems like it to me, but it doesn’t fit the “3 or less runs” part of the stat.

Situation B. Same as situation A, but the pitcher has given up 4 runs through 6 innings. He still lasts all nine and doesn’t give up any additional runs. Is that a quality start?

In both A and B the picher has an era of 4, whereas with 6 IP and 3 ER, the ERA is 4.5, seems like they should both be quality starts.

One hypothesis of mine is that the stat is registered at the end of 6 innings. So, if at the end of 6 innings the pitcher has given up 3 or less runs, he gets credit for a quality start. So, situation A about would be a QS, but situation B would. Note that that would be quite strange for the same line to give you two different results.

Also, if my hypothesis is true, consider situation C

Situation C: A pitcher has given up 3ER through 6IP, then during the 7th inning they give up 3 runs. So, their line is 7IP, 6ER - definitely not a quality start in my book.

So, what’s the verdict? I know that Quality start is not an official statistic kept by MLB, perhaps questions similar to mine are part of the reason.

Although, here’s another thought that could make the stat handle my objections. The stat could be “6 or more IP, and a ‘game ERA’ less than or equal to 4.5.”

I apologize for my nerdiness

Tony says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

It’s 3 runs or less and at least 6 innings. So as soon as you give up the 4th, not a quality start.

JimCrikket says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:41 pm

The QS requires AT LEAST 6 IP “and” no more than 3 ER. Pitch 9 and give up 4 and you get a handshake, but not a quality start.

Gotta draw the line somewhere and while you could argue that 3 ER in 6 IP is really not such a big deal, when you look at it as being the “minimum necessary”, it’s not such a low standard, imo. Most pitchers who get that far in to the game, only giving up 3 ER, have at least given their team a chance to win and probably are going to get trotted out there for a bit longer, as well.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

QS is a pretty badly defined stat and I am glad that it is outdated and not used much any more. Let me explain. 3ER in 6 is a 4.50 ERA. Currently the league average ERA for the AL is 3.96. A stat that makes a successful outing out of something that is less that the average outing, would be the equivalent of saying that if a batter had one hit in 4 PA would be a quality game for him…

Sssuperdave2000 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

I agree that 6 IP and 3 ER is not too low a standard. I’m all for keeping track of quality starts and measuring pitchers a bit based on them. However, it seems very silly that 8 or 9 IP and 4 runs is not a quality start when it’s a lower ERA than 6IP and 3 runs.

Sssuperdave2000 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 6:57 pm

That is, my agreement is with JimCrikket (didn’t see thrylos’ posting yet)

Randy says:

June 25th, 2008 at 7:04 pm

How soon can we start complaining that we don’t go to games cause we don’t have a roof on the stadium?

Adam says:

June 25th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

Sssuperdave2000:

VERY NICE!!!

totally agree….

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 7:38 pm

I think I’ve posted this link before, but I’ll do it again because it’s quite good.

http://www.diamond-mind.com/articles/qstart.htm

In that study (8 year sample) only ~6% of quality starts were of the “6 IP 3 ER” absolute minimum variety. The ERA in quality starts was a ridiculously low 1.91.

How many pitchers actually pitch 8 or 9 innings these days? And when they do, it’s typically because they’re either carrying a shutout, or haven’t given up more than a run or two at most. The idea that pitchers could potentially “lose out” on quality starts by giving up 4 runs over 8 or 9 probably doesn’t happen often enough to make a difference.

Sssuperdave2000 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

Nice posting snepp. I definitely think the QS is a good stat, and it is very true that the problems I pose are extremely unlikely. Nonetheless, the flaws in it are such that I can see why it is not an “official” stat.

At least now I truly understand what it means. I can handle it being a good-but-flawed stat.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:10 pm

Bit of a followup for the previous comment, for anyone interested.

There have been 1137 quality starts in the major so far this season in 2320 games started (49%).

There have been a total of 10 starts where a pitcher went 8 or more innings and gave up 4 ER, or roughly 0.4% of all games started. And two of them belong to Roy Halladay (always been a horse).

Basically if you’re not Roy, you have roughly a one-third of one percent chance to get hosed out of a quality start, or once every 9 years (assuming you make 33 starts per year).

:P

BC Beneke says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:26 pm

I would kind of like to see the Twins trade for Khalil Greene.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Watching the Blyleven story right now. Seemed like all his starts were quality. He said he made $66,000 and got a pay cut to $52,000 because that was a rule then.
Unbelievable.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:28 pm

So with Macri sent down, does Gardy start Buscher against lefties as well, or will he unfortunately give those spot starts to Punto? I personally think Buscher deserves a shot to hit lefties (unless he has some terrible stats against them that I’m too lazy to look up at this point).

gatty790 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Glen Perkins is by far our worst hitting pitcher

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

BC, why would Khalil Greene and his .232 batting average would be an upgrade over Harris (or even Punto or Everett?)

