Tuesday lineups: Twins/Red Sox
Posted on July 8th, 2008 – 2:59 PMBy Joe Christensen
BOSTON — Joe Mauer is in the lineup again tonight, with the Twins facing Red Sox lefthander Jon Lester.
Updates to come…
Update (4:35 p.m.): Getting a growing sense that the Twins will keep Denard Span in the majors when Michael Cuddyer returns from the DL.
Cuddyer will be back in right field, but Span could rotate to all three outfield spots, starting three or four games per week.
It becomes a development question for the Twins. Is it better for Span’s development to start every day for Class AAA Rochester? Yes. But it’s July, and they are right in the race.
I think Span’s impact goes beyond his own performance, which has been solid — .294 batting average, .400 OBP, several terrific catches in right field. Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez seem sharper because there’s another up-and-comer, a 24-year-old around.
No one needs to convince Manager Ron Gardenhire. He was pushing for Span to be in the big leagues even before Cuddyer got hurt. The front office might need some convincing, but I’ve had indications that they’re ready to keep Span, too, even if it means eating salary to cut another player.
Note: Cuddyer still has pain in his left index finger, so he’s not ready to begin a rehab yet, anyway. You won’t hear the Twins talking too much about this upcoming roster dilemma until Cuddyer gets closer to a return. As they always say, “These things take care of themselves.”
Twins (50-39)
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Craig Monroe, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brendan Harris, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Denard Span, RF
Starting pitcher: RH Nick Blackburn
Red Sox (53-39)
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. J.D. Drew, RF
4. Manny Ramirez, DH
5. Mike Lowell, 3B
6. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
7. Brandon Moss, LF
8. Julio Lugo, SS
9. Kevin Cash, C
Starting pitcher: LH Jon Lester
Fenway Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.
530 Responses to "Tuesday lineups: Twins/Red Sox"
What has Monroe shown against left handers to get him these starts?
He must be better than Kubel against lefties? Sometimes Gardy plays the numbers too much and thinks way too hard regarding matchups. Sometime I’d like him to just put all the players’ names in a hat and pick out 9 and have that be the starting lineup.
I dont like Buscher’s bat out of the lineup. Monroe needs to do something tonight.
Anyone one else feel like the twins should have one yesterday, two great oppurtunities to win, puntos triple and….dont remember the other, oh well at lease CWS were off
I’m pretty sure Monroe is batting worse against lefties than righties, which makes you wonder about a lot of moves lately.
Monroe’s numbers against lefties are even worse than kubel’s. Kubels aren’t even close to good either though.
yesterdays game shows how ridiculous it was for Bill Smith to say that there are no pieces missing, and they need not be active in trading.
Had Cheap Carls Twins had one more bona fide hitter in the lineup, they still may have lost, but in one of those bases loaded situations they may have came through.
This is the difference between teams like the Red Sox and White Sox on one hand, and the Twins.
The Sox teams dont sit still, thinking they have enough, they go out and get the missing pieces, the Twins just sit still, and hope they have a miracle which might get them to the playoffs and best, but even then crash and burn.
Monroe .138 vs Lefties .288 vs Righties
Kubel .157 vs Lefties .295 vs Righties
So what’s the point in ever playing Monroe over Kubel?!
Why is Kubel/Monroe and Harris/Buscher and either or? Kubel RF, Monroe DH, Harris SS, Buscher 3B. We got to second place by getting early leads and letting the inexperienced staff pitch while ahead. Since Gardy re-inserted his scrappers we have been shutout by opposing starters until the 7th inning. This years team doesn’t have the pirahna personality.
I think the Twins will win tonight
Righties have hit Lester quite a bit better than lefties, so the lineup kind of makes sense. I would still rather see kubel than monroe or span though.
Both players are bad against lefties and Monroe is bad against right handers too. It shouldn’t matter. Monroe should be a bench player and Kubel should be our full time DH. He’s a good enough hitter that it shouldn’t be a matchup thing for him. He should play full time and if he actually got AB’s against LHP who knows how he’d produce.
I like how Monroe is rewarded though for failing so miserably yesterday. Nice coaching, Gardy.
Call Me Stupid says:
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I think the Twins will win tonight
I hope so also
I see Gardy’s mancrush on PUNTO is still burning!!!he has started 6 straight games now!! so much for being a bench player!!!
Does Masterson pitch like a certain player on the Twins DL right now. He reminds me a little of one of our players
I can’t see a rookie LH bat in Span playing over a Vet LH bat in Kubel
great lineup because we have gomez, mauer, monroe, young, harris and punto that we can pick from to complain about tomorrow win or lose.
span, casilla and morneau are still on the honeymoon but if morneau doesn’t start hitting some homeruns soon he’ll be fair game as are all pitchers and gardy.
span and casilla have maybe another week.
FV&G….Punto was one of the few guys who actually got a hit (triple) last night. Since his injury he has been playing pretty well. You can’t deny that. Remember, Gardy likes to go with the ‘hot hand’. Not sure how that plays into Monroe starting tonight, though. :S
Buscher has good #s against Lefties at AAA. He hasn’t been given a chance to
bat consistently against Lefties. Does Gardy know how difficult it is to play and bat only every other day or 1 of 3. What hot bat Buscher had Gardy has managed to cool off.
Young and his first swing bat is in the line-up though…..
I get so bored when I hear people complain about the Pohlads being cheap. Get over it people!!! This team is never going to spend a ton of money on FA’s, but guess what very few teams consistently spend much money on FA’s and we all know who those teams are, the big market clubs. I am willing to bet that if Pohlad raised ticket prices relative to the level that they are in Boston, NY, Chicago and LA in order to raise money to spend it on FA’s people would be complaining about how greedy he is!!!
GGG can I complain about how the ball goes right by DY on Wednesday
Actually Tonight will be Punto’s 7th straight start.
So if they win 5 - 2 or something tonight will you all eat your words tomorrow? Yeah, Gardy is such a horrible manager….he’s the guy who was supposed to be battling KC for last place in the division with this team. Last time I checked they’ve won 18 of 22 with him managing.
Punto has started 7 out of the last 8 games getting 1 hit in 4 games 2 hits in 2 games and collecting RBI in 3 games Buscher who is on the bench because of little nicky is hitting .314 in his latest stretch of starting 9 straight games he got a hit in ALL but 1 game and had an RBI in 6 of the 9 games I would rather start Buscher
I got a sneaky feeling Gomez is going to have a big game tonight. Loved when Steve Phillips said last night, “I could watch this guy throw all day.” after his laser to 3rd just missing Manny.
Monroe starts. Maybe Kubel gets the big pinch-hit opportunity tonight.
Complaining about Kubel vs. Monroe is silly. Neither have hit lefties well, but with Lester pitching better against lefties (RH.268/.340/.396 vs LH .223/.279/.323) it makes sense to get Monroe some at bats. However, Monroe should be playing RF, Kubel DH, and Span on the bench. That makes this team better. Also, Harris at 3B makes sense, but only in Fenway because it gives RH hitters such an advantage against LH pitching.
I like Span in the lineup. The speed of Span, Gomez, and then Casilla is fun to watch.
Yay! Punto AND Monroe in the lineup. And Harris at 3B? Oh joy. No shortage of moaning tonight regardless of outcome.
Oh well, lets hope they lose. At least then it’ll be partially justified.
My point is only that the argument should never be Monroe over Kubel. In no circumstance do you take the bat out of your 5th hitter, HR leader, and one of your top RBI men. How about Kubel plays right and Monroe DHs. That makes more sense than sitting Kubel.
Kubel should be in LF (with the monster, we dont need any speed) Young should be on the bench for last nights ABs.
Buscher should also be in the lineup at 3B, Harris at SS - Punto needs to be sat down before he slides into 1B and gets hurt…
T says:
July 8th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Yay! Punto AND Monroe in the lineup. And Harris at 3B? Oh joy. No shortage of moaning tonight regardless of outcome.
Oh well, lets hope they lose. At least then it’ll be partially justified.
How many balls will go past DY tonight.
I could watch him throw all day too, because you never know if the laser is going to gun out a runner or a guy in the first row.
Gomez does have a laser and he also swings like a wild animal that just got let out of a cage. I would let Casilla lead off, bat Span second and put Gomez ninth.
jimmy no one can ever stop you from complaining about young even on an off day you don’t like what he does.
1) Gomez CF
2) Casilla 2b
3) Mauer C
4) Morneau 1B
5) Kubel LF
6) Monroe DH
7) Buscher 3B
Harris SS
9) Span RF
wow, that looks WAY better.
How many players tonight will Dick want to go to the Hall of Fame instead of Bert. Does anyone know where to get the new shirt saying “The Grass is always greener”
What the crap, didn’t try to do the sunglasses smiling face - should just be the #8
GGG I am finally done complaining. Gooooooo Twins. Sorry GGG for my little DY tirade
fv&g.
Take your head out of your ass, k?
Sweet, thanks.
Question? Why can only Monroe or Kubel DH? How about DH’ing Buscher? If both suck donkey against lefties, why not give someone else a try?
I agree with MarkW. Sit Delmon at least for tonight. I don’t know what warrants his starting. If Gardy likes to go with the “hot hand” as everyone suggests, then he would sit tonight. I’d love to see:
Gomez CF
Casilla 2B(not Castilla as ESPN thinks)
Mauer C
Morneau 1B
Kubel LF
Monroe DH
Harris 3B
Punto SS
Span RF
I dont have a problem with Punto playing as long as he is producing. He was a inch from going yard last night.
