Friday lineups: Twins/Rangers
Posted on July 17th, 2009 – 4:45 PMBy Joe Christensen
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — The digital temperature gauge here at Rangers Ballpark says it’s 93 degrees, yet the locals keep saying how the Twins really caught a break on the weather.
Everything’s relative, I guess. Heard it was 108 on the Rangers’ last homestand.
Alexi Casilla is back in the No. 2 spot tonight, as the Twins return from the All-Star break to play the Rangers.
Brendan Harris is at shortstop, but Manager Ron Gardenhire said he intends to keep Nick Punto in the mix, rotating him in with Harris and Casilla.
Kevin Mulvey will be in the bullpen, available for long relief. His father and several friends have made there way to Texas, anticipating his major league debut.
You can also follow me on Twitter @JoeCStarTribune.
Update: Gardenhire told Casilla, “I hope this is the last day that I have to say, ‘Welcome back. … Make it the last time. Have some fun.’
“He just said OK,” Gardenhire added. “I think he agrees.”
(*) Gardenhire indicated Mulvey’s presence will help the Twins move Bobby Keppel into more of a middle role.
(*) Kevin Slowey (strained right wrist) played catch at 90 feet today and it went well. His next step is another session of catch on Saturday.
TWINS (45-44)
1. Denard Span, LF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Joe Crede, 3B
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Carlos Gomez, CF
Starting pitcher: LH Glen Perkins
RANGERS (48-39)
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Andruw Jones, DH
5. Hank Blalock, 1B
6. Marlon Byrd, LF
7. Nelson Cruz, RF
8. Taylor Teagarden, C
9. Elvis Andrus, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Vicente Padilla (7-4, 4.53 ERA)
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. First pitch: 7:05. TV: FSN.
250 Responses to "Friday lineups: Twins/Rangers"
No Punto. Whoo hoo.
stop it howe….What is, is. GO Twins!!!!
That is a sigh of relief seeing Harris in there at SS. I still can’t believe we throw Alexi right back in the #2 hole instead of easing him back in at the bottom of the lineup.
lets trade Mauer now while he still has some value, I am kidding of course, but if we arent going to be buyers, maybe we should be sellers
I hope Casilla can get on base a couple of times. That would make this lineup really work well, especially with Crede and Harris at 7 and 8.
Kevin…the next two weeks, till July 30 trade deadline, are important. Patience, my friend.
If Casilla can hit like I think he can and Gomez continues to play well that is a pretty good lineup.
if casilla can get back to form, this is the line-up that could win the division
Sure is a relief that so many of our friends here will be spared from having to do bodily harm to themselves (or someone else) since Harris is in fact the SS tonight.
I’m not surprised Casilla is the #2 hitter. As I’ve said, they’re giving him “start overs” and pretending (for now) that the first half of the season didn’t happen for Lexi.
Let’s hope he takes advantage.
And selfishly, I’m hoping Mulvey’s friends/family don’t get a quick opportunity to see his debut… unless it’s in a blowout Twins win. I sure don’t want to see him (or anyone) having to relieve a starter early in any of these games.
does anyone really think that as soon as harris scuffles a little nicky won’t be back at ss full time?
after getting my post break punto rant out of my system, they really don’t appear to have much margin for error. they stink up this road trip and they could be toast.
Sauce, I think you are thinking like Twins GM, hoping something might work out. You cant keep wishing, the GM has to make a bold move or two. No one expects to have an all star at every postion like the Yankees, but where there are legitimate holes, they need to get some bona fide players.
Kevin, that’s why i said IF casilla gets back to form..i agree with you in thinking that we need to trade for a 2nd baseman, but it isn’t a realistic thought. landing sanchez is just too far fetched for us, and he is the only guy i’ve heard the twins being rumored ‘talking about’..out of what we have, this is our best line-up, and if casilla lives up to what he can do, it could be a dangerous line up
IMO, the pieces are all there. The pen that exists has had a very good season with 4 guys under 4.00 ERA. Gomez picking it up. Harris in a better spot for him. Casilla had a great year in 08 before injury and then had a great winter season and has done very well in the minors all to offset a dismal start to this year. I think he is capable. Comes down to him and Baker and Liriano throwing better and the whole team just playing smarter ball. They could run away with this thing, drop out or continue to stay close. It’s why I watch. If I knew they were gonna win every game I wouldn’t bother watching. It’s up to the players.
Bloggers are always saying the Twins are happy to just be competitive. I guess I fall in that category also, because to me the alternative is non competitive. I think maybe I have a different definition of that word.
they really don’t appear to have much margin for error. they stink up this road trip and they could be toast.
Maybe, but maybe not.
Detroit in playing @Yankees, the Mariners and the White Sox. I am hoping that they get swept at the Bronx and the Mariners take one or 2. Then a 2-1 with the Sox and the Twins might be in a decent place if they take at least one in Texas, take advantage of a bad A’s team and take one from the Angels.
Escobar another option? Heard Cox was having trouble with him.
Julio Lugo was just designated for assignment, ESPN reports. I would like the Twins to claim him, if possible. He seems to be a marginal improvement at SS over Punto, and we could move Alexi back down to AAA, or possibly trade him for bullpen help. Get it done!
Casilla in the #2 spot is temporary. If he starts slipping he’ll fall back down to where he was in the order before being sent down.
Kevin….” but where there are legitimate holes, they need to get some bona fide players.”
Almost every team says the same thing.
the pieces are all there
I don’t know about you, but I am worried about a pen that has 4 long men (Duensing, Mulvey, Keppel, Dickey)
He seems to be a marginal improvement at SS over Punto,
Last I checked, Harris was the SS and Lugo is worse both offensively and defensively than Harris
the twins won’t claim him they would have to take on huge salary.
Des, the problem is if you are just happy to be competitive, soon the stars of the team will leave because they want to be more than competitive, they want to win, then all you will have left is a non competitive team. Call me a pessimist, but when the stadium deal got approved, I predicted a Pittburgh. I was traveling to Pittsburgh a lot at the time for work, and the people there said once they got their new nice stadium the ownership just sat on their hands and were content to have the big crowds come to new stadium and they have been losing ever since (and to be fair, losing for a lot of time before that, which the Twins have not)
agreed thrylos98..a power arm somewhere in the bullpen would be nice before the 9th inning
they would trade for him and give up a minimal prospect and Boston would willingly pay whole salary.
DrDon, true, and most teams dont win division championship. When you have two of the best players in baseball on your team at one time, you need to build the cast around them to win, because you will not always have that core to build around
I still think Dickey can do more than just long relief. I am still kind of mad that against Chicago Cuddy didn’t make that catch down the line, the ump didn’t call Dye out on a pitch he was calling strikes all night and that Gardy didn’t let Dickey clean up his own mess. He probably would have.
best lineup ive seen in a long while
You kidding? Casilla hitting second helps? Yeah, it’s always good to put an out machine ahead of your two best hitters.
Thrylos is absolutely correct about all the long men in the bullpen. And if we need them all as long guys, we’re sunk.
lexi will hit .330 the rest of the year
I have a feeling that Gardy is going to start this group tonight and use the lineup and sink or swim with it, with an occassional difference. He has seen enough, and it is time to SH$t or get off the pot. GO TWINS!!!!
I hope you’re right Bob. But I see little evidence that your prediction will come true. His AAA numbers were boosted by a .387 BABIP. He won’t be that lucky in the majors. I think he’ll be better than the guy who flirted with the Mendozza line in two stops this season. But .330? My guess is more like .230.
I believe Casilla’s hitting like .340 at AAA. I’m not in love with the guy but when he is playing like he is capable he is very solid and changes our lineup with the speed and stolen base stuff at the top.
cm, get off gleemans blog. Nobody including him have seen lexi hit. Im not a stat geek but I feel confident in my ability to project what a player is capable of. How many on this blog were on Kubels bangwagon 2 years ago? Im guessing nobody. Sometimes guys like 98 forget that there is a human side to the game, and they are not robots. Id bet anything lexi hits over .300 the 2nd half.
Love this lineup. Only thing better is move casilla to #8 and slide everyone up.
I agree, AM, it really is that simple.
This bickering is pointless. Casilla can hit, and he can suck. Lets hope he hits.