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

I think Buscher would have little difficulty hitting lefties at least as well (poorly?) as Punto would.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

Glen Perkins has 2 MLB at bats and he struck out in both… very small sample to use to make conclusions

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:39 pm

Glen Perkins is by far our worst hitting pitcher

Livan La Vida Grande begs to differ.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

I agree, snepp, but as good of stuff that Gardy does, I just don’t get his man-crush over Punto.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Scratch that, reading is fundamental.

I’ll be in the corner if anyone needs me.

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Punto batting RH against LHP is not good. The Twins should first give Buscher a shot against LHP for evaluation purposes.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

I think the Padres can keep Khalil Greene…

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:44 pm

Hopefully this works sane, I’d like to fix your comment for you.

Punto batting RH against LHP is not good.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm

That’s a shame, I thought the strike-through would work.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:45 pm

Punto batting LH or RH against any pitching is not good. He should be used strictly for defensive sub and pinch-running.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

SCOTT:
Did you hear? Your man just needs to keep driving in runs and he’ll be in there.
Makes sense to me.

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

snepp,
I thought I said that.

JimCrikket says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

Buscher hasn’t hit LHP well at all at the major league level (something like .150 this year)… but since he’s rarely been given the opportunity to do so, it’s tough to really conclude that he “can’t”.

Punto has hit over .300 this season vs LHP (again a small sample size, though not nearly as small as Buscher’s). For his career, he’s a bit over .250 vs LHP.

I wouldn’t mind seeing Buscher get some opportunities to hit vs lefties, but I really couldn’t fault Gardy for playing Punto against LHP either.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

Constant production will keep anyone in the line-up, the question is whether they get the opportunity to produce in certain situations,

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

sane,

You did, I was trying to use a strike-through to make it read “Punto batting is not good.”

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:50 pm

JimCrikket,
I didn’t realize Punto hit right-handed that well. I was going on memory visualization (AKA crap).

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

snepp,
I get it now.
I am easy to confuse.

GolfGuy81 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:53 pm

Could Lapanta’s face be any more orange?

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

Punto is hitting .304/.333/.478 against LHP this season and Buscher is hitting .176 /.211/.176 career against lefties. For comparison, Lamb is hitting .256/.323/.397 against lefties (career) and Macri .409/.409/.591 this year in 24 PAs

sane says:

June 25th, 2008 at 8:58 pm

Thanks for the splits.
Looks like a Buscher-Punto platoon is the best plan.

sid says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:03 pm

“Could Lapanta’s face be any more orange?”

Thats called a chemical tan.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:05 pm

looks like Busher is batting 8th

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm

Now that the euphoria has died, I’d rather have Punto at SS tonight. A LH bat with him too.

BTW, Randy Johnson was hitting 95 on the gun tonight, could barely get it to 90 vs. the Twins.

We’ve been kind of lucky lately.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

Punto career against lefties:

.250/.315/.325

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:12 pm

God point, romer. Twinkies are death for Former Cy Youngers. Greg Maddux may have met his match tonight.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

That’s former Cy Youngers not named Roy Halladay who always seems to beat us.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

oops, romer. looks like i elevated your status a little. i meant “good”.

Scott says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm

Unless I’m mistaken and Halladay didn’t win a Cy Young

BC Beneke says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Khalil Greene has power, he would be 3rd on the team in homers, he would be 3rd in RBIs, and in Minnesota he could very easily be a 3rd baseman here. He has a KILLER arm, a great glove, and a weird personality that would add something to this clubhouse. He’s still reletively cheap (slightly more than 6 million a year), and he’s only 28 years old I believe (too lasy to look it up)… He is capable of hitting 30 homers, driving in 100 runs, he could play short or 3rd base for the Twins. The Padres have Headley and Kousmanoff to play 3rd and SS, so Khalil would be expendable…

His downside is that he’s probably at best a .280 hitter at his very best, and he doesn’t walk (which means he is perfect for the current Twins administration).

So maybe the Twins could pull a big deal off with the Padres for Maddux and Greene?

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:15 pm

SCOTT:
I bet there is a bunch more. But “SOME” of us are too lazy to look stuff up. LOL

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

Wow I thought he was out there at 1st

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:18 pm

Perkins looks like garbage

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

I heard PetCo has a lot of room in center. Good thing after that homer call at first.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

So instead of getting out of the inning with no runs scored, they get two.

