Monday morning
Posted on March 17th, 2008 – 9:37 AMBy La Velle
Before we get into baseball, I have a request.
Warmer weather is just a few weeks away, which means many of you will pull your motorcycles out of storage and hit the roads. I don’t own a motorcycle but know many people who do. All I ask is this:
1. Wear a helmet.
2. If you own one of those high-performance models, don’t try to prove you’ve got the baddest machine in the land.
3. Automobile drivers, please give motorcycles more space on the roads and highways.
I drove by a terrible scene Saturday after covering the Twins-Phillies game in Clearwater. I think I approached just a couple minutes after the accident happened because motorists were just beginning to get out of their cars and run over to the biker. But the first two people to run over stopped about 10 yards from him and just turned around to get on their cell phones.
I understood why they stopped short as I slowly rolled by.
What made it even tougher was that I had made a wrong turn and had to turn around and come back by scene. By then, there were a bunch of young adults, a couple with the same motorcycle in the picture, looking on.
It was a very disturbing scene. That’s why I ask everyone, as motorcycle season approaches, to be careful.
Back to baseball…
Scott Baker has caught the same flu bug that has hit Rick Anderson, Carmen Cali and Randy Ruiz in recent days. He’s stayed home and his bullpen session will be pushed back. Anderson still feels confident Baker will be ready to start the regular season. They just need proof that he’s lat strain has healed.
Here’s the Twins’ starting lineup:
1. Jason Pridie, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Delmon Young, LF. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Craig Monroe, CF. 6. Jason Kubel, DH. 7. Mike Redmond, C. 8. Mike Lamb, 3B. 9. Adam Everett, SS. Pitching: Francisco Liriano, then Brian Bass, Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Casey Daigle, Dennys Reyes, Ricky Barrett.
246 Responses to "Monday morning"
2 WEEKS BABY!! 2 FREEKIN WEEKS!
LaVelle, 2 questions:
1. Is Gardy seriously considering starting Punto over Harris at 2nd base for the regular season? (he can’t be that dumb can he?)
and 2. What was with Gardy’s quote in Sid’s column today that Kubel will be in the lineup only once in a while. Did Sid take that out of context? Jason needs to play
It seems like major league athletes are aways catching the flu. Do they ever get flu shots?
Monroe gets a start in CF..with Pridie in RF…interesting. Will Gardy ever give Harris two starts in a row? I have a bad feeling this pattern will continue into the regular season because for some reason (his defense)
LNP must be in the lineup everyday.
Well it sounds like the are getting the stomach flu and not Influenza.
If Punto gets more ABs than a Health Harris i will give up my season tickets.
I was at spring training for the last week. Brandon Harris is an absolute mess turning the double play. And his bat speed is not impressive. Maybe he is more skilled at short, but he is a borderline liability at second. The Punto bashing on this board is out of control. I didn’t realize the early part of spring training was to prepare only the starting nine.
Also, the NBA has come to MLB. Young Mr. Gomez can’t even run off the field after an inning without stylin’ or looking in the stands to see who is watching him. The dude needs a TK to A.J. AAA message in the worst way. I don’t care how physically talented he is.
This is the third game in a row that Punto has started. 2B Saturday vs. Philadelphia, DH vs. Toronto on Sunday and 2B today vs. Florida. It appears Gardy is giving him all these at bats to win the 2B job and get him out of his spring training funk. Although both can catch the ball, Everett and Punto in the same lineup will kill the Twins chances on most days.
Anyone who defends Punto is beyond a pathetic moron.
Looks like you fit the bill FtMyersInvestiagor.
Punto-bashing and personal attacks on anyone who says he can play defense (Punto defenders) continues.
Only the date changes.
Blogger hate is a constant.
Blog rants over Punto are the funniest thing. Is Harris a better hitter than Punto? I doubt it. Punto is a better fielder and has more speed.
Bobby:
Never defended Punto — said Harris does not look like a good second baseman. Also commented that Gardy needs to get the whole team ready. D Young has typically played only every other game. It doesn’t mean Gardy is trying desperately to have Craig Monroe or Jason Pridie win his job.
I’ll throw you another bone — It’s still early and it’s a long summer, but Mauer hit the ball very hard almost every at bat. Commence ripping.
What are the chances that Punto is on the Club next season. I bet he is on a plane to Japan to join Ford over there. I do not like Punto but it does get a little crazy in here about it. I mean some of you guys need to relax a bit more. I love the game of baseball but its just that a game.
What are you talking about Young played in all 162 games last year.
Harris is probably not an everyday middle infielder for any team in baseball, except for the Rays.
B.J. Upton played middle infield for the Rays! This proves ANYONE can play middle infield for that team.
“Is Harris a better hitter than Punto? I doubt it.”
That is without a doubt the dumbest thing ever written on a star tribune blog.
Well done.
Burning Bush,
The statement referred to D.Young in Spring Training.
Is Punto a bad hitter? Yes. Is he has bad as he was last year? Probably not. I would say he is somewhere around a 250 hitter, but has yet to prove it. I also agree, we really can’t afford to have everett and punto in the same lineup. I like to see MOnroe getting some ABs in center, I’m not comfortable with any of the options out there.
harris actually had a better fielding pct at 2b then did punto last yr. nicky has better range but he also hit 76 points lower. punto is not an everyday player he is a utility player.
Bush:
That’s the point. Delmon will play 155-162 this year barring injury. But that doesn’t mean that Gardy won’t play other people in left field during S.T. Just like someone OTHER THAN Harris may get penciled in at second base, but he may get the majority of the starts in the regular season. Guys like Bobby act like Punto getting one at-bat per week in spring training proves a vast Gardy/Punto conspiracy. Just bored with it. New topic.
Thanks for the awareness re. motorcycles, LaVelle. I’m about two good salt/sand clearing rains and 10-15 degrees from riding to work a couple times a week and it can be a pretty scary experience sometimes.
Regarding Punto-bashing… how can it be bashing when he has a documented major league worst batting average last year? Is it an urban legend or something??? I like Nick and the way he plays the game, but I hate what he does to the team more often than not.
Punto and Everett are all but locks as the DP combo to start the season. Those starting pitchers will need all the help they can get. Gardy understands that.
rotrhed,
Punto-bashing is attacking his defensive skills.
Attacking his offensive failures last year is justified.
Seems a bit early to be comparing Harris to anyone. He has only played one full season in the big leagues.
One decent season does not make a player.
Plus, all signs are that he is having trouble fielding at 2nd - remember he only started 45 games there in 2007 and 87 at SS.
So basically he is a player with one year under his belt, did okay offensively, is being asked to play a position which has minor experience and he is struggling in the field.
Seems pretty clear why Punto is in the mix.
BTW - I am of the opinon that Punto should be the utility infielder on this team and not start more than once or twice a week. But if there are no other options, then what?
Span appears way ahead of Gomez as far as maturity and being ready to play in the major leagues. Gomez has some amazing skills, however. It will go down to the wire.
Gardy wants to cut Pridie, but he wants to see if Monroe can be the backup CF.
That’s why Monroe is getting a start in CF. Monroe is not an everyday option.
Likely to be cut in the next few days:
Pridie, Buscher, Watkins, Knott, Ruiz, Daigle, Keisler.
Excellent post on motorcycle safety Len3 i witnessed first hand a young kid being hit by a pickup truk last 4th of July and lost his life the image is still burned into my mind it was very sad.
I was wondering about Pridie myself what has he done wrong that he’s not getting as much playing time?
I think the team has to at least give Harris a shot in the regular season. A lot of players look rough in Spring training on many accounts. Look at how Morneau is hitting and tell me that’s going to continue. I’ve heard Harris isn’t much of a defender but let’s at least give him til the regular season. At most we’ve all seen him play 2 games at 2B and one of them was very early in ST. Let’s give him til the regular season til we dub him the man with the concrete hands.
Sy — fair enough, but he’ll have to bat sometime, and as a fan, I’m just really tired of seeing that.
I have been reading all this 2nd base stuff for a month. Brian Roberts is available. He is 30 yrs old takes care of our lead off spot and takes careof 2nd. Gomezcan go to the 9 hole in the order or back to AAA.
craig,
I agree.
However, it is possible that two of the three CF (six outfielders total)and only five infielders may be kept.
Five IF is a little thin, and I doubt that the Twins will risk it.
It’s tough enough with cars around without the random median jumping in front of you. I saw a dude up by Grand Rapids minutes after he hit a deer. Poor bastard died, left behind a wife and young daughter.
Wendy,
Good post.I think the Twins should seriously consider Roberts. The Twins should attempt to obtain him. Harris can platoon with Lamb and Punto would be a defensive replacement.
Brain Roberts is member of the Baltimore Orioles.
Brian Roberts has a contract for 08-09 worth a total of $14.3 million and has a limited no trade clause.
Doesn’t look like a good fit for the Twins at all.
rotrhed,
I’m just hoping they can minimize Punto’s AB and maximize his defensive innings while they maximize AB for Lamb and Harris.
Sy, I think the last spot comes down to Tolbert or Jones.
Pridie has done a good job, but Monroe is good enough as a backup, in case the starter gets hurt. Pridie, I think, will get sent down. Pridie would get called right back up, if the starter went down for more than a day or two.
Buscher needs to learn to play first base in addition to third. He needs to get AB’s in AAA. He will be back up later in the season.
Jones is out of options. The front office doesn’t want to lose him, and will try to keep him on the team. The field staff will want Tolbert.
Tolbert will get the job. That’s my prediction.
Craig with excellent analysis.
Here’s an early guess as to who will start the season on the 25 man roster:
SP: Hernandez, Baker, Bonser, Perkins, Slowey.
RP: Nathan, Guerrier, Neshek, Ricon, Crain, Reyes, Bass.
Starters: Mauer, Morneau, Punto, Lamb, Everett, Young, Gomez, Cuddyer, Monroe.
Reserves: Redmond, Harris, Tolbert, Kubel.
I think you are slightly off Craig.
1. Liriano will be in the starting 5
2. Perkins will be in the pen while Bass is in Rochester
3. Pridie will be on the bench vs. Tolbert
4. Kubel (lefty) over Monroe (righty) for DH slot since the Angels will be throwing righties.
Craig you know what helps young pitchers scoring some runs so they don’t feel like if they let up a run they have lost the game.
Geez people ..Punto isn’t the only Twin who had a bad year last year
He has proved he can play D and handle
a bat at the same time . Lets trust Gardy a little more . I think he knows a little more about what we need .
I’d rather have Puntos fielding percentage Than an unproven Such as harris …I say our offense loks to take a step forward . Defense backward
Starting pitching Backward but if our Bullpen can be a strength we will suprise some of the big dogs in our division
hey guys,
My thoughts on Punto: played out of his mind 2 yrs ago, just like everyone else on the Twin Roster that year. Overachieved big time. He has Gold Glove caliber Defense, but is a well below average hitter. Bashing his offense is justified, bashing his D is not, I’m pretty sure apart from Torii Hunter, he led the team in ‘web gems’ on ESPN.
Been paying strict attention to the spring games recently, Gomez is coming on strong, very strong in fact. In his last 3, hes gone 2-5 vs. PIT (2B, 3B, RBI), 3-4 vs. PHI(HR, 2 RBI, 2 SB), and 1-2 with another SB vs TOR. If anyone saw the game on TV the other day, this guy is lightning in a bottle if they can control his cockiness. the burners he turned on to score from second on that flare was incredible, fastest guy in MLB bar none. if they can get him to have a decent OBP, hell swipe 100 bags. Seems whatever Vavra and the others have been telling him hes been taking to heart and working very hard on. I think the twins have to have him as their CF on opening day just because he’s so dynamic.
In the past I’ve said I thought pridie would win the job and Gomez wasn’t ready. But I don’t think his readiness is the issue anymore after seeing him play, he may not be ready to be a big league hitter, but he’s definitely ready to be a playmaker, whether its stealing bases and extending singles into doubles and doubles into triples, or scoring from second on anything that makes it into the outfield, they need him in there if for nothing else than the excitement he’ll bring.
i think Craig nailed the 25 man roster
although i’m bored with Kubel rather some else gets a chance
“One decent season does not make a player.”
You were saying this about Punto, right?
LENIII–I am disturbed by Gardy’s line about getting Kubel into the lineup “every once in a while.” He’s just joking around, right? He won’t murder yet another career by not giving Kubel 500 ABs, right? Wow. Please clarify so I know if I need to buy Twins tickets this year.
Pitcherdad, if you look at Punto’s career offensive numbers, you would not state what you just did. His numbers in 06 were way outside the norm of his career minor league and major league numbers. 07 was actually a lot closer to his career numbers.
Two games in a row where the visiting team has not fulfilled the rules of 4 regulars making the trip.
