Thursday lineups: Twins/Brewers
Posted on June 25th, 2009 – 9:51 AMBy Joe Christensen
MILWAUKEE — The Twins are heading into a potential emotional swing game today, after Wednesday night’s stunning 4-3 loss to the Brewers.
A loss would mean dropping back-to-back interleague series, falling two games below .500, and this slump hasn’t come at a good time, with Detroit reeling off six consecutive victories.
It’ll be Scott Baker (4-6, 5.22) vs. Brewers rookie Mike Burns (0-0, 0.00). Burns was called up from Class AAA Nashville, replacing the injured Dave Bush and will be making his first major league start, though he has a 5.46 ERA in 46 career relief appearances.
Another note to ponder: The Twins are 8-17 in day games this season. They’ll have Denard Span back from the disabled list. Assuming he’ll be back in the leadoff spot. I’ll post the lineups ASAP.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said he checked with Joe Mauer and Joe Crede this morning and both gave him the thumbs up to keep them in the lineup for today’s series finale.
Mauer likely will get a break on Saturday afternoon in St. Louis.
Nick Punto has an afternoon appointment, to get his ribs checked, and Gardenhire said Punto or a replacement will be joining the team in St. Louis on Friday. With Alexi Casilla injured at Class AAA Rochester with a sore groin, one possible replacement is Steve Tolleson, though he has committed three errors in recent days.
Matt Tolbert was banged up turning a double play on Wednesday night. Gardenhire said he would have started Michael Cuddyer at second if Tolbert wouldn’t have been able to play, adding that Cuddyer could get a start at second base this weekend in St. Louis.
Update: Kevin Slowey stiffened up a bit after a throwing session Wednesday but made it through another session today just fine, so he’ll make Saturday’s start, as scheduled.
Update: Class AA New Britain outfielder Rene Tosoni, a Toronto native, was selected to play for the World Team in the All-Star Futures Game on July 12 in St. Louis.
TWINS (36-37)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Brendan Harris, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, LF
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Joe Crede, 3B
8. Matt Tolbert, 2B
9. Scott Baker, P
BREWERS (38-33)
1. Craig Counsell, 2B
2. Casey McGehee, 3B
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Prince Fielder, 1B
5. Corey Hart, RF
6. Mike Cameron, CF
7. J.J. Hardy, SS
8. Jason Kendall, C
9. Mike Burns, P
Miller Park. First pitch: 1:05 p.m.
285 Responses to "Thursday lineups: Twins/Brewers"
Tolbert catching again today?
Mauer certainly won’t be playing today unless he pinch-hits.
Mauer could use a day off right now. His bat has looked slow. Twins will need him in St Louis for sure
Easy to peg today’s lineup:
Span CF
Harris SS
Morneau 1B
Kubel LF
Cuddyer RF
Crede 3B
Morales C
Tolbert 2B
Baker P
Only thing that could change would be if Crede needed ANOTHER day off…Then Buscher would just take his spot in the lineup.
so mauer isnt starting today?
Adam, except Redmond will be catching.
Day game after a night game + no DH = no Mauer.
This is a game when Baker, the closest thing to a veteran in the rotation, has to step up.
The offense, facing a rookie emergency starter, has to do the same and not make him look like Cy Young.
Not too good in day games and not too good against new pitchers. Maybe Span will step up!
Why did they put TBA in the lineup? TBA has a horrible OPS+, and his fielding is subpar. TBA is taking valuable playing time away from younger players with more potential!
Benny,
I agree that it will be Redmond. Other than that I think Adam nailed the lineup.
Right on, Icon. TBA is blocking Toby Gardenhire and Matt Moses.
According to Acronym Finder, TBA stands for “Think Before Act”.
Do we have nine guys who can do that?
Can anyone tell me why Jason Pridie didn’t play in any games when he was up here? I think there were some games where he could have started. What a waste.
How come Mauer isn’t playing did he get a blister? It just shows women are the stronger sex.. HEHEHHEEHEHEE
Pridie was just here as a back-up. Nothing more, nothing less. Well, maybe a pinch runner. But nothing more, nothing less.
Morales better be starting today. Or I will be mangry!
Do we have an ETA on the TBD?
Make that TBA to stay precise…
TBA was the disease the Bluths held a fundraiser for in Arrested Development.
I miss that show.
“Arrested Development” could be the nickname for the Twins.