No one cares about his BABIP during a one month AAA stint.
Sometimes guys like 98 forget that there is a human side to the game, and they are not robots
Foul. Several times this season I have said that part of Casilla’s problems is that he a. has been playing under the microscope and b. every bad play of his has been publicly scrutinized by his manager. He needs to build his confidence up and Gardy and his coach should do that by encouragement. If he all gets is public and open negativity, he will not perform…
Keppel’s stuff may be for real. He deserves a look in the 7th. One cannot deny the bump in velocity he’s shown thus far. Lets see if he can maintain it.
you trade prospects for relievers, not young everyday players who still have upside, it be like saying four years ago trade Mourneau for a middle reliver, imagine how stupid we would look now if the twins were that impatient. Trading for Sanchez won’t win the division if we ware down Gurrier and our starting pitching doesn’t produce, if anything this team could use a veteran pressence (i.e Jarod Washburn) in the rotation.
im too lazy to read all of the blog post comment threads, so has anyone offered up some sort of ridiculous scenario to get halladay?
I have always tried to stay objective on Punto. That said I am pleasantly surprised that he is on the bench starting the second half. In the long haul, I still think that he can best serve the team as a utility man. Harris has earned the starting job. Does it seem to anybody else like it’s been about two weeks since the Twins have played! GO TWINS!
IMO, if Baker and Liriano both have sub 4.00 ERAs in the 2nd half and all else stays the same, the Twins will likely win the Central.
thrylos, as an old player and coach of various sports, you are right on about the microscope. If you play to not make mistakes? You make mistakes. If you play to not lose? you lose. If you be yourself, let the game come to you, good things happen. I never played to not lose. I never coached to not lose. I played to win, I coached to win, and good things happen, because that is optomism. And everyone had more fun that way.
Casilla is “El Gone-o” if his reply to Gardy is just, “Ok.” I miss the short stinit with CK at 2B and his clutch hitting. Of course, we all miss RC at 2B.
“Best lineup I’ve seen in a while…” Yeah, right … that would be the Rangers’ right?
So Cal…What Lexi was saying is…”I understand, boss…I shape up or I will be shipped out.”
Question: Who is the Twins all-time best second baseman - hitting, defense, and chemistry (made others and the team better)??
Rod Carew
Bernie Allen, SoCal.
b. every bad play of his has been publicly scrutinized by his manager.
And every member of the press…and fanbase…just like other players.
We know thrylos, you hate Gardy. Keep finding ways to remind us just in case we forget in the 5 minutes between reminders.
Perhaps Buddy Myer.
Gardenhire indicated Mulvey’s presence will help the Twins move Bobby Keppel into more of a middle role.
ouch
Didn’t Padilla throw at a couple Twins last year? I seem to remember some sort of incident.
so has anyone offered up some sort of ridiculous scenario to get halladay?
Buscher + Punto + Crain + Cuddyer for Halladay.
But the Jays would have to eat some salary.
T…Just like the Puntz….especially the fan base.
“Buscher + Punto + Crain + Cuddyer for Halladay.”
Ha… just for offering that the Jays may ease their discussions with the White Sox.
1. Denard Span LF
2. Joe Mauer C
3. Justin Morneau 1B
4. Michael Cuddyer RF
5. Joe Crede 3B
6. Jason Kubel DH
7. Brendan Harris SS
8. Carlos Gomez CF
9. Alexi Casilla 2B
There’s only one or two guys on these team completely immune from criticism when it comes to fans.
Morneau, and somewhat Span.
Mauer’s almost there this season. All it took was 3-4 All-Star selections, 2 batting championships, and hitting nearly .400 for two months.
T…. Good laugh….. 
Yes! Mauer at the 2 spot! I recall the great pennant years and who hit at the 2 spot? The best contact hitter!!
T, if you’re lookng at position players.
There’s also Nathan. And Blackburn’s done better than anyone could have hoped.
He was taking a lot of abuse at the beginning of the season but my “pick to click” Guerrier hasn’t been drawing much ire lately.
BTW I know you were being sarcastic.
Nathan still gets criticism for not being able to pitch more than an inning in relief with any consistency.
