Twins-Tigers: Punto scratched from lineup.
Posted on July 12th, 2008 – 11:56 AMBy La Velle
2:06 Update: Nick Punto has been scratched from the lineup with a strained right ring finger. Brian Buscher will bat seventh and play third. Brendan Harris will drop down to eighth and play short. Punto, who is day-to-day, grimaced while taking a swing on Friday.
Detroit is a mess. Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is fighting perjury charges. A local television anchor was recently suspended for her involvement in a sludge plant scandal.
There seems to be another casino open each time I come here. I almost bought it driving down I-75 to Comerica Park this morning because the drainage on the highways stink and there are puddles all over the place. Former NBA jumpshooter Dave Bing is contemplating a run for office so he can clean things up.
Then there’s old Tigers Stadium, which hasn’t been used since 1999 but is just being demolished now. I took a spin around the ballpark before Thursday’s game and became depressed. It was a great place to watch a game. The pressbox stunk, but I tried to sneak down into the stands once a series. I’ve sat in the overhang in right. I’ve sat behind home plate, where the sounds bounced off the upper deck and created a wonderful atmosphere. I remember hearing Twins closer Rick Aguilera, who rarely gets mad, blow up at the home plate umpire about ball and strike calls. Tom Kelly’s only major league homer was hit in Tigers Stadium.
I also remember some chubby 13-year old taking early batting practice with his father and hitting bombs into the seats. That kid now is playing first base for the Brewers.
I was mad at how old Comiskey Park was torn down, one side at a time. I thought I was watching an amputation. But occasionally driving by Tigers Stadium over the past 10 years has been much worse.
But I leave you with this as the clubhouses are about to open.
John Lowe, longtime Detroit Free Press baseball writer, is well-respected among his peers. His contribution to the game was creating the, `quality start,’ category.
In the middle of deadline last night, we found out that the White Sox had lost to the Rangers, allowing the Twins to move within 1.5 games of the Sox in the AL Central.
Lowe turned to me and held up five fingers.
“FIVE postseason appearances in this decade,” he said.
“Are you projecting a division title for the Twins this year?” I responded.
“I think it’s inevitable,” Lowe said.
Lineups
Twins (52-41): 1. Carlos Gomez, CF. 2. Alexi Casilla, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Craig Monroe, DH. 6. Delmon Young, LF. 7. Brian Buscher, 3B. 8. Brendan Harris, SS. 9. Denard Span, RF. Pitching: Scott Baker.
Tigers (46-46): 1. Curtis Granderson, CF. 2. Placido Polanco, 2B. 3. Carlos Guillen, 3B. 4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B. 5. Matt Joyce, RF. 6. Marcus Thames, LF. 7. Gary Sheffield, DH. 8. Brandon Inge, C. 9. Ramon Santiago, SS. Pitching: Nate Robertson.
190 Responses to "Twins-Tigers: Punto scratched from lineup."
nice prediction. Good post La Velle
Sounds like a lovely area…. too bad i might be moving to that part of the country
Looked like Punto hurt his finger while swinging yesterday.
That’s too bad. The last thing I’d ever want to see is him injured.
I’m sorry. I couldn’t even pretend to say that without laughing.
John Lowe,long time baseball writer predicts the Twins to make the playoffs? What the heck does he know compared to some of the posters on this board!
Boy it sounds like there is a lot of anger in Detroit. I guess complianing about our players seems like nitpicking in comparison. Where is all of you that gave Detroit the title preseason know.
Detroit has so many problems it would take the National Guard and a suspension of the Constitution for someone to take over and make effective change. There are some great neighborhoods (GreekTown, MexicanTown) with good commerce and great food, as well as Comerica and Joe Louis Arena. For every new MGM there’s 10 burned out buildings. Sad.
As long as the Twins “hang around” (2-3 games out), they’re going to win the Central. Add a piece (bullpen or 3B) and watch the White Sux crumble at the end (Thome, Dye, Konerko injured or something).
