Notes Buffet From The Dome
Posted on April 5th, 2008 – 12:40 PMBy La Velle
Denard Span was expected to arrive before the first pitch and be in uniform for today’s game, but his arrival was easily trumped by the news that the Royals purchased Hideo Nomo’s contract from the minors.
Nomo, the trailblazer for Japanese players, will work out of the bullpen.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Carlos Gomez will remain in center field and Span will move around the outfield. The Twins want Gomez to get settled in center. It sounds like Jason Kubel will slide back to the DH platoon with Craig Monroe on the days Gardy wants Gomez and Span in the lineup.
No word on if Francisco Liriano’s wife gave birth to the couple’s first child yet.
Michael Cuddyer, who was placed on the 15-day DL because of a dislocated and lacerated right index finger, said before the game that he could be cleared to swing a bat within ten days. We’ll see. He said the knuckle near the tip of his index finger slipped backwards and the finger tip bent straight up when he hit Alex Gordon and third base during Friday’s game.
Marlin Levinson, who’s one of our great photographers at the Strib, e-mailed me the photo of Cuddy’s hand as he came off the field late last night. Yuck.
The Phillies have designated righthander Tim Lahey for assignment. Lahey was a Twins prospect who was selected by the Cubs in the Rule 5 draft but was claimed by the Phillies when Chicago tried to move him off their roster before Opening Day.
If Lahey clears waivers this time, the Phillies can offer him back to the Twins. The Twins, I’m hearing, will take him back. But I thought they were going to take R.A. Dickey back too. When the Mariners told the Twins they wanted to keep Dickey, the Twins gave them a list of five prospects they liked, and Seattle signed off on catcher Jair Fernandez.
Wow. A lot of stuff before a day game. These are the days the internet comes in handy because I’m not sure how much of this will make the Sunday paper.
Lineups
Royals
1. Joey Gathright, CF
2. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B
3. Mark Teahen, LF.
4. Jose Guillen, RF.
5. Billy Butler, DH.
6. Alex Gordon, 3B.
7. Miguel Olivo, C.
8. Ross Gload, 1B.
9. Alberto Callaspo, SS.
Pitching: Gil Meche
Twins
1. Go-Go, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C.
4. Justin Morneau, 1B.
5. Delmon Young, LF,
6. Jason Kubel, RF.
7. Craig Monroe, DH
8. Mike Lamb, 3B.
9. Adam Everett, SS.
Pitching: Livo
190 Responses to "Notes Buffet From The Dome"
Awesome. We ought to kick some *ss today.
The lineup looks like the best Gardy could put out there. Apparently Harris is still not feeling up to par, but so far Tolbert has surprised me with his game–nothing too flashy, but acceptable defense and decent at-bats.
The bats need to get rolling.
Kubel must be a better outfielder than Monroe!
One thought occurred to me–why, if Gomez is going to play every day in center, didn’t the Twins recall Pridie? He’s more versatile and probably has a better chance of hitting a long ball.
Free Jason Kubel!
One thought occurred to me–why, if Gomez is going to play every day in center, didn’t the Twins recall Pridie? He’s more versatile and probably has a better chance of hitting a long ball. /
Because they don’t want to hurt Span’s pridie.
i glad that Gardy said Gomez is staying put at CF with Span moving around
I had assumed that since Monroe could play center in a pinch that he’s a better overall outfielder than Kubel. Is that not the case?
Twins must not think Pridie is ready for the bigs because they ignored him in spring training and continue to ignore him during the regular season.
Mauer and Morneau, together again. I like it. Carew and Oliva hit back to back. No reason lefties can’t do that.
Tolbert in at 2B batting 2nd. Very good.
Hopefully, Span is soon in the lineup over Monroe, and Kubel returns to the DH.
Gardy said Span and Gomez have more talent than Pridie. That’s a reasonable evaluation, and one that the manager must make.
Really pleased to see Gardy’s comments on Span/GoGo. No use messing around with GoGo when he is going so well.
Solid lineup today. It sounds like Span just got in so that could be why he’s not in the lineup today.
Glad to see Tolbert getting some ABs. He’s done well thus far, Harris should be worried.
I remember Gardy saying that they wanted Young to get used to playing LF in the Dome (since Cuddy’s already figured out the baggy) so I guess that’s why Kubel’s over there instead of Yougn getting moved. Hopefully that doesn’t hurt them.
Gomez should not be moved. If he’s starting, he’s in CF. Pridie is next in line if Monroe doesn’t work out. But Span fought Gomez hard right up to the end, and has earned his chance at the bigs.
Let’s hope he makes the best of it.
