Sunday: Thoughts, Jots……but no Dots
Posted on July 6th, 2008 – 10:36 AMBy La Velle
Some leftover stuff from the homestand.
I thought Gardy was joking after Saturday’s game when he said the trainers got a game ball for getting Alexi Casilla back on the field after his finger injury. But it’s true.
Twins trainers Rick McWane and Dave Pruemer had Casilla soak his finger in whatever concoction they came up with, and it worked. Casilla started on Saturday and had a big two-run double in the sixth.
Pruemer said it was the first time he’s ever received a game ball.
I just don’t get Denard Span. After not drawing a lot of walks in his minor league career, Span has turned it around this year. I mentioned in a spring training story that Span had offseason laser surgery on his right eye, and it looks like it has worked wonders for his batting eye.
But that’s not why I’m surprised. Span was hitting .174 against lefthanders at Class AAA Rochester. He’s 3 for 8 with a walk against lefties for the Twins.
Delmon Young is heating up at the plate, going 7 for 13 with a homer, 5 RBI and four runs scored over his past three games.
I was curious to see how he responded to not playing in all three games in San Diego. He had family and friends around but didn’t get on the field as Gardy went with the hot hand. I was told that Craig Monroe talked to Young about the situation. Monroe’s advice: Don’t complain, let your bat do the talking when you get back in there.
Speaking of Monroe, he deserves credit for being able to eliminate the big leg kick he used to have at the plate. A kick like that requires timing, which requires playing everyday. Monroe has adjusted to not being a regular by not moving his front leg much as the ball approaches the plate. And he’s found out that he’s still got power.
“I’m just trying to be the best bench player I can possibly be,” he said recently.
Jason Kubel has done the same thing this year, with good results.
Francisco Liriano pitched well for Class AAA Rochester on Saturday, shutting out Buffalo for six innings on three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. He did need 98 pitches to get through six innings.
I’ve been told that Liriano needs to have a long run of outings like Saturday’s (and probably use fewer pitches) before the Twins would consider calling him up. Let’s face it, he’s changing from a power pitcher to someone who has to pitch a little bit, and those transformations can take time.
Carlos Gomez is something else. He was right on Denard Span’s heels on Saturday as both scored on Alexi Casilla’s double, yelling at Span, “Go! Go! Go!” as they rounded the bases.
And finally, there’s always another layer to Michael Cuddyer. I walked by his clubhouse stall on Saturday and spotted a pair of cowboy boots. “Those can’t be yours,” I said. “Of course!” Cuddyer said. “Those are the most comfortable shoes you can wear.”
I’ll post the lineups here when they are released.
10:56 update: The manager has rap music blasting in his office this morning. I guess winning 15 of 17 has that affect.
I wonder which tunes Cliff Lee is listening to this morning….
I’m guessing that Joe Mauer came in and said he needed a day off. He’s batting .308 against Lee while Mike Redmond is 0 for 6. Actually, there are some bad numbers here against Lee - although the samples are small. Kubel is 0 for 6, for instance.
Lineups
Cleveland (37-50): 1. Grady Sizemore, CF. 2. Jamey Carroll, 2B. 3. Ben Francisco, LF. 4. Jhonny Peralta, SS. 5. Casey Blake, 1B. 6. Kelly Shoppach, C. 7. Ryan Garko, DH. 8. Andy Marte, 3B. 9. Franklin Gutierrez, RF. Pitching: Cliff Lee.
Twins (49-38): 1. Carlos Gomez (0 for 3 vs Lee), CF. 2. Alexi Casilla, 2B. 3. Mike Redmond (0 for 6 vs Lee), C. 4. Justin Morneau (4 for 18), 1B. 5. Craig Monroe (4 for 30), DH. 6. Delmon Young (0 for 9), LF. 7. Brendan Harris (0 for 6), 3B. 8. Nick Punto (3 for 9), SS. 9. Denard Span, RF. Pitching: Glen Perkins.
214 Responses to "Sunday: Thoughts, Jots……but no Dots"
14 consecutive scoreless innings arent enough for the Twins i dont get it
Lirianos numbers: And remember that he’s improving which means he’s better than these numbers.
6-2 3.80 ERA, 15 GS, 90Inn, 27BB,78K, 1.21 WHIP.
He’s ready but with Boof already in the pen, and the other 5 starters doing their jobs you may as well work on Lirianos confidence and pitching skills rather than risk a melt down by pushing him.
It is great to see the TWins doing what they have been doing. They are truly the the best under-dog team in baseball. I think we should start paying the sports writers of America to say the Twins will finish dead last every year, and they we come out and kick some major azz. I am loving this season as much as I did in 06′, maybe a little more because we are doing it with out a Cy Young pitcher. The young guys in the rotation and in the lineup have shown this team will be contenders for years to come. Now all we need to do is to sign a high level pitcher in Free agengcy.
Casilla has shown he is going to be our 2B for years to come. Harris has shown promise but I like him more in a bench role. Buscher is doing well, but again a bench role is probably his future.
Go-Go what can I say the guy is the most exciting player the Twins have had in many years.
The rotation is so much fun to watch form in to a formidable squad.
Have a great sunday.
Why rush him? He’s going to be on an innings cap this year at 150 - 175, leave him in the minors until he has a good long stretch.
I have been loving this season as much as anyone. The Twins show they are having fun every inning and never give up, no matter the circumstances. Everything seems to be clicking right now, but after watching last night’s game, I was disappointed in the defensive play by Delmon Young. He misplayed three balls that could have saved some bases, and showed a somewhat lack of hustle. Offensively he is starting to catch fire, but he really needs to improve in left if this team is going to stay in the division hunt. take some more practice before the game in left, delmon, we need you more than ever.
I agree. Young is just not a very good fielder. I was at the game last night and could not believe he misplayed that ball in the first inning and did not get an error! How can you misplay a ball so badly in your home park? To me he just looks awkward and uncoordinated out there. In comparison, Span looks like a graceful gazelle. Several times he has cut of a ball with great speed and smoothness and kept the hitter to a single.
Span’s OBP is now .396. He’s doing what he does so well; that is, get on base.
I’ll bet Gardy is pondering leading off with Span. Gardy is conservative, when it comes to change. Moving Gomez to the bottom third of the line-up, could help the team.
