Gomez Not In The Lineup Tonight
Posted on April 23rd, 2008 – 5:42 PMBy La Velle
Joe C. gets his wish, sort of. Denard Span is leading off and playing in center field tonight as the Twins give the super-scuffling Carlos Gomez a night off.
“He really fought it last night,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “I need to play the other young man (Span) anyway, so I figured this would be a good time for him to sit and watch a baseball game.”
Matt Tolbert is in for Brendan Harris at second and is batting second. I’ll have the full lineup in about 90 minutes, after the clubhouse opens and Gardy does his presser.
Meanwhile, I’d like to point out that John Smoltz has now joined the 3,000 strikeout club . Of the 16 members, only one player who is officially retired is not in the Hall of Fame - Bert Blyleven.
I’ve voted for Bert for The Hall annually. No one has had to twist my arm about his candidacy. Many of the managers and coaches I’ve covered since 1994 who faced Bert said he belongs. Bob Boone used to say that Blyleven put so much spin on his curveball that it would make an incredible buzzing sound as it neared the plate. Opponents didn’t want to face him.
And the strikeouts aren’t the only reason why I think Blyleven should be in.
Lineups
Twins (10-10): Denard Span, 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. Nick Punto, SS. Pitching: Boof Bonser.
Athletics (12-9): 1. Kurt Suzuki, C. 2. Daric Barton, 1B. 3. Mark Ellis, 2B. 4. Mike Sweeney, DH. 5. Jack Cust, LF. 6. Emil Brown, RF. 7. Bobby Crosby, SS. 8. Ryan Sweeney, CF. 9. Donnie Murphy, 3B. Pitching: Chad Gaudin.
279 Responses to "Gomez Not In The Lineup Tonight"
Glad Gogo is getting a break as he could use one. Just get him back in the lineup tomorrow and show confidence him.
So I take it Punto gets another start? (sorry, couldn’t help myself, but I’m no fan).
Late in the game it’s tied, Monroe singles, Gomez pinch runs, steals second and third, and scores on a sacrifice fly… Eh?
Best line-up (unless they are willing to make a trade and use the $13 million they saved this off-season)
Tolbert SS, Mauer C, Young LF, Morneau 1st, Cuddyer RF, Kubel DH, Monroe CF, Lamb 3rd, Harris 2nd
Gardy gets his preference of left, right, left, right, etc.
Harris looked a little slow at the plate last night. Glad Gardy spotted it.
Some suggested that Boof could be a future closer because of his terrific drop-curve. That pitch was totally absent in his last start.
If it isn’t there tonight, I hope Gardy spots that too and gets him out of there in 3rd inning. Bass & Guerrier are ready to go.
This will not be a good lineup. It looks like Punto, Tolbert and Span will all be in it. I have to say, even though GoGo was struggling mightly, I still stopped what I was doing to watch his at bat. Span is a professional minor leaguer, Pridie should be up in his place. I think GoGo and Pridie have a much brighter future than Span, becasue of that I would rather see them play. Also, why is Harris not playing? If Tolbert is going to play, shouldnt he play instead of Punto?
Cuddy in RF with Monroe in CF? No thanks as that would be a pathetic defensive OF. Cuddy has a great arm, but he doesn’t cover the most ground in the world. Monroe is not quick at all. That would be a nightmare.
I am not against seeing the Twins send down Gomez when Cuddyer is activated.
People have really begun to hop on the Monroe bandwagon now that he is hitting. I wonder how fast they will jump off it once he goes into another slump. It is a difficult spot though when he and Kubel will be competing for the one DH position.
MSLY, Punto is hot defensively. And in any case, better than Tolbert at SS.
Without Harris, it’s either Punto or Tolbert at 2B. Without Everett, it’s either Punto or Tolbert at SS.
Hey Romer, did you see that drop in last nights game by your man Punto. The one that would have been a double play, but he dropped and couldnt even get one. Hot defensively, give me a break. I am sick of hearing the reason why people should play because they are good at defense. We had some great stats on this blog a day or two ago showing how Punto is at best a mediocore defender. But, even if he were steller in the field he cant hit. How did you like that at bat in the 7th last night — 3 pitches 3 strikes looking. What a ballplayer!
MSLY, yer in there tonight, you suck at hitting and d, so shut it!
“MSLY, yer in there tonight, you suck at hitting and d, so shut it!”
Huh?!!
If you really thought I was saying I should be playing instead of Punto, then you have some greater problems than just your spelling.
I was just saying we’re going to watch a baseball game tonight and Punto’s going to be in there either way, so shut up about it.
I don’t think I even need to defend my spelling. You’re stupid, is that a better use for you?
I’m not a fan of putting Monroe in Center, and Gomez needs a day off to get his head straight a little bit, but it does make me sick to my stomach to see Denard Span in Center in a Twins Uniform.
Wes,
So should we stop discussing whether Span should be in center, since as you put it, he’s “going to be in there either way.”
I especially like you claim stupidity based off my previous comment when you made absolutely no attempt to define what about my comment was stupid.
My point is this — I dont like the idea of a lineup in which Span, Punto and Tolbert are in it. I think Tolbert should be in for Punto, especially when Harris has one of the best avg’s on the team. What about that idea is stupid?
I’m fine with Go-Go getting a game off so long as it’s just to give him a break and not to give Span a shot to stay up when Cuddyer comes back…
“Great” to see Tolbert in for Harris, instead of Punto…
Hey MSLY and Wes,
your both Morons. don’t you know calling people stupid has no place on LaVelle’s blog.
“Things were nearly perfect today until LNP4Life, at 3:08, called Robert a moron. Those two went back and forth but the rest of you steered around that car wreck rather adeptly.”
“My point is that we’re better than others and we should show it day in and day out.”
i’m a dumbass
Alright, let me put those moves in a different perspective:
The team has a 3 game winning streak. Do you need to change your lineup?
duh
I can say that Bert deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I’m curious as to why you think he isn’t.
He was a destination/appointment player. I can remember making a point to go to the Met to see him play specifically. I was barely 13 at the time. I would love to sit in center field with binoculars to watch his curve-ball. It was amazing. I don’t see any these days that do the same - incredible action.
I was disappointed when he left town back then (for Pittsburgh?) but was glad to see him back with the team years later. I remember the way his wife particpated getting the spouses to cheer the team on in the heady dome years and our first championship.
Now as a good-will ambassador (with a measure of bawdy humor to keep it real) as an announcer I can’t think of anyone more deserving. Come on - let’s get him into the hall!
MSLY,
You’re post at 6:15 seemed like you were just a basher, it appears I took it wrong. I called you stupid because you made fun of my spelling You’re, yer… Maybe I’m a jerk, either way let’s quit the argument and trust from this point that we both mean well, deal?
Here we go again
whining and carrying on about Punto.
Get a life already people.
Atleast Punto doesn’t have to bunt to get onto base (Ie:Gomez, in which when he isn’t bunting to get on base his avg is below the mendoza line) Punto has been hitting sharp line drives straight up the middle, like he should. And it makes me happy.
