Mauer questionable for Wednesday
Posted on August 13th, 2008 – 12:16 AMBy Joe Christensen
We are less than 12 hours from Wednesday’s first pitch, so it will be a tough turnaround for everyone after the Yankees defeated the Twins 9-6 in 12 innings.
Joe Mauer had a sore neck, so Mike Redmond caught the whole game.
“Our catcher, Redmond, might have to catch again [Wednesday],” Gardenhire said. “Mauer’s neck wasn’t good all night. He couldn’t really get anything going.”
Bonus note: One thing that got lost from earlier editions is this Adam Everett factoid: Entering Monday, he never had back-to-back games with multiple RBI. Now, he has at least two RBI in three straight games.
194 Responses to "Mauer questionable for Wednesday"
crazy as hell.
Any word on Jeter?
Joe, I think I speak for many blog readers when we ask you to pin down Bill Smith on why he refused to get bullpen help. It’s been an obvious need for months.
We don’t have access…you do. Can ya help us out here and maybe pin him down to an honest answer?
Briefly: According to a major-league source, Minnesota claimed left-hander Alan Embree on waivers, but the A’s pulled him back off the waiver wire.
Mike Redmond is a fine reserve. But watching the game this evening I noticed he was having trouble behind the plate. Alot of balls kept falling out of his glove tonight, besides being dinged a few times. Last week in seattle I noticed Mauer was having a bad time behind the plate, balls were just getting away from him to much. He looked tired and really flat at the plate. Makes me kinda wish the Twins had another cather that could spell Mauer more often and and give this team another option with his bat, someone like Ryan Jorgensen down at triple AAA. Of course Mr. Bs is not touching any players from there this season does anybody know why?
I probably will not go to the game today either — as soon as a decent team is put on the field, maybe. And this is too bad since out of my flex-40 plan, I still have 20 left — anybody wanna buy ‘em? Come on Reusse, treat your wife to a game!
Adam Everett needs to go away…..I thought Fran Tarkenton retired?? Thats what every throw from this guy looks like - a 20 yard rainbow! He continues to cost the twins outs each game with his inability to throw hard. The high throw to Lamb a couple of days ago ( that loser needs to go as well ), the high throw to Morneau ( even though the call was wrong ). Plus limited range to his left. Matt Macri is a better option now and down the road.
Seriously? NEVER had back to back games with RBI?
You’d think it would’ve happened by accident at least once by now.
I’m a flex 40 guy as well and I’ve got 17 left after Monday’s game. If I would’ve showed up at last night’s game and saw the line-up Gardy put on the field, I would marched down to the ticket office and demanded a refund. I am seriously considering cancelling my season tickets after this season. I have stuck with this team through thick and thin over the years and have had season tickets of some sort ever since I’ve been old enough to afford them on my own. They are not returning the favor. I live in Hennepin county so I’m also paying the additional tax to help line Mr. Pohlad’s pockets and he’s not delivering. It’s a trickle down effect. Even the ticket office people are ridiculous. I got a cheesy voicemail recording from Harmon Killebrew the other day thanking me for being a season ticket holder. C’mon…nice try. You guys can do better than that. Someone needs to get inside this organization and shake things up. Way too much complacency.
I WANT A REFUND - You’re that guy who gets there in the 2nd and leaves in the 6th, talks on his cell phone the whole game, and tries to get on camera and wave to his buddies when he’s on the phone. Do us all a favor and sell your tickets to someone who will enjoy watching a team battle for a division title.
Brasky- How is a team a 1/2 game out of first place in August “not returning the favor?”. What exactly were you expecting this season?
“I am seriously considering cancelling my season tickets after this season. I have stuck with this team through thick and thin over the years and have had season tickets of some sort ever since I’ve been old enough to afford them on my own. They are not returning the favor.”
What?! Are you serious? They are 1/2 game out of first on August 13th in a supposed rebuilding year! What favor are they supposed to return? This is an exiciting and entertaining team. They may not be the best, but they make nearly every game worth watching. I just don’t get it…
Boy, no kidding Jase! What more can you want out of a season and how about last night’s game? Both the season and last night’s game are back and forth, down to the wire, and a shame someone has to lose. You can’t beat that kind of excitement in bbbaseball.
(i stutter when i get excited)
And those complaining about the line-up…we scored 6 runs last night and gave up 9…it wasn’t the line-up’s fault. If you’re just going to a game to see “stars” play, move to Seattle. They put Ichiro and a 100 million dollar payroll out there every night, and you see how well it worked out for them.
Every other contending team made an effort to improve at the deadline. We do nothing. We continue to sign free agent washed up veterans that don’t even make it through the season before getting released. Instead we give guys like Cuddyer long term contracts. BS has to be kicking himself for giving Cuddyer $23 million. What a joke.
Yes, the team is 1/2 game out but they should be 6-7 games up. The division is very mediocre this year. Al long as we beat up on the Royals and NL teams and finish over .500, the Pohlad’s are happy and won’t do anything to get better. Like every team in this town, being OK to mediocre is good enough and most of the fans love it (e.g. Wild, Gopher BB, Gopher FB, T-Wolves, Vikings)
Brasky-Professional sports are entertainment…if you’re not entertained, then stop going to the games and stop watching. We won’t miss you.
Why are their so many ninnies on this board that get so offended when people question Gardy and/or BS? Again, it goes back to my previous post, some people are satisfied with the “little engine that could” mentality around here. We’re not supposed to win or compete cuz we’re the little ol’ Minnesota Twinkies so we should just be happy we are where we are cuz we’re not the Yankees or Red Sox.
