Monday lineups: Twins/Red Sox
Posted on July 7th, 2008 – 2:57 PMBy Joe Christensen
BOSTON — The Red Sox are coming off a 3-7 road trip, and the newspapers were tough on them here today. The bullpen has been shaky. Manny Ramirez is being ridiculed for taking three called strikes in an at-bat against Mariano Rivera on Sunday night.
And still, this represents a huge test for the surging Twins. The Red Sox are 31-10 here at Fenway Park.
Updates to come…
Update (5:45 p.m.): Justin Morneau said he hasn’t been asked to participate in the All-Star Home Run Derby.
“They’re asking the good players first,” he said, poking fun at himself.
* Manager Ron Gardenhire was asked if it’s different facing the Red Sox without David Ortiz, who is on the DL with a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist.
“Sure,” Gardenhire said. “You take 40 home runs and 140 RBI out of anybody’s lineup, and they become a different team. … That’s the great thing about this Red Sox team — they’re still a very, very good team [even with Ortiz injured].”
I came upstairs from the office and Ortiz was on the field, taking batting practice, driving balls off the Green Monster and pulling others into the right-field seats. Gulp. It was Big Papi’s first BP session since he went on the DL on May 31.
Six home runs in all. He was coy when asked about a return, saying, “I’m just an employee.”
* The Red Sox rank second in the AL with 76 stolen bases. Gardy noted their speed.
“This team can beat you in a lot of different ways,” he said.
* ESPN The Magazine was here working on a piece on Alexi Casilla and Carlos Gomez. Asked about Gomez developing plate discipline over time, Gardy had a fun response.
“I’ve talked to him a lot about contact. He came in and told me when he had 70 strikeouts, he was only going to have about 10 for the whole second half.
“He had 10 in the next four days.
“But at least there’s a thought of shortening up and putting the ball in play. He’s trying and I like that. I like him understanding what he needs to work on. It’s not easy to do every day in the big leagues when you’re facing all these great pitchers.”
Twins (50-38)
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Denard Span RF
Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker
Red Sox (52-39)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Coco Crisp, CF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Julio Lugo, SS
Starting pitcher: Daisuke Matsuzaka
Fenway Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.
671 Responses to "Monday lineups: Twins/Red Sox"
Hopefully we can make dicek work and maybe get a few runs off him and get into that bullpen early.
This sure looks like the everyday lineup from the foreseeable future doesn’t it?
jama is KLOVE a wannabe Justin Timberlake and plays like a fatter slower version of Christian Laetner
Back 2 Baseball. I love these 6:05 start times I get home from work and not much of a wait. Go Twins!!!
I’m hoping we can stay patient against dicek, he has had some control issues this year.
My gosh! Andrew Dice K. is 9 and 1!
But we beat Clifflee and he was 10 and 2, so that’s no biggie.
Mudcat,
Minor point, but Cliff Lee was 11-1 before we beat him.
Hope Joe C. gets a chance to chomp on a few Fenway Franks before the game. Nothing beats the electricity at Fenway Park. Nothing.
Dice K does throw a lot of pitches in few innings. 55 hits 49 walks in 75 innings. He throws nearly 100 pitches every outing, but hasn’t pitched 6 innings since May 17.
So, I agree with Tony, it might be time to give some take signs and stay patient.
You know, I have to admit that Punto has played pretty well coming off the DL. But it still bothers me that he gets to play so much. Essentially, it just reaffirms how much Gardy really likes him. But Harris did nothing to deserve the bench and Buscher HAS to learn to hit lefties at some point. Cant deny the Twins are better defensivly with Punto on the field and now he is hitting for power! I guess as long as the Twins keep winning, I should keep my mouth shut.
Anyone know if we will be seeing the Gyro ball thrown this evening by Dice K
Max says:
July 7th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Hope Joe C. gets a chance to chomp on a few Fenway Franks before the game. Nothing beats the electricity at Fenway Park. Nothing
Maybe not but Bert will eat plenty of hot dogs.
I guess Punto will be in the line-up the rest of the year because he had one good game.
Sigh…..
Francona gets the “Homer of the Millenium” Award for giving Varitek on the All-Star team with his .218 average and a whopping 7 HR’s and 27 RBI’s. I guess if you have 3 more HR’s than the Baby Jesus, you deserv eit right?
Bill, the players voted varitek in, Francona had nothing to do with it. He did however give a spot to nathan.
(bill, i don’t think buck shot got the memo about punto posts)
Bill…
The players voted him on, not Francona. Its the players who should be ashamed for not reading the stats, not Francona.
I am totally ticked at Francona for not saving room for lNP at Yankee stadium. He definetly has more outstanding plays then Varitek
I think Punch-AJ would have been next on the all-star catcher list so you should ask yourself who you’d rather have at the all-star game? Tek sucks this year (and I’m a Sox guy), but gawd I hate AJ. And apparently the players do too. Tough call.
Maybe Punto is being showcased as trade bait? Slick fielding shortstop with a decent bat. There has to be a contender looking for one of those. If he can just keep the bat going.
Ramirez’s AB last night in a critical situation vs the Yankees on national television had to be the funniest thing I’ve seen all season. “Hey, Manny, why don’t you grab a bat and go up there and watch three pitches sail by you, then come back here and grab some more pine?”
If the press laid in to him, it was well deserved. It was classic Manny.
There are other catchers besides Tek and AJ though. Would have been nice if the players could actually figure who deserves to be on the team
Francona no Punto, Boof, Lamb or Everett. No Yankee stadium for Boof but you let Varitek play what the He_ _ is this world coming to. I am livid.
punto will be a twin when the new stadium opens, get over it. no harris did nothing wrong to lose his job gardy just thinks punto deserves it because he is better than any other infielder on the team (gardy’s words). remember last year he hit under .200 for most of the season and was still in the lineup nearly every day. get used to it! harris is now the utility guy!
Gardy said he is better “DEFENSIVELY” than any other infielder which is true.
Patience is key today, the Twins need to draw walks and bother Dice-K on the bases if they want to win this game.
For the umpteenth time jimmy bee, francona did not put v-tek on the team. It was the players that voted him on. Francona would much rather give him the week off.
Speaking of trade bait … what about Span considering a congested outfield?
I think we should keep getting him ABs until cuddy gets back and then deal him. He has really proved me wrong and has looked great but we don’t have room for him and he isn’t a corner outfielder.
mnduck23 I know regarding Varitek but wouldn’t it be much better to have Lamb represent us in New York. I want DY and Mauer in the HR Derby this year to show them how we can flex our muscles too with the Big Boys with there big salaries.
“Tek” remains the guy who wouldn’t sign with the Twins when drafted.
If you want a loveable nickname for him, how about “Verischmeck”…….
Wait a sec Jimmy, did you just name off those four as an argument against Varitek? NOW I see the sarcasm…
If he can just keep the bat going.
If he can just keep the bat going, he’ll be the everyday shortstop until his contract is up. But that has been his problem. He always starts strong coming off the bench and fades as his playing time remains steady.
“IowaTwin says:
July 7th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Maybe Punto is being showcased as trade bait? Slick fielding shortstop with a decent bat. There has to be a contender looking for one of those. If he can just keep the bat going.”
Umm, aren’t we a contender that could use a slick fielding shortstop with a decent bat?
Am I wrong?
Complain all you want about LNP, but he has played very well this year. Harris is brutal as a middle infielder IMO. I am so sick of watching ball after ball go through the infield without any sign of Harris in the picture. I am also tired of all the missed DP.
Harris is a solid player, don’t get me wrong. He is simply not an everyday middle infielder. If he could really hit then I could live with it, but he isn’t a great hitter.
Punto has hit enough to play so far. If he drops back down like last year, we put Harris back in. I am fine either way, neither is ideal.
LNP could be used as a defensive replacement for Jeter in later innings in the All Star Game because at least LNP can catch the ball
well this is the test of the year starting tonite, and the schedule this week sure favors the white sox, so the twins will have to work extra hard to beat these arrogant east coasters….chicago plays the royals and rangers -while we get an east coast run….but these are the teams to beat to get there, so i wish them the very best of luck and hope they kick their asses one day at a time…..go twins…
go royals..
Delmon” Everything rolls by me to the wall “Young
Delmon “can’t cut anything off” Young
Denard is a major part of the youth movement for this team. Congested in what way. What outfielders do we have on the bench today? Monroe, Kubel. I think we are short of good outfielders. Yes when Cuddy gets back brings more defensive stability but trading Span should not be an option this year.
That lineup, Baker included, is the best Minnesota has at this point. Good job, Gardy.
Why not? Gomez is the CF of the future and Span is not a corner outfielder. That is like carrying 3 first basemen because you don’t have enough shortstops.
Do you think BoSox use giant fans at Fenway in bottom half of the inning?
I am completely sickened Punto is in the game tonight instead of Harris. Harris has done good (not great) during the Twins surge. Does anyone remember his game-winning homerun against Hoffman? Punto could never do that. Plus Harris’s defense has been much better as of late. I don’t remember him having an error. Plus Punto from the left side of the plate is horrid. This is what I was afraid of: Punto coming back to taint the Twins line-up. Boooo!!!!!
7 homers between DY and Mauer. I’m assuming more sarcasm?
And no one here would give half a dump about Tek not signing if he didn’t put in some good years in Boston. You guys take it so personally, but as a Scott Boras client he was going to do that to every team. Not defending him, but it was 13 years ago and you now have a decidedly better catcher today. Seattle didn’t think much of him as a prospect so who knows if the Twins would have kept him. The Twinkies are better for not signing Tek, trust me.
rayreiner says:
July 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Do you think BoSox use giant fans at Fenway in bottom half of the inning?
Yes!!! Especially when Mauer is at bat
Regarding Span - What are the theories out there for this season and next? I would think he would get sent back to Rochester once Cuddy is off the DL and then come back up once the roster expands. But next year he should be able to slip into Monroe’s roster spot, give us another lefthanded hitting outfielder, speedster and an additional CF spot should Gomez need rest or DL time. Is that the longterm plan?
Span not a corner outfielder? Says Who? Just like Gomez is a true center fielder when he catch’s a ball with one out and a runner half way to third and proceeds to run another six steps before he realizes that he has an opportunity to turn a double play. I like Gomez but I think Span can bring the same if not more on either side of Gomez.
Go figure … last year in the same amount of games — with Santana, Hunter & Silva — the Twins were 45-43. Now you take those guys out, save about $50M/year in salary, put in some new, unproved guys and the Twins record is 50-38. A team is better off with a heavy mixture of youth than having a veteran team waiting for the 3-run jack. As is, the Twins are on track for 92 wins, which may be very hard to live up to. Most everyone thought anything over .500 would be a big step forward for these young guys. Gardenhire, Mgr. of the Year, again.
“Maybe Punto is being showcased as trade bait?”
I would normally mock, but since I hear Jack Wilson’s name mentioned with the Dodgers, maybe Punto could land with another team in a trade.
anyone know when that show on gomez and casilla is airing ..its tonite i believe, before the game but not sure
He doesn’t have the power to play a corner OF spot and is a hack in RF. He doesn’t have anywhere near the arm needed to play right either. He is a fringey CF at best but is by no means a corner outfielder offensively or defensively.
It just seems that Span is odd man out, DY’s not going anywhere, neither is GO-GO or Cuddles also Monroe is here till the end of the year.
However as poorly as his BA is I like having a power bat on the bench (Monroe), I wouldn’t mind having him around next season as well, for alot less money of course.
i believe span is here to stay…they will not send that young man down again, especially if he doesnt drop off drastically…i believe gardy has already given lamb options, knowing that they may have to cut him loose, or make some kind of move when cuddy is back…i think right now lamb is hanging on day to day, but even may ask for a trade/release, but anyway you look at it, span is a twin for good…..
I’ve had about enough of the anti-Punto comments. That is sooo last year. Do you guys have a freakin’ clue? He is vital to this team. The glue that holds the defense together. His bat has been fine this year. Lay off him.