Should’ve been a DP. Maddux/Padres gets Call #1.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:22 pm

the problem with Buscher at 3rd is that he is a Butcher on the field…

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Lamb is a better defensive 3B than Buscher. Am I right? On the first hit of the game, didn’t Harris give up cause he thought Buscher was going to get to it easy?

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Homer call#2

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm

Maddux/Pads get Call #2?

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

Buscher the Butcher.
(good one)

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

christ make him throw pitches!

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:26 pm

I don’t think they really can Derek, it looks like the umps alrady giving him the corners…

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

derek you’re suppose to respect the elderly

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

Now Harris shows us his range at the popup to the outfield.

Yes, the euphoria is over.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:29 pm

BC,
Greene is a surfer dude. He is fine at San Diego but can he make it in shovel and swat land? (and there goes Kubes with a fabulous play…)

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

Surprised Maddux wasn’t called safe there.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:31 pm

.040 ave. and he bats like a girl.
So naturally he gets the bunt down. sheese.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

It’s an interesting suggestion BC, but what would it take to pull both he and Maddux (that’s a tall order) away from the Pads?

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

This has the feeling of one of those games folks…hope i am wrong but the streak maybe over tonight

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:32 pm

Geez, what a fabulous start.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:33 pm

It almost looks like Mauer wanted to go to 2nd and Perk got in the way.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

Buscher was slow on the trigger on that DP attempt in the 1st. And now he didn’t get to that hit down the line.

So, has he cost us all 3 runs already?

2?

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

there goes Butcher again…

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

Maddux would be perfect in Minnesota. Twins used to pick up guys like him.
Steve Carlton
Jerry Koosman
Bert be home Blyleven

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

romer, I’m still not convinced the runner was safe at 1st.

Buscher makes a better play at 3rd it’s no problem.

He’s had some problems, but let’s not start looking to see if Lamb or Punto’s warmed up.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

at least the Sox are down 2-0

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

And THAT is why the Twins can’t take anything on Maddux. Yikes.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

Mudcat,
you forgot Niekro. But Maddux is actually better than all of them at their relative career points, but it’s a pipe dream. He is playing for his home team and wants to retire there…

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:38 pm

So I take it praying to Gwynn for help tonight is out of the question?

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Perk looks like a girl too.

Wait for a strike, Perk!

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:40 pm

There. It’s a start. Good job Perk.

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

Did Dick really say they expect 25-30 from Gomez? You have got to be kidding me

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

perk quit yukking it up with the dugout and think about pitching.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

Right on the elbow…ouch.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

T, actually the DP attempt looked like a tie to me on the slow motion replay…..

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

how can you forget niekro.
he was just using it for his fingernails,that’s all ! !

Toby says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

Scouts say he should hit for average to above average power.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

Alright Casilla!

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

way to go lexi!

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

I am listening to (and seeing) Gwynn at the Padres broadcast (via mlb.tv) and there is no hope. He ballooned to the size of William Perry but still has decent insight of the diamond happenings…
(Go Casilla, btw)

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

THERE WE GO MAUER!

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

yea joe!

Toby says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Way to rally back.

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Way to go Joe!

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Mauer XBH FTW.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

Okay. They broke through for 3. That’ll be a confidence builder for them, and Perk can go out there with a fresh take now.

New ballgame boys.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Hope Perk stops admiring his bunt long enough to throw some good innings.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

Somewhere Jason crawls under a rock.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

perk is hitting like maddux.
perk can start pitching like him.
wait….. I guess he has been pitching like him. 3 to 3 game.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

soccer kick, hat trick, what next?

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Get that man some oxygen!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:49 pm

Kubel a better LF than Buscher a 3B…..

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:50 pm

Alright, the baseball gods are with the Twins tonight. Kubes got lucky at that catch and he couldn’t believe it himself

Jonas says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

And the Padres announcers are going through the Metrodome air conditioning conspiracy theory. I miss FSN North (which I never thought I’d say).

KeVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

Alright, the baseball gods are with the Twins tonight. Kubes got lucky at that catch and he couldn’t believe it himself

Because Magellan Young takes such straight line routes to balls when he’s in LF?

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

It probably would have gone und3er Delmon’s glove. I don’t have confidence in his bendoverability.

He’s too tall………or something.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

Now we need to start pulling away and put this last place team where they belong.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

Anothe god point romer.
He’s got Done-lap disease……or something.

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Wow, some power from the B Man!

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Punto, feel free to get to know the bench a little bit better.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Bartlett who?

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Harris again! Dude!

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:00 pm

Harrrrrrrris!!!!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

Pretty Cooooooooool!