The Twins must win today. In a crappy division where only one team is playing over .500 ball there’s no excuse for where they stand. They have to start winning series’ and get their act together. There are games where any decent team should absolutely win and this is one of them. A blowout should be expected. A loss here and you can just spit at the rest of the season.
its time for the twins brain trust to get very serious about this season and, to start with, get rid of the dead weight on this roster..they are carrying too many AAA type talents and pretending they are capable big leaguers…tolbert, buscher, and henn come to my mind immediately and there may be another or two, but definately replace those 3 slugs on this roster and do it before its too late- this season is starting to get away from them ….6 out is borderline danger area…get it together mr smith
i couldn t agree more brook–this team is going to get into a position where every day they are going to have to win and its going to get to be a very stressful situation-the fun is going to be gone from this season…
Jennifer if just coming here to talk smack……………well don’t. Today’s lineup
Leadoff and LF=TBA
2b=ASAP
SS=SNAFU
Cleanup and 1B=MVP
RF=DL
3B=MIA
C=POS
CF=SST
Pitching and batting ninth=WTF?
if “you are” just…..
(we have feelings too)
I hope Gardy doesn’t go with the ful “B” squad today. That would be a disaster.
Sure seems like the Brewers want to win this game. I would label that as their “A” lineup again.
“to start with, get rid of the dead weight on this roster..they are carrying too many AAA type talents”
The players who would replace those “AAA type talents” are currently AAA players……………….probably for a reason.
You beat me to it sane. Good reply
Why can’t we trade some AAA prospects for a proven major leaguer? That is the question. We don’t always have to be stuck with using replacements at AAA!
They may be AAA types, but you can’t tell me there’s not someone in the minor league system who could come up to replace Tolbert and hit better than .200.
Punto should be in AAA!
Duane,
“Why can’t we trade some AAA prospects for a proven major leaguer?”
When some of the MLB teams start giving up on this year (July?), that can happen.
Until then, teams (with hopes) want to hang on to their proven major leaguers.
Why wait till July? Act now on your team’s weaknesses. I think a team like Washington has already given up.
“you can’t tell me there’s not someone in the minor league system who could come up to replace Tolbert and hit better than .200.”
Tolbert could replace Tolbert and hit better than .200.
Everyone hitting like crap is not necessarily a crappy hitter.
Tolleson could come up and hit .300……or .100.
“I think a team like Washington has already given up.”
No evidence of that.
They haven’t started trading “proven” mlb players for prospects to anyone yet.
Sane-
You truly are the expert aren’t you?
Adam S, you shouldnt post lineups if you have no idea what you are talking about.
Wow, very surprised to see Mauer back in there today. I think this is the best possible lineup.
A lot of people are now wiping the egg off of their face
Well here we go. Brewers pissed away the first one… Twins pissed away the second one. That’s BB.
Let’s drop the hammer today.
Duane,
Teams rarely make trades in July…not just the Twins…everyone. Why? Cause getting someone now would cost more than getting them in July. As for Washington…the only people that would be worth trading for aren’t going to be traded.
it might be hard to find any “proven” major league players on the nationals roster.
Detroit winning six in a row makes this one especially important. Within two at the All Star break would be nice.
Ever heard of Adam Dunn?
“You truly are the expert aren’t you?”
No.
Jennifer says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am
How come Mauer isn’t playing did he get a blister? It just shows women are the stronger sex.. HEHEHHEEHEHEE
______________________________________
Adam S. says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Easy to peg today’s lineup:
Span CF
Harris SS
Morneau 1B
Kubel LF
Cuddyer RF
Crede 3B
Morales C
Tolbert 2B
Baker P
Only thing that could change would be if Crede needed ANOTHER day off…Then Buscher would just take his spot in the lineup.
____________________________________
Benny W says:
June 25th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Mauer certainly won’t be playing today unless he pinch-hits.
_____________________________________
Benny W says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Day game after a night game + no DH = no Mauer.
______________________________________
Thanks for reminding me why I usually don’t read these comments
“Ever heard of Adam Dunn?”
Dunn, Zimmerman, and Johnson are certainly all proven MLB players. Problem is, neither Dunn nor Zimmerman are getting traded (certainly not for what the Twins could offer), and we have nowhere to put Johnson. He’s obviously not going to take over 1B, and putting him at DH would mean Kubel in the field every day which would be a horrible idea.
Wow. I did not expect Joe Mauer to catch today. He’s been slumping and he just caught a night game last night after a really tough night game the night before.
Then again, the Brewers put their catcher back out there, too. Maybe Mauer and Kendall have some sort of bet going about who’s tougher.
If Mauer is catching the 3rd game in this series, I don’t mind being wrong.
A little sense of urgency with this lineup today. I like it.
Does this mean Iron Joe will get the night off tomorrow? Saturday is a day game as well…
Good for Gardy to pencil Mauer in today…however, I still like the lineup better when he bats second, though.
Shooter Hunt is trying to get back on track in today’s GCL game. Let’s hope for good things, because, in a few years, I want a pitching staff with names like Shooter Hunt, Dakota Watts, Billy Bullock, and any combination of first names like Cesar, Pedro, Carlos, Renzol, Angelo, Eliecer, Andrei, and Edison. You can have your Mike’s, Phil’s, Tony’s, Kevin’s, and Tyler’s.
