Wednesday pregame: Twins/Mariners
Posted on August 27th, 2008 – 12:52 PMBy Joe Christensen
SEATTLE — The Twins will turn to Glen Perkins today, trying to avoid a sweep at Safeco Field. Perkins is 9-1 in his past 15 starts.
After Tuesday’s 3-2 loss, Justin Morneau told reporters, “I don’t think we have enough energy or are playing with enough enthusiasm. We’re not making anything happen right now. We’ve got to make things happen, not sit back.”
Updates to come…
Twins (74-58)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Mike Redmond, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Randy Ruiz, DH
6. Jason Kubel, RF
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Brendan Harris, 3B
9. Nick Punto, SS
Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins
Mariners (50-82)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
3. Raul Ibanez, LF
4. Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. Jose Lopez, 2B
6. Wladimir Balentien, CF
7. Kenji Johjima, C
8. Jeff Clement, DH
9. Miguel Cairo, 1B
Starting pitcher: LH Ryan Feierabend
Safeco Field. First pitch: 3:40 p.m.
405 Responses to "Wednesday pregame: Twins/Mariners"
gardy needs to have the entire team, including pitchers, practice sliding into first. that will get them after it, improve their enthusiasm and show they are battlers.
Good that Kubel faces the lefty.
still batting Redmond at 3 is inexcusable.
Redmond carried the team the last game he started.
Would love to watch Perkins face Beltre. Would appreciate a specific report on that battle from you, Joe C.
“We’re not making anything happen right now. We’ve got to make things happen, not sit back.”
He’s speaking Canadian again so i’ll translate. “See ball hit ball and then i have a big steak” or in Gardy speak it means just get after it.
Morneau is absolutely right. Without the energy and enthusiasm that’s been lacking, the Twins won’t go anywhere. Time to bounce back!
“still batting Redmond at 3 is inexcusable.”
Red has the 7th highest BA vs. lefties in MLB history since 1974.
Settle down.
Mauer’s not a power threat either.
“Would love to watch Perkins face Beltre. Would appreciate a specific report on that battle from you, Joe C.”
I’m not Joe C, but about 10 days ago, I saw Perkins face Beltre. In his final at bat against Perkins that day, Beltre hit one a LONG ways into the left field bleachers!
Hey Seth who do you think the Twins will call up on Sept 1st?
Personal opinion…
Korecky, Humber, Tolbert, Macri.
When the Red Wings season is over, I would expect that we will see:
Pridie, Duensing.
I didn’t think I would say it earlier in the season, but Garrett Jones probably deserves it. He is hitting .275 with 32 doubles, 21 homers and 84 RBI. He also has struck out 96 times in 506 at bats. That rate is much better than he has done in the past.
Also seth, what is the significance of getting chosen to play in the Arizona Fall league? Are these players the Twins feel could be major league ready with a little experience?
What about Kielty i had a feeling that’s the only reason they picked him up. Aslo how many players can they call up?
“Red has the 7th highest BA vs. lefties in MLB history since 1974.”
Wait. What? Really?
Ranking the top Xtra-base hitters of the 2008 Twins (per AB):
1. MVP
2. Monroe (RIP)
3. Kubel
4. Probably Mauer
Kubel needs to be in the lineup every day.
“…Beltre hit one a LONG ways into the left field bleachers!”
Yup, but Perk is a competitor — Beltre too. Besides being a great matchup to watch, I’m hoping Perk busts him inside, throws the fastest FB of his life, and gives him garbage sliders in the dirt.
Pete D it’s true they had on one of the trivia questions last night.
BC,
I know you asked Seth buy my guess at call ups are:
On 40-man Roster:
Korecky
Pridie
Tolbert
Macri
Morales
Need to be added to 40-man:
Garrett Jones (backup 1B)
Duensing
Christy (If Morales is injured)
Anyone have any thoughts about Mientkiewicz for next year in utility role…could take over for Morneau every once in a while without sacrificing any defense, giving him a Morneau a full day off, hit a little bit, and play a little third which he is doing this year? He is making $750K this year. Low salary risk with money. After cutting loose Monroe, Hernandez, Lamb, almost Everett, along with Rondell White, Batista, etc, the Twins, the Twins track record is suspect. But, if things don’t work out with Doug, at least the salary would not be handcuffing them to keep him. Thoughts on whether he would want to come back?
So sweetone how many players can be called up?
JimC
Jason is that you?
35 straight starts for Punto.
Look out Cal Ripken!!!
“Wait. What? Really?”
Yup, it was on the TV screen last night on the FSN broadcast. They’ve only been keeping the official stat since 1974.
And of course, Red is a part-time player, so wouldn’t stack up against others with multiple times more AB’s.
But they set the sufficient statistical floor at 300 AB’s minimum. So, the results are real in that sense.
And the guy is a specialist, with his soft bloated bat and all.
“what is the significance of getting chosen to play in the Arizona Fall league? Are these players the Twins feel could be major league ready with a little experience?”
It is kind of an honor. It is a place where teams send some of their best prospects to see how they’ll do. It also gives them a little exposure. For instance a few years ago, Dan Uggla put on a show there but his team decided not to protect him on the 40 man roster, so he was taken by Florida. Last year, Nick Blackburn was the top pitcher there and it really catapulted him to the top of Baseball America’s Top Twins prospects list and gave him a lot more value.
To the Twins selected this year:
Danny Valencia - he’s a legitimate prospect at 3B. Could be ready by 2010. Gives the Twins extra time to evaluate him against some quality competition.
Dustin Martin - The OF that came over in the Luis Castillo deal last year has had a very good year at AA. The Twins likely have to decide if they want to add him to the 40 man roster. He’s got a shot.
Steve Tolleson - kind of a sleeper prospect. He played SS, 2B, and CF for the Rockcats this year. His dad was a good glove utility infielder in the big leagues, this guy can hit, run and field. I think he’s a very solid prospect.
Rob Delaney/Anthony Slama - These guys dominated the Florida State League the first half of the season. Delaney moved up to AA and dominated. Slama took over the Ft. Myers closer job and has been incredible. Both of these guys could move quickly next year. In fact, I’ve been touting the Twins calling up Delaney.