I can’t believe how stupid some of these posters are. You go to the extreme in your knee jerk reactions for everything. If the Twins lose a close tough game all we hear is “Billy and Carl didn’t do anything at the deadline”. If the Twins would have won last night would you still say that? No. As soon as there is a loss all of the negatives come out and when there is a win then we hear good stuff. Losers. Go find somewhere else to vent your lame comments.
You guys with the flex 40 plans sure are dumb to buy tickets for a team you hate. Why would you do that? Hundreds if not thousands of dollars on somthing that pisses you off. Sounds like you aren’t any smarter than the Twins because they completely screwed you, didn’t they. I’m glad you guys aren’t the GM because you obviusly can’t make good decisions, either.
Yes, I would still say that.
Who said I hated the team?
“Why are their so many ninnies on this board that get so offended when people question Gardy and/or BS?”
Actually, I’m not offended that you are questioning the Twins/Gary/Smith. I am offended that you seem to want to make the Twins lack of moves as a personal affront. They Twins need to do what is in the best interest of thier club both now and for the future. You don’t know what Smith has or hasn’t been doing, you can only assume that since nothing got completed, that he never tried for anything. Just saying…
Let me guess, some of you are the type same people that want 10 different classes for high school sports so everyone is a winner. We should split MLB into 2 or 3 classes so every team has a chance to win.
So this team that you’ve “stuck with through thick and thin” over the years is all of a sudden making you want to get rid of your season tickets? Were you alive in the ’90s??? Why didn’t you drop your tickets then? Don’t be an f’in hypocrite…if you’re that angry with something that’s supposed to entertain you, then stop going..stop watching! If you’re not getting your money’s worth, stop paying for it!
Hard to argue with Brasky about this:
“Every other contending team made an effort to improve at the deadline. We do nothing. We continue to sign free agent washed up veterans that don’t even make it through the season “.
The helluva it is, it seems to be working.
BS needs to realize that you need to give up something to get something. Other GM’s aren’t stupid. We keep hearing that certain players are untouchable so BS figures teams are lining up for Boof Bonser? C’mon dude…
And let me guess, you’re the type of person who screams at their kid and gets into fights with other parents at highschool games because you never got to live the dream yourself.
With the exception of Everett the last few games, none of those washed up veterans FA signings have contributed much - if anything.
Livan?
Lamb?
Monroe?
Batista?
RonDL?
Ramon Ortiz?
Pontoon?
Sierra?
“Let me guess, some of you are the type same people that want 10 different classes for high school sports so everyone is a winner. We should split MLB into 2 or 3 classes so every team has a chance to win.”
Got nothing to do with it at all. I just find it so silly for grown adults to act like 13 year olds and demand refunds and act like the world is ending when the Twins are .5 out. Criticism is great - second guessing is great but the I’m going to take my ball and go home stuff is just silly.
I don’t have any kids and I don’t attend high school games. Sorry. We’ll leave it at that since you don’t know anything about me or who I am.
“I don’t have any kids and I don’t attend high school games. Sorry. We’ll leave it at that since you don’t know anything about me or who I am.”
Then why exactly do you care about how many divisions high schools are split into?
Yeah, Jase… I was laughing pretty hard about the “through thick and thin” line, too. As if this is the first year that the Twins’ front office has not made a trade deadline deal. Someone has stuck “through thick and thin” throughout the 90s and NOW… with a fun young group of kids in contention when they had no reasonable expectation of doing so… you’re not going to stick with the team any more? OK whatever.
Yeah… Smith should have picked up some bullpen help (and still should). But if you think that just because you aren’t allowed in the room and that efforts aren’t leaked to the press every hour, like they are in NY and elsewhere, nothing is going on… well you’re just being stupid.
The Twins FO does not broadcast their intentions in the media and for some reason that pisses off a large portion of the fan base (or at least a large portion of people around these blogs). I find that pretty funny, actually.
If it drives people to give up their tickets, that’s fine… I get better seats for the games I drive up for.
JimC: all I’ll say is that trying to make deals, and not making them, is a lot like LNP batting. Smith can be working really hard, but is he doesn’t make the team better, he has failed in his role as GM just as surely as LNP has failed in an AB where he can’t lay down a sacrifice bunt and strikes out.
I say they haven’t done anything because of two reasons:
teams wanted one of the 5 SP (Gardy said that on Mike and Mike this morning)
the Twins are afraid of next year (just like ealier this decade, always being afraid of not having the right players next year).
the flaw in the next year thinking is that they are in contention this year. Odds are they won’t be in contention next year. So, they should try to win when they have the best chance.
this was mentioned above:
“According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the A’s pulled Alan Embree back after he was claimed off waivers by the Twins.
Oddly, the Twins let Chad Bradford get past them on waivers, but claimed the 38-year-old Embree and his 5.40 ERA.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle”
Mudcat, I think that’s EXACTLY what the Twins’ plans are when they sign some of the guys they do. They know they’re going to have kids who just aren’t going to be ready for the Bigs out of spring training but very well may be ready during the course of the season. So you add Free Agents that you hope have some gas left in the tank to start the year, don’t pay them so much that you can’t afford to waive/release them later, and see what happens.
Livan and Ortiz weren’t pretty but they got some Ws in their half seasons with the Twins while kids tuned up in Rochester, then replaced them.