Watching the ball soar out under the scoreboard with Harris’s huge face on it.

Ha-ha!!!

mj1 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

Harris is sending messages to the twins….i know punto is back, but i am the ss on this team….end of message….

KeVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Put Punto in for Gomez!!!!

We need speed for speed!

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Officially, this is not a quality start for Maddux ;)

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Did he just call one that high to the PITCHER!

Perkins thinking “I better get that one.”

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

Yeah, pretty sure Harris isn’t fighting for his job at this point.

mj1 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

we dont hit alot of homeruns, but damn when they hit them, they make them count….great timing…..

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

I kid you not…that shot of Punto there.

He’s talking to Ulger, and Ulger says something…Punto gets this big smile and then as he looks away it turns to that “Oh god I’m screwed”.

Like he didn’t think anybody would see it.

mj1 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

perkins needs 1,2,3 very bad this inning….

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

Mudcat at 9:12: “Twinkies are death for Former Cy Youngers. Greg Maddux may have met his match tonight.”

Mister, you must be drinking the right water!

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

So Harris has taken Hoffman and now Maddux deep.

He must have a checklist going…you know, like people in those bird-watching clubs.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:08 pm

Perkins K’s Maddux.

Glen, buddy. THAT’S the ball you keep.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Still not feeling real comfortable with Perkins tonight. I think we don’t wait too long tonight to make moves. Pretty fresh bullpen. Feel free to use top 4-5 (Big Sweat, Matty, Breslow, Crain, and that closer guy) an inning or two. We need this game now that we have the lead. (Statement made with 2 outs nobody on in bottom of 4th, in case anyone needs to check my 2nd guessing).

Steve from Fridley says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

BC,

Acquiring Khalil’s an interesting idea, but I think the Twins would be better off going for the other guy on the left side of the Padres’ infield.

They’ve said they’re open to shopping Kouzmanoff with Headley up now. He’s younger, and has more offensive upside I think. Kouzmanoff could be a .280, 25 HR, 100 RBI guy for the Twins in either the 3 or 5 spot.

The Pads need a CF/leadoff hitter for the long-term, and with Denard Span playing out of his mind, I think a package centered around those two could be worked out.

I’ve tossed the idea out on these blogs before… I think it would be a great move for both clubs. Buscher’s an alright bat, but his glove (as seen tonight) is terrible. Granted, Kouz made an error tonight as well, but I’d still rather see him and avoid yet another platoon situation for the Twins. A REAL third baseman would be great…

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

Perkins looks like he’s settled down now that his team answered back (in a hurry).

I think getting that bunt down and watching it break the inning open was a huge boost in confidence.

Speaking of boosts in confidence, I think Harris is getting better as he begins to realize he IS the Twins’ shortstop.

There’s no jockying for position. It’s his job now. And he’s playing like the monkey’s off his back.

Ozymandias says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

Two things:

— It is really nice to see someone with some potential “come of age.” I think Harris is finding his way and, despite every stat you can fling against him, seems to be growing comfortable with his role. It’s nice to have a good story to talk about sometime on a blog.

— We are approaching a point where the miracle is becoming the norm. I am a critical, cynical, obstinate, crabby as most but there comes a time when you just have to acknowledge that your conceptions are wrong and enjoy what your eyes see. If the Twins aren’t there yet…they seem to be getting close.

I’m sure there are times ahead that we can bring back all the critiques and venom. Right now I like to see this young team start to walk.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

You know what, that 3-run inning did WONDERS for this offense tonight. I think they were starstruck the first time through the lineup…and now they’re over it and ready to go.

Sorta like Johnson and Webb.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

To be even more specific… runner gets on, I get bullpen going in the 5th; two runners on, Perk is out, IMO. That is, if difference isn’t greater than 3 at the time (currently 2).

mj1 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

casilla needs to take his new buddy gomez aside between games and teach him how to bunt….damn this kids game has come around, its hard to believe the change in casilla totally, such a nice change…..

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

So, Redmond is likely going to be a coach somewhere…eventually a manager I’d wager.

Cuddyer has a future in broadcasting once his career’s over. I could see him someday replacing Coomer.

revdrev says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:22 pm

Does anyone have any ideas why Liriano can’t find his old form? Is he still worried he is going to hurt something? Or are the coaches not letting him be himself?

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

Kouzmanoff splits for indoor games:
AVG OBP SLG OPS
359 .431 .734 1.165

Very small sample size of 64 ABs.

I like your idea Steve. At worst, we have a nice platoon at 3b with the other a pinch hitter or future DH possibility.

Whiteness says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

For the record, it’s time to fire Vavra. What a horrible job he’s done with this young team.