Tim Lahey - only converted from catcher a couple of years ago. Was the #1 pick in the Rule V draft last year and the Twins were able to get him back. Really struggled at AAA, but he’s still learning to pitch and this is a good opportunity for him to do that.
Dougie can come back, if LNP hits the road. It would make good sense, actually, as long as he’s not signed as a starter. Let LNP go, tolbert is the utility guy up the middle, and dougie backs up the corners. I like it.
Also, they need to fill out rosters to have complete teams, so it is likely that some of the final spots are based more on that than prospect status.
JimC, Dougie Baseball’s bat would essentially replace Kubel’s in the lineup more often than not with no essential defensive upgrade at 1B.
So why go there?
“What about Kielty i had a feeling that’s the only reason they picked him up. Aslo how many players can they call up?”
They can call up anyone on the 40 man roster. I believe they only have 37 on the 40 man, so as SweetOne noted, they could easily be added.
He mentioned Jeff Christy, and I neglected the fact that I’m sure they would like to have a 3rd catcher on the roster… I actually think they would bring up Drew Butera, who also would need to be added (and yes, Morales is out for the year).
As for Kielty, I think he is an option. He hasn’t done anything great while with the Rockcats, but he would be a right handed bat off the bench (yes, he’s a switch hitter, but is better right handed). I don’t think it’s necessary, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt anything.
“Yup, it was on the TV screen last night on the FSN broadcast. ”
Did they happen to mention the other players? Because in just a quick scan, I got Pujols, Ichiro, Puckett, Jeter, and Man-Ram all with higher averages against lefties…
I think Pujols was one of ‘em. Don’ remember the others. Maybe Puck……
the way nicky threw his bat last night he still is getting after it and has his enthusiasm. he can easily play out the rest of the season without a day off.
Yeah Red’s one the greatest backup catchers of all time.
I think they’re holding him back some to get another two years out of him so he can lead the team to the WS in 2010.
:)>
Thanks Seth very interesting stuff on the AFL. I know your really high on Valencia from reading you blog. I can’t wait to see him play.
“JimC, Dougie Baseball’s bat would essentially replace Kubel’s in the lineup more often than not with no essential defensive upgrade at 1B.
So why go there?”
Before you get too haughty there, you might want to do a statistical comparison between the two players…
Seth,
Thanks for all your work on your site, I really appreciate it. I agree with you on the call-ups.
The great thing about baseball is everyday is a new day, with a Twin win and Sox loss everyone can settle down. Remember its a marathon, not a sprint.
Seth,
in all of the NB games i have seen Tolleson looked like the best player. Looking forward to seeing his future.
I love that Ruiz is not only starting regularly, but he’s moved into the #5 hole.
it’s a marathon but they’re coming around the last turn and the stadium is in sight!
the way Harris handled himself last night he still is getting after it and has his enthusiasm. he can easily play out the rest of the season without a day off.
:)>
Jason, you nailed the lineup today, with the exception of Ruiz DH’n and Morneau again at 1B…
I was wrong about Everett over Punto, and why am I “hoping” that Everett would have started instead…? somethings wrong with that…
True story: When Dougie Baseball entered the game as a pinch hitter this afternoon, he represented the highest BA for any Pirate in the game…
“Before you get too haughty there, you might want to do a statistical comparison between the two players…”
I love Dougie baseball too. So not haughty on this one. Just don’t see any gain possible.
And, statistical comparison between what two players? And please, keep the comparison relevant — in other words, just the last three years.
Go for it.
Jason,
you do love you some Douggie Baseball.
romer how much do you want to bet who plays the most games the rest of the season? i get nicky the bat throwing, gold glove at every positon super player and you get harris.
if he had a red cape he’d look like supernicky flying into first.
lol at Shawn i agree he’s gotta huge man crush on him.
BTW, check it out — I only get haughty with trolls, liars, and people who make baseless highly critical statements.
If you merely think Justin Hamilton is a better player than Josh Morneau for instance, that’s an opinion. And I, and others, may call you out on it.
But I don’t think I would get haughty on that one, because it’s a mere opinion. Vehement disagreement does not necessarily = being haughty.
“Did they happen to mention the other players? Because in just a quick scan, I got Pujols, Ichiro, Puckett, Jeter, and Man-Ram all with higher averages against lefties…”
Add Moises Alou to that list.
“…and you get harris”
I want Harris at 3B.
But right, you win the bet, gobble.
Kubel v Dougie Baseball? well, here are the numbers for DM over the past 3 seasons which he has a total of 732 AB:
AVG Hitting line: .280/.359/.413
OPS .773
55 dbls, 3 triples, 11 HRs, 87 BB/99 K’s
I’ll come back with Kubel’s…
In my perfect world, Dougie Baseball would not be a full time player, looking to take bats away from Kubel. He would be a pinch hitter utility guy. What if Morneau gets hurt…who would play first and play it more than just passable? He has been in a lot of Post-season play, and a little veteran leadership couldn’t hurt. And, he would come cheap, relatively
He would be a utility guy for sure…I was talking more ‘08 comparison…
Dougie…
.282 avg. / .370 OBP / 2 HR / 19 doubles (best stat ever) / 2 triples / 252 ABs…
Kubes
.272 avg. / .331 OBP / 17 HR / 14 doubles / 4 triples / 379 ABs…
Give Mientkiewicz the extra 120 ABs and you probably have 1 more HR, 10 more doubles…
Didn’t Douggie and Gardy have some sort of personality conflict? Or did Douggie just run his mouth one too many times? I don’t recall the exact circumstances, but I do recall it got to the point when the Twins just wanted him gone.
Kubel’s numbers, I only used the past 2 seasons as Kubel has amassed 797 ABs during the last 2 years 07-08:
Hitting Line: .273/.333/.457
OPS .790
45 dbls, 6 triples, 30 HRs, 77 BB/151 K’s
I dont think Dougie can “replace” Kubel, being Kubel is just 26 yrs old and Dougie is pushing 35…
JimC, I think Cuddyer would take over at 1B for Morneau, because you now have Kubel/Span/Gomez/Young to play OF positions (being we keep all of them)
Not to mention Buscher/Ruiz/Harris?? although probably not long term solutions…
MINK is a jerk just like AJ was another cancer that needed to go
addition by subtraction
I would sign LNP to a 5 year deal worth 2M a year before I would concede bring MINK back… can you tell you I feel about him…
“I’ll come back with Kubel’s…”
And please come back with Dougie’s RBI’s.