“Starters: Mauer, Morneau, Punto, Lamb, Everett, Young, Gomez, Cuddyer, Monroe.”
Check your keyboard, I think you wrote “Monroe” when you meant to write “Kubel.”
Jerry D,
You might be right about Liriano. Blackburn also can really pitch. He could get the job. I think the Twins want Perkins to be a starter this year.
I don’t think Pridie has much of a chance to stay with the club. He has a future, though. He can be a real good player.
You are right about Kubel starting some against the Angels, and other teams also.
LaVelle thinks Tolbert has little chance to stay, but I think I know Gardy. Tolbert is so versatile, he keeps Gardy inside his comfort zone.
“although i’m bored with Kubel rather some else gets a chance”
I’m glad who you’re bored with has no bearing on who gets to play. What do you mean by “get a chance?” Have a full season with healthy knees? Get 500 ABs? Gardy’s made sure Kubel hasn’t gotten that chance.
“Starters: Mauer, Morneau, Punto, Lamb, Everett, Young, Gomez, Cuddyer, Monroe.”
Yeah dude, really get that keyboard checked–you wrote “Punto” instead of “Harris” too.
Punto can’t hit, but his glove is incredible. Plus he is a utility guy. Gotta luv dat.
Jesus, between “Punto is better than Harris” and “I’m bored with Kubel,” I’m impressed LaVelle even bothers to read the comments of your simpltons. Get a clue.
Also, if Punto ever does hit, the Twins won’t be able to afford him.
Who scored the run for the Twins?
wonder how many of us would like to turn back the clock and take ellsbury over gomez if we had our choice now….im guessing not very many….
gardy just needs to find a bun big enough to fit the kid…little bit too much reggie jackson in him……
I like Kubel more, for now. I think he was really getting back into the groove the second half of last year, and should be given every chance this year.
Gardy is correct using Monroe as the primary DH. Kubel can come off the bench and bat for Everett, in the late innings, and can DH once in awhile.
JAMA last Friday I thought I said use Gomez and Monroe over inconsistant Kubel hmmmmm….. Came back to bite in the arse huh..
Gardy is incorrect using Monroe as the primary DH. Monroe can come off the bench and bat for Everett, in the late innings, and can DH once in awhile.
Twins lead 1-0 on a RBI single by D. Young.
Craig, the Twins are trying to get away from having Luis Rodriguez types on the bench, so Tolbert has no shot unless there’s an injury. He needs to play every day and should be in the minors before camp breaks.
Focus on when either Buscher or Jones steps up to claim the last spot on the bench…
LEN:
Fly ball outs hard hit off Cisco? Popups??
1 2/3IP 1 ground out 4 flyouts according to the boxscore.
Pridie in right…must be hoping he can get some experience at different parts of the field. I want him as the 4th OF. I think that’s what they’re doing there.
Nice to see Young hitting 3rd, though I wish Gardy would keep with it on days when Cuddy’s in. Right now it seems like Young 3rd is only when Cuddy will be off.
Punto batting second? At first I was like “WTF”. But then unlike most people here, I read the rest of the lineup. Redmond’s in today, which means Mauer’s out and the #2 hole is wide open (everybody else is hitting in their projected spots in this lineup).
So who hits 2nd? It’d be nice to have Harris in to give him as many chances as possible to get his bat back. Though I imagine both he and Punto will be with the club in April anyway.
But the big news is Liriano. Hope he can bounce back after getting roughed up last time.
“I like Kubel more, for now. I think he was really getting back into the groove the second half of last year, and should be given every chance this year.”
Your wisdom inspires, sir.
“the comments of your simpltons.”
Hmmm.
“Focus on when either Buscher or Jones steps up to claim the last spot on the bench…”
That could take a while…
What I think Gardenhire meant by saying “Kubel will be out there once in a while” is playing in the field. I would expect that Kubel starts an occasional game in left or right, with Cuddyer or Young sitting or DHing. If Kubel plays sporadically, it is a huge mistake.
Once again you guys write stuff without either looking at statistics or having an idea. Craig Monroe cannot hit right handed pitchers. Over the past 3 seasons his avg vs. Right handed pitchers is .244 with an OBP of .289 in over 1000 ab’s. Kubel and Monroe will platoon the DH spot.
Hmmm.
There are two ways to troll boards Craig. He’s just picking the more obvious one.
But at least he’s not trying to hide behind the guise of constructive conversation.
Guys, the gameday has the play-by-play. The issue is that it’s only updated once the half inning is over. But it’s there.
The outs of Liriano: 1 SO, 2 pop-ups, 2 fly-outs and 1 ground-out
Harris/Punto, whoever does not start, will backup Everett. Buscher is supposedly an emergency option for the infield, if he’s the 25th man.
LaVelle,
If Gardy pinch hits for Everett, who is left on the bench to play middle infield, if there is an injury? I don’t think Cuddy is going to come in and play 2B. Too risky. A serious injury could happen. Cuddy is a vital player. Gardy wouldn’t do that. Buscher and Lamb can’t play there. Gardy needs that extra middle infielder.
T — Kubel and Monroe are OF’s, which means if Pridie makes the team it would be as the 6th OF, not the 4th. Not gonna happen.
Craig,
Punto will be there to step in, or Harris if you think Punto will start. If you don’t want Harris at SS then Punto can slide in and Harris can goto 2B.
Liriano gives up a walk and a single to begin the 2nd inning. Redmond goes out to talk with the Franchise.
Gladden says no power slider, but just a curveball from Franchise. He goes to 3-0, so they more or less intentionally walk to load the bases. Anderson goes out to the mound. One out.
Gladden says several players are coming down with that flu.
Romer,
Do you meant 3rd inning? Because it shows that the 2nd inning he gave up one hit and then got the other outs.
Gladden says Franchise’s velocity is going down as he’s over 40 pitches now.
Twins miss the DP as Punto’s relay pulls Morneau off the bag.
does MLB.com’s gameday thing for the twins game really say that Liriano has gotten six outs on 9 pitches, all for strikes? I find that extremely encouraging…
My projected Starting lineup and rotation:
Gomez CF
Mauer C
Young LF
Morneau 1B
Cuddyer RF
Monroe/Kubel DH
Lamb 3B
Harris 2B
Everett SS
Hernandez
Baker
Liriano
Bonser
Slowey
I think they keep Perkins in the pen or at AAA to start out with, slowey wasn’t that impressive last year, but he was 4-1, and somehow leads the team in K’s this spring, I think he gets the initial nod at the #5 spot, but Blackburn and Humber are still in the mix…
Don’t believe the pitch counts on the gameday link. Just look at the play by play and the boxscore.