OBP SLG AVG
.396 .370 .304 Span
.366 .455 .321 Casilla
.415 .454 .325 Mauer
.373 .487 .310 Morneau
.305 .375 .269 Gomez
Gardy has to be manager of the year now with all the new faces. All of a sudden the twins have a lot of depth with Liriano in aaa. I hope they don’t make any trades. I still don’t trust Livian with that 83 Mph heater. The only way to beat the twins is to get Gomez and Casilla out.
Surprised Buscher MIA again. Harris should be coming off the bench. Buscher a better 3rd baseman and hitter than Harris - and Punto a better SS. Young looks lazy in LF, even Kubel has more hustle - and a stronger bat.
Gardy with rap cranked up in his office… that does say a lot about how this team is doing. Gardy’s got his groove on. 
Ted and Laura - totally agree about Young’s defense. It really isn’t very good, and last night really showed that. I sure hope Span still has a spot on the team when Cuddy comes back, as if he gets moved back down and Young stays on, that just wouldn’t be right.
Craig,
“I’ll bet Gardy is pondering leading off with Span. Gardy is conservative, when it comes to change. Moving Gomez to the bottom third of the line-up, could help the team.”
Absolutely!
IMO they have to decide right NOW:
1) That Span is to be kept when Cuddyer returns.
2) To bat Span (or Casilla) leadoff.
3) To bat Gomez 9th.
4) To move Span to LF and Young to RF when those two are both in the lineup.
At this time, Span’s status after Cuddyer’s return in not certain, but IMO he should stay with the Twins.
If the Twins have to eat mutton (Lamb’s contact), so be it.
More criticism of the decisions of a manager who’s team is the hottest in baseball. Hilarious. It’s another LHP (and one of the best) so yes, Gardy’s going to use his right handed hitters. Big shock.
“Surprised Buscher MIA again”
LHP = Buscher MIA
RHP = Buscher at 3B
Twins are going to have to make some tough choices. No doubt. Right now they have an extra IFer, OF, and SP. A nice situation to be in. The problem begins when it keeps you from having the best team you could have because of contracts and what not. But I’ll take this over what we had going last year anyday. At least we can actually field a major league lineup. A huge improvement.
sane, I’m not sure I agree with the growing sentiment toward moving Young to RF. If the future OF of the Twins turns out to be Span, Gomez and Young, then yes I would make that move. But that’s a spring training move, not one you make when the guy hasn’t taken a single fly ball in RF all season.
The balls that are misplayed in LF occasionally allow a single to become a double… but his arm precludes them from turning doubles to triples. In RF, that’s much more likely to happen.
I’m not sure what will happen when Cuddyer comes back, but I would assume he would be in RF most games. I don’t think moving Young back and forth between RF and LF would do anything to help his defense.
I think Buscher’s days as a Twin are numbered. I know Gardy, and those erratic throws, of Buschers, are not to his liking. Leading the other infielders into the base-runner, with throws, is the path to an injury.
Gardy may try to go with 5 infielders, for awhile, when Cuddy returns. Lamb would ride the pine. Harris would play 3B. Harris is versatile enough, that 5 infielders could work.
A couple of big differences between 06 and this year:
1. 06 was with a dominant 1-2 punch in the Starting Rotations (Liriano & Santana) during a large stretch of the season. The thought of those two with Radke heading into the post season had a lot of people thinking the Twins can make a deep run…. We all know what happened.
2. This team offensively is more diverse and deeper. There were a lot of people in 06 who had career years… this team right now is having a lot of very good contributions on this run and is not relying soley on a hot Mauer, Cuddy or Morneau to carry them for a stretch as in 06.
Is there any way we could try moving Young to third?
…and the first reason noted above is the big reason nationally no one is jumping on the Twins bandwagon, they don’t have a clear and present danger when it comes to the starting rotation. It’s set-up well for the regular season but no one is scared of getting locked down come post season time.
Regarding Liriano, I’m willing to defer to the Twins on this one. There aren’t many instances when they make mistakes with pitchers and if he’s not ready he’s not ready.
Barring injury Span isn’t replacing any starters on this squad this year. The best you might see is Monroe or Lamb moved to make room with span staying on the bench for speed. And really there’s no way the Twins keep 6 OFers when three will play almost everyday. So it’s almost span for Lamb. But You’re more likely to see the Twins wait to see if they need to prepare a post season roster or not. Otherwise I think they’re quite content sending Span back down until a september call up.
6-0 Tribe.
Hopefully today’s the day Punto’s career ends.
Unless the Twins trade Cuddyer, he will be the starting RF, and Span should go back to AAA because you don’t want him sitting on the bench getting rusty. Cuddyer could come back, and be healthy and helpful, or he could be part of a trade??? but the fact is that as long as he’s here it makes more sense to put Span back in AAA so he gets to play every day.
Erik,
As much as I can’t stand seeing Punto play, I don’t want to see his career end today… injury, or death is a bit too extreme even for me. Relax dude.
I dont wish death on Punto. Never
I just wish for an injury that will end his career.
Hopefully he lives a long happy life….away from the game of baseball. Starting today.
Heeeere’s Johnny!
Answers:
Don Mattingly and Mike Easler of the Dodgers.
Mickey Hatcher of the Angels
Wally Joyner of the Padres
Carney Lansford of the Giants
Question:
Who are the hitting coaches for California MLB teams who were good/great MLB hitters, but whose teams aren’t hitting crap this year? (21st, 20th, 28th and 13th in MLB BA)
Who couldn’t hit crap when he played, but the hitters that he coaches currently have the 4th best BA and runs-scored in MLB?
Ask Dicknbert!
Lamb is finding himself in the Luis Rodriguez bench role, of primarily an observer. Like Rodriguez, Lamb is also the emergency 3rd catcher. He caught in 3 games in 2002 for Texas, so he has experience! He even started one game at catcher. Total innings logged as a catcher: 7.
One huge difference, between Lamb and Rodriguez is that Rodriguez played at close to a major league minimum salary. Lamb is earning 3.5 mil this season, and will earn 3 mil next season. Guaranteed. Lamb also has a 2010 contract, which the Twins have an option of buying out.
JimCrikket,
“not one you make when the guy hasn’t taken a single fly ball in RF all season.”