Sincere thanks.
Dougie with a very good OBP. And it gives him about 50 Xtra base hits a year, given a full season. (But that’s absurd to note, since he would need more than twice the AB’s he’s been getting — and would he hold up? He ain’t young.)
Yeah, we could bring Dougie back, and well we’re at it we could bring back Rivas, Stewart and Jacque Jones. We already have Kielty. Ohhhh what fun it would be!
Turn the page already.
saam i dont remember any conflicts i think they just decided his gold glove would be more valuable at 1B on some other team.
if MINK is so good why did he go to R. Sox then Mets,KC(lol), Yanks, Pitt(presently) after being traded from the Twins his act wears out fast..
129 RBI for Kubel
95 for Dougie
I dont put a lot of weight into RBI, that’s why I left that off
“Turn the page already” - Agree.
oh well, JimC, I was with you…anyway, back to the 220 side…
Oh, and I do think this would be a great lineup:
Span (RF)
Casilla
Mauer (DH)
Morneau
Hunter
Pierzynski (C)
Young
Mientkiewicz (3B)
Punto
A nice mix of what got us here and what we have now…
[…] Originally published by Around the Majors […]
I think Dougie did not think his time was up…times are different, he is much older…knows his role. I think Doug would say he forced the Twins hand and was wrong.
Guys, we are talking about a 24th or 25th guy, like a Luis Rodriguez type. A cancer…I don’t think he has that much clout.
“Give Mientkiewicz the extra 120 ABs…”
and you get the same Xtra base hits as Kubel. But still waiting for the RBI comparison.
In any case, this discussion may be leading to nowhere, because…
Who ya gonna kick off the team to make room for Dougie?
Cuddyer?
Ruiz?
Kubel?
Buscher?
The Twins desparately need the HR production from the first three on the list.
So how many players can you have on your MLB team come Sept 1st?
Hey Jason, just out of curiosity…how did your whole “Twins were dumb to not go get Thomas” thing work out?
Anyone gonna watch today on FSNW, etc.?
if i rememeber half way though the 04 season morneau was starting to play all the time which made dougie unhappy so they basiclly gave him away to get rid of the distraction. plus he wouldn’t slide into first.
Romer, I posted it…
MarkW says:
August 27th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
129 RBI for Kubel
95 for Dougie
I dont put a lot of weight into RBI, that’s why I left that off
So, 129 RBI for Kubel in two years and 95 for Dougie in three years?
Just curious.
Anyone gonna watch today on FSNW, etc.?
I almost read that as “NSFW”.
Which judging by the Twins recently play may be an apt description.
the fraud continues….LNP in line-up and busher no where to be found. 30+ games in a row in line-up…at least he is batting 9th where he belongs
grit, playing twins baseball, getting after it, wow!!!
Mauer won’t pinch hit either if we are down by a run in the 9th because Mr. Clutch…LNP…will chink one to right and show us what Twins baseball is all about…string 4 bleeders together and see if we can score a run
grit, grit, grit….and never shop at continental diamond because LNP will never drive anything home…
Anyone guess what the Twins new stat LM stands for?
Last Mother?
Lost Manhood?
797 ABs (Kubel) vs 732 ABs (Dougie)
just going ABs, to keep it the same… so 65 more ABs for Kubel, you could tack on maybe another 8 RBI for Dougie…
again, not too concerned with RBI.
BC in case you missed Seth’s subtle inference. The roster expands from 25 to 40 on 9/1. You can call up anybody and everybody on the 40 man roster.
funny that brenden harris was part of the 4 team trade that sent dougie out of minny.
Loser Mentality?
(we) Lost Mientkiewicz?
Woooo Hooooaa!!!! (Fat lady is singing)
Long Monologue?
(Didja ya see Gardy blathering a little after the game last night? Not easy being a MLB manager in a pennant race, ya know.)
I did catch that sweetone. The reason i asked is it seems like they never call up 15 extra players but i maybe wrong.
Les Miserables? (The Tigers season).
:)>
Losses by
Betcha wish I was here now
Lift Me?
(out of my boredom and misery……although I’m petty self-entertaining at least. No procto exam today. I’m giddy.)
Yeah right, Kyle. How’s your off time on suspension doing?
Great Twins Talk on this webshow:
http://media.myfoxtwincities.com/livestream/webcast/archive.htm
Does everyone have to guess before the answer is revealed?
well, game time in 7 minutes, better get ready…
I hope Delmon got some sleep. He was horrible last night as they pumped fastball after fastball right by him.
30+ games in a row in line-up…
Do you WANT Cap’n Noodle Arm in the lineup?
And he guy IS hitting .280. You mean to tell me that’s not good enough?
Again. He sucked last year. But this year, .280.
If only Gomez were hitting .280.
saam your recollection is correct. Dougie had a big mouth and was awful full of himself. When Morneau started playing better than Douglas and Gardy began to start him more at first, Dougie marched into Gardy’s office and had a himself a fit that he should be the starter, by reason of his seniority over Morneau. Didn’t matter to Dougie that his bat was not as good.
And he kept mouthing off, becoming a bit of a clubhouse cancer that I think they just wanted to get rid of.
can’t Douggie Baseball just call into 93X again? that should be good enough, right?
The game is at 3:40, isn’t it, Mark?
You can call up anybody and everybody on the 40 man roster.
I would LOVE to see a September game in which all 40 players are used. If only to watch an official scorer leap from his official scorer’s table following the 13th inning double switch after a leadoff double by the backup SS that PH for the C who came in for the 3B in the 9th.
“Does everyone have to guess before the answer is revealed?”
No…….just me.