“one possible replacement is Steve Tolleson, though he has committed three errors in recent days.”
So what, get him here. We need to give more guys a shot at taking off at 2B so we’re not stuck with a .200 hitter at that position all season.
Jason, Gardy’s comment seem to hint that maybe Cuddyer is an option at 2B. That would also solve the OF quandry now that Span is back. I have a hard time believing though that Gardy would really go with Cuddyer/Harris up the middle. His pal Punto would end up at SS when healthy, so you’d essentially be trading Harris for Young/Gomez which is a bad trade.
If, however, he is actually willing to play Cuddyer at 2B and Harris at SS, you would essentially be trading Punto for Young/Gomez and that is a good thing.
With the righty on the hill you gotta have Kubel in the lineup. Span has earned his regular playing time. So that leaves Cuddy, Young, and Gomez for the last spot. While Gomez is playing well right now, I understand the decision to not play him today.
I hope Gardy gets Gomez back in the lineup atleast a couple times in St Louis.
There’s a part of me that really wants to see Cuddyer try to play 2B again. It would be funny in a sadistic kind of way.
i’m not interested in a AAA player who makes errors.
Cuddyer wasn’t terrible the few times he played there in 2005 but he was average at best. 4 years of not playing there and age have probably taken that to below average. Mourneau being very good at 1B helps. But a MIF of Cuddy and Harris is a little scary. Certainly you wouldn’t want that on days
Blackburn pitches.
“so we’re not stuck with a .200 hitter at that position all season.”
I am in favor of looking for a “new” hot bat.
However, although Tolbert is hitting .200, that doesn’t make him a “.200 hitter”.
Unless Big Papi is a “.219 hitter”.
It is too early to tell if Tolbert is a .200 hitter…he hasn’t got enough MLB AB’s…but I am guessing he isn’t much better than that.
Maybe Milwaukee will trade Hardy even-up for Punto so they can upgrade from a .219 hitter to a .224 hitter.
Did you just compare David Ortiz and Matt Tolbert?
“Did you just compare David Ortiz and Matt Tolbert?”
Did someone just compare batting .200 in 100 AB’s with being a .200 hitter?
“Did you just compare David Ortiz and Matt Tolbert?”
No.
I was saying that everyone currently hitting:
.100 is NOT NECESSARILY a .100 hitter.
.200 is NOT NECESSARILY a .200 hitter.
.300 is NOT NECESSARILY a .300 hitter.
.400 is NOT NECESSARILY a .400 hitter.
and I used David Ortizas an example.
My bad!
Who the hell is David Ortizas?
David Ortiz has a MLB track record of hitting better than .219…Tolbert does not, hence “he is a .200 hitter” until he shows otherwise.
In 217 career AB’s he is hitting a very empty .226 with no power and twice as many K’s and BB’s
Thanks BCTF…my point exactly. Tolbert is hitting no different than what we have seen previously at the MLB level.
David Ortiz has a track record, Tolbert does not
Gardy hinted that? Now I won’t be able to sleep tonight. I would be more interested in a AAA player who makes errors than Cuddyer playing second.
I think Ortiza makes tacos and refried beans. Not sure.
“In 217 career AB’s he is hitting a very empty .226 with no power and twice as many K’s and BB’s”
And how does that compare to Steve Tolleson?
It doesn’t.
You have to compare minors vs. minors.
There is no way to compare majors vs. majors until Tolleson has 200+ MLB AB’s.
sorry for those of you that are new to this but IMHO NONE of you have the right to question sane and what he knows.
sane didn’t really compare Ortiz and Tolbert, but just for fun he should.
“NONE of you have the right to question sane and what he knows.”
Tell that to my family and friends, and then wait for the laughter to subside.
Who is comparing him to Steve Tolleson? I am just saying he has more than 100 AB’s. His minor league stats are a little better but he as always been a little old for the competition
sane is this a time-space thing where he’s hitting .200 in our time but in another time he’s really a .300 hitter?
BCTF,
Take two aspirin and come back to see us after about 500 AB’s. There are plenty of “can’t miss” top prospects who struggle in their first trip to the majors, so it’s a little premature to label a guy like Tolbert as a flunk-out. I’m not saying he’s got a great future, just that we can’t extrapolate right now.
“i’m not interested in a AAA player who makes errors.”
Why not, Mighty Casey, Nick Punto has been on this team since 2006…
“NONE of you have the right to question sane and what he knows.”
tell that to all the parents of his players!