GO TWINS! Sweep the motor city kitties!
Kill yourself now, Shawn… or you’ll wish you had.
I’ve traveled all over the country for work or fun and I’ve found something redeeming about every city I’ve been to… except Detroit. If we do get serious about starting to build more nuclear plants in this country, we’re going to be needing someplace to put the additional waste. I recommend Detroit.
As for Mr. Lowe’s prediction, I respect him and I hope he’s right. They’re working hard and they’re just so damn entertaining. And when you look at the competition in the Division, yeah… you have to think they have as much of a chance as anyone.
have we got beltre yet?? just saw espn plugging it again for the twins…it just makes so much sense to have that guy in this lineup… trade off some of that farm surolus we have, we are so young that they cant all come up at the same time anyway..the twins have a good problem…..so make this deal now!!!!
We need to leave Beltre alone he won’t help this team out over paid/over rated.
Jim,
i actually like downtown alright.
Also, i would be working in Toledo, but the girl might have to work near detroilet…. oh well at least i will see more twins games.
Re: Adrian Beltre
Does he have additional years on his existing contract, or would he essentially be a rent-a-player?
Not just another Paul -
Beltre is signed until the end of the 2009 season…after which it appears he wants a good 3-4 year contract at about 11-14 million a year.
In 2005 he signed a 5 year 64 million dollar contract. We think the Lamb deal was bad.
i believe he still is only 28 yrs old…still young…
Forget Beltre, the Twins should sign Bonds for $200K (prorated minimum)!
If for no other reason than it is another chance for the Twins to send a big F-U to Bud Selig.
A Right handed third baseman with some power. If this isn’t a match made in heaven I don’t know what is. We have an amazing lineup against RHP, but we struggle against LHP. It is a fact. Beltre would fit in wonderfully.
I couldn’t even pretend to say that without laughing.
Don’t you have cancer yet?
———–
Anyway, I wouldn’t write the Twins into the postseason yet. They need help in the bullpen and could use a consistent bat at 3B (no more platooning)
A bench of Redmond/Monroe/Buscher/Harris(Punto) would work. But only with the 3B.
if you want to start a circus ya sign bonds, if you want to win the pennant trade for beltre along with a couple other moves to the pitching staff….this team would be set to take off….
Bonds is exactly what we need. Another Left handed hitter who can’t play anywhere in the field.
Please, Bonds is the last thing we need.
How is that a Fact the Beltre would fit in wonderfully please explian. He doesn’t hit for average he is not good in the field (gold gloves are way over rated he lead the leageu in errors last year) and was most likey on the jiuce in his one and only good year. So how does that fit wonderfully.
Does anyone that followed the draft have a take on Shooter Hunt?Is he a future hall of famer or with our pitching depth in the system,be a valuable chip to pry our future 3b away from a team that’s rebuilding
i would hope that after yesterday gardy would have the balls to bat gomez 9th if he is even in the lineup…span needs to lead off period, no questions asked…i would rather see span in cf and monroe in rt field
GENO,
Twins can’t trade Shooter until he has been signed for a year
I got chills thinking of a post season birth.
No one except a few of us thought the Twins had the talent to get there, and now it seems like it is a chance.
Even if they don’t this season has turned out to be something great for this franchises future.
Punto is showing his 06′ form this year and it makes me feel even better that we have such depth for the infield and that is essential for this team, because our pitching staff relies on their defense so much.
Go Twins lets pick up another one this afternoon.
What about Garret Atkins with the Rockies? He’d look REALLY good in a Twins uniform….
i would bat Gomez 1 vs Leftys and 9 vs Rightys, it wouls keep confidense high and help the team
Shawn in Binghamton-Ok,after a year,would it be a good move? I’m just trying to get a take on how good this kid can be!
I agree that Atkins would look good here but i dont know what his contract looks like and I am not sure that they would be willing to deal him but I’m not sure of course.