Joe, Punto isn’t a real gripe for a lot of the people on here; just convenient. It is “so last year” to rip on Punto, but, come on, he has come off the DL and was forced into a well-functioning infield. I’m not saying that Harris would necessarily have caught some of the plays that Punto did, but I AM saying that Punto overplays often (i.e. diving when not necessary, etc). Punto is less of a legitimate gripe and more of a toothache that everyone thought had finally gone away, but HERE IT COMES AGAIN…
Toby,
Span is not a left fielder defensively?
In what way?
It’s so nice to have Punto back off the DL. While he was away…none of the whiners had anything to rally around.
Thus there was just a bunch of toss up complaints against Harris, Buscher, Young, Gomez…
Seriously, the only guy who never gets any complaints is Morneau. For all the crap people give Mauer about being Baby Jesus and never being on the butt end of complaints…you sure as heck don’t see anybody saying anything bad about Doc.
Gee, makes you wonder who the real Teflon Boy is here in Minny.
Have you watched the lines he takes to balls? Have you seen his arm? He can outrun mistakes in center just like gomez does but he can’t do it in a corner outfield spot.
slow down, Average joe… “The glue that holds the defense together?” “vital to this team?” granted, he has hit better so far this year, but he hasn’t really been healthy long enough for those numbers to be safe. Punto is a fine fielder, but his bat will likely always be sub-par for a starter
T - I think you are forgetting about the old and not yet improved Morneau rant.
by our good friend, craig.
I am far from a Punto fan, but the bashing is very old. Apparently Harris is allowed to play below ave defense while not being able to hit particularly good without any criticism.
Player/Ave/OBP/Slug
Harris .250 .306 .346
Punto .289 .355 .422
Reading these blogs you would think Harris was an All Star. Bottom line is Punto has outperformed Harris on both sides of the field this year.
also, calling Span a hack in right field after we’ve suffered through watching Jason Kubel play ANY outfield position is truly unintelligable
I’d like to see Span in CF over Gomez - he is a much more polished ballplayer defensively and offensively. He should be hitting leadoff. Right now, the team can’t use Span’s speed with Gomez hitting behind him. It’s hard to steal a base when the guy at the plate swings at everything.
Mauer and Morneau would have 33% more RBI chances with Span’s higher OBP, and Gomez’ speed could still be used as the lineup rolls over. Something to think about.
And Punto is fine, so quit complaining every time he’s in the lineup!
Average Joe? More like Below Average Joe. Nick Punto cannot hit the ball hard. Not an opinion, a fact. Yes he has his moments, but for as much as he has played the last 3 years, he damn well better have a few moments. But overall, his bat sux. When is the last time you’ve seen him lash a gapper? Or see the ball bounce off his bat? Never. His hits are borderline lucky in my opinion. His true average was shown last year, which is .210. He can’t drive in runs because he can’t hit deep fly balls. For crying out loud he slides into first base on close plays! Everyone knows it slows you down instead of makes you getting there faster. You don’t see a greyhound slide across the finish line. Plus his antics on the field are somewhat moronic, from helmet smashing to all-around flailing. All you have to do is look at 2007 and how bad he played as a starter. Do people really have that short of memories or are that ignorant to call him a good player? You can’t be serious. It’s only a matter of time for Gardy to slide him back into the #2 hole. There is a reason the Twins have played much better in 2008 than 2007: Punto has not been a regular starter. Here we go again.
Gomez is hitting like .340 his last 7 or 8 games. Covers more ground in center than anyone.
He’s the centerfielder….period.
His lines to the ball will improve with LF experience, Less arm is required in LF than CF and his arm is good enough for LF. After Shannon Stewart, Rondell White and Jason Tyner, Span’s arm looks like Clemente’s. Better than Juan Pierre, Johnny Damon (so is mine), Ricky Henderson (and on).
There is room in LF at the Dome to outrun mistakes, unlike RF.
Bottom line - I totally disagree that Span isn’t a good defensive LF.
He isn’t a good defensive CF how in the hell is he going to be good in LF. His lines are bad no matter where he plays. And a strong arm is much more important in LF than in center. I guess we will have to agree to disagree because the only place I can see him being fringe average is center.
“The glue that holds the defense together?” “vital to this team?”
if i remember we had like a 10 game winning streak and the team was in shambles (lack of glue) with him on the dl?
harris did nothing wrong! gardy just likes nicky and will play him nearly every day even if he hits .200 like last yr. get over it he’s the manager and he decides, he is the decider, wait maybe that’s somebody else.
Sane - sure, he can play left. I also think he’s been decent in right. What do you we do with him when Cuddyer returns? Or next year? I believe he is out of options next year, so do we keep him as a 4th outfielder or try to get something for him?
AJ Pesh - hitting the ball hard does not equal runs batted in. In fact, which would you rather have with the bases loaded? A ground ball back through the box, or a sharp liner to left? The grounder through the box gets two runners home and the runner on first to third, and the sharp liner to left moves everyone up one base.
And is your memory so short that Punto was a huge part of the Twins’ success in ‘06, and is a team leader by his “overplaying”?
Big game for Buscher tonight. Tolbert is about 3 weeks away. Buscher has to perform to at least the genereal level of what Span, Punto, and Harris etc. have been performing on both the offense and defense side.
And probably better than that if he wants to stay in the bigs.
Delmon Young
I was at the game on Saturday and was appalled at the ball that Bounced off the wall and Gomez ended up fielding.
To me it seemed like a very catchable ball . I’ve seen this several times this year, including the HR that bounced off of the top of the wall.
My dad mentioned this and I agree with him. He thinks that Young is afraid to run into the wall.
What do you think?
Tony,
We keep him because he has been a solid player for only about four months so his trade value is far below his real value.
Toby, there is no ‘agree to disagree’ when it comes to facts, leftfielders do not need as strong an arm as center or right. reason being, they are clse to 3rd base, which is the longest throw for the other two spots… your lack of baseball knowledge doesn’t surprise me, considering how you seem to hate Span
Sweet One, his fielding grounders IS appaling. The man can’t lean over.
He’s not the Twins permanent LF.
sweet one,
“My dad mentioned this and I agree with him. He thinks that Young is afraid to run into the wall. What do you think?”
I think Delmon can’t handle a ball hit hard directly over his head, which happened infrequently when he played RF most of his career. In LF it happens often and Delmon is doing a poor job adjusting to that ball. But your assessment may also be true at this time, but familiarity with LF may help him. (or a switch back to RF)
I think punto is an all-star snub!! He is the only guy on the Twins that “plays hard”, “has grit”, “and brings everything to the park”! I guess no one else on the team does.
Think about this scenario….Twins are down by one with 2 outs in the 9th in Game 6 of the ALCS with runners on 2nd and 3rd. I would pinch hit anyone on the team but put Punto in this spot. K city!!
Anyone remember the Michael Ryan at-bats?
Rivera vs. Punto, Papelbon, TB dude, whoever….you will get fake bunt strike, sawed off foul ball that nails a fan in the front row cause he can’t get around…and either strike three lights out or ground to 2nd or short.
Late defensive replacement or pinch runner with grit.
Span is the best fielding OF in the organization. He can play any of the three spots. His bat would be more than sufficient at all three spots. He now has a .400 plus OBP, just as he did in AAA. His patience at the plate is superb. Team OBP, seems more directly correlated to, total team runs scored, than any other statistic.
“anyone know when that show on gomez and casilla is airing ..its tonite i believe, before the game but not sure”
Don’t know, but there’s nothing special in the TV listings, so I presume it’ll be both before (5:30) and after the game.
Toby,
“And a strong arm is much more important in LF than in center.”
Are you serious?
Does anyone else believe that?
why not move Young to DH once Cuddyer returns, Span goes to left, and Young can work on learning right so he can fill in and make use of his strong arm when Cuddyer hurts himself. Plus, in right field he would have to cover less area, making miscues a little less damaging.
What about Kubel? let’s trade him while the value is strong, we could probably get more for him than Span or Monroe, and considering he’s already had major knee surgery, he probably isn’t as long for the league as Gomez, Span and Young
I think punto is an all-star snub!! He is the only guy on the Twins that “plays hard”, “has grit”, “and brings everything to the park”! I guess no one else on the team does.
When the numbers show Punto is struggling, they use the numbers.
When the numbers show Punto is doing well, they ignore the numbers.
and Sane, yes, I already ridiculed him for that one
Mark H,
Thanks, I thought I had entered the Twilight Zone.
I didn’t see your earlier post.
Punto at SS, is certainly no surprise, but I am surprised Harris is not at 3B.
Buscher is a dramatically better hitter than Harris, but I thought Gardy would go with the better glove. Maybe it’s just for one game.
If Span continues to show a Casilla-type surge, there should be no way to send him back to Roch.
They can let Lamb go (when Cuddy comes back).
In fact, it’s amazing Lamb is still around on this team with its 12-man staff when he’s getting no use by the team.
But I don’t see how Cuddy could even be a viable DH for a long, long time because of the nature of his injuries (fingers).
Mark H, trade Kubel so we can keep Span? I’m not sure i would be ok with that. Kubel has probaby been our 3rd best offensive player. And getting rid of one of our only power bats so someone with little power potential can play seems like not a great idea.
BTW, Boston was carrying 13 pitchers for quite a while about a month ago. Their BP is an achilles heal.
“why not move Young to DH…”
WHAT!!?
Because Kubel is the #1 HR-producer on this team with only two HR-producerson this team (besides Monroe).
Span deserves to play, flat out. So does Gomez, so does Cuddyer when he returns, so does Young, the way he’s been hitting recently, and so does Kubel. that creates a log jam for four positions. Kubel flat out doesn’t have the range to play outfield. He IS hitting extremely well this year for us, but with a healthier second half from Cuddyer, I think we could survive without him. plus, I think he would be our biggest trade asset to go out and get help for 3rd base or even in the bullpen
“why not move Young to DH once Cuddyer returns, Span goes to left, and Young can work on learning right so he can fill in and make use of his strong arm when Cuddyer hurts himself. Plus, in right field he would have to cover less area, making miscues a little less damaging.
What about Kubel? let’s trade him while the value is strong”
I’m in 100% agreement with this. Delmon is a good hitter, and is a relatively swift runner. He is just over his head in LF, as he has clearly demonstrated. This plan would upgrade the DH spot, the fielding, and the overall speed in the line-up. Great plan, Mark H.
what other options are there for solving this 5-player jam while still trying to shore up another position? I’m open to other suggestions, although trading Span I don’t think is one of them. Tony? Romer? ideas?
The Twins can’t trade Kubel, that’s nuts. They’ve been looking for a DH with power for YEARS…and now they’ve got one with double digit homers and people want to trade him?
*GWAH?!*
DH isn’t our problem. OF isn’t out problem. The big problem is 3B. And there are LOTS of options out there. The best part is that the teams looking to buy in the AL aren’t looking for 3B (TB has Longoria, Boston has Lowell, Yanks have A-Rod, Sox have Crede, Tigers have Cabrera/Guillen)
Maybe somebody in the AL West might. But I think the Twins have some good options to make an NL team interested in sending over a 3B.
Kouzmanoff, Atkins….there’s guys out there.
Mark H - I would say that Span is the odd man out. We already have a center fielder and I don’t think his bat is good enough for corner outfielder. So I would say either trade him or keep him as the 4th outfielder.
The log jam is Cuddy/Span.
Buscher/Lamb too.
Later, Harris/Tolbert.
When Cuddy and Tolbert return, 2 of these above 5 players (not Cuddy) will have to go…if they don’t got to a 11-man staff.
Does Harris have options?
Span will be down at Rochester when Cuddyer comes back. The only other option is to release Lamb, and that means the Twins are carrying 6 OF (Cuddyer, Gomez, Young, Monroe, Span, and Kubel) and only 5 IF (Morneau, Casilia, Punto, Harris, and Buscher). that’s just stupid, as even in a pinch a decent corner OF can play CF while it is much more difficult for the IF to move around. Though Harris, Punto, and Casilia are all athletic enough to move.
But simply, while hitting well, Span has not hit well enough to take anyone else’s spot.