It’s not a full-blown in-season gameday, so just take the two most pertinent info above.
Right, halfchest. Now the top of the 3rd is over. Score is 1-1.
Announcers say Franchise was overthrowing the FB and falling towards 3B a little. He didn’t have command of his FB that 3rd inning.
About the 25 man roster… You have two middle infielders on the bench. Unless we expect Morneau to play 162 games, we better have a 1B on the bench. Someone who plays 1B/3B would be better. That means Buscher is in the mix. Garrett Jones can play 1B, and he is out of options (and will likely not pass through waivers unclaimed). Fortunately (or unfortunately), decisions will be made from the front office regarding players based on options remaining and when they want to begin major league service time.
Is Tolbert out of options? Is Bass out of options (he has pitched well this spring)? Is Liriano ready to start the season in the rotation? All will be decision points.
halfchest,
If someone pinch hits for Everett, Everett is out of the game. That leaves Punto and Harris in the middle infield. The question is, what if one of those two guys (Everett or Punto) gets hurt, after Everett is out of the game. Who comes in to play in the middle infield?
Gardy will be asking himself the same question. That is why I think he will want Tolbert on the bench.
Von Stange -
Lamb can play 1B if there is an injury, and if that’s the case, Punto and Harris can play 3B, plus they could call up Buscher. I think Jones gets that last spot for now.
Apparently Bass is also out of options, which is strange to me since the Twins only put him on the 40 man roster in January. He must have gone through three options with the Royals.
Tolbert was just added to the 40 man roster in December, so he’s got three option years left.
Will have to wait for coaches’ comments, but sounds like Liriano isn’t progressing much.
He’s still in there in the 4th now.
“he’s still in there in the 4th now”
That’s important… like Dazzle said, we have to remember the seriousness of the surgery he went through. It’s not like a player just turns it right back on.
So to answer the above question… I’m not sure if Liriano is ready for the rotation in April. They can determine that later, but caution is key!
“Is Harris a better hitter than Punto? I doubt it.”
Haha, I’M a better hitter than Punto. You’re a better hitter than Punto. The guy who monitors this blog at the Strib is a better hitter than Punto. Punto bashing goes on for a reason. He’s a sub-par baseball player. He has value coming off the bench, but there is no way he should start for a major league club. There isn’t one other team in the league who would start Punto.
You can’t worry about injuries all the time. That’s why they wasted time carrying three catchers in the past, costing themselves two actual prospects (mediocre one, but prospects none the less) on the 40 man roster. I hope they don’t carry someone just in case there is an injury. I hope they carry that last player because he might have an actual role.
If Lamb spells Morneau, he ends up playing 162. Punto can spell Lamb, but I agree that Jones gets the last spot to spell Morneau and have power off the bench. Bass has looked good; will have to look at his major league stats to know if he is legit in the majors.
I think the Twins ALWAYS have 4 guys on the team capable of playing in the middle infield. I can’t recall any time when they did not.
I lost some faith in Gardy when he went with Lew Ford as his starting RF’er after Cuddyer batted .500 in the spring of (I believe) was 2005. The only reason Gardy gave Cuddyer a chance to start was because Ford got hurt. With Lew starting, the Twins went 5-13. I tracked that to justify how BAD of a decision that was. Once Cuddyer got his chance to start everyday in RF and not at 3B, well, we know how that has turned out. Imagine if Ford never got hurt. Cuddyer probably wouldn’t have gotten his chance, gotten limited at-bats, and left via free agency. Kind of like a David Ortiz. Gardy never gave him the amount of at-bats he needed too to give TR a chance to re-sign him. With that, I tend to scrutinize Gardy’s decisions. Look, there’s no such thing as a good manager. Just bad managers. The players play the game, period. The managers main job is to put the best players on the field on a consistent basis. If Gardy seriously is thinking to start Punto again this season, I will be quite frusterated.
to many people fall in love with punto’s “web gems”. while he does make some spectacular plays his fielding pct at 2b was worse then harris’s last yr. sometimes players can make routine plays look much harder than they are. with his lack of hitting and rbi production, along with not being able to bunt, punto can not make enough plays over and above harris to make up for that lack of hitting. he’s a utility player!!!!!
Yeah Seth, it looks like Liriano at AAA to me. But still have to wait the reports. Maybe he’s got the flu bug too. I think he reached 50 pitches.
I’d leave Liriano in FLA to not have to deal with the cold up north.
My hope is that we use Monroe as our DH and sell Kubel for $$$ and with that install a nice sushi bar in the new stadium
Why is everyone saying now they want Gomez playing and not in the AAA. Where are all the people now that were making fun of me JAMA, T, ROMER hmmmm…..
Kubel and Monroe are OF’s, which means if Pridie makes the team it would be as the 6th OF
Kubel and Monroe are both OF’s, but you have to consider that one or the other will be DHing in any particular game. While the other serves as the bat off the bench. Kubel or Monroe would likely play OF only if the primary fielder was out that day. At which point the other is DHing and you need Pridie off the bench.
how can it be bashing when he has a documented major league worst batting average last year? Is it an urban legend or something???
It’s one thing to point out that it he didn’t hit well, and then end the conversation.
It’s another thing for every blog entry, game thread, and Haiku Day to get stuffed full of the same whines and moans about Punto.
Like that one movie….”SSDD”.
Fielding percentage is proof of nothing.
Catch one flyball and never get to another ball and you are a perfect 1.000.
Where are all the people now that were making fun of me JAMA, T, ROMER hmmmm…..
*waves*
You make it sound like I hated the Santana trade, and Gomez. When I’ve openly said the Santana trade needed to happen, and have liked the potential Gomez can bring. Maybe not this year (I’m not convinced of his bat yet), but definately in 09.
Whatever the case. He should not be with the big club unless they’re able to give him the starting role. It will do him no good to sit on the bench when he could be getting everday ABs with the Red Wings.
Tolbert can play all three OF positions, according to Terry Ryan. Tolbert has played all 4 infield positions.