It beats the hell out of Seattle’s strategy of paying enormous sums of money to guys who are supposed to be good, but really aren’t, and then having to live with those mistakes.
This has been a fun team to watch. it still is.
I don’t mind complaining about the FO or managerial decisions, but the whole getting rid of your tickets because you’re mad your competitive team isn’t “6-7 games in first place” is absolutely ridiculous.
So, when did Baby J. start buying dresses at Gardy’s store? Neckache my eye.
Damn… now we have real live team doctors in here! Great!
If i lived in MN, I’d be more than happy to take those unused season tickets.
and then having to live with those mistakes.
The way things look this season, I think most of their troubles are self imposed. 
There’s been more than enough potential suitors for guys such as Washburn, Ichiro, Beltre, Ibanez, etc. Mariners just want to be stubborn about the whole thing.
And when a team gives Carlos Silva “Zito Money” they’ve got nobody to blame but themselves.
T,
the reason the Mariners gave Silva “Zito money” is because he has Zito talent. 
mww, so you’re ok with giving up one of the guys in the rotation right now? After all whe whining around here about how trotting Livan out there every 5th game didn’t give the Twins a chance to win his start… now we want who? Boof? One of the Rochester starters? We SERIOUSLY think that’s going to help the team contend THIS year? Sorry… I’m not buying it.
And none of those guys would clear waivers anyway at this point.
The Twins best “prospects” are in the Bigs right now. I’m not sure they’ve got the minor league talent other teams want in a waiver deal at this point.
As for the Twins letting the Rays get Bradford… I’m fine with that. The guy has struck out something like a dozen hitters all year long. That’s what you want for bullpen help… a guy that can’t miss bats?
look, everyone needs to get over chad bradford. you look at his numbers and say, man he’s a good relivever. but he doesn’t strike anyone out, and relies on ground balls, not your prototypical dominant reliever. he’s as lucky as they come.
The Twins no longer have Byrd to fear after his trade to the BoSox.
This certainly isn’t “thin”. Thin is sitting at Met Stadium watching Bombo Rivera. Thin is Terry Felton on the mound. Anybody remember Alex Ochoa in the outfield - now that’s thin. I’ve seen it all and if you think 1/2 game out of first place is thin, you certainly don’t have a clue.
Thin is Scott Stahoviak at first base.
Jase wrote:
“I WANT A REFUND - You’re that guy who gets there in the 2nd and leaves in the 6th, talks on his cell phone the whole game, and tries to get on camera and wave to his buddies when he’s on the phone.” I am not the fan that arrives in the 2nd and leaves in the 6th, or one that talks on my cellphone the whole game but maybe I should from now on. You are probably that fat guy who cannot sit in a regular seat at the dome, so he gets to sit with the people in the wheelchairs, ha ha ha.
Bill Brasky makes some convincing points. The lineups Gardy pens together sometimes are like he is having flashbacks to his days when if he hit a ball out of the infield, he considered it a homer. For all of you out there satisfied with the 3rd-rate team penciled in the lineup, then go get another Twins or Vikings flag and put on your big vehicle. I know it will only be taken down when the team chokes when consistency really matters, as they have done much too often. Look at the White Sox — do they seem afraid of the Twins. Not at all. That is because they know they have some bona fide stars on their team, not a couple stars, and the rest wanna-be’s. We would be 6 or 7 ahead if just the managerial mistakes would not have been made. Like when the the Yankees were here the last time. Second game of the series. Yankees take an early lead. Twins tie it up in the 7th or 8th. It goes to extra innings. Guerrier is brought in to face like one batter. Next inning, Rincon. Need I say more? the game was lost because he does not know how to manage a bullpen. That same game, we had runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out with Morneau at the plate. Any sensible manager in the 9th or 10th inning would still bunt Morneau or substitute for a player that could bunt. Morneau f**#king hit into a double play! We lost that game due to sheer stupidity. The same stupidity and ignorance that lulls all you sheep that are happy with the team to sleep during the game.
Did you just say “any sensible manager would bunt Morneau????” You have NO idea how to play baseball do you.
Name a team that would have a league MVP lay down a sacrifice bunt?
I’m surprised the Yankees didn’t have A-Rod try to bunt for a base hit in the 12th, with the way Buscher was playing him.
“we had runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out with Morneau at the plate. Any sensible manager in the 9th or 10th inning would still bunt Morneau or substitute for a player that could bunt.”
OK, right there, you just lost ALL credibility. You’re right… go get your refund.
I actually don’t want “I Want a refund” guy anywhere near the metrodome. I’m frightened for people’s safety.
I will never get over the idiocy of fans particluarly Twins fans it seems…..if you read these comments in a vacuum, you would assume that the Twins were in last place with the worst record in baseball and the Ron Gardenhire couldnt handle managing your kids Little League team.
This team has FAR exceeded ANYONE’S reasonable preseason expectations and every intelligent observer has Gardenhire at least in the discussion for AL MOY. For those of you who are threatening to cancel your season tickets PLEASE do so immediately. I would rather attend games with fans who have some concept of what major league baseball is all about.
I think A-Rod hit a homer last night. He did not have runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out. The Twins needed one rune to win the game — why the heck not bunt him? He lays down a bunt, if someone next does not strikeout or popup, we would have won the game.
Yes I know the game. It should have been won except for ignorant, traditionalists like Gardy and my latest critics today.
Just got my tickets for the game today. Maybe I’ll find some money on the floor - that at least will be entertaining…
Jase — come on, you can do better than that old ad hominem attack can’t you?