Keep in mind that Delmon has played RF every year. (at least since he was a 15-yr-old)
I believe this year is his first extended stay in LF.
Mike Easler is a great hitting coach… Mattingly maybe not… Hatcher is a huge disappointment because even Guerrero is playing like crap this year. Their pitching coach however should be given double the money he gets paid!
Carney Lansford was the kind of hitter that I expected would translate into a better hitting coach, but the Giants offense has been hurt most of the year, and is missing Barry Bonds the greatest hitter of our generation…
Joyner is there because he ended his career with the Padres, and he’s looking at going into the front office in the next year or two. But the Padres are doing bad enough where I’d fire the entire staff except their pitching coach.
Sane,
I say that as Don Mattingly was one of my 3-4 most all time favorite ball players. But Eddie Murray wasn’t a good hitting coach either.
Denard Span over Jason Kubel is odd.
It would be nice to see us be able to trade Lamb for even a Drew Butera waste of a minor league roster space player just to not eat his contract anymore.
Keeping Adam Everett on the DL might help for insurance purposes to pay his contract? Not sure how that part works in baseball. I know how it works in the NBA, but not baseball.
AZ might be interest in Livan Hernandez?
Craig,
“Lamb is earning 3.5 mil this season, and will earn 3 mil next season. Guaranteed. Lamb also has a 2010 contract, which the Twins have an option of buying out.”
That money is already gone, whether Lamb stays or goes.
For an extra $400,000, we can add Span and discard Lamb. That’s $400,000 well spent.
btw, I think we’ll pass on the 2010 option.
joe,
Agreed, but Span is playing well this series, and he hasn’t seen Lee, and Lee hasn’t seen him… maybe that helps?
If this Harris experiment works out at 3b, you could see the end of Lamb.
Gardy’s handed SS back to Punto because he’s seen enough from the rest of the line-up that he knows that it’s better to have a SS that can get you and extra out thatn one that will drive in an occasional run…
Especially with the pitching staff the Twins have where the majority of the pitchers depend on outs being made when the ball is put in to play.
Harris was driving in more than an “occasional” run and Buscher pretty much cost Lamb his starting job before Harris was given a chance over there. 
I don’t mind Punto’s bat in the lineup as long as he’s hitting, but Gardy’s going to have to show a willingness to go to other options if he starts regressing. We know he struggles as a starter…
=========
I’m watching the White Sox pre-game right now. First, they’re referring to themselves as “we” and “us”.
Second, they’re saying the Twins are “just hot right now and will cool eventually”. But of course “the Sox will remain on this even pace and maintain their hold on the division.”
Funny, looking at the Sox and the Twins…they’re both pretty much on the same hot streak right now. Quite frankly, I’d say the Twins are a bit hotter considering at one point the Twins were six back and just finishing up being swept in four games….
IMO what SHOULD happen when Cuddy comes back is the departure of Lamb. Maybe packaged with prospects for RH 3rd baseman such as Atkins or Kouzamanouf (spelling?). But more likely what will happen is Span will go back to AAA as OF insurance or possible trade bait. But this will be only the first decision to make. What happens when Tolbert is ready? I didn’t think I would ever say this, but I sort of agree with Craig about Buscher’s defensive play. He could be sent down until September 1st when Tolbert returns. Harris may have played his last game with Twins, at least before September 1st. Anyway, it’s nice to see the Twins will have to make some decisions because of DEPTH of talent of positional players. When was the last time that occurred?
yes sane, I know Young has been a RF until this year… but it’s not like he played RF in the Dome previously. Even Span has struggled out there at times. Again, I’m not saying he may not end up out there some day. I just don’t think moving him there for a few games before Cuddyer comes back is a good idea when he hasn’t played out there at all this season. Especially not when this team is rolling very well right now. MIGHT it work out? Sure. But I don’t see it as a good risk at this particular point.
Span is in a tight spot, since Cuddy, Young, and Gomez are likely in long term plans (well, there’s really no likely abhout it)
If he keeps up this pace, he quite frankly would be wasted in a bench role.
His value to the Twins at that time would be as a trade piece to bring in something to fill a larger gap.
At the same time he would get the everday playtime he’d deserve.
Another reason to keep Span when Cuddyer returns:
Hypothetical situation - Twins lead by one run in the 9th inning of the 7th game of the ALCS.
Rays have Crawford running at 1B and BJ Upton running at 2B. Two outs.
Longoria hits a rocket to left field.
OMG, DELMON WILL BUTCHER THAT and the Rays will win!
But SPAN IS PLAYING LEFT FIELD and the Twins are going to the World Series!!!!
Too dramatic?
Good!
What’s with the Punto hatred?
Yeah, coco… if someone would have told us a year ago that the biggest issue being debated at this point would be what to do about the Twins’ problem of having too much depth, who woulda believed it?
I’m off to find a bar to watch the game for a bit… have a good afternoon all.
“What’s with the Punto hatred?”
oh no — not THAT question!
Hooray for small sample sizes!
0 for 6?!? That’s horrible!
“oh no — not THAT question!”
Sorry … I’m a newcomer … disregard if that has been beaten to death!
“beaten to death” is putting it mildly!
eaa,
You are forgiven, but mickey mental is right - and he’s a survivor!
Interesting thought going after Atkins. The thought is that they won’t be able to keep Holliday, I wonder if that means Atkins is off limits. I wonder what they would want?? We’ve got stuff.
Bonsor for sure.
sane,
Bill Smith isn’t going to go to the Pohlad’s and tell them the approximately 4.8 mil in remaining salary, still owed to Lamb, is going down the drain for nothing.
Smith will stick with Lamb, and hope he turns things around. I think Billy wants to keep his job.
Lamb could catch a break, get back in the lineup for a game or two, and get hot. As long as that remains even a remote possibility, Lamb is going nowhere.
Craig,
“Lamb is going nowhere.
I think Billy wants to keep his job.”
You are probably right about Lamb staying.
But I am very certain that cutting Lamb will not cost BS his job.
Who was the last Twins GM to be fired?
I think every GM has left on his own terms going all the way back to the Calvin Griffith days.
If BS had any hueuvos, he would cut Lamb and hope the Twins make the playoffs at which time he would be absolved of all his sins.
Listening to Gardy, he doesn’t sound enamored with Delmon, by any means. I think a Delmon trade is as likely as a Span trade. Maybe even more likely.
