More Franchise Thoughts
Posted on February 27th, 2008 – 10:56 AMBy La Velle
I know Joe C. is musing about Liriano today, but I wanted to pile on.
Brian Duensing, warming up two spots from Liriano, threw harder than Franchise in the bullpen, but it sounds like it was by design.
The Twins were worried that Liriano would steamroll through his bullpen session with mega fastball after mega fastball - not acceptable for someone coming off of Tommy John surgery. So they had him back off. One Twins official I chatted with seemed to be pleased that Liriano threw as if it was Feb. 19 and not the 27th.
I stood on a stairway deck that’s behind the catchers and about 30 feet above the bullpen as Liriano threw. It looked like he threw all his pitches. He also looked like he was a little winded toward the end. Nerves? Possible. The cold and windy weather? It’s overcast and in the 60’s today, and Liriano has been pitching in warmer weather.
There were four photographers and one TV crew in addition to the group of Twin Cities baseball hacks who cover the team. In our market, that’s a media horde.
Oh well, on with the rest of camp. Duensing finished warming up and took to the mound on the main field to throw batting practice to Denard Span, Delmon Young, Michael Cuddyer and Tommy Watkins. Span had a few nice opposite field liners off Duensing. Young flat-out hits the ball hard. I can’t wait to see him in games.
Cuddyer pulled off a veteran move before the workout, putting his feet in plastic bags and wrapping tape around his ankles to keep them in place - then putting his cleats on.
Why?
Today was sliding practice. Players take off their shoes to run across the outfield then slide on the grass to practice the proper technique. Socks get soaked with moisture from the grass and are soggy for the remainder of the workout, which Cuddyer hates. So on went the baggies…..
18 Responses to "More Franchise Thoughts"
god i hope liriano pitches well this year.
Cuddyer’s a freakin’ genius.
Johan who? Hahaha, Start the young man in Sarasota tomorrow night. Strike fear in Krivsky’s heart.
hey lavelle, have you heard anything about pridie? he is the one guy we havent heard much about. i really believe he is gonna be are starting centerfielder.
Doesn’t Cuddyer have enough money to buy an extra pair of socks? Man, we need to get him a larger contract!
The Twins were worried that Liriano would steamroll through his bullpen session with mega fastball after mega fastball - not acceptable for someone coming off of Tommy John surgery.
These were my exact thoughts when I heard that he was letting it all hang out down in the DR. Not acceptable.
Soooo….Franchise who? *wink* This Cornhusker/Twins fan wants to know what you think of Duensing, LaVelle. 
How’s he look this Spring? Any shot at making the club this year? Any buss?
or buzz?
How do you pronounce “Duensing?”
Doon-sing?
Done Sing
The 87′and 91 Twins didn’t care if their feet were a little wet.
Cuddyer for President!
Touche’ Skinny. Touche’.
First time down to ST, assuming Liriano will be tossing his bullpen outside Friday, any info on when and where to watch? Would be greatly appreciated.
Is there any chance that the Twins organization could gain Minor League status as opposed to having to play at the major league level? They seem to be especially suited for developing young players for other teams. They also are not capable of legitimately competing with the other major league teams. The organization could become a AAA team for Milwaukee or Chicago, for instance. They could become like the St. Paul Saints and be very popular with the fans. The new statium is not a large facility and it would be just right for a winning minor league franchise.
Mack,
Four divisional titles in six years.
If you could compete that well for your family’s respect, you could allowed to live at home.
Hey Sid, whey don’t you borrow some money from your mother and go back to school to learn how to speak and write English properly?
The Twins will surprise major league baseball and win, not only the division, but the pennant and the World Series for 2008. It will occur largely due to the pitching rotation of Liriano, Baker, Hernandez, Slowey and Bonser.