Toby, it is idiotic to think that playing RF/LF is more difficult or that Span simply cannot play out there. CF is much more difficult. However, I do think that Span’s limited time out there (ball moves differently) may have caused him to play it not as well. Finally, in RF it is important to have a good arm, but having a weak arm in LF is not the end of the world. See Dunn, Adam; Ibanez, Raul. Heck, LF is generally regarded as an unimportant position defensively. See Soriano, Alfonso.
You make a trade using Span and some prospects for a honest to goodness 3B.
Eat Lamb’s salary, Buscher to bench. Cuddy comes back. At worst its a wash.
Tolbert goes to AAA. If Punto, Harris, and Casilla continue to produce as they have (even if just one of them struggles the other two will likely make up for it) the MIF is covered.
Tolbert to AAA isn’t popular, but if he’s coming back after this long he’s going to be rusty and will need time to get his swing back. He wouldn’t get that with the big club.
BTW, there were 7 HP’s in Saturday’s Yankees/Red Sox game with NO WARNINGS ISSUED!
Can’t Bill Smith sue the sheister/Commish?
Gardy getting tossed last Monday is about nothing more than MLB’s fascistic control of Gardy….
This seris is much more important to the Sox then the Yankee seris that was just played. The seris should be fun and evenly matched (even though I hope the sox sweep.)
P.S.
Minnesota and New England have the two best accents in America.
“I am completely sickened Punto is in the game tonight instead of Harris. Harris has done good (not great) during the Twins surge. Does anyone remember his game-winning homerun against Hoffman? Punto could never do that. Plus Harris’s defense has been much better as of late. I don’t remember him having an error. Plus Punto from the left side of the plate is horrid. This is what I was afraid of: Punto coming back to taint the Twins line-up. Boooo!!!!!”
I’ve been a Punto detractor for a long time so I know how you feel… that being said, Punto has played some solid baseball since coming off the DL. The way I’ve always looked at it, I’m going to bash Punto every chance I get until he proves me wrong. Well, with this small sample size he’s been doing just that. I’m going to give him a chance… at least until he starts playing closer to the norm.
But when he first started hitting I know I actually got pissed because I knew Punto advocates and their king, Gardy, would use that as more reasons to talk him up and give him more playing time. Then I felt like a schmuck for being pissed a Twins player was doing well, even if it was LNP. The point is, if he can be consistent I’ll embrace him. Figuratively of course.
Holy crap…
Was that a nice Sawx fan?
Unless the Twins get an impact bat back at 3B, there isn’t a reason to make a trade involving any of the pitchers or Span right now. the only impact bat at 3B I’ve heard floated is Adrian Beltre. Otherwise, you’re going to be giving up talent to get back someone who is playing at Buscher’s level, which is pointless.
Yeah, let’s trade our #1 HR hitter during our pennant race and officially make this a rebuilding year.
Idiocy………..
First off, T, who do you think we can trade to fill that hole? I agreed earlier we need something at 3B…
Tony, interesting idea as a fourth outfielder, but where does that put Monroe? surely you don’t think we’d find a team willing to trade ANYTHING for him? I disagree about his bat, but that’s ok…
and Romer, I agree with all three of those logjams, but I don’t think anyone other than Lamb will be leaving… I don’t know about Harris’ options, but I would assume Buscher would return to AAA before Harris. My logjam thoughts on my five outfielders revolves around the idea that all five deserve starting roles
T- “Kouzmanoff, Atkins….there’s guys out there.”
I know this isn’t an original idea, but the M’s are cleaning house and we could probably get Beltre from them. He would fit perfectly on this team. A clubhouse guy with a ridiculous glove and a right handed power bat. yeah, he won’t hit 48 like he did in his contract year with the Dodgers, but he’s on pace for 30 HR this year. And his defense is actually spectacular in that he doesn’t need to make the crazy, acrobatic plays like some people *cough* LNP *cough* to make up for a lack of range.
Seattle might be interested in dumping payroll. They are all but finished, for this season. I’m not a big fan of Beltre, but he has won a gold glove, at 3B, and also clubbed 48 HR one year. Thought I would mention that in case anyone thinks things like that are important. He also has some speed, and doesn’t strike out all that much. He’s okay.
Beltre is owed 12 million next season, and a little less than half that, is remaining for this year.
The Mariners appear to need a corner OF, and a DH.
I doubt if Pohlad would pay out any money to help the Twins win. Maybe the Mariners would take Cuddyer, Kubel and Harris, in exchange for Beltre. Cuddyer is now owed more than Beltre, but makes much less per year.
Since when is having five good outfielder/DH-types a negative? We’ve gotten so used to having a no-punch bench that we have to trade away depth? Trade Tolbert and Macri before you cut into this “glut” of offensive players.
Patrick,
Quit reading my mind.
Oko,
“that means the Twins are carrying 6 OF (Cuddyer, Gomez, Young, Monroe, Span, and Kubel) and only 5 IF (Morneau, Casilia, Punto, Harris, and Buscher). that’s just stupid”
Replace a pitcher with an IF and its 6 IF, 6 OF, 2 C and 11 pitchers. Its been done many, many times including currently by the Angels (Hunter, Vlady, Anderson, Matthews, Willits and Rivera) and Rays (Crawford, Upton, Hinske, Gomes, Floyd and Gross); two AL Division leaders.
I’m liking that idea craig, although I think we could maybe even get him for less
Jake, our left side of the infield is already kind of weak, so I don’t like the idea of trading away people who could possibly help us there, especially people who will be ready in the near future
“… the idea that all five deserve starting roles”
I get ya, Mark H. And I agree with all of your post. Enough of the following talk:
Trade Punto.
Trade Boof.
Trade Span.
Trade Kubel.
Trade Young.
Because, who ya gonna get!!?
Trade the future?
Mark H - The 4th outfield job was for 2009. I think span goes back to AAA when cuddy returns, and comes back up Sept 1 when the roster expands. Or if someone gets hurt.
“Maybe the Mariners would take Cuddyer, Kubel and Harris, in exchange for Beltre.”
Gardy wouldn’t trade Kubel for Beltre straight up.
tolbert is not an issue this year …he will be sent to rochester when he gets healthy and if anything will be sept callup and a project for next year…..span is here to stay…kubel is here to stay, cuddy wont play 3b, they wont cut punto, or delmon, nor will they trade any of these guys, …damn there is alot of craziness written on this blog….span is not trade bait….only trades will be made with prospects….
sorry, romer, I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying… clarify? (I agree with 2 of those 5 trade ideas though… boof and kubel)
How about Casey Blake?
No trades.
No log jams.
Just release Lamb.
Then choose two among Tolbert/Harris/Macri/Buscher.
Can’t go to an 11-man because young starting pitching averages less than 7 innings a start.
what is Blake hitting this year? I don’t even know…
Mark H,
I think the only way Pohlads would take Beltre’s contract, would be to lose Cuddyers. Busher could replace Kubel, and DH for the Twins. Harris, is a throw in, who could fill in for the M’s at third.
Who knows, the M’s may not want any of those guys. The Twins may not want Beltre. It’s just fun speculation.
That’s what will likely happen, romer, and I’d probably want Harris/Macri… but I still say putting Denard Span on the bench once everyone becomes healthy is not the best decision. AND it doesn’t help us with shoring up 3b/bullpen
I’d love to get Blake.
And there’s a dozen more.
Which of my above 5 do the Indians want?
But not Kubel, for the reasons I stated at 5:35.
“tolbert is not an issue this year …he will be sent to rochester when he gets healthy and if anything will be sept callup and a project for next year”
The Pioneer Press reported that Tolbert’s rehab should be complete, and he should be ready to return to the team around August 1. He’s probably close to being ready right now, but the Twins are very cautious.
I can absolutely see where you’re coming from with the plan Craig, and it’d work out pretty well too… but I see the M’s getting the best deal there. It’ll be fun to see what happens late July!
The way Macri is playing at AAA, he could be the “answer” at 3rd.
lol Romer, if you can you get Blake for Boof OR Punto, you should be a GM because you just got a steal! I’m off work now so I’m out… gotta get to Dice-K early tonight!!!
Thank jeebus it’s the Hershiser crew on ESPN.
Mark H, Span won’t be on the bench for a long time for the reason I stated at 5:16 (Cuddy’s injuries).
No log jams, no trades……unless they can get a Blake-type for prospects.
Who exactly is on the Hersheiser crew?
Craig-
“I’m not a big fan of Beltre”
That’s surprising to me. I figured his glove alone would be enough. He’s probably the best defensive 3B in the league.
“Patrick,
Quit reading my mind.”
Haha, sorry.
Romer-
“Gardy wouldn’t trade Kubel for Beltre straight up.”
Rightly so. Kubel should be a Twin for a long time. Not a platoon player either but our everyday DH. That day will come and it will be sweet.
For Beltre we’d probably have to give up one or two of our better prospects. Some combination of Manship, Duensing, Span or Plouffe. Cuddy won’t get traded and neither will Kubel.
I’m inclined to agree with romer to use the players the Twins have right now at 3B. Mostly, because there aren’t too many good players out there, who are any better. Kouzmanoff and Adtkins, aren’t great, and Beltre isn’t either.
The Twins led the league in scoring in 1977, with Mike Cubbage and Jerry Terrel, platooning at 3B. Buscher/Harris isn’t any worse.
Sane,
I’m of the mind that Gardy won’t go down to 11 pitchers. It makes so much sense, especially how well the starters have been lately, going late into games. And with Boof out there, he can ride in and throw a 4 or 5 innings. Also, if you subtract Lamb, who gives Morneau breather’s at first? Harris? Cuddyer? I don’t like that. 5 OF/6 IF is the best set-up.
Mark/Craig
I wouldn’t say the M’s are in a salary dump as much as trying to figure out how to get better. Beltre is signed for next year and is still a very good defensive player and is killed by the huge park dimensions that destroy his power. The M’s would want more of the Twins pitching prospects (Humbar/Mulvey….Franchise) and probably a hitter Span/Revere maybe someone else. If I’m the Twins, Cuddyer/Young/Kubel are off limits in trade discussions.
All Stars on base. Now our #1 HR hitter.
Gardy and the rest of the field staff really like Tolbert. He might get a crack at 3B, come August. He’s a Gardy kind of player.
Terrible Terrible AB by delmon, with Dice-K you at least have to take a pitch with him throwing all over the place
Someone above wisely posted that the Twins must be patient and look for walks tonight.
So far, so good……..except for the young guys (Casilla, Young).
I thought the first pitch of the game was a ball (though called a strike), so I can’t blame Gomez for thinking it was a small strike zone.
DY may be the most unintelligent hitter I’ve seen in my 50+ years. Pitcher can’t find the plate? Yup, I’ll swing.
DY swing at the 1st pitch…
Wow, very nicely stated about Young’s AB.
At least Delmon Young didn’t waste an entire inning on the first pitch. Oh wait.
Way to work the count again Young. You would think Gardenhire would get around to eventually talk to him about all this swingi8ng at the first pitch crap; but, as always, Gardy must be a “players manager.”
Harris is 4th on the team in AB’s with his lowest (.250) BA among starters.
THAT’s why Punto is in there.
Oko,
I think Span and Revere are off limits. I see the Twins possibly trading Young, Cuddyer, or Kubel.
I don’t think there would be any chance, Pohlads would take Beltre’s contract, without dumping Cuddyer’s. I think the Twins like Cuddy, so I don’t see Beltre coming over, anyway, which is just fine with me. I think the Twins would first try to deal Kubel or Young.
The twins should do the good old $100 per first pitch out.
baker hitting 95 on the gun tonight
nice first inning for him
Wow, Baker outdueling in the 1st with his 95 mph FB.
Remember when discussing Delmon Young trades, the twins are in need of right handed batters and Young just happens to be one
Phenomenal first for Baker.
Craig,
That maybe true, however, I think by adding Beltre and taking away Cuddyer, the team isn’t any better this year, next year, and is worse in 2010 when Beltre walks.