If a player screws up in the field too many times, and/or takes a lackadaisical approach, he usually doesn’t last too long, with Gardy and the Twins.
The wheels in Gardy’s head are turning. The front office has been watching these guys perform. I have a pretty good idea what TK is thinking. His influence is strong.
My advice: Don’t invest in Delmon long term, just yet.
yes, eea, you’re no doubt forgiven. but if you don’t mind a little homework, check out nick’s at-bats and batting averages for ‘06, ‘07 and ‘08. that oughta frame up the debate for you.
That was quite the bunt single.
The variable is whether or not Delmon’s defense / hustle will IMPROVE.
The Twins were patient with Morneau’s early defensive lapses and lack of hustle.
I think Delmon will get patience also.
But without improvement, the patience will run out.
Span has to feel for the baggie with his left hand, not with his back, prior to his jumping for the ball.
If the Twins can turn Hair-dog into a solid every day 3B, it could help Billy Smith save face on the Garza deal.
I think it’s about 50/50 odds on Delmon sticking around. If another team needs a corner outfielder, and the Twins get a good offer…………..GONE!
i believe giving up garza & bartlett is already investing long term in delmon…wouldnt you??
My bad!
That’s not possible if he’s going back to his right, with his glove had leading.
glove HAND leading.
mj1,
That was an extremely high price to pay. Keeping Span down on the farm, could even make it an even higher price to pay.
“If a player screws up in the field too many times, and/or takes a lackadaisical approach, he usually doesn’t last too long, with the Twins.”
Like David Ortiz.
It’s been a good run the past few weeks but they will not sniff a run this afternoon vs. Cliff Lee. You can’t win them all I guess. They just need to avoid getting swept in Boston and Detroit and they’ll be fine going into the break.
When Cuddy comes back put him at third base and keep Span in right. He’s played it before and it takes care of the third base problem and lets us keep Span up here.
Is anyone watching the amazing Wimbeldon match going on right now. Insanely good. Competitive theater wise as watching Woods win the open.
The two best in the world at what they do pushing each other to a 5th Set.
Boof and Bartlett, would have been too high a price for Delmon and Hair-dog…. Garza? Ridiculous!
Contrats to Mauer, Nathan, and Morneau on making it to the all star game. Mauer is a starter.
Good time for the double play. Time to start getting to Clifflee. The Race Horses are coming up. Get on base, let the big guys drive them in. The Clydesdales. Race Horses get on. Clydedales drive them in.
Morneau, Mauer and Nathan on the All-Stars.
Santana and Hunter did not.
sane,
Losing David Ortiz was a mistake. Terry Ryan said so. The Twins had to make tough personnel decisions that season, on an extremely tight budget. Ortiz was always hurt. He was due a raise, based on years of service. Terry tried to trade him, but there were no takers. They didn’t get rid of Ortiz because they didn’t like him. They had to make choices. They didn’t make the right decision, Ryan acknowledged that.
Ortiz had no contract, and was looking for any team to take him, when Boston took a chance on him.
Santana and Hunter don’t make All-Stars.
The $215 million men get a day off.
LOL, good point about Hunter and Santana.
Most everyone thought we would fall apart without those guys.
Horses, cheetahs, rabbits, hair-dogs, Lambs, Mudcats. It’s a zoo around here.
“They didn’t get rid of Ortiz because they didn’t like him.”
They must have liked him less than they liked Matt LeCroy. Was it because they liked LeCroy’s defense better than Ortiz?
His speed?
His hitting?
There has to be SOMETHING they didn’t like about Ortiz compared to LeCroy.
It was probably salary, but if they had REALLY liked Ortiz, they would have ponied up the money.
“Horses, cheetahs, rabbits, hair-dogs, Lambs, Mudcats. It’s a zoo around here”
Yeah, who has to clean up afterward?
sane,
LeCroy could catch a little, and he probably was not yet arbitration eligible. Just a guess. Terry had no money to work with. Hindsight being 20-20, of course he would have gotten rid of someone else. He had to make choices, and he made the choice that seemed right, at the time. He acknowledged it was a mistake.
Craig,
My point is that when we gave up David Ortiz, we did not give up any defense or hustle, but we (including TR) have regretted it since 2003.
If we give up on Delmon, it will be Deja Vu and regret, too!
sane,
You have to remember when the Twins got rid of Ortiz, no other team in baseball wanted him. I think he was headed for Japan, when the Red Sox decided to take a chance on him.
Why would you trade Delmon when his value is at its lowest possible. Teams are not going to give up much to get a guy that two teams have given up on, and has looked pretty bad at his current team.
sane,
So what is your point? Keep all the guys who can’t play in the field and don’t hustle? They might turn into David Ortiz?
I see on the mlb.com website on the NL All-Star roster, it lists Kerry Wood as an LHP.
THAT’S HOW he came back from arm troubles!
Forget Josh Hamilton, THAT’S a comeback!
So what is your point? Keep all the guys who can’t play in the field and don’t hustle? They might turn into David Ortiz?
No,
Just the over-all number one draft choices who drive in 93 runs as 21-yr-old rookies.
That makes some sense, Coyote. Who would want him? I think that’s what you are saying.
It would have to be to a contending team with little OF depth, who were hit with injuries. I don’t think there is a high demand for a poor fielding, low OBP, corner OF, with no HR power.
……….who doesn’t hustle.
…….and still has the reputation, that he’s a head case.
I hope that the Twins will be stuck with Delmon for the next 15 years.
This what it will look like in the playoffs if we have the 4 puppies all in the lineup against a solid starter. Shutout. Cuddy please get healthy. Gardy please put Harris back at SS and play Buscher against righties. The piranha revival was great but lets get back to the present. Trade Span, if anyone wants him.
I’m glad that Jake Peavy, Brandon Webb and Ben Sheets are not “solid starters”.
If Cuddy is the Twins’ savior, we are screwed anyway.
Everett_Fan,
If we can’t hit Cliff Lee after six innings, then we’re crap!
Everyone hits Cliff Freakin’ Lee!
Wait a minute!
Never mind.
Um, sane we had the other lineup then, Kubel played vs Sheets. Punto and Span are more recent
That is my point. In the playoffs everyone is a Cliff Freakin Lee, cause they are playoff teams. Like you pointed out, our other lineup beat up on Peavy, Webb, Johnson, etc.