Seriously, you pay money just to go and do the wave 2 or 3 times a game don’t you?
If you honestly believe that Morneau laying down a bunt is a good idea at any time during the game, then the only argument I can lay at you is ad hominem.
Seriously, you think this team can compete in the Series? Looks like fools gold to me, smells like fools gold to me - fool.
If YOU don’t think that this team can compete in the Series, then why haven’t you gotten your money back yet?
What better way did the team have to win than having Morneau (our own Adam Dunn that hits fewer homers) bunt? Get some creativity…
just because this team is not serious WS contenders doesn’t mean it’s not a fun team to watch! come on Twins are year 1 in a rebuilding year that turned out to be a chance for division title year!!
Well, maybe I like to see real teams, and occasionally a home team that looks professional - that is why I have not been refunded yet. I was in attendance at our last fitfull playoff appearance when even the tiny Oakland A’s tamed our vaunted Metrodome crowd down with only one swing of Frank Thomas’ bat.
C’mon..”I want a refund” guy is the same as Brasky. Just ignore him and hopefully he’ll just go away and get his refund.
Ah, I get it. The whole “Maybe if I throw out ridiculous statements, people will respond to me!” tactic. Well it worked. I fell for it.
Bradford has a ground ball rate over 60% for his career, and is getting ground balls at around 70% this year.
He doesn’t strike anybody out. He does get outs. Isn’t the Twins pitching philosophy to let the defense play, anyway?
Not claiming Bradford and keeping Bass on the roster was cheap, stupid, or both.
Any update on Mauer? Maybe he woke up feeling better? Hope so.
“look, everyone needs to get over chad bradford. you look at his numbers and say, man he’s a good relivever. but he doesn’t strike anyone out, and relies on ground balls, not your prototypical dominant reliever. he’s as lucky as they come.”
Yeah … I guess a career ERA of 3.30 and only having an ERA over 4.00 once in a career is lucky. Not to mention only given up 26 HRs in almost 500 IP. Yeah, I’m really glad he didn’t replace Brian Bass.
Guerrier can handle the the seventh but not the eighth,losing Neshek has messed up the whole chemistry of the bullpen.Some of you might be right that BS should have addressed the issue at the trade deadline,but who can say who ever we brought in would be an upgrade? Yes,Bill Brasky,we don’t really know anything about but some of your posts give certain clues.
A home team that looks professional? 40-22 at home this year not good enough?
Another thought … Is BS really that cheap that he will not bring up a guy thats not on the 40 man roster because we will have to purchase his contract (Ricky Barrett, Mariano Gomez)? I really hope thats not the case, but there’s nothing else I can figure as to why either of those haven’t replaced Bass.
Is BS really that cheap…
Yes. Bill Smith is cheap. That’s why the Twins have DFA’d three players this season, and were prepped for a fourth before Casilla went down with an injury.
Juan Rincon and Livan Hernandez are pitching for the Tribe and Rox on the Twins dollar. Meanwhile Monroe sits at home collecting a paycheck for nothing.
Yes. Cheap. That’s the word.
Just kind of wondering when Adam Everett turned into the ironman? His D isn’t a huge upgrade on Harris, and Harris gives you more juice with his bat. Also, it’s pretty clear that bullpen needs another arm. If we don’t have the faith in Bass to put him in the game, then he shouldn’t be here whether he’s out of options or not. We’ve ridden Guerrier like a rented mule. I would say we need another arm in the bullpen more than we need a pinch hitter (Ruiz) on the bench. How about Humber as a bullpen boost? He has been dominant in his last few outings at Rochester.
Have Morneau bunt…priceless
Should Gardy have done that, whether it worked or not, these blogs would have been hitting 10K posts of “idiocy”.
Got to love it…
Regards,
Dragon,
would have only been 1500 idiocy blasts if it worked.
The rah-rah brigades that came out in such force against Bill Brasky are a product of the region’s inferiority complex more than they are a hallmark of sports fandom in general. The constant need to erect straw men and use hyperbole to defend this team against people who loves the Twins in theory but can’t stand to see them mismanaged on many levels is so tiresome.
The arguments generally boil down tot he following:
“if i didn’t know anything else i’d think this team was in last place from all these complaints” tacit (non-sequiter) conclusion: stop complaining, since they’re not in last place.
“quit complaining they’re in a pennant race” tacit assumption: no team (at least not the Twins) in a pennant race can be doing anything substantively wrong.
“if you don’t like it, you’re not really a fan”, often adding “you should just stop watching.”
*insert ad hominem here*
That’s about the extent of the defenses. Occasionally there is also an effort made to address the substantive charges of critics. These generally take the form of “Yes, but player x/gardy did ____ in the past so they are valuable” where _____ is some action of little or no PREDICTIVE value for future performance (Livan’s Wins, for example), frequently one that doesn’t bear directly on the criticism initially levelled (esp. when Gardy is involved, since the defense generally consists of stating his regular season record/division titles regardless of the specific issue taken by the poster).
We get it. You think they should be left alone. You think whatever they do is good because they’re the Twins and it is axiomatic that “The Twins are great” in every way.