AROD and LNP would be a more fun comparison
sane
sorry but compared to many of the mental giants that come here you have WAY more knowledge that they will ever dream of having. That being said I am sure the parents of those kids know more than you!
Can’t compare minors to majors.
birdofprey,
When has Tolbert been a “can’t miss”? I don’t remember that. Can you give me 500 ML AB’s?
While we’re at it, let’s compare Slowey and Maddux.
“”CharlieMurphy says:
June 25th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
sane
sorry but compared to many of the mental giants that come here you have WAY more knowledge that they will ever dream of having. That being said I am sure the parents of those kids know more than you!”"
Charlie???? What????? No Way!!!!!
ggg,
“tell that to all the parents of his players!”
My players’ parents question my judgement all the time.
What they don’t understand, is that I have already hung up the phone after “Hello!”.
did anyone happen to catch the name of that junkball pitcher that was in for the Brewer’s in the 9th last night. Fastball was hitting 88 at best. NO WAY that guy will ever have a career in the league.
I hit about .450 with some serious gap to gap power on my Thursday night co-ed rec league softball team and I have great range in right-center field. I am just waiting by the phone for Bill Smith to give me my 500 AB’s
i just want to see cuddy turn the dp!
I want to see cuddy do DADP
“birdofprey,
When has Tolbert been a “can’t miss”?”
BCTF, I don’t think anyone has described him as such. I know I didn’t. What I tried to convey is that, if highly-touted players can struggle before succeeding (arbitrarily using <500 AB’s as a definition of “early), then surely it’s understandable that someone like Tolbert, a commodity item, might struggle. Will he be better after 500 AB’s? Probably.
I find it interesting that so many of us tend to forget how big of a jump it usually is from AAA to MLB for all but the rarest players.
charlie that was dustin hoffman
“I am just waiting by the phone for Bill Smith to give me my 500 AB’s”
Send him a tape and save him the quarter, BCTF.
bop said…”"”I find it interesting that so many of us tend to forget how big of a jump it usually is from AAA to MLB for all but the rarest players.”"”
Amen…It was mentioned several times in the past that the worst at the MLB level will beat the best of AAA 9 of 10 times, and the best versus the best will win 10 of 10.
dustin hoffman wasn’t he that guy in Tootsie? No wonder he can’t throw harder than 88
Hey BCTF, .450 is like the Mendoza line in slow pitch softball.
His pal Punto would end up at SS when healthy…
His pal Punto was healthy, and playing 2nd while Harris started at SS (which he is still doing).
Gardy is not going to move Cuddyer to 2nd for any stretch of time longer than he absolutely has to. I would rather have Punto there and lose the bat than have Cuddyer there and lose the glove.
Our official scorer is quick to give out errors on infield singles.
BCTF, you must have similar sentiments about Delmon Young, right? He has 1600 AB’s in MLB. So you must disagree with all those who ignore the AB’s but cite his young age as the reason he still enjoys a high ceiling.
I think you’re probably right about Tolbert having a perfectly forgettable career, by the way.
I’d like to thank whomever or whatever made Duane stop posting nonsense.
CharlieMurphy says:
June 25th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
did anyone happen to catch the name of that junkball pitcher that was in for the Brewer’s in the 9th last night. Fastball was hitting 88 at best. NO WAY that guy will ever have a career in the league.
———-
LOL, maybe the poor guy has a shot playing shortstop?
The only reason Harris is at SS and LNP at 2B is because for some reason Harris can’t play 2B. Talk bout frustration for a manager.
Harris also has a much better arm than Punto so that might have something to do with it.
“I’d like to thank whomever or whatever made Duane stop posting nonsense.”
alot more people then him post nonsense on these blogs, the rest of us are just slightly more entertaining while doing it!
Derek-
What part to you was nonsense..Mr. Know it all?
FIRE…… your 1:00 post was awesome….. And so true. hee hee hee, loved it.
Playing minor league ball does not qualify anyone to be a better judge of talent. Nor does it make you more knowledgeable of the game necessarily. These are different skills. If that were the case hall of fame players would make the best managers and scouts.
4-2 Cubs in 4th
Bring up Tolleson, odds are pretty good he can hit better than .163. There are NL pitchers that are hitting better than that.
“What part to you was nonsense”.
My nomination:
“Sane-
You truly are the expert aren’t you?”
BCTF,
Gomez has also got a better arm than Cuddyer.
Sane-
I was asking Derek the question….NOT YOU! Can’t you read??/
“Bring up Tolleson, odds are pretty good he can hit better than .163.”
The odds are pretty good that Tolbert can hit better than .163, also.
But I have no objections to holding tryouts for that spot until Punto returns.
Whoa Duane, no need to yell.
Duane,
“I was asking Derek the question….NOT YOU! Can’t you read??/”
Yes.