Why would the Twins trade Span? Makes no sense at all. He’s probably their all around OF. Plus he will be cheap for a number of years.
Cuddy can’t be traded, with his absurd contract. Monroe, Kubel and Young are all way less talented than Span. Any of those three could go. There is plenty of room for Denard.
Denard is sort of the Crown Prince of the Twins. He has the goods. Almost, a perfect ballplayer.
Everett_Fan,
“Um, sane we had the other lineup then, Kubel played vs Sheets.”
Those other guys (including Sheets) are right-handed pitchers.
Buscher and Kubel can’t help against Cliff Lee.
Hot-hitting Young having a good AB against Lee. He was 0-11 against him.
Now the IF single.
But you are right about Cuddyer helping against LHP’s like Cliff Lee.
yes sane, and that is all that I asked was to go back to Buscher at 3b and Harris at SS when we face righties
Everett_Fan,
We might have caught the Tribe, if you hadn’t forfeited after six innings!
Some trivia……it’s odd down here in the Marshall area because the radio broadcast is behind the TV broadcast.
I hope Punto doesn’t try to win the game on one swing…..
“yes sane, and that is all that I asked was to go back to Buscher at 3b and Harris at SS when we face righties”
OK, my bad!
I misread your meaning.
POOOOOOOOOOOONTO!!
It’d be a helluva deal if Perk could get the W today.
Joe Mauer is the best player to come out of the Twins system in the last 10 years. Maybe longer. I would rate Matt Garza 2nd, and Span third. Span has a chance, to be the best.
Of all the ways to tie it…didn’t expect it to be that way.
Craig
I usually ignore your posts. But this made me choke on my soda.
“Denard is sort of the Crown Prince of the Twins. He has the goods. Almost, a perfect ballplayer.”
JOE DIMAGGIO was a perfect player. To say Span is a perfect ball player after 40 AB is the most absurd thing you’ve posted, well you’ve posted a lot, but its gotta be up there.
yeaaa, little Nicky. the value of a contract year and its incentive.
c’mon, craig — i know you’re not big on morneau, but …
Wow, I thought that was a strike on the 3-1 pitch.
Now the tie game on the walk.
Man, Lee is all Cleveland has (with Sabfatia leaving), and he’s beating himself.
Wow…what’s been goin’ on with Gomez and Lee today?
Everett_Fan,
Thanks for turning the game around!
Go-Go gets the grounder.
Good!
So, uh…does Wedge not trust his bullpen that much?
So, uh…does Wedge not trust his bullpen that much?
You mean the worst bullpen in the AL? I’m guessing probably not.
How does that Crow taste, Erik?
sane, i do what i can to help the team, although we would be ahead by 4 runs if we were facing a RH and had the other lineup
If we’re lucky, Erik suffered a keyboard-ending injury.
He’ll still be able to live his life out, just away from the blogs.
way to get some runs!
Cobb was a perfect player. Dimaggio was a perfect player, but only to people in New York.
Joe reportedly pondered, how there could have ever been a player, as great as Cobb.
“Hooray, we’re winning!”
“Yea, but we’re not winning by more.”
I like that, T!!
Harris was the key in that rally.
Everyone with hits now except for 3-4-5 hitters.
Ev,
Whether or not you are serious about that, I agree.
Its worth at least three runs for the Twins to face a RHP with their LH-hitting lineup.
Well, I get to take credit for working my Voodoo on Punto. Ha, I love this, I defended Delmon, and what happens, he has a strong month. I get up behind Punto, and he comes thru again.
First it was Livan, then Delmon, now Punto. Anyone have anybody else they wanna see do well????
Are you guys really happy with this Gardy-style win circa 2006 when we had been pounding good pitching during the early part of this winning streak??? I mean seriously.
productive inning for monroe, young, harris, punto, span, gomez — most of the team’s maligned hitters.
T,
“If we’re lucky, Erik suffered a keyboard-ending injury.
He’ll still be able to live his life out, just away from the blogs.”
Thats the post of the day!!!!!
EF, you do what you can against good pitchers. They didn’t exactly bash Peavy around, and I recall it took some time to get to Galaragga.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Sometimes you win pretty, and sometimes you win ugly. And thankfully they don’t count any differently at the end of the season.
Hi mickey,
I didn’t forget about Morneau, and I like him. He is showing improvement.
Cliff Lee now my favorite A**hole. He can just sit on the bench self-agitated and a little stunned.
That’ll teach him to bitch at Gomez.
I don’t want Erik to die.
But if thats the consolation prize, I’ll just have to accept it.
I’m never sure how you qualify players but wasn’t Pete Rose a perfect player?
Morneau with a slightly weak season. Not enough doubles….
Wow, Casilla and Gomez look like a pretty exciting bunch in the dugout too.
I am happy to see three Twins on the All-Star team. I don’t think I could argue for any others to be on the team. The one change I would make is Morneau should be starting over Youkilis
Ev,
“Are you guys really happy with this Gardy-style win circa 2006 when we had been pounding good pitching”
Its not that difficult to make ME happy.
If the Twins beat a pitcher as good as Cliff Lee, but they don’t BASH him, I will be happier than a pig in shit.
Is People Serving People really a good name for a group sponsoring a BBQ?
JP,
A complaint against Pete Rose would be that his tools weren’t great.
Only above average speed and power.
But a great player.
Dimaggio, Mays, and Cobb had better tools.
“Is People Serving People really a good name for a group sponsoring a BBQ?”
Sounds like the Twilight Zone episode
” To Serve Mankind”.
It was a cookbook for aliens.
One kid at the QuietDome is sqawking and drowning out the dead crowd in volume.
Oh, they’re cheering for strikes.
Too hot and humid wo work up a sweat for the Yuppy crowd?
Ha-ha! Nathan drops a slow curve over the outside corner.
What a happy surprise this win turned out to be.
i’d call that a good win.
Everett_Fan,
Please leave your email address so we can alert you next time the Twins are getting their ass kicked by an elite pitcher.
Thank you.
First time an AL team has beat Lee this year….
I dunno, is this 2006 or just 2008!??????
Great game! Who would have thought that we could have pulled this one out when we were down 3-0 with Lee pitching lights out! Exciting!
Twins win!
