StarTribune.com

Twins/Orioles: Rain delay, potential rainout

Posted on September 12th, 2008 – 3:18 PM
By Joe Christensen

BALTIMORE — The Twins are 0-9 in road games against the AL East, as noted by La Velle today.

They hope to change that here at Camden Yards, where they struggled until going 8-2 the past two years.

It’s raining here, and rain is forecast through the evening, so I’ll keep you posted here with any updates.

Update (4:50 p.m.): It’s sprinkling now. People seem confident this game will go on as scheduled. I remember nights like this here, where the rain washes out batting practice, and the game goes off without a hitch. So we’ll see.

Also, the Twins lost a coin flip to the White Sox to determine home-field advantage in the event of a one-game playoff, should they end up tied at the end of the regular season. So if it’s all tied after the games on Sept. 28, the Twins will play at U.S. Cellular Field on Sept. 29, with the winner advancing to the Division Series.

The Twins also lost a coin flip to the Red Sox, in case there’s a tie for the wild card, so that one-game playoff would be at Fenway Park.

Update (5:25 p.m.): As you’ve probably read, the White Sox already plan to alter their rotation so Javier Vazquez, Mark Buehrle and Gavin Floyd will pitch in the three-game series at the Metrodome, Sept. 23-25.

To do this, Vazquez is pitching on three-day’s rest Saturday.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire announced no such plans.

“We don’t have that luxury,” he said. “I’ve got a bunch of young pitchers here getting up around 200 innings apiece, and we’re going to stay with what got us here and go from there. Try to protect their arms and all those things.”

The Twins have an off day on Sept. 22, so they can definitely tinker. If they decide to keep everyone in line, the three pitchers against the White Sox would be the same as this series against the Orioles — Scott Baker, Glen Perkins and Nick Blackburn.

“We’ve got a day off before that,” Gardenhire said. “We might be able to make a change then, if we need to.”

Update (5:55 p.m.): They have made no official announcements here, but this game won’t start on time. The tarp is still on the field, and the pitchers have not begun their warm-ups.

Update (6 p.m.): Also, O’s RHP Jeremy Guthrie has been pulled from Saturday’s start with a sore elbow. The Orioles will use LHP Garrett Olson on Saturday, with LHP Brian Burres expected to pitch Sunday.

Correction, the O’s will start RHP Radhames Liz on Sunday.

The Twins are catching a break because Guthrie has been their best starter.

Update (6:02 p.m.): They just announced an expected starting time of 6:35 p.m.

Update (6:25 p.m.): No new announcements but the ground crew was just about to roll up the tarp and changed its mind.

Update (6:55 p.m.): No new announcements — other than that the game is being delayed by inclement weather, duh. But the ground crew just left the field. It’s raining harder again, and I get the feeling, this one might get rained out.

Twins (80-66)

1. Denard Span, RF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brian Buscher, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF

Starting pitcher: Scott Baker (8-4, 3.66 ERA)

Orioles (65-80)

1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Adam Jones, CF
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Aubrey Huff, DH
5. Ramon Hernandez, C
6. Luke Scott, LF
7. Kevin Millar, 1B
8. Oscar Salazar, 3B
9. Juan Castro, SS

Starting pitcher: Daniel Cabrera (8-9, 5.26)

Camden Yards. First pitch: 6:05 p.m.

106 Responses to "Twins/Orioles: Rain delay, potential rainout"

fcmlefty says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:22 pm

I think I’ve seen this line up before…. :)

Actually, it’s nice they have settled into an almost every day line up.

bufftwins says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:27 pm

A win tonight would definitely help set the tone for the trip. I hope our hitters can be patient against Cabrera.

JimCrikket says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

I hope they don’t get rained out and see Cabrera skipped in the rotation without getting a shot at him.

saam says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:32 pm

Jim, if they get rained out, they’ll play two on either Sat or Sun.