I would love and this is a pipe dream to bring in Chipper Jones. The Braves at 7 1/2 games out 7 games below .500. I really dont think he will ever move though.
Beltre has driven in 80-121 runs for 5 straight years and is on pace to do the same this year on a horrible team. He has hit for .250 plus and provides solid D at 3rd. Ohh and he hits 20+ HRs every year. You say gold gloves are overrated, and I agree with you. However, so is fielding % and errors. Often times the best fielders get errors on plays that other fielders would never get to.
Harris is currently our best RH hitting option at 3rd or anywhere in the infield. That is all you need to say in order to realize how much Beltre can help us.
Beltre OPSes around .800 vs. LHP over the last few years–the major reason his overall stats seem decent. He and Buscher would make an effective platoon if Buscher continues to hit. Don’t know if Beltre’s production vs. RHP warrants everyday play, however, so he only makes sense if the price is right. He would certainly make Lamb superfluous. He’s one of many in MLB whose name, based on one or two outstanding seasons, is better than his actual PRESENT performance.
That’s what happens when you got liberals running the show. Hey! We’ll just raise taxes! Just throw a little more money at the problem! WORST-CITY-IN-THE-COUNTRY! Destroyed by democrats.
Beltre had 121 RBI in 2004 and has not sniffed that since. hitting 250 should not be something to so say “look at me now look at me now” it is just not that good. Yes he can make some nice plays in the field I may rethink his fielding he is not terrible but not great either. I think and maybe this will mean he fits in better but i think he is another right handed hitting hack.
Nobody hear is saying Beltre is perfect, however the Twins aren’t going to be able to get perfect. My personal preference would be Atkins, but I also realize that won’t happen. Also, Atkins is the worst fielding 3rd baseman in baseball.
The Twins needs some RH bats that can hurt LHP.
Yeah i think Atkins is a pipe dream too. It would cost us a lot to bring him here.
i cannot believe gomez is leading off again today…where in the hell is the logic….he made the first out yesterday in the 1st inning the last out in the 2nd inning to kill a rally, and nothing after that, so what gives….its the most rediculous thing ive seen from gardy in the last couple weeks…take him out of the lineup or bat him 9th…let the hottest hitter in baseball right now, get the most at bats..is that so damn tough to figure out….i must be on another planet
Beltre vs LHP splits since in Seattle (thus excluding his one big year, 2004):
2005 (149 ABs) .275/.325/.477/.802
2006 (132 ABs) .280/.351/.462/.813
2007 (125 ABs) .280/.338/.544/.882
2008 (74 ABs) .351/.467/.554/1.021
Twins with a 2008 OPS of .800 or better vs. LHP with more than 50 ABs vs. LHP:
Mauer .898
Morneau .815
That’s it. Beltre would be a significant upgrade to the lineup vs. LHP. Definitely worth a call to Seattle to see what they’d demand. Again, not necessarily suggesting he be an everyday starter, but hw would certainly help against LHP, and is worth investigating.
gardy must be extremely superstitious or hes just plain stupid…..get some balls gardy
I Miss AJ: I think any move the Twins made to bolster the lineup should/would be for a full-time starter. If the word “platoon” comes into the equation, there’s probably a better option available.
I think Kouzman/Atkins would be a good bet. But Atkins is seeming to be less and less unlikely as time goes on.
Heck, Seattle took Silva for $48M, maybe they’d take Lamb, Boof, and pay us cash, too.
colorado has renewed the love affair with atkins, thus the price is out of sight…
There’s been a lineup change…
This is hard to type, but it is too bad Punto is out of the lineup. He has really sparked the offense. Strange typing that!
Punto must be hurt than for sure. Like AaronK this is hard to type thats too bad as much as i hate him he has played really well.
Twins sure have a lot of bandwagon jumpers over in Detroit after reading the Free Press over there. the fans are waving the flag.