Does anyone know why we can’t use Lamb as a DH for just one night?
oh yeah ps buscher isnt on the bench because of Punto, last time I checked buscher plays 3rd and Punto is playing ss because everett is hurt. We have three people to play 3rd, and Punto is on a roll so why bring him out? Would you take out casilla if he played 3rd and you wanted buscher to play? No. Because casilla is doing good.
I want to smack someone.
Deej,
It would be even more fun to watch Span,Gomez and Casilla run if Gardenhire actually let them run.The Twins need to get the running game(stolen bases) going again.
I don’t buy the “you don’t want to take the bat out of Mauers hands” bit.If they walk Mauer after Casilla steals,Morneau is up with two guys on base.Is that a bad thing?
GGun: Buscher could DH as well… that just leaves Punto in the lineup, which I’m against… but it’s a possibility…
I just think you need Kubel’s bat in the lineup, regardless of the pitcher, he’s been tearing it up and needs to play (we can’t win if we dont score, as last night proved)
If Gardy followed the advice of all of these experts on this comment section, we would be in last place in the AL Central. Thank God he doesn’t. Good luck tonight Twins’Pups, a lot of us out here are on your side, and 18 wins of the last 22 games is better than any of these so called experts could do. Go Twins, Go Gardy, Go PUPS!!!
Does it ever seem like you could have “Bullet Bob Hays” hit before Mauer and he still couldn’t get over 85 rbi’s
Have any of you watched Kubel trying to hit lefthanded breaking pitches this season? He looks like he doesn’t have a clue. Dick and Bert mentioned over the weekend that Monroe’s numbers against lefthanders have been steadily rising. I think it’s a good move.
Good to see Mauer in there again. I’d like to see Buscher get some ABs against a lefty.
With the roation going every other day righty-lefty until the break, I don’t think we should play him only when a righty is on the mound.
As for Lamb, I don’t think tonight would be a good night to use him at DH. He is pretty terrible against lefties.
How about we give up on that experiment and call-up Macri. We don’t have a lot of righties off the bench, and Macri had something like 3 HR, 10 RBI and a .444 average last week.
and to add to it….. Twins do not take the advice of all of the frustrated jocks out here who don’t know their a**es from a hole in the ground. They can keep their opinions to the sour grapes group….
Is Mourny horny for Marney?
ES16;
Have you seen Monroe bat this season?
hey everybody. how many times am i going to repeat the same joke hoping to finally get a laugh?
Thank God he doesn’t. Good luck tonight Twins’Pups
I think that the T-Wolves are called the pups
I think it’s a good idea to let Monroe get a start.
He has gotten better in the last few weeks.
TT: Lamb’s gotten pretty terrible period. It’s really unfortunate.
Hey look someone has hijacked my name and can’t be original
LaPanta’s HAIR!
ROFL!
jimmy bee says:
July 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
LaPanta’s HAIR!
ROFL!
Thanks T I knew you were an admirer
I agree T. The guy hit something like 15 HR last season just as a pinch-hitter, and now when given a chance to start can’t do anything.
I guess all guys aren’t meant to be everyday players.
If there is one thing I can’t wait for it is a steady option at 3B. Doesn’t seem like we’ve had one since Koskie. Everything has been an experiment.
So with the CC trade kicking off the Countdown to July 31st, who do you think acts next…
The Cubs?
Dont feel to bad for Lamb, He still collects his 3.5 million dollar salary.
Oh yeah jb. Because I’ve got nothing better to do than pretend to be you.
Grow up.
Well, the Cubs really want Harden, but they say the A’s will likely keep him because they are demanding a kings ransom for him.
I wonder what team’s in the AL Central will act and how big the moves will be.
The Phillie will probably be very active trying to get another starter with their division winable.
Well someone on here is immature so I will be reporting this to Joe C and I hope it isn’t you
I think Lamb off the bench could be handy, if he hasn’t shot his confidence to pot yet this season.
Monroe off the bench is nice (when used properly), and Redmond will has been rather impressive in his limited starts (hitting 3rd of all places)
Will be interesting to see what the bench looks like by the end of the season. I think Lamb gets dealt for a minor leaguer (ala Ortiz) later in the season, Buscher will go to the bench if they’re able to bring in somebody new. Otherwise it’s Macri on the bench with Buscher starting.
Punto has been impressive, but his bat will come back down to Earth and he’ll be living off the bench. I like that Gardy’s making sure to keep Harris in the lineup so his bat doesn’t cool off at the same time.
Lamb’s gotta go, if it wasn’t for the insane money we gave him…
Macri is a good idea to call up… Buscher and Macri would be nice options at 3B and it should keep Punto out of the lineup for good.
Time to cut dead weight: Bass or Bonser, Livan? (Liriano after the break), Lamb and Everett… not getting it done…
I love how no matter what the article is about the StarTrib blogs all turn into the same thing. I wish we could all discuss something relevent to the article. Everything is the same.
Of all the people to accuse somebody of immaturity…you should really be the last one.
What with your cankle talk, constant innuendo regarding Morneau and Maurney, and the whole obsession with Lapanta and his hair.
Remind me what you contribute to baseball discussion aside from nonsensical one-liners?
There are two things I’d like to see happen within the organization:
1) Call Macri up for someone like Lamb.
2) Somehow keep Span up when Cuddyer returns.
I also think they need to let Everett goes if he ever returns. There is nobody to send down to keep him.
Anyone else have a problem with Young starting tonight after last night?
No, I think Young has gotten a lot better, and there is a lefty on the mound.
Tolbert will be on the bench before Macri. Although I would like to have both on there. I think next year our bench will consist of Punto, Tolbert and Macri. All three can play almost every position on the field.
That was not directed at GG’s post by the way. It should be pretty obvious who it WAS directed to.
I thought maybe Mauer would take tonight off, otherwise this is exactly the lineup I expected. Everybody needs to play and everybody in the bullpen needs to pitch. Lamb is the only one who is getting nothing.
With a day game tomorrow and continued warm conditions, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Lamb play first tomorrow, with Kubel in the outfield and Delmon also on the bench.
It helps to be a good fielder if you want to play more. Punto is the current best defensive option at short and he is getting the nod over Harris. Span is a good defensive OF, so he is playing everyday despite having a minor league track record that says he struggles against lefties.
I think the theory is that a player can win a game with his legs, his glove or his bat. Gardenhire is using Span and Punto more because they have speed and play superior defense to the other options.
“Anyone else have a problem with Young starting tonight after last night?”
Young is the team’s best pure hitter. If he makes a mistake here and there thats just part of his development. He is only 22 years old and will only get better. He can’t get better if he doesn’t play every day. Also, he is probably the team’s best outfielder which you need when playing against the green monster.
T I may be the only person on this Blog that does not discriminate towards LNP. Also I do no monitor everything everyone else says. I try to be supportive and funny and not an authority figure in the Blog Realm. Sorry if I bring humor. Good bye and go yell at everyone
Blah blah blah no body talk or T will yell at them. No body has ever seen a baseball game but T
Pretending to be jimmybee!
Now, THERES a guy with problems!
Can you possibly set the bar lower???
Ben D:
I think you’re on the right track with Tolbert and Macri on the bench next season. But because of their flexibility, I think Punto becomes a redundant expense.
Tolbert shouldn’t be on the bench when he gets off the DL. I think he needs to go back down to AAA to get everyday starts and recover from a pretty long stint.
Does anyone know how old Delmon Young is? Just curious.
Seriously, you knew the masses would jump on Gardy for “what’s the point of starting Monroe over Kubel”…I direct you to my posts today on Howard’s blog.
This manager has us at 50-39. I’m not saying he’s free from criticism (goodness knows I have complaints from time to time), but his usage of Kubel / Monroe has been very effective this season.
Lest we forget, Monroe had the huge hit Sat. night which spurred us to a win….his walk also started the seventh inning rally on Sunday. Yes, he failed in a PH spot last night, but ultimately, he’s been a plus for this ball club.
Does anyone else recall how huge his start was against two weeks ago against San Diego in a similar spot? I sure do.
I know the Kubel lovers want to see him in the lineup…and maybe it should be Kubel over Denard Span, for instance…but you can’t fault Gardy with this move. Gardy is getting the most out of Kubel and Monroe and we should be happy with the results.
T, I appreciate everything that you’ve tried to do for me over the years but even I have to admit you’re going a little overboard with your adulation. This is a blog and this is America and I think that people should be permitted to state their opinions without being moderated by your smugness…even if their opinions about me being inept are completely unfounded.
2 things:
Was at Fenway last night and its a great experience, i highly recommend it.
Was at New Britian’s stadium saturday, if you are in the area, you should check it out. Good value and amenities for AA.
Young is hitting .300+ on first pitch swings. These are the Twins, not the A’s. They’re aggressive.
Gomez’s gun says:
July 8th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I love how no matter what the article is about the StarTrib blogs all turn into the same thing. I wish we could all discuss something relevent to the article. Everything is the same.
I agree with you in theory. Except there is no article–it’s just a lineup. And not even for both teams, at that.