And this is happening with D. Young out of the lineup and Mauer and Morneau swinging relatively normal.

Derek says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Damn Lexi

Tony says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Wow! Awesome play by casilla

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Funny, that pitch was a strike to Perkins.

mj1 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

casilla …twins mvp this year …..so far

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

I dunno…..was it really necessary to have Casilla sacrifice? He’s been hitting well lately, pulled the ball off Maddux at least once.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Get the bullpen going.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:26 pm

Inconsistent strikezones are frustrating…

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

Wow, what a horrible walk to Giles. His pitch count is way up too.

BUT, he gets out of it.

Whew….

Toby says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

K zone has been consistently small.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

Defensive helping Perk a LOT. But I like it. He doesn’t have his best stuff, but he’s gone 5 so far.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

Has anyone heard Casilla talk? I wonder what he credits the turnaround to? I think Gomez talks to him a lot and that may have relaxed him some. He looks 1,000% more comfortable offensively and defensively.

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

Well I’m calling it a night. (As in I’m shutting down the PC.)

I’ve got work in the morning *SHOCKHORROR* and will be likely falling asleep to this game.

G’night everybody. GO TWINS!

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

Perkins doesn’t possess great command and control anyways.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Bass is up… why?

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:31 pm

For the record, Bass isn’t on my short list of pitchers tonight! Dang!

T says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

“Has anyone heard Casilla talk? I wonder what he credits the turnaround to?”

To answer (before I leave)

1) Casilla has credited his improved hitting on Gomez’s getting on base before him. He says pitchers are worried about Gomez stealing so they throw more fastballs.

2) Casilla I believe also commented on how Vavra has worked with him on his stance.

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:32 pm

revdev,

Someone, who was at the Rochester game today, posted on one of these blogs that Liriano looked much better then his stats. Apparently, the defense was absolutely horrid and there were several errors which weren’t scored as such.

Wasn’t there don’t know, yet that was an eye whitness report.

Regards,

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

T,

Casilla is obviously a LIAR.

One only needs to read these blogs to KNOW that Vavra is THE reason that the Twins are last in the Majors in runs scored.

Regards,

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

Now it’s Buscher’s turn to make sure Puntastic remains seated for the foreseeable future.

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

The Twins have approximately 97 pitchers in the minors who would be better than Bass. Yet they keep Bass and keep using him.

*sugh*

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Need a run here, Buscher.

Pick yourself up from that defense stuff you did earlier.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Not to mention approximately 572 pitchers in other teams minor leagues that could be had for a song if some crappy bullpen depth were needed.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Gotta be Delmon here. He’s had some hits off Maddux.

But no, the Lamber gets it.

Royster says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Dragon, I know that was sarcasm, and you would think that the Twins ARE last in the majors in runs by reading this blog, but they are (I think) 5th in the AL in runs scored.

sid says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

keVin,
“The Twins have approximately 97 pitchers in the minors who would be better than Bass.”

Could you please recheck your numbers?

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

Not to mention approximately 572 pitchers in other teams minor leagues that could be had for a song if some crappy bullpen depth were needed.

571, Rincon is in Buffalo for Cleveland. Hell Mike Lincoln is on an active roster this year.

Could you please recheck your numbers?
Brian Bass is not a good pitcher, thus most pitchers in the minors could do the same thing he does. 97 is on the conservative side.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Four run lead!
Gotta like that!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Ha-ha! Revenge for Gomez!!!

Gomez gets the Gregger guy.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

Apparently Kevin forgot a couple, that should read 99 pitchers.

Tony says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

in all fairness, he did say approximately

stinky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

sweet! G steal some bases!

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

571, Rincon is in Buffalo for Cleveland. Hell Mike Lincoln is on an active roster this year.

Ahh yes, my bad. When I ran my “sucktastic and readily available relievers” query I forgot to take Juan into account.

stinky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:44 pm

i thought che guevara was dead?

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Man, Casilla bluffs the bunt on the first pitch. This guy is playing like a vet.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

It’s a debate from a few days ago… The idea that some don’t want Carols up with runners on. Gomez with RISP. His numbers just went up again.

Coming into tonight:
RISP: .339
RISP 2 outs: .385

Kid wants to be great. Time will tell. But, so far I have a good feeling about this young man.

Bill Brasky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

Boy Gardy would not make it in the NL. He should’ve left Perkins in and had him bunt the runners over - which is essentially what Lamb did. Gardy could’v easily got another inning out of Perkins and same with Slowey last night. He just doesn’t have a clue and fortunately he manages in the AL and his players bail him out.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

White Sox are down 5-zip to the Dodgers

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

It’s a debate from a few days ago… The idea that some don’t want Carols up with runners on. Gomez with RISP. His numbers just went up again.