ES16 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

If it is rained out and it’s a doubleheader, I bet they only televise one game.

gobbledygookguy says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

nice to see nicky get rewarded with his 50th+ start in a row after a 2 week .217 ave and 1 rbi.

bufftwins says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

I was happy to hear during yesterday’s game that Bob Showers is writing a book about Metropolitan Stadium. His book on the history of the North Stars was excellent.

thrylos98 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

there is no way there is a game tonight…

get ready for a Twin bill tomorrow

herb says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

I have heard that Gardenhire gets angry less often and keeps his cool better since his mental health therapy sessions began. It is ia positive thing for the Twins organization that they have helped him and recognized his problem. Hopefully he won’t strike out at the umpires during the stretch run and embarass the team again.

gobbledygookguy says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

saw my first pro game in 1959 at the met. yaz was playing for the millers and our neighbor worked for honeywell and got tickets right behind the visitor dugout. yaz was a star already in the making. good memory.

howeda says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

Planning on going to the game tomorrow, so maybe a double-header would be good. Get two games in.

unreal says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

there is no way that chicago will get a game in tonight or tomorrow according to the weather channel which gives konerko extra days to heal

fcmlefty says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

Both games were scheduled to be televised, so the only reason why they wouldn’t both be televised as part of a double header would be if there is some type of clause that says the Coolege football games scheduled to be on FSN North tomorrow have priority over MLB

BC of ND says:

September 12th, 2008 at 3:59 pm

Do they play baseball on the weekends when football starts?

Johnny Moses says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

How many web gems does Harris need to have before he gets a start?

Night Ruined

We have LNP yes we do, we have LNP how bout you!!!!

I would say going 2-11 against KC and carrying the hot bat is a great reason to get yet another start!

Sweetone says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

Heat,

I think Chicago will get tonight’s game in (at least enough for an official game). There is only a 30% chance of showers until 9pm.

They will play with light rain, especially this time of the year since it is difficult to reschedule.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

I hope atleast one game is played tonight!

howeda says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

FYI, the Twins lost a coinflip @ MLB headquarters. If tied with the Sox, the play-off game will be in Chicago.

little Miss Sarcasm says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

All I know is that they better get this game started on time and QUICK as possible…. I am here til it is over then out running a hurricane home…..so if it means swinging at the first pitch, lets hope there are some good first pitch hitters

Gardenporker says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:19 pm

Toni Basil

Nicky Lyrics

Hey Nicky - you’ve been around all night
And that’s a little long.
You think you’ve got the right but I think you’ve got it wrong.
Why can’t we say goodnight? So you can take me home
Nicky.
’cause when you say you will
it always means you won’t.
You’re givin’ me the chills

Baby
please baby
don’t
ev’ry night you still
Leave me alone
Nicky.

Oh Nicky
what a pity you don’t understand.
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Nicky
you’re so pretty
can’t you understand.
It’s guys like you
Nicky
ooh what you do
Nicky

Do
Nicky
don’t break my heart
Nicky.
Hey
Nicky - now when you take me by the who’s
Ever gonna know
and ev’ry time you move
You let a little more show.

There’s something you can lose - so don’t say no
Nicky.
So come on and give it to me anyway you can

Anyway you want to do it
I’ll take it like a man.
But please
baby
please don’t leave me in this jam
Nicky.
Oh Nicky
what a pity you don’t understand. . . .
Oh Nicky
what a pity you don’t understand. . . .
Oh Nicky
what a pity you don’t understand. .

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Looks like another 0 for 4 with 2k’s from the 9-hole tonight

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

If we’re tied with Chicago in the standings at the end of the year, doesn’t it go to head-to-head, then divisional record?

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:24 pm

Unreal (or anyone who can answer this)

Forgive my uninformedness, but what is Konerko’s status listed as?

JimCrikket says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:27 pm

Best of luck, LMS… travel safe.

JimCrikket says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm

I believe Konerko is “day to day” and they projected he could possibly be available as early as tonight.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Thank you, sir Crikket

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm

Chicago’s team motto is “Share the passion, show the swagger.”

I hate them.

Sweetone says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

Heat,

The H2H and divisional records only come into play if MN and Chicago are tied and Both teams make the playoffs. They determine which is the division winner and which is the Wild Card.

If both teams won’t make the playoffs than they play 1 game to determine the division winner.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

Let’s just hope we don’t face Duckworth in that final series against KC…gives me shivers just thinking about it…

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

Verlander or Danks, who do ya like?