What is hard to understand about “Nick Punto shouldn’t be playing”!?? If they had 8 guys playing like Willie Mays circa 1956 in their lineup and one Nick Punto and were accordingly 85-25 right now, IT WOULD STILL MAKE SENSE TO SAY DUMP NICK PUNTO BECAUSE HE’S COSTING THEM WINS. If Kubel’s splits broke down the way they do only they were Mays-caliber against RHers, it would still make sense to platoon/pinch hit him against southpaws. It would still make sense to say “quit sac bunting Span to get to Punto.” It would still make sense to say “Get a better reliever than Brian Bass.” And it would still make sense to say FREE RICKY BARRETT. Even if he likes to party.
I’m up 3 hours early and I’m going to the dome to party with the Supersuckers.
Humber will definitely be up soon, I’d say. Probably before expansion.
Name one GOOD reason why Morneau should not have bunted to move the runner from 2nd to 3rd? Hmmm… Doesn’t look like you can.
With a great young pitching staff exceeding expectations, a batting champion, an MVP, the best fielding outfield in the major leagues, and the best closer in baseball all playing in a mediocre baseball division, I expect to be multiple games up. Whoever feels blessed the Twins are only 1/2 game out is being conned. Gardy needs to start putting the best team on the field to compliment the amount of stars that have lead us to a decent record. Harris needs to be starting.
50% of the people here think the team should dump Punto.
100% of the people know it won’t happen.
if that makes you not want to watch the team, so be it.
Toby- you spelled “non-sequitur” wrong.
T: DFAing those players did not increase the payroll by more than about 500K or so. They were replaced with guys earning the minimum. So, there really was almost no effect on the salary structure at all. Their existing salaries were sunk costs. It is only the addition of guys making the minimum that is the delta.
JimC: Nope, I would not give up one of the guys currently in the rotation. But, I’d be willing to deal any pitcher in the minors for the right deal. The Twins aren’t willing to do that, apparently. I’m not suggesting anything about the post-waiver period at all (yet). I’m suggesting that if they really wanted a relief pitcher, a decent one could have been found before the deadline in exchange for prospect. Even if that prospect has a higher ceiling, you do the deal if you think you can win this year.
As for post waiver deals, Bradford has an ERA waaaaaaaaaaaaaay under league average every year but 1 or 2 in his career. He is an extreme ground ball pitcher. He appears to be more successful than any current Twins’ reliever not named Nathan.
It sucks that the Twins didn’t get Bradford, but they didn’t, too late now.
TOBY — You the man.
And maybe if your last name was Gardenhire you could influence the stubborn S.O.B. you would have for a father.
This said, if the Twins played in New York, they’d vilify Gardy for some of his bonehead moves. (For the less literate out there “vilify” means: to utter slanderous and abusive statements against.)
Name one GOOD reason why Morneau should not have bunted to move the runner from 2nd to 3rd?
1. You give the opposition an out with your best hitter at the plate.
2. Your fifth and sixth hitters are inconsistent at best.
3. Ergo, your odds of scoring by bunting with Morneau are lower than if you let him swing away.
Is that clear enough Brasky?
A-Rod should have bunted in the twelfth.
Toby: You forgot “This team wasn’t supposed to be any good anyway!”
That, apparently, constitutes good reason to sit on your ass if you’re a GM of a team that exceeded those posters’ expectations. Maybe those posters really don’t want the Twins to win…it’d make their strident preseason predictions look bad.
You also forgot another gem: “They have more than one hole. Therefore it makes no sense to try to fix any of them.”
Toby makes a great point, that I tried to make last night. Just because you disagree with a specific decision someone makes does not mean you:
A: don’t like that person
B: are a mean person
C: are a stupid person
D: don’t think that person is generally good at their job
E: are not a “real” fan
F: deserve to be attacked for your opinion
“Name one GOOD reason why Morneau should not have bunted to move the runner from 2nd to 3rd? Hmmm… Doesn’t look like you can.”
Umm… Because he’s our MVP and RBI leader (second in the league) and hitting over .300? Have you ever seen him bunt? I really don’t think I have, could be wrong… Do we know if he can bunt? Hmm… I’ll have to look up the stats, see when his last sac bunt was…
Hey Joe or LEN:
any chance that someone with access to Gardy could ask him why Harris is not playing at all? I generally really like your work, but your game story doesn’t tell me much I don’t know from listening to the game. However, talking to the manager about lineup decisions and decisions during games, those are things I can’t know, and I’d want to pay for a paper to provide me.
These losses on Sunday and Tuesday are hard to take. I dont mind getting must beat 6-1 or so on occassion, but I hate these losses we should have won, along with the two in Seattle.
cmathewson: That reason you gave is not good enough. He sacrificed two outs by hitting into his patented double-play hit to the 2nd baseman.
Same to JP: Not good enough. Just because one has never bunted, does not mean he should never bunt. In that situation when it was in extra innings, with nobody out, you have to move the runner to third if you want to win. Morneau did not do that. The Twins lost because of this in that game, and it has happened countless other times. Our manager is as creative as a constipated mathmatician.
Fire-Your 9:50 post was so positive and almost pragmatic.What happen to usually negative posts.Oh i get it the Twins have not self destructed like you had hoped.You are like the MN weather,changing every ten minutes.Opps,i just throw up all over my computer screen!
Oh yeah, I am not Brasky by the way. I choose to remain anonymous so I don’t have to fire you if you work for me…
Obviously Harris is done starting this year if he can’t start in front of Punto and Everett. But my question is, when Casilla comes back next week (hopefully), who starts at shortstop? Will Gardy stick with Everett who has done decent lately, or Punto?
where is all the young, gomez, everett, lamb, punto hate today?
On first glance, it does indeed appear to be bad strategy to bunt Justin with men on 1 and 2 and no outs. But, if it was not Justin or Joe, would you do it for sure on this team? I think the answer is yes.
So, the question becomes, how good does a player need to be to not bunt in that situation? If he makes an out 1/3 of the time, how often is it two outs? How often does that out result in advancing the runners? How often does a team score with the bases loaded and 1 out (I’m assuming they’d walk Kubel to set up the force at home)?
It isn’t completely stupid to bunt there, even with Justin at the plate. However, it isn’t completely obvious to not bunt either. I think you are all dismissing the thought too quickly. I’m really curious - are the Twins more likely to score with men on 1 and 2 and swinging away and no outs, or more likely to score with the bases loaded and 1 out?
Mr Refund,
I looked at the stats and he has never had a sac bunt in his MLB carrer. If he does not bunt properly he could hit into a double or triple play anyway, a la Castillo a couple of years. The sac bunt only works if he’s able to lay it down. If he’s a good bunter than I guess I wouldn’t have too much of an issue with it, but I just don’t know… I do think that if he does a sac bunt and the guys behind him get out without any runs scoring, then a “why on earth would you have the big Canadian bunt in that situation” firestorm would start. Just saying.
bunting Morneau…
is there any proof that he can even bunt?
if Gardy thinks he will not be productive bunting, you can’t bunt him.
“I’m really curious - are the Twins more likely to score with men on 1 and 2 and swinging away and no outs, or more likely to score with the bases loaded and 1 out?”
It’s been studied. Teams are more likely to score with guys on 1 and 2 with no outs, than bases loaded 1 out.
JP, just because something doesn’t work does mean it was the wrong strategy. Also, if Gardy manages by what won’t make firestorms, the Twins have an issue**
**actually, Gregg Easterbrooke on ESPN.com has speculated for years that coaches and managers do manage to avoid criticism. That is why they punt on 4th and 1. That is why they PH / Sac Bunt in certain situations. That is why they use their closers only in the 9th. If you do the conventional wisdom thing, you aren’t generally fired/questioned, even if it fails. But, if you are a risk taker, and it fails, then you are more likely to be fired.
Shawn,
Gardy Knows NOTHING.
Bet He’s a closet blogger
I also have a serious question for anyone who wanted Bradford.
There are four teams in the AL behind the Rays that have bullpen issues - the Tigers, White Sox, Yankees, and Twins. Why didn’t any of the other teams make a claim on Bradford?
Well said toby at 10:17. Well said.
Joe C - I asked last night and I will ask again: Please find out what is wrong with Harris. C’mon, you guys are the sportswriters. You have access we don’t have. Are you so afraid of being banished from Gardy’s good graces that you won’t ask the glaring questions?
Thanks Pete. I figured it had been studied. So, they should probably never sac bunt, but since it is the conventional thing to do, they do, right?
Actually, according to Baseball Prospectus, Nick Punto isn’t costing us wins. His VORP is sitting at 3.2, not good by any means, but also not costing us runs/wins. I’m not saying there aren’t better players than Nick Punto, but the statistics say he’s better than the average replacement player we could get for him.
A good reason Morneau shouldn’t bunt a runner from 2nd to 3rd? Because Morneau probably hasn’t laid down more than a couple sacrifice bunts all year, if that many. It’s the bottom of the 11th with Alexi Casilla on 2nd and Mauer on 1st. You lay down a sac bunt and he accidentally pops it up to the pitcher or catcher and you’ve suddenly got two men going, potentially doubling up Mauer at 1st and still leaving Casilla at 2nd. And he didn’t ground into a double play that time either. He flied out to center.
Or he gets too much of the bat on it down the 3rd base line and the pitcher gets Casilla at 3rd, then you’re left with Mauer on 2nd instead of Casilla.
Or he puts two bunts in a row foul and then has to resume his at bat with an 0-2 count, causing him to swing at a pitch he normally wouldn’t and grounding into a double play.
There are any number of reasons you want Morneau to swing, not the least of which is that he’s facing Ross Ohlendorf, a righty who has a .348 average against lefties and a 5.97 ERA.
this from my brother who emailed me this morning… about Guerrier….
“Since June 27, Guerrier has made 20 appearances and pitched in 19 total innings. During that stretch he’s given up 28 hits with an ERA of 8.53. In his last six outings, he’s surrendered 14 hits with an ERA of 22.50 in just 4 innings of work.”
Not saying the blame is all on him, but there is certainly something wrong, whether it’s the baby or him being overworked and always in late game stressful situations, but something needs to be done to get him some relief so he isn’t pitching EVERY damn day.
T, The Rockies are paying for the rest of Livan’s contract according Ken Rosenthal.
matt,
if Livan reaches the bonuses in his clause, the Twins are on the hook for most or all of it.
AJ Pesh-I think Gardy likes Cassila at second.If he is a force on offense and Delmon and Kuebel keep producing.they can afford to keep Everett in there for his glove.Punto goes back to utility.I still don’t why Harris is sitting after being so productive of late?
Yeah, but its not looking like he will if you were able to see his start for the Rockies.
is the sky falling?
I can’t believe all the whining and crying over a team that is in the hunt for the American League Central title. What would all these babies be saying if we were 15 games out ???? This is a fun and exciting Twins team. They are having a year that no one (except true Twins fans) thought they would have. I do understand the frustration with the front office, but that is the same old, same old every year. Let’s support the team and cheer them on to the playoffs
Livan WILL need to go more than 2.2 a start to get bonuses. true.
Mike,
I would just like to say that I think it is bad strategy to have a guy bunt if he’s no good at it. Again, I don’t know if he is or isn’t any good at bunting. You’d think if he was he would have done it at least once in his career… I’m just saying… I have more faith in him getting an RBI in that situation than any of the guys behind him… Just giving my opinion, even if you aren’t interested in it! Ha!
Kevin,
Really? Really can’t believe it?
Hey Kevin, read toby’s post at 10:17.
Who is the bigger crybaby Pinella or Ozzie
I usually read alot of these comments, never have participated in them much. I do have to say I can’t get over the negative comments on a team that is fighting for a division when it was pretty much a given they would do no better than third. C’mon people, enjoy the season. I had no expectations to seeing them play meaningfull baseball this late into the year. I’m very much looking forward to my weekend in Baltimore in September, (I live on east coast) as I always have over the past 20 years of watching the Twins play there. Everybody needs to relax and enjoy the season for what it is, an unexpected pennant race that has been as interesting as any over the past 8 years. GO TWINS!
Brent,
The sky already fell Tuesday a week for the 5th or 6th time, Fell on Sunday, and fell again last night.
The Twins have brought up some minor league position players (Buscher, Casilla, Span) who have stepped it up and performed beyond expectations at the major league level. What’s to say the same thing couldn’t happen with a relief pitcher. If we can’t find someone from outside the organization, let’s try someone from the minors. They can’t be any worse than the crew they’ve been using. Something has to change.
I’m going to the Baltimore game on Sept 14 Doug. Getting some Boog BBQ?
Doug,
Will be in Baltimore on the 12th…”She who bosses us all” is working on getting us into a SkySuite on either Sat or Sun as well.
Glad to see somebody here can read the standings rather than whine and cry. Yes, this team has some issues to resolve, but they’re 1/2 game out, people. Take a breath and relax. Casilla’s imminent return cures a number of ills and hopefully sends Punto back to a utility role. Taking Nicky out of the #2 hole will do wonders for Morny getting more pitches to hit. The Whities’ pitching isn’t in any better shape. Their bullpen is just about in the same shape. And, I’ll take Nathan over Jenks any day of the week. But, another bullpen arm (Humber, Korecky ??) couldn’t hurt.
looks like there will be a good Twins contigent in Baltimore…. well since there won’t be many O’s fans there it should be really good.
You’re right, Doug. There’s no way fans should be calling for this team to get any better…that would be totally inappropriate.
“They are having a year that no one (except true Twins fans) thought they would have”
o.k. only you and Sister Cleo are true Twins fans then.. because NOBODY was on this blog in off season saying this team will be 1/2 game out of 1st place on August 13th and be on pace to reach 90 wins
Dan Barreiro brought up the name Gary Sheffield in his blog today…even if we did put a claim on him and were the only team to do so, is there any way Detroit would deal him to us as a month-in-half rent-a-player?
If so, I guess I’d jump on that and scratch the Ruiz-Cuddyer project for the rest of the year.
Anybody hear anything about the claim the twins put in on Alan Embree
Jason,
You are obviously correct…until I ask the question “What move do you suggest will GUARANTEE the team will be better?”
The answer is always, there are NO guarantee’s. With which I agree.
So please give me a move that WILL make them better, and WILL NOT make them worse.
Regards,
Sheff is under contract for 14 mill in 09
The Twins claimed Embree but Oakland wanted something more in return than just salary savings.
Sign an arm better than bass
What about Bobby Korecky, is he ready to come up
Sheffield: .223/.394/.323 - 12 HR, 35 RBI
Kubel: .265/.465/.327 - 16 HR, 58 RBI
That’s all I’m going to say on that.
Lew Ford pic playing for the Hanshin Tigers
i hope i don’t hear the lineup first from Sterling/Waldmyn
I think Detroit would let us have Sheffield. One, he would be a headache removed from their dugout and two, I’m pretty sure he has something like $14 million due him next year as well.
I don’t think Korecky will be much of an upgrade (if one at all) over Bass. Korecky basically has the same ERA that Bass had last year at AAA. Someone like Barrett or Gomez would be nice to see get a shot.
Last I checked, Kubel was a lefty and Sheff was a righty…but no matter…with that kind of dough due in ‘09, it will never happen.
As I said on Howard’s side, Gardy gave us Exhibit A last night that he does NOT believe a certain middle of the lineup guy is a consistent answer for driving in runs down the stretch as he used a rookie with less than 20 MLB at-bats to pinch hit for him late in a close game…I suspect that dribbler he hit with RISP didn’t help much.
At this point, Ruiz is better than Sheffield…
As of this comment’s posting, the Strib headline linking to this article/thread reads: “Mauer’s Neck Questionable for Game”.
Is that what’s called being “90%”? Will the neck watch from the dugout or the clubhouse?
It’s fun watching people get worked up about what the Twins are doing, as if getting worked up on here is actually going to change anything.
Stiff neck? Can’t he just take some Aleve for that? We need him in there! (Although Red Dog did come through nicely last night).
Did you see?! Harris is SS and in the #2 spot! YEAH!!!
Where’s the lineup?
Maybe Joe just grew another inch.
Kimmerz you rock for greeting us with that news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
somebody post the lineup - please!!
Lineups at Gameday.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_08_13_nyamlb_minmlb_1&mode=preview
Mauer plays.