Deal
At least Gomez doesn’t slide head first into first…
Double Deal
Brendan harris has been hitting pretty well lately. I dont understand why Tolbert isnt playing for Punto tonight instead of Harris?
wes… uh, actually my man gomez has gone head first into first.
before this year started everyone said this was a rebuilding year… THATS WHAT IT IS!!!! JUST CAUSE WE ARE .500 DOESNT MEAN WE ARE NOW NOT REBUILDING!!!! WE STARTED THE REBUILDING PROCESS WHEN WE LET GOMEZ TAKE CENTER FIELD… we pretty much said.. “this is a rebuilding year.. we know gomez wont do very well at the plate but we want him to learn in the majors..” THAT MEANS WE ARNT SENDING HIM DOWN!!!
I’m sorry.. they arnt changing it from a rebuilding team to a lets win now team after 20 games and sending gomez down.. we have young guys in the lineup for a reason… WE ARE REBUILDING! seriously… can everyone understand? lamb is a stopgap.. part of rebuilding.. everett is a stopgap (though tolbert may be ready soon) monroe is a stopgap.. PUNTO is a stop gap.. these guys are giving the young ones more time to develop.. when there isnt a stopgap you put the young one in in the majors.. thats the case with gomez.. we are going to let him learn in the majors.. THAT MEANS WE ARNT SENDING HIM DOWN!!!!! btw… lamb is the stopgap for valencia.. (which btw was a late round STEAL!!!!! i think like 16th or 19th pick in the 05 draft)
enough said.. I’m a go watch some twins tonight and have fun watching the rebuilding team and their young guys!
GO TWINS!
i wouldn’t be made if Gomez goes down for a mounth or two but Punto was in the linup everyday lastyear and i think Gomez is a heck of a lot better then Punto and i still think Gomez will hit atleast .260 i can live with gomez up here and even if he gets sent down he will be the starter at CF in 09
No different than whining about me blocking Morneau’s a**
Gomez should ride the pine today after the effort he put forth yesterday!
Tomorrow Go-GO again Franchise needs all the help he can get!!
Seriously it would be nice to see what frankie could due tomorrow if we posted him to an early lead.
Len, Any comment on Ex-Twin front office Wayne and now ex-Reds GM? Do you think he will end up back with the Twins……maybe he was over matched as a GM??? But he was great as an assistant to Terry Ryan and is greatly respected in the game.
I was the most overrated POS since Terry Ryan. I’d be likely to land a job picking up garbage in the Metrodome with the way I run organizations into the ground.
I just go on and started reading all the blogs. They started out great and …
Wayne Krivsky did a good job for the Reds. He brought in some good pitching and got rid of some bad players(Kearns, Lopez, Willy Mo Pena). Unfortunately, he didn’t get rid of these two: Dunn and Griffey.
Twinsfan32
Soon it will be Tolbert 3B, Punto SS, Harris 2B, Morneau 1B
LaVelle, any word as to why Harris isn’t starting?
Ha-ha…..Telly!!!! “With any project, you hafta………..practice patience.”
Poor guy.
Nice guy though.
Span…and Monroe…and Punto?!
THE SKY IS FALLING!
*runs*
You people that all LOVE to watch Gomez play - I personally can’t stand to watch him swing and miss at everything - just like Delmon swinging at bad pitches and taking called third strikes down the middle. I know they’re young, but they’ve GOT to learn some friggin’ plate discipline. Gomez is definitely fun to watch on the basepaths, but it happens so rarely that it’s frustrating. TAKE A PITCH!
Ken Griffey is approaching 600 HR, if not for injuries he could be approaching 700. He was the best player of his generation. Greatest defensive CF to play the game IMO, and still a decent RF. All of this in an era of steroids that cast shadows of many players, but not Griffey. Anyone who tries to say anything negative about him, well figure it out.
JP, you think Griffey is clean huh?? OK.
If you look at mlbtraderumors.com and see the moves that Wayne Krivsky made with the Reds, he did a really good job in most of his trades and signings. Obviously there are a couple of exceptions, like extending Bronson Arroyo, or signing Corey Patterson, but he built up a very good minor league system with the likes of Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Johnny Cueto and others. He did well.
back to .500 and nows the time to get it going this year….i hate this rebuilding talk..all that is it seems is an excuse to lose…this team is too talented and with a few breaks and some things going there way, just like anyone else they can contend with anyone…so get off the rebuilding b.s. and lets go win some games… actually this team is no different than any other team other than we are young, but all teams are always building in one way or another….go twins….
Punto hitting line drives?!?!? WTF are you talking about? His hits are all choppers through the hole or infield hits. I know, I know they all count but he has ZERO RBI’s and ZERO extra base hits. He has now started 5 in a row and 6 of the last 7. That’s unacceptable.
I find it pretty humorous that a guy hitting .292 and plays pretty decent defense apparently has no business in the Twins’ lineup on occasion… but a guy hitting .230 and striking out far more than anyone else on the team should keep getting thrown out there every night.
Junior is probably the only home run hitter with the same hat size as he started with.
punto sucks
I hate the rebuilding talk too. But until proven otherwise……….
Cause Lamb, Everett, Young, and GoGo are question marks.
If you add Gomez’s 9 stolen bases to his total bases, he’s still second on the team to Morneau in output.
For those Jason Pridie fans (I am one of them), Jason has been as dreadful as Gomez at missing the ball:
Pridie: 19 K in 66 AB (3.4).
Gomez: 24 K in 87 AB (3.6).
Of course, Pridie has been flailing against AAA pitching, while Gomez has been flailing against Major League pitching.
I don’t think Pridie will be arriving anytime soon, with that kind of inept hitting.
And with Harris not in the lineup, you get that sinking feeling.
Punto and Span back to back is bad enough. But when Span has to lead off……..
I’m hoping he’ll surprise us.
Well, well, WELL! A legitimate infield hit for the rookie!
Actually, the thinking should be the other way around, imo… you may go in to the year expecting it to be a rebuilding year and you may start the year with some young players… but as long as you’re within a few games of first place, you’re foolish not to take your best shot. Then, if you do find yourself falling back, fine… throw more kids out there and get them their experience if you want to.
For now, you’re trying to win games.
Watching the ChiSox/Yankees game on ESPN, I noticed the “Bottom Line” said that the Packers are looking to sign Daunte Culpepper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This young team is a .500 team. They are doing exactly what they will be doing the whole season. I agree to let the young ones make the mistakes now, and then reap the benefits in a couple years. Sounds very familiar to the mid 80’s. That seemed to work out OK.
Lavelle, what needs to be done to get Blyleven in the Hall? It’s been absolutely ridiculous. I have the MLB package and every opposing announcing group talks about how Bert should be in the HOF. Yet not enough sports writers vote for him. Let’s get some kind of action going to get the word out.
why does mauers swing look so effn weak lately …is he wore out or what….