Today is the day I have Kubel drop bunts on every AB and try to outrun the throw to first
What is Kubel doing in there vs. a lefty? What is he doing with the Twins to begin with? And Redmond batting 3rd? I feel like a team with “cheapness” written all over it. Gardy should be commended for dealing with a 2 horse show where other contenders have at least 6, 7 or 8 horses.
M’s lineup posted.
Beltre at cleanup. Gosheee-whiz, what’s THAT all about?
Oh, what the f. I thought it was at 3pm for some reason…
what am I gonna do for 40 minutes? work?!
“What is Kubel doing in there vs. a lefty? What is he doing with the Twins to begin with? And Redmond batting 3rd? I feel like a team with “cheapness” written all over it. Gardy should be commended for dealing with a 2 horse show where other contenders have at least 6, 7 or 8 horses.”
Apparently the posts are a little slow in getting out to Southern California today. It never rains there either, ya know.
Yeah, we are just getting out of bed and junping in our pools. 
Close our eyes and click your pretty red shoes together 3 times. And Mauer will be 4 inches shorter with good knees, and Doubie basesball will be DHing instead of Kubel.
Forever and ever.
Close your eyes…….
On Frank Thomas….
Clearly Frank Thomas would not have been a good acquisition this year (missed all of June and July), but then, how did Monroe / Lamb / Everett work out for the Twins?
Point being…if the options are Monroe, Lamb, Everett, Kielty, or Frank Thomas…I take Frank Thomas every time. This year was an exception for Frank, he’s put up the numbers pretty much every other year.
There’s no one like Dougie…
There’s no one like Dougie…
Twins Fan in So Cal Not here today 73 degrees and raining on and off all day. I live in Moscow weather and it stinks. Pretty soon 9 months of rain, snow, hail and just overall horrible weather. People have to drink a 12 pack a day just to cope.
Bobby,
Buscher generally doesn’t play against lefties.
on Frank Thomas:
he wasn’t available at the beginning of the year. So, if we signed him we’d have had Monroe/Lamb/Everett/Thomas together.
Jason, Frank hits waaaay too many HRs to be on this team.
Frank Thomas: 521 career HRs
Monroe+Lamb+Everett+Kielty = 265 career HRs.
Just like we dont sign guys like Milton Bradley or Adam Dunn… too much power, not enough speed on the basepaths!
BC,
While it is true we never call up 15 extra players, in recent years Rochester was in the AAA Playoffs so the Twins would only call up a couple of players on 9/1 and then another handful after Rochester’s postseason ended.
I hate Nick Punto.
Bobby,
Buscher generally doesn’t play against lefties
why is my point..screw the percentages
losses by manager
T,
It would be funny to use all 40 (probably more like 36 as they wouldn’t use up all starters in one game).
When is Toby Gardenhire going to become our next Punto. If he makes the show we will never be able to get rid of him.
Bobby,
Buscher doesn’t play against lefties for 2 reasons:
First, he hasn’t shown that he can hit them.
Second, his defense is barely adequate to justify being in the lineup against righties.
Sweetone that makes sense i thought maybe it had to do with service time or getting more money when they’re called up.
“screw the percentages”
Yes. Yes indeed. That makes a lot of sense. We should hope our manager makes even MORE decision based on everything BUT logic, common sense, and evidence.
Sheesh.
Hey So Cal, How’s that Whiskey A-Go-Go club doin’ out there?
If I had a hammer
I’d hammer with Morrrrrrrneau
I’s hammer with Kubel
All over this land.
It’s the hammer of Justin!
It’s the bell of free-Kubel
It’s the love I share
Between my
Brothers [you guys] and-my sisters [FO]
All over this land [of Minnesota nice]
(I gotta eat somethin’…..Beltre’s gonna upset my belly again.)
Bobby,
Buscher is 3-30 against LHP this season and looks like a little leaguer when he’s in the batter’s box against them.
Hell, he looks like a little leaguer when he’s at 3rd base most of the time.
Buscher is on the team because he can hit right-handed pitching, and has done a great job with runners on base.
Makes you wonder why he was sitting on the bench while LNP was popping out to end the game last night…
BC,
As far as service time goes, post 9/1 doesn’t count.
As far as salary goes, I’m sure they would be making league minimum for the time that they are with the big league club which would be in the $50-60k range for the month of September.
Our manager makes decisions based on his gut.
Kay says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Our manager makes decisions based on his gut.
Which leaves lots of room for error! 
Steve:
I think Punto hit last night because Buscher would have been used for Gomez instead in the next at bat. Punto would have been needed to play the outfield in the potential bottom of the ninth. Kubel had already been lifted for Everett.
The decision was this, in my mind: Do I want punto hitting left handed, or gomez trying to do something other than strike out against a RHP
Punto hasn’t been PH for in a long time.
“Our manager makes decisions based on his gut”
Yeah, perhaps like beers and brats and — oops — hi-ya, Doc!! (Before you think I hate Gardy, check my 2:42 post please.)
The Wiskey is like Station4 but with more nostalgia
Is it possible you missed my point, Kay?
Or am I missing yours?
The Whiskey is like CBGB’s
fcmlefty: doesn’t matter what gomez will do, if Punto makes the last out. You need to get a hit when you need to get a hit, not at some time that might not happen.
kind of like never using your closer, in case you might need him to close someday.
now just 4 minutes to game time… made it!
Need to jump on this guy early… well, it’d be nice to do it.
With Kubel having PH for Harris at 3B though, all Gardy needed to do was PH for Punto with Buscher, put him at 3B, and Everett at SS.
I’d rather have Buscher hit with a chance to tie it or take the lead, and roll the dice on Gomez coming through, than have Punto up with the game on the line.
I don’t care if he’s been swinging a bit of a better bat lately. A lot of the hits have been pretty fortunate ones (off Teixeira’s glove, off Hunter’s glove), and I’d rather put Buscher up there.
In the meantime, there’s Mike Redmond, continuing to bat third… splendid Gardy.
Lineup change –
3 Beltre
4 Lopez
May be others too.