Hey, if need be late in a game, 16-17 innings, Nathan available. He came in to pro ball as a shortstop. Bring him in at Short, I can see a slider to Justin. But he can still go pitch.
mauer’s swing looked kinda screwed up on that blooper to center.
The entire Rangers team homered to right.
so would your’s Shaun.
My you’ve been jolly today Doc.
How does Casilla not bunt there? I know thats Gardy’s call, but its just so obvious that in the 1st inning with a guy on first a guy who just got called up from Triple-A up to bat, and the best player in the AL on deck he has to bunt, especially since he has a shot of making it. Am I missing something? or is this team not seriously thinking about how to win games.
Two very good commercials this season. Herbie/Gladden/Morris is a good one. But that Batting Stance guy imitating Kirby’s Game 6 HR is really clever. He imitates the pain of the pitcher who threw to Kirby. Braves Coach said at the time he never saw a player as tore up as him after a game, which is understandable.
Yes, we have had a blast talking about Billy Martin and other Met memories.
I hope it’s not a continuation of the HR Derby tonight.
Holy crap, I almost didn’t recognize Crede with the shaved head. Weird.
Perkins once again showing that he wants to get knocked around.
Just wondering why you wouldn’t run Blackburn out there tonight. Any ideas? Perkins hasn’t been effective for about a month and a half…anybody have an idea why you wouldn’t run your best out there right away?
Cuddyer with the rally killer after a 3-0 count. Let’s get it going boys.
Cuddy crushing another 3-1 pitch…
Fredo, was wondering the exact same thing. Does not make much sense to put your number 5 starter on the mound the first game back from the All-Star break. Hopefully he can settle down after that first inning where most of the balls were all hit hard.
Ben, question here…If you have never swung at 3-0, you never played much?
GoGo a 2 rbi triple….Yes!!!!!
Caught a break I think…. Nice hit though!
Did Gomez need to try for 3 to help Harris score?
Clutch two out hit there for Gomez to tie the game up.
Wow. I rarely see an out of position ump call the phantom tag correctly.
Hmm.
T, no he was going to score regardless and got lucky that Young did not put the tag down.
good outfield side slide by the GoGo.
Dr. Don, not sure if you are watching the game or just simply typing on the computer, but Cuddyer didn’t swing at the 3-0. Please think before posting next.
Ben, you were the one that said….”"”Ben says:
July 17th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Cuddyer with the rally killer after a 3-0 count. Let’s get it going boys.”"”"”
I assumed you knew what was going on.
DrDon, how does that make it sound as though he swung at the 3-0 pitch? All it says it that he hit into a rally killer after a 3-0 count. You are the one that was assuming things.
Ben, whatever.
I didn’t realize the Strangers were such flawless fielders.
Ben, what in the world are you thinking? You know the rules, Dr Don is off limits when it comes to scolding. Remember, he is not Casilla…
mauer’s swing looked kinda screwed up on that blooper to center.
Meanwhile… Nice inning Perkins.
(fyi: that was sarcasm)
Fargo, yeah for some reason I received that memo but really don’t care as I wish more people wouldn’t.
Let’s keep it going Kubel.
Right, Fargo, and do not ever forget it.
MOAR KU-BELL!
Thatta boy Kubel!
Kubel makes everyone happier.
Kubes, that was kind of ugly……..oops! I GUESS IT WASN’T ! ! !
Kubel thinking “I got your LLRL matchup right here!”
*adusts cup
Well, just keep him looking for that outside corner!
Too dangerous. Fill this lineup out and even the AL East will have to take notice.
Enough of the FBs in to Hamilton huh?
Well, if I had an inkling that Gardy was an idiot it was just confirmed…if Dick was correct.
He asked Gardy why you’d start the game after the All Star break with Perkins he responded “some pitchers just don’t want to be the first guy out of the break”
Bert and Morris apparently don’t agree and can’t come up with a defense for that thinking (assuming there is thinking behind it)
I think Gardy has had too much of that cherry concentrate. I got the impression that Bert agreed. He said “I have no comment to that. I always wanted the ball.”
I am glad that I can’t put myself in Gardy’s mind. I might get trapped there.