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:38 pm

Unfortunately, Verlander isn’t what he was a few years ago

keach says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm

Gardenhire is responsible for ensuring that the team is ready to play, but on the road trips, they never seem to really be with it and often lose close games due to silly errors. Gardenhire is a poor manager and should be fired by the organization if the team is ever going to win championship and be better than the ‘not quire good enough’ reputation they are known for.

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

Verlander has been horrible as of late. He is bound to snap out of it sometime.

I wonder if the remnants of hurricane Ike will be around for the Cleveland series…

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Well said Keach. Same deal with “better” teams. The Twins almost always come out flat agains the Yankees or Red Sox on the road, and then Gardy just dismisses it after the game because of who they’re up against. His record in Yankee stadium is terrible. He needs to find a way to win in those situations or get someone in there who can.

billy says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

Matt Tolbert is a very good all around ball player and should be starting at shortstop instead of the inconsistent Nick Punto. Tolbert can be counted on in clutch situation whereas Punto is prone to flub up in crucial situations. Maybe Gardenhire will tire of Punto trying to look cute by throwing off the wrong foot on easy plays. Punto is over-rated as a ball player and is at his very best only a utility type of player. He should probably be sitting on the bench most of the time down the stretch run in order to prevent losing more close games.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

I don’t get into the Punto/Harris/Buscher/Tolbert as much as I do having Gomez in there period. Gomez does something to seriously hurt our team every time he’s out there. Besides his 1-2 K’s per game, it’s him letting runners advance because he won’t hit the cutoff man, or making a pitcher look like a genious by getting picked off, or taking a terrible route on the ball. Of course, if our manager would grab his pair and correct the kid, it might be a different story.

Skips Scramble says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

Gomez only has 2 games without hits this month so he is doing fine. He is the best defensive center fielder in baseball so don’t try to knock his defense.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

So who is there best hitter? Markakis or Huff? Roberts, maybe?

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:04 pm

He is fast. He is not the best.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:05 pm

And to be good at defense you also need to throw well and hit the cutuff man; Gomez hasn’t done that all year.

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

Gomez is 22 and his shortcomings can be corrected with good coaching. His raw talent, which is consderable, that cannot be coached.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

their*

little Miss Sarcasm says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

its not too bad, I am 100 miles inland, and have a 2 mile drive…… just get the game over quick……damnit, why isnt Harris in, he likes those first pitches!!! Atleast I know Delmon will help me out some

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:10 pm

Key phrase being “can be corrected with good coaching.” He won’t get that here. He missed the cutoff man in May and is still missing it. He bunted with 2 strikes then and still does now. And our manager just sits there and watches him do it…

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

Gomez is the best defensive center filder in baseball? Bet ya $5 he doesn’t win the gold glove.

Logan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

He might be the best someday, but 7 errors for an outfielder is too many to call him the best.

Yes, I know errors alone aren’t a good indcator.

Yes, I agree, he has great range.

He’ll get there, maybe, but he is not that best today.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

Good point MrEsterhouse, never thought of that one. You’re right, if he is the best CF in baseball, that good ol’ Rawlings should be his, and yet I be he doesn’t even get mentioned. Hell, Denard Span is a better CF than Gomez.

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

i want to have rough gay butt sex with gomez!

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

He will not get any better coaching in MLB than with the Twins organization - span was very raw last year, look at him now. Torii Hunter was raw but talented when he came up. The manager has many deficiencies, I agree, but teaching the fundamentals is not one of them. Gomez will learn.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Bad point, MrEsterhouse

Logan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Yeah, many people came here during spring training talking about Gomez’s wild throws and were assured that will easily be taken care of by drills and coaching.

It’s still there.

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

Team fundamentals have gone downhill ever since Tom Kelly left.

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm

However, I think we can all agree that he is better than what we talked about before spring training. Cuddy or Monroe is center. That’s just awful. It’s Jr in Chicago right now.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm

Is Hunter still the best?

Dan says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Span in CF and a healthy, productive Cuddy in RF is better

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

no i wouldnt call him the best. gomez has the best ass though.

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

how many errors this year are attributable to lamb, everett, harris, young and gomez? Players that did not come up with Twins organization. So who failed to teach those players the fundamentals.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

How many K’s does Baker get tonight?