Young is the teams best outfielder T! What have you been smoking today??? The guy takes the wrong angles to the ball, he’s lazy pursuing balls hit in the gap, makes stupid decisions on whether to play the ball on a bounce or go for the half-assed dive, and panics when the ball is hit right at him. In a nutshell: he’s lost. It’s like watching Don Baylor trying to play in the outfield.
I am not at all bashing Gardy or his decisions for the year, I just don’t understand the whole having to have Monroe or Kubel as the DH. I know it is against baseball logic having your backup catcher as DH, but what about Red against lefties for a game or two here and there. Gardy has done it before with Mauer’s bat, why not Red.
I forgot about Tolbert somehow.
It’ll be interesting to see how they get these guys back and keep guys like Buscher and Casilla up here.
I’m a little late to the party, but Monroe’s performance vs. LHP this year is a statistical anomaly. It’s based on a very small sample size of 73 plate appearances. Over his career he’s hit lefties to the tune of .262/.312/.475 (885 PA). Kubel vs. lefties in his career is .217/.298/.319 (188 PA). Does anybody really want to give up 156 points in slugging percentage against a good left handed pitcher in Fenway tonight?
Maybe so T. Just depends who is hot and who is not by then. Remember way back when Harris had a homerun in 2 straight games. Everybody was all for him being the twins starting SS. A week later he doesnt even need to be on the roster.
Shawn in Binghamton:
Did Luke Hughes do anything?
“Is Mourny horny for Marney?”
best thing i’ve heard all day.
Shaitan,
I was trying to make that point. I agree with you. I just think every article turns into bashing of Punto, DY, and Gardy. I would really enjoy some useful comments, that may come with a stat or something of knowledge. I don’t comment very often, but I read a lot. Some of us have nothing better to do at work. Go Twins.
I’ll repeat what I said on Howard’s blog…
Look, when you breakdown the splits, it’s clear that there’s no real advantage in playing Monroe over Kubel, statistically.
However, if you don’t use Monroe…if you go exclusively Kubel long-term, you’re going to end up with two problems:
1. You’re going to have a stale, uninterested Craig Monroe on this roster
2. You’re going to have a DH hitting .240.
I submit that it’s this effective platoon which has kept Kubel’s stats impressive AND allowed Monroe to be effective and flourish in limited playing time.
I can’t wait to see Hughes play in the All-Star Futures Game.
Lets see.
We are playing a team with its only lefthanded SP going tonight.
We are playing at Fenway where the LF fence is just behind the shortstop.
We are playing at Fenway where RH batters have killed LH pitchers for almost 100 years.
The Red Sox themselves have had VERY FEW LHP’s survive Fenway to have a decent career with the Sox.
And everyone is bitching because Gardy is loading the batting order with RH hitters, as managers have done at Fenway for almost 100 years.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
I had Monroe AND Kubel in tonights lineup… I know that’s completely out of the ordinary, but I like that before starting Span, Punto, Redmond in the same lineup.
“Young is the teams best outfielder T! What have you been smoking today???”
Young is a consistent presence in the outfield Tom. He’s amongst the league leaders in outfield assists and opponents are relunctant to take the extra base as long as he has the ball in his hand. Who would you propose play left field? Span has never played left and surely would have difficulty playing there at the pro level. You’re not going to put Gomez there and Kubel has very limited range. I’m sure the coaches have factored all these things before deciding that Young is their best option out there.
ben-jee,
Hughes had a hit i believe, almost made a great play at second.
the play of the game was a inside the park HR by a player on CT. It was a legitamite one, no fielding snafu’s, he is just really really fast
What would you guys like to see the Twins do this week?
Would you be happy with a 4-3 or 3-4 record? I know it isn’t ideal, but we have a tough week and both record would keep us at least 10 games above the .500 mark at the break.
T,
“Span has never played left and surely would have difficulty playing there at the pro level.”
Span played LF at Rochester, often with Pridie in CF.
Also in ST with Gomez in CF.
Oh cute, another “OMG he wuvs Gardy” comeback (about five months too late with that joke folks) and then somebody posts with my name (though at least they did something a bit more mature than the typical “Pohlad is a genius” type spam)
Glad to see I’ll have a fill-in tonight while I’m out. Makes me wonder how many other Tuesday’s have been filled in for me while I was at volleyball.
Oh well, the last few times I was at there, Monroe was in the lineup and did some good (I think the 3-run dinger was last week)
Let’s hope that holds this week as well. Frankly I still would rather see Kubel in RF to keep his bat, but I’m guessing in Fenway that probably wouldn’t be such a good idea.
Let’s hope for a win tonight, maybe it’ll thin the herd around here a bit.
GO TWINS!
i know Craig Monroe has 8 homeruns but i dont like him and i would rather see Span as the 4th outfeilder and backup dh do you guys think Craig will get cu or traded
Yeah, sane…that wasn’t me at 4:42. Nice to see the imitators are out earlier eh?
I wouldn’t try Span in left in Boston. That wall has to be tough to play
Plus, he has made some great plays in rigth.
“What would you guys like to see the Twins do this week?”
I think for a lot of people here, 15-20 wins per week might start to satisfy.
“What would you guys like to see the Twins do this week?
Would you be happy with a 4-3 or 3-4 record?”
7-0 or screw ‘em!
Fire Gardy and the staff!
Demote the whole roster!
Fire the FO!
Send Pohlad to Shady acres.
Sorry, just kidding.
I wonder if the STrib could make us register to comment?
Then we can all have one name and none would be doubled…
While the starting rotation has been solid, you have to imagine the Twins’ brain trust would like some upgrades in the bullpen. (Sure would be nice having Neshek back right about now.) With so many outfielders — Gomez, Young, Cuddyer, Span, Kubel, Monroe — one would think prospects have become expendable.
Any chance the Twins make a move for some bullpen improvement?
Why do you think Span couldn’t handle left T? That’s just dumb! The guy HAS played leftfield in the minors! Why should it be any different at the major league level?? As for Young being “consistent,” yeah, consistently bad!
LOL T…why would you destroy your own credibility by admitting that you play volleyball? Tough move, there.
I’m out for golf league all…GO TWINS!
T,
Sorry.
From now on, I will address my posts to “whomever or his impersonators”
I think one more pitcher in the bullpen might be our biggest need.
Sure we could add some hitter, but likely that won’t happen.
Another solid guy in the bullpen would make a lead in the 7th even harder to break.
I think 4-3 isn’t absolutely necessary but would be nice. The White Sox don’t appear to be cooling off. Though the Twins have known to make runs in the 2nd half of seasons before.
Sane says,
“…Send Pohlad to Shady acres.”
I thought Pohlad was Shady acres?
Sane,
No problem. But if you start addressing your posts in that nature how will we know it’s you?
T,
My posts will be typed in Code.
Your ENIGMA machines are in the mail.
“However, if you don’t use Monroe…if you go exclusively Kubel long-term, you’re going to end up with two problems:
1. You’re going to have a stale, uninterested Craig Monroe on this roster
2. You’re going to have a DH hitting .240.”
I know I responded in Howard’s blog, but since you feel the need to bring it up again, I’ll respond again. In fact, I’m just going to copy what I posted there.
‘You are still going with this? Come on. Is it that hard to take an actual look at some numbers?
In the Twins last 24 games, Kubel has started 19 of them. In those games, he is hitting .333/.400/.623. Even if Kubel had started those other 5 games, and went 0-4 in every single one of them, he would be hitting .258 over that stretch.
I’m not trying to suggest that Kubel play every single day like Morneau does. Sit him against a tough lefty. Nothing wrong with that. But he should be past the “pinch hit with a right handed hitter” at this point, and you should realize that he isn’t a .240 hitter.’
I am sure T was being sarcastic when he was saying Young was the teams best outfielder. Of course he looks like a clown in the outfield.
I will give him more slack on his hitting, he has picked up lately on that, but that having been said, I am sure Billy Smith would love to have that trade back.
I myself was all for the trade at the time, but am willing to admit Iwas wrong.
Chad Hartman/KFAN talking about Gardy’s decisions last night and Young not wanting to talk to Vavra or Gardy:
“I myself was all for the trade at the time, but am willing to admit Iwas wrong.”
Wrong about what? Since a slow start to the season, Young has really turned it on. Since the beginning of May, he has hit .296/.346/.427. Since the start of June, he has a .327/.354/.495 line. Add in the fact that Bartlett has been terrible this year while Harris has been serviceable, and I would call the trade pretty even.
LOL T…why would you destroy your own credibility by admitting that you play volleyball?
Bar league volleyball. Where it’s more about the drinking vs. the volleyball. 
And fun, between 4:48 and now…again not actually me.
I am sure T was being sarcastic when he was saying Young was the teams best outfielder.
I’m actually quite sure the T in question wasn’t even me.
How do I know? Because I’m me.
Good to see jb found a new way to amuse himself.
Game is apparently not until 9:30. Which means I’m going to be able to enjoy today’s Twins game to the fullest.
And joy…it means you’ll have two T’s to deal with.
Or at least, one T and jb (or somebody else who’s equally bored with life) playing make believe.
I like the players in the lineup but the Twins have to seriously start thinking about moving Span to leadoff. He’s patient, works the count, doesn’t swing at many bad pitches and has a .400 OBP - Everything Go-Go doesn’t do! I love watching him play and he is the most exciting player on the Twins, but these guys need to switch places in the batting order.