Span shouldn’t be among the untouchables because his place is blocked. He is the logical trade piece, and he’s never going to have higher value than he does right now.
Kubel, well, I don’t think trading him makes the team better, so it doesn’t make sense to me, but I guess more sense than Cuddyer because Kubel shouldn’t be playing defense, while Cuddyer is better than an average RF defensively. I’m not a fan of trading Young, and I don’t think Smith is. He could turn out to do some fantastic things…if he learns patience.
Poor inning for the twins hitters
Nice to see Nicky “effin” Punto with that uppercut swing in action. I don’t think Carew showed him that when he worked with him.
At least punto got it out of the infield and actually read the pitch correctly, DY read the pitch right, but checked his swing.
Beltre would be the last person I would want in a Twins uniform..Some of the players you people discuss about acquiring is just hilarious
But gatty, they’re starting to get some wood on the ball.
Sox batters don’t exactly look young and energetic tonight.
Good D, BAKE!!
Lowell complaining about that strike call. Replay shows ump was right. (I had thought he was wrong.)
A bit off topic but Scott Baker has to be the most baby-faced baseball player I’ve ever seen. I think he was collecting for his paper route at my house on Saturday.
Maybe the secret to his success is that opposing hitters think they are being transported back to coach-pitch.
Perhaps his visage is merely a cover for a ninja assassin.
Oko,
Span’s value will continue to grow, the more he shows he can play in the major leagues. He’s the only other player, besides Gomez, who can handle CF in the organization, at this point, also. Darnell McDonald, has never performed on the Major league level, and would be a huge question mark. Pridie is over-matched in AAA. No, the Twins won’t trade Span.
The Twins will need solid contact to beat the red sox pitcher today. Dice K allows a lot of walks, but not a lot of hits.
Toby Please, your arguements don’t make sense, if Span is at best a fringe average center fielder, then we don’t have a crowded outfield.
But if he is more, which he is, he’s a fast, smart player who provides more speed on the paths and an ability to get on base right before the top of our line-up and right now is great as a 4th outfielder who can play ANY position and be more than solid defensively.
The strike zone looks questionable so far, but if K-Zone is right…
Wow says:
July 7th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
“Beltre would be the last person I would want in a Twins uniform..”
Why is that, Wow?
Do you really prefer Tony Batista?
Craig,
Perhaps you are right on Span being unavailable. But you seem to think he will continue to get better at the major league level, while I think he’s exceeding his talent level.
I’m with you in that I don’t think the Twins have the pieces to make a trade that actually makes them better. Which is fine. With Buscher playing as well as he has been, and if Tolbert can hit like he was before, then this team is ok. And you never know, Franchise might figure it, and show up in August with a power arm (not that I’m counting on that happening, but we can dream).
I don’t prefer Batista, but I don’t prefer a guy who is on the downswing of his career
“Scott Baker has to be the most baby-faced…”
With that face and the fact he wasn’t that athletic a couple years ago, I didn’t have much confidence in him back then.
But it looks to me like his upper-leg and butt musculature is beefed up now.
He’s the real deal.
“butt musculature”
Ok…
“Franchise might figure it, and show up in August with a power arm (not that I’m counting on that happening, but we can dream).”
The Twins plan remains for him to not be a power pitcher this year.
Don’t really know why.
I said “I really don’t know why”.
I take that back. Franchise and everyone else knows he has to hold back so he can work on his control first.
Baker is really dealing today
Does anyone else find Steve Phillips really hard to listen to? I’m almost thinking about going back to listening to dick and bert.
And the no hitter is gone…
The Twins will just have a decision to make when Cuddyer returns. By that time, the picture may be clearer, as to who needs to go, and who needs to stay. Cuddy’s cracked knuckle, may take awhile to mend.
Pedroia is not seeing the ball off of Baker’s hand very well today
Wow,
Beltre is not on the downswing of his career. He is 28. Usually, 27-30 is the prime of most major league players careers. Betlre plays an old man position, 3B, which means he will age better than say a SS or CF. More so, his OPS+ last year was 112, at a decided pitchers park that absolutely kills RH hitters.
He’s arguable the best defensive 3B in the American League. I put A-Rod, Longoria, and Crede as equals. I watch him play everyday, and while his contract was huge back when he signed it, he’s playing about to that talent level at this point.
Over at USS Mariner, they made a case today about how important Beltre’s defense actually is to his worth. http://ussmariner.com/2008/07/07/all-time-all-mariner-roster-third-base/ And you put him in a ballpark without that huge Leftcenter gap, he’s a big hitter again.
All that said, he’s not an upgrade for the M’s if they have to give up Cuddyer + others, at least, in my opinion.
Nice play by Denard
I didn’t see it too well, did Span just rob a home run?
he robbed a foul ball
Kudos to the outfield coach/scout. I grew up with season tix to the Sawks and have seen many a right fielder give up on a fly to the Pesky Pole. For a rookie to go after that one in his first appearance there is pretty impressive. Fenway may be the most quirky outfield to play across all three positions. Well done Denard.
if the ball was in the stands it would have been foul
Wow,
I agree with you. Beltre doesn’t do much for me either. I floated his name, just for fun. Patrick also brought up his name. It’s all just idle speculation.
craig, are you saying that cuddyer might get put on everett’s cigarette and tomato diet?
Another wasted at bat
I didn’t know that Morne had lowered the margin to 50,000 votes!
TONY:
“he robbed a foul ball”
Ok. But was it a Web Gem? LOL!
Hey DY swung and miss, progress!
Buscher just missed that pitch
I would consider it a borderline web gem
mickey,
I don’t think they are quite ready to put Cuddy on the diet plan. Lamb and Everett, are both on the diet, but whether to put Cuddy on it, is still being debated.
Its pretty cool that the Twins nearly had 2 players voted into the all star game, especially considering our market.
Good pitch by Baker. Drew gets a seeing-eye hit.
Baker has a good pitch count so far, let’s see if he can get a DP here
“Buscher just missed that pitch”
That’s what I used to say when I struck out: “I just missed that pitch”.
“The Twins will just have a decision to make when Cuddyer returns. By that time, the picture may be clearer, as to who needs to go, and who needs to stay. Cuddy’s cracked knuckle, may take awhile to mend.”
An avid reader would have noted that these points were already posted today.
Looks like the twins will have to play from behind again, lets see if our bats can respond…
maxwell smart used to say that too, craig. missed it by THAT much!
Who cares, walk him.
The Twins will just have a decision to make when Cuddyer returns. By that time, the picture may be clearer, as to who needs to go, and who needs to stay. Cuddy’s cracked knuckle may take awhile to mend.
Well Baker has pitched himself into quite a jam
The Twins will just have a decision to make when Cuddyer returns. By that time, the picture may be clearer, as to who needs to go and who needs to stay. Cuddy’s cracked knuckle, may take awhile to mend.
WOW
Nice Job BAKE!
Take that, All Star Catcher!
Let’s see if the bats can feed off this momentum
Well, Baker pitches himself right out of quite a jam.
So…….how long does it take a cracked knuckle to heal before the Twins have a decision to make? ? ?
I am impressed with the young Twins, they don’t look wide eyed at all
That is as good as it gets as far as pitching out of a jam the last half inning by Baker.
LNP is horrible!
Two words for Billy Smith…Nutrisystem…I want him around for a while to enjoy the fruits of his climb to the top.
Unbelievable that Boston, and all that money, aren’t any better than what they are.
If Terry Ryan was GM, with Boston’s payroll, he would win 110+ games a year, every year.
“Two words for Billy Smith…Nutrisystem”
Okay, what’s the other word?
butchwax
How many DP’s has Gomez hit into this year? Wow
Baker flashing the glove!
Nutrisystem………Diet?
Willie,
You are right, both Nutrisystem and butchwax could help with Billy’s longevity.
The Dominican Duo! That’s a good name for those two scatbacks.
Great inning for Baker
The Dynamic Dominican Duo!
Say that real fast three times.
A lot of balls hit in the air tonight - not really our game.
If the twins want to score runs, they must have better at bats
The Dynamic Dominican Duo!
It is nice to see the Ump has expanded the strike zone
“The Dynamic Dominican Duo!”
A lil wall ball for Morneau. Nice drive him in Kubel!
~The Dynamic Dominican Duo!~
Gotta take advantage here.
The Canadian Crusher crushes one.
Kubel tried to hit one out there
Nice alliteration all around.
The SoDak Slammer flies out.
I thought Kubel hit it out off the bat
This is the type of game where our powerless lineup hurts the most
Looks like Baker is going to have to pitch a perfect game so that we can get to the Sox bull pen.
96 on the gun!
PH Monroe for Young………
96 again!
96 three pitches in a row, WOW
Slowey and Baker are strikeout pitchers.
Where did this velocity come from
Great play by Gomez
Right on!
Poor at bat by Youk
Nice job by Baker in the 6th.
This is the big inning for the twins
jham13, from now on our pitchers will have to pitch near perfect, with span and punto in and Cuddy/Monroe and Harris out, runs are going to be hard to come by
I wonder of the Fenway gun is a little high.
But probably not.
And I am guessing it will start with a one pitch at bat…
This game feels like an ESPN Sunday night game we played against Jeremy Bonderman and the Tigers last year. Baker pitched his rear end off and lost 1-0. Hope I’m wrong.
He tried to make it a one pitch at bat
Nice work Delmon, swing at it over your head cause it was on the 1st pitch.
This feels like Cle 1 MIN 0, baker also pitching
Delmon will bang one off the wall
Ouch
The Alabama Banger gets beaned.
Good enough
DiceK pitching the fearsome Young carefully……
Stupid baserunning by Young.
I can’t believe that, Buscher rakes one and it turns into two
thats why u bunt
Nothing Young could do
That was really unlucky
Now the DP.
Buscher cracked his bat, right?
You guys kill me. Young is batting .287. You;re all talking as if he has Monroe’s average.
I thought punto hit it out
see you bunt there with Buscher and its 1-0
The California Cranker nearly cranks one out!
Punto and Casilla are HR threats…..
Dang it, I thought that might have had a chance. LNP nice work. Now it is up to the rook!
You are 12 games above .500. Enjoy it. Bitching is never very fun to watch.
Here it is, we need a hit!
Gotta love that uppercut swing 
A real starter would have hit it out (get out your sarcasm meters here) Ok, Span is on the clock.
Wow, since when are you going to bunt with LNP up next? It is so easy to say now but nobody in their right mind is going to do that.
I still think Span looks like Garrett Anderson — both his looks and his swing.
The twins are going to lose this game unfortunately
Span looked completely overmatched in that AB.
Its the 7th inning of a 0-0 game. You bunt unless its mauer/morneau/kubel coming up next
the florida flier failed
Looks like Gomez is going to have to hit a HR to win this game.
Sheeesss, bad luck on hard hit balls.
Hold them down here Baker, you wouldn’t think that Go-Go and Alexi could both go 0 for 4 on the night. At least one of them is due for a hit!
Span clearly was trying to go the other way with the pitch, and he did
Gardy’s decision not to bunt in a close late-inning ballgame probably will cost them the game.
Wow, of course it is easy to say now, where were you with your post before the LNP AB happened? Your internet connection just so happened to go out at that time right?
That saved a HR, nice play denard
Span! Span! Span!
MudCat is on a roll.
Span’s D, too.
Span has looked solid defensively out there tonight.
Watching the game , not staring at a computer screen
They’re not missing by much this inning.
gatty790, that was a nice catch but it certainly did not rob the BoSox’s of a HR.
The red sox are starting to catch up to baker
Just don’t allow a HR Bake!
There on Baker this inning
Wow, yet you still weren’t able to post anything until after the next batter’s AB? Yet you wonder why anybody would question you?
HDTV is great, you can see the sweat dripping off Morneau’s neck.
Baker has lost 3-4 mph on his fastball, that is not good news
bill trade Craig Monroe spann is aetter hitter
I bet Craig Monroe would bring A LOT in trade value …
whatever you say austin i will let you have your moment here on a blog
looks like bass and reyes warming up.
Phew, there were some hard hit balls in that inning!
OK, here’s the scenario. Double D boys get on, M&M’s drive them in.
(sounds like a porno movie)
Yeah, he’s a better hitter than Monroe, but Monroe is this year’s Don Baylor.
94 pitches for Baker. What does everybody think for the bottom half of the 8th? Would you bring him back out for another inning or not? Does it depend upon if the Twins get a run in the top half? What are your thoughts?
Double D boys does not sound like a good porno movie to me…
its going to co don to how good are ballpen is going to be tonight i heard that redsox pen is perty bad this year
Good reference romer
Baker has had a good game, but I think he’s done. They were teeing off on him last inning.
Take him out, his fastball velocity is down, he is tired
Do the twins have no luck this game?
nice catch by ellsbury!
That was a big risk by the red sox, he misses that ball, its a run
Micelle, oooo, nice catch.
Micelle bad speling will get you no whare.
Wish Gomez had laid one down there - even with two strikes - Lowell playing back
Damn, we need to fire Vavra NOW. These guys are getting shutout by a worthless pitcher playing on an even crappier team. I am gonna shut my tv off since obviously the Twins don’t wanna win since they employ a no-name as a hitting coach instead of someone that actually knew how to swing a bat in the Majors.
Bunt with two strikes, finally a great play by the twins!
well eaa there is Casilla laying it down with 2 strikes for a hit.
You won’t give up, will you Mudcat.
You’re the champion of tonight’s blog.
Me Too, yeah he is only 9-1, what a worthless pitcher. Do you follow MLB at all?
I can’t remember the last worthless pitcher that had a 9-1 record
I wouldln’t mind a steal here.
I think me too is being satirical.
That was a little ironic
Me Too wins the “Fire Vavra” award for the year.
Send him here
Umm, guys, I was being sarcastic.
Guess I forgot my disclaimer again.
YEAH! The Tokyo Tosser gets tagged! ! !
If the twins score in this inning, they win the game
I said send him - he’s on third now - FIRE GARDY
Nice AB by Mauer, now Morneau has to do something against the lefty.
I say stay considering our biggest rbi guy is up next and I don’t want to give away an easy out
gatty says — “Double D boys does not sound like a good porno movie to me…”
Ha-ha. A man discerning taste and experience……
Come on twins, score a run!
gatty I agree with you
Yes, they are finally getting the luck that they were so badly lacking earlier in the game.
Okajima kills the twins
Come on, Mornie. Show Youkalis what an MVP looks like.
That pitch was WAY out of the strike zone
Morne should be on first right now
That 2-0 pitch was outside, but here we go with the 3-1 pitch Morneau.
WALK
Nice take
Let’s go kubes!
Justice is served. C’mon now Kubel! At least a sac fly.
Or not
Come on Craig!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Craigers is coming up to bat
Don Baylor to the plate
Take a walk craig
Anyone watching K Zone? Was that ball 4 pitch to Justin outside?
Nice take Monroe. 2-0 with them loaded, let’s go!
come on
Gutsy, expert PH choice for Gardy.
C’mon Monroe!
If only LNP was up.
Now Monroe becomes this year’s Gene Larkin…
Just a flyball Craiger!!!!!
Well, looks like the twins just lost this game
C’mon Delmon!
geeze Monroe, that is pathetic! Now DY is gonna hack at the first pitch.
I don’t think its over yet gatty. Calm down a bit
Typical, geeze that was a brutal effort.
damnit
No kidding
Hitting ‘em hard tonight, but right at infielders. Wait ’till the 9th.
Young is predictable, isn’t he.
Yeah I agree Baker’s night should be done.
This inning is completely wasted, am I surprised, no. I can’t believe the twins are literally giving the red sox a win they don’t deserve. Delmon Young should be benched after that at bat, can he not take any pitches in a critical point in the game. BENCH this guy!
bench young until he can count until two
Whys Bass in here
Young still swinging at the first pitch…amazing, just amazing. Does Gardenhire actually do anything to earn his paycheck besides sit around on his brain?
Look what happens right after the twins choke, can you see how stupid you are now delmon?
Bass, you bum, come on in and do something for once.
BASS?!?
first pitch delmon again!!! We wuz robbed by the rays!!!
Bass serving up a BP pitch……
So where’s Reyes.
This is bullshit.
The bitterness is flowing …
The radar gun is not even close.
Delmon has to be benched tomorrow, there are no excuses for these at bats at the major league level. Delmon literally lost this game for the twins, and the worst part is that he probably doesn’t even know it. Gardy and the Twins staff should rail into Delmon, but we all know he won’t
Now………where’s Guerrier!!?
Joe…
You have one mission tonight after the game, buddy. ASK GARDENHIRE if he ever says ANYTHING to Young about the first pitch swinging. And if the coddler gives you his typical, “I talk to him all the time” B.S., come back and ask him why he’s still playing then since he obviously ISN’T listening to him. Gardy’s not telling him, or Young’s not listening…either way it’s on the albatross that is Gardenhire.
And the game is now over
BALLGAME!!!
This has been a magical game for Delmon Young, I wish there was a stat for blown chance.
Why is Brian Bass pitching? A tie game in the 8th and we bring in our 4th or 5th best reliever?
baker 7 ip 0 er 7k 5h = no decision
feels like 07 not 06 tonight.
Well there still is a chance as long as they keep it to one run. But agreed, Young left the bases loaded twice in one game…UGH!
No bunt…Young…Monroe…Bass…
If I owned this team I’d make Gardenhire apologize to the fans before I canned his stupid-ass on national television.
Please, all Gardy apologists try to make a case that Gardenhire isn’t a complete stooge after tonight’s game!
This was a great effort by the twins to lose a game. Why not big g in the 8th, I don’t care how good Gardy thinks Bass is, big g is much better in the 8th, but no, let’s let bass navigate through the Red Sox middle of the order.
If Bass is hitting 97 on this joke of a radar gun, then Crain is going to break 100.
we should just cut young right now. Show him the freaking door. -sarcasm
Oh look Gardy is bringing in Crain, maybe he should have started him this inning, I mean our long relief jello arm is def the right choice
Good to see that Gardy brings in Bass in a tie game and leaves him most clutch relievers in the pen.
What the hell was that? Bass before Crain in a scoreless game? And then they pitch to Manny with two bases open? Give me a friggin’ break, Gardy! Feel free to wake up and earn your paycheck during a game for once.
I like our chances as long as Crain keeps it a 1-run game.
I didn’t realize the twins really wanted to lose this game so much, Baker would have most certainly preformed better than Brian Bass. Enough of this joker in the 8th inning.
Kevin,
I think the Strib should apologize for some of the #$%t on this blog.
Regards,
Me too, I’m sure are 789 hitters will hit papplebon.
98!!!!!
That gun is juiced
This game is over, not a chance in a very hot place this team gets to pap in the ninth
The gun at the stadium is 2-3 mph fast
Gardy has managed to out-manage himself tonight.
Crain still has no slider. Isn’t even attempting to throw it.
LOL the venom and bitterness is rampant!! Twins’s are playing a tough team and small mistakes beat you.. I have no need to point to my moniker you rubes have done it all night.. but really there’s no shame in a loss tonight.. Red Sox are a quality team.. sucks for Baker though… he pitched great
Coco Crisp would be riding the bench for Minnesota. But there’s still hope. Maybe Jonathon Applebon will be rotten again tonight.
Geez guys, cut Young a break. As far as Monroe, why not bring your pinch-hitter in there. If Gardy didn’t play the matchup, then I could see the second-guessing but when he did the correct move, you criticize. Man, no matter what Gardy does, there are these “experts” sitting behind the keyboard with all the right calls.
Well, Young actually swung at what I thought looked like a pretty good pitch to hit, it wasn’t a pitcher’s pitch at that point. Nothing wrong with swinging at a good pitch right there. Dang, all this armchair qb’ing just makes me shake my head.
Ridiculous Dick Bremer quote of the night - “This game has been played like a playoff game.” A playoff game involving Brian Bass apparently.
What is Paps out pitch?
Delmon Young has to be benched, I can’t see any reason to keep him in tomorrow. Put Kevin Slowey in LF and he can probably put together better at bats than delmon young tonight. I’m not sure that Young has the mental makeup of a major leaguer yet.
Which one of the Nairobi Trio is Ramirez?
So, I understand why not Crain instead of Bass.
But why not Boof? Or Reyes or Guerrier?
Ben, espn guys said the same thing.
ESPN people said it was like a playoff game
Papelbon isn’t having a great a year. He’s vulnerable.
you know it’s a tough day comment-wise if Fire Vavra is telling people to calm down
Kevin Slowey can put together better at bats than Delmon Young, that in itself is sad
PUNTO will rock Paps!!! it has been that crazy of a year!!
gatty,
Polhad should hire you. you’ll probably come cheap, AND we could NOW be looking for our 14th or 15th win of the season.
Regards,
We need a HR bad, but we can’t hit HRs
Yeah, MeToo, Young’s last AB didn’t bother me that much. But his previous ones……
OMG Monroe for Kubel. OMG Bass for Baker.
With that out of the way. How about Baker shutting down this Sox lineup. Think Red Sox nation is a bit stunned by that performance?
Buscher looking okay……hope his and the Twins’ luck changes, RIGHT NOW!!
At least Slowey wouldn’t have as many errors as Delmon has both mentally and physically. If Slowey played in LF, I bet the twins would have around 40-50 wins this season.
Please, all Gardy apologists try to make a case that Gardenhire isn’t a complete stooge after tonight’s game!
I’ve got a pretty good case built so far this season, built on top of 50 good arguments.
All of this considering that according to people such as yourself the Front Office pretty much handed Gardenhire the baseball equivalent of a one-legged man in a butt-kicking content.
you’re right gatty, we should tar and feather Young. He has no redeeming qualities and should be released. Can we move on now?
No Harris? Wow.
Great at bat by punto!
no Harris or Lamb there??
Another gift wrapped game by your MN Twins
At least the twins blew this game
great play by youks to finish the game!
Some nice D by the Sox tonight. Snagged a couple of hot liners. Great pitching matchup, let’s hope the rest of the pitching staff builds off this.
this game should have ended 5-0 twins
Gardy why not pinch hit for PUNTO? his DEF won’t help you now??
Oh yay! It’s the end of the world again! I was getting disappointed waiting for it over the last homestand.
Well, might as well start the firesale.
A good game. Twins had their chances but couldn’t come up with the clutch hit. They’ll get em tomorrow.
Another good AB by Span. Another smackdown of bad luck for the Twins. Can’t fight that.
Time for another game…..tomorrow.
anybody think this will be a hard loss to shake?
revdrev…why would it be a hard loss to shake? Scott Baker come out against a tough lineup and matched a tough pitcher inning for inning.
The Twins couldn’t get the clutch hit, and had an opportunity that was killed prior to Punto triple (great snag by Youk to screw over Young at 1st)
Twins had just as many opportunities as the Sox, the Sox just managed to cash in once.
revdrev,
For about 15 minutes
So, walk Mauer and Morneau and you win the game. Should have walked Manny.
We hold the second highest scoring team in the league to 1 run, and we still lose. We have the bases loaded with one out in the 8th inning of a tie ball game and we still lose. Twins could have been the top team in the wild card tonight, but instead they widen both their deficits. At least the twins decided to lay an egg like this before the all-star break instead of after. Perhaps Gardy can use this game as a teaching point to the young players.
Most of you need to step off the ledge. This was a well pitched, well played game by both teams. To say that the Twins blew this, or “gift-wrapped” the game is a little extreme. Slump or not, the Sox are a very good team and you can’t win every game. The answer to how good this Twins team is will be seen in responses to losses.
That all said, the Brian Bass move was very strange. Baker is done, agreed, but there are 4 other options I would like to see in that situation.
Lamb’s timing has got to be lost right now. So no PHing him against Papel……
And Harris ain’t improvement over Punto (who just missed a HR tonight).
So JOE C, why is Lamb on the team?
after reading through this blog you’d think the twins are mathematically eliminated after losing 23-0 to the ‘62 mets.