Hey, Redmond making us happy again catching a good game.
Mauer should take him along to the AS game.
“Are you guys really happy with this Gardy-style win circa 2006 when we had been pounding good pitching”
Is there anyone unhappy with this win?
Erik should be on suicide watch .. I’d watch
“Erik should be on suicide watch .. I’d watch”
I am on the switchboard at “Suicide Hotline”.
Oh!
Break time!
Linebrink trying to save the White Sox game for them.
What’s up with that?
White Sox beat the A’s 4-3
Hopefully today is the day that Erik’s career as a poster ends. How about it, Strib?
Glad to see the comeback in tandem with me coming back to the blog………just in time!
I owe it all to me.
Is Romer LNP? That would be inSane!
There’s no quit in this group. Have to admire that quality. Would never have predicted getting pretty almost no contribution from the heart of the order against Lee and winning the game… without even having to wait to do it against that weak-assed bullpen of theirs. Nice series, Twins.
Everett and Lamb have to be gone soon as their teammates that are much more deserving of the roster spot as they are better now and they have a much better future. To continue to shuffle deserving players back to Rochester just because you have made a mistake with financial commitments would send the absolute wrong message to every young player in the system. The worst seems to be that both of the ex Astros are nice guys—–so are the guys you are shuffling back and forth as far as I can tell.
Why do we send our best hitters to Rochester for Opening Day?
Matt Macri .367
Brian Buscher .333
Alexi Casilla .320
Denard Span .313
Those are their MLB batting averages!
Who the hell is evaluating these prospects in Spring Training?
If the Twins are going to send their stars to AAA and keep their dogs in MLB, they should just have ST at the Dome for a weekend and start the season that Monday.
I’m joking.
On the radio, Gladden askes Gomex what Carl Lee said to him to upset him. Carlos said “He say a bad thing to me. I tell him I just do my job.”
That should be “Gomez”, I’m not trying to be nasty or anything. And I tried to quote him word for word, again not being nasty. I’m not like Eric.
Anyhooo, it was a zoo in the dome today, the Race Horses had to drive in the Clydesdales and Nathan mopped up afterwards.
Buscher didn’t show much at the plate in ST so why would we bring him up. Same with Casilla except he was all around awful. Span was good but Gomez is the future. Macri wasn’t even really given a shot. Hindsight is 20/20 its awful easy to to say who should have made it more than halfway through the year.
MudCat,
Just guessing here, but I think Lee was suggesting places where Gomez could stick his bunts.
Not cool.
(toby, did you know sane was joking?)
Don’t know about anyone else, but Lamb seems to have lost his job, but he’s still a bench player. Nothing wrong with losing your job to a younger player. Lamb is set for life, it’s not like he is gonna go without a meal, or lose his house if he gets DFA’ed.
I personally would like to see him retained as a bench bat. Same goes for Monroe. Together, they make for an excellent lefty, righty combo sitting on the bench.
Punto is gonna stick, there is no way that he is going to get cut, much less traded. All the bashers are just going to have to keep their fingers limbered up for their comments that are sure to follow his inclusion in a starting lineup.
Once/if Everett ever gets healthy, well, that is going to be a hard one to call. I rather doubt that he is going to show up on the field as anything other than a defensive replacement, if even that, prior to the roster expansion.
Gotta love the streaking Twins, it’s making for an enjoyable summer.
Toby,
Sincerely, I was just joking.
Agreed, ME TOO. Gotta play Lamb some and get Everett some time also, if and when. I sleep better at night with proven major leaguers on the bench. Not one of those “What have you done for me lately” types. It always seems like bringing new guys in steals some thunder from the regulars. Sometimes the best move you make is the one you don’t make.
I should have realized that my 4:38 PM pseudo-rant was only slightly nuttier than some of the serious posts on the blog.
I should have been quicker to qualify it as “not serious”.
I’ll be quicker next time.
Sane, the sad part is, some people point at ridiclous sample sizes as being the reason that a newbie needs to stick, and the exact opposite when they complain about someone with a large body of work as being worthless if they have a bad month or so. The Twins gave Lamb a shot at third, but he didn’t seem to work as an everyday player, so now they are giving some other players a chance. Nothing wrong with that.
Better depth of quality of position players this year, also translates to a BETTER BENCH this year. More depth to the everyday lineup equals a much more dangerous offense. IMO, if the Twins don’t suffer a rash of injuries they should be in the race the whole season.
great win! nothing to complain about from this poster. lets take it to Boston and see if we can’t go into the All Star break as the hottest team in baseball.
Joe Nathan just interviewed on ESPN. He was TRYING to explain the twinkies success but the clubhouse was too noisy in the background. I expected someone to yell out “Shut the fk up we’re on the national news here!” but no one did. Sounded like a pretty happy clubhouse, as expected, beating the American League starter in the All-Star game.
Up next, we’ll just have to show the BoSox who’s boss again.
MudCat, like DnB pointed out…the Twins could’ve quite possibly beat both the AL and NL All-Starters (Lee/Webb)
Any thoughts on picking up Casey Blake? He’s available and would look a lot better on this roster than Lambkins.
Attention Sports Fans!
ESPN has picked an interesting Sunday Night game. It is…….TA DA! Yankees and Red Sox. Surprise, Surprise! But ESPN admits they air the game that will draw a lot of viewers. One talk show host said “This ain’t Habitat for Humanity! Who would you like to watch, anyway? St.Louis? The Nationals?” I cringed when he included Minnesota, but he admitted the Twins have won hundreds of games in a row or something like that. So tonight I’ll just sit back and scout the Red Sox.
And the Brew Crew doesn’t look to be giving up anything close to a MLB-ready prospect.
Now imagine if it were the Twins in Cleveland’s place and it was Santana instead of CC.
MudCat, that’s a funny comment from ESPN…considering Twins/BoSox is tomorrow night.
At first I was getting ready to talk about all the retarded comments on this blog from earlier. But then a surprising thing happened. Those with intelligence stood up and ignored those idiots just looking for a reaction to “trade Delmon Young”, and “I hope Punto gets injured”. This team could not be clicking more or winning more with ANYBODY else on the team. Confidence is sky high, and now, so are my expectations! I couldn’t be happier. And in today’s world with a bunch of rich, jerk athletes, I find myself rooting for this group as if they were my own family.