Fat Lady . . . it’s the usual 78 to 82 here and sunny. Had some exitement last night, as we were taking my brother and sister-in-law to eat in Malibu (30 mins away) and drove by a fire just past Malibu. No big deal as they got it under control. The trafic going the other way from us was a beaut to see for over 3 miles long serpentining alog the PCH (CA-1). Anyway, today’s game may just well be the make or break game for this Twins team.
romer
According to gameday it is:
4 Beltre
5 Lopez
here we go again
Quick 12 pitch 1-2-3 inning
I don’t neccesarily disagree with you guys. I’d have used Buscher at money time too. Love it or hate it, I understand Gardy not wanting to pull his last versitile defender. These kind of decisions come up when you have too many #9 type hitters in a row at the end of your line up
Off to a great start!
man work for 5 minutes and the 1/2 inning is over. teach me to do some work!
USAFChief, we’re on the same page.
Twins Fan in So Cal We get traffic here to. We have 1 and 2 lane highways you would think would be updated by now. I think the State thinks we are still in Horse drawn carriage days or the 1940’s and no more lanes are needed. We also don’t have any lights on the side of our 1 and 2 lane curvy highways. If you ever find yourself out here don’t accidentally drive off the unlit road. Just a heads up for ya
According to Gameday Perkins threw 12 pitches in the 1st inning (11 Fastballs and 1 Slider)
radio sounded like harris made a great play?
I said it last night, and I’ll say it again… Buscher is not allowed to start even once over the next five games…
Nice grab by Brendan!
Kay, USAFChief –
Didja read Howard’s blog today. He was doing it from the gut.
Just got my first look at the lineups. GREAT news is that Carlos Gomez is not in it, so that means we have a potential for 9 at-bats every time through the order instead of 8 at-bats and a throwaway with Gomez.
We will also hopefully not have to see anymore “which way did it go?” plays in center field today.
Yeah - am planning on a HS reunion next year in Faribault and visit my alma mater, The “U” (of MN).
The Twins have been acting a bit “ZOMBY-ISH) lately. They get into that mode every 5 ot 6 weeks this year. Not a good time to do so.
How fast was Perk’s FB when he struck out Ibanez?
Now the twins need some spectacular plays on offense
i wish the games were still on the evil neighbor, then i could listen on my phone
“Dan says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Just got my first look at the lineups. GREAT news is that Carlos Gomez is not in it, so that means we have a potential for 9 at-bats every time through the order instead of 8 at-bats and a throwaway with Gomez.”
Gomez OBP vs. LHP: .324
Punto: .333
Kubel: .286
Casilla: .295
Harris: .313
Redmond: .328
Yeah, thank GOD Gomez isn’t in there. The rest of our team is so much better at getting on base against lefties…
“not have to see anymore “which way did it go?” plays in center field today.”
Too bad. The Gomez thing this year is a failure.
Good start to the inning
romer, I loved Howard’s blog today. It shows that Howard has truly learned much from the master, Gardy.
GOMEZ is AWEFUL…..
sometimes
sometimes, he makes great plays in the field, gets on base and steals, hits well with RISP (well not so much late game)
the guy may be flawed but compared to past options he is not terrible.
“Yeah, thank GOD Gomez isn’t in there. The rest of our team is so much better at getting on base against lefties…”
Ok then tell me why he will be missed in this lineup today. At this point I’d say he’s stuck between the AAA and major league level. Not proving to be good enough here but probably not worth sending to Triple A.
Romer, Gameday says strike 3 was a 92mph Fastball.
I forgot to mention Delmon’s fantastic .300 OBP versus LHP as well.
And again… Buscher is NOT allowed to play for the next five days. Way to go Harris!
Mr. Double comes through again.
kubel have rocks in his pockets or what?
“…Howard has truly learned much…”
Now Kay, I wouldn’t go that far.
So far, Gardy and the Twins are proving him wrong, for instance.
They actually have an early lead.
Idon’t usually blog hop. I will start deleting any comment of yours I don’t agree with. Hmmmm let’s see where shall I start.
2 guys on, 3-2 to our .287 hitter. Get these 2 runs and shut the damn door.
did nicky throw his bat?
Punto
The Twins meek hitting will be their downfall again in Wednesday’s game against Seattle. Perkins will do o.k. for about three or four innings, and then the Mariners will get to him.
Gomez gets on base against lefties more than half of our lineup today, and while I like Kubel a lot, I’d rather have Gomez in the OF with Kubes at DH.
Wow, way to swing at a pitch that was at your eyes, Nick. Ugh.
I’d rather have Gomez in the 9-hole than watch THAT at-bat again… yuck. Nice to see Punto throw yet another tantrum as he runs dejectedly to first though.
Looks like Punto just missed that 3 run HR was going for there.
Anybody watching? Anybody paying attention? Perk got any V on the FB today?
Punto popped out to third
twins baseball and no barrel on the bat
why doesn’t FSN have a segment on LNP and how he is so clutch
Kay says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
romer, I loved Howard’s blog today. It shows that Howard has truly learned much from the master, Gardy.
romer,
Gameday has all of the FBs in the 90-92 range thus far.
I like this strike zone, nice and wide.
Punto shows his inability to drive in runs once again. 25 RBI’s last year starting and playing the entire season. 24 RBI’s this year starting and playing over half this season. I am a Punto hater second. Twins fan first. It was only a matter of time before Punto started ruining games.
Romer, I didn’t pay attention in the first inning, and now FSN isn’t showing the radar gun.
Perk’s locating pretty well though, and his breaking stuff looks to be moving well, as evidenced by Balentin’s pathetic AB just now.
Here’s the pitch!
did nicky’s bat go farther than the ball?
Punto has a .300 average with runners in scoring position this year.
But his average with RISP and two strikes is .231…
Can we trade Dick for Vin Scully?
I don’t doubt that Gomez has decent numbers against lefties but those are most likely from his pre-June days. July and August have been terrible for him. He’s terrible at the plate and costing us outs and sometimes games in the field.
He just doesn’t have the head on his shoulders or coolness yet to perform well.
two outs that is, not strikes
Vin is 50 and 50 guy, he could block any trade.
Nice piece of hitting by Casilla
That was quick
Dan,
Gomez is batting .293 in 86 AB since moving to the 9-spot. Any other generalizations you’d like to make without looking at the numbers?
gatty,
A single on an 0-1 pitch… Nice hitting how? Can’t see the game here.