T:
Maybe the Twins do prefer to look for a full time option, but if the available options are a top prospect and two middle prospects for Atkins vs. a middle prospect and taking on Beltre’s 2009 salary, a very productive platoon with Beltre in reserve vs. RHP if Buscher falls off isn’t a bad option–and is better than nothing.
It all depends I Miss. If its a situation like you’re saying, it could be a good idea to go with Beltre and then use what you “save” by not going after Atkins to bring in a relief pitcher as well.
There’s a lot of options, and with the Twins where they are…they need to look at SOME move to improve the pen.
T:
Agreed on the pen: 8th inning.
America is screwed —- can’t preserve its culture, borrowing tens of billions from Red China to pay the bills (including the “war”).
Corporate profit line, folks.
Back to base baseball……I thought Punto was bothered by his left hand last night. Maybe he was overusing it because of a weakened right hand. So I’ll accept La Velle’s report at face value.
Can we win without Punto? Or a properly functioning Gomez at the plate?
Corporate profit line?
I guess I WAS talking about baseball.
Gardy just won’t budge on moving Gomez into the nine slot, huh?
Wiggington, Wiggington, Wiggington.
Lowell, Lowell, Lowell.
Bonds, Bonds, Bonds.
Beltre, Beltre, Beltre.
Nothin’, nothin’, nothin’.
Buscher, Harris, Macri.
…….or Cuddy? He’s much more comfortable as a MLB player now. Great attitude too. He’s as good defensively as Lamb or Buscher.
But that’s probably for next year.
romer, Punto was favoring his hand late in last night’s game. It was especially noticeable in his last AB (DnB even mentioned it).
So this isn’t something that “popped up” all of a sudden.
Also, I don’t care what they say…Baker is NOT older than I am. I refuse to believe it. He looks like he could be 18.
Boy, where’s Jason today? FOX’s adds this week were “Justin Morneau and the Twins”, prior to the game they were talking about “All-Star Justin Morneau and the Twins”
Now they’re giving him a highlight reel…AND saying he doesn’t get enough national attention.
GO HARRIS!
Punto would have done better than that. A single? Not going to cut it Harris.
(heavy sarcasm throughout)
Buscher should be the comparison as Harris would have played and hit in Buscher spot 
Gomez just can’t catch a break now…that was a great play to get him out.
wth…he threw himself into that!
Here’s an idea, don’t put your arms over the inside corner.
Nice comeback by Baker after that LONG foul.
Take a seat!
Wow. Harris providing 100% of today’s run production thus far.
I repeat, who is this Matt Joyce fellow?
What Detroit does have is character (and a good gritty music scene). It is also very depressing, especially all those vacant skyscrapers. (In tomorrow’s night game, notice how many of those buildings beyond right field do not light up.) Some have been vacant for over twenty years–Tiger Stadium was actually torn down relatively quickly. I lived outside of Detroit 2000-2005, and I really think Detroit is going in the right direction (despite these scandals). I hate to mix baseball and politics, but I can’t let Rambo’s comment that it is the Democrats’ fault go. Blaming them for Detroit is like blaming FEMA for the Katrina hurricane damage: sure the city government hasn’t handled the clean-up very well, but the destructive force behind it all was getting jerked around by the auto industry. The auto industry built then destroyed Detroit. It quickly transformed a mid-size city of 200,000 into a metropolis of 2 million people before it started moving plants out of the city in the ’50s and thereafter out of state. Being so dependent on the one industry, Detroit basically imploded without those jobs and tax revenue. The party of the elected officials is irrelevant.
Go figure. Get thrown out trying to bunt twice…then get on base by beating out a grounder.
Wow. Gomez made that closer than it looked.
If Bobby Murcer didn’t play for the Yankees, would they have even mentioned his death?
I would imagine so, didn’t they also mention he worked for FOX?
I bought MLBTV so I could watch the games then Fox buys this one and doesn’t play it. this sucks
And there goes Harris, knocking in more runs again.
Monster game by Harris! Harris says Beltre who?