That’s clearly on the pitcher. He didn’t throw a slider in left handed batter’s box.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:47 pm

Mad Dog Maddux has been pitching for 22 years. 22 years, 22 years. Wasn’t that before “SOME” of our players were born?

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

Bass had to eat it that one game in Detroit — something like 7 ERs in 3 innings.

Otherwise, he’s been okay — a 3.5 ERA?

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

probably why ya picked Carlos G as a name

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

That’s clearly on the pitcher. He didn’t throw a slider in left handed batter’s box.

apparently it is on a LOT of pitchers as evident by the statistics.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:50 pm

Meanwhile, Boof’s ERA goes up every time he pitches.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

Mom picked my name. Carlos Gomez probably named after me?

Shawn in Binghamton says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

oh i see

loving the Gomez road jersey the fiance got me for my bday

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

apparently it is on a LOT of pitchers as evident by the statistics.

Throwing sliders in the dirt with guys on base isn’t a good idea. The opposing pitchers are handicapped with guys on against Gomez, they’re afraid of the wild pitch.

And Bass has almost as many BB’s as K’s, gives up a ton of hits and his constant gum chewing is going to ruin his jaw.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Bass Buster shuts ‘em down.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

Probably Carlos Gutierrez also named after me?

Toby says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

Bass is a sinkerballer so he isn’t going to get a ton of Ks and he is going to give up hits and on top of that he just went 1-2-3.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

Wow the Indians are in last place.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:54 pm

oops. sorry keVin. didn’t mean to steal your thunder.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:57 pm

Bass has given up 9 home runs in ~47 innings, that’s awful, even worse for a “sinkerballer.”

Bill Brasky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

Why is that whenever a pitcher gets hit with a comebacker everyone runs out on the field to check on him - but when a catcher takes a foul tip or an infielder takes a bad hop, nobody cares????

Bill Brasky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

what a joke…get on the mound you pu$$y

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 10:59 pm

Ouch! Reminded me of former Twin Mickey Hatcher. Took a foul off the leg and did a hand stand in the batters box. When asked why he did that he said “It HURT!”

Bill Brasky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

my god these players a soft these days

keVin says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:01 pm

Bass is a mediocre pitcher, he has given up over a 300 opponent batting average almost has a 1/1 BB/K ratio, doesn’t have a lot of K’s in addition. He’s worse than mediocre, and the fact most teams have hoards of players in the minors better is just *another* bad roster decision.

snepp says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

But, but, but, he’s out of options!!!

[/snark]

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Bill Braksy,

I’m sure you are correct.

Gardy in Interleague Play

2002 10-8
2003 10-8
2004 11-7
2005 8-10
2006 16-2
2007 11-7
2008 10-3

Totals 76-45 @.625

I realize a .625 wouldn’t do much in the National League, I mean the last team in the NL to have a.600 for a full season was St. Louis in 2005.

Regards,

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

Bill Brasky, how many pitches did Perk throw in his 5 innings? I thought he was out of gas myself.

Mudcat says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

Cla. Who would name a kid Cla?
They call him “Claw”.
No kidding, they do.

Toby says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

His ERA is 3.29 this month whats the problem?

Daniel1966 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:06 pm

Mr. Brasky, Have you ever heard of Dizzy Dean? Due to being hit by a comebacker, he stayed in, changed his delivery, hurt his arm and, prematurely, ended a HOF career. People in baseball have long memories.

Royster says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

Cla is his middle name, his real first name is Olise. NOT KIDDING!!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

Gonna see some Breslow tonight?

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:16 pm

God! I thought Buscher was going to get to that.

The range at 3B and SS has got to be something Gardy is uncomfortable with.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

Another Twin that must have been paid off to give credit to Vavra…

“I’m getting back to locking in on the ball away from me,” Harris said.

“That’s what I hit best. And talking with [Vavra], when you get away from your strength and try to cover everything, that’s when you don’t end up covering anything. So it all ties together — shortening up and focusing on the zone that you should be looking at.”

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:21 pm

M&M/Cuddy are 1-11 tonight, although has 2 RBI’s.

Bottom Feeders involved in 4 runs.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:21 pm

although Mauer has 2 RBI’s…….

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

Well it looks like another bonehead decision by Gardy…bringing Bass, and he gives up the lead…

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

Monroe shows he likes his HRs more than the average guy does. Lots of admiration from self.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

Make that 5 runs for the bottom feeders.

Great and calm strength there, Monroe!!