I just didn’t know that I was prohibited from commenting on blog postings directed to individuals.
But reading?
I can do that.
Sane,
Odds are not good that Tolbert can hit better than that, because he isn’t. Current odds are zero.
I highly doubt that sane.
“”"”"Duane says:
June 25th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Sane-
I was asking Derek the question….NOT YOU! Can’t you read??/”"”"”
Duane, if you ask a question on the blog, anyone is free to reply to it.
Lots of mancrushes on sane in here…. Lol!
at work and cannot see the game, gameday said injury delay after Harris GIDP. What was the injury delay?
Phxtwins, Span had a nice hard clean slide into second to try to break up the DP and it knocked Counsell down.
Detroit now up 5-4 vs. Chicago in the 5th.
Phx, hard slide by Span, no injury, had to replace shoe.
That SI article jinxed Mauer.
“Odds are not good that Tolbert can hit better than that, because he isn’t. Current odds are zero.”
He CAN’T hit that because he is CURRENTLY NOT hitting that.
Sorry I can’t agree with that logic.
sane,
How ya feel bout all these bromances you’re involved in?
Thanks DrDon
Any word on Punto? He’s either coming to St. Louis Friday or back on the DL w/ Tolleson likely coming up. Casilla on the DL @ Rochester. I hope Tolleson gets a shot at second while Punto’s on the shelve.
Hughes likely going back to 2nd base when he comes off the DL @ Rochester. A log jam there at 2nd. Casilla, Tolleson and now Hughes. I hear Tolleson and probably Hughes will play some OF as well.
Four E’s at Rochester yesterday. Boys pressing too hard trying to impress Mr. Bill Smith.
Whoa…sane…no need to yell.
Tolbert with a nice play there to save a run for the time being.
Span did a nice job not killing Council on that play. He could have really hurt him.
“How ya feel bout all these bromances you’re involved in?”
It makes me want to post on a super-model’s blog.
F-in’ Tigers!!!!! 5-4
Sane,
If he could hit better than .163, his average would be better than .163. Right now he is not capable of hitting better than that… unless he proves otherwise.
Hey, you don’t have the address for that blog do ya?
Bottom line is Tolbert has shown no signs of being a decent MLB hitter. He appears to be a solid utility IF and a good guy to have on a roster. He works hard, never complains, and can play solid defense at 3 IF positions.
If we all look at players in the roles they are intended for and are good at we would all be much happier.
sane is Duane a angry father of one of your former players that is stalking you? haven’t see this much going after 1 person except when BOP goes after Thrylos98
Can’t compare minors to majors
I just want to weigh in on this statement.
It’s completely incorrect.
Of course you can compare minors to majors. It’s done all the time, often with a high level of accuracy.
“If he could hit better than .163, his average would be better than .163.”
Last year Tolbert hit .283, so he is capable of that, at least.
Current performance is not his ceiling.
His ceiling is the upper limit of what he is capable of hitting.
Cy Burns sure looks good.
Mmmmmmmmmmm. This baby smells like a usual Twins offensive let down against a no-name pitcher either making his first start, or one of his first starts. Reeks of it.
And the fact that is a day get-a-way game doesn’t help things.
FIRE….but at least when BOP and Thry go at it, they have some intelligence to their comments. Duane is just being a troller looking for trouble, and he has picked sane today.
Dr. Don-
How do you know so much about me?
edgy today!
enjoy the game at least until there is something real to bitch about.
Chief,
“Can’t compare minors to majors”
But can you categorically say that a .400 AAA hitter is better than a .300 MLB hitter?
I don’t think that you think so.
Sane,
Just because someone did something once in the major leagues does not mean they are capable of repeating it. History is overflowing with guys who were not capable of repeating something they did in a past season.
“”"”Duane says:
June 25th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Dr. Don-
How do you know so much about me?”"”"
If you only knew, you would not have asked that. 
someone needs a gravity induced saline water enema?
So far, the Twins seem to think the Brewers’ call-up Mr. Burns is the second coming of Cy Young.
Now there is a pleasant thought FIRE!
Man, this offense is pathetic.
“Just because someone did something once in the major leagues does not mean they are capable of repeating it.”
Nor does it mean that he ISN’T capable of repeating or improving it.
i think it’s delmon’s fault!
I’m not sure if you all knew this but sane is really a Vulcan.
For the first time in a while, I wish Delmon was playing right now. Kinda frustrating that when Delmon and Gomez finally start to show some signs of life, they see the bench. I understand why the OF is how it is today, but it is kinda frustrating.
Sane,
If you want to evaluate players with your gumdrops and rainbows theory that’s just fine. But here in the real world, Matt Tolbert is hitting .163, wait, strike that, he’s now hitting .162, and he’s not doing anything to contribute to the Twins’ offense.
sane, I need to ask you…. what did you do to deserve the beatings you are getting today? I think your posts are informative and thought provoking….. Oh, I just answered my own question.