Harris says Beltre who?
I’ll throw in a “Bartlett who?” 
So do they go with Baker for one more inning? That means the Twins still are counting on Guerrier/Crain/Nathan in the final innings.
Though with three days off coming up, this may be the best time for them to do it.
I am happy with the notion of Harris at short every day, Beltre at third and Punto getting 4-5 days by subbing at three positions, which he could do as a switch hitter. Go get Beltre, Smitty. Please.
Harris, to me, is undervalued by a lot of fans and his range doesn’t bother me since positioning as he gets familiar and his good arm can more than handle the position.
He kind of reminds me of that old Boston shortstop Rick Burleson.
Buscher’s scattergun kind of frightens me.
T,
I think they have four off days. I may be wrong but I think they are off Thursday as well…might as well wring the towel a little more if needed.
And MAUER goes yardage!
Look at that light hitting opposite field power!!
This makes Gardy’s job slightly easier.
Why do I have a bad feeling that FOX is going to completely ruin the All-Star game?
There’s no question that Scott Baker is our ace. Great outting.
great googly moogly……
If you would’ve tried to tell me in ST that Mauer and Harris would each have more homers than Young by this point in the season…I’d have called you crazy.
But this gives me hope for what this lineup could do once Young gets his power back. (It will come back, I know it will)
The Twins should trade Livan and bring up Frisco is they want to keep competing after the All Star break.
FOX and the Twins sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G
It’s about time somebody says a few nice things about the Twins.
Whatever the case. A few more runs here and we’ll likely see Baker back.
If it stays at 3, maybe Crain/Guerrier tag team the 8th.
Yeah…it’s much better then the usual ESPN crap.
Very valid point by FOX. Harris is quietly tipping the Young/Garza trade back in favor of the Twins.
Garza’s pitched well the last month.
Young has really hit well the last two months.
Harris has contributed off and on throughout the year.
Who gets the 8th?
Well Gardy, you gave him a chance, but looks like we’ll need the pen.
That was bound to happen. He’s been getting pretty good wood on the ball all day. Hope the bullpen is sharp today.
Well, that error now is an extra out…and an extra run. But Baker still gave up the dinger. No defense can save that.
I thought he could make it through the 8th here, guess that won’t be the case.
Crain/Gurrier/Nathan?
Ouch, I didn’t think Bake would come back out for the 8th (and he probably wishes he hadn’t). On the other hand, what a game by Brendan Harris (R-MN). As for all these roster decisions, I’m really glad I’m not the GM. I have a feeling it’ll continue being a fun season no matter what he does.
If needed, is Nathan fresh enough to go more than 1 here? Or do they hope somebody else can get to the 9th?
Because I’d hate to see them need him again tomorrow after 4 innings in three days.
Error didn’t lead to any extra outs, just the runner advancing from 1st to 3rd which after the HR is a moot point.
Fraggin’ ump’s squeezing now.
FOX slowly switching allegences
Really needed Baker to get at least one out this inning.
is he bring Bass in to this situation?
Anyone who says this team doesn’t need a setup man is an idiot.
Oh… no… goodbye lead…
Nevermind. Forgive me, Bass
GREAT dig by Morneau to save the inning.
Morneau/Duddley: “Here I come to save the day!”
Okay, so Crain and Reyes get a short appearance. Good. They can still rest up for potential apperances tomorrow.
I don’t think the problem today is they don’t have a proven one, as even a proven set-up man is going to have some issues if asked to come in three straight days.
Does anyone know if Nathan is available today?
Whew! My heart stopped watching Buscher throwing on the run.
I’ve wondered the same thing about Nathan. I’m sure he’ll go in. I’d count him out for tomorrow, though.
Does anyone know if Nathan is available today?
Nope.
Bonser going to get the save opportunity today.
They NEED him tonight. I’d rather go into tomorrow as a potential sweep vs. a potential split.
Am I the only person who thinks the gun today is juiced? