Sunday pregame: Twins/Royals
Posted on September 28th, 2008 – 10:15 AMBy Joe Christensen
The Twins clubhouse was typically loose this morning. If you didn’t know better, you wouldn’t have been able to tell the difference from any other Sunday morning all season.
“We’ve had all kinds of ups and downs,” Manager Ron Gardenhire said. “This is pretty resilient group. I fully expect us to play a good baseball game. I’m not worried about them not showing up. We’ll show up.”
(*) Obviously the Twins need to get to the playoffs for this to matter, but Gardenhire said the training staff is confident Kevin Slowey (bruised right wrist) will be able to throw a bullpen session by Wednesday.
That’s important because the Twins need to know he’d be ready for Game 3 of the ALDS before placing him on the playoff roster. The playoff roster must be submitted one hour before Game 1.
For now, there’s still lots of swelling and Slowey’s range of motion is limited, so the swelling will have to subside.
Royals (75-86)
1. Mike Aviles, SS
2. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
3. Jose Guillen, RF
4. Ryan Shealy, 1B
5. Mark Teahen, LF
6. Alex Gordon, 3B
7. Kila Ka’aihue, DH
8. John Buck, C
9. Mitch Maier, CF
Starting pitcher: RH Brandon Duckworth (3-2, 5.06 ERA)
Twins (87-74)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brendan Harris, 3B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF
Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker (10-4, 3.59 ERA)
Metrodome. First pitch: 1:10 p.m.
473 Responses to "Sunday pregame: Twins/Royals"
I like that Gardy is sticking with the lineup. Let’s hope Baker can give us a playoff worthy performance!
Let’s win today & watch the Whities choke on their own bile.
I agree with SoCal….Gotta go with the lineup that got us this far thru the entire season. PUPS will rule today, and win, while ChiSux will drool and lose…WIN TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!
You know by god i pity the poor bastards we are going up against I sure do. We are going to cut out there living guts and use them for pine tar on our bats. We are going to hit those Sox bastards by the bushel… Some of you boys are wondering is you will chicken out under the pressure don’t worry about it i can assure you that you will do your duty. The White Sox are the enemy wait into them strike them out, pitch them high and tight,when you take the plate that a minute ago was your friends 1 out runners in scoring position chance you will know what to do.
Now there is another thing i want you to remember, I don’t want to get any messages that we are playing for 2 of 3. We are not losing anything we will let the Sox hold. We are advancing constantly we are not interested in holding anything except the World Series. We are going to hold on to the sox by the nose and we are going to kick them in the a$$ we are going to kick them all the time and we are going to go though them like crap though a goose..
There one thing that you men will be able to say when the seasons over, and you may thank God for it. 30 years from now when your sitting around the fire with a grandson on your knee and he asks you what you did in the great season 2008 you won’t have to say well i rode the pine in AAA. Alright you guys you know how i feel. I will be proud to cheer you on the field any time any where.
That’s all
I personally like Harris in the lineup. Good for Gardy to get him out there. Bottom of the lineup has been huge over the past two series, and will have to be again. Let’s snap out of the funk and get it done!
John Buck does not do a very good job of throwing out runners. I really think we need to do a lot of running today to put pressure on there defense and force them into mistakes.
I dunno about the lineup, putting 2 people in CF, with nobody covering right seems like a mistake to me. I mean, they’re supposed to be fast and able to cover a lot of ground, right? Then we should probably be able to cover each field with one player….at least I’d think so….
good observation, Tweety, but even I knew that Span is in RF, in spite of minor error by JoeC…LOL. LET’S WIN TWINS!!!!!
Maybe if they start in the same spot they won’t run in to each other. They can make it a competition…who can get to it first.
Thompson is right. Hopefully get on base and run all day on Buck. The Twins sure have made this more difficult than it should have been. But if we win today, the White Sox have to win 3 in a row to knock us out.
Here we go…this game is huge! We gotta win!!!
Time to go with Breslow, Mijares, and Nathan. . no one else . . if we need to go to the bullpen today.
T-Mouse. I agree at least to the extent that it has been time to shut down Gurrier for at least a week. I’m OK with Gardy’s moves yesterday except for that. I know we’ve had three short starts in a row but I’d rather see Korecky. It’s clear that Matty G. no longer can be counted on.
Shut him down (yes even leave him off the playoff roster,) bring him to spring training physically and mentally ready to start ver oin his old role.
I’d be sad if I was a Royals fan.
Good luck to those guys though.
GO TWINS
The white sox have a guaranteed win today-cleveland is handing them a freebie. Twins must win.
the white sox haven’t stopped cleveland from scoring so far, what makes you think they will today, gp? especially with buehrle on 3 days rest? i know they have some nobody pitching for them, but sometimes those nobodies that you haven’t seen shut you down. either way, go indians, and just WIN TWINS!
I hope your right whalefeet, I’m just a little bitter about cliff lee’s phantom injury.
I hope we clinch today, I don’t want to play the Sox on Tuesday.
Oh, and go Bryan Bullington. Shut them down!
[…] Around the Majors – […]
Let’s Get Denarded!
An hour and a half until gametime, and I have a strange nervous energy…….I refuse to believe that the Twins will not make the playoffs after what I saw on that spectacular Thursday night. Baker will shut the Royals down…….and the Sox pitching will fail them again…….and we will clinch at the Dome a la 2006! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! GO TWINS!
Buehrle is pitching on three days rest after throwing the most pitches he had thrown in a game since ‘04. Santana was able to throw a shutout in a similar situation, but the Indians are playing pretty well right now.
Fortunately for us Buerhle has not pitched well on 3 days rest and he is most definitely not Johan Santana.
When the Twins win today 6 - 2, the White Sox will lose 14 - 7. End of story. End of season for Sox. There will be many changes to that team before next year. New manager & several new players. 
Also Buerhle has a 9.22 ERA against the tribe this season in 3 starts.
A Monday, Tuesday pre playoff set of games may be good for the local rev but not for MLB’s playoff scheduling. Fat chance for a Tuesday game.