Hmm. Looking at things, I’d wager that not only is the imposter T hanging around, but that sane isn’t actually sane.
Which means we could possibly have an impersonator talking with him/herself.
This place REALLY needs registration….badly.
T:
Never had you pegged as a Volleyballer. Bar League? You on a Drinking Team with a Volleyball problem? Did you hear about this news:
BRETT FAVRE GETS A NEW TEAM!
http://www.brettfavreautographs.com/popup_image.php/pID/466
Just kidding. But don’t laugh too hard, ESPN seems pretty confident something is coming down.
But for now, LET THE GAME BEGIN!
We don’t care T. Your blog reputation is really not that important in light of other factors going on in this world right now.
T, are you saying sane might be insane or someone else? I’m confused.
KARLEE:
Did you hear about the 9:30 game start tonight?
Why would T be interested in Brett Favre!? It has now been revealed: T is actually a Cheesehead who comes on this blog for no reason than to incite madness amongst Minnesota sports fans! Be gone you devil!
7-0 Sox tonight
Homers go into a state of denial and sadness when Punto breaks his leg. I smile and laugh.
Never had you pegged as a Volleyballer.
Well, you get half credit, cause I’m not that good.
You on a Drinking Team with a Volleyball problem?
Our volleyball problem is our team’s offense is about as popgun as the Twins in ‘07.
And I was talking with some people about Favre possibly coming back (heard rumblings about the Vikes of all teams?)
As much as I’d hate Favre on the Vikings, I’d put up with it for a year to watch him go from God to Devil in under a year. (At least in Green Bay)
You thought people turned on Damon when he went from the Sox to the Yanks…that’d be nothing like the Packers scorned.
And Karlee, it’s not about reputation…it’s really just about wishing this place had some means of restoring order. It’s one thing to have people rambling, it’s another to have people spouting gibberish under another person’s name.
That’s bush league.
DANO:
Did you hear about the 9:30 game start tonight?
BayAreaTwinsFan says
July 8th, 2008 at 5:22 pm:
Can’t do it. That would be altering the lineup at a time when things are going good. Gardy doesn’t do that… unless it’s to get Punto in the lineup.
ERIK:
Did you hear about the 9:30 game start tonight?
This place REALLY needs registration….badly.
Yes.
Somebody earlier mentioned Bill Smith wishing he could take the Young trade back.
I have to say, you’d be hard pressed to get TB to agree to that
Garza’s done very well for himself in the AL East thus far. I don’t have his complete numbers, so I’m not sure how he’s paired up against the BoSox or Yanks…but I think he faces the Empire this week.
3.51 ERA thus far, so he’s not exactly taking advantage of the Rays offense.
Bartlett….from what I’ve seen it looks like they broke even on that for Harris. Though the Rays credit him for being a leader. That’s gotta tell you something about how the Rays were when they consider a guy Bartlett’s age to be a “veteran”.
Not a knock against Bartlett, but a testament to the youth on the Rays.
So…when they eventually (however long it ends up being) mvoe out of Fenway, what happens to that wall?
It seriously has to worth multi-millions.
I’d like to downplay Garza just a little. He’s 6-4 and has the squad with the best record in baseball playing behind him. I’m sure Livan would be 6-4 with that surrounding cast.
Well, after getting spoiled by Phillips and Hersheiser and the guy who looks like Gene Siskel last night — as well as ESPN’s coverage all together — I imagine I’ll be in for some culture shock tonight having to return to Dick, Bert, bad camera angles, and that between-innings dude that looks like ReRun.
T,
Was it you that said Lady DY is the Twins “best pure hitter”? Really? I’m incredulous on that one. Has to be the most over the top comment I’ve ever read on this blog……..and that’s saying something.
I really enjoyed Joe’s point last night (actually Gardy’s point that Joe was but repeating) that Young is batting .304 when putting the first pitch into play. Only thing is, the league-average is .336.
Too Young to play everyday,
I meant Young is the best pure hitter on the team in terms of talent. He was a number one overall pick after all.
Was it you that said Lady DY is the Twins “best pure hitter”?
Nope. That would be the imposter again.
See, I don’t like the H&R. Almost looked like they forced Mauer to swing at a pitch he didn’t like.
The pick-off was a rally killer.
Wittle Ewik is back, because the Twins lost last night. Never hear from Baby Ewik when the Twins win. Suck you pacifier Ewik, and tear your own ACL.
erik you are just one complete assh—…god you need to be removed.. apparently you just enjoy being the worst…sadly youre so pathetic-i dont know how you dare talk about people like that..it would scare me to death….hopefully the strib will take you out someway….
Look what happened. I talked about Harden and a possible trade and now he is off to the Cubs:
“The Cubs have traded for Oakland A’s pitcher Rich Harden in a multi-player deal. This counters the move of the Milwaukee Brewers, who acquired CC Sabathia.
The Cubs also acquired Chad Gaudin for right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton, infielder Eric Patterson and catcher Josh Donaldson.”
Seems like a big haul for an often-injured guy. I don’t know…
nice play young
I know it’s the first inning, but Blackburn has looked a lot worse in his last two outings.
And that is why Delmon doesn’t play right field at the Dome.
Another misplayed ball by Young in the outfield. What a surprise!
TT: Any chance you can try that mojo and help the Twins out?
And the Sox give a mistake back.
Where was the arms race in the NL Central last year when we needed it?
I don’t know. Maybe we can get a big power hitter like Adam Dunn
Do you think the A’s got a good haul in the deal?
This is a guaranteed loss tonite. The Twins are pretenders and intimidated when they play NY and Boston out east. It’s over!!
What is he doing out there seriously
Thanks for the insight Phil.
The Rays really miss D Young this year don’t they?
T your boy Young looks like an idiot again.
It is going to be tough tonight. Lester doesn’t give up a whole lot when he is at home.
Twins territory-so you think they will win tonite? Dream on!
Man, I love how everybody can be so happy with Young when he hits near .400 for a few weeks and then he has a rough game and everybody jumps on him.
Phil…is that me?
Dang that Youkilis…
TwinsTerritory-get a clue! Why do you always stick up for the home team no matter what??-
Phil, I was talking more about how you think they are “pretenders” and get “intimidated” by teams.
Their major league players, I’m not so sure other players “intimidate” them.
It’s amazing how happy some fans can be when they win 18 out of 22 and then they lose one and fall behind and everybody jumps off the wagon.
unfortunately there is an erik and phil in every crowd…thats life and its best to just ignore it i guess…..
jmarksor–no thats you!!!!!!!!
T your boy Young looks like an idiot again.
If only that were actually me saying those things eh?
Hey Phil, I haven’t been on here for nearly a month, how exactly do I always stick up for the home team?
Plus, it just amazes me how many fans are just band-wagoners. Things go good for a month and you’re all happy for the team.
Then they loss a few and you’re all over every mistake.
Young’s bat doesn’t bother me as much as him being a liability constantly out in the field, he misplays balls over and over again, throws to the wrong cut off man, takes terrible routes, its just an adventure day in day out with him out in the field.
I agree mj1, I’ve said the last of things to them…
I never was on the bandwagon-this team has beat up on the NL and the weak AL teams and will crumble when they play Boston, New York LA etc.
how exactly do I always stick up for the home team?
It’s the standard comeback. If you ever disagree with the Vocal Majority you’re just a homer with no value.
And if you dare to disagree more than once, well then your just a Blog Cop.
You know, because nobody can actually put together a factual debate these days.
Harris is got a gun at third base, is this the vbest position for him? Sure would love to see Tolbert (and not Punto) at short when he returns. Why not try Buscher against a lefty on occasion, been tough lately with all the left handed pitching for him to get at bats.
The Twins are going into the tank again tonite. The smoke and mirrors of playing the NL is over. Good luck playing at Boston NY LA, Oakland etc.
“Why do you always stick up for the home team no matter what??-”
WTF? ? ? Since when is there a rule against that? ? ?
Brother! ! !
I think third is best for Harris if we can get a SS via trade.
I would be happy with Harris at 3B against lefties and Buscher against righties.
I’d love to get Brian Roberts and move Casilla to short. But, would that mess with the way he has been playing?
Gardy will find a way to blunder again tonite. He is a lousy manager-very overrrated.
Oakland?
even if his name is phil or flafan
Yeah, the way he wrote the NL stuff and the teams was the same way…
phil gorngie, what rock did you crawl out from? A 1-0 loss is not crumbling, with a little luck and a few better swings the Twins may have scored five runs last night.
Yeah, the Twins always lose in Oakland.
Steve, with anything but that foul pop-up by Monroe with one out and the bases loaded, they might have won 
WOW:
I just figured out we can’t blame the dome, the roof, or the lights in there, if you know what I’m talking about.
TT, I don’t think Casilla playing SS would mess up his bat (if you keep him behind Gomez), but it could affect his fielding yeah.
And Harris doesn’t have enough power for me to stomach him at 3B. I like the old Harris/Casilla SS/2B combo…then go get a 3B with some power (that isn’t over the hill like Lamb)
Buscher is a wash as a bench option over Lamb.
Steve H–that’s like saying, if I had a billion dollars I would be rich
Yeah, he seems much more relaxed playing second now.