But can you categorically say that a .400 AAA hitter is better than a .300 MLB hitter?
Of course not.
I said you can compare the two.
“Oh, I just answered my own question.”
Ha!
Some people don’t have a dog at home to kick.
We’ll take it.
ES16,
“But here in the real world”
The real world is where professionals evaluate the players and those professionals are responsible for Tolbert being in the Big Leagues.
If the pros agreed with your “real world” assessment, he would be in AAA already.
But he is not, so your evaluation has no relevence to the “real” world.
I believe someone is due here.
romer, I don’t kick my dog…we are both too old.
I would say if someone is hitting .400 at AAA he should be called up ASAP to find out how he does in the majors.
I believe someone else is due here.
beetlejuice…
I agree with you…bad timing for the NL road games with no DH. Gomez deserves to be in the lineup right now and Young has been doing better as well. LIke you said though, hard to argue with Kubel and Span in the game at the very least.
Some people don’t have a dog at home to kick.
That’s a good thing…it’s better those who WOULD kick their dog, don’t have one.
And how’s about a big hit here, Cuddy?
Doc,
“what did you do to deserve the beatings you are getting today?”
Not a problem.
In 15 minutes, I have go to camp.
So I will have plenty of time then to recover from my beatings.
Magic Man needs to show some magic here!
Sane,
So you are saying that because Tolbert is on the team (for the moment) he must be good? I would say the “real world” for Matt Tolbert is that if he doesn’t start producing quickly, he’s going to be enjoying an all-expense paid trip back to Rochester, N.Y.
It’s Punto’s fault that Tolbert is playing every day now. As a backup infielder, Tolbert is just fine.
“So you are saying that because Tolbert is on the team (for the moment) he must be good?”
No.
It means that he is good enough to get 200+ MLB at bats.
Maybe his replacement will get 20 years in MLB.
And THAT is the real world.
Magic man can’t hit a meatball so Crede is left to break this game open
Good AB by Cuddy - now go Joe
Welcome back Denard.
It must be great to be Joe Mauer: “I’m in a horrible 0-20 slump. My BA’s all the way down to .390″.
batting .160 Tolbert can go to Roch and try to figure it out. Giving a shot to another guy will not hurt the team and could help.
I wouldn’t want to see Tolleson called up to sit on the bench. Tolbert can do that.
ack.. 1 run after having the bases loaded with 1 out that magical AVG W/RISP is fading towards LNP’s current season batting avg
ES16,
I will jump here and say that Yes Tolbert deserves to be here. If he was a starter, the answer would be NO, but since his role is a utility infielder (backup) his defense is vastly more important than his offense.
The fact that he has been starting due to Punto being hurt doesn’t change that fact. If Punto has to go on the DL and Tolbert is still starting than I will be upset.
If Tolbert would have got a Granny, he could stay forever. Gladden said on the radio that Hart “really got lucky” catching Tolbert’s fly on the warning track.
Toothpick, Gladden over-exaggerated by saying that, imagine that?
Bon voyage, sane.
Always good.
Hard to hear Dick&Bert because of crowd-noise sound level.
So far, a great 1st game back by Span.
I hope Harris can drive home Span. I’d sure hate to have to rely on crappy Mauer to bring him home!
Do Gardenhire’s line-up cards come with Cuddyer’s name already printed on them? I definately see keeping Kubel in the line-up in a DH-less NL park. And Span certainly has earned the right to reclaim his spot. Both Gomez and Young are coming around. Now Delmon sits out for two straight games, but I really wanted to see if Gomez can put a few solid games together.
Great to have Span back, the Twins need more good ABs.
I wonder who will be the odd man out once they get back to AL rules.
“Do Gardenhire’s line-up cards come with Cuddyer’s name already printed on them?”
Yes, and for the last few days he’s had to use Wite-Out to replace Punto with Tolbert.
Walter, he did have a good AB his last time up to force the walk with the bases loaded. Young would have probably hit a weak grounder for a DP.
Benny W, I am guessing odd man out after they go back to AL parks will be Young until Gomez stops hitting as he has been lately.
I think you are right Benny W.
Crede with a bomb.
Detroit just stranded the Chicago’s tying run at 2nd in the 9th for the win. Gotta win to stay 5 back.
Question - How quick are you to give Baker the hook if he looks shaky to start an inning?
why didn’t skippy do that with the bases loaded instead of trying to hit a grandslam?
They should take the ball out of the game and present it to Tolbert.
And a good question, Nice. I am not interested in complete games AT ALL myself. Too bad men weren’t on for Crede. Could have put this one away.