Inconsistent zone for both sides tonight, no?
Let’s see here….Hamilton a 2 run shot, Kubel a 3 run shot, I’ll take Kubel’s.
Fredo, that is typical Gardenhire, it doesn’t have to make sense yet most fans will continue to have his back.
Let’s face it, Twins fans…that little Gomez is FAST!!
First base ump shafted us.
Gardy is beyond frustrating. Clearly, his W-L record indicates he brings something (attitude, fundamentals, atmosphere) to the table. Game management really seems like his lone weakness.
Situation out, Shaun.
We are up 5-2, and you guys are bitching about Gardy. Good grief.
Point taken Doc. The night bodes well.
Nice dig out by Gardenhire.
DrDon, yeah we are up 5-2 in tonight’s game, but we are also 3.5 games out of first in case you have not noticed. Don’t act like people have no reason to gripe about many of Gardenhire’s decisions this season.
Obviously meant dig there by Morneau, not Gardenhire, but was evidently trying to get to my point about him too quickly.
Any chance Gomez will be batting second sometime?
If he keeps hitting like this, Jesse, his time will come.
Questioning, trying to understand the thinking behind a decision is not bitching.
I’d like to know the thinking behind why you set up a hitter to get more at bats than your potential Hall of Famer by hitting him in the second position when he hasn’t demonstrated any competence this year. I’d like to know why you set up your best pitcher to have less starts than a less effective pitcher, especially when you’re not in first place.
If the manager makes an explanation that makes sense then I can shake it off and go, “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”
I’m not the world’s greatest user of stats but even I know, despite my lack of smarts, that having my best performers perform more than my lesser ones must have a rationale behind it.
I’d just like to know what kind of thought went into the decision to have Blackburn sit for a couple of days.
Start Gomez every game and bat him anywhere the rest of the season.
There I said it.
Fredo, very nicely stated.
Shaun…. Yes………
They were talking about that on the radio today, Fredo. They thought maybe he should get the extra time off. I thought pitchers always say they are “too strong” when they do that.
Amen Fredo.
fredo’s smart. he can figure things out.
Too far away for an underhand toss to second in that situation.
I too always thought that being too strong was the bane of a sinkerballer. I’m thinking you want the guy who needs to be “weaker” to have less time off.
This is not to say that I’m disappointed with Perkins tonight….but I don’t think a manager can go on guesses and hunches.
It’s not a huge deal but I’d like to know why my best pitcher to date is going to not pitch for more days than one would think he should. No biggie.
Det 3 Yanks 5 3 run job by tex
We are all smart, Shaun.
I can do things. I’m smaht. I want respect. Um, I don’t want to go fishing.
that didn’t sound right. actually it’s, “I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!”
is someone warming in the pen?
Two nice stops by Crede tonight. Must be the haircut. That haircut must help him dive better.
Why does he continuously try to challenge Hamilton with fastballs?
Twin’s think he’s Jim Thome.
I did paraphrase:
It ain’t the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says… like dumb… I’m smart and I want respect!
BTW, Crede, IMO, is the best fielding 3B we’ve had since the Rat. Koskie was good, but not like this guy.
Does it make sense that we’ll lose him when they move into the stadium and replace him with a “maybe” like Valencia? I hope they explore the possibilities of signing Crede for another two/three years.
I know it isn’t likely but I’m trying hard to imagine going with an unknown when you are in a mode to go for it while your stars are in their prime and trying to convince those stars that you are serious about trying to win it all.
I’d love it if we Crede felt this is where he needs to be and would take a little less. Yeah right. But a guy can dream.
If Casilla doesn’t pan out then your looking at the FO trying to completely rebuild the infield again in the offseason. It’s going to be tough.
Ballgame Perk. Bear down.
Ballgame indeed. Don’t give in at 0-2
Fredo, you’re nothing to me now. You’re not a brother, you’re not a friend. I don’t want to know you or what you do.
(well, at least we’re having a good time,lol.)
Perk has 102 or so pitches through 5. Time to give Mulvey a spin for two then get into the front liners?