D. Span, CF
B. Harris, SS
J. Mauer, C
J. Morneau, 1B
J. Kubel, RF
D. Young, LF
B. Buscher, 3B
R. Ruiz, DH
N. Punto, 2B
thats the best offensive lineup we have folks
Lineup looks good!
Now that’s a lineup I’m happy with. Harris in, Everett out. Gomez out. Mauer in. Punto batting ninth. Very nice.
no jeter either
No Jetah. I am sad for the loss of his intangibles on this last Yankee day at the Dome for 2008. *sob*
Good to see Harris in the lineup hitting second. Good to see Punto hitting ninth, too. Hurry back, Casilla & Tolbert.
“We don’t have access…you do. Can ya help us out here and maybe pin him down to an honest answer?”
I’d also like someone to ask Gardy why Redmond bats third when he plays and why Punto continually gets AB’s in favor of Harris. Don’t let him off the hook either! Get in his face, maybe smack him around a little.
Shawn,add in Casilla when he gets back and that’s the best offensive lineup the Twins have. Use Gomez for pinch running and late inning defense.
I know Punto got two hits last night, but I wouldn’t have minded having Everett play 2B and hit 9th - especially since he’s gotten RBI in his last three games.
“Although Everett hit just .189 over his first 25 games with the Twins, things have gone better offensively since he rejoined the Twins on July 31 after a stint on the disabled list. He entered Tuesday’s contest hitting .300 (6-for-20) in his past eight games and has a .417 on-base percentage over that span. ” from MLB - for those who blindly pan Everett. I have news for you. Everett will not be released when Casilla comes back. If nothing else changes, Ruiz will go back to Rochester. That ought to infuriate the fact ignoring whinesphere.
best lineup we have TODAY
This is a great lineup…UNLESS we struggle to score runs and lose. Then I would do it completely differently and Gardy is a moron!
Everett has 2 RBI in three straight games so naturally, he takes a seat. Punto is 2 for 14 in his last 3 games so naturally, he stays in the lineup. I’m not a huge Everett fan but what’s the problem with riding the hot hand?
I’m not too heartbroken to see Everett not in the lineup, but Patrick makes a good point. Taking a look at the past 14 days, I’d really rather see Everett in than Punto.
Do any of you people have jobs? Get back to work!
Here’s a fun one:
Player A is hitting .252/.324/.376 with 3 HR and an OPS+ of 90 in 234 at bats.
Player B is hitting .258/.318/.379 with 2 HR and an OPS+ of 89 in 182 at bats.
Player A is middle of the lineup power bat Michael Cuddyer.
Player B is much maligned Nick Punto.
lol Twins fans booing A-Rod…I’m sure that hurts his feelings.
Everett catches that
Nest series should be good against Icki-Roach and the Seattle boys
Next I meant to say
yep, jimmy…we have about the same winning percentage against Seattle as we do against the Yanks…where’s KC and Cleveland when you need them?
“I’m not a huge Everett fan but what’s the problem with riding the hot hand?”
Patrick, ask Harris.
Ohhhhh that’s why Punto is in there (he’s hitting .327 in day games)
Punto was 2-for-6 with a dive-in single last night…who says he’s not the “hot hand”?
We will get to see Beltre everyones favorite topic there for a while. I am certainly glad we didn’t get him.
RUBES!!!!
swing the damn bat
Wow, I can’t believe all the bitching about a team that’s .5 games out with a roster with three stars and 22 question marks. Yes, it’s sometimes infuriating being a Twins fan, and legitimate criticism is welcome, but good god, whining about this team is silly. The Twins are a badly flawed team. Those who expected them to go after a middle reliever who will make $3.5 million next year are either delusional or haven’t been following this team. If you bought flex 40 tickets expecting this team to be in first place by 6-7 games you really should be watching your money more closely.
Phil
What is Punto’s VORP from 2007? And since he came off the DL most recently? Thanks.
mbrian33
Irrelevant comparison.
I wouldn’t mind Everett in the lineup except his noodle arm. AND NEVER EVER Punto AND Everett in the same lineup
way to execute a Hit and Run LNP
Why wasn’t Punto bunting?
If Gardy did not call that hit and run, the game would have been tied…
Oh come on. The double play changes everything. You can’t assume that the same scenario plays out.
those who are watching, what was the story on the last play?
Why on Earth would Gardy call for the hit and run with the mighty bat of LNP at the plate?!? The same LNP who is hitting south of .170 since coming off the DL?
Harris was called out for running to 1B on the field of play, even though the throw by the pitcher hit him in the arm
Gordo didn’t seem to put up too much of a fuss, I guess…seems like the right call.
time for some runs, boys!
Brian Runge trying to even up the score on the year with us big time!
methinks that Delmon found his power
You Da Man, D Young!
Guess the advice from the old dudes in the commercial is finally paying off!
Just last night at the game some guy behind me was complaining about Delmon not hitting for power (ignoring his steady improvement at the plate this season). Way to shut him up Delmon.
Did you ask that guy what his nickname is on this blog?
“As I said on Howard’s side, Gardy gave us Exhibit A last night that he does NOT believe a certain middle of the lineup guy is a consistent answer for driving in runs down the stretch as he used a rookie with less than 20 MLB at-bats to pinch hit for him late in a close game…I suspect that dribbler he hit with RISP didn’t help much.”
Troll.
eaa, I don’t think we have heard from those folks in awhile.
Yes funny … the trade Delmon for a bag of balls crowd has somehow vanished.