Twins win today and ChiSox in a football game score (they may outscore the Bears and Vikings).
Skips.
I thought Buerhle pitchhed decent against us on 3 days rest last week-he shut the Twins down after the 3 runs in the 1st 2 innings.
Today hopefully he won’y get so comfortable.
Twins need to stop making things so difficult and win.
Right now Morneau couldn’t carry Punto’s jock. Champions live for moments like he had in the 7th inning. Thankfully he’ll have many more opportunites where he will come through big time. He needs a big game if the Twins want to win today.
I wish it hadn’t come down to the final game, but Baker is definitely the pitcher to have out there.
If the Twins could jump out to an early lead, I get the feeling the Sox would look up at the scoreboard and quit. That team is stumbling around trying to hold on, but one more punch would finish them.
Also the Sox pitching staff is in tatters with all the starters going on three days rest and the bullpen getting heavy work over the last three days.
Buerhle was on full rest last time out
just watched an interview on espn with tory hunter as guest. he was asked about differences between the twins and angles. he said there were a lot of similarities but that one was what a good manager scioscia was. specifically, when the twins played the angels in the ‘92 playoffs. hunter basically said he knows now why the angles won. he said the angel’s manager was really smart and the best. PERFECT! couldn’t agree more.
se, i’m not discrediting mike scoscia as a mangager, i mean he’s a good one. but i think having such a high payroll helps any manager. give him minnesota’s payroll and i don’t think he gets it done like gardy does.
Priahnas have teeth
Royals better not swim
In the Dome today
Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!
Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!
Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!
Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!
Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!Go Twins!
Go Indians. Score early, score often.
Baker, lead us to victory. Show us who the ace is…
gardy is clearly not beyond reproach, but whalefeet makes a very good point.
Shawn,
You’re correct. I had him confused with Floyd.
White Sox and Indians are underway. Sizemore down on strikes to start the game.
Can somebody explain to me why the Sox/Yanks are playing a double header?
The missed game is completely meaningless. Boston can’t change their playoff spot, and the Yankees have nothing to play for.
Is this that whole “OMG Boston/New York!” thing? Because if I’m Boston, I’d hate to have to play two games and risk injury playing a meaningless game.
All I know is that DrDon and I are going to battle our tails off on the blog today.
On the plus side, the Twins aren’t elminated if they lose. (Not technically)
However, if the Twins can pull their heads out of their butts and win…they’ll force Chicago to win three straight games to make the postseason.
I’m not sure why they are playing two either. MLB probably wants to keep up the money with the big matchup. Or they want Pedroia to have a better shot at the batting title.
re: payroll and results:
Tampa’s payroll is 2/3 that of the Twins. The Rays are playing in a division with 2 perennial contenders.
Give Gardy the Rays and the Rays do not make the post-season.
Let’s Go Twins!!!!!!
T, if you were in the Pedroia camp, you’d feel that justice is being done.
the season is over today:
Twins win
Cleveland wins
Mauer wins the batting title
This is a must win game and I can’t wait until 3 hours from now when the twins clinch the division.
Baker pitching all over the place (on purpose). That’s a GOOD thing…….
Please, how many first round picks does Tampa have?
Not pitching aboe 90 yet though.
I don’t care what Bert says. This IS just another game for those guys on the field.
Baker’s not going to pitch any differently then he did otherwise this season. Because his job today, as it always is, is to pitch well enough to win.
The only difference is player management, as there’s potentially two days or three days until the next game…
1-2-3 inning for Baker, I hope that the Twins score and score early
1-2-3 inning for Bullington. No score in Chicago after one.
Martinez by the way is NOT playing today.
Bad at bat for span to start the game
Hopefully the Indians will knock Burhle out early. He won’t throw over 100 they say after he threw 120 three days ago.
1-0 Indians. Homerun Peralta!
A Buck and a Duck!!!
T, if you were in the Pedroia camp, you’d feel that justice is being done.
I can’t imagine any Boston fan wanting the Sox to have to play a meaningless game.
The risk of injury, wear on pitchers…
cleveland up 1-0 peraltra goes deep
I think Pedroia will only play in one of the games.
I should add that Pedroia was sat in a game a few days ago.
And now that meaningless game is rain delayed. Which means the meaningless game is going to delay the scheduled game.
Okay Mauer, get us started!
I can imagine what ESPN would do if Pedroia plays twice and gets injured…
gatty: ESPN would start up a rally cry to have it so teams who have clinched can elect to not have to play scheduled games.
Selig would comply the rule would be enforced starting in 2009.
I think one of the Yankees/Sox games will get canceled.
Good at bat for Justin, he didn’t swing at the crap that was thrown to him…
Speaking of Hamilton…isn’t it amazing how quickly he was dropped off of the radar by ESPN following the All-Star Game?
Yeah, I haven’t seen him on there since.
how many first round picks does Tampa have
same as any other team: 1 a year… but here is a comparison of their picks the last few years with those of the Twins and their current league status
2007: David Price (majors)
2006: Evan Longoria (majors)
2005: Wade Townsend (bust)
2004: Jeff Niemann (majors)
2003: Delmon Young (majors)
2002: B.J Upton (majors)
2007: Ben Revere (minors)
2006: Chris Parmelee (minors)
2005: Matt Garza (majors)
2004: Trevor Plouffe (minors)
2003: Matt Moses (minors)
2002: Denard Span (majors)
the Twins develop players slowly and had a lot of questionable picks the last few years
Kubel, come on DON’T swing at crap with two strikes.
Not the way to start. 2 LOB already after 23 yesterday.
Anyone going to start a Twins LOB count for today?
1-1 in Chicago after Konerko’s third in two days.
Currently on the major league roster. Did you really think that I didn’t already know that?
There once was a pitcher named Duck
Who threw to a catcher named Buck
The balls they did fly
Up over and high
Twin runs came easy, royals in muck
I really do damn hope that Gardy/Vavra have SOMETHING up their sleeve with these Twins hitters.
Surprise bunt, butcher boy, bunt with 2 outs, choke up, different size bats, switch hit from the wrong side of the plate.
ANYthing.