Cut me some slack, I’n observing on Gamecast (not exactly real time).
me too ob hate how it is delayed a bit
Shaun,
I have this list of movies that I call “channel surfing stoppers.” Those movies that, even though you’ve seen them a hundred times you watch again. Field of Dreams. Major League. Hoosiers. etc. The Godfathers are ones that I’ll stop and watch again and again and again. I love surfing stoppers.
Poor Cuddy.
He chose poorly.
Work Padilla fellas, burn somma that pen.
So who will come out? RA? Mulvey? Duensing? We do seem to have a few long relievers to choose from.
Or not.
heh.
(Vacation and Dumb and Dumber. Sorry.)
Keppel? Interesting choice. I had gotten the impression that he was being penciled into the 7th/8th inning while ahead role. Intersting.
lets see what hes got…2 innings from him 1 from matty g and 1 to close it out
Fredo,
Valencia is a very good third baseman also…
Given the Dick and Bert disagreement I’d say Bert didn’t get/couldn’t read his Twins management shill sheet tonight.
Yeah, D, I’d imagine that’s the tentative plan.
Here come a bunt!
Valencia hasn’t proven squat “at the major league level” yet. He may be the next Mike Schmidt but if they don’t sign Crede (which I don’t expect) we’ll be back to square one, in my mind, until he is proven. If Casilla washes out it will be a chore to rebuild an infield that features a 32 year old .200 hitter somewhere, a shortstop/3B that the manager doesn’t like and a..? Adding Valencia to that doesn’t look to me like a formula to compete for a WS berth.
I don’t like relying on guys who haven’t sniffed the ML and presenting him like it’s a contender.
Show me.
Glass half full… At least Gardy didn’t convince BS to give LNP a 3 year contract.
Despite my disdain for Punto, which is really disdain for how he’s been used, I think he’d be a bargain at 2/per if he were the super sub. That isn’t a bad price for what he’d bring as a roving starter/defensive replacement.
It really isn’t his fault that he’s looked at the way he is by his bosses. He has a lot of value in the right role.
I agree Fredo that would not be a positive infield…but Im working on this year for now
I heard today Crede is about the best fielding 3B in the AL. His back hasn’t bothered that much. Fourteen homers seems huge to me also. I would say his speed will improve with time and the BA will creep up, I hope.
D
Agreed. We have a division to win this year yet. I’m just so enamored with what Crede has given us defensively since it’s been such a long drought that I’m gonna miss him when he’s gone.
Keppel abused Kinsler in that at bat.
Fredo,
I was talking about fielding re: Valencia. I agree, he has to prove himself with the bat in the bigs.
I realize it is an extremely small sample size, but you gotta love what Keppel has given us up to this point.
Keppel trying to claim his spot. Convincingly.
If, and it’s admittedly a big if, Keppel continues to pitch like this I have to believe that he’ll move into the “when we’re winning” 4 pitchers (Nathan, Guerrier, Mijares) and sew up our 8th and 9th innings. If so, we’ll need to deal with the 7th. I’d still like to see a power 8th inning closer to go along with these 4 (assuming Keppel is the goods)
I do like Crede in the field…some of his at bats leave something to be desired,but its still better than what we would have had there
T98…I figured that’s what you meant. I agree.
Valencia v Buscher. 2010. ARE. YOU. READY. TO. RUMBLE!!!!
If I recall, didn’t Guerrier come outta nowhere. Keppel could be the ‘09 version.
The thing that makes me think Keppel may be legit is that he has that heavy sinker. That is a pitch that you have or don’t. While he could lose it, I kind of doubt it. It’s a good pitch. Maybe he’ll be that guy that finds his niche a bit later in his career.
I’d still love to have the El Gasolino in our arsenal as well.
Have to wonder where we’d be without hitting into 4 DP’s.
re: Keppel:
.216 BABIP makes that small sample extremely unconvincing…
While that’s true, t98, Keppel’s high GB% partly explains that BABIP.
I’d say somewhat unconvincing.
Span got a horrible read on that ball.
Ultimately, though, Keppel’s small sample size trumps all other analysis.
I wonder where the point of proof is for a pitcher, especially a relief pitcher, is. When did Guerrier or Downs or Rivera become “real”? Is there some statistical way to look at when someone becomes “someone”? Just curious since it is likely that not many would have predicted succesful relievers (aside from closers) to be successful.
Mijares continues to be amazing against lefties and weak against righties.
To the showers for Jose. “Mijares” seems to mean “reduce to pulp” in Spanish.
I think Mijares is “LOOGY” in Spanish.
That’s what scouts are for Fredo. Me and you cannot figure that conundrum out.
here is lefty and righty hetter line against Mijares:
LHB: .068/.176/.136
RHB: .323/.408/.484
Nathan for Cruz should the need arise.
“Guerrier” means “warrior”.
Jose beat them to a pulp and Matt pounded them into submission that inning.
OB,
It seems, though, that a lot of decisions are made on stats. What does a guy look like, statwise, that shows he’s a reliable “team is ahead” 7th or 8th inning reliever? I’m curious because you see a guy like Keppel or Berenguer or Willis and you wonder what makes them legit vs. not?
Personally, I imagine that I’d say “I’ll throw this guy out there until he f’s up more than two times in a row.” I’m guessing that others have a numerical standard that determines who will turn into an effective bridge reliever.
USAFChief said he was gonna be at the games this weekend and I think I saw him on the Ranger feed. He was standing in line waiting to use the john. Must have forgotten the FloMax.
Chief was just trying to decide “P*ss of the Day”
“Nathan” means “he who gives”.
Like in “he who gives us a chance to win.”
Geez, I didn’t notice LNP was out there. This is one of the correct uses for him, IMO.
Could be Fredo, I suppose with out Dr Donny he decided he would have to take matters into his own hands…
Twitchy is starting to do his “Everyday Eddie” routine. Stop diddling with these guys, Joe.
The guy in the blue shirt, and the guy sitting next to him in the red shirt behind home plate are wasted…
“Kinsler” means “20 homers, but not tonight! ! !”
sweet!
Fredo:
As I said before, when purely assessing stats, Keppel’s sample size prevents any evaluation from occuring (it’s the nature of the math). However, an average 93 MPH fastball with sink certainly sounds good and has, thus far, been effective. If he can maintain his velocity there is no reason to think Keppel cannot be a valuable member of the ‘pen.
Good start to this road trip.
This was kind of an important win. The pen did a nice job. Kubes was still his under the radar self.
I love winning the first game of a series since it takes some of the pressure off.
Hopefully, Big Shot Scott will get his pitches “down in the zone” tomorrow and we can get the series win right away.
Nice to have baseball back again.
Good win. If the Bronx games stays as it is (or call it because of rain), the Twins will be 4 games behind in the loss column.
Nice to have baseball back again.
I second that emotion.
Good start Twins! Scott Feldman better watch out for that 3 run jack (it’s coming). I love to see Earl Weaver baseball.
Isn’t Padilla a right hander? Itchmycrotchski keeps saying he’s lefty. Maybe I’m wrong or watching through a mirror.
I think twins will be three behind if they lose
or is my MN math wrong?
I think t98 is looking at the loss column v. the GB. I think.
If “they” = “the Tigers” than yes, clutterheart, the Twins will be 3 GB after tonight.
ob of course “they” is they tigers!
they will never be we
teixera hit that homer in the pouring rain..guessing the delay came shortly after that
clutterheart, Twins would be 3 games back in the standings, 4 back in the loss column.
hit off zumaya..and not a lefty
did they get rid of all the grass and waterfalls in the outfield in KC?
“Isn’t Padilla a right hander? Itchmycrotchski keeps saying he’s lefty.”
That is the perspective of the son of mistress of the FSN station owner.
He is an intern who is watching the game through his glass belly-button, because he has his head up his……!
Did anyone notice that Casilla didn’t seem to care tonight. I didn’t see a single bit of emotion tonight which scared me (much more than the 0-4). When he threw the ball that nearly took harris off the bag he didn’t seem to be releived when harris hit the bag and he didn’t seem dissapointed in his 0-4 just sayin, i could be wrong.
They did, D, although I’ve heard Kaufmann still looks good.