Gardy said Span and Gomez have more talent than Pridie. That’s a reasonable evaluation, and one that the manager must make.
Who had more talent at AAA last year?
All I can say is that Go-Go better stay in center, and better continue to play everyday. He has so much more to offer than Span does.
Also, if Span has more talent than Pridie, why do we want him to be a fourth or fifth outfielder? The “less talented” Pridie would seem ideal for that role.
Did Span play anywhere else besides CF in ST?
is the game on TV?
hopefully monroe can breakout today…its hard & disgusting to watch a guy with that much talent, because we have seen how he can literally carry a club when he gets hot, so lets hope this slump comes to an end today- i like having both him and kubel in the lineup together-theres some punch in the lineup out there today
With the pitchers going well and Cuddy out this is the right lineup for small ball. Harris shouldn’t return to the lineup regularly until Cuddy is back and Morneau and Monroe start hitting more.
It is funny how MLB Gameday considers Livan´s fastballs changeups because they are in the mid 80s. I remember someone mentioned it here on opening night. 1st inning today - 10 changeups, 0 fastballs.
Pridie is talented. He needs to make better contact. He has to prove he is better than what Gardy thinks.
no tv that i know of
No TV today. You can go the Twins site at MLB.com and click on their schedule to see which games are televised.
Span outplayed Pridie in spring training and is 3 for 9 so far in AAA. He deserves the callup.
i can’t find it on directv, no royals feed even….. guess i’ll drive around and listen to xm
I have the game on mlb.com where I am. There are no graphics like score and count and it sounds like the audio is the Royals radio anouncer.
I would have rather seen Mauer stay in the 2 spot and Delmon move to the #3 spot.
I would rather see Young have more at bats in a game than Tolbert.
NO TV irks me.
It’s really the only reason I have cable.
JP-
Domevision?
That was an ugly first inning for the Twins hitters. K - GO - K
Maybe. It has instant replay - definately several cameras going. I saw it last year. Picture with the Gordon-Gladden radio feed.
In ST, Span had his doubles and Pridie had his SB’s. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
Anyone else notice that Livan’s fastball is so slow that it shows up as a changeup on mlb Gameday? LOL, doesn’t matter as long as he keeps locating it and pitching like he has!
This is halarious, I have gameday up on mlb.com, every pitch that Livan has thrown all game they have identified as a “changup.”
Last pitch:
“Pitch Speed: 83.3 MPH
Pitch type: Changeup”
uh… no, that is his fastball.
Aaron- lol
Does Livan throw a fastball? I think it can’t tell a sinker from a changeup.
“Who had more talent at AAA last year?”
I would imagine Span had more talent than Pridie, if Gardy’s evaluation is correct. I doubt if their talent level changed that much.
If you are going to quote stats, ask Tom Kelly how much AAA stats mean, before you do.
Gameday is so awesome this year. It is updating pitches almost at the exact time that the call is made on XM radio. Very impressive.
Here are the numbers:
Span - 3 H 9 AB 3 TB 1 W 2 SB .733 OPS
Pridie - 2 H 7 AB 3 TB 1 W 1 SB .804 OPS
Pridie’s are arguably better.
Livan looks real good so far.
Pridie and Kubel are in Gardy’s doghouse. How did Cuddyer ever get out?
Span was 3/4 in SB attemps in ST, Pridie was 5/7. Pridie had 1 double, Span had 4.
The big difference was Span’s .404 OBP in ST compaired to Pridie’s .304 OBP.
Span had a OPS near .800, whereas Pridies was near .600
I think it is fair to say Span outplayed Pridie in ST.
Roller up the middle by Gload. Seeing-eye grounders so far on the Royals two hits.
Ok, I am arguing on the same side as Craig…
It is time to leave.
Span had 5 walks in one game in ST. Kind of skews his OBP stat. But ST is a small sample.
Delmon’s throw was just a bit too far to the first base side.
what happened on the triple? Did Kubel misplay?
“Pridie and Kubel are in Gardy’s doghouse.”
Why would you think that? I’ll bet Gardy likes both those players.
Livan has his “oophus” working. And his balk move.
Now the Royals score 2.
Btw, that second run was an umpire’s gift. The replay clearly showed that Young’s throw beat the runner and that Mauer held on the ball enough to tag him out… oh well…
This will be the sixth twins game and 2nd not aired. wtf is up with that. Hey you lazy fsn workers including you dickbert get off your lazy ass and work once a while cheap ass bastards. while your at replace the wild announcers, id rather listen to britney spears than those two idiots.
This will be the sixth twins game and 2nd not aired. wtf is up with that. Hey you lazy fsn workers including you dickbert get off your lazy ass and work once a while cheap ass bastards. while your at replace the wild announcers, id rather listen to britney spears than those two idiots lol
i wonder what it costs fsn to do a game and how much an average do they make a game. you would think it would be worthwhile especially on a saturday
Gameday is pretty neat for those that haven’t checked it out. play the radio with it
Drucken, Why are you blaming FSN? MLB has an exclusive contract with Fox during Saturday day games. No games starting before 5cst (not sure exact time) can be aired unless it is on Fox.
Blame MLB and Fox.
DrunkenWildDude–The game not being televised has nothing to do the FSN, Dick, Bert or even Telly Hughes.
FOX worked out some BS deal with MLB to have television rights to all games Saturday afternoons. Out east where I am that means all I can see is Mets v. Braves. Not even having MLB Ticket helps. ALl games until tonight are blacked out thanks to FOX/MLB.
mlb sux we know that. yeah thats you selig. i know the tv stuff is a bunch of contracts with exclusives but mlb should change their dumb rules and please the average fan instead of stuffin their pockets.
I evaluating players, the Twins go by what their scouts, major and minor league field staffs, and master player evaluator, Tom Kelly, say about a player. Stats are a far lesser determinant.
MLB=business…welcome to America.
So…what happened on that ball to Kubel in right? Did he misplay it? How was it a triple?
i know mlb is a business and you know what id do the same thing lol, just sux that like 10 games out of the year are unwatchable.
Randy, gameday showed the replay, but not Kubel handling the ball. It did look like Lamb dropped the ball or he would have been out.
especially when i want to watch because im hung over and i just want to lay on the couch help me!!!!
Humber is being pounded (6 runs in 3 innings) in Richmond
Drucken, I feel the same way as you! Luckily most games aren’t during the day on Saturday. We are seeing a lot today because of the Final Four tonight. Most Saturday games will be in the evening where we will get it on TV.
If Kubel and Lamb are screwing up in the field, the names Punto and Span will be dancing through Gardy’s mind. You can bet on it.
Royal pitching, just what the Doctor ordered. 
2 hits in the last two games, 4 RBI.
HR Morneau - 3runs
That was way up in the upper deck. Almost hit the back lights… what a shot!
Livan 51 pitches through 5. wow
I am pleasantly surprised with Livan so far this year. He has really thrown well and may give us a chance to win 50%+ of the time he is on the mound. I would be very happy with that.
i was thinkin the same thing aaron, but not jinx him ramon ortiz comes into mind.
It’s a boy! Francisco Liriano’s wife gave birth to a 9 pound, 7 ounce boy yesterday in Miami.
Welcome Kevin Liriano….
come on gomez bunt to keep hitting streak alive lol
The Ortiz/Ponson comparison bugs me due to the fact that those two were never good in there entire career. Livan is just better than them. He will no doubt have bad games but he will have good ones as well.
Go-Go looks to be having his first bad game. 0-3 with two strikeouts…
Is it possible Tolbert is playing himself into a regular job? He has been really solid and I like his plate discipline. We could use another bat in the lineup that can work a pitcher and stretch out that pitch count.
I don’t think Harris has lost his job with his play, but if Tolbert keeps hitting like this, it could become more of a platoon.
Good news for Liriano! Congraz!
Another hit for Tolbert…
minnesota twins first round selection of the 2008 draft is …………………. Kevin Liriano, P
Monreau…3 hits, 6 RBIs
What a ratio
Just curious, where was the pitch located that Morneau hit out?
If Kubel can fill in for Cuddyer and hit well, I think he can take over the DH spot for good when Cuddy returns.
Craig, I’ll check on GameDay when this inning is over…
Low and inside…looked like a fastball.
Craig: fastball straight down the middle
Craig, it was a fastball right down the middle on the third pitch. You can watch the homerun by going to the GameDay on MLB.com, clicking on the 4th inning and then clicking the play button. It was a bomb.
“Welcome Kevin Liriano….”
Named after Kevin Slowey? ….. Will we someday welcome a Francisco Slowey?
You guys, if you go to the GameDay, they keep putting up video highlights of the big plays:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_04_05_kcamlb_minmlb_1
yeah, gameday is unreal…quick updates, very accurate. Impressive.
Thanks, Aaron and Martin. I will check it out on GameDay. Thanks TwinsTerritory for the tip.
Hey folks, thought I’d add this into today’s conversation. I was just surfing around the web and came across this story: Bill James thinks steroids fueled the Twins’ two championships.