Jim Rich looks like Bill Mahwer.
Nice bare hand play by Baker
So the Twins don’t play well until there’s adversity….
The Royals don’t play well until they’re eliminated…
What a bizarre bunch of teams in this Division.
Just don’t give up a HR
gatty, drinking choc milk yet?
Bases loaded one out for the white sox
No, not yet, but perhaps after the game…
Sox scored again on an error
Clevelqand gift wrappped a game for the Sox. Lee better be injured otherwise he is a wimp.
I guess he didn’t like that Harris would not strike out…
Great the Vikings are losing, the Twins can’t score, and the White Sox are going to blow out Cleveland
Lee has a “stiff” neck. I think he’s just trying to preserve his Cy Young.
There goes punto again
atta boy punto
Sox and Twins both trying to give the Division away…
Royals tried to give away the game yesterday…today’s so far as well.
Take that back about the Twins not scoring, hopefully
The sad thing is that even if lee gave up 10 runs in an inning today, he would still win the the Cy Young
Personally for a stunt like this, if that is the case, he should lose the Cy Young.
Hopefully span will have a good at bat
His comments just make it sound like he’s trying to make something up. Maybe it hurts, but that bad?
Halladay has good number too, with less run support. I hope he wins it…
Nora: The Twins in past seasons have sat players once they’ve been eliminated.
I believe they shut down Neshek and Mauer last season at one point, as well as Santana for a few.
I can’t recall how many games they played against contenders…but it’s a similiar situation in Cleveland.
The game is meaningless to Cleveland. And they don’t owe the Twins anything.
The Indians have a leadoff single in the third. Come on…
Plus, I’m not going to hold Cleveland responsible if the Twins fail to make the postseason.
They controlled their own destiny after the Sox series. (And yes, that includes if they played the 163rd game)
It won’t be the Indians fault, but I think it would have helped if Lee would have pitched.
We have missed two chances this weekend though.
Indians hit into a double play with a 3-1 count and a runner at first…
SPAN!
Nice hit for span
Oh most certainly TT. I’m disappointed in Lee for sitting for no reason if that’s the case.
Unfortunately I acn’t make an honest assessment of the situation due to the potential consequences of his decision.
This is serious, if Lee pitched Cleveland would’ve probably won
It’s kinda like my assessment of the Boston/NYY doubleheader.
I’m trying to look at it objectively…but I’m pretty sure the batting title race is coloring it.
Casilla you have to swing the bat, geez!
White Sox have not won yet. One word: Bullpen
Pedroia is 1-1 and hitting .326 on the season. Mauer is at .329
I don’t see any reason for Lee to pitch today. It is common for teams to shut down guys at the end of the season. Why wouldnt they what to see what this kid pitching can do against a good line up. I hate it it sucks but it is the truth.
I hate strike 3 looking. Swing the bat at least then you have a chance.
Nora, hopefully the Indians can get to their bullpen soon. You know Burhle won’t go over 100 this time.
Personally for a stunt like this, if that is the case, he should lose the Cy Young.
if Lee pitched Cleveland would’ve probably won
1)That game is only in the third so they still might win
2)If the twins would have taken care of business the last two days it wouldn’t matter.
3)Cleveland has every right to protect their ace.
4)We also avoided a good picture with KC shutting down Greinke.
5)Let’s quite b*tching about this because we’re starting to sound like the whiny sox fans that were complaining about Greinke being shut down
Umps are doing what they can to help in chitown
Okay
but Bert would have pitched. I think Lee is still mad at Gomez and the Twins
What happened?
Two, two-out singles for the Indians and Hafner will hit.
Did the Royals just seriously do that?
what an idiot
Scratch that, Hafner swings at the first pitch and flys out.
what do you all do when you need a good laugh?
That was a really easy outfield assist
Hafners career is all about over. What a hack.
Buehrle has 58 pitches after four innings.
Anybody else think Mauer will lose the batting title today?
Have a good at bat kubel, he will probably throw strikes now
If Mauer doesn’t get the batting title, I can live with it if the team still wins.
It’s called priorities.
No division title, no batting title, no mvp. That would suck.
No
I dont think he will lose it. That kid might take it away but it will be because he gets hot today.
I’ll give up the batting title (and I’ll be he would too) for a division title.
Thank you Royals
Well, it’s just a two-point lead and Pedroia has the rest of this first game and another.
KC trying to give it to us.
Wow, uh…mindfart much?
Twins have to take advantage of these BIG time.
Take advantage of the error.
Here is 3 run jack young
Yay, keep hitting the batters!
bunt
And he gets drilled
I hope this isn’t turning into “If you can’t beat’em, beat’em.”
Pedroia 1-1 .326
Mauer 0-2 .328
Need to clear the bases here
Please don’t K Harris
Twins better take advantage today. Don’t leave them all on.
Also, the Indians have more hits, but can’t capitalize.
I would rather Harris K, then DP
if a Minnesota team can lose something, they will lose, batting title, vikings, twins, all will lose
Harris, the guy is trying to walk you
Don’t SWING HARRIS, take the walk. NO DPs!
Or get a hit please.
Is the strike zone inconsistent?
I’m watching on Gameday, and it looks like balls are being called strikes, and vice versa.
Thank you royals again
Thanks royals.
Wow…
What the HECK is going on with KC?
strike zone is pretty good
The funny thing about that play…Buck catches the ball his foot’s still not on the plate.
Thanks, gatty.
KC looks like the old KC franchise which was essentially a farm team for the Yankees.
Royals want to give us this game, so take it!
MVP runner up almost missed the plate
Indian - White Sox, update, 1 on first one out, for Cleveland
Is this some kind of cosmic Karma thing?
The Indians are trying to hand the White Sox the game too. They just started something again and the guy got picked off.
And the hitter had a full count and walked the next pitch.
Punto, Punto, Punto.
That might have taken away a couple runs.
Amazing that the twins have decided to swing when the guy clearly cannot hit the strike zone.
Three horrible at bats in a row and the twins only score one run. That is disgusting.
LNP…
*Shakes head in disgust*
Ugh! I hope that doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass.
This guy will not find the strike zone 3 times in any at bat the bats need to stay on the shoulders this guy is way too wild.
LNP…
Is 1 for 2 and scored the so far winning run.
Nobody that inning had a good at bat. I don’t think a single ball left the infield…
Twins better win this division, because I hate to say this but I don’t think the Vikings are going anywhere until Chili goes
Morneau walked on four pitches, that is a good at bat
Shealy just got himself satted.
Morneau walked on four pitches, that is a good at bat
Forgot about that one amidst the chaos.
I never feel completley comfortable until Twins are ahead by 9 (2 grand slams and a kicker) But Hey!
Twins are ahead!!!!
Bakers pitch count is 49
3-1 White Sox after five. Come one Cleveland get those runners in.
If you aren’t laughing enough watching the Twins, turn on the Vikings, you can’t even get mad, you just have to laugh at how terrible they are, I’m literally laughing out loud on how poor they are, how many penalties they committ, how bad the play calling is…..I’m in a good moood now!
Unlike a lot of people on here, I am actually enjoying a baseball game today
If you aren’t laughing enough watching the Twins,
What if I’m laughing at your trolling attempts? Is there somewhere I can tune in to watch you make a further idiot of yourself?
I’m so far impressed with Baker. *knock wood*
He’s pitched well in a couple of big games of late.
Mauer gets a hit in this at bat, he probably wins the title
Another GIDP for Cleveland after a leadoff single.
Pedroia is batting .32615
Maurer .32830.
If Pedroia goes 3 for 4, he ends up .32771…
If Mauer goes 1 for 4, he ends up .32894…
If Pedroia goes 5 for 8, he ends up .32876…
So, if Maurer gets a hit, it looks like Pedroia will need at least 4 hits (and maybe 6) to overtake him.
The Twins game might be good, but trust me if you want some good laughs, turn on the Vikings, it’s like watching a high school 9 man team against the Patriots last year!
I agree, T, I think Baker is a big game pitcher.
Indians have eight hits, but only one run. They’ve hit into 3 double-plays. Also, they now have three innings to take the lead.
Please…
I’d trade the Vikings for a Twins win and Sux loss right now.
Man this is a funny comedy show on channel 9, our high school quarterback just fumbled the football
Buehrle has 94 pitches after six, is he done?
2 runs won’t be enough. We have to get something going. God this pitcher has a near 5 ERA!
I’d rather see Mauer hi .285 - .290 and 35+ home runs with 100+ RBIs than what he is presently doing.
We’d win 10-12 more games
I’m trying not to let the Chicago game enter my mind. The Twins control their own fate with a win tonight and a potential win on Tuesday.
Season’s in their hands.
Boy the Vikings are badly run, aren’t they?? It is painful to watch BONEHEAD Childress (mis)coach that talented team. Gardy looks like a genius in comparison!! :-0
SoCal, I agree on Childress. He threw Jackson under the bus and everybody got distracted by Ferotte managing to win last week.
Childress is an unimaginative playcaller.
I agree T, but I’d much rather take a few days off than watch a stressful game on Tuesday.
No doubt, baker is our “closer” and ace so far. Liriano still has head issues and will take him a bit longer, if at all. Also, do we have any “September-October Leaders?” Ala, Reggie J?
Is that Rincon coming into the game… Well we will see you on Tuesday.
Or a George Brett or a Kirby Puckett or a Kent Hrbek??
Rincon in for Cleveland
Great game for scott baker, also send that rotten chili back to Philadelphia
Mauer batting .32768…
Pedroia .32718…
Well hopefully the Tigers can knock them off tomorrow.
It’s funny to see the NFL.com “Game Center” with the Vikes’ arrows on the current drive going forward and backwards and then punting - hmm they cannot be that bad.
Juan Rincon is on the mound for Cleveland!!!!!
Go Rincon!
Juan closed out the 6th - send him a cigar!
3-1 White Sox after six. Hopefully the Indians can finally get some across. They have more hits…
Man, are the Twins constipated? They sure look that way. What’s wrong with these “hitters?”
Buehrle still in for 7th 95 pitches
Rincon? *shudders*
Tribe needs to get to the Sox bullpen.
Morneau is “Mr. April.”
All i can say i God bless the internet - “watching” the Twinkies, and both Sox games - looks like a tough day to be a MN fan!
Tougher for Vikings fans - who have more yards than the Titans and are losing by 13
Berrian CAUGHT ONE!!!
SoCal - i’m sitting in Denver - nice to see someone else throwing their money away on Direct TV
The Indians are done in the seventh after another double-play. Are you kidding me? Four GIDP…
Who cares about the Vikes………
Buehrle has 111 pitches, bet he comes out for the 8th Doesn’t look good for Cleveland
S**T looks like T-Jack is back!
hey romer, a MN fan does
He might be done. He just threw 120 three days ago.
TD AP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mauer in a neck and neck batting race.
Twins in a neck and neck pennant race.
And you guys are talking about the Vikings on a Twins blog.
Pathetic.
Hope so
Agree Romer
Mauer in a neck and neck batting race.
Twins in a neck and neck pennant race.
And you guys are talking about the Vikings on a Twins blog.
Pathetic.
I was just about to say something similar. Isn’t there is Vikings blog here?
Pedroia 2-2 .327
Mauer 0-3 .328
St. Louis, MO (AP) - Twins acquire Albert Pujols, Troy Glaus and Ryan Ludwick for Nick Punto and Boof Bonser in a surprising move by the new “GM Genius,” Billy “The Kid” Smith.
Romer, thanks for the batting race updates
Wow, Romer, i feel bad for you in a few weeks.
This could be the last Twins game of the year.
Lots of time for the Vikes all winter.
Quit jinxing the Twins’ chances.
And Rincon is going to give the game away. Hopefully the Tigers can win tomorrow. Otherwise, see you Tuesday likely.
Vintage Rincon…
Rincon is ready to concede the game - ugh
Heatonator, Mauer is batting .3276836.