Mudcat, manny has been horrible lately, and the guys behind him aren’t bad. We should have pitched to him, just should have pitched better.
Tough loss there. Thought that the Twins had several really good chances, and yes, Young didn’t come thru in the clutch. Really made me cringe there in the ninth to. Dang, this Sox team was beatable, but I guess the Twins just didn’t get the luck going their way tonight.
Anyway, this is one of those games that everyone keeps pointing to with a pitcher like Santana. What good is it really to have such a good pitched game if they didn’t get the win???
Sure, it makes the Sox look at the Twins like they can play with them, but hey, I’m pretty sure the Sox already knew that anyway. Well, there are still a few games left in this series, lets pull it out boys.
Young does need to sit after tonight’s LOB’s. He didn’t make good batting choices tonight. Geez, just one hit would have done the job.
Sooooo…Monroe for Kubel???? .144 BA when the bases are loaded??? Me thinks Gardy got lost on the East side and found himself a crack pipe.
Youkalis probably saved some runs. Denard Span DEFINATELY saved some.
wow last gasp for the twins was over faster then I could type…
Yeah, Baker made Manny his….well…he owned him all game long. It looks like Bass missed his spot and a good hitter made him pay for it.
What a surprise…
Once the Gardenhire critism begins out pops T from the woodwork to defend his boy! Why don’t you grow the hell up one of these years or we’ll back into Rules of the Game questions that you always fail to answer!
The front office had nothing to do with Gardenhire refusing to bunt in the seventh-inning. The FO had nothing to do with putting Bass in a scoreless game. The FO isn’t responsible for sitting Young’s gansta’ ass down and telling him if he swings at one more first pitch he’ll be riding the bus down in the minors. And furthermore, managers with a lot more integrity than this putz (Pinella, Torre, Showalter) have given their respective teams the ultimatum that unless the FO improves the team, they’ll walk. Has Gardy ever done that? No, because who else would hire him?
“50 reasons”… what an ignoramus you are, T. So they would have lost all the games without Gardy as manager, huh? He also has ten fingers without a ring on any of them, does that count for anything you idiot?
Seems to me the big question remains why is Bass in there in a scoreless game in the 8th inning.
Batters are going to have bad games. Young will have up days and down days. But Bass seems to have been in the game outside of his typical role.
At least three pitchers on the roster would have been better choices than him tonight.
That said, it’s one game. Strap ‘em back up tomorrow and try it again.
PO’d, a sac fly scores the go ahead run. idn’t happen.
Youkilis had a BIG play to double off Delmon ahead of the Punto triple. Young took his lead and the ball found Youk’s glove.
There’s nothing you can do in that situation, especially considering they’re playing to avoid the DP.
It is not extreme to say that the twins blew a game when they had the bases loaded, not once, but twice and still failed to score a single run. How a player can make the same stupid mistake with the bases loaded twice is unbelievable.
yuck, hate to lose a close one like that. bass in boston in a 0-0 game? why did we wait to play crain? or bonser? he’s been lights out lately! luckily we’ll have blackburn tomorrow night. hopefully he’ll dominate like baker did.
I have no problem not bunting in the 7th. You don’t waste an out to move a runner over for your number 8 hitter.
Victor L,
Bass has been pretty good for the past month or so.
If Span was playing and hit like D. Young he would be sent down in a heart beat.
What hold does Young have on managment, he can not even bend down to pickup a ground ball???
Span is two time’s the better ball player and hitter.
“Some nice D by the Sox tonight. Snagged a couple of hot liners.”
They sure did…when the Twins should have been bunting. But keep spinning it like Bremer, T, if it helps you sleep at night.
Victor, the tight spot for Gardy is that if the Twins get the lead he still needs to close out the inning.
We’ve seen it before where Gardy goes to the Crain/Reyes/Nathan’s in tie/behind games on the road and then gotten stuck with the Rincons/Basses when the Twins take the lead in extras.
He could’ve tried. But crap.
gatty,
The Red Sox ALSO blew the game earlier when they had the bases loaded. Personallly, I wish they had scored a few, then you wouldn’t feel the need to relieve yourself.
I posted about a week ago that the Twins used to have Neshek/Rincon/Balfour/Crain all pitching very excellently.
Now we have none of them (Crain is a 1-pitch pitcher).
A report yesterday or so said Bonser is still getting used to being a reliever.
He’d better get used to it real quick.
Nice to see you back Kevin. Hopefully the Twins will keep losing so you’ll stick around.
this was a tough loss but too much overraction on this blog tonight…Bass has earned a chance due to Crain’s poor numbers this year…Monroe earned a chance due to his clutchness in those situations this year….
Bottom line: blown chances early in the game (1st inning), as well as late in the game, equal a Red Sox win.
The real test will be tomorrow.
PS: I’m not the only one complimenting the D by Boston tonight.
There you go. When Jason and I agree on something, you know it means something. 
That Ukelele guy, if he doesn’t do it with the bat, he does it with his glove. He is a twin killer.
“If Span was playing and hit like D. Young he would be sent down in a heart beat”
That is exactly right, D Young would be sent down. D Young used the bat today like a NL pitcher would. Looking for a fastball on the first pitch. Even Gomez won’t swing at at a first pitch that is out of the strike zone over and over and over again.
He is an allstar firstbaseman.
I was watching the DnB for this one. What was the take from the ESPN annoucers? I’m especially curious what they thought about Baker.
Hershiser was talking up baker all game. I’m not sure what phillips said, i try not to listen to him.
why would you say that, T?
You know I’m a great baseball mind…just a guy you hate to agree with though, right?
after bonser’s last few outings i’d feel far more confident with him on the mound than bass with a tied score late in the game on the road against boston.
T, July 7th, 2008 at 9:03 pm, says:
“Youkilis had a BIG play to double off Delmon ahead of the Punto triple. Young took his lead and the ball found Youk’s glove. There’s nothing you can do in that situation, especially considering they’re playing to avoid the DP.”
Wow, the baseball gods were just smiling on the Bo-Sox tonight! Nothing to see here people, everyone go to bed! It was fate tonight that did ‘em in, not Gardenhire’s managing, folks! God forbid if there’s anyone on here that should think that with T lurking around the blog-corner!
“There’s nothing you can do in that situation…” Hmm? How about bunt??? Just like every other manager in the league who doesn’t get up every morning and confuse his head for his ass until his wife puts his cap on his head for him would do.
the insight was much better as always on ESPN….how do you watch DnB when you have other options….we get DnB for 95 percent of the games!
crain’s poor numbers? his ERA is less than 3 while bass is one blow up away from being over 5!
Actually the 7th inning was the killer. 2 smoked line drives for outs, either would/could have given the lead.
Yes, but Crain has been pitching poorly lately. Guerrer must have been too tired to pitch tonight.
Jason, I’m just saying usually you and I don’t see eye-to-eye. So when we do it must mean something.
And there goes Kevin again, cherry picking one guy as if he’s the only one who disagrees.
Sorry K, but I ain’t the only one who disagrees with you this time around.
The 8th inning was the killer, bases loaded with one out.
Oh, and I wasn’t listening much tonight. I had company over so the game was on in the background for the most part.
It would be worth seeing them lose every game just to see how long it would take you to say something the least bit critical about Gardenhire, T. We could all bet on it. What do you think everyone, by the 16th straight loss would T question the managing…the 38th… how about the 76th straight loss? My money’s on…um…well, never!
Kevin,
It is better to be thought a fool…then you open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Regards,
well T, it’s not on purpose, that’s for sure…I agree with a lot of what you say, actually…
Interesting question. When will Kevin show up and enjoy a well played game? As opposed to showing up to crow over a loss?
If the twins lost 76 straight games, that could mean only one thing, the pirates win the world series, by outlasting the royals in the win column
Well, I for one had no problem with Delmon swinging at the first pitch there. It was in his wheelhouse. He missed it, that is all there is to it.
The pitch in the first, well, don’t have a clue why he would have been swinging at a ball running in on his hands, maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is actually a good pitcher out there throwing too?????Sorry if these guys aren’t perfect, and won’t win 162 games this year. Heck, how many teams win 100????
“Wow, the baseball gods were just smiling on the Bo-Sox tonight! Nothing to see here people, everyone go to bed!”
I will NOT!!
Gardy says he has confidence in Bass now. SURE, as the 6th reliever. When did he get promoted to the 2nd reliever?
it’s not that i think bass is bad, i think he could end up being a great reliever for us down the line. but game on the line in fenway and we go to a rookie with a 4.5 ERA? but i dunno, maybe i give boston more credit at home than they deserve…
This team won’t win 80 games if delmon plays like that
If the Twins go on to get swept, this game will be disappointing…assuming they come back and win tomorrow night, we can live with this one…
gatty, just curious, what is your opinion on delmon young?
“Guerrer must have been too tired to pitch tonight.”
Accepted.
But Reyes was warmed up. All of a sudden he can’t pitch to RH batters? I thought his splits were good…….
I think he will hit 40 HRs, 130 RBIs, have 30 Steals, 150 K, and 100 runs scored, just not this season. I don’t hate Delmon Young, but putting him in the lineup day after day when it is clear he is not learning is unacceptable. The biggest difference between Gomez and Delmon is that Gomez seems more willing to learn after one of his mistakes.
Dennys splits against RH Batters are horrible.
At least CC is officially out of the league.
” maybe it has something to do with the fact that there is actually a good pitcher out there throwing too?????”
Duh.
And that’s why a young Young has to try and work a count and figure out the pitcher.
Young is lazy.
And two words. NutriSystem and yoga.
Well, Dragon, that’s quite the moniker you have there. By chance is it intended to compensate for any…um…shortcomings you see yourself having in other facets of life?
Since you’re the new baseball genious of the blogosphere I’ll propound to you the same question I propounded to T three months ago, and of which he still hasn’t replied to:
If a runner at third tags up too soon on a sac-fly and comes home to score, what is the official protcol for the pitching team to record the out? Again, my six year-old knows the answer to this question, so if YOU don’t, shut the hell up and quit insulting everyone else’s intelligence when you don’t even know the difference between the words “your” and “you’re.”
it has been said that nutri system and yo ga are three words. now we can’t even agree on that.
gatty,
I have the feeling CC won’t be out of the AL too long.
I believe the proper protocol is the pitcher to put the ball in play at third
Shaun, unfortunately I think you are right
Someone mentioned firing Vavra. I agree with a couple of others…How about benching or demoting Delmon Young until he learns to take at least the first pitch if not a couple of pitches. The opposition know to throw him crap right away because he can’t take a pitch. He doesn’t listen to the coaches, but his brother or someone else (I can’t remember the name) that hasn’t played pro ball. He insists he is a late starter but isn’t that what spring break is for? It is now the all-star break and he still is COLD and almost powerless. Who cares about the contract, there are other players that care about each other and want to be important parts of the Twins TEAM.
Delmon could very well be developing the body type of Dimitri. I don’t long-term confidence in him.
And 40 HR’s?!!!!!!?
Good ol’ Kevin. Resorting to the only two logical comebacks he’s got:
1) “LOL I question your manhood!”
2) “You made a grammatical error.”
Remember, when unable to come up with a convincing counter argument, make sure to resort to insulting the poster vs. the content of the post.
Jason, if the Twins get swept, I’d look at the series as a single disappointment vs. a series of individual ones.
Not for any sort of spin purposes, but it’d pretty much send the message that this team is still short of being playoff ready.
Though for Bill Smith and crew, it’s a good measure of assessing their current roster for any potential trades.
Buscher has a hot bat, but could this game have played out differently with somebody like Kouz or Atkins over there tonight?
Oh yes, Delmon is strong now and will continue to gain strength as he gets older
Kevin,
I believe the pitcher puts the ball in play and then throws to third.
quit insulting everyone else’s intelligence when you don’t even know the difference between the words “your” and “you’re.”
Oh, and PS Kevin…
It’s spelled “genius”, and “protocol”. Hopefully the irony (no not what you do with a board and clothes) isn’t lost on you.
I believe the best protocol is for the player to actually tag up correctly and make your question moot.