What 3B options are out there to trade for that might be long-term as well?
this looks like another low scoring loss at Fenway
Delmond Young is a bust and belongs in the minors.
TWINTER:
The confidence really shows, doesn’t it. You can see it in him in dugout shots, between innings, etc. Moving him could POSSIBLY upset the balance, IMO.
If we can score a run tonight…UGH!
The STrib really needs to make us register to comment…
How will the Twins make stupid ABs and waste Morneau’s hit?
Twins Territory-yeah, more regulations-it’s the internet,dork!!
IDK Johnny, lets find out…
Damn craig hit that ball hard
Johnny, most sites do make users register to comment so people like we have tonight don’t come in just because they want to try their little jokes and see who they can make mad.
Monroe is over the hill. He is hitting 212
TT: I’ve been pushing for Atkins, but another poster put together a very good breakdown of how Span could be used in a deal to get Kouzmanoff. (And it sounds like he’s available).
Also, a couple of notes based on DnB’s commentary.
1) Can they really wipe a “Perfect Game” or “No-Hitter” out of the books because they change the rules NOW? I mean, we can’t technically wipe FDR out for having 4 terms as president just because now a days he couldn’t do it.
2) Did FSN go back to the old camera angle behind the pitcher? Or is this due to the bizarre angles at Fenway?
Gosh, Delmon sucks. Ugh!
Atta boy Brendan!
There’s Gardy with his magic pencil again. Harris coming through big.
Unhook the plow, Delmon! ! !
Wow way to go Harris!
Atkins would be an interesting option. As would trading Span.
I’ve been wondering what we can do with him since there isn’t any room in the near future and he is obviously ready to play.
Good thing they wasted Morneau’s hit….
And Punto comes through. The Magic Pencil strikes again.
great hit by harris , even if he does wear his pants like bob allison…..ok all you punto haters - start your bitchin now too…
Most do-many dont-I am on boards all over the world, it’s called freedom of speech. Vote democrat and you will get rid of what little freedom we have left.
Punto is hitting .292 with that hit and 15 RBI. Not a bad option off the bench at short or third.
Gardy is a genius. LNP is awesome! That’s why he’s starting, baby!
Ouch! Some fodder for Punto haters!
punto does it again!!! Trade him!
TT, my only thing about Atkins was that it was based around the Rox wanting to deal Holiday (which was in rumblings earlier but has faded since), and them being interested in Cuddy.
Though Span could be a option (for simliar reasons as to why he’d be a good fit in SD).
Finally some runs…keep it goin men!
I’m a republican…
two rally killing pickoffs…that cant be tolerated-you wont see anyone hardly leadoff now, the rest of the series…gotta be more alert…..
Atkins was available last season, I wonder if they are still trying to move him.
Cleveland is trying to dump Casey Blake according to reports
Twins Territory-You have what we call Minnesota Sports Fan paranoia!!Sap City
Yeah, Lester must have a good move.
JM- democrats would just be finishing the job the republicans started
Telly….. it’s FEN way. Not FUN way.
Fenway Pahk.
Actually I don’t think LNP is an “off the bench option” any longer, looks like he has been given the starting shortstop job, that right Gardy?
I used to be a rep–they left me and moved left and are running a dem in McCain. They deserve to lose to the socialist empty suit Obama.
How has this turned into politics?
The Twins don’t need rally caps…tonight we have rally HATERS it seems! Keep up the good work jmarkson and clones…
Go Twins!
this is a twins blog, keep your stupid politics out of here
3 runs won’t win tonite.
TT: Atkins was being shopped last year until the Rox went on their run. But while I was reading the reports on Holiday they were mentioning that Colorado is ready to call up Ian Stewart (who is not available) That report is still circiling.
I saw Casey Blake was available as well, but I think the Twins are still reluctant to deal within the division, and I have concerns he could be a Monroe type “Hot against Twins and that’s it” guys.
Great, now jmarksor is spewing political diarrhea
Yeah, we need five or ten runs!!!
wish you could’ve scored just one of those runs last night boys!
OMG, the Twins score 3 to take a lead, and people are still belly aching. I don’t believe it. Go Twins, stay aggressive, and we’ll win. Keep it up.
About registration:
I’ve seen posters revealed before when some very personal info was brought up and the target of it went wild. I don’t think anyone should feel too secure here.
thanks, I’ve had nothing but compliments.
my one and only political thought…f that empty suit obama ….
T, I really want to find a long-term 3B option.
It’s hard to see them sign someone like Lamb each year and have them not pan out.
you do realize that even if they can reveal who posted the message by their email, i personally just made up an email so what are they really going to do about it
Thank you Twins for sending my Rays Garza and Bartlett for that head case Young. As you can plainly see, he is a bust
Blackburn only has thrown 40 pitches through 4, hopefully he keeps it up
If Gardy’s magic pencil could only erase his boneheaded moves last night.
They also reveal them by their IP address which you can ban from entering a site.
I think a Bostonian just cost his team an out.
Will the Fenway faithful beat up the kid?
And that was a terrible AB by go go
Tough night for Go-Go thus far…
Tony, don’t worry,Gardy will pull him and bring in another stiff like last nite and blow another one.
no. philly fans would
Wow, the imposter T is really dedicated.
Though I think “pitiful” and “sad” are a tidge more apt.
TT,
Dont give the kid the time of day. He will prob get banned
go go needs to sit sit for a bit
I am sick and tired of bonehead baserunning by Gomez and Punto. That is Punto’s 3rd since coming back. Gomez - too many to count. Punto is the every day SS and should be. Gomez’s baserunning pales in comparison to his futile swings. The WhiiiFFF
Well, I have to get to the volleyball game so any comments from “me” hereinafter won’t be me. Have a good one all and hopefully we can get a win tonight!
Later.
I posted last night that Harris should have batted in the 8th - not Monroe. better contact hitter and in that game, at that point I could care less about the effect on the DH positon if Harris was forced to play later.
Well, I have to get to the volleyball game so any comments from “me” hereinafter won’t be me.
Except I already said when the game was.
-2 for not paying attention troll.
You don’t have to apprise everyone all the time on your imposter take, T.
Personally I like the imposters comments enough to think that your the imposter anyways.
I agree mj1. Last time Go-Go got a day off he went on a great streak. Maybe they should let him have the daygame off and see what happens.
typical joe mauer
U h Joe - If you can’t hit this, bunt to 3rd- you have done it before. OK - done with all my expert opinions
Sit Gomez? Or Young? Who needs it more?
Thankfully the bench gives either option. Young/Span/Kubel, Kubel/Gomez/Span.
Though I dunno if I like Kubel in RF at Fenway.
if cuddy were healthy im afraid span would be playing alot more cf….that will happen when cuddy gets back if not sooner…maybe playing kubel in rt and move span to cf occasionally
we sure have gold glove pitchers.
I say Gomez. Young has a hit tonight
How many times do we have to hear that “the key is he barehands the ball.” We freaking get it bert!
Span does it again. Wow.
See, I think this is why if they sit Gomez, it shouldn’t be while they’re at Fenway. Span’s apparently figured out RF there.
Blackburn did a solid job of working around that hit…
My Gosh! He robbed another Foul/Home Run! ! !
like ive said many times..span is here to stay….no trades, no AAA no nothing ..the man is a twin period….
I think that was a foul ball, but still, wow.
I just hope that when Cuddy returns it doesn’t mean Span and Gomez switch off or anything.
I’d much rather use Span as bait to get a player. Maybe a future 3B.
mj1, if span stays, who goes?
MudCat, it was only a foul ball…but any time you can make an out against Boston its nice to get it.
lamb is probably all but gone….you dont need to left handed 3b
two
TT: I agree it’s a tough spot. Do you try and deal Monroe for a prospect and risk losing that potential bench bat?
Or do you take a guy like Span who’s hot and could sell high and get something that could put them over now?
Frankly, I think it’s not fair to Span to put him in a bench/platoon type posistion the way he’s playing. Even less so to send him back.
His best value to this team is as trade bait, where he’ll get to a team that can play him everyday.
IDK. Wouldn’t it have to be Monroe? They can’t keep six outfielders.
I read somewhere (maybe here, I’m not totally sure), that Smith said “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
That leads me to believe that if the Twins do anything, it’ll be very minimal.
mj1, if Lamb goes they’d likely need somebody for 3B (Macri?) Unless they plan on making Punto/Harris/Buscher some kind of trifecta between SS and 3B.
I don’t think Lamb is going to be cut, he’s signed through next year. I also don’t think we get anything for him in a trade.
TT: You thinking addition by subtraction? (Dealing Lamb?)
I looked at it as they won’t do anything too dramatic (like trading a Kubel/Cuddyer type player) But would be open to putting something together using a guy like Span, Buscher…etc.
Lamb doesn’t have trade value, but I could see them cutting him.
What is the difference between now and the off-season? I don’t see them taking him into the season next year when they have two better options.
you are going to see gardy rest each of guys one day a week and start span- that way he gets 3-4 starts a week and they get a day off once a week or so…not a bad idea
How many times is bert going to call denard darnell?
gotta keep span. i can see gomez, casilla, and span being the future of team.
Excuse me sir, where was that pitch?
I’d like to see what would be there for Span. What teams would want him, and what would they offer?
I’d be willing to trade him for a 3B prospect that could help next season, or a 3B/SS that could come in this season and stay for a few years.
Tony, I laugh everytime I hear that. I’m surprised nobody has told him.
harris and buscher are plenty at 3rd and you always have punto if you need and put harris at ss….they have plenty of infielders
TT: Lamb could have Ortiz type trade value.
Heck, there was a team that wanted Cirillo last year off waivers.
Jason Varitek STILL doesn’t belong in THAT group!
Methinks Blackburn’s issue throwing strikes stems more from the zone than his own abilities at the momeny.
If we do trade Lamb, we will be responsible for a good portion of the contract. I don’t see any team wanting him enough to pay him what we’re paying him.
I guess a team would want Lamb. Who knows, maybe we could get someone like Macri back like we did with Ortiz (an underrated trade IMO).
Tony, getting SOME help eating salary is better than none.
What were the details of the Ortiz deal? Didn’t the Twins end up eating some of that?
Lamb is OBVIOUSLY the guy that ought to go once Cuddyer returns. But it will NEVER happen because Pohlad will never pay a player to not play. If you want to convince fans that you’re doing all it takes to win, then you should just admit that you messed up, cut Lamb, get on with the season. Do they actually think that fans want respect them for that?
Ortiz wasn’t signed beyond the one year.
I don’t remember the Ortiz deal as far as money goes. But we got more talent that I thought was possible.
Darnell………Coles? 3rd base, Mariners/Tigers. Maybe Bert is still having nightmares about him.
Solid job by Blackburn that inning. He is at just 66 pitches through six innings.
“What were the details of the Ortiz deal? Didn’t the Twins end up eating some of that?”
LeCroy missed lunch that day, so he ate it for them.
66 in 6 innings. Spooky.
Who is the other player that Bert messes up like he does with Denard?
that was mean, gyro.
I miss LeCroy. He needs to give up baseball and take the coaching job the Twins offered him this past spring.
I’m glad Gardy played the percentages and got Harris in tonight
But it will NEVER happen because Pohlad will never pay a player to not play.
You mean like Ponson? Or Rincon?
TT: Darnell McDonald, who was up a bit last year.
The Twins didn’t eat anything on Ortiz, he was arbitration eligible and the Twins didn’t think he was worth what he would be awarded.
hope we can get a fly ball TONIGHT!
Oh, and I think they ate some of Cirillo’s when he was taken by the D-Backs last year.
Okay, lets get him in with just the one out…
Royster: We’re talking Ramon Ortiz.
Royster, wrong ortiz.
Now that I think of it, I think by that time it was just something like $300,000 on Ortiz.
T, the only difference between those players you listed and Lamb is that Lamb is signed beyond the current year. I’m not sure if they eat a year and a half of salary.
oops
I like that better than the Squeeze anyway.
Span was just nodding at the coach, what was he thinking………..nevermind!
YES!
That’s why I think they’ll work out something in the long run. Perhaps they eat part of his contract the next few years and get a AA guy or something for their troubles.
It takes the edge off, but still bites.
Tony, the only thing about Lamb’s second year is that I’m not sure they would want him in 2009 (or I hope not).
Twins have plenty of salary space to wiggle with the next few years. If they could ever afford to eat a contract (all or in part) it’d be now.
Go-Go needs a hit here just to get him going again.
What about keeping span and trading gomez for some help?
That was an out? ? ?
I disagree on the call at 1st. But nice to see them get that run across.
The twins see more potential in GoGo than Span
Nine outs away. 6 for somebody and 3 for Joe. I guess that’s quite a few, isn’t it.
If GoGo ever gains some plate patience and harnesses his power he could be a potential #3 hitter.
yeah, I tried to put a /sarcasm at the end, but I made it an actual tag and it didn’t show up.
Guerrier with the day off yesterday, he’d likely be available for the 8th.
Let’s hope Blackburn can have a quiet 7th.
with only 66 pitches it could be 6 outs for Blackburn, 3 for someone else (not Joe because the Twins will score again and it won’t be a save situation.
way to back up the play
*shakes fist angrily at Youk*
He deserves the All-Star nod for sure.
I think Go-Go could be very special if he learns some patience and when he becomes more seasoned.
He has some raw power, that is for sure. And he’ll get better on the bases with experience.
Span might be good, but I’d like to see more.
Blackburn needs to get these bottom three.
Go-Go has shown signs of improving this year already. You still see that youth shine through in clutch situations…he gets VERY antsy during those times.
I think by next year he’ll settle down. Perhaps he’ll get a chance to work with Casilla more in ST.
How many fans do you think walk up to Blackburn and say “Can I have your autograph JOE?”
Just some thoughts on Torii. He hit two homeruns the other day, but these are his overall season numbers:
.272 Average
12 Homeruns
41 RBI
9 Steals
I wouldn’t pay him $18 million per season for that personally.
Go-Go has a .263 average (which as dropped a lot in the past week), 21 steals, 30 RBI and 5 HR for his $300,000 per season.
Brandy Moss. lucky duck.
Looks like we’ll be needing Guerrier + Nathan for this one.
C’mon Burns, get this out and you can call it a night.
All the geniuses who were questioning the Harris, Punto, and Span lineup: they have 5 of the 7 hits and all 4 RBI’s on the night. That’s why Gardy is the manager and your at home….now, shut the F**K up! :B
At least we got an out. We’re up by two still…
Royster: I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought about the similarity.
Will the Twins yank him if he gets Lugo here? He has 82 pitches with a 2-1 count.
TwinsTErritory, I totally agree with your Torii take. I’d rather have Gomez.
C’mon Span, make a play! just kidding.
Deej, thankyou for that wonderfully insightfull comment.
Wow, the Red Sox are taking out Cash.
Good job by Blackburn. He started getting hit around (that triple by Youk was scary enough)
This is Reyes job. Just need one out and we can get to Guerrier/Nathan.
So Blackburn is done and Reyes is coming in. If he can do this, I’d think it’d be Guerrier and Nathan for the eighth and ninth.
Francona with the ol’ Bait n’ Switch. But I think Gardy was going to be pulling Blackburn anyway.
Strange move. That was a waste of a player because Casey was announced and can’t be used now.
Well done Reyes.
Dang, what happened to all the “Sky is falling” people from earlier today???
Are they only BAD WEATHER fans???
Kinda cool to see those guys leave the blog, since you know that the Twins are doing just fine
Got him looking! Lets add some runs to make this a little easier to watch
yeah, i’m just commonly observing this blog cause my work comp has any decent sites for viewing the game blocked. But I too have noticed that the negativity has left the room
Guerrier is a given, but I still say the Twins score again, and steal the save away from Joe.
Good job.
This is funny; looks like Punto.
http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/9701/31/home.video.preview/fan.jpg
Robert Deniro in “The Fan”
Solid start to the inning.
I don’t think Morneau will be asked to be in the Derby, he’s publically said he didn’t like what it did to his swing, so I think they’d almost figure he’d turn it down.
Thome has in the past, Rodriquez is this year.
OK! now bunt him……….forget that, don’t bunt.
It’s been a while since he’s hit a HR.
I thought I heard/read somewhere that morneau really wanted to participate in the derby.
Just like last night.
There is only like one spot left I think…
He wanted to last season, but he said it hurt his swing in the second half and he said this year he’d rather let someone else have a shot at it.
The only thing I saw about Morneau and the Derby was about how he hadn’t been asked yet. And he joked “They haven’t asked all the good players yet.”
Morneau will be in the HR derby if asked…it’s the last hurrah at Yankee Stadium and he’d love to be part of the last Midsummer Classic HR Derby at NY’s Bronx Bomber stadium.
Monroe is not looking good at the plate.
Maybe they should have Mauer in the Derby. He doesn’t have a homer swing…so maybe it’d “break” that and he’d start hitting them?
/wild theory
The Twins have all day games left except for Friday.
Monroe like last night also. Shoulda pinch hit Kubel.
Kelly Theiser wrote this today:
On Tuesday night, Mauer was in the lineup to face southpaw Jon Lester, which means that Mike Redmond will likely be behind the plate to face right-hander Josh Beckett for Wednesday’s day game.
I’m not sure that would be right. Him playing today against a lefty would likely mean he does play tomorrow wouldn’t you think?
Why not bunt them over to second and third? I know it’s small ball, but it’s better than taking a chance with Monroe.
Yeah, I can’t imagine Gardy would sit Mauer against Boston’s ace. If anything, you’d have seen him sit today in favor of facing Beckett tomorrow.
It’s a day game after a night game…more than likely that means Red-Dog at the C.
That’s what I was thinking and that’s actually what they mention on TV as well.
Monroe isn’t paid to bunt. Course, he’s not paid to do that either.
Also, don’t know how fast he is (and I KNOW how fast Morneau isn’t). I could see them potentially nailing Morneau at 2nd if not potentially a DP.
Pinch hit Kubel. Should be pinch hitting.
Delmon has let three go by including one down the middle. Impressive.
Teams rarely pinch-hit when they are ahead. It just doesn’t happen much.
Good thing they didn’t pinch hit for Young.
I haven’t been paying much attention to the radar gun, has it been running high tonight? Last night it seemed to be reading a couple mphs fast.
Wow! DY actually looked like he was taking all the way on a pitch! That’s gotta be a first.