Gift wrapping continues. Rincon is broght in.
i’m sitting in denver with my Twins banner flying in the window, Puckett jersey and last championship hat on - BELIEVE ME no jinx coming - Mauer will get a single and all will be well
Mets and Brewers each tied in their games.
5 - 1 Sux
5-1 White Sox. Looks like it’ll come down to Tuesday unless the Tigers sock us all.
Somebody send Juan Rincon a “gift.”
How do you like me now, Twinkies!!??
Gift wrapping continues. Rincon is broght in.KC gives us another error this inning.
Another error for KC - anyone know who’s pitching for Det tomorrow?
Freddy Garcia for Detroit tomorrow.
What is it like to coach, I mean, manage a baseball team? Is money any better? Can I hide in the dugout?
Jack Morris
Vikes are done - onlly Twins posts from now on!! 
Hey! Frerotte was intercepted at Minn 20 and Tenn scored!!! 30 -17 Tenn - Hey, Childress call Gardy for a bullpen coach job!!!
Vikes were done about four weeks ago.
Oh, okay. Thank you.
Duckworth looks like a CY Young award winner
Uh, what is his phone number?
At least our batters are making him look as such
and who’s pitching for the sux?
Sux are only using 5.xx + ERA pitchers today.
Floyd…
Oops - the Tribe that is!
Is Baker our ace?
Pedroia due up this inning.
Frerotte is getting sacked left and right!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!
Good thing my wife is a Cowboys fan - I can now switch allegiances until Brad leaves! Anyway, GO TWINS!!!
Thornton in for the Sox
That looked hit harder than it was
Baker IS our ACE! Bank (oops wrong choice) on it!
Thornton pitching for Sox
KC manager looking like a fool, bitching about the called strike. Wasn’t even close….well above the knees and down the middle.
How many pitches did Liriano throw Friday? Could he go on 3 days rest on Tues?
Might not see Baker till next Spring.
Vikes get any touchbacks today?
85 pitches Friday…59 for strikes, that was the bad part.
Liriano couldn’t go the other day on regular rest!
Gold, SoCal, gold.
[Everyone is out playing touch football.]
Pedroia batting 3rd this inning
FLA 4
NYM 2
CHC 1
MIL 3
Mauer and Pedroia both up!
In my script, Mauer gets a hit and then Morneau hits a three-RBI dinger.
Come on Mussina (GAG) strike his a** out!
Colorado 1
Arizona 0
End 1st
Oakland 3
Seattle 0
Bot 1st
WHO CARES!!!!!!!!!!! Mets, Brewers - WHO CARES!!
Florida got a good closer?
Pedroia GDP .327
more than one
.329
Pedroia hit into a DP and is hitting .326. Mauer leads by three points after that single.
All but “Your American League batting champ”.
This game isn’t won by any means. Terribly important AB for J. Morneau.
Mauer gets a hit - title is HIS!!!
Jenks K’s Francisco
Tuesday’s game stats count as reg season, if there is a Tuesday game.
Title is NOT his. Pedroia has another game tonight and Mauer might play another game on Tuesday (I think that counts).
Pedroia still at .327
Gregg first; Lindstrom (not NHL player) second
Yes, isn’t it a low .327?
Mauer .32894
Pedroia .32668
Pedroia out, Mauer hits - Your AL Batting champ, now let’s win the freakin game!!
MVP?
Indians - They gone! Tigers tomorrow Sux fans.
I think Justin just gave away his MVP possibility this last homestand
Morneau has SERIOUS head problems - he, Liriano and the rest of the bullpen are toking on the same reefer
There WILL be a game in Chicago tomorrow.
Brewers win, the Mets trail 4-2 and might lose the Wild Card.
You think Twins’ fans may like me? I need to sneak into MSP tonight and need a secret entry as well as place to hide.
Hopefully it’ll involve the Tigers scoring a lot and winning
No one cares about AAAA (aka NL)
I agree with Fran…give me NL updates in mid-late october
Strikeout for Delmon.
The NFL jerks on TV are making time to show CC’s victory over whoever and nothing has been said about the Sux or Twinks. Can’t buy me love
Going on a limb there Grey Goose
WOW, the twinkies, outside or Mauer, need a HUGE headcheck before tuesday - any chance they take tomorrow to hang out with a bunch of strippers on Lake Minnetonka (Just to relax and clear their heads?)
Mauer and Pedroia were a 1/2 point apart. Then each had an AB and now they’re more than 2 points apart.
These Twins don’t like women - they are too serious in making the playoffs to think about no stinkin’ women
Strikeout for Delmon. How’s the crow?
That’s a big hit right there! GJ, DY
See Delmon don’t like no women - he likes men who pitch fat ones to him
Wow, what a camera angle.
I mean…. What? A camera angle?
SoCal - it’s nice to see someone outside of MN with a sense of humor
Don’t the Yankees have a better record than either the Sux or the Twins??
Dick mentioned that the batting race isn’t over until if and when the tiebreaker is over.
NYY - We in, you out of this fun “post-season” fun
here’s the important part, SoCal, WHO CARES!!!! Crankees are DONE!
Trolls are here right on time
Will the Sox and Crankees play the 2nd game even though it’s meaningless?
Mijares in Spanish = I have cojones (and you don’t)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte hurt his hand late in the fourth quarter when hit as he threw from his end zone and was replaced by Tarvaris Jackson. Asked if he remembers the plays, TJ replied, “Uh, no but I do remember my locker combination.”
Fran mentioned it too. Thanks Fran.
What time is tomorrow’s game - trying to juggle annoying work day thing!
Question: If Slowey cannot go on Tuesday, Who does?
Mijares es el hombre!
BIG cojones, SoCal.
btw, could have used Mujares in mid-late August
Aaron, Slowey WILL not go Tues.
Blackburn probably.
Mijares es el fuerte
Slowey will not go Tuesday. He is shut down until at least Wednesday.
Probably Blackburn, but hopefully no game Tuesday after the Tigers maul the Sox tomorrow.
romer
then I shall cry…
Mijares has heuevos grande!
You’re watching what could be Punto’s last AB of the year (if the Twins lose today).
Fat chance…..