Too Nice, I think you stick with Baker for a while. I would not however let him face the tying run if a situation like that arises.
we used to call knoblauch ’skippy’.
what are you saying, gobble?
Hopefully somebody is up in the pen.
Mcgee and ME !!! ackkk Baker come on settle down
Shooter Hunt pitched okay in the GCL today. 4 IP, 15 BF, 1 K, 0 BB/HBP, 7 GO, 4 AO, 3 H, 0 Runs. Not dominant, but one assumes they are pleading with him to just throw strikes, period.
Some hilarious reading in defense of the organization’s omniscence today!
Tolbert’s best stint in the minors was as a 24 year old in high A ball, when he posted an .816 OPS in a partial season of 173 PAs. After that it’s .772 in Rochester in 2007. He was never much of a BB-drawer, although he also never struck out much.
Tolleson posted an .840 OPS in a full season at AA as a 24 year old and has looked like a walk machine throughout his entire minor league career. In a sample size of @110 PAs, the 25 year old Tolleson has an .885 OPS in AAA. I can make some comparisons (and identify some contrasts) here.
Get him out.
is it July 4th today? fireworks galore
I shoulda kept my mouth shut
Welcome to Bakerland. Afix your eyes to the sky and you’ll see a meteor or two. Guaranteed.
Seriously, has anyone ever suggested to Cuddyer that he gets his eyes checked for glasses? He takes more fastball strikes down the gut and swings at more balls in the dirt than anyone in the majors. He is also hitting about .280 with no one on base and .155 with men in scoring position. Clutch!
Looks like it’s Baker’s last inning here.
Who’s coming in to pitch for the twins?
I am late to the blog, today, but having just taken my insulin shot (because of all the love and sweetness being shown to sane), I have enjoyed reading you boys, this afternoon. Good back and forth! Witty, clever, not too nasty, and good points made. Wish I had one to add.
Ahhhh, the dreaded Baker sixth-inning wall. A phenomenon that would baffle Steven Hawking.
No BAKER NO!! Serenity Now, serenity now
Get the bats in gear. Get some back.
6 innings and 3 runs. Quality start for Baker and yet he is getting pounded here
When Baker has an inning like that, his picture on Gameday should start showing a black eye and a bloody lip.
toothpick, tolbert seems like a skippy to me.
Crain,
Cuddyer had Lasik in the offseason.
Prince Fielder is a BEAST!!! I’d take Braun and Fielder any day over “no power” and Morneau.
maybe call tolbert “Jif”.
or “Peter Pan”
yeah “Peter Pan” works
Crain - just so you know here are some RISP 2009 #s that speak to clutch - even with one player being sheltered form LHPs
Kubel .239 .333 .537 .871
Cuddy .254 .393 .493 .885
Hard to complain about Cuddy IMO
That will work.
Don’t know if it’s been noted yet, but Baker looked real good for a while there. Looking like a sub-ace for sure. Strong, good control. FB 90-93.
that extra movement on the spinner in the dirt is appreciated.
Stetter’s pitch-paths look SO nasty on gameday. I mean, they do in real life, but when the whole thing is laid out for you as it is on gameday, it’s weird that lefties can hit him at all.
There’s the run.
Thank you, Denard.
And thank you Batting Champ!!
Stetter is in to break the record for consecutive outs by strikeout.
There’s the new record.
Too bad Stetter.
And now Kubel ends the streak at 15.
Why are the Intentionally walking Cuddyer to face Crede?
seems weird to walk the magician to face Crede.
Seemed like a brilliant move.
I don’t see how Gardy can bring Baker out for the bottom of the inning. Who’s in line from the pen?
With 2 outs I can’t imagine what Macha is thinking walking Cuddyer, unless he wants to set up a force play. Even then it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense considering Crede has already homered.
Baker, Baker the HR maker, or should I say giver………..
Cuddyer was 2 for 2 in his career off DiFelice.
Glad not to see Stetter or Coffey today.
Yikes!
Where has Mijares been recently?
Benny W, in the pen not getting into games.
Ha-Ha, we have Dickey and you don’t!
That’s our Dickey.
So who do you bring in to pitch the 8th?
guess Guerrier??
Ben,
But it was Stetter pitching to Cuddyer, not DiFelice.
I would have thought Mijares, but let’s see if we can wear out Guerrier again this year.
Is there something wrong with this ump? Per Gameday he has called balls outside the strike zone strikes and Matty’s pitch right down the center a ball.
Sweetone
If they weren’t going to walk Cuddy it would have been DiFelice who pitched to him though.
SweetOne, they didn’t want the lefty Stetter facing a right handed batter, so they chose to use Stetter to walk him before brining in DeFelice to pitch to Crede.
That’s it! I’m retracting my vote for Braun for the All-Star game! MF’r.