And Delmon makes up for the fielding gaffe.
Lets get at least one more!
If only he could make up for last night
DY took some pitches and it worked…
Shafted by the first base ump AGAIN !
Well, that sucks.
not watching the game, how close was it at first?
Very close. They didn’t show any replays (or I missed them)
Reyes out to start the eigth? Eh.
where’s geurrier?
ah there he is
I watched it on tivo a couple of times, harris was out at first.
C’mon Guerrier, this is you job.
that was a vlad swing by pedroia
Neded a DP big time.
umps don’t make many mistakes. wish they did sometimes.
Not too long ago I was of the opinion that the primary need for the Twins was a 3B, especially one who could hit for power from the right side. I’ve come to believe that having another “power” arm in the pen would be useful for the 8th inning. I can’t recall the year but we once had a bevy of flamethrowers (Hawkins, Rincon, Balfour, can’t recall)and it served us well.
Maybe the brain wizards could find us that 96 mph or so reliever who could solidify the pen…7th: Crain/Guerrier/lefthander; 8th: New power arm/Guerrier; 9th: Nathan.
Does anybody have any names on teams that are setting/have set slowly into oblivion? I think a decent fireballer might be a “small” move that could pay dividends.
the bullpen isn’t making it easy on the fans…
This is where you have call on Nathan to make a 6 out save.
well that’s just GREAT ! ! !
HAHAHAHAHAHA only the twins
Wow, manny’s cold streak appears to be over.
So there it is…Reyes/Guerrier can’t pin it down.
Wow.
Well, at least the boards will be active tomorrow.
And sounds like they don’t hate Manny anymore. They’re worse than us.
Good thing we have an all-star closer.
Anyone want to blame gardy? I say his bullpen usage tonight is justifiable. I also say i miss neshek.
Gardy: Have you seen how he’s been hitting? (re: Manny)
Yep…he’s been driving in runs IN FENWAY…just like always.
HAHAHAHAHAHA only the twins
Yeah, it’s not like Manny Rameriez is a future HoFer or anything…
this worthless bullpen…if anything needs an upgrade at the deadline, it’s the pen
Yeah, like Nathan will ever see the 8th inning. This really blows.
Christ get him out, hes throwing it right down the pipe
I REALLY hate Youkilis.
In that “He’s just do damn good” way.
Ah…here they all come back already.
T, did you see that pitch even? RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE
ROFLMAO!!!
Blackburn good; bullpen bad…very bad!
Yeah, of course Nathan who is getting paid millions can’t be brought out before the damage was done. Geesh. Bullpen meltdown. What a horrible performance from the bullpen. Wow.
Unbelivable. Giving up another double. Fenway is ridiculous. Advantage=Boston.
So the Twins needs as demonstrated this series appear to be a more reliable set-up man and a 3B?
Guerrier looks like a AAA player tonight….welcome to Fenway.
Game over. Im out
You gotta be kidding. Of course Nathan is no where to be found. What happened to the bullpen. Wow
How many 6-out closers are there? Anybody have stats on how many 6-out saves have been recorded this year (by traditional closers anyway?
Well, 2nd guessing activate. Last night they should’ve used anybody but Bass…tonight anybody buy Bass/Reyes/Guerrier.
My guess, tomorrow it’ll be “The starter should never have been pulled”
None of this surprises me at all. We’ve never played well in Boston. We can beat up on the crappy teams at home but….
Meltdown city. We’re just another team folks.
Wow, what a choke job.
C’mon Twins! Quit folding like a cheap pup tent when you have the Yanks or BoSox on the ropes! Of all nights, KC beating ChiSox 4-1.
Game over. Im out
You weren’t even here until like 5 minutes ago anyway.
Why dont you look above dumbass, try checking out my earlier posts
Is Glen Mason managing in this series??
Today’s secret word: “Schadenfreude”
T,
Neither was I since I just got home!
Don’t even need Nathan to get 6 outs-just get out of the damn inning with the lead, whether its was a 4 or 5 out save. I know a guy in NY who has done well doing that for about 12 years.
Meh. Manny’s hero tonight. Then tomorrow he’ll k once and they’ll start booing him and demand he be traded.
Then cheer for his single later on in the same game. Those Bostonians are a fickle bunch.
What is our record at Fenway lately? Since we apparently never do well in Fenway I’d like to see the facts to back that up. Obviously not so good this year.
BTW, Manny should get a fastball in the ear for pimping his HR like that.
Of course Gardy won’t do anything about it because he’s gutless.
mauer and morneau never got anything to hit last night in the eighth. why should manny. i don’t figure.
Good Job bullpen, you are ALL FIRED
I’d say Gardy wouldn’t throw at Manny because the last thing you want to do is give the Boston lineup a free baserunner.
Yes, Nathan is making alot of money for 1 inning. I think we can’t stretch him to 1 and 1/2 maybe. Geesh.
T,
i was at the game last night, i didn’t hear anything negative about Manny when i was there. They love the guy.
rabble, rabble!
Well this is all very frustrating but it’s all good. Twins are still in this thing.
Fenway is the best home ballpark to have ask Boston. Unbelievable. Argh.
I’d have gone to Guerrier to start the inning. Don’t know how much different it would’ve gone, but it follows the formula better.
Why isn’t Kubes in here?
Great. Punto is of course hitting.
Who does Kubel pinch hit for?
I turned it off since apparently me watching was bad luck. I hope for a comeback but geez talk about a momentum killer.
T - I have no problem leaving reyes in to pitch to a lefty.
Thanks Shawn for the view from the seats. Going by media you’d think they wanted him killed out there (at least after that 3 pitch K a few nights back)
Pinch hit for gomez?
This series reminds me of the Boston/Yankees series back at the Dome. Hard fought nailbiters that came down to the bullpens.
This time, ours lost.
Time for Gardy to start thinking of saving leads in the eighth by using Nathan instead of watching the rest of these guys blow leads. Last week Crain, this week Guerrier. Ugh!!
Guerrier has been a train wreck lately. We have been lucky in some of his other outings that the opposing players have hit screaming line drives right at players. I would be surprised if his fast ball hasn’t lost 3 or 4 mph from last year. Geez with Crain throwing so poorly, Bonser is beginning to look like the only right handed alternative. I am amazed that Breslow is used so infrequently, he has been really good in his brief appearances but Gardy is really anal when it comes to lefties only throwing to lefties.
This bullpen is so overrated. Its one thing to do it against the Padres, Nationals, and Indians. Its a completely different story against legit teams. The next couple of weeks will see this team fall back to earth. Gardy should lose his job for bringing Brian Bass into a 0-0 game in the 8th. Maybe after Manny hits a grand slam against Crain tomorrow night, Gardy will figure this thing out.
Dang it….I forgot about Harris being in at 3B. Would it work to PH Kubes for Casilla and then slide everybody over and put Buscher at 3B?
even aguilera would pitch more than 1 inning and he had multiple arm injuries!!
i agree, why isnt kubel PH??
i think the media in Boston hates Manny. He has that kind of “manny being manny” thing that probably gets under their skin
For as many times as people have wanted Nathan to pitch 2-innings…his arm would be shot by now.
we have to get to casilla, i’d say kubes for gomez
great at bat by punto
Nice ab so far by Punto though
why couldnt we put in lamb at 3B and slide harris to SS? i know it’s not good defense, but you have to tie/lead the game to play defense in the bottom of the 9th on the road!
I guess that’s why we don’t ph for punto
What an atbat Punto
Punto sucks ;-0
Wow. Go Punto. Guess him hitting was not a mistake. LOL
Is Young watching this AB?
Pappleboner is blowing up!
Pappelbon may be trying to look intimidating, but he just looks like he’s sucking a straw…
…. woah! Punto coming through!!! (just like i thought …lol)
Span needs his 1st homer.
Now Kubes
LNP raises his avg. to .297 with a great at bat, cut the loser.
Maybe Kubel can get the run home?
Yes! He gets a chance!
I like this move. GO KUBEL!
Damn!!! Why didn’t Gardy pinch hit for Punto?
BTW:
F. Rodriquez: 35/37 saves, 38.1 IP
G. Sherril: 27/32, 38.2
J. Papelbon: 26/30, 38.2
J. Nathan: 25/27, 36.2
M. Rivera: 23/23, 40.1
J. Soria: 23/25, 39.0
Interpret them how you will, but Nathan appears to be right on pace with some of the other top closers.
great move now get him home!
At least we don’t have to worry about Cuddyer fanning with the tying run on base.
SACFLY IS ALL I CARE ABOUT! SCORE THE RUN AT ANY COST!
Applebomb all over the place.
Well crap. Gardy plays the inning right and it blows up in his face.
And that was his best option.
Question- with Punto on 3rd and one out and Gomez coming up, wouldn’t Gardy get a clue and squeeze? Oh I forgot this is Gardenhire
Grrr. Kubel!
Yep, there’s your Kubel!
A sacfly is a lot less risky to bank on than the squeeze.
So Monroe and Kubel essentially do what the other did last night…tonight.
Umm, this is Jason Kubel we are talking about…he happens to whiff quite a bit. Never understood the fascination of a guy who has had 1/2 a decent season in his career.
Well, I guess i don’t have to worry about my games tonight. I have a feeling they’ll be cancelled on account of the falling sky.