BTW Kevin, good use of synonyms.
The way it sounds is that Gardy didn’t have confidence in Buscher to get the bunt down so it seems on the surface that even Gardy knew that a bunt was called for in that situation. Still scratching the head over the Bass move as well as why Morneau was holding Lowell of all people on at first with two outs in the bottom of the eighth. Hershiser was perplexed by that and I have to say I was also. Have to win tomorrow with Livan going on Wednesday (Livan in Fenway…don’t want to think about it!).
Dragon, I understand a sac fly scores a run, but I think Kubel has a better chance of hittimg a deep fly ball than Monroe. Dumb call by Gardy. And why was Baker pulled? I thought he looked good in the 7th. Not a bad move and you cant totally argue, but can someone tell me if his pitch count was high or something. Either way, Twins looked good and I thought they hit the ball well, just right where the other team was standing unfortunately. Oh well, it’s still a fun team to watch.
since this blog is digressing and the conversation isn’t moving back to baseball, i suppose any topic is fair game. i just wanted to say that the pb and j sandwich i had earlier tonight was fantastic. double decker with strawberry jam and chunky peanut butter, yum.
Yeah Dragon, it’s the whole “appeal play” thing. Pretty sure I answered it a while back. But it may have been during the winning streak so Kevin wasn’t around moaning to catch it.
But Delmon ain’t a 1B. He needs to run and lean over and pick up ground balls quickly and catch balls just off the ground quickly.
He looks like a 1B doing those two things.
Baker was pulled because he lost 3-4 mph on his fast ball and the red sox were teeing off on him
i love how you post something and 10 new posts have come in by then
John,
I think the infield waas in, rather than Morneau holding Lowell on.
Tom, in the spirit of the discussion, I question your use of strawberry. I find that the more traditional (and therefore correct) choice would be grape jelly.
If you call for strawberry in that situation you run the risk of seeds, which can increase your Average Seed Intake to about 4.0. (ASI of course being the measure of seeds encountered per 9 bites)
delmon needs to be traded to the brewers with prince fielder and sabfatia.
The Nutrisystem Lineup
romer, perhaps Delmon will go through some Boofstyle fitness training in the offseason.
It helped Boof’s stamina…but unfortunatly his inability to pitch effectively lead to it becoming a moot point.
Thanks Gatty. I was working out and the game was on in the corner so I couldn’t see what his mph was. I could swear I saw a 93 mph’er in the 7th. If that’s the case, then good move.
Why does everyone keep clinging to the falisy that Delmon always swings at the first pitch? Does anyone actually look up stats anymore, or do they just like to pull them out of thier butts? For that matter, why is a fastball in your wheelhouse considered a crap-pitch? Or a changeup up-and-in considered a crap-pitch(it is from the pitchers view, he probably said OH CRAP)? Have you even played the game? Do you even understand the problem with a high changeup from the pitchers standpoint? Dang, some people just don’t have a clue.
TOM:
boy, no sh!t. a guy ain’t even got time to look in a thesaurus!
I think Delmon is in better shape than Kubel was last year when he played LF
Hey Fellas (Are we listening Kev & Drag?), Lighten up!! The Twins lost a ball game and the sun will come up over my western mountain manana. An observation.. the young Twins players were somewhat in awe of their surroundings during their first visit to Fenway; the RedSox were playing tired; our pitching tonight was enough to win most games; we couldn’t catch a break tonight and that happens; the first team to score in this game was going to win it. That said, Harmon Killebrew once said that if you ever foul out in Fenway, you know you’re in a slump..the Twins fouled out 3 times tonight. Delmon will play manana because Lester is pitching. Get some rest and Regards.
The gun in the stadium was pumped up a couple of mph, I don’t think that Scott Baker can throw three consecutive pitches at 96 mph…
PO’d,
I personally wouldn’t have PH Monroe, although he has come up big in these type situations recently.
Yup, Danny boy! Tomorrow at 6 and Wednesday at Noon.
Be there or be square!
“…but can someone tell me if his pitch count was high or something.”
It was noted that Baker’s velocity was down.
And, he didn’t look good. They were wacking the ball off him.
Actually, I thought that most of the young players handled themselves very well in Fenway. Denard made some outstanding plays in RF.
Yeah, thank God Mornie ain’t in the Derby. He needs the time off.
Daniel,
you are correct.
I personally enjoyed a good game, unfortunately the Twins lost.
Then I came here and lost it…that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.
Regards,
Yeah, I was disappointed to see Monroe brought in considering Kubel’s night. It’s his job to hit lefties, and all they needed was a fly ball in that situation.
He got to 2-0 (I think it was 2-0) and then swung at some questionable pitches and got into trouble.
I think you ride Kubel (your consistently hot hitter) and keep Monroe for an AB by a guy like Punto in the 9th against Pap.
With Harris still on the bench, it leaves you with options when you have to take the field in the bottom half.
gatty,
Span had a good game. YET, you haven’t criticized him for NOT getting Punto home from 3rd. Inconsistant, eh?
Gardy must have had his reasons for bringing in Bass, but it remains a head scratcher for me. Were the guys who are more accustomed to that situation, all worn out? Did Gardy offer an explanation? I hope it wasn’t because Bass hasn’t pitched enough lately, and it was just his turn. I missed the last few innings.
No, T…
There’s a difference between a typing error and making a “grammical error” as you call it…
…I but responded to having first been attacked by “The Dragon” in his 9:17 post as well as you earlier, whom coincidentally enough, did not also include any sort of debate for me to respond “logically” to…
…it’s you that dodges the logic instead of holding Gardenhire as accountable for losing as you hold the players accountable for “not making the pitches or “not fielding their position,” etc., and any time you want to have a ‘logical’ argument about what happened tonight just let me know…
AND Dragon…
INCORRECT! The proper PROTOCOL for recording the out of a runner who left too soon on a sac-fly and has already crossed home plate is for the pitcher to step OFF of the pitcher’s mound and throw the ball to the catcher, whom needs only to step on the plate and the runner is recorded out. LaTroy Hawkins attempted to do this years ago only he didn’t step off the mound first which resulted in the runner being safe and the next batter starting with a 1-0 count. LaTroy’s about as bright as Young.
Long story short, you save Monroe when you absolutely NEED a bomb. When you need a walk/sac-fly…you stick with the guy already in the lineup.
grape is fantastic, there’s not denying it. but if the decision is made to use chunky peanut butter, one may as well journey further down the unbeaten path and use game instead of jelly.
i wish livian pitched tomorrow. i am going to watch wednesday’s game at lunch and i cringe whenever i see hernandez throw the ball. who knows, maybe his streak of good luck will continue.
No, I thought Span had a great at bat against an unfamiliar pitcher. He tried to shorten his swing and take it the other way by catching a 95 mph fastball and he lined out to the third baseman. That is bad luck. Swinging on the first pitch on two critical situations and getting an out is a lot worse than that.
Does anyone know what’s up with FOX’s new camera angle? It literally makes me feel dizzy watching it a few innings. Thank god the game was on ESPN as well.
Just a heads up Kevin.
When trying to formulate a comeback, it’s probably best to check to make sure you didn’t accidentally use one of your alternate names.
Espn chose the Denard catch for a web gem, where if he didn’t catch it it would have been foul. I would have chosen the one where he saved a home run personally.
Chunky peanut better? Are you NUTS!
I can understand taking the risk with an ASI of 4.0 in a tight game…but if you go chunky then you’re tossing in an NEI (Nut-Encounter Index) of well over 7 and that just spells disaster for the sandwhich as a whole.
The risk/reward just isn’t worth it, as you’re only increasing your DZR (Deliciousness Zone-Rating) by a factor of 2.
Hardly a meal-breaker.
It was an entertaining game. Young swinging at the first pitch all the time is odd. Opposing teams have to know by now that he does that. We’ll see if he’s in the lineup tomorrow. Did you hear them say that the players were the ones that voted Varitek into the All-Star game? Didn’t know that the players even got to vote. Anyone know how that works? Mean, do they get a vote just for themselves or what?
I would have chosen the one where he saved a home run personally.
While that would make sense in the normal world, in the ESPN world a play gets about a 2.5 multiplyer on the Gem factor when the player even comes remotely close to going in the stands.
Hence the Jeter “OMG I’m totally going to dive into the bleachers after catching ab all between short and 3B” Play being almost ESPY Worthy…
Stu, from how they’re covering the All-Star game, the opinion is that the players elected Youk because of how they felt about AJ (who is having a superior season)
Frankly I don’t like it (I feel politics should be left to politicians) but what are you going to do.
I’ve lost count of how many red sox games that espn has carried this year.
I hate that angle too What the. Don’t know if they’re just experimenting with it or what. You can really see the curveballs move in it though, but still I would prefer they go back.
Nice to see that ESPN all but passed over Scott Baker’s performance today, can’t say I am surprised.
Wait, did the players elect Youkalis also. I just heard that they voted in Varitek as a reserve. All Yankees and Red Sox in the infield with Mauer. I hope Mauer comes back in one piece.
Sorry, didn’t write it. It’s wrong anyhow.
gatty, not counting tonight…the Sox have abuot 7 national games left. (That’s FOX/ESPN/TBS).
That’ll likely go up as the season continues and the different networks exercise the right to flex their broadcasts.
There’s games against the O’s, Angels, Royals, and Yanks (only one)
I couldn’t find a quick list of games leading up to today. But if the rest of the season is any indication I’d put the even bet at about 20 total national games this seasion.
Funny Kevin. I never said anything to attack John. Seemed like an awefully abrasive attack for being unprovoked.
The players get one-third of the vote Stu, the fans get a third, and blog posters get a third. Obviously the players didn’t come through when they voted for Varitek or Ichiro.
I am surprised the Rays haven’t been on ESPN more lately, they seem to be in love with them as much as the red sox
Hey T, Are you talking about Varitek (sp?) rather than Youkilis? I agree, Varitek’s presence is somewhat of an embarrassment (sp?). And Mr. Dragon, for the sake of total honesty, my marriage of thirty + years almost ended due to my comments after Delmon’s first at bat. Incredibly Clueless and Gardy defended it in his postgame analysis. My, my..
WHoops, I missed a couple of games against New YOrk. It’s about 9-10 total national games left.
The players may have elected Youk, but he was already in with the fan vote (and he’s having a pretty excellent year so far)
I think if Morneau had hit some more homers by now (like 15+) he may have been able to garner some more national support.
Youk’s come up big in some clutch situations, thus gaining national attention and more voter support.
Never underestimate the ESPN hype machine. They were able to push Hamilton into the playoffs.
I am going to start my next broken record… so far it’s worked pretty well for the Twins… almost everything I bitch about they seem to fix, lol.
Delmon Young needs to be fined $10,000.00 every single time he swings at the first pitch. I don’t care if he hits a home run to win the game with that atbat. I don’t care how hot he might be… until he learns how to make a pitcher pitch to beat him… he’s always going to be a mediocre hitter. If you hit .313, and your onbase percentage is .333 you are still mediocre. He has swung at the first pitch FAR TOO MANY TIMES, and he cost the team a shot at a win tonight by that first pitch swinging…
I hope that my complaining about this will work as well as most of my other complaining has…
…..
Vavra sucks— 3rd in runs scored.
Punterrible sucks— .289
Joanne Mauer —- popped 4 homers “ok, I am right on this one… he’s still a weak sister singles hitter”
Shouldn’t sign Joe Nathan to a long term deal… team is 37-3 when leading after 7 innings thanks to Nathan
(and while I’m still right ((so far)) on they should have sent Santana to the Red Sox becuase Ellsbury, Lowrie, and Masterson are all MLB calibur players with good upside plus with as hot as the Devil Rays are they could have used Santana, but Gomez is much more fun to watch than I ever expected him to be)
and
(Garza should never have been traded to the Devil Rays… I think I can take that one to my grave)…
Gatty,
Young didn’t have a good game. YET, he didn’t knock in runs with 2 out, neither did Span, even if it was a stylish AB. Result was the same.