Yeah, Hunter Wendelstedt’s strike zone looks like it’s above the RH batter’s box.
Kay, the ump’s zone has not been bad this game. Gameday must be screwed up.
probably something wrong with gameday. this happened the other day, too.
Kay,
Gameday is weird. Where the ball ends up is the catcher, you have to look at the path and “see” where it crossed the plate.
Razz,
That may be the case, but what was the reasoning to not just let Stetter pitch to Cuddy?
If we don’t score here, I wonder who Gardy has warming up for the ninth? Henn?
Mauer has a good eye and rarely complains
Too Nice:
“Hard to complain about Cuddy IMO”
Indeed, you ARE Too Nice.
SweetOne,
My guess is that Cuddyer is hitting .282 off lefties while Crede is at .246. They were just trying to play the odds which they did.
I don’t follow the Brewers, but it appears that Stetter is a lefty specialist. Espectially with that delivery it would seem that right handed hitters would see the ball pretty well out of his hand. Thus he would pitch to Cuddy, since he was brought in to face our 3 lefties.
Mauer didn’t appreciate his K, though.
bop -
did you see the RISP stats Cuddy vs Kubel? that was what my statement was based on.
But in general I think Cuddy is the whipping boy for this board and not waarranted, relative to the amount of abuse he receives, again, relative to other players.
Like Einstein, I can only think relatively.
Corey Hart surrendered
Wow…….nice Twins crowd in the stadium today.
2 outs to go.
They really need to adjust the moderation settings on this page…wth
Too Nice-
In general, I think Cuddy is an overpaid, average major league outfielder. But again, it’s all relative.
Corey Hart wears his sunglasses at night
the home plate umpire has a weird but consistent strike zone: the low and in pitches in the zone (from a RHB perspective were called balls) and high and out were called strikes. I’ll post a graph after the game is over to show you what I mean
Razz - I had to change my name cuz I think that was the only thing that I could think of that was putting all my comments into moderation purgatory.
No kidding Razz. Still can’t believe what Heetcpa called Braun,lol!
I hear ya , depending on how you define average and overpaid.
Great win for the Twins and a very effective use of the bullpen (note to Gardy - pay attention to what just happened). Great job Twins and sooooo glad to have Denard back.
I agree with both statements: Cuddyer is average and overpaid, and he’s unfairly bashed on this board, not because of his performance but because he is average and overpaid. By definition, the league is jammed to the rafters with average and overpaid players. Relatively speaking.
Remember trish? It’s her 22nd BDay today. She’s out playing softball tonight.
Twins dominance over Brewers continues…good stuff, good stuff indeed.
I’ll take Cuddy’s 80 RBIs and 20-25 HR’s this year.
Very valuable.
Heat index is currently 12 degrees higher in Saint Louis than in Milwaukee.
Midwest Farmer? Mash-it Further? Modest Fame’r?
FIRE VAVRA & GARDY!!!!! says:
June 25th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
AROD and LNP would be a more fun comparison
One of my pet theories is that if LNP had replaced AROD just for the playoffs the Yankees might have a couple more world championships.
How about Dickey for all star gam?. The guy has been fabulous. Why not let him pitch the 8th when he has gone 1-2-3 in the 7th and has only allowed 2 runs in 2 months?
What is Minnesota’s overall record vs Milwaukee from the American League over to the National League? I’m just kind of curious. I’m looking forward to seeing your new Target Field next April.
Does anyone know where I could find the information? I think Warren Spahn is the best pitcher to play the game in Milwaukee be it the Brewers or Braves before they moved to Atlanta. That must have been some World Series - Milwaukee vs New York Yankees with Milwaukee winning 4 games to 3.
I also remember one spark plug for the Twins in the early 80s. Roy Smalley.
You are young, Sportster…I remember spark plugs for the Twins named Killebrew, Allison, Oliva, Carew, Kusick, Kaat, Pascual, Versalles, of just a few.
Sportster: Baseball Reference is your friend.
BTW, Sportster, back then, there were no Divisional Playoffs. One American League, One National League. AL Champ met NL Champ for the World Series. Those were the days my friend, we hoped they’d never end…….. But time goes on……….
“One of my pet theories is that if LNP had replaced AROD just for the playoffs the Yankees might have a couple more world championships.”
Love it, Des! Ya never know.
LET ALL BEWARE:
The Tigers have an easy schedule from now till the AS break. The Twins schedule is pretty tough. (It evens out for the rest of July.)
Twins could be 6, 7 out come AS time.
Today’s hotspots weatherwise:
1 - KC
2 - St. Louis
3 - Dallas
We’re already 6 out in the loss column. I’d say that the Twins could be 10 out by AS break. Of course, they could be up by one as well.