Just saw a highlight on MLB network…just doesnt look as good to me
Perhaps you are right Matt. That being said, none of us know Lexi and, as such, should recognize our limitations in judging his mental shortcomings.
I’m not looking for any great insight from Robbie, but it’s pathetic to ask “what’s it like to bat against a LEFT-HANDED pitcher like Vincent Padilla?” because he missed watching the game after not doing his homework.
twins on mlb network tomorrow night
Bobby Keppel, my new Twins hero.
I know small sample size and all the history but what the heck. He got it done!
reading between the lines i think gardy just said punto will be at ss tomorrow.
Anyone notice the spear Gardy through at Harris for not turning the DP in the 5th?
That was most assuredly a little spear Gardy flung at Harris for not turning the DP in the 5th. That was crap.
he sits now!
I agree it was a bad move to make the toss underhanded by Harris in the 5th, but the one thing Gardenhire failed to mention is the fact that Harris did get one more hit than Punto would have gotten.
that’s gardy and that’s why we all luv him.
All know that Punto is a plus in the field over Harris. Not so much of a plus, though, as to negate the advantage Harris provides at the plate. Only Gardy fails to see this. God, perhaps, knows why.
well it cost the twins a run something nicky would never do with his glove..
I have not said much tonight, but the Twins win and you guys are all drunk.
The Punto press conference, originally scheduled for tomorrow, has been cancelled.
That press conference, at which the notorious “Gardy photos” were to be released to the media, is no longer necessary, now that Punto has been restored to the starting lineup for tomorrow.
Details on the 10 O’clock news.
Actually, I do think he is a good manager, but why he has a boner against Harris I will never know. Maybe he just doesn’t kiss his ass like Punto does.
Former Twin Garrett Jones continues to remain red hot with the Pirates as he had two more homeruns tonight including a walk off homer in the 14th.
Thanks Donny. Try to do the same tomorrow.
D, Harris produced a run with his bat, something Punto would never do.
Don’t forget that Casilla went 4 for 4…oh wait. If we go in the knee-jerk mode we can assume that no one will play short or second tomorrow. LNP will play both.
Ben- true but gardy will never look at it that way…he will remember the run he cost them
Tiggers lost. Rejoice.
Aren’t we forgetting something… Twins win!!!
But yeah, beating another 2nd tier squad only inspires so much confidence.
What is amazing to me is Gardenhire will bash Harris for a mistake in the field, yey you will never ever once hear him bash Punto for his putrid offense.
Instead when questioned about Punto’s offense he has said, “If everybody else does their job in the lineup, Nick Punto is fantastic. When other people start struggling … then people starting saying, maybe he can’t hit. Nicky can do it. He can hit. He’s hit .280 in this league. Too much emphasis gets put on his offense; his defense, you can’t replace that.”
Actually Gardenhire, it doesn’t matter if other people are struggling or not, we will stay say Punto can’t hit. It just never ceases to amaze me the length he will go to have his little buddy’s back.
Don- just missing watching my twins thats all
I have said too much about the little fella already so I will refrain from anything else
We win, tiggers lose. Cool.
yep mo with another save
there might be panic though…he did allow a baserunner
Gardy succumbs to the same defense of pride that largely defines the actions of those on these blogs. Uproar commences why??? Oh yeah, Gardy’s actions actually have an impact. That is both a virtue and a tragedy.
punto probably isn’t the answer at ss but it’s not like harris is great at the plate and punto is an automatic out — punto’s obp is slightly higher than harris’s.
If Gomez is in, Harris should be in. Punto, Gomez and Casilla are too many holes in the linup.
Punto can only play when Delmon does, becuase regardless of if he can actually hit, Delmon at least looks like he can when he is standing in the batters box.
garret jones 5th homer in 4 games tonite…maybe this kid will come around after all…got away from twins hitting coaches…ya never know..i hope he continues to do well
Thanks for the update JC. I hope Harris continues to be our shortstop now that Casilla is back. Is Lavelle on vacation??? Hard to call it “Inside the Twins” when you have not posted for 3 days.
Reports on ESPN today that Kenny Williams is not going to push the trade market. Instead…he’s moving Posednik to CF and hoping that a returning Carlos Quentin will be “as good as a trade”.