Pretty idiotic statements by James and B&C seem to agree. Link is as follows:
Don’t know why I can’t get it hyperlinked.
Nevermind it was, thought it didn’t link.
Who is Bill James? Who cares what Bill James thinks? Of all the teams to link steroids to, why the Twins? What about the Angels (Glaus, Fullmer, Kennedy 3 HRs of Radke??? pretty likely), how about the Yanks, Sox??
Bill James is the guy who invented sabermetrics. He worked for the Red Sox at one time, but don’t know if he still does. Writes books about using stats to determine why teams won or loss.
“Who is Bill James? Who cares what Bill James thinks?”
Amen, brother, and Hallelujah!
There is always a chance some Twins that we love were using roids…… but to just claim it with no proof is pretty sad…… but, its not a surprise the conversation went there…. everyone who ever improved is linked to roids anymore
I don’t doubt that some Twins did it, we know Knobby did, it’s just funny he would make that statement about the Twins with all this other evidence out there against many other teams. And since when do nerds opinions matter, he should stick to stats not his fantasies.
Yeah, I really don’t care what James says, it’s just the first time I’ve ever seen someone say something like that about the Twins. Like Everett_Fan said why talk about the Twins? What about other recent teams in the mid90s?
Using stats as evidence for roids is a sick and ugly witch hunt.
When those Twins were playing, James actually gave them lots of credit. He thought Brunanski was >50% chance of reaching the 500 HR club, Hrebk would win a batting title and for a couple of years thought Gaetti was one of if not the best 3B in basball.
y did gardy pull lamb?
Where’s the golden glove Everett?
defensive move…Lamb has limited range and is pretty poor at 3rd. This is exactly how Punto should be used.
i dont think lamb is gonna cost 2 runs, (i agree punto is superior def) but it seems like gardy is a little trigger happy to throw punto in there so easily.
lamb…
“Where’s the golden glove Everett?”
Hopefully that is getting used to the turf and early season struggles, otherwise he will be a complete bust. That is the problem with not hitting. He has no room for error in the field. No pun intended.
big day if the twins can get back to .500 and now go from there, after that ugly 1-3 start….most surpising thus far…pitching has been pretty solid all the way thru…now if the offense can pick itself up and the pitching continues to get better with expeerience…dont tell me this team cant compete this year….yes i am hopeful…
and i have drunk from the kool-aid cup…
dazzle is almost campainging for tolbert to start it seems…wonder what gives with that…
Angels are best in west. Two games lost by one run. It’s early, but if Twins get pitching like they have been, we can surprise people. Nice to see Morneau drive a couple balls. Good day for the leadoff hitter to take a break. lol. I think Punto went in for defense and for a better bat late in the game. He is hitting 200 points better than Lamb. Go Twins. I drank the kool aid also. Two more years and we get to be sitting at the outdoor park. woohoo
it seems like gardy is a little trigger happy to throw punto in there so easily.
No. He’s really not. This is exactly Punto’s job on the team. He’s gotten what…3 ABs this week in one start?
And that’s even after appearing in 3 games or so.
I’ll add that Gardy had an opportunity to put Punto in the lineup with Harris sick. But he went with Tolbert and the rookie is showing he can produce.
Sabathia got hit for 3 runs in the 1st inning…
hey, is deolis guerra pitching for fort myers tonight?
I’m not really sure why people seem to think that Delmon would be a good 3-hitter. The fact that he swings at everything? Mauer is the best 3-hitter the team has, it’s just that there isn’t anybody that would be good at hitting 2, so he goes there. And Gardy usually insists that he break up his lefties. One of the few things I don’t get - there aren’t your typical left-handed hitters.
I think Tolbert has become our starting 2B. I think he will also stay hitting 2nd. He has very good speed, a good eye and can lay down a bunt.
i was at the game and here are my thoughts on todays game…
gomez looked like he was just free swinging at balls today.. a lot of balls away that he batted at.. a lot would have also been ball 4.. i think if he learns how to do infield choppers he would be amazing.. he needs to choke on that bat.
tolbert had an incredible game.. he can walk hit lay down a bunt.. everything.. he could be our number 2 hitter so mauer can go 3rd..
monroe finally got a hit and also got a walk.. the hit was for a double down the alley and got an rbi scoring in kubel from first.. very close play at home with kubel.. would have been out but the catcher taged him above his arm and just missed him…
delmon young has the most amazing arm i have ever seen from left field.. he took a ball in the corner down the left field line and threw the guy out at 2nd.. it was pretty sick..