I wouldn’t mind getting Laporta. The guy can hit a ton of homeruns but a sluggling 1B/LF/RF is not as valuable as Gomez and his endless list of tools. I really want to see who else they got.
I love when fools like LEN report that Liriano pitched “well” but it’ll take a lot more outings like this to move him up.
BS. Liriano pitched outstanding. He took a no-no into the fifth, he put guys away with that new cutter, his change was ridiculously effective again, and he touched 94 consistently, even going 95 a couple times.
After the Twins realize that Hernandez can’t beat any good AL teams, Liriano will be up here, probably late July. He’s put together two fantastic starts in a row, and he’s ALWAYS known how to “pitch.” He’s just finally finding his rhythm once again
Seriously, the Twins don’t have the luxury of leaving him in AAA all year if they want to win this division. Livan will get rocked from here on out by every team with a batting average over .260. Who cares what he did against Cleveland and the putrid NL teams we faced. Christ, Buffalo could probably beat Cleveland right now. He’s worthless against anyone that matters at this point.
Liriano will be up right after they trade Hernandez on July 29th.
Lal72
Thanks for the scouting report on Liriano. I wish I could follow him more closely. Consistently at 94? Hitting 95? Great to hear! I hope Liriano is careful in over using his cutter. I’ve heard that several pitchers have said that incorporating has lead to a decrease in velocity. Myers whose velocity was upper 90s now tops out at 88-89 and now he’s in the minors.
I can’t be as negative on Livan. He was a perfect fit for us early as the young staff was trying to their identity. Where would we have been without him when Baker (and Slowey) went on the DL or Liriano needed to be sent down. He’s been good for us.
Having said that, I have NO problem with moving Livan. Only if Liriano is truly ready. And to me that is a HUGE if.
Liriano won’t be up at least until it’s certain he won’t be a “super 2″ from a service time perspective. Since the Twins are winning, I’d leave him down there until I needed him, as well.
T,
I was saying the same thing earlier.
Still, nice to see Captain Cheeseburger gone to the NL..at least until the Yankees sign him after the World Series.
I would think that Liriano is past the “super 2″ threshold. It would seem that his couple poor starts in AAA killed his chances at the “super 2″ status. Have no fear all you out there that are wanting to criticize Uncle Carl for being cheap, I am pretty sure that Gomez is going to qualify for “super 2″ status.
Myers velocity went down because he was starting not closing.
Liriano is past his super 2 threshold. Why would you think Gomez is going to qualify for super 2 status?
Joe Morgan said tonight that Jeter’s batting average has suffered because of a hand injury,He said the average fan has no idea how important the hands are to hitting a baseball.Cutty has had hand and wrist injuries since the breakout year of 06.Let’s see how he performs, completely healed.
Toby
Didn’t know you were an expert on Myers. And actually you’re wrong on that one. I’m looking up the article for your viewing pleasure where both the Phillies and Myers talk about the cut fastball and decrease in velocity. There would be some validity in your claim if the decrease was only a few MPH but he’s gone from upper 90s to upper 80s.
So I guess we should expect Joba’s fastball to start decreasing now that he’s starting and not closing. Saw him hit 100 several times agaisnt Boston tonight.
Gomez played 1/2 year with the Mets. Assuming he stays up all year this year, he would be eligble after next season for super 2 status, depending of course on the “luck” factor for him, and of course the Twins.
Honestly, super 2 is just an extra year of Arbritration eligibility, I am pretty sure it doesn’t effect the Free-agency date though.
If indeed it doesn’t affect free-agency, it really is only a differance of wether they have to accept what the Twins are gonna give them for one extra year. If the Twins do something stupid and force a bad contract on someone like the Phillies did with Howard, I would think that it would be counterproductive anyway.
BTW, I didn’t mean to make it sound like Gomez would be eligible after this year. My mistake.
I am pretty sure that Gomez is going to qualify for “super 2? status.
He probably will, but not until after next season.
Looks like I should refresh before replying, so nevermind Me Too.
LaVelle When you say Liriano is not a power pitcher now, are you thinking he never will be again? I had high hopes he could eventually regain his power pitching. What is his fastball at now compared to earlier this spring? Anybody know?
Another super win today, this is great!
HAVE FUN !!! GO TWINS!!!
T,
“Now imagine if it were the Twins in Cleveland’s place and it was Santana instead of CC.”
Do you mean “imagine the Twins in last place- 14 games out of first”.
And THERE is the problem.
If the Twins still had Santana, they would not dare trade him for prospects while one game out of first. The Dome would get torched.
And at next June’s Draft, (after finishing second behind the White Sox) they would get Carlos Gutierrez-Shooter Hunt clones (instad of Go-go, Guerra and Mulvey)when Santana went to FA.
That is what I imagine would happen. I much prefer the Twins current reality to that crappy nightmare.
Joba velocity does drop when he starts. Just not nearly as dramatically as Myers did. Way to be a little smartass too thats always a nice touch.
I have enjoyed the predicting and bashing of Livan Hernandez all season. I mean, he is only leading our team in wins. Oh, but I forgot, he gives up a lot of base runners. Maybe when MLB starts letting teams in the playoffs for the starting pitchers WHIP you’re predictions will sound more relevant. Until then, I’ll keep the crappy Livan, and his team leading wins.
Can Span play 3rd base?
maybe yours is a joke, bobby joe? if not, span throws lefty.
Span is an on base machine. These are the updated stats. I am hopeful Gardy moves the talented, but raw, Gomez, to the bottom third of the lineup. A .305 OBP doesn’t belong in the lead-off spot. The Twins need to put some runners on base, in front of Mauer and Morneau.
OBP SLG AVG
.411 .417 .313 Span
.364 .450 .320 Casilla
.415 .454 .325 Mauer
.369 .481 .307 Morneau
.305 .374 .269 Gomez
He said the average fan has no idea how important the hands are to hitting a baseball.
I tell you, Joe Morgan gets dumber with each passing day.
Pretty sure even the dumbest baseball fan (heck, somebody who knows next to nothing about baseball even) has some grasp of the concept that one must use their hands to hold the bat.
This is why I can’t stand ESPN broadcasts. Morgan treats the audience like they’re morons, and Miller just feeds him set up after set up.