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

Dragon,
Bass did well tonight. I didn’t like him with a 2 run lead when he was warming up. With a 4 run lead, it is ok.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

let’s DFA Monroe now…

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Just think if Lamb and Young were producing like anticipated. We thought we would get 30 HR’s total from those two.

Twins coaches should be proud of how this team is doing this year.

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Carlos G.

My sarcasm runneth over this evening.

Bass has done fairly well lately.

Regards,

Daniel1966 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:30 pm

Mr. T retires to bed and the Twins keep scoring. Anyone noting the symmetry here? (Just kidding, T.) Bon Nuit!

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:31 pm

romer,

Twin’s fans should be proud of this team as well, yet it seems most aren’t.

Regards,

Gregor says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:32 pm

Just nice that we have a guy on the bench that can come into the game, once a week, and be able to hit a dinger.

Daniel1966 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

Enjoying you posts, Mr. Dragon, particularly the trip down a youth-filled memory lane a couple of nights ago. Looking forward to more good stuff.

stinky says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm

that would be 9 unanswered!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

Adrian is saving it for tomorrow.

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

the White Sox lost 5-0.

David G. says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:38 pm

how did the indians release this guy? (breslow)

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

A while back, Howard asked for suggested rule changes. I contributed a balanced schedule against the whole league. I recall it was something like:
48 = 4 division teams * 12 games
63 = 9 AL teams * 7 games
48 = 16 NL teams * 3 games
3 = 3 bonus games against NL rival

The reason I bring it up again is the disparity between who plays who in the NL could very well determine division winners this year. What if Whities go 0-6 against the cubbies and we win division by a game? I know many on these blogs would be crying foul if the tables were turned.

Plus, we need to join forces and get the rule changed to play more NL games. These are fun. (Might have something to do with our record).

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:44 pm

Thanks for the fun reminder, stinky.

“Twin’s fans should be proud of this team as well, yet it seems most aren’t.”

To wit, Mr. Dragon, the above-mentioned Lamb and Young….and the high number of errors accumulated the first 2 months of the season.

So, some started blaming Vavra for Lamb and Young……..and their point may still be valid.

And as well, some blamed the youth and inexperience for the errors. And then there was the youthful starting staff.

So now it’s time to band-wagon and congratulate the coaching staff….and the perserverance of the Harris and Buscher types.

I still want a helluva lot more from Young though. But that’s probably my personal problem.

the Dragon says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

Daniel1966,

I’ve just seen a lot of bad and some good stretches with the Senators/Twins.

I just like to enjoy the good. I think this 7/8 year good run is the longest stretch in my lifetime, and probably since the late 1920’s-early 1930’s. There have been 3/4 5 year runs, but this is the longest, and it seems like it can go for awhile.

When I was a kid, there was a ditty “Washington, First in War, First in Peace and LAST in the American League”.

Regards,

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

“(Might have something to do with our record).”

Confession is good for the soul, Carlos.

:)>

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:49 pm

Well, they’re first in the American League Central Division, offensively, right now.

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Enjoying the season with you Daniel and dragon. As for sticking with the lads, I retrieved this…

Carlos G says:

April 3rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm

Breathe people, breathe slowly…

This place is depressing. This is game 4 of 162. Memories are also short. In June 2006, we were well under .500. In early August, Twins were in 3rd place, 13 games behind. End of season: Twins win division title.

Twins started 2006 with these 5 SPs:
Johan Santana, Brad Radke, Carlos Silva, Kyle Lohse, and Scott Baker (2.5 legitimate pitchers). Boof and Liriano joined the team that year (Blackburn and Humber this year?).

The lineup turned over during the summer to include these 4 stud hitters: Castillo (1), Punto (2), Tyner (8), Bartlett (9) (combined they had like 6 HRs).

I believe we have more potential at pitching and at hitting, especially 8 through 2, than that year.

Hunter didn’t want to stay in Minnesota. Santana wouldn’t stay in Minnesota. We got quality young players for Santana. What are you going to do? Me… I am going to watch these young guys develop and see how many bases Gomez can steal.

It’s early folks. We’ll be fine.

LARTWINFAN says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

June 26 [almost]
1/2 game out?
Have fun!!!! Go Twins!!!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:51 pm

Hear the cattle calls? Twins fans at the game are calling out “Boof”.

Make us feel good, Boofster!

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:52 pm

Boof with the SUPERB curve ball……

Daniel1966 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Mr. Dragon, Funny you should mention that ditty. By chance, I was thinking of just that comment the other night but felt it just might date me among these youngsters, like yourself.

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Hoo-weeeeeeee! A broken glove.

Poor MVP….