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm

Real funny to take my name. Mr Esterhouse imposter

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm

B-more: This is Birdland.

flatblade says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Negativity about Punto: He has overperformed so far this year as a hitter–his numbers are better than Harris. Harris won’t be playing SS in a game that matters this year. He will probably start against a lefty at third, but that is all.

Gomez: Gomez is a fine defensive OF. He gets to more balls than anyone at the position. Is he the best CF? No, he makes too many mistakes, but he outruns a lot of them. As for other criticisms such as bunting with two strikes, well it is smart if it works. As a hitter, he is where he belongs, hitting ninth and he has done some good things, mixed in with the lousy at-bats and strikeouts.

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:24 pm

its also really funny because i really do love gomez’s ass!

MrEsterhouse says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

its also funny that you would know that im gay. how did you know i was gay?

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

Why isn’t Melvin Mora playing tonight? His first game back was lastnight.

mickey mental says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

twins lost a pair of coin flips? gotta blame gardy, punto, the bullpen and the front office.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

Don’t forget Go-go!

Bobby V. says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

Chicago will pull ahead while the Twins play TB. Look for the Twins to win 2 to 3 games on this road trip. Chicago will come to the Dome with a 4 game lead. Wait and see. Hate to say it, but the Twins are going to fold on this road trip.

gp says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

They started folding 2 weeks ago. Chicago refuses to bury them.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

You guys are as faithful as a bunch of atheists.

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:47 pm

“Carlos Gomez is one of 10 players in the Majors with 30 steals and 30 extra-base hits.”

from MLB.com

Twins says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:48 pm

BobbyV are you on dope?

gp says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

I have been faithful to this team for decades, but i have never seen them play this horribly in a stretch drive. Yes, I have lost my faith. It is over.

Aaron says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

Heatonator

Atheists ARE faithful. They have faith in that there is no god.

Twins says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

They took 2 out of 3 against the Royals. What is everyone complaining about? They played better on the homestand. Stop being a bunch of fairweather fans

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:53 pm

It would be great if the twins can go 7-3, but I am expecting around 5-5.

gp says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:53 pm

twins will finish the year at 84-78

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:55 pm

So the twins are going 4-12 to finish the season? This is the twins, not Oakland post-all star break.

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 5:59 pm

Even if the twins play like they did on their 14 game road trip for the rest of the season, their record would be 86-76.

Twins says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:00 pm

So many idiots on that post on here

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

30 minute rain delay in baltimore according to Gordo.

Aaron says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

So…has Punto taken Cuddy’s spot as team spokesperson? He can truely do it all.

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

and delays in boston and nyc

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

Hey Joe, any word on why Mora is out of the lineup? His first game back was lastnight.

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

“I think the manager decided for me to be the DH so I can go little-by-little,” Mora said.

Heatonator says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Well, I’m glad he’s out.

sid says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:23 pm

“And our manager just sits there and watches him do it…”

I always wondered why Gardy doesn’t call time out and run out to give real-time instruction to the players.
This is an instructional league isn’t it?
I don’t think the fans would complain about the delay, would they?

Aaron says:

September 12th, 2008 at 6:35 pm

I just looked at the radar in Baltimore…I dont think this one is getting started anytime soon, if at all tonight.

gatty790 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:12 pm

Lapanta’s play-by-play has been singed into my memory…

Chris (Winnipeg) says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:20 pm

Any chance this gets played or am I wasting my time waiting?

Chris (Winnipeg) says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:21 pm

What about the Bitch Sox? Rained out too?

gp says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:38 pm

sox about to start their game.

Chris (Winnipeg) says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:41 pm

mlb.tv says postponed.

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

called, double header tomorrow.

Chris (Winnipeg) says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

Twins or Sox?

thrylos98 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:43 pm

Philly, New York, Chicago postponed. No call yet for the Twins

Nora says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Twins games is postponed as well look on the next page of this blog.

thrylos98 says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

looks like the Twins game might go on… the rain is light now and the radar shows clearing… we’ll see

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

sorry, Twins-O’s postponed, double header tomorrow

Nora says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

I don’t think they are playing tonight at least according to Joe C.

TC fan in LA says:

September 12th, 2008 at 7:53 pm

wow, 6 games postponed by rain.

Aaron says:

September 12th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

The Twins website is reporting that there is going to be no game tonight…double header tomorrow