Not sure what brilliant point you’re trying to make HirKe.
I hope the Twins give you fellows an enjoyable game to follow, I am off to a meeting.
Brrr-Morneau’s bat is making me cold.
Ok it’s time for the Twins hitters to snap out of their slump
For the record, I’m not a massive Gomez fan, I just think he’s become the scapegoat during what’s been a pathetic stretch of games by the Twins.
No one’s playing well, but heaven forbid anyone looks at Joe Mauer’s last week and sees that he’s batting *GASP* .208?!
Or Denard Span batting *GASP* .231!?
No! No! It can’t be!
anyone else irritated by how on FSN they come back after the 2nd pitch?
very much so, sioux falls
Kay says:
August 27th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Not sure what brilliant point you’re trying to make HirKe.
I hope the Twins give you fellows an enjoyable game to follow, I am off to a meeting.
Nice hitting as in hitting it when the ball was about 5 inches from the ground.
Delmon Young, that is inexcusable.
It doesn’t annoy me as I understand that FSN has to get the commercials in (as that is where they get their money).
The problem is that baseball isn’t geared for TV as getting out on the field and tossing 8 warm-up pitches takes less than the 2 minutes needed for commercials.
“I don’t think Delmon Young took the best route to that ball…”
Can we say “understatement,” Bert?
That won’t be an error but that was a horrible play by delmon and he gives up the lead
Looks like another loss
So maybe Kubes in left on the road and GoGo in center, huh.
Someone please explain to me why Delmon is continually put in left field, when he has a right fielder’s arm and Denard Span has significantly more range…
There’ll be a play at the plate here… heeee is!
How about Kubes in left, denard shading to left in center and gomez covers the rest.
Steve,
The same reason why Redmond bats 3rd when Mauer is out of the lineup. Gardy gets very set on certain things and it seems to take forever for him to change. Young is not a LF and watching him last year in RF he was much more comfortable
and better
2 on, no out, this is supposed to be Young’s time of the season, so hit the HR and let us all relax a little bit!
Okay Young get that run back.
Dang, I thought that was going over the bag down the 3B line… just missed…
guess not . . .
If we have a big inning it may help us get back on track because we have been a young team in a slump.
I think the ball hit before the plate on that pitch
Howard is reading, ever been to the Whiskey A-Go-Go? They have a terrific sour grapes drink there. Mexican grapes, none of that fancy Sonoma swill.
BTW, do you sing? Gonna do my rendition of “Hammer” with me?
seems like kubel could win a gold glove in left if he played every day.
Brent,
I knows Gardenhire’s logic behind his moves, but I think his stubborn nature costs the Twins more than it helps them. Redmond’s not a 3-hitter and Delmon’s not a left fielder.
When Cuddyer was healthy, it made sense because he knew how to play the baggy in right and that’s a great advantage at the Dome. Now, Delmon and his arm should be in right field, with Span and his speed covering the larger territory in left.
I’m not so much looking for answers as I am venting my frustrations with some of Gardy’s more questionable decisions.
seems like kubel has a better shot to win a gold glove in left if he played every day rather than Young.
I just can’t figure why this team is so much worse against Lefthanders.
Brent,
Twins are like 24-16 against LH pitchers believe it or not.
May not be showing it against the Mighty Mariners though.
Need a Span Slam here.
Brent,
the team had won 10 in a row vs lefties before last night.
Come on Span… let that hit you!
Shaun,
but they had won 10 straight against lefties before last night.
“How about Kubes in left, denard shading to left in center and gomez covers the rest.”
Ha-ha gatty.
Gotta laugh or something — Punto’s up with 2 guys on again.
Whew. He threw a pitch (offer) that Punto couldn’t refuse (to take for the walk).
young will never win a gold glove but you haven’t been watching kubel when he’s in the field if you think he’s better.
Just what the doctor ordered
na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na SPAN MAN!
Ok, fine, maybe don’t let it hit you.
Nice slump buster, Denard.
attaboy Span
Good job Span
Sweetone,
Why the “but” for me?
Way to go Span!!!
that was nice!
Shaun,
They are opsing .030 points lower, but all in all they are hitting roughly the same Righty versus Lefty, it just seems like they always struggle against Lefthanders.
Dick killing the rally once again
Man, looking at the replay of that pitch, haha… if they threw that to him 10 more times, I’d be surprised if he got a hit on it once… that thing practically bounced!
Still, atta way Denard!
Man, that Span. He still reminds me of Garret Anderson at the plate. I suppose he’s not as tall and doesn’t get enough leverage to have the power Anderson does.
Don’t the twins have the fourth best record against LHPs? Maybe it is fifth…
Here’s my call…we give up our lead here
Thank you Glen Perkins for erasing that inning.
yep
that was a fun lead
That lead didn’t last long (4 pitches)
WHy?! oh why must our pitcher’s do this to us!?!
That is a joke, I am not going to waste any more of my time on this game. Couldn’t even get an out…
That was a great call, wonderful to have a team that blows the lead every time they play
gatty - I don’t look at it as me wasting my time, I’m wasting company time. Big difference.
Can we just intentionally walk Ibanez, Beltre, and Lopez every time they come up?
I realize it would load the bases, but it doesn’t seem like anyone but those three can touch us, so I think we’d be fine.
Leave it to a Twins starter to, once given the lead, give it right back.
Same thing happened to Baker last night. The twins came back and tied it at 2, and then three straight singles in the bottom of the 6th.
Jesus H Christ. I don’t understand how Gardy doesn’t choke Perkins when he comes back in the dugout.
AND TO JOSE LOPEZ!?! Are you KIDDING me?
OK, I’ve read about all the players you all don’t like . . .
Do you have a favorite?
Personally, Mauer - even in a slump, and even though I swear he GIDP more than anyone else, he stays (mentally & effor) in the game no matter the situation.
Now they just need to get the lead back - Redmond, Morneau - do it guys!
“romer says:
August 27th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Lineup change –
3 Beltre
4 Lopez”
Oops? Coulda swore that’s what Gordo said.