If the team carries 12 pitchers, as is their plan, Tolbert becomes extremely valuable on a slim 4 man bench.
so how many people here are forgetting that Jason Kubel was the best hitter on the Twins the last 2 months of the season last year? I don’t understand what everyone has against him, the last 3 seasons he hasn’t gotten to put it all together because of injuries, after finally being healthy, he tore it up. He was the best hitting prospect in the twins system after Mauer made the bigs for a reason…they can’t give up on him, Monroe is a stop gap at best(do you really think he’ll produce or be around for 5, or 4, or 3 more years?), so they have to keep him…
And I don’t give a crap that harris had a better fielding percentage, that doesn’t tell me he’s a better fielder. From what I’ve seen and heard he’s had some trouble at second this spring, I haven’t heard that about Punto, or Casilla for that matter. I bet if I were too look it up it wouldn’t be by that many percentage points or actual errors committed. Also did you happen to look who had more fielding opportunities? that can affect F% numbers…
I am not saying that Kubel has no potential but since I have been watchibng him he is an empty pit of unkept promises and unproven dreams of future greatness.
Catch one flyball and never get to another ball and you are a perfect 1.000.
Likewise, you can dive like a madman for a ball and get an error when it glances off your glove.
It sometimes seems like F% is a reward for not trying.
jimmy bee, get over yourself. This blog is not about you.
jimmybee,
We were only making fun of the face painting and sushi bar.
Uh… that’s the first post I’ve EVER related to Punto. And “didn’t hit well” is the biggest understatement ever.
Why do you think everyone “whines and moans” about it? Is it just a big coincidence or conspiracy??? Maybe it’s actually true that there are better options that give the Twins a better chance to win.
With Lew starting, the Twins went 5-13.
Despite what you may think, it takes 9 men on the field and a 10th in the lineup to decide a game (not to mention whoever comes in from the bullpen).
So hopefully you’ll take that into consideration before you decide to name Lew Ford the cause for a 5-13 skid.
Though I suppose with your logic you’d be handed a Cy Young vote as a reward.
Fred
“One decent season does not make a player.”
I was referring to Harris at the time, but it rings oh so true for Punto too.
i agree that fielding pct isn’t proof of much but he does make errors like everyone else and because he makes a few “web gems” doesn’t excuse punto from having to hit better then he does. he is a great utility if’r he should not be starting everyday!!!!
With only five outfielders, Kubel will see plenty of ABs.
Six outfielders is not necessary, especially when the team has Tolbert as a sixth outfielder.
It’s almost always easier to put an infielder into the outfield, than the other way around.
Sy I know I was trying to be funny. some times humor is great for a blog and as for Dave T says:
March 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
jimmy bee, get over yourself. This blog is not about you.
My friend you are a controlling Blog Nazi
Uh… that’s the first post I’ve EVER related to Punto.
You asked a general question. I provided a general answer.
Maybe it’s actually true that there are better options that give the Twins a better chance to win.
I’m going to guess you haven’t been around here much. The MO is usually to complain about something the Twins, but not offer any suggestions on how to fix it.
Or sometimes to change things up, you don’t say anything about a decision until after it has succeeded or failed and then decide if it was the right move or not.
T - you stated “Likewise, you can dive like a madman for a ball and get an error when it glances off your glove.”
not true. if you dive for a ball and it glances off your glove, most likely you will NOT be charged with an error.
T Gomez is going to be amazing when he gets more pollished as a player. I do still see some weaknesses as well
Mendoza Punto (MP) is 0 for 3.
My friend you are a controlling Blog Nazi
NO POST FOR YOU!
LaVelle,
I miss Luis Orlando Rodriguez. He was my favorite player. I think Luis is hitting over .400 with the Padres. He has a nice 1.000 + OPS, if you think OPS is anything important(I don’t). The Twins are going to miss him this year.
jimmy bee says Kubel is an “empty pit of unkept promises and unproven dreams”.
Kubel produced HR’s and RBIs at a greater rate than Cuddy last year for the whole season. Kubel was the best hitter the last 2 month.
jimmybee, you’re full of it.
“T” I couldn’t agreee more with you.
Back of the line Dave T
Liriano is going to have a rough time without the slider. I’ve never once thought “Oh great punto’s playing D” Only “GREAT….Punto’s up…That’s the end of that inning”
Romer says Gomez needs to go back to AAA
La Velle
Any chance the Twins get rid of Punto and bring Tolbert back to Minnesota?
Gardy hates Kubel, loves Punto. I know, I don’t get it either.
Don’t worry Romer, by May jimmy will be proclaiming he’s been on the Kubel bandwagon for years.
For those who care, whoever was talking about Harris as a better fielder when looking at stats only, heres their fielding #’s from last year, They’re pretty much as equal as you can get from a stats point of view:
Brendan Harris:
2B - 47 games, .994 F%, 1 E, 172 Total Chances.
3B - 4 games, .750 F%, 1 E, 4 Total Chances.
SS - 87 games, .968 F%, 11 E, 343 Total chanches.
Grand Totals: 519 Total Chances, 13 Errors, .975 F%.
Nick Punto:
2B - 25 games, .973 F%, 3 E, 112 Total Chances.
3B - 108 games, .973 F%, 7 E, 261 Total Chances.
SS - 27 games, .974 F%, 3 E, 117 Total chances.
Grand totals: 490 Total Chances, 13 Errors, .973 F%.
you’re an idiot for bringing stats into the equation because they are as equal as you can get. From what I’ve seen and heard punto is without a doubt a better fielder than harris. So stop talking the other way.
With that said however, I’d still take Harris starting at 2B over punto because of his much better bat in my opinion. I’ll take Harris 1 season (as a rookie->more potential) of hitting pretty decent, than punto’s career less than mediocrity.
I have the perfect solution for improving the Twins, but no one likes my idea, so I’m not going to mention it.
Because I am the new and improved Craig, I’m not going to bring it up, unless someone first asks (it has to do with the Twins first baseman).
Tolbert will not be sticking. I think it’s clearly down to Jones and Buscher, with Jones likely to be the guy kept unless he totally tanks the next two weeks. Gomez and Span will be playing CF every day… one in Minn and the other in Rochester.
I think the only reason Gardy wants 12 pitchers to start the season is because he’s assuming one of them will be Liriano and he’s just not sure how much he can be counted on. If Liriano is deemed not ready by opening day, they may decide they only need 11 pitchers. If that’s the case, Pridie or Buscher may get a spot.
The Twins have five open dates scheduled between Opening Day and May 5. It shouldn’t be too taxing for the staff to survive that first stretch of games with 11 arms if Liriano isn’t one of them.
Tolbert will see time in a Twins uniform this season, but it won’t be to open the year.