Punto gettin after it!
sane
has=tiene
Is Delmon the worst fielding OF in baseball? He has to be one of the worst.
Chicago, ILL (AP) - The Twins announced today that they will ask Jack Morris out of retirement in order to pitch this coming Tuesday(if the ChiSox lose tomorrow against Detroit). If they win, he and Baker will be the only starters the Twins will ever need. Morris was asked late today what he thought and he simply replied,”Give me the damn ball. It’s about time some of these young whippersnappers see how to pitch with real balls!”
Aaron, I’ve been crying for a three weeks, telling the Twins to change their rotation.
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The makeup of a rained out game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox is scheduled for Monday afternoon in Chicago if the game is necessary.
The game, which was rained out on September 13, will take place at 2:05 p.m. (et) in Chicago if one-half game still separates the White Sox and the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central race after play Sunday.
3-0 to Go-go?!?!
Hey all…DrDon is back….had to work today…Spent $17 grand of someone else’s money….I BE HERE and ready for a Miller Lite finally!!!!!!
Think there might be some throwing drills in the KC spring training camp next year?
romer…who cares what KC will do next year in ST…we want the PUPS to win, TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!
k - now the important question IF the SUX get by Det tomorrow, what timne on Tuesday is the Game - trying to juggle a wedding ann with the game
Another walk for Superspan
Twins will win today….WhiteSux will lose tomorrow….I made a Bert call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
looks like Pedroia will get anothe AB today - any word on whether they will get a makeup game in Bos?
deman5
I would imagine they would…it is the yanks vs. the Sox, afterall. Whether the SOx will start thier startes is another question
Joe Man will open the game up now……..
Aaron,
“has=tiene”
Thanks!
I was speaking Spanglish.
You already drank some of today’s MillerLites yesterday, didn’t you DrDon?
You’re my boy, take it EZ on the sabboth.
:)>
YESSSSSSS……THE JOE MAN DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
johan’s season over, twins still playing.
Gardy, just let a big blowfart out. Then take Mauer OUT OF THE GAME.
Ya got two other catchers for God’s sake.
What a call by DrDon…..Me and Bert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Pedroia’s batting now
Nice hit Joe, but that really would have been nice lasy night.
Congrats to Milwaukee.
Time for Justin to pad his RBI total
I love you man, mickey mental.
But I caught up today romer, had to work today….catch up time again…I am now even from yesterday.
Joe Mauer deserves the MVP.
World Series…MN TWINS PUPS VS. BREW CREW FROM MILWAUKEE!!!!!!!!!! LET’S DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
The twins made it to the playoffs this year. And although it might be only one game in length, the Twins will play 162+ this year
Pedroia K’s!!!!!
Johan is finished and Carlos Gomez is still playing. Ha-ha. Who ever said life was fair?
You are right, Craig….JoeMan for Batting Title AND MVP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gatty790 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
The twins made it to the playoffs this year. And although it might be only one game in length, the Twins will play 162+ this year
Not bad for the team picked to finish BEHIND KC this year!
2 strike Nathan is always going to throw a ball. LOL
Omar Minaya has to be fired after not making the playoffs in collapse fashion again. Nah, give him an extention.
I bet the Marlins are riding high once again. They have eliminated the Mets twice in a row now!
Mauer .33020
Pedroia .32618…
If Pedroia goes 3 for 4 in the final game, he is .32876…
Craig…you are one cool dude after all………..Johann could have stayed, chose not to….too bad, so sad…see ya Johan!!!!!!!!! GO TWINS, GO BREWERS, LET’S HAVE A BREW/TWINS WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!
The Twins finished the regular season with a good win. I hope Fred Garcia can pitch the cap off the ball against the WSox.
I can’t wait until my playoff tickets arrive!
88 wins for the twins. crazy as hell.
Pedroia will NOT go 3 for 4…
I can’t imagine many of the Tigers wanting to play baseball tomorrow. Jim Leyland will have to find some guys willing to go through the motions. What a drag for the Tigers.
I have had a lot of fun this season with the twins and that is the main reason I flip flopped the twins into my favorite team category. Can’t wait to play the rays…
Craig…..Tigers hate SheeKaGo….Tigers will win!!!!!!!!
Doc,
Johan loved the Twins and wanted to stay in Minnesota.
so whats the scenario for determining the division winner? Does the winner of the Tuesday game (if necessary) win the division, or, if theres a tie after 162, is there a set tiebreaking system (like, head-to-head record, etc.)?
The Twins better print new “goal” jerseys for the players.
Their 162-all-the-way thing is moot now. And they achieved that goal.
But it isn’t enough, is it.
It’s a disgrace to baseball that a team like the Brewers are in the post-season. They have some good pitching, but the rest of that team is disgusting.
There is only a game Tuesday if there is a tie after 162. That game would be the tiebreaker.
The Sox are playing the Tigers tomorrow because they have not played 162. It is a make-up of a game rained out two weekends ago.
WOW 162 games and we’re STILL talking/playing baseball in MN!!
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!PLAY LIKE THE MADDOG JUNKYARD MUTTS!!!!BEAT THE WHITESUX!!!!!!!!!!
Their 162-all-the-way thing is moot now.
The t-shirts actually say 162+, so they don’t need new ones.
What time would the play-in game with the White Sox be on Tuesday?
It doesn’t seem fair that Mauer could lost the batting title if he has a bad day if the Twins have to play the xtra game.
It doesn’t seem fair that Mauer could lost the batting title if he has a bad day if the Twins have to play the xtra game.
Fair?
In the past, I always wanted to see a Cubs/WhiteSux World Series….Now I want a PUPS/BrewBunch World Series.
Hey Nora….a Batting Title is based on an entire season…and if an extra game determines it….so be it. If JoeMan deserves it, he will get it, along with a Central Division Title…If we deserve it, we will get it.
“It doesn’t seem fair that Mauer could lost the batting title if he has a bad day if the Twins have to play the xtra game.”
“Fair?”
gee, maybe they should sit him…
Doc,
But the Twins couldn’t pay Johan enough despite all his love so the Twins did the smart thing and traded him.