Grrrrrr! We always get so close to beating Papelbon and then get nothing. I don’t think moving guys over and wasting an out is a good idea against Papelbon.
Kubel whiffs quite a bit? would you rather have had gomez bat?
Red Sox 5
Rochester 4
Tough veterans and star players vs. a bunch of nice guys who with the exception of Morneau and Mauer are AAA players.
Well, that majorly sucks.
seriously?
Yes, Kubel whiffs quite a bit…about 19% of his total at-bats.
Well, that was……….interesting.
“I turned it off since apparently me watching was bad luck.”
Good one, Shaun!
I’m conflicted, stay and get a laugh reading negative comments or try to do something productive. What to do.
What’s the trend?
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
S. Baker 7.0 5 0 0 2 7 0 3.32
B. Bass 0.1 2 1 1 1 0 0 4.58
J. Crain 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.75
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
N. Blackburn 6.2 6 2 2 0 2 0 3.72
D. Reyes 0.1 1 1 1 0 1 0 2.59
M. Guerrier 1.0 4 3 3 0 2 1 3.56
WOW!
Punto gets a double, we have a runner at third with one out and still don’t score.
I really don’t get bringing in Kubel. It seems like he strkes out just as much as Gomez. At least Go-Go has a chance to bunt or something.
This is a disgusting loss…
Deej, my point is, compare that number to Gomez, the guy he was hitting for.
A WERY disturbing one by the manager - what is up?!?!?!?
That was one hell of a good game again tonight. Tough loss, our pups are still playing with the big boys, and this is our rebuilding year. Now let’s hear from all of the negatives again, instead of just enjoying a great game the Twins played against a great Red Sox team. Tomorrow is a new day, a new game, gotta come out and play a new one tomorrow.
Extremely predictable game. The really good teams never go away. Have fun the rest of the year as your batting average continues to go down with RISP.
You can’t rely on that!
What a tough decision. Watch America’s Got Talent or watch the Twinkies. I guess I made the right decision.
Right, Doc! Noon tomorrow! BE THERE! (walk manny)
Dr. Don - You are very right, but this is now and we have yo seize th moment. Gardy made another turd gift.
Another close game. This one should have been a win…more so than yesterday. But it was close and the Twins have played these guys straight up in their home park where they’re tough to beat. Things are still looking good. Hope the Chisox lose tonight.
America’s Got Talent? Boston has talent!
They’re world champs. We’ll get ‘em tomorrow. (manny is a fanny)
“Those Bostonians are a fickle bunch.”
At least they have winning sports teams.
Well, in searching for a silk purse I would imagine that a smart front office would look at how we have, to date, stacked up against one of the league’s gold standards and decided that there may, after all, be some tweaking that may be in order for this year and beyond.
Reading the article today about the Twins being neither buyers or sellers was a bit disturbing indicating inaction but these two games have to show the powers that they are, at least, in the hunt…with some adjustments.
I think scouring the teams that are in the barrel already for a high powered, low profile bullpen arm might be in order. If one is creative it shouldn’t cost much.
Another righthanded bat that can hit for average and occasional gap power would help as well…perhaps at 3B, perhaps as a replacement for Monroe…whatever.
Realistically, the Twins aren’t looking too bad if they choose to compete for this year or “build.” Perhaps an answer or two is down on the farm (especially a power reliever, but who knows?)
Billy S. has an interesting choice, but really his isn’t as tough as in past years…they aren’t that far away. But the race goes to those who go after winning it. We’ll see if Mr. Smith has the imagination.
Come on, KC! Hold thaT 4-3 lead!!!
A few things…
Guerrier should’ve been in the game, but from the start of the eighth. Putting him in with a runner on makes things worse for him.
I know Kubel is a lefty, but I still don’t see how it was a good move to bring him in. Go-Go could possible surprise them with a bunt or something and Kubel strikes out a lot too. He looked terrible up there.
I’m done for the night. Hopefully I can let this one go…
The problem with the bullpen is they don’t have “power” arms like they have in the past.
I wonder if it’s time to try breslow out in some higher leverage situations.
kubel for gomez upset me. i’d rather watch Pope Carlos Gomez bat with one out and a runner on second than kubel. and if this had gone to extra innings, wtf happens then? twins try to win without gomez? bass last night, kubel tonight. i love them both, but NOT IN THOSE SITUATIONS.
SHREK:
Royals over Sox by one in the sixth. O’Contrare pitching for ChiSox. They’ll come back, I’m afraid.
no trades. who would we unload? cuddyer? he’s the only extra piece now, and gomez/span haven’t stood the test of time yet. if we unload anyone, we want pitching. starters. look at rochester and we are suddenly not as comfortable as before. ever IF liriano recovers.
Bringing in Kubel was the right call. It gives you the lefty/righty matchup, and kubes strikes out less and has more power. Kubes would have gone to right, span to center.
Buscher and Harris=Pags and Leius?
Well, ok, i suppose.
Punto is an all-start snub……he should have tried for a triple in the 9th.
Harris is hot….won’t start tomorrow
Why bunt span…free out
Was it Red Wings Poster Night at Fenway
That was a playoff preview…stiffs vs. studs in the 9th….and it is football season again.
Can Chris Simon pitch?
KC 5, CHI 3 in the seventh. That would help.
id rather have gomez bat for a sac fly in the top of the ninth. call me crazy, but the player who plays every day vs. a situational player should win every time with the game on the line, regardless of splits or whatever else the statisticians throw out there.
This one wasn’t Gardy’s fault. Hell, last night’s wasn’t Gardy’s fault even though he made some bad calls. This time I think he made the right calls and our guys just didn’t execute.
This one is more frustrating than last night for me. This almost makes me wish I wasn’t in love with baseball. If my sport was football at least I could potentially only get apoplectic 16 times a year.
These two losses hurt but if the Twinks decide to get angry instead of becoming dejected, maybe we can learn to close out games and take advantage of the oppurtunities that arise instead of folding. I’m trying to look at the bright side.
Melodramatic I know, but I do think these next 5 games decide our season.
Maybe the mystique of Fenway is too much for our young guys. Who knows. I’m going to have a beer or five.
It is quite clear what this team needs going ahead, be it finishing off this season or heading into next season: A bullpen. The last three losses the twins have suffered are on the ineffective bullpen we have ‘backing up’ our young starting pitchers. Three times now in a week and a day has the bullpen taken the loss, and that to me is unacceptable. Robbing these young pitchers of quality starts is the most disgusting part of the last two games and the game against the tigers. Bill Smith may say there are no glaring flaws in this team, well looky here, I found a big flaw that needs to be fixed asap. These next games won’t decide the season and to say so is foolish. How many people would have thought the Twins would be over .500 at the all-star break after that horrible white sox series? Seasons in baseball are not decided by one series but instead a collection of every series as a whole. The twins are going to lose at least 30-45 more games this year, that’s baseball, get over it. This last lost is embarrassing to any Twins fan and the entire Twins coaching staff and most certainly the bullpen. The game should have ended with a Twins win and there are zero excuses. The bullpen was certainly not overworked in the last two weeks so there is only one conclusion left, they suck right now and they probably will continue to suck. Bill Smith must work very hard to get a quality bullpen arm, or I am afraid this might not be the last embarrassing loss of the season.
I didn’t have a problem with bringing in Kubel but Jason needs to know the situation there. His objective is not necessarily to get a base hit, but to get solid contact to drive that run home. He looked at two fastballs, the first outside corner but hittable, the second inside corner and very hittable. After that he was done.
I don’t “blame” Gardenhire but I am never shocked when his late inning moves or lack thereof do not pan out. Why don’t you bunt when there are runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out? Delmon came through, but personally I’d like to have 2nd and 3rd or bases loaded with one out rather than 1st and 2nd with one out. Having to rely on players the caliber of Craig Monroe is why the Twins will not win the World Series. Harris’s terrible at bat didn’t help matters there either. What was he thinking, trying to pull an outside pitch when the last thing you can have there is a DP? Again, know the darn situation. Why do you pitch to Manny when 1st base is open with one out? A ballsy, non-standard choice would be to ask Nathan to get him and preserve the lead when Guerrier clearly didn’t have it tonight. But that would be asking Gardenhire to think out of the box and actually have a contingency plan instead of sitting on the front step chewing his gum. Why is Reyes starting the 8th, after having to sit through the top of the inning, something that he never does?
As far as the bullpen goes, you have 3 choices:
1. Stand put and continue to lose games like this because you don’t have a reliable set up man.
2. Go and get a reliable set up man. Is there anyone in Rochester?
3. Ask Nathan to get 4,5, or 6 outs once in a while, especially when your setup man clearly did not have it tonight, instead of blowing a 3 run lead. Would Gardy have sat there on the front step chewing gum and let his team give up a 4 run lead before going to hs all-star closer? How about a 5 run lead? 6 anyone? That’s what the cook book says, right? That Nathan must only start the 9th?
The question has been asked and answered over and over. It doesn’t need repeating.
Nathan will continue to pitch one inning only in save opportunities unless he is not getting enough work.
Most MLB closers are handled the same way.
The idea is to win as many games as possible over the whole season, not burn him out now just because the Twins are playing the Red Sox.
You don’t have to agree with that answer, BUT THAT IS THE ANSWER!!!!