Keep me to it USAFireChief. If I am wrong I will admit it but if Gomez is lighting it up out there you and Romer can eat crow
Projected for Kubel
avg. 254
hr. 9
sb. 3
rbi 70
Jason Kubel ends up back on the DL the last 2 months of the season with a pulled groin muscle
I don’t remember making fun of jimmybee, but I remember him saying some wild things about the starting 5 pitchers.
And we’re all glad Gomez is surging. He looked green, and there was that day he forgot his sunglasses and missed a ball in center.
What is it improved Craig please tell me
“T” I couldn’t agreee more with you.
…I was actually jokingly mocking that accusation. I meant nothing against Dave T.
I think Craig is correct. We need to find more guys the caliber of Morneau. That’s the only way to get better.
70 rbi in only 4 months isn’t too bad, actually. Not that rbi tells you all that much about a player.
Any chance the Twins get rid of Punto and bring Tolbert back to Minnesota?
They have to find somebody who wants him. Haven’t we gone over this fallacy in fan logic before?
I assume that is what Craig was going to say.
Minnesota Blog odds
5-1 Pulled groin muscle
3-1 Pulled Hamstring
2-1 Concussion from missplaying fly ball
3-1 Looses position due to not being as good as Gomez
4-1 Pulled shoulder muscle from misplaying flyball
Listed above odds for Kubel’s 2008 season
I think Craig is correct. We need to find more guys the caliber of Morneau. That’s the only way to get better.
That’s pretty much the exact opposite of what Craig wants to do with Morneau. For the sake of everybody, please don’t ask. It’s his biggest piece of flamebait…and unfortunately it always works.
Craig should we trade Morneau for Bartolo Colon
keep: i didn’t say harris was a better fielder i just pointed out he had a better pct at 2b which would indicate he wasn’t terrible like is being claimed. i haven’t seen harris enough to have any opinion on him other than he has to hit better. if harris isn’t an everyday infielder smith is an “idiot” (using your term) for trading for him. utility infielders are a dime a dozen or in nicky’s case 2.4m. and this is what i said:
“harris actually had a better fielding pct at 2b then did punto last yr. nicky has better range but he also hit 76 points lower.”
keep what did i say that was incorrect?
Punto- 0 for 3 today. now with an average of .179. He is looking good again this year!!
Jimmy Bee
Since You are a much better player than Kubel.Maybe you should wear his uniform & get out there & show us what you CAN’T Do
I love Justin Morneau. He is a nice, quiet guy, a good teammate, and I hear he was a pretty good hockey player.
I am a beast of a man and given as many roids as they are on I would actually do better then Kubel. The unfortunate thing is I dont do amphetamines and roids so I can not be a player but I can only be a huge fan
Let’s see, OBP’s (before today)……
gomez .286
pridie .324
span .412
casilla .423
harris .242
punto .286
So we’ll get harris and gomez……
Here goes Craig again talking about cloning his favorite player. Craig, not every guy in the lineup can hit monster 450 foot homers. Some guys have to get on base and hit for average.
Jerry , no i was talking about Punto
being a better Defensive choice . Didnt say much about his lifetime BA
He’s still bettr than an unproven Harris .
Sounds like we all agree on Kubel
Rock on Craig
punto 0-4 after rbi groundout to first.
it’s 4-3 marlins.
gobble,
BS didn’t make that trade for Harris.
It was Garza plus Bartlett for Delmon.
Harris, Pridie and Morlan were all fillers too try to even out the trade.
I am not going to say anything about Justin’s fielding, base-running, or his speed.
I really like that guy. I only say good things about him, or I don’t say anything at all.
popup_jack Do you think we could clone Morneau like Craig wants cause that would be wonderfull till we had to pay there contracts
gobble - i dont think you were the only one I was directing that entire comment at, but I did get the impression you were trying to say Harris was a better fielder based on stats alone, I apologize if I read into anything wrong, but thats how I saw it. Anyway, I only have a problem with people bashing Punto’s defense, I agree with everyone that he is a Utility guy at best and should not be an everyday infielder, but he is a very good guy to bring in in the late innings for his defense and to spell a guy a couple days a week. He is a very good defensive player, very weak hitter.
I never get bored of Punto bashing. He was the worst every day player in Major League Baseball in 2007. Last year, I talked to a scout who laughed at the Twins for playing Punto. For my money, he is not even a viable candidate for the utility infielder job. I would rather have Tolbert or Casilla in that role, or another bat off the bench like Buscher. Also, why doesn’t anyone consider Humber as a candidate for the starting rotation?
popup_jack,
I love those 450 foot homers. They are really something. I am really impressed. They should count for more than the 350 footers.
Let’s see, OBP’s (before today)……
Is that ST only? Or are you taking their entire careers into consideration?
Typically, the 450 footers do count for more. The 350 footers usually end up in someone’s glove.
Another perfect inning this spring for Neshek.
I like all Morneau’s towering fly balls to the outfield, also. I love when the announcer says: “He almost got all of that one.”. That impresses me the most. Really gets me excited.
Anybody have any guess at what our bull pens ERA will be after the All Star break
What I really like are your boy Punto’s fly balls to the OF…the ones where he DOES get all of them…and they settle into the rightfielder’s glove 15 steps in front of the baggie.
That always does it for me.
Chief,
I’m talking about 350 foot homers, of course. The 450 footers Morneau hits, should count for more. It’s really unfair.
I love Morneau.
Humber gets his first “start” tomorrow, right? Should be interesting.
Right T, just ST. I’m just feeling gloomy about both Harris and Punto.
But I reluctantly agree with Gardy that Casilla has to prove he’s a little more coachable before he’s given the starting 2B.
“Anybody have any guess at what our bull pens ERA will be after the All Star break” - pretty low, they don’t have to face Morneau
I think Humber’s still got a shot at the 5th spot in the rotation, i think he’s still got a 0.00 ERA this spring, but I think they give the first shot to Slowey. He was 4-1 last year i believe, though not spectacular. but does lead the team in K’s this spring (which i find odd because he’s a control pitcher and doesn’t have any ‘dominating’ pitches)
Humber is starting tomorrow, which indicates he still has a shot. I really like his work out of the bullpen this spring, although I suspect that part of his success is due to the AAA hitters he has been pitching to.
I know exactly what you were trying to do, Craig. I’m not stupid.
To the rest of the blog, my apologies. I committed the cardinal sin, giving credence to the clever troll.
It won’t happen again.
I loved Craig’s 1:47 post. But remember George Costanza’s lesson when you tell a good one…
I’m now convinced popup_jack and Craig are the same person.
romer. don’t you know obp is overrated?
me too. their posts sound a lot a like
T Craig has been known to be able to type at “WARP SPEED”
JimCrikket, even without Liriano starting, Baker’s longevity is suspect now that he’s been double-knocked to be behind schedule.
And there are 20 games in the first 21 days for the Twins.
giving credence to the clever troll.
You’re giving a troll far too much credit by calling it clever. That’s just going to make it think it actually has a brain.
I’ve got Slowey penciled into the rotation. I think he’s the real deal. It’s Bonser I’m not sold on. He’s skinny, but his fastball still has no movement. My prediction is that the starting rotation by August will be Liriano, Baker, Slowey, Humber and Mulvey. I think Bonser and Livan will crash and burn at some point this season.
jimmy bee,
That’s the new and improved Craig. I’m saying nothing bad about Morneau. I’m looking at the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
You guys love him, and so do I. I’m on the Morneau bandwagon.
I’ve seen some great ballplayers in my time, and boy oh boy, that Morneau is some kind of ballplayer.
sy–excellent point about harris–why is he assumed to be a starter? Casilla has much more upside, in my opinion. I don’t think Harris is really a big-league regular. But somehow “we traded for him” makes him the starter. I was surprised to see him getting TB starts–always thoght him a classic utl guy
Who’s Tolleson? Where’s Harris?
What’s Gardy doing?
You guys love him, and so do I. I’m on the Morneau bandwagon.
It’s not a bandwagon when a player actually has talent Craig.
T’s right about criag. the only people who agree with him are the uesrs he makes up
Big Mac, they sent Mulvey down. Looks like they gave up on him.
That’s Spencer Tolleson, he wasn’t too good as a basketball player so now he is taking a crack at baseball.
The perfect stat to show that Spring Training numbers do not matter is that the Marlins and Rays have the 2 best records in Grapefruit League action. In addition, Oakland has the best record in the Cactus League. Pretty good chance that at the end of the 162 game season that 2 of those 3 teams are in last place in their respective divisions.
Marlins are hot! 10th straight road victory this Spring.
Means nothing.
Gladden said about 3 or 4 days ago, that ST to date had meant more or less nothing, and let’s see what happens here on out.
Then right on cue, Gomez gets hot. But Liriano looks disappointing.
And people, we have a hole at 2B.
are you guys trying to talk about SPENCER TOLLACKSON. tells you how good he is at both basketball and baseball if you guys don’t even know how to spell/pronounce his name…Tollackson was a big time basketball and baseball player in High School at Chaska, he has a year of eligibility left for baseball @the U of M so he might go play…
Stephen Tolleson will probably be the SS at FM or ss/2B at New Britain.
Romer. I know they sent Mulvey down, but I think he’ll be back up after dominating AA and AAA. In my opinion, he’ll be a part of the Twins future sooner than later.
Excuse me, what was Punto doing in the 2-hole today? Who does Gardy think he’s kidding, anyway?
Romer,
Mulvey has only one start in AAA so he wasn’t really expected to go to the bigs out of the gate. There’s a possibility if the Twins have injuries or if multiple people underperform that he could come up 2nd half but I doubt we’ll see Mulvey with the Twins until 2009. He’s only 22 and turns 23 in May so he’s young. They sent him down to free up more innings for the guys who have a legit shot (Slowey, Humber, Blackburn, Perkins) at the fifth slot.
2b defensivly can be filled, it’s the offensive side that is brutal so far. Freakin Nick Punto is outhitting Harris so far? WOW
I think next week Punto will break out of his little slump and capture the 2B job. Gardy loves the guy. Punto wins games with his glove. The Twins can’t afford to lose games because the fielding isn’t there at second. The difference between Punto and Harris with the bat is small. The difference with the glove is huge.
Oh yay, Keep…can he get made to look silly on a baseball diamond the way the Illinois bigs made him look silly when they took control of the game Saturday, too?
Good think there are no free throws in baseball, I guess.
I see Craig is back in mid-season form.
craig you spent the winter talking up span the future kirby puckett and now he doesn’t make your final roster?? what’s up?
lol 350 to center, the CF might have to move in…
I do wish Craig were correct about Punto breaking out. I hope someone steps up for the 2B job and perform well there, no matter who it is. Can we (even you LNP-haters) at least agree on that?
Career lines
Punto = .248/.314/.321
Harris = .273/.331/.418
Last year when Harris was actually given a chance to play everyday, as was Punto
Punto = .210/.291/.271
Harris = .286/.343/.435
That’s a little more than a slight difference.
I can’t believe I’m actually entering into this conversation.
Stephen Tolleson will be a future middle infield star for the Twins. I rate the guy very highly.
j-sin…if that equation involves LNP as the starter, then no, we can’t agree lol
Jason - Did I mention anywhere in there that he was good in college, at anything? I’m pretty sure I said High School, and I’m also pretty sure I said “tells you how good he is at both basketball and baseball if you guys don’t even know how to spell/pronounce his name”, which to me, if I was reading that, would say that he sux, and that would be the reason that they didn’t know how to spell his name…
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yea it just sounded like you were advocating him to play baseball this spring…would agree with everything you said…bottom line is we should feel the same way about getting rid of that Theater major as ‘Canes fans do about saying good-bye to Kyle Wright…sometimes graduation is a good thing for a roster.
gobble,
The team I picked, is the team I am guessing Gardy will go with. I like Span more than ever. I think he has surprised a lot of people. Frankly, I didn’t even think he was as good a player as he appears to be. Gomez has gobs of very raw talent. I think Gardy will throw him to the wolves, to see what happens.
Jason - word…
I’ll attempt some defense of Nick Punto since it’s obvious there a bunch of irrational Punto haters here who don’t fully appreciate how vital he is for the Twins hopes in the ‘08 World Series. These posters are never satisfied and no matter what Nick does, it’s always the wrong thing. If he goes 0 for 5 then his detractors :
- He runs backwards with power.
- The rest of the AL teams would be thrilled to have him… get 500 AB’s with the Twins again.
- He has a valid drivers licence.
- For some reason he is a particularly dangerous offensive threat when hitting in the #2 spot.
- He was really tearing the cover off the ball in that locker room whiffle ball game.
- He can slide into 1B.
- He also can bunt with his face.
- He is fully bond-able.
I’ll attempt some defense of Nick Punto since it’s obvious there a bunch of irrational Punto haters here who don’t fully appreciate how vital he is for the Twins hopes in the ‘08 World Series:
- He runs backwards with power.
- The rest of the AL teams would be thrilled to have him… get 500 AB’s with the Twins again.
- He has a valid drivers licence.
- For some reason he is a particularly dangerous offensive threat when hitting in the #2 spot.
- He was really tearing the cover off the ball in that locker room whiffle ball game.
- He can slide into 1B.
- He also can bunt with his face.
- He is fully bond-able.
buddy = most hilarious post of the day
Buddy, did you notice how Billy “1950s reference” Packer couldn’t help himself on Saturday with letting everyone know that he knew former Vikings coach Bud Grant was on two championship basketball teams…
You have to love Packer….”You know, Jim, that reminds me of the University of San Fransisco in the 1961 NCAA title game….”
Any chance we could trade Kubel
punto and kubel for Latroy Hawkins
Are people just going to ignore another Everett multi-hit game and another double. At least when he connects he can go for extra bases. Unlike LNP and Tyner. He is at least as good as Barty and with a little help from the hitting coach maybe better.
I noticed it Everett_Fan. I like Everett too. Its not hard to be a better hitter than Nicky and Tyner but i still think Everett will do fairly well this year. well i hope so anyways!
Tyner, Bartlett, Luis Rodriguez, and Lew. The Twins miss those guys. It’s still hard to believe they are all gone.
Everett is helping me to forget about how much I miss Juan Castro. He is a carbon copy of Juan. I really like Everett.
I think Everett could have a decent year. .275 & 25 2B isn’t out of the question. He’s put that up before.
Craig I am verry dissapointed you did not bring up Christian Guzman shame on you
Guzman and Rivas were two of the best, Jimmy. Thanks for reminding me.
Anytime!!! Hit the ball into the ground and run like you got the corn dog trots and running for the can
Remember how sensational Punto and Castro were together. Punto and Everett could be just as good.
Everett can feel comfortable here in Minnesota with that sub .300 OBP. OBP isn’t thought about too much here. There are more important factors.
“He is a carbon copy of Juan.” - except that Everett actually plays good D
getting a little negative craig!
i want a haircut like the guy from “No country for old men” What would I tell the barber the hairstyle is called
gobbledy,
I am not negative! I like Everett. He reminds me a little of Mark Belanger. The Orioles were dominant with that guy at SS. Check it out. Those were the great Oriole teams of the late sixties, early seventies. Palmer, McNally, Cuellar, and Dobson, all won 20+ games one year with Belanger behind them.
jimmy, ax for the jackson browne mid-70s haircut.
Craig any predictions on the lineup for the start of the season
mmmhmm dead on with that
jimmy bee,
GO, Mauer, Cuddy, Mourny, Delmon, Lamb, Monroe, Nick, Everett.
What about Yours?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Belanger
Didn’t work.
That’s the spirit new Craig. Everett is a better hitter than Belanger though.
E_Fan,
Belanger played in big parks. It was before they lowered the mound, to give hitters an advantage. This was an era dominated by pitching. I don’t think Everett is as good a hitter as Belanger was. Everett would have had a tough time cracking the Mendoza line, if he played in that era.
I just got home from Fort Myers this afternoon and what a blast that Town is. Got to speak with LaVelle up in the press box during Friday’s game. Sat out in the RF Grassy Knoll yesterday. Got up at 4:00 AM Central time to make my 7:00 AM Eastern flight back home. Had a Blast What an amazing time down there. Sanibel Island on Saturday on the Beach WOW !!!
Everett could have definitely played as an everyday SS in that era. Lots of slick glove-men had trouble hitting much above the Mendoza back then. Ed Brinkman, Gene Alley, and Gene Michael come to mind. They were still elite shortstops. Even Luis Aparicio wasn’t much of a hitter by today’s standards.
Craig, good points. It does look like Belanger held it at .225 most of the time, I thought it was lower at first glance.
Rotation after Humber throws 4 scoreless tomorrow:
1. Livan (sells Cartoons)
until July when we trade/release him for a new bus for the New Britain Rock Cats-Once he is traded good riddance!
2. Boof
3. Baker
4. Perkins- I think it will be him with Cisco in FLA until May or Liriano (one lefty needed)\
Rotation after July 15
Boof
Baker
Cisco
Humber
Slowey or Blackburn
5. Humber or Slowey
Humber has better stuff. Saw him pitch twice already. SLowey needs to start changing speeds and stop throwing 80% 2 and 4 seam fastballs. That will not work. Much more use of his changeup in games. He needs to vary his speeds much, much more.
Roster Projection:
Gomez CF
Mauer Redmond C
Morneausie 1B
CHLNP (Can’t Hit Little Nickie Punto) and Brendan Harris playing twice a week after pounding it in Tampa last year 2B
Everett
Lambchops 3B and backup 1B
Young LF
Monroe backup CF and RH DH
Kubel DH backup LF
Cuddy Sark RF
Pridie Woman PR extra OF
Before anyone hands the last position player to anyone, let’s consider this: There are 29 other teams. Many of those teams also have players who are out of options or guys on minor league contracts that will be released if they don’t make the big club. There will be a player or two who is a better fit than anything the Twins have right now, I’ll wager. Look for the Twins to get a player who can provide depth where they are thin.
flatblade,
You are right about the value of the final cut waiver wire.
The problem is that the Twins (to my best recollection) don’t usually pick up MLB players at that time.
Occasionally the Twins have picked up and assigned final cut players to AAA and they are potential help for later in the season.
Interesting notion flatblade. Any names off the top of your head that may be guys to watch for in a final cut situation?
Also, I don’t know if it’d be a good idea to grab a guy off the last round of cuts and bring him straight to the big club. I like the idea of at least a few weeks or so in the minors and then depending on our needs call him up or not…
this is why Jones, will clear any waviers,he has to be put on someelse,s 25 man roster,
Regarding the Brendan Harris one-year-wonder theory:
YR LEVEL AVG HR RBI
‘02 HI-A .328 15 65
‘03 AA .280 5 52
‘04 AAA-MLB .284 18 62
‘05 AAA-MLB .271 14 84
‘06 AAA-MLB .293 11 63
‘07 MLB .286 12 59
Compare those numbers with LNP, Luis Rodriguez, Luis Rivas and Luis Castillo.
Harris is not tearing up ST, but if he has a bad season, then 2008 will be the glich, not 2007.
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It would be interesting to figure out how much Nathan will make per pitch to play a game for a living. He’s been a great Twins player, no doubt, but the money these guys make is simply unbelievable for what they do.
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