Pedroia is down to .326
Mauer is sitting at .330
I would love to see Twins-Cubs world series because that would make the entire city hate the twins…
“Johan loved the Twins and wanted to stay in Minnesota.”
He said it was about the money and the grass field in Anaheim.
Not enough grass and $$$ to overcome his “love” for Minnesota.
If Johan really wanted to stay he would be here.
Looks like Mussina is going to get win number 20. Welcome to the hall of fame…
It’s all about the $$$$$$, my friends…..I will change jobs for the right $$$$$$$$$$. But I am retired, and have choices. And my choice will always be $$$$$$$$$$.
Johan had to select either love or money.
Love finished last in a field of 126,000,001.
Can’t find any game time set yet for the Tuesday game (if necessary). Don’t really care, hopefully that game will never be played.
One game at a time. Detroit Tigers at Chicago (AL) tomorrow. Day game at 1:05 Central time. Go Tigers!
Hey gatty….Cubs’s fans have been pulling for the PUPS to get in instead of the WhiteSux…..Twins Pups vs. Cubs in World Series….I wonder who the White Sux fans would root for….hee hee heee heeeee heeeeeee LMAO!!!!!!!!
Tigers pitching Fredy Garcia is a white flag. Damn shame. His velocity is over 5 mph less than before and his breaking ball hangs. The Sox will tee off all night long. “You can put it on the board” and “Yes!” from the Hawk all day long. But if we can’t beat the White Sox Tuesday we don’t deserve to win.
If Mauer were to go 0-5 in the possible Tuesday game, he would finish at .32713…
Pedroia is currently .32618…
Tigers game is on WGN tomorrow.
will Pedroia be playing in the nightcap tonight?? I would he? The game means nothing
Yeah, I agree. Johan’s love for the Twins could only go so far. Trying to pay the guy half pay, isn’t going to keep the love flowing.
He still loves Minnesota and the fans, but he had to respect the game and his fellow ballplayers. He had to move on, due to Carl’s cheapness.
The Twins got rid of the black and hispanic players, so they could pay the white players.
After such a good regular season to watch, the only thing that comes to my ND brain is Oof Duh…
Craig….that was nasty!!!!
Mets overpaid for him. Twins were not cheap if they did not spend that much money on one player.
“Johan loved the Twins and wanted to stay in Minnesota.”
He said it was about the money and the grass field in Anaheim.
Not enough grass and $$$ to overcome his “love” for Minnesota.
JOHAN DOESN’T PLAY IN ANAHEIM. HE PLAYS IN NEW YORK. TORRI PLAYS IN ANAHEIM…
Minnesota fans won’t buy tickets to watch black and Hispanic players. Carl invested in white boys.
“The Twins got rid of the black and hispanic players, so they could pay the white players.”
I guess they screwed up with Kirby.
Craig….go to bed, and sleep it off. Nasty comments!!!!!!
Minnesotans are very racist. Especially sports fans. There are a few exceptions, like me, but most Minnesota sports fans are extreme bigots.
I WOULD much rather see liriano pitch than blackburn if the twins have to play the white sox…
New and Improved is still old and diseased.
The biggest thing about the potential 163rd game is that the Twins will have a day of rest and the White Sox will have played 16 games in 16 days…
Doc,
It’s just an observation. Johan and I love Minnesotans, despite all of the small minded prejudice.
Any comments from “The New and Improved Craig says:” are to be ignored….Bad, Bad, Bad, Craig……….
That is why the Twins have Span, Garcia Gomez, etc. playing right now. Twins paid the best players on the team to reasonable contracts.
Sorry, Casilla not Garcia. Don’t ask why I did that. LOL
Minnesotans are very racist. Especially sports fans. There are a few exceptions, like me, but most Minnesota sports fans are extreme bigots.
Those are big claims, do you have any data to back them up. Stirring up or sensationalizing racial concerns with no basis is dangerous as it de-legitimizes real problems and issues.
Craig….with the last few comments of yours…YOU, my friend, are of the small minded prejudice…..Please go to bed and sleep it off…Your last few comments are NOT acceptable to me. 
Torii and I are trying to get inner city kids involved in baseball. That’s one of the reasons Minnesotans hate us.
“Minnesota fans won’t buy tickets to watch black and Hispanic players.”
“The Twins got rid of the black and hispanic players, so they could pay the white players.”
Young, D.
Gomez, C.
After 162 games of yet another season of grumbling, The New and Improved Craig is neither.
Look now ladies:
Buscher is naked behind punto!
“Torii and I are trying to get inner city kids involved in baseball. That’s one of the reasons Minnesotans hate us”
Why would anyone hate anyone for that?
On the other hand, for stupid, ignorant, divisive, inflammatory and unfounded statements, its easy to hate you, Craig.
Torii was never stupid, but you certainly are, Craig.
Hey gang….Craig owes an awful lot of us an apology….until he apologizes….NO recognition to his comments….NO replies, no NOTHING!!!!
romer,
I am sure there are non-prejudiced sports fans, so you don’t need to personalize it. I just don’t think there are very many, and that is based on personal observation.
I think Pohlad and the front office sees things the same. That’s why they invested in white players. They want to sell tickets and make all the money they can for Carl.
Why would anyone hate anyone for trying to get kids to play any sport…
IGNORE CRAIG!!!!!!!!!
IGNORE CRAIG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeez, I think the first episode of L&O: CI is on Bravo.
That is one of my favorite shows…
2010 says —- “JOHAN DOESN’T PLAY IN ANAHEIM. HE PLAYS IN NEW YORK. TORRI PLAYS IN ANAHEIM…”
Kid, you don’t have to yell.
With my lousy hangover, I f**ked up and mis-remembered that it was Hunter whom I saw at 4:30 this morning being interviewed on that little McCarver show.
And actually, playing on grass is a pretty good reason for Hunter to have left.
Can’t think of a good one for Santana’s leaving.
““Minnesota fans won’t buy tickets to watch black and Hispanic players.”