kubel has an adverage arm.. not a tyner arm and not a cuddy arm.. just normal 
mauer and morneau did great today batted next to eachother.. even against a left handed pitcher…
morneau belted a fastball for a very very long home run to the right power alley.. about 2/3rds to the upper deck (almost got it in the upper deck).
livan hernandez did pretty darn good today.. 74 pitches in 7 full innings.. giving up 4 runs.. he gave up 2 runs and then gave up 2 not important runs in the 7th.. (remember.. 74 pitches and gave up 9 hits….)
and of course to end the day nathan got a save…
couple small things were that everett made a very bad error in the 8th inning.. routine grounder to him and he bobbled it and never held on to it.. instead of being out of the inning their was a guy on first and second.. they got out of the inning but wasnt very good of him..
also everett made a very nice play in the 7th.. grounder to him with guy on 2nd and 1 out.. the guy went running for 3rd and threw it to lamb instead of morneau to get the lead runner out.. hope tolbert learned something today
well thats my report today hope you guys liked it
liondragon,
Great eyewitness report. I didn’t get to see the game. Thank you. You would be an excellent witness in court.
Talking about Detroit…
here is an interesting trivia question: Name the team(s) that made the post-season in a full season, in the wild card era, after starting the season 0-5. AL or NL is fine and if you want to cheat the answer is on my blog…
it’s just that there isn’t anybody that would be good at hitting 2, so he goes there.
The reasoning I keep hearing is that Mauer’s patience at the plate will give Gomez a few extra pitches to run around with.
Is there any truth to the rumor that Monroe is really RonDL in disguise?
Except Monroe now has an hit and an RBI I believe. Much quicker than Rondell.
And the fun begins. The sports analysts who were talking about 1000 runs and one of the biggest offenses in the bigs are now all in consensus that Detroit is in dire need of an impact bat.
Their suggestion? Barry Bonds
Panic much?
Hey Thrylos,
Did you mean “Detroit is TREADING on thin ICE”?
“Mauer is the best 3-hitter the team has”
Not if you want the 3-hitter to drive in runs. Even in a year he hit.347 in the 3-hole, Mauer only drove in 84 runs.
In his 3 full seasons in MLB he has driven in 55, 84 and 60 runs.(avg=67rbi)
Cuddyer has averaged 95 RBI the last two years and Delmon drove in 93 in his rookie (and only) year.
Mauer is a great hitter but does not DRIVE the ball consistently. He is a great 2-hole hitter, but Young and Cuddyer fill the 3-hole requirements better. They drive it, Mauer often doinks it.
Detroit was panicked when they wanted to trade for Jorge Sosa of the Mets. Now they are just beyond panic. I wish I were a fly in that clubhouse with Leyland chainsmoking and Sheffield being sat for 2 games in a row… Other than that, “they made the best acquisitions this off-season” and “they will score 1500 runs”. Yeap.
Dave E, thanks… I’m just trying to forget about ice, since I left MN
Any way you could post that picture of Cuddy’s finger dislocation or maybe email it. Call me gross but I was just curious how bad it was.
Never mind I just found it. It wasn’t there last night. Sorry!
I disagree that a 3-hitter needs to DRIVE the ball. They need to get hits, but does it really matter if it’s a seeing-eye up-the-middle a la mauer or a solid line drive? If there’s a guy on second, it’s easier for him to score on a grounder up the middle than a laser that falls right in front of an outfielder with a strong arm. HItting the ball hard/driving it doesn’t equal RBIs or even hits - just ask Mr. Line Drive Out Kubel.
I don’t think that Delmon would be a good 3-hitter, precisely because he can’t take pitches. He is a great 5-hitter - a power threat after Morneau. Something to think about.
i am pitching very good tonight…. im gooooood!
Steve,
Go through your doink versus drive comparison with a runner on first (not on second).
Also Kubel in the 3-4-5-6 spots would drive in more runs than Kubel in the 2-7-8 spots where he has been kept. (I am not complaining - Mauer, Hunter, Morneau and Cuddyer belonged in those spots.
Steve,
If you are right about Mauer’s 3-hole effectiveness, why has he only 67 RBI per season compared to Cuddyer’s 95 and Young’s 93?
jesus i have a great breaking ball and an awesome fastball off speed combo!! im so goooooood!
your very welcome craig.
i will do it again next time im at the stadium if its not on tv if you guys want..
if anyone cares to know here is deolis guerra’s line today…..he pitched 5 innings gave up 2 hits 1 run walking 1 and striking out 6. he had his breaking ball working well today, and also the other things we already knew. great changeup and a mid 90s fastball. this kid is gonna be a stud.