I didn’t see a replay, yet I thought Young’s 1st AB was an high inside pitch which hit his bat.
Regards,
my bad: should be “pushed into the postseason”
Varitek’s a “Captain” that’s why. Didn’t you see the C on his jersey?
I think all the posters on here are probably gay or drunk. Especially Stu.
Dan, why did you blow up at that first atbat? Just wondering what in your opinion was so wrong with it.
my bad again: “pushed into the ASG”
It is SO a Monday.
BC good to see you back.
Twins lose and you are in full throat.
Regards,
I don’t think I posted that one
…And any time the ball hits Young’s bat its a miracle!
I personally think that Varitek and ichiro should be sitting and watching this ASG at home
That first Delmon AB almost looked like a checked swing. Couldn’t tell cause it was all so fast.
His power numbers may not be up to Hunter’s last few years, but he’s certainly helped the Twins retain their old CF’s patience.
No Stu, I think T misspoke in his 10:04 post (incredibly he has only one post at 10:04 (LOL)) and should have said Veritek, not Youkalis.
I think BC’s learning how to work some magic. Similar to how the Stribbers have learned not to bash the team too greatly prior to a series…
Dang T, did I see you criticizing the Monroe pinch hit? Guess you need to record the time and date of that comment so next time you get put on the spot of never criticizing, you can pull the exact time out
Oh yeah, I meant Varitek. Monday.
I am going to start my next broken record… so far it’s worked pretty well for the Twins… almost everything I bitch about they seem to fix, lol.
Delmon Young needs to be fined $10,000.00 every single time he swings at the first pitch. I don’t care if he hits a home run to win the game with that atbat. I don’t care how hot he might be… until he learns how to make a pitcher pitch to beat him… he’s always going to be a mediocre hitter. If you hit .313, and your onbase percentage is .333 you are still mediocre. He has swung at the first pitch FAR TOO MANY TIMES, and he cost the team a shot at a win tonight by that first pitch swinging…
I hope that my complaining about this will work as well as most of my other complaining has…
…..
Vavra sucks— 3rd in runs scored.
Punterrible sucks— .289
Joanne Mauer —- popped 4 homers “ok, I am right on this one… he’s still a weak sister singles hitter”
Shouldn’t sign Joe Nathan to a long term deal… team is 37-3 when leading after 7 innings thanks to Nathan
(and while I’m still right ((so far)) on they should have sent Santana to the Red Sox becuase Ellsbury, Lowrie, and Masterson are all MLB calibur players with good upside plus with as hot as the Devil Rays are they could have used Santana, but Gomez is much more fun to watch than I ever expected him to be)
and
(Garza should never have been traded to the Devil Rays… I think I can take that one to my grave)…
i’m not gay or drunk. not that there’s anything wrong with either of those things.
Oh hey look, that third 10:11 post wasn’t even mine.
FUN! Somebody who can’t actually discuss baseball with facts has resorted to using other people’s names.
My money? It’s Kevin. That post by “John” that I called out earlier is WAY too fishy.
Would the imposter please go to bed. That’s the bad thing about summer, the kids stay up late.
Looking at the “John” post at 10:19 pretty much proves the argument I and many others have made. This place will never be a true home for intelligent discussion into they force registration.
Too many people making idiots of themselves by stealing names.
T, it’s happened before. Some punk just copies and pastes other peoples comments under different names. Santa is watching so he’s in for a surprise next X-mas.
Denard’s at bat was a major league at bat, you win some you lose some. Delmon’s two at bats were on par with a little leaguer playing in AAA. Yes it was the same result, but to compare them as equal is silly at its face.
Some dude stole my name at 10:14, wasn’t me
Mr. Me Too, Despite the implied sense of sarcasm, I’ll try to answer the inquiry. Bases loaded, Dice-K at 25 + pitches, just walked the guy before you and you swing at the first pitch that, if you didn’t hit weakly off the handle of the bat, would have hit you in the face or shoulder. And it was so preditable. Even John Gordon was reduced to “oh my”. Hope this wasn’t too harsh for tonight’s blogosphere.
Looking at the “John” post at 10:19 pretty much proves the argument I and many others have made. This place will never be a true home for intelligent discussion into they force registration.
Too many people making idiots of themselves by stealing names.
Some dude stole my name at 10:26, wasn’t me
i heard that offense lists you on the especially naughty lists; the color of the coal received on this list is a greenish brown and has been known to be thrown by irate primates.
Two T posts at 10:11. The smoking gun revealed. Go to bed.
I hope santa gives me some charred coal, I need a barbecue
I AM A LITTLE GIRL
Daniel1966, super post at 10:27.
Thanks.
Some steaks and beans sounds delish
Dan, that was a changeup, up and in. Don’t know personally if it was tailing in or not, but a changeup up and in has got a picture of a gopher pasted all over it.
Honestly though, in a situation where the pitcher is wild or eratic, you need to take the pitches. If the guy has a history of being around the plate, and thows you what appears to be a good pitch to hit, you HAVE to take your swing. Most atbats you are lucky to get a good pitch once in an atbat, and if you do, you best be swinging.
In this case, he walked Kubes, and the whole time Delmon was watching him pitch. Gotta think that Delmon went to the plate with a gameplan in mind. If I see a ball I can drive, I am all over it, otherwise, my bat is staying put.
I hope Delmon starts to put it together soon because we need his right handed bat in the order.
Here’s an interesting question for anybody interested in looking at this through Bostonian eyes.
After being ripped in the media for his PH against Rivera last night, any takers on how many papers will carry Manny on their shoulders for his heroic game-changing RBI single in the 8th?
Even after pretty much being Baker’s punching bag for his first 3 or so ABs.
goodness, this is getting weird now. i figured it couldn’t sink any lower than when i posted a comment about my killer double decker chunky peanut butter and strawberry jam on rye bread sandwich. peace out.
“If I see a ball I can drive, I am all over it, otherwise, my bat is staying put.”
That’s the thing, how many times did he swing at the first pitch of an at bat in the game. I would believe it if it happened once, but to have it happen twice in one game is pushing the odds. I am not against him swinging at the occasional first pitch, but not every single pitch within a couple feet of the strike zone. Taking the first pitch every time would be stupid, but to beat first pitches into the ground for an out is a wasted at bat. Dustin Pedroia had a great at bat in the bottom of the eight, and the red sox won the game because of it. Delmon Young, who finished second to Dustin in the ROY last year ironically, had a poor at bat in the top of the eighth, and the twins lost the game because of it.
Ummm… strawberry jam. peace out.
I know Delmon has been talked to about this first pitch stuff because a couple weeks ago, he was instructed to take 4 pitches and he walked. The very next at bat he did the same thing and he walked again. You would think he would learn from that.
I’m right, you all are wrong, that’s all there is to it. Blog’s done now. Everyone stop posting.
I want to argue with T some more.
Hush
I want to argue with T some more.
I said Hush you!
I want to argue with T some more.
I said hush you, and why would I argue with T
I like John, T, Kevin, BC, Dan, Stu, Dragon, Tom. Me no like gatty. Gatty steals monikers. Think Gatty might high.
“goodness, this is getting weird now.”
Still a little weird that Kubel was PH for, when all that was needed was a long fly ball. Isn’t Kube good at that?
I know, I know…….Gardy was playing the L-R odds against a LH reliever with a tricky change/slider.
But turns out that Kubel has become a pillar on this year’s Twins….a “Thank God we have a legitimate DH” thing.
He’s come through a lot, yet Gardy kinda pulls the rug out from underneath him.
Hush dammit! I am T and T is me!
Think Gatty might high
what an idiot
I was surprised that Gardy took out Kubes, he does hit a lot of long fly balls
Know who the imposter is. You’re the brat that John was arguing with like a week ago.
I don’t blame him, a lot of people want to be me I guess
Do you ever use a period, gatty? what an idiot.
Mr Me too, At my age, one doesn’t like to rely exclusively on one’s vision. I thought it was a fastball to Delmon. However, your comment peaked my curiosity. Since I was watching the game on ESPN, my only recourse was MLB.Com’s Gameday. Their call was a 94 mph fastball up and in. But who knows for sure.
look at my previous posts before you call me an idiot you fool
I think it was a fastball in just off memory and he check swinged it
Didn’t write that last one.
Read it right, just didn’t pull the trigger
I know, there is an idiot here
“he check swinged”? What does John think about gatty’s use of grammer?
I don’t like it at all! what an idiot [no period].
what else could be used to describe his swing. He fake bunted? He let up? He lined it softly in the ground?
I don’t like it either, but then again I’m a little girl.
I must have used 15 . in this blog.
Would you shut the hell up!!!!!!!
Don’t like it either.
Yes please
In the words of the immortal Vince Buck, “We’ll see you tomorrow night!” (As whom is anyone’s guess). << notice the period. << notice this one too.
You noticed the periods right?
It seems like you are an idiot
Oh wait you are an idiot
Young sucks Scooby Snacks. Luv ya Dragon! Wink-wink mancakes.
Be quite, and go to bed 12 year old
Dammit forgot the periods again! Sorry won’t happen again.
Its okay, get it all out
Let everyone know you’re pain
“Twins lose and you are in full throat.” I luv when Dragon talks full throat! << didn’t have to use a period.
They might feel sorry for you
Knock it off!
I almost pity you, almost
I don’t have time for this
It is clear you need a shoulder to cry on
Where’s my Sponge Bob PJ’s with the feet in them (i like to play ice skate on the bathroom tile)?
Its okay let you’re sorrows out
So let me recommend Dragon’s shoulder
He rocks
Wow was that a complete sentence? Don’t do it too often, you might hurt you’re brain!
See the imposter is still up…
I’m sure you could get counseling somewhere
I hooked up both a humidifyer and a dehumidifyer in the same room tonight and watched them battle it out. << see period? That dehumidifyer really battled its tail off so I named him Nicky.
Does the Dehumidifier make the tears go away faster?
Gatty790, you ought to be given a prize for being the last to withstand this sh$t.
I bet the Dehumidifier is the best device ever for you!
What am I asking? Only Dragon can do that for me.
thank you
I’m a crossdresser.
Its okay, you don’t want to be yourself and you want to be me. That is perfectly natural.
REALLY!!??!! << Enter smilie face.
REALLY, STU!!??!! << Enter smilie face.
I know you want to be me, you’re only human!
“If a runner at third tags up too soon on a sac-fly and comes home to score, what is the official protcol for the pitching team to record the out?”
Its impossible to TAG UP TOO SOON!
If you really meant “LEFT THIRD BASE TOO SOON”, the protocol is to get the ball immediately to third base and appeal to the umpire that the runner left too soon, while the fielder is standing on third base in possession of the ball.
EXCEPTION: If the ball is dead (due to the umpire calling time out for instance). The pitcher must put the ball in play by standing on the pitching rubber in a pitching position (wind-up or set) with the ball in his hand. When the umpire signals to the pitcher that the ball is in play, the pitcher steps off the back of the rubber and throws the ball to third base where the previously described appeal play is executed.
Does that explanation clear me of any charges of being called an idiot?
Frankly, Scarlett, I don’t give a shit!
cool
A red sox game that took 2:43. Must their shortest game of the year.
SANE:
Thank you very much for pointing that out and clearing it up. “As god is my witness i’ll never go (to home plate early) again”.*
*Gone With The Wind
I understand subbing Monroe for Kubel - but the question ought to be ,why not Harris who has made contact more often?
Obviously, this blog should have been shut down a long time ago - probably left open in hopes there was Sane logic
mudcat,
“As god is my witness i’ll never go (to home plate early) again”.*
*Gone With The Wind
Outstanding job of staying with the “theme”.
T, re 10:09 posting,
What I meant is that I’m not the Kevin who posted any of those, nor did I ask you that trivia question. Maybe you were addressing that Kevin specifically but you have accused me of ‘cherry-picking’ in the past, so I assumed you were talking to me when I wrote that. I’ve been using a different moniker since the notorious draft day blog.
My apologies for my comments last night. Particularly directed at gatty & Kevin.
I should be better than that, and obviously wasn’t.
Regards,