I’m going to say I didn’t think the Twins would be where they are at so far this year. The Team looks good so far!!
If the Young pitchers can keep pitching the way they have and the offense can stay consistent they have a shot. You can tell they are having a blast and have a TON of confidence.
Looked like Cliff Lee took a page out of Gomez’s book (Verlander) last night. Got him all upset for a little bit there. The next AB Gomez swung wildly at junk and watched an inside fastball for strike 3
What a BIZARRE article from FSN’s Ken Rosenthal:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8319678
For all the crap that the media dumps on Pohlad and Co. for raising star players only to willingly let them go once they hit Free Agency, here Rosenthal takes the same practice by the Brewers and turns it into supposedly some kind of revolutionary new way to run a ball club.
Just goes to show that the media as a whole has no idea what it’s talking about, and will build and encourage bandwagons on a seemingly daily whim.
Either letting your talent go for youth is a wise move, or its greedy. You can’t have it both ways.
On top of that Rosenthal seems to suggest it was a bad thing for the Dodgers to not want to dump a load of prospects for Sabathia (a rental). I think one should only look as far as Detroit to see what can happen if you sell the farm. (D-Train in A/AA and Cabrera added to the ever growing list of “We can DH…but not field” Tiggers)
It’s amazing the nonsense the sports media sometimes throws out there.
What’s up with the Cleveland pitchers getting all riled up about bunts? Last time I looked, bunting was part of the game, and, if I’m not mistaken, Clveland players bunt, too! Actually, it’s a good thing for their opponents; it has the pitchers focusing on something other than getting people out.
Of course Eric Wedge (aka “Wedgie,” aka currently the worst manager in baseball,) is clueless. Ever notice how he pretty much just sits on the bench chit-chatting with Carl Willis, and doesn’t really seem involved? Has this guy simply checked out, or what? Maybe he should be rwquired to pay for a ticket if all he’s going to do and sit on his ass and watch.
I hate to dispute Lal77′contention that Liriano consistently hit 94 and reached 95 in his saturday nite start, but that isnt true. I was at the game and unlike his previous start when he did hit 94 and 1 95, he was consistently at 90-91 and reached 93 once. He did have a no-no going into the fifth , but these Buffalo Bisons aren’t what they used to be. He gave up 3 hits (2 solid linedrives) in the last 2 innings and needed 98 pitches for 6 innings. A very good effort, but he is not ready yet. We love the twins in rochester.
Jimbo, last place teams like to trash talk. Carlos said “He say a bad thing to me.” Jealous of Twin’s recent success, I suppose. But Cleveland does seem to be packing it in by getting rid of Sabathia. Twins won’t miss facing him, but I think the Brewers will have to hire another caterer for the post-game buffets for C.C. and Prince Fielder. (Hope they aren’t reading this.) Hopefully Milwaukee keeps him and doesn’t let him go back to the AL and a Central team. Cleveland without Jim Thome and now Sabathia is not as feared as they used to be.
Mudcat, I can’t remember who said it originally, but all I have to say to Cleveland is, “Look at the scoreboard.”
Cleveland, after great success last year, is migrating to the Cleveland of old.
Now we know the REAL reason Native Americans are offended by Cleveland’s team nickname.
That reminds me of when Norwegians were offended by the Vikings during bad years. Some times identical and fraternal twins in Minnesota could be offended, but no gripes so far this year.
Hey Rochester Dave
Thanks for the info on Lirianos radar gun speeds. Keep that coming if you can. We’re hoping he can get all the mph back on the slider and fastball with the control, but haven’t been getting much info on that. I believe every world series team needs a really dominant #1 starter to take them through the playoffs, and I’m still holding out hope that it could be him. Maybe not this year, but it’d be nice to believe that the possibility still exists at some point.
HAVE FUN!!! GO TWINS!!!
Let hope Gardenhire has enough sense to keep Span in right field once Cuddyer returns. Span has helped the team win some games during the past two weeks that they would not have won with Cuddyer is the line up. Span is an all around much better ball player than the clumsy, egotistical, and over-rated Cuddyer. Hopefully the team can trade Cuddyer before the end of July for some relief pitching help.
Is there any way the Twins could trade Cuddyer before the trade deadline is up? They should have never signed him to a long term contract. Are they stuck with him? Maybe some team would have a need for a utility type player like Cuddyer. Is there any other way the team could dump the guy off in order to allow the outstanding young Denard Span the opportunity to excel as the Twins right fielder? Spans is a vastly superior ball player to Cuddyer. Cuddyer regularly strikes out with players in scoring position. He has the mind of a little leaguer and freuqntly falls down for no reason. Span can fly on the bases and in the outfield. His on base percentage is far far better than Cuddyer’s/
Cuddyer helps the opposing team more than he helps the Twins. You can always cound on him to strike out in important situations with players on base. He is a big wiff in the clutch. He has very few home runs and his on base percentage is weak. Denard Span terrorizes the opposition because of his good batting eye, tremendous speed on the bases, and a high on base percentage. The Twins are really a much better team with Span in the lineup instead of Cuddyer. With Gomez, Casilla and Span in the lineup (not to mention the speedy Tolbert), the team creates real problems for the opposing team.
Seems like we got a mental heath patient on here again. That multiple identity disorder sure has got to be hard for our very own ____ to keep straight. Next, anyone expect that we will see comments about trading Morneau for pitching from these dudes.
I guess I have a multiple identity disorder too. I am Me, Myself, and I, all rolled into one person, on here I am known as Me Too, maybe I should have used the moniker Me Three
herb-tommy-jim,
Its good that you all agree.
It would be even better if you weren’t the same schitzo.
But it’s probably a good thing that you don’t disagree with yourselves.
Hey, that’s not fair, I argue with myself all the time. Makes for an entertaining conversation, and it’s the only debate that I can actually win.
T-Considering it was my quote,i was not commenting on whether Joe Morgan was being condesending to the audience or not.As a hall of fame player,he sure knows thhe importance of hands in swing at the ball with any success.Many on this board have advocated dumping Cuddy.My only point was,not to judge Cuttty until his hand is completely healed
GENO,
“My only point was,not to judge Cuttty until his hand is completely healed”
And that is an EXCELLENT point!
There is a game tonight, is there not? Must be JC’s turn to blog because can’t help but notice that the line-ups haven’t been given yet.