I’ll watch TV only from now on to get the lineup.
Telly Hughes cannot talk or read… dear lord.
I’ve never seen someone on TV who is as truly bad at their job as Telly Hughes.
Disgusting
Nice work Twins… that five pitch inning will really crush the M’s confidence.
5 pitches, 3 outs
Note to Gardy: ball is carrying. Use Mauer as a PH today.
Note to fellow posters: Have fun, if you can. Gotta do some work away from the computer.
My god can we not hold a lead against a crappy team!?
Everyone knows what will happen in the bottom of this inning
Delmon looks like a klutz out there
DISGUSTING!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
HR Ibanez, calling it
“Dan says:
August 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Ok then tell me why [Gomez] will be missed in this lineup today. At this point I’d say he’s stuck between the AAA and major league level.”
That fly ball to right comes to mind… Great effort from Kubel, but he had no chance. Span, on the other hand…
the twins better win this game today. they need a little momentum for the next series.
Beltre HR calling it
bad call “not terry ryan”
whew, my reverse psychology worked
well, at least we didn’t see the SO
8-|
I give up
Thank you RNC
Watching the Twins play Seattle leaves me confused as to why they kept insisting on one of our starting pitchers…Seattle’s pitching seems stacked top to bottom in every game I’ve seen maybe we should have been trying to get one of their lefties! (sarcasm alert)
8-| …
Yes, p, it’s George Bush’s fault that the Twins have to play 81 road games. Whatever.
The Rockies’ road trip is 6 games during the time of DNC. Interesting.
Can we trade Delmon Young already? He runs in the field like he’s on ice skates and has the range of a refrigerator. KUBEL has more range than Young. Plus his waist-high basket catches are like ‘adventures in fielding’.
LNP leadds off the inning….Get a hit, steal a base, and score on a hit. That would be a good start.
!@#$!
“Get a hit, steal a base, and score on a hit”
One out of three ain’t bad.
Use your brains Punto, coaching staff, this isn’t twins baseball
Delmon makes routine plays in LF a circus. I have seen him on many occasions stick his glove out at the very last second to catch the ball. It’s like he doesn’t judge the ball comming to him very well. Yes, he does run like he is in slow motion.
Make that two out of three.
What was that middle thing again?
(Pop quiz: what movie is that line from?)
Great, Nick… and oh look, another helmet-throwing tantrum. Grow up, enough already. Showing emotion is one thing, but the tantrums that Punto throws are just annoying. Have some class, Punto. Making an out on the bases shouldn’t be new to you anyway…
Did Casilla really try to sacrifice there? That is what the computer says.
He was more bunting for a hit… but I’m confused why Span wasn’t sacrificing to begin with, Mike.
He couldn’t dropped a bunt down on the first pitch, and Punto’s mistake would’ve been a non-issue.
walk all three!
seriously
Perfect. Just… friggin… perfect.
Sigh. 
i am on today
perkins hit his spot and he hits it out.. this sucks
Ibanez. Yet again.
Anyone not see that coming?
Walk Ibanez no matter what. *sigh*
Oh well
heh, don’t worry. This is a blip. It isn’t like everyone at BA and ESPN predicted the Twins would regress to the mean in BARISP or anything.
Morneau needs to make up his mind to fix this on the first pitch of the 8th inning. Come on Justin… no one else is getting it done… not fair to ask him to carry the team yet again, but it sure doesn’t look like anyone else wants it.
Time for our best hitter to take it upon himself.
Not sure Perkins hit his spot…unless his spot was letter high and center of the plate.
8-| … …
think ruiz can get him over today?
Not a HR… but that’ll do Justin, that’ll do.
Randy, Kubes, and Delmon… three good chances to tie or take the lead. I like it.
No!
pretty sure that’s where redmond wanted it was right over the plate
that works
kubel fly please
Kill the Mariners again Kubel! KILL EM AGAIN!
Love the way Gameday calls Everett an “offensive subsitution” for Ruiz. Yeah, I am offended.
Good job kubes!
YES!
nice! buscher hits for harris, everett to short… matty g/eddie in the 8th
There ya go Kubel.
U da man kubel
Doubt Gardy will throw away the DH…
I love you, Kubel.
Second time Delmon’s sent one down one of the lines just foul.
Buscher against a lefty?
Looks like it’s up to Punto to give us the lead this inning… Damn Delmon… could’ve used an RBI in that spot. :\
razz… you right.
now we have to see buscher play 3rd and hit a lefty. once again gardy and myself are outmanaged by bloggers
Come on Buscher just get it in the air!
BAM
Hot damn Buscher!
A hit off a LHP from Buscher?
So what next? It starts raining frogs, and then the locusts come, right?
Gardy with a GREAT move!!
You know what this means. EDDIE in the 8th.
You can put it on the board, yeeeeeeeess
baseball is such a crazy game.. throw the numbers out the window sometimes
Of course, this probably means Harris will never play again.
Sigh, at least we got the lead. Nice work Buscher!
Casey: Buscher has been terrible against lefties…but so has the pitcher.
One of those had to give.
Twins need to put a nail in the coffin on this game so they can build some energy going into Oakland.
I love Buscher’s aggressiveness in that AB…coming off the bench going right after the first pitch!
Eddie time?
Well atleast Harris has backing up Morenau….. that is what once in a month?
Just wish Buscher could settle down in the field, since I like him as a hitter.
Ugh, that DP sucked.
Awww no Eddie?
T-
agreed. that’s why gardy is the manager and i’m a fan. glad something finally went our way
Hmm, not Eddie. C’mon Warrior hold it today.
Eddie getting loose though.
Nice grab Carlos… very nice grab
eddie might be getting ready for clement
EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE, EDDIE…
EDD-IE! EDD-IE! EDD-IE!
Guerrier looks dejected to be getting pulled for Eddie.
But this is why they got him.
And here he comes!
One of the Seattle announcers said Young runs well. Yeah, like a bull on ice.
I hope Eddie pitches great for the rest of this road trip, because I’ll be at the first game back from it, and I can’t wait to hear the “EDDIE!” chants all over again… he should get a nice welcome back
“Valentin”
…The Twins had a guy named Valentin?