Can’t bunt, can’t bunt, can’t bunt……
Can’t score, can’t score, can’t score.
whens the last time mauer hit a ball hard…
Another fly ball out by Morneau. A little single would have scored a run.
At least Morneau started to go the other way, instead of weak grounders to 2nd.
Bert says a “very good 4.7 ERA” for Bonser.
Right Bert…..
Better not throw all FB’s to Ellis.
I’m getting Oakland broadcast here in Sacramento
Even though he hits all those easy fly ball outs, I still love Morny.
Oakland says; “After having an error in 12 straight games, then finally no errors last night, we get one right away tonight”
Looked up Bert’s lifetime ERA. It was 3.31 Boof’s over a full run worse. Bert’s given name=Rik Aalbert Blyleven
Okay…seriously…everytime I hear Gaudin’s name pronounced I look around expecting Godzilla to come in and start fighting it out with him.
Still haven’t seen Boof’s big curveball.
THERE it is, for the K.
Looks like Tim Lahey got the win in his Rochester debut tonight.
I watch all Twins games on DirecTV MLB package in CA. Dick and Bert are near the top for announcers. Vin Scully of the Dodgers is 1st and Dick and Bert are next for the American League. Obviously, I don’t listen to a lot of National League. These Oakland announcers are boring with a lot of dead air between pitches. And the White Sox announcers are complete a-holes.
MAC:
Who are Sox announcers? Hawk Harrelson yelled out “Grab some bench” once when Hrbek struck out against Sox. No class.
thanks for the update La Velle, good to see Tim Lahey get the win
The “Grab some bench” and “He gone” are their favorite sayings for a K. When White Sox hit a home run; “And you cannnnnnnnnnn put it on the board!!!!” And the player of the game always has to be a Sox player.
Hawk and DJ are the Sox announcers. Whoever the hell that is.
Does anyone else get annoyed with the Go Go nickname?
Vin Scully for the Dodgers is by far and away the best. He doesn’t have a partner and he has constant stories about players that are interesting. Last year he was telling stories about the Twins players that I never knew. He is just smooth as butter and as cool as the other side of the pillow.
I’d be less annoyed if he didn’t have to Go-Go back to the bench after striking out.
Does anyone else get annoyed with the Go Go nickname?
Yes.
Go Go Gadget Strikeout!
Go Go Gadget failed bunt attempt.
Just kidding. I love the kid, just hope he improves.
Macleod
You’re right, Scully is awesome. I always try to catch the first three innings of the Dodgers’ home games on XM. The guy is just poetry. Do you know he actually announced in Brooklyn for a couple of years?
and more importantly than Lahey’s meaningless Win stat is the fact that he came in and got all four batters that he faced out, including two of them on strikeouts. I am happy that he came back to the Twins organization.
every time boof pitches i get this bad feeling that we are going to lose!
and more importantly than Lahey’s meaningless Win stat
Blasphemy!
I did know Scully was in Brooklyn. Poetry is a very good description. He announces like most people hold a conversation. It’s just all natural. I guess when you start before television it comes natural to describe the game. I was just amazed at how good he is compared to everybody else.
Pridie might have 21 K at AAA but he also has the second most TB to Buscher and at least walks a little - 7. Here are his other stats:
.271 AVG 1 HR 10 RBI .342 OBP .443 SLG
I would hardly call that inept hitting Craig.
I see Gardy is throwing his “I’m in charge” tantrum again tonight by starting Punto. So, he benches a guy hitting .400 for five games, not to mention a guy that’s a BETTER defensive shortstop than either Punto (vastly overrated laterally) and Everett (vastly overrated in EVERY way).
Now, seeing as Gardy doesn’t have a contract for next year, and seeing that Billy put his own neck on the block by claiming he’d rebuild this offense, I wonder how long Billy Boy is going to tolerate Gardy’s idiocy in playing the weakest offensive link the Twins had last year. Hmm. I mean, I watch Punto in that line-up and it feels like we’re in a damn time-warp–like we’re trying to relive a bygone era.
Let’s play the exciting guys, man. Play Tolbert, Harris, Gomez. No more little fish from the past. We’re a new team under Billy. We’re not the same, sappy bunch of one-hit wonders from ‘06!
But, Gardy’s in charge. No one is going to tell him how to treat his Boy Toy Punto.
BTW: Did anyone else see Gardy and Punto cuddling in the dugout last night between at-bats? It was adorable!!!
“Does anyone else get annoyed with the Go Go nickname?”
Reminds me of gogo boots. I’d send a link, but someone might find it risque. Look up gogo boots yourself.
Yeah, it’s a real sissy name.
60 pitches for Boof through 3. 1 hit for the Twins.
Macleod
Yeah, you feel, see, and smell everything with him. I always picture a pink-orange sunset over the outfield wall when he’s announcing. It’s great.
He started with the Dodgers in either ‘54 or ‘56.
Not only is there nothing exciting about the Twins so far tonight, but the A’s announcers are literally putting me to sleep. No talking between pitches. Just counted off a 16 second span with no talking. I thought I lost my sound. Nope, just boring announcers.
Yeah, Boof…whatever…
Meanwhile, Mulvey threw darts for Rochester again tonight. Guy’s on fire.
What’s the deal with Luke Hughes of the Rockcats. 2 HR tonight and has 6 on the year.
“We’re a new team under Billy. We’re not the same, sappy bunch of one-hit wonders from ‘06!”
The 2006 saps scored 801 runs. They tied for the third highest run total in Minnesota Twins team history.
Billy’s new hard hitting team isn’t going to score that many runs.
Not only is there nothing exciting about the Twins so far tonight, but the A’s announcers are literally putting me to sleep. No talking between pitches. Just counted off a 16 second span with no talking. I thought I lost my sound. Nope, just boring announcers.
So basically the exact opposite of Dickbert, who never shut up (a good announcer knows when to let the viewer take in the game).
(LOL.) I know. I’ve tried to listen to them on XM, and they are BAD! Ugh.
I do like that old guy that does the Padres, though. He’s a gritty old dude.
Could not agree with you more about Bert, LEN III. I was a young teen when Bert first came up. Watching him pitch was as enjoyable as watching Johan. So many times, he would lose games 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2, pitching for offensively challenged Twins teams. It is no wonder he did not win the magic 300 games that would have made him automatic for voters.
I find it incomprehensible that a pitcher who is 5th all-time in strikeouts and has 60 career shoutouts has not yet made the HOF.
Craig
Would you like to wager on that? This team will score a ton of runs once it warms up.
Is Boof or Livan pitching on the All-You-Can-Eat night at the Dome? Just curious, they don’t want to run out.
But, you’re right, Punto, Tyner, and Castillo are far more explosive than Lamb/Buscher, Young, and Harris will be this year. Silly me.
i wonder what the record is for 4-3 GO’s in one game by one team?
Would you like to wager on that? This team will score a ton of runs once it warms up.
So when will they be warming up?
August?
“What’s the deal with Luke Hughes of the Rockcats. 2 HR tonight and has 6 on the year.”
Luke Hughes is a good hitting 2B in AA. He’s probably ready for a promotion. I think he has played a little OF, as well. He’s an interesting player.
Brian Dinkelmann at Ft. Myers (high A) is another good looking 2B, who can hit.
Seth probably has the details on both these players.
I said this last time Boof pitched. I think the twins should give boof’s spot in the rotation to mulvey. They should give the kid a chance since hes been doing so well. Everybody knows what boof is going to give you anyways, one good start followed by 2 ok starts followed by 2 horrible starts then 1 or 2 good starts.
He’s right Craig. It’s NOT the same team as in ‘06.
Can’t argue that.
The 2006 saps scored 801 runs. They tied for the third highest run total in Minnesota Twins team history.
It may have been the 3rd highest in team history, but that was a middle-of-the-road offense, 8th in the AL in runs scored.
Vin Scully speaks as if he’s addressing a room full of people who he is leading. It’s a form of oratory, and a form of friendship.
Johnny Carson was a conversationalist too. Now we get twit-heads instead.
Amen Romer. Amen.
Quality AB by LNP right there.
Lamb Punto Span Tolbert, thats a pretty scary four some right there…
At least 2 of the pitches to Punto were balls, too bad the other 3 were called strikes.
But the A’s announcer said it was a quality pitch that froze Punto. And then he said the throw to 1st on the bunt was the pitchers best fastball of the night.
Murderer’s Row right there.
*sigh*
And to think that people still rip Mauer for his RBI totals.
So nice to get home and see the Twins are just pouring the runs on. 
And after the Tigers put up 19 runs tonight, their run differential just improved. 
40 years of A’s baseball. I’m being subjected to all the great plays the A’s have made against the Twins in 40 years. Worst game ever!
If you go to espn.com right now and look at the main picture, wouldnt you say that Tayshaun Prince looks like a walking skeleton, or at least a member of the rolling stones?
[…] Twins insider wrote an interesting post today on Gomez Not In The Lineup TonightHere’s a quick excerptGomez Not In The Lineup Tonight Posted on April 23rd, 2008 – 5:42 PM By La Velle Joe C. gets his wish, sort of. Denard Span is leading off and playing in center field tonight as the Twins give the super-scuffling Carlos Gomez a night off. “He really fought it last night,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “I need to play the other young man (Span) anyway, so I figured this would be a good time for him to sit and watch a baseball game.” Matt Tolbert is in for Brendan Harris at second and […]
MSLY:
Boy, no kidding. Is it legal to keep a spare basketball in your jersey? I thought only in Globetrotters games.
And I’m treated with another highlight of an A’s player hitting a walk off home run against the Twins in years gone by.
haha MSLY. Poor Punto. He’s actually just a bench player, a pretty good one. Looks like he’s played 1 game-in-a-row too much.
But twinsfan32, there’s another quality start for the Boof.
get some runs for boof for gods sake…this guy has to damn near throw shutouts to get wins…its rediculous..
Lala 72,
I hope you are right, that they score 800+ runs, but I don’t see it.
If a team averages 5 runs a game they will score 810 runs. 4 runs a game = 648 runs. The Twins are averaging 3.8 runs per game over their first 20. At that pace they will score 616 runs. They will have to undergo quite a metamorphosis to score 800 runs. They have a lot of catching up to do. It may not be impossible, but I would say it’s impossible’s first cousin.
twins are showing their vavra influence tonite again…..
hit the ball softly up the middle and hope no one from the other team is standing there in the way….atta boy mauer …keep up the great hitting …just as you were taught
Lala 72,
I hope you are right, that they score 800+ runs, but I don’t see it.
Woah, I missed that. There’s no way the Twins will score 800 runs. Not with the gapping OBP holes they’re throwing out there.
I really believe that if Gardy sticks w/ one lineup for a considerable amount of time once Cuddy comes back, the offense will begin to come to life.
I would be curious to know if any other MLB team changes their lineup as frequently as the twins.
maybe the twins should throw away those damn hitting tees and go back to pitching machines….what a concept
yes romer, boof has actually pitched around those walks. thats nice to see. i thought for sure he was going to get beat down tonight
Looks like the trouble with Morneau is he igores the Vavra way, swinging so hard at everything.
come on Kubes we need a two run bomb right now!
come on Kubes we need a two run bomb right now!
I’d take it.
yes romer, boof has actually pitched around those walks. thats nice to see. i thought for sure he was going to get beat down tonight
Not really…considering 2 of those BB’s count for the 2 Oakland runs.
It is almost like Gardy is taking a page out of Jaque Lamaires (spelling?) playbook of constantly changing lines.
announcer just said Kubel has 3 HR’s on year…
@#$%@#$^@#$%^@#$%!!!!
Maybe someone knows how many runs the Twins averaged over their first 20 games in 2006?????????
Yeah, twinsfan32, Boof is maddening to me too. He’s a bulldog though.
LOL, nice play Emil.
Let’s see if Monroe can get ‘er done again.
I’ll still take the single
LEN3…i beg you to please ask gardy for all of us why do the twins hit such a high # of weak ground balls either to short or 2nd base….i would love to hear his response….
anybody else notice Delmon Young doesn’t watch the 3rd base coach as he rounds 2nd? I’ve seen it a couple times.
Maybe someone knows how many runs the Twins averaged over their first 20 games in 2006?????????
89
*Think positive about Monroe*
*Think positive about Monroe*
*Think positive about Monroe*
Agh! I just can’t. Stupid stat driven self.
Agh! I just can’t. Stupid stat driven self.
Time to move out of your mom’s basement.
We want it bad from Monroe.
Monroe wanted it bad too
too bad
jobbed by the ump. strike 2 was 4 inches outside
i thought kubes had a homer there!! damn
Time to move out of your mom’s basement.
Can I take my acne cream and pictures of Jessica Alba with me?
what a wasted chance…sickening, but we need to start something before 2 are out…
Can I take my acne cream and pictures of Jessica Alba with me?
Yes, just make sure to put on some pants before you leave.
Def Screwed by the ump. Ball was clearly outside…
another shutout for boof…
Can I take my acne cream and pictures of Jessica Alba with me?
Is that a burn on someone specific?
out hitting the other team again tonight… 4-3; sheesh i hate that combination of numbers
Boof actually had a decent start today. Now if he can take care of those walks.
It is actually kind of hard to find bad things to say about the starting staff, which is a good thing. Wasnt expected at the beginning of the year.
Oo, Gardenhire bobblehead day on May 4th. Good voodoo opportunity for some of you Gardy haters.
Yes, just make sure to put on some pants before you leave.
I’ll have to get mom to wash some clothes first.
And I was almost hoping Monroe’s domination of Blanton would start something. But he’s still Craig Monroe.
pitching staff 2nd in league in era…who would have ever thought…with hitting we would be tearing up the central…
And I was almost hoping Monroe’s domination of Blanton would start something. But he’s still Craig Monroe.
And these are still your Minnesota Twins, fulfilling the Cy Young dreams of mediocre starters everywhere.
“Luke Hughes is a good hitting 2B in AA. He’s probably ready for a promotion. I think he has played a little OF, as well. He’s an interesting player.”
Sorry for the slow response. I’m working on a big Minor League Report. Now that LaVelle says the Strib is going to bring back the minor league reports, I’ve got to burn my game up.
Anyway… Luke Hughes primarily played 2B ealry in his career. He usually plays there for the Australian national team in those competitions. With the Rockcats last year, he played everywhere, corner OF, three or four IF positions. He was an All-Star in the Eastern League last year despite not really having a position. This year, he has primarily played 3B, with some time in LF. I really believe that he was just holding down 3B until Danny Valencia is ready for AA, but he is off to an incredible start. I’ve said in previous years that he is a potential poor man’s Jeff Kent, some pop, not great defense, etc., but I don’t think that the Twins are as high on him. I was told before spring training last year that Hughes had to make the AA roster, or he would be released. That said, he is making himself known. I woudln’t rush a promotion, but I think he’s better and certainly more intriguing than all of the veteran minor leaguers who are not doing well up in Rochester!
“Brian Dinkelmann at Ft. Myers (high A) is another good looking 2B, who can hit.”
He’s an ideal leadoff hitter. He finds ways to get on base. Walks a lot. Gets hit a bunch. Can hit, and has doubles power and can hit some homers. He spent half of 2007 in Ft. Myers, so he could certainly move up to New Britain in another month or two. He’s off to a very good start.
What the heck LNP!
“Maybe someone knows how many runs the Twins averaged over their first 20 games in 2006?????????
89″
Okay, that put them on pace to score 713 runs, and they scored 801. That was a pretty dramatic turn around. The 2008 Twins are on pace to score 616.
Maybe there are lots of examples of big turn arounds?????? You stat guys would know.
And these are still your Minnesota Twins, fulfilling the Cy Young dreams of mediocre starters everywhere.
Gaudin doesn’t bother me because he’s probably going to be an above average starter this year. It’s the Paul Byrd domination, or if some team dragged the carcass of Sean Estes and had him pitched and he pitched a SO that sucks the excitment from me.
New pitcher for A’s. Thank god.
I am still waiting for Mike Lamb to hit.
now would be a good time to pinch hit for punto — wouldnt ya think….arrghhh
Gaudin with 84 pitches and out of the game? Thanks. Maybe we have a chance now.
good lord. now punto can’t even hold onto his bat. I just can’t defend him anymore.
8th inning, down two, and Nick @#$%@#$^@#$ Punto is allowed to hit.
Nick, swing the bat…
Wait, nevermind.
It’s the same end result either way.
are you kidding me??????? Punto, you have a bat in your hands. Swing the bat when you have 2 strikes on you and the ball is coming right down the middle of the plate. come on
So Gardy doesn’t PH for Punto, but he PH’s for Span?
Too many walks and 3-ball counts for Livan and Boof. Twins would be fortunate to only get a split the first 2 games in Oakland.
Monroe and Lamb back down to earth tonight. No one picking up the slack.
So Gardy let Punto hit, THEN he sends up a pinch hitter? Good grief…
The pitcher that really sucks the life out of me is Jimmy Gobble. I remember after a game last year when Gobble completely owned the twins I had to listen to Gardy talk about how Jimmy “kept us off balance the entire night.” Jimmy Gobble, are you serious!!
LNP, are you serious!!!
do they have over 8,000 fans there tonight. what obnoxious horn sounds.
i am tellin ya ….vavra has this team off balance something fierce…they are so out of whack at the plate its just a pity…there is no attack in their efforts…their whole approach seems f…ed……i give up
Gaudin doesn’t bother me because he’s probably going to be an above average starter this year. It’s the Paul Byrd domination, or if some team dragged the carcass of Sean Estes and had him pitched and he pitched a SO that sucks the excitment from me.
Yeah, Gaudin isn’t so bad, but rather than simply making him look like Cy Young material, they made him look legendary instead.
Don’t blame Livan or Boof. We won last night and Boof gave up two runs. Can’t complain about pitching. Just like last year. Everybody goes into a slump at once.
The pitcher that really sucks the life out of me is Jimmy Gobble.
Gobble gives me nightmares.
Who is to blame when the entire team goes into a hitting slump at once, the entire team? probably not. The hitting coach? probably.
Who is to blame when the entire team goes into a hitting slump at once, the entire team? probably not. The hitting coach? probably.
Kubel isn’t slumping.
its not just one guy…its the whole damn lineup almost…ive never seen anything like this since last year…lol….so why are these new guys who came to this team with great hitting credentials all their careers and all of a sudden they all swing like their a bunch of weak sisters….tell me (i blame vavra)—oh by the way …we didnt want sweeney…lucky for him…hes still hitting….
Kiss the game goodbye.
I wouldn’t have pitched to Sweeney way back when, when he got his first RBI.
Not many fans tonight because Wednesday is “tag the city with graffity” night. Half off special on spray paint to all Bloods and Crips!!
But seriously, Oakland is a complete #$*@hole. I mean the entire city.
Gobble gives me nightmares.
At least the Twins own former Cy Young winner Barry Zito. 0-5 with a 5.61 ERA in his career against the Twins.
After the HR, the announcers said “that man can just plain hit”. Then they flashed a stat that said Sweeney’s first HR since 6/08/07. LMAO.
Oops, that’s not Zito against the Twins that’s his season this year. I forgot to hit submit to get the stats.
now morneau’s 3 run HR simply ties the game. nuts. how are we gonna get a 4th run?
The hitting coach? probably.
And when the hitters are doing just fine? Do we then put all of it as their own personal heroics?
It’s not like Vavra has a light switch in his office labeled “Offense”.
Did I read earlier that Gardy’s contract is up after this year? If it is, do we really think Billy would bring in a new coach, I doubt it. But, I would like to see a new hitting coach mj1 has a good point.
I should add that I’m now convinced Sweeney should become a Twin. Simply so they don’t have to pitch to him anymore.
At least the Twins own former Cy Young winner Barry Zito. 0-5 with a 5.61 ERA in his career against the Twins.
That was when he was relatively good though. If we faced him now it would be a no-doubt shutdown. His junk would mow right through this lineup.
Anybody else think we should start swinging the bat before we get down 0-2? I don’t know, I’m just thinking out loud.
Did I read earlier that Gardy’s contract is up after this year? If it is, do we really think Billy would bring in a new coach, I doubt it. But, I would like to see a new hitting coach mj1 has a good point.
It’s not Vavra, it is the players the Twins have. They don’t stress plate discipline in the minors then imported Young and Gomez. Hackers not named Guerrero aren’t usually consistent offensive players.
I should add that I’m now convinced Sweeney should become a Twin. Simply so they don’t have to pitch to him anymore.
That’s what the Twins PR machine was saying about Craig Monroe all winter long.
Did I just see that? Did Joe hit a ball in the air?
give monroe one more crack at these guys,
T, I understand what your saying, and you may be right. But, if the hitting coach was not the problem dont you think that the hitting slumps would be much more random, instead of the entire team going cold. Plus, this has been a problem for over a year now. Lets not forget the twins were horrible at scoring runs last year. This lineup should not be that bad.
I should add that I’m now convinced Sweeney should become a Twin. Simply so they don’t have to pitch to him anymore.
Just like Craig Monroe, right?
After the HR, the announcers said “that man can just plain hit”. Then they flashed a stat that said Sweeney’s first HR since 6/08/07. LMAO.
Even injured Sweeney could probably roll out of bed and out-hit the majority of the Twins lineup.
Duck fart Morneau-sie!
And even though Street has been hurt, I shed a tear everytime he pitches against the Twins. SCREW YOU MATT FOX!
KeVin, I guess I dont know which one is worse, if you are wrong, or it I am wrong? All I can say, I hope this lineup comes together when Cuddy returns.
I hope Kubel gets a chance.
A’s TV flashed that Young hit into the most double plays last year. SOB’s.
Delmon and his stinkin’ inability to lay off a slider in the dirt.
Dickbert says, “he may have swung at ball four.”
Gee Dickbert, do ya think? It bounced in the opposite batter’s box….
Rally over.
Game over.
Pathetic offense.
KeVin, I guess I dont know which one is worse, if you are wrong, or it I am wrong? All I can say, I hope this lineup comes together when Cuddy returns.
The offense may get better, probably will since Young probably will hit near .300 but with his god-awful OBP and SLG it won’t mean much.
absolutely no plate discipline….
OK. If you gotta send Gomez down for taking embarrassing at bats, you better find room for some company: 6 or 7 of them after tonight.
I sure hope I ain’t gonna hear a bunch of crap from Gardenhire about what a brilliant pitcher Gaudin is.
Just like Craig Monroe, right?
Not play him, just sign him. I don’t care if he gets ABs.
instead of the entire team going cold
If it was all Vavra’s fault, then there would be no hot/cold. It’d just be crap all the way through.
A guy struggles, players around them try and pick it up and start forcing themselves.
It’s not the entire problem, but it doesn’t help. And having a free-swinging lead-off guy can be an issue.
This is a pitiful offensive ballclub. Horrid to watch.
As Joe Morgan would say, the Twins offense isn’t “consistant” enough.
swing at the worst pitches and when they do hit the ball its a ground ball up the middle….
As Joe Morgan would say, the Twins offense isn’t “consistant” enough.
Not if Bill Fremp has anything to say about it!
“Even injured Sweeney could probably roll out of bed and out-hit the majority of the Twins lineup.”
Almost all, if not all of them.
Yes, that guy can hit.
i feel bad for this twins pitching staff…this hurts young pitchers, not to support them…they need to fix this now, as they have the makings of a dominant staff for years if they do things right….
As Joe Morgan would say, the Twins offense isn’t “consistant” enough.
Though you have to admit, you’d fall asleep half way through him getting to that point. Mostly because he’d wrap it in a story about how he used to eat breakfast with Mickey Mantle or something.
Not if Bill Fremp has anything to say about it!
Oh my, I just about laughed out loud, really.
Good thing I was too busy planning on when I’m going to install XP Service Pack 3 to distract me from urinating in my pants.
i feel bad for this twins pitching staff…this hurts young pitchers, not to support them…
If the shut-outs are rude to pitchers, what do you consider two games in which the bullpen blows big leads?
Because as I see it, it’s like Shutouts 3, Bullpen Meltdowns 2.
Though you have to admit, you’d fall asleep half way through him getting to that point. Mostly because he’d wrap it in a story about how he used to eat breakfast with Mickey Mantle or something.
He’d also find a way to mix in a couple of unintelligible pot-shots at Billy Beane for no apparent reason before getting there.
He’d also find a way to mix in a couple of unintelligible pot-shots at Billy Beane for no apparent reason before getting there.
Then confuse the gay Billy Bean, for the GM Billy Beane and talk about how he isn’t clutch or something since he wasn’t a very good major league player.
Then confuse the gay Billy Bean, for the GM Billy Beane and talk about how he isn’t clutch or something since he wasn’t a very good major league player.
LOL!
t..wtf…the pitching on this team has been awesome, both the starters and relievers…we need to start hitting to support these guys, who are for the most part pitching their guts out…they have the 2nd best era in the american league..thats pretty damn good for this young bunch….the bullpen will blow one now and then but good lord, what do you expect….we just need to get this team hitting for gods sake..its that simple…
we just need to get this team hitting for gods sake..its that simple…
The team is filled with average at best offensive players, two young guys who are lost at the plate, two good hitters who look like they aren’t enough to carry a team and then Nick Punto. Not exactly a 5 run/game average.
Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen have switched corner positions. I am surprised Cabrera lasted as long as he did at 3B with Jim Leyland. Leyland has always put up with some ugly fielding by his Tigers, but there has to be some minimal standard.
I say just walk Sweeney. Then hope he can advance only one base at a time.
This guy kills the Twins.
The Twins have the lowest OBP in the league. They can’t keep a rally going, and an inning alive.
maybe this lineup misses cuddy more that i want to realize….maybe even miss him in the dugout right now…hope he gets back soon and is in playing shape and sharp
I know I’m late on this one, but I just wanted to mention that I’m very proud of Joe Vavra for leading the league in shutouts last year, and to see he’s already recorded his 3rd such shutout this season.
Oh wait… he’s not a 15 million dollar a year pitcher for us? He’s our hitting coach?
Get a rope.
Granderson’s first game back with the Tigers, and KA-PLUEY ——19 runs.
I wonder if the Twins will keep Buscher and start platooning him at 3rd. No need for duplicating Punto with Tolbert anymore. Tolbert is looking more like a rookie every AB. And Punto is adequately performing his role. So send Tolbert down to AAA.
With Harris helping at 3rd, Punto back on the bench (I still expect a decent contribution from a healthy Everett), Cuddy back strong and refreshed, Young continuing to move back toward his early-season form, any improvement from Gomez —- then we might just see an adequate offense.
If positive turns of events such as these don’t happen, then this season becomes a rebuilding year for sure. Because Detroit is back. They did it tonight without Polanco or Sheffield.
BC, get some sleep.
Me too…..
Problem with Tolbert is what I suspected- his bat would go cold with all that time on the bench. I don’t see why he had to sit with the sore foot from the foul ball (especially since he could PR). Now the flu I could maybe understand, but if I was him and being a rookie trying to impress I would try and suck it up and get out there.
Looks like more people are talking about the Twins pop-gun offense, which is nice to see since I think sometimes people think THAT is not the biggest problem with this organization.
BC,
“Get a rope.”
Please don’t suggest these things to the mentally unbalanced on these blogs.
I know its just hype, but there are wackos loose on cyberspace that can’t tell the difference and think that you and the mentally balanced world are giving them the green light.
I gotta say, as I said last year, we are now seeing the “fruits” of Terry Ryan and his staffs’ work over the last 10 years of drafting and developing players. Imagine how bad it would be (could it be worse?) if Smith hadn’t signed Lamb, traded for Gomez, Monroe, Harris and Young — imagine Casilla, ? at 3b, Span in Left, ? in Center.
Seriously, this is the problem with the free pass that this orgnization got for years. Their drafting and developing of players under Ryan has been pathetic (hitter wise), and everyone just kept thinking they were doing well because of, um, I’m not sure why.
For years, they’ve had no 3B or DH. Somehow, they have no OF ready, none, when Hunter retires. How can you have a minor league system w/o 1 OF who can come up and play?
Terry Ryan got a free pass, just like the Wild GM, and now the Twins fans are paying the price.
BC,
Three little words.
“Get a rope.”
Three bigger words.
“Wrongful death culpability.”
Once again our offense/Joe Vavra leaves Boof hanging. Boof’s provided the team 4 quality starts in his 5 games, we’ve rewarded him with a grand total of 7 (seven), yes, I said 7 runs. Time for Vavra to go. Today.
I’m not sure this is Vavra’s fault.
Nick Punto was in the lineup - one of the worst every day hitters in history.
Denard Span was in the lineuup - a guy that has not exactly hit minor league pitching well.
Delmon Young was in the lineup - a guy with great talent, but who didn’t exactly light it up last year.
Tolbert - not exactly a guy who lit up the minors last year.
Monroe - terrible year last year. Most everyone on the planet thought picking him up was a bad idea.
That is 4 out of 9 guys that should probably not be starting in a MLB game (and one who is in his 2nd year).
This is a problem with the team (and maybe Vavra), but laying all or even most of this on him is waaaaaay off base.
I want to hear the same old baseless defenses of Joe V. by sane this morning….where are you sane?
Honestly, this is pathetic, boys. They better be ready to hit today…Boof struggled but ultimately got the job done (2 runs allowed in 6 innings), but the offense was nowhere to be found.
Gardy’s gaffe of the game: First inning–taking the sacrifice play off one pitch after Tolbert nearly had a perfect bunt but it’s fielded in foul territory…instead, he grounds into a double play on the next pitch.
Umm, excuse me Mike but if I recall correctly Joe Mauer was also in the lineup.
Earth to Gardy: ENOUGH with the Mauer batting third bit. It didn’t work last year, it’s not working this year–face it, fellow Minnesotans, he’s a 6-5 singles hitter (I’m sure he’d do well at a single’s bar, too). Get Kubel in that three-hole where he belongs (I’m not exactly stoked about Cuddy in the three-hole, either). Quit pretending Mauer is a 3-hitter; he’s not!
Jason, yup, but when 44.4% of your lineup is not MLB caliber, and one other is a 2nd year player really struggling, I’m not sure why having Mauer in there matters one way or the other.
They have 3 (maybe 4) legit hitters right now - Mauer, Morneau and Kubel (and probably Harris). That isn’t enough to win ball games, unless they are going to hit HRs.
That’s true…it’s amazing how things to to you-know-where when the leadoff hitter strikes out instead of reaching base….
Gomez
Mauer
Kubel
Morneau
Young
Monroe
Harris
Lamb
Tolbert
Should be the lineup until Cuddy gets back; once Cuddy gets back you can put him in Monroe’s spot.
I love how Dick and Bert (or maybe it was Telly Hughes) were acting like Monroe was an integral player for us so far (he’s had one good game and immediately sunk back to form last night).
Also, Mary Had a Little Lamb had three hits on Tues. and his average stayed on the freeway….I’m getting tired of his act, too. Bats better explode so we can take 2-of-3 and move on to Texas!!!!
lavelle about bert blyleven, berts won lost percentage is close to .500 i believe that is why he has not made it, also many of those who vote for the hall may remember bert in his later years when he wasnt as dominant, also how many allstar selections did he have these are some of the things i believe may have a part in his not being in yet, the key to this thing thow is that i remember bert being on the losing end of more 1-0 2-1 and 3-2 games probably than anyone else and that is not his fault if this record could be looked over i bet it could help his election his era is sterling check it out
That, and when I was a youngster, my grandma used to call him “load ‘em up Blyleven”
did anyone notice in the 6th when the a’s pitchers knees were shaking and he looked like he would pee in his pants when the twins sent up punto, span and tolbert right in a row. maybe the most feared trio in history.
in defense of vavra they are hitting a lot of ground balls to infielders which some times get in between for a hit. and it also makes it easier to turn a dp if somebody gets on. job well done joe v.
does anyone really think punto is a major league hitter?
Delmon Young was in the lineup - a guy with great talent, but who didn’t exactly light it up last year.
…
2007: .288 AVG, 13 HR, 93 RBI. 2nd in RotY.
Yeah, that’s no big deal or anything.
jimbo,
As long as W-L percentage is a criteria, then the election process and the Hall of Fame in general is a joke.
Nearly very ex-Yankee pitcher would have to be considered under that criteria.
gobble you’re hilarious….
No, Punto will be back on the freeway by the end of the weekend if he continues to play everyday….he’s not a major league hitter….but then, in our lineup, he doesn’t exactly stand out either.
gobble,
“they are hitting a lot of ground balls to infielders which some times get in between for a hit.”
We need guys who hit ground balls between OUTFIELDERS!!!
T: actually, those stats aren’t that great.
19th out of all LF in baseball last year. So, below average. That isn’t lighting it up.
this looks like our “muderers row”
The Row wouldn’t score these runs playing small ball – bunting to get on base and then hitting behind the runner to score a run – they would hit doubles, triples, and home runs on command. The Yankees didn’t hit the most doubles in the AL with 291, but why would they stop at second base when they could get to third? Murderer’s Row would hit 103 triples, and 158 home runs. No team in the AL would get close to these numbers, and opposing team’s pitching staffs had to have lost sleep at night knowing they had to pitch to the Yankees the next day. The Row also had the highest team batting average at .307, the highest slugging percentage at .489, and the most stolen bases at 90 in the American League in 1927.
this must have been something to see.
Look, if they hit today and we win….taking two-of-three against a hot Oakland squad, we’ll have to settle the whining down a bit…
But if they tank it again at the plate and we lose, all bets are off…
So let’s see what happens this afternoon…
19th out of all LF in baseball last year. So, below average. That isn’t lighting it up.
Compare his stats to other rookies, then we’ll talk. …and wasn’t he a RF or CF last year?
Look, if they hit today and we win….taking two-of-three against a hot Oakland squad, we’ll have to settle the whining down a bit…
That’s what I’ve been saying for a while. With the exception of Anahiem and Detroit, the Twins have thus far been able to split/win every series (including four series with division rivals)
A few better games by the bullpen, or a few less shutouts by the offense and this team could have a few extra wins and be a game over .500 (and looking at the standings that’d be in first place at the moment.
Did anybody think that would be the case at any point this season? I sure didn’t.
T, that is my point. I said he was a 2nd year player that didn’t lite it up last year. I said he had talent. I’m not sure what you are arguing with, actually. Compared to other rookies, he had a good year. Compared to all other LFers, he was below average. If he improved this year, he’d be at or slightly above average. Again, I’m not sure what you are arguing about.
According to ESPN.com, he qualified as a LF last year, which I too was surprised to see. I thought he played more RF than LF.
this is my lineup that we should do
sorry gomez haters
gomez cf
mauer c
frank thomas dh
morneau 1st
cuddyer 3rd
kubel lf
young rf
harris 2nd
tolbert ss
thats my lineup…
I’d like it too, lion, but it’s painfully obvious they won’t go after the Hurt because they want Kubel to be the everyday DH…
I like the idea, though….the clock is ticking on Mary Had a Little Lamb…
T is correct in his assessment, so far so good series-by-series–the Detroit series was lost due to the Bullpen and Gardy’s failure to use it properly, the Anaheim series was lost due to Michelle Cuddyer and Justine Morneau…but Morneau has since molded into our only true threat at the plate–damn I wish we had some lineup protection for him!
Frank Thomas isn’t on the Twins lion
if the twins were going to sign an old DH, i’d rather have it be Bonds instead of the big hurt. This offense needs something to get them going.
twinsfan32,
Big Hurt is not in danger of incarceration.
Cuddyer at 3B? I thought we were over that idea as a fan base…
I know I’m usually accused of wearing the rose-colored glasses, but Cuddyer was no good at 3B. That’s why they moved him.
The Twins need hitting, but they specifically need a power righty. Thomas would be a better fit in that department than Bonds.
But the issue I have with Thomas or Bonds is that either is a very short term solution in a period of time when the Twins are looking to go young and build from there.
I’d rather see guys like Gomez, Buscher, Young and Kubel struggle now with the combined payoff coming in the next few years then watch Thomas or Bonds smack balls around this year and miss the playoffs anyway because nobody around them is hitting.
Thomas or Bonds may have been the answer in 06/07. But the moves the Twins made in the offseason put the team into rebuild mode. If they’re going to look for a trade/signing to improve…it should be for a younger player that will be able to stick around while guys like Gomez and Young are maturing.
I disagree with T in that I do not want to see Young / Buscher / Kubel struggle now…our pitching staff appears ready to win now and we owe it to ourselves to put a lineup together that can help them do just that…
Obviously Young and Kubel are here to stay, and Buscher has actually looked good when given the opportunity, but there’s nothing wrong with bringing in a veteran bat if you see a hole and a place you could put him…the attitude that ‘we have so much talent, we just don’t have the room’ doesn’t cut it for me in that regard…
Not all of these roster spots are going to pan out and I see nothing wrong with telling a guy like Craig Monroe or Mike Lamb, look, we liked you, but this thing isn’t working and we found someone better!
The Twins have succeeded this decade by building for the future and putting the best people in place for the present at the same time….we took our offensive lumps last season, let’s not do it again, please…
We need to find out ASAP if Lamb and Everett are going to be viable everyday lineup options (and if they’re not, replacing them with a Punto isn’t going to cut it, either)…
We need to find out ASAP if Monroe is worth playing….
those are the question marks in my mind…D. Young, Harris, Kubel….those guys are here to stay, no questions asked….
But let’s not pretend like we have to wait this thing out (ala Rondell White and Tony Bautista). These off-season fliers are just that–just cause we’re paying them the money anyway doesn’t mean we have to suffer.
As TK always said, wait until they hit 100 ABs before you evaluate…we’re getting close to that point for a lot of these guys….so I’m willing to hold off until then…but if Lamb, Everett, and Monroe are still on the freeway by then….well, then it’s time to consider putting them on a real freeway.
Jason, how does signing Bonds or Thomas replace Lamb or Everett? I’m confused.
Um, didn’t Buscher actually not produce last year when given a tiny chance, or am I remembering wrongly?
Bonds or Thomas wouldn’t necessarily replace Lamb or Everett, mike, but the point is this….if you have a chance to upgrade, you upgrade…
And let’s not kid ourselves by including Bonds in this conversation….there’s 0 percent chance that Bonds becomes a Twin; none.
Again, the point is, Thomas would be better for our lineup than Monroe….undeniably….so if you can, you go get him!
Hell, Thomas would be better for our lineup than Michael Cuddyer or Jason Kubel….
the dude hit .277 with 26 HR and 95 RBI with Oakland last year in 500+ ABs….
You cannot ignore the impact of adding a guy like that…hell, he has 3 dongs already this year!
This wait and see approach only works on a few levels…it can’t work on all levels…they whiffed on this guy a few years ago cause some bitter fools in the Sox organization told them not to bother…now you have another chance…why wouldn’t you make a play for this guy? You give him the DH spot and you let Young / Kubel / Cuddyer fight over who doesn’t belong in the outfield everyday.
D. Young played 133 games in RF and 29 in CF last year. ESPN probably has him listed as a LF because that is the position he is manning now.
Young batted .288/.316/.408/.724
My hope for him is that he improves his batting average to the .300-.320+ range with added power.
He has never shown the ability to take alot of walks, even in the minor leagues. Therefore, IMO, he will need to hit for higher average and atleast improve his ISO power.
I see his career tracking in a similar way as T. Hunter IF he develops his slugging power, but with a better batting average.
The good part is he is only 22 and I think hunter was 25 in his second full year.
Plus, wasn’t there talk about Cuddy playing centerfield in the offseason….and D. Young could do it, too, presumably….
Agreed, Columbo. I think Young will be a good hitter someday. I just don’t think he was all that great last year, and he certainly isn’t so far this year.
My point was, I’m not sure how any of this is surprising (the lack of run production) given this lineup of “hitters”.
Bottom line for me is how you make it work for the rest of the players is why managers get paid the Big Bucks…but Frank Thomas unquestionably would be an upgrade to our struggling lineup…they have to make a play for this guy…we are not in a position to say we don’t have room for him because we have too many up and comers who need to play everyday….not at our shutout rate, anyway.
Where are the lineups?
there’s 0 percent chance that Bonds becomes a Twin; none.
I would wager that’s true for ANY team and Bonds. A guy facing potential jail time doesn’t make a good component to put your offensive hopes on.
As far as Thomas to the A’s, they mentioned that last night during the game. I’d imagine Oakland was on the phone almost immediately after he was released. I guess on the plus side, Thomas and Sweeney are on the same time…so they’ll only kill the Twins one at a time.
But plugging an everyday DH in the lineup bumps out Kubel for the time being. You can put him in LF, but then that bumps Young. That puts him in center, which bumps Gomez (and thus our current leadoff hitter).
Now that might work if a guy like Harris or Tolbert can turn into a leadoff hitter (or maybe…just maybe Mauer).
So then what happens I suppose is Gomez goes to the minors (he needs more experience then he’d get as a bench option with the big club) and plays a year or so down there and we hope Thomas or whoever they bring in works out for the year or two he’s on the team.