I guess Minnesota fans watched the Vikings (and sold out the Dome)to see Joe Senser, not Randy Moss, Chris Carter, Dante Culpepper, Robert Smith, John Randall and on and on and on….”
Nonsense!
IGNORE CRAIG!!!!!!!!!!
Don,
I never said ALL Twins fans are bigots, so I really don’t owe anyone an apology.
People who aren’t bigots should have no problem with what I said.
I’m not going to apologize to bigots.
Not sure if this has been posted before, but I was checking out the latest ESPN power rankings and I found this to be pretty interesting:
“Matt Garza has pitched more than five innings in only one of his past four starts, and during that span has compiled a 4.57 ERA.”
Just something to think about for those who think the Twins-Rays trade was a mistake.
People who aren’t bigots should have no problem with what I said.
Again Craig, making substantiated claims of this nature only succeed in undermining real racial issues we deal with in our society, so yes, as someone who sees many racial problems in our society I have a problem with what you said because it is reckless in the least and even boarders on bigoted. If you actually are interested in anything beyond trolling (and you are trolling) you may want to change your tone.
When the Pittsburgh Pirates fielded 9 black players, fans booed and wouldn’t stop. I don’t think people in Minnesota are any less prejudiced than people in Pittsburgh.
I am not a bigot.
I don’t want any apology.
I just want some evidence to back up those unfounded and divisive accusations about my neighbors, friends, family or just Joe Minnesota.
As … says, there ARE bigots and there IS racism out there which should be combatted and that crusade should not be distracted by this kind of stupidity.
Also, I think Justin won the RBI title didn’t he?
No that’s right, Hamilton has 130
I talk to many people, and I would say 99 out of 100 white people in Minneapolis are bigots. It’s even worse in St. Paul and the suburbs. They aren’t all Klansmen types, but they are Klansmen lite. That’s just a personal observation.
“When the Pittsburgh Pirates fielded 9 black players, fans booed and wouldn’t stop”
That was a different time and I would think that situation would not occur in Pittsburgh or Minnesota in 2008.
Think I just heard that tomorrow’s Tigers game is on ESPN-TV too.
Thank God I won’t have to listen to Harrelson.
Have a great night, everyone.
Hey craig, does this mean Obama stands a snowballs chance in MN?
jon…do NOT try reason with Craig today…he needs to go to bed and sleep it off. Or, To be honest, I think this is not the Craig that we have previously met in the blogs, but an imposter. So Let It BEEEEEEEE.
ni ni romer……….
I apologize to any non-bigot who was inadvertently offended. That was not my attention.
I was just addressing this to bigoted Minnesota Twins fans, who are the vast majority of Twins fans.
The context was the Twins paying millions to white stars and nothing to the black and Hispanic stars.
Mourny, Mauer, Cuddy and Nathan are excellent players. The Twins, the players and the fans have there joy and fun. Santana, Torri and I understand the deal.
I think white people get all upset, because so many are in denial about their bigotry.
Hispanic ballplayers are treated the worst in Minnesota. That is a reflection of the community. Hispanic people are really mistreated in Minnesota. They are the victims of so much bigotry and discrimination. The city of Minneapolis is a hot-bed of anti-Hispanic hate.
What is this based on? You have nothing to back it up.
The white stars are not 30+ years old and didn’t ask for $90+ million
I think white people get all upset, because so many are in denial about their bigotry.
I think most people (not just whites) get upset when people make reckless, unsubstantiated, and inflammatory remarks generalizing populations. By doing this Craig, you are the one being a bigot.
Nora,
Like I said, this is just my observation.
… says,
I’ll bet most non-whites living in Minneapolis would agree with me. I’ve seen and heard so much hate directed at minorities in Minneapolis. Especially directed at minority immigrants. It’s just awful.
I’ve seen and heard so much hate directed at minorities in Minneapolis. Especially directed at minority immigrants. It’s just awful.
And like I said, there certainly are bigots and racists out there and minorities and immigrants definitely have hate directed at them. But what you are saying (99 out of 100 people being bigoted) is wrong. And like I said, your ranting does nothing to improve the real problems but, like all misinformation, only works to impede real advancement on these issues.
My intention was not to insult white people in Minnesota. I am sure there are white people in Minnesota who are not bigots. I don’t want to cast negative aspersions upon them. Some are even sports fans.
I was simply pointing out that the Twins do not try to attract minorities and a small number of non-bigoted whites to the stadium. They understand the demographics, and are trying to draw in their base of support: The typical, bigoted, white Twins fan.
As you can see, very few white Twins fans object to this, because they know who they are. They don’t object because they know they are bigots, and don’t care. They are happy the white boys were signed, and the black and Hispanic players were discarded.
As you can see, very few white Twins fans object to this, because they know who they are
Wow Craig, you are full of logical fallacies tonight. Once again you’re making a fool out of yourself and frankly most people probably don’t want to engage you because you’re making out to be the bigot and people generally don’t like to deal with bigots.
Hey, here’s a novel idea - baseball talk! Looks like Pedroia’s not playing in the 2nd game!!
… says,
I haven’t called anyone personally a bigot. I never said this person or that person is a bigot. If the shoe fits, wear it. If it doesn’t, discard it.
Craig,
Are you saying that (hypothetically): if the Twins had re-signed Torii and Johan and added Pujols, Big Papi, Sabathia, ARod and Hanley Ramirez:
(1)the Twins fans would have been angry?;
and
(2) the Twins fans would have stopped attending Twins games?
Who is the most hated player on these blogs?
Is Nick Punto a closet minority?
Your accusations just don’t make sense to me.
jon,
No of course I am not saying that. The Twins have a limited budget. Black and Hispanic players are last hired and first fired. That’s all I’m saying.
Now there is almost always the token minority (usually black) superstar that is the exception to the rule. He is just racist subterfuge.
Craig,
“Black and Hispanic players are last hired and first fired”
Gomez and Span beating out Pridie refutes the last hired accusation.
If Hunter were 27-years-old, (like Morneau) instead of 33-yrs-old asking for a 5-year deal, IMO he would have gotten it. If anything, Torii (and Johan) are victims of age discrimination.