Young may not be graceful, but he can get around the bases… it just doesn’t look pretty, haha.
Eddie G to the rescue.
Javier Valentin…
Oh. No wonder I couldn’t remember him: http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/historical/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=123609
Show some urgency Delmon!
Ahh that sucks.
The guy’s still going…and has played 9 innings at 3B without a ball being hit to him.
….
Eddie. Pal. This is NOT cool.
Javier Valentin came up with the Twins, T… haha, I forgot about that until I saw the replay too.
Oh boy… I may have jinxed Eddie.
Looking like Eddie may have developed the Twins lead allergy…
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
YES! DENARD!
Oh holy CRAP!
But man…flashes of classic Eddie there. Miracle play!
Or thankfully not.
Would Mauer have made that play?
It’s a good thing Gomez came into the game because Kubel would not have made that throw.
who cares
wow………………………..!!!
add that to the 4 dozen other gold glove plays span has made in 2 months
Boy. PRing for Kubel pays double benefits.
So this potentially the second sweep that Denard may have prevented.
redemption time for JN
That ball wasn’t that deep, and we’ve seen Kubel make some nice throws from right this year… I think he could’ve made a good throw, but it’s tough to say anyone would’ve made a throw as perfect as the one Span reeled off.
PUT ‘EM AWAY JOE!
YES!!
Finally! Good guys win.
So the Twins have lost only a handful of series in the last few weeks…I think.
And I think the two most recent ones are both Seattle.
Thank goodness we win and are done with the M’s.
Whew! Nice win! Now just need Baltimore to step up.
Now just go in and sweep Oakland and all is forgiven.
Please?
We were swept by the Yankees back in July, we’ve won every series since then (2 of 4 vs Angels) except the 2 series we went 1-2 vs Seattle… crazy to think about.
Yes, now on to Oakland, we won’t see the M’s again this season!
Great to see Denard have a good game after struggling for the past week… hopefully that gets him going.
With Denard and Casilla slumping, it seems like it trickled down all through the lineup.
Hopefully if he and Alexi can start getting on base, Mauer and Morneau will get some more pitches to hit and we can get our offense back on track.
I watched the bottom of the eighth and Denard took the team on his back and said the hell with this losing streak.
At least the O’s are winning…
1-1 now!
Steve from Fridley….How bout Buscher. Coming through with the
2 RBI’s-against a Lefty no less.
And Span’s throw what more can you say.
Since Buscher (June 13) and Span have come back up Twins have improved.
How bout giving Buscher some credit.
Agressive swing on the first pitch.
Oh yeah, he has shaved his head…..He said a clean and fresh start since he made the errors. He said he won’t make any more errors he has corrected his throwing slot.
The man can hit.
Two straight days that Denard has made a great play in right
O’s take the lead at 3-1
Go O’s!
Was it the O’s pitcher Liz, the one with a 7+ ERA, that dominated the Twins earlier in the year?
Liz gave up 2 runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Twins…
Maybe I was thinking about someone else, O’s leading 4-2 top 5
Looks like Sox did no better then the Twins against Liz in 5 innings.
John Q,
“He said he won’t make any more errors he has corrected his throwing slot.”
Buscher “corrected his throwing slot” in four days?
He has probably been throwing in his old arm slot for a long, long (use as many long’s as necessary) time.
And now, you think he won’t revert to his old habit in a pressure situation.
I’m sorry, but that sounds like “the alcoholic gave up drinking” story to me.
I hope that you are right, but your post sounds like it was written by the alcoholic’s family.
I turn away for a minute and the O’s are now leading 6-2 top 6
6-2 O’s.
Juan Castro 2-2, 2 RBIs so far
Mora HR, O’s lead 7-2 bot 6
O’s have two consecutive 1 pitch at bats and the game has entered the top of the seventh
I had us going 9-5 this trip. At 3-4 halfway through, not looking real good… 6-1 the rest of the way would be a bit much to ask.
Hey Juan Castro adds to the O’s lead…by hitting into a DP. 8-2
Props to Span and Buscher today. Nice to see Gardy’s moves pay off today. Defensive outfield in 8th results in gomez nice catch and span game saving throw out at the plate. Buscher pinch hits and stays in against a lefty replacement pitcher and drives in 2. Buscher gives Gardy credit for telling him to be agressive early in the count.
Eddie not so good today. 5-4 against the M’s this year. Glad to be done with them.
Jermaine Dye jacks one, 8-3
Rocky Cherry is in the game
HR, O’s lead 10-3
Another HR, 11-3
White Sox lose
We need to be in 1st place after this weekend.
Wow, the sox have scored 7 runs in the eighth. I almost feel sorry for the yankees. Almost.
Carlos G., Hola! As blue as we have been lately, you want “blue”? Try being a NYY fan or worse yet, member of management, this fine evening. Now that’s blue!!
We need the sox (red ones) to save a few runs for this weekend. I would love a red sox sweep. (Only time all year I can say such a thing).
Hey Daniel,
Yes, those M’s drained us. Some tough losses in August… But, a game out with a month to go. That’s a very good position and one we didn’t expect. I would like 3-1 against the A’s with 0-3 for the whities. Too much to hope for?
I still expect to lose 2 or 3 in Toronto…
Not at all, Carlos! Even a 3-1 series against the A’s and a 1-2 series by CWS and we’re in first. Toronto scares the dickens out of me. Depends on whether Halliday pitches Sun or Mon/Tues, when ever the series begins. He pitched last night in TB so I hope he comes back on Sun. That starting pitching and new-found hitting now that Rios and Wells are hot is scary. But that’s a series away. Let’s take care of the A’s first.
Yes, the Twins should have played much better against the M’s…and a 3-4 road trip so far is disappointing. However, if you include the continued game the Whities lost to Baltimore, both teams are 3-4 over the last seven. So with the trip half over, the Twins have not lost any ground. Before the trip, I remember seeing several predictions that the Twins would lose 2-4 games in the standings. So far? 0.
Twins need to play better–no question. But their position is not too bad at this moment.