Even in a year he hit.347 in the 3-hole, Mauer only drove in 84 runs
When Mauer was hitting 3rd in 2006, what was the AVG and OBP of the guys hitting ahead of him? If nobody’s on base when he gets on board there’s not going to be any RBIs for him to knock in.
“Even in a year he hit.347 in the 3-hole, Mauer only drove in 84 runs”
“When Mauer was hitting 3rd in 2006, what was the AVG and OBP of the guys hitting ahead of him? If nobody’s on base when he gets on board there’s not going to be any RBIs for him to knock in.”
ok first of all… T is right.. though he didnt name the guys infront… luis castillo batting first and nick punto batting second…
I’m from Woodbury
In 2006, Castillo’s and Punto’s OBP were .358 and .352. Mauer hits .347 behind them and drives in 84 runs.
Not very good.
He averages 67 RBI in three years in the 3-hole.
Even worse.
sane,
do i have to tell you how many time s punto grounded castillo out into a double play so mauer had to bat with no one on?
why dont you look up mauers slugging % thats a lot better way to check how good he is in the 3 hole
which btw was .500.. thats amazing for a number 3 hitter… also he walked 80 times.. and had a .429 obp.. thats sick…..
so stop putting down the mean comments about home town boy
which btw is rated by most people the best catcher in baseball right now.. amazing bat control and a great eye at the plate.. also has probably best defense in baseball
no more said.. im not talking about it anymore.. just silly
its just like saying morneau sucked this year the first 5 games.. and most people wanted him in the number 6 or 7 spot..
well i didnt think number 7 hitters have 4 rbis a 3 run homer and a double in one day..
also only reason everett is here is to be a stop gap for a year so casilla can get past all the mental errors.. and get more mature before coming to the majors
now im done.. very impressed about how they are doing this year..
well now im done…
Mauer is the best complete hitter on the team, and I would think every sane person would agree with that. It doesn’t really matter where he hits in the lineup, but I still contend that he will bat second this year simply because no one else can, and you don’t want a dead spot that high on the lineup card. Here’s hoping that Tolbert will fit that bill and then you have today’s lineup, plus Cuddyer hitting 5th or 6th.
“Mauer is a GREAT hitter but does not drive the ball consistently. He is a GREAT 2-hole hitter, but Young and Cuddyer fill the 3-hole requirements better.”
Those were my blasphemous comments regarding Joe Mauer being the ONLY Twins 3-hole option, which drew the following:
“so stop putting down the mean comments about home town boy”
I am sorry that calling him a GREAT hitter is insufficient reverence for Joe’s abilities. If I knew I was going to be accused of heresy, I would never have posted.
Please forgive me for my sins.
I really meant no harm.
I am open to suggestion as to what punishment I can do to possibly regain the favor of the congregation.
I will start my contrition immediately.
I wonder if the decision to move Span up is to showcase him a little bit. The twins do not need an OF until Cuddy is done and Span seems like he is about ready to go.
I mean if the twins are in the hunt and figure they need to pick up a veteran, a young major league ready leadoff hitter is something rebuilding teams usually covet…
I hope Tolbert’s play in the field on friday night when he fielded a chopper and threw to first with runners on the corners and one out, which left a runner at second (who eventually scored on a single) and allowed a run to score is not something we will see more often. I am willing to chalk it up to rookie jitters, but if we see any more of those defensive plays, he should not be considered for the starting spot.
But I agree that it might be a bad time for Harris to get the flu. Tolbert looks like he can handle the bat pretty well- I wish he would take bigger leads, he looks a little uncomfortable on the basepaths.
I want a #3 hitter who crushes 3-1 pitches somewhere. Mauer loves to watch them float by. Which is fine, but if his goal is to get on, he makes a better #2 hitter than a #3.
No doubt Tolbert is our starting 2B. I just wish Casilla was on the team instead of Punto so he could get some work at SS. He and Tolbert will be our middle infielders next year and we can buy a power hitting 3B in 2010. We are going to be good this year and even better in 2010.
Casilla is getting lots of work at SS in Rochester… I think I would rather have him play every day there for now. I think saying that there is “no doubt” that Tolbert will be starting over Harris is a little premature…
I wonder if the decision to move Span up is to showcase him a little bit.
They need a fourth outfielder now that Kubel is starting everday and Monroe may need to sit occasionally if his bat continues to suck.
While it may serve that purpose in the long run, at the moment there’s a need for Span on the roster.
the twins have to be showcasing span for trade bait. priddie would have made a lot more sense.
tolbert looks like he may not give the spot back. once he learns to tag the runner who is three feet from him that is!!!
Gardy got the line up right today! Gomez/Tolbert at 1/2 is right on. One of the two are likely to get on. Twins fans are starting to see what gardy knows Tolbert is part of the twins future. I saw Tolbert and Gomez in a 40yard sprint at spring training, Gomez won, but it was close.
What is the deal with Everett? Gets 2 million deal for his glove and not even producing there much less at the plate. He has good range, but arm is weak.
I am not real sure about Everett. I think that Tolbert might be going to his true position of SS with Harris being the everyday second baseman when he gets over the flew. This team is starting to look quit interesting. Maybe Mauer will start hitting for more runs trying to knock in Gomez, Tolbert, and Span. Who knows. I really think that Kubel should be getting more at bats as well. Things are looking on the up & up. Livan looks just fine as well.
I think it takes 100 AB before you get an indication as to how a player is hitting, but Tolbert is at least dispelling the tag some tried to place on him, that he is another Punto or Hocking.
Today’s lineup is to me, the best batting order (1-6) Gardy has come up with this year. I love Mauer and Morneau back to back, even against left handed pitching.
Kubel noted the good pitches he saw last year when he batted in front of Mauer at the tail end of the season. That’s a spot any hitter would love. Do you think it helped Punto as a hitter in 2006 to bat in front of Mauer? You bet it did.
All the opposing teams scouts say: “Don’t let Mauer beat you”. Everyone in baseball knows he’s the teams best hitter. Pitchers don’t want to walk the hitter in front of him.
Mauer will see much better pitches with Morneau behind him, instead of Cuddyer. At least against right handers. It will make Joe an even better hitter.
Everyone in baseball knows Cuddy is vulnerable to the slider away. Right hand pitchers won’t give Mauer anything to swing at, with Cuddyer behind him.
“Gardy got the line up right today! Gomez/Tolbert at 1/2 is right on. One of the two are likely to get on. Twins fans are starting to see what gardy knows Tolbert is part of the twins future. I saw Tolbert and Gomez in a 40yard sprint at spring training, Gomez won, but it was close.”
James,
That is congruent with what Terry Ryan has said about Tolbert. He can run. Gomez is much better at utilizing his speed than Tolbert. Tolbert could improve on those skills, however.
Out of curiousity… anyone know the story behind why the Twins and White Sox are starting their series with a 3 pm game Monday, then taking Tuesday off before resuming the series Wednesday night? Just seems odd.
JimCrikket, it’s the home opener for the White Sox. In case of a rainout/snowout/etc., they leave the day after the scheduled opener free in order to move the ppd game to that day. They can still have all the festivities and opening day goodies just a day later. It happened for the Yankees/Blue Jays game on last Monday.
the twins have to be showcasing span for trade bait. priddie would have made a lot more sense.
Except that if you remember this Spring, Span was one of the last cuts…not Pridie.
They thought it through hard, and Span put up a fight to the end. So he’s earned the chance he’s being given.
If a trade comes later, so be it. But right now the Twins need a fourth OF (possibly even a few starts) and Span was their next choice after they took Gomez.
They chose span over Pridie? Enjoy Saturday’s win because Span is about as talented at the plate as Nick Punto, and he runs the bases about as well as Joe Vavra works with hitters.
I take a day off from baseball to go spend time with my family and the Twins go and pull this crap on me, and the rest of the baseball loving public.
Bill Smith needs to be fired for this decision!
Smith, Gardenhire, and anyone else involved in allowing a team to have Nick Punto and Denard Span on the team.
You know what the differnce between Horse crap, and dog crap is? The size of the pile!
The difference between Punto and Span at the plate?
Let’s see which pile is bigger… we should have just flushed them both!
Mauer belongs in #2 hole- end of discussion.
Woah BC, let’s cool off a little bit huh? I would have taken Span over Gomez- and NOT because I don’t like Go-go. Let’s at least wait for him to fail first. If he goes at least 2-4 in his first game, an apology is in order. If he fails, bash away.
BC,
How are YOUR Ellsbury over Gomez and Garza over Delmon decisions working out so far?
I think we’ll keep Bill Smith - especially if YOU are in line to be his successor.
exciting to see span and gomez in the lineup together and then having tolbert play for everett….this is the best offensive lineup gardy has put out there, and definately the most speed…should be fun to watch today….
Let’s see which pile is bigger… we should have just flushed them both!
*phew* I was worried that with the Twins winning two straight that some of the more regular posters wouldn’t have anything to write about.
Good to see that’s not the case.
Don’t worry BC, I’m sure this two game winning streak is just a bump in the road. The Twins will get back to their losing ways Sunday and you’ll have tons to whine about again.
Joe Vavra worked real hard with Justin Morneau to get him to take the outside pitch to left field in 2006. Once he learned to do that and trust that he could do that in a game, his hitting really took off. Justin himself, credited that change to his success. Once pitchers realized they could no longer get him out by pitching him away, they began to come back inside.
Friday night, Morneau slashed a hit to left taking an outside pitch to left. Saturday, Meche tried to come back inside on Morneau, and missed. He left the ball too much out over the plate, and Morneau hit it out of the park.
As long as Morneau continues to follow Vavra’s instruction and drill that outside pitch to left, he will be just fine. If he tries to pull that pitch, he is in trouble.
I really like Tolbert, despite him botching that chopper Friday that allowed the Royals runner to go from first to second and eventually score. He could be a good number two hitter if they decide to move Mauer back to third.
It’s good to see Gardy went to Tolbert at 2B before Punto. Harris doesn’t move well to his right on balls up the middle. If Harris ends up nothing more than a backup down the road, I’m disappointed we included Bartlett in the Tampa deal.
“As long as Morneau continues to follow Vavra’s instruction and drill that outside pitch to left, he will be just fine. If he tries to pull that pitch, he is in trouble.”
Roger that!
Except for spelling your name “The New and Imroved Craig”, you are absolutely 100% correct.
bufftwins,
The way I understand it, Bartlett HAD to be included in the trade. We could possibly have gotten someone else in return instead of Harris, but no Bartlett - no Delmon.
If thats true, Delmon alone for Garza and Bartlett works for me.
mj1,
How about a lineup with Gomez CF, Span RF, Tolbert 2B, and Casilla SS, as the new (and improved) piranas?
harris is back at 2nd today and tolbert is playing ss….interesting how gardy is mix ing and matchin….
lines up are in:
CF- Go-go
SS- Tolbert
C- Mauer
1B- Morneau
LF- Young
DH- Kubel
2B- Harris
3B- Lamb
RF- Span
sane…we have 3 of the 4 today, so hopefully they get on and lets watch a trackmeet…i believe thats what they have in mind for casilla (ss) when everett is thru….
lineups… my bad
Hahaha! Thanks, sane.
lets hope span does great leaving no choice but to leave him up,and designate punto. maybe a nl team would take him.
yes i know, 6 outfielders and 5 infielders is a bad idea. but hey i’m looking for an excuse.
“How about a lineup with Gomez CF, Span RF, Tolbert 2B, and Casilla SS, as the new (and improved) piranas?”
Roger that! Except for the spelling of piranhas. Haha.
Pretty good lineup. It was nice to see Mauer catch a day game after a night game on Saturday and he’s back in there again today. They also need to settle Go Go down. He was swinging at everything yesterday.
Craig,
Touche! (too-shay?)
I should never try to be the spelling Police.
the ideal roster for the final day of this season for me is;
Pitchers:
Baker
Liriano
Blackburn
Boof
Slowey
Crain
Reyes
Guerrier
Humber
Neshek
Nathan
Lineup:
Gomez
Mauer
Young
Morneau
Cuddyer
Kubel
Lamb
Tolbert
Casilla
Bench:
Redmond
Harris
Span
Buscher
Monroe???
Batting Cuddyer behind Morneau will really hurt Justin’s chances of seeing good pitches and having quality at bats. Provided we find a solid number 2 hitter, I’d love to see Mauer hitting third again down the road, with Young still 5th and Cuddyer 6th or 7th.
If thats true, Delmon alone for Garza and Bartlett works for me.
I think that was the original trade Tampa Bay proposed. But since the Twins were giving up their starting SS they wanted somebody that could potentially take over a starting infield spot immediately. Enter Harris.
And since the Santana deal hadn’t gone down yet, I think the Twins also inquired about Pridie…and were informed they’d have to add something extra. Enter Rincon, and when his elbow held up the trade…Morlan.
Old Craig’s two prediction heresies:
1. Delmon Young will hit 8-9 HR this season.
2. Carlos Gomez will be sent to AAA this season.
I’m not trying to incite people’s passions. You can tell old Craig how wrong he was at the end of the season.
I love Gomez and Young and think they will be fine players, and a big part of the team’s future.
Craig,
As a fellow heretic (earlier in this thread I recklessly suggested that Mauer batted in the 2-hole because Young or Cuddyer might do better in the 3-hole), I can tell the Old Craig that black bread, gruel and a bed of nails isn’t that bad.
BTW, my trial in front of the Blogger Inquisition starts Wednesday.
i would think its time for some fresh words from len3 today….hello len??
new blog