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm

And Harris dives for the………

never mind

Christian says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

romer says:

Hoo-weeeeeeee! A broken glove.

Poor MVP….

Did Morneau’s glove seriously break there? If so, why would he be credited with an error?

thrylos98 says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm

how ’bout Boof’s 3Ks at the 9th… another one in the books, half a game off and the streak is up to 8. Goodnight y’all

romer says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm

Yeah, he had to get another glove. The webbing failed.

Dick said it was an error. I dunno…

Carlos G says:

June 25th, 2008 at 11:59 pm

First 8 game winning streak since 2006. I recall that was a pretty good year.

Christian, “yes”, the ball went right through the webbing and Morney got a new glove. MLB makes no exceptions for equipment failure to catch a ball. tough error

stinky says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am

earlier you all were talking about quality starts, now this one qualifies as a quality finish! final seven, no runs!

the Dragon says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am

romer,

I think too many live/judge performance pitch by pitch, game by game. This is a 162 game season. I guarantee you EVERY player will have hot streaks and cold streaks.

I suspect that every critic, looking for any something which is wrong and be criticized, will find something/many things. My guess is that if their personal job performance was put under a similar microscope would be found just as wanting.

This is a game played by human beings. Sometimes a win or loss can come down to an inch in a field of several/many thousands of square feet.

Regards,

romer says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:03 am

Tigers win though. This could be another 3-way deal like 06.

Royster says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:03 am

Dragon, since moving to Minnesota, the Twins never had more than 3 winning seasons in a row until their streak of 6 was stopped last year.

Royster says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:06 am

Carlos G., While that’s not a balanced schedule I like it, however did you figure out how it works with a 4 team division, or 5 and 6 team divisions in a 16 team league?

the Dragon says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:09 am

Royster,

I don’t doubt that stat, but the 5 year periods I was referring to were like the early 70’s where they were competing for like 5 years, then drop off.

Regards,

and at 1:10am it’s a bit past my bedtime :-)

romer says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:12 am

Sweet dreams of Pascual and Ramos, Dragon.

GENO says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:34 am

Dick and Bert said that the Twins have scored more runs now than any team in the AL Central.I guess we can’t fire Vavra just yet.BC and other negative posters have really been on a roll.Monroe is a loser,Cassila will never make it in the show,we got fleeced in the Harris/Barlett portion of that trade,Go-Go will be overmatched in the bigs.These posters are really on a roll.I suppose they will claim that their negative posts motivated these players to play better.

mickey mental says:

June 26th, 2008 at 12:44 am

sad but true, geno, sad but true.

yep, three games short of the halfway point and twins are half a game out of first. who woulda thunk it?

great season so far.

sid says:

June 26th, 2008 at 1:06 am

Bill Brasky,
“Gardy would not make it in the NL”

Yeah, he’s really having a hard time beating NL teams this year.
Get a grip!

sid says:

June 26th, 2008 at 1:38 am

Bill Brasky,
“Gardy would not make it in the NL”

He is only 10-3 in interleague games this year.
Projected over an entire season, Gardy would be 125-37 against NL teams.
That would be the best 162 game MLB W-L record ever.
So, you’re close!

Me Too says:

June 26th, 2008 at 2:54 am

If I wouldn’t know better, I would think that Bill Brasky was joking, but sadly, he wasn’t.
I was half expecting BC Benke to rear his head tonight after the first/second innings, dang, but the Twins didn’t give him enough time to comment about their poor play. Too bad to, since I would have loved to see him crawl back into that hole like he did last time, not to be heard from for the rest of the game.
Kinda funny really, some of these guys have got to be getting mad by now. Been over a week since they really had ANYTHING to bitch about. Heck, it’s been alot longer than that for BC and Fire, since Vavra seems to be doing wonders with the people that he is working with.
Anyway, sooner or later, they will lose again, and we will have alot of happy naysayers back on here, but until then, I am one HAPPY dude.

Me Too says:

June 26th, 2008 at 3:02 am

BTW, the Twins are now 11-3 in interleague action. That would translate to 127-35. Not to shabby by a coach that BC/Fire want to get rid of since he is so outmatched. Heck, according to Bill, he is totally outclassed by his NL counterparts. Dang, what a hard crowd to please.

T says:

June 26th, 2008 at 8:36 am

“Did Morneau’s glove seriously break there? If so, why would he be credited with an error?”

If a hitter’s bat snaps and the ball trickles back to the pitcher, the batter is still credited with a PA and an out made.

Thankfully gloves don’t fail nearly as often as bats bust apart. It’s a good thing it happened with 2-out in the ninth in a 6-run game vs. earlier when it was tied (and runners were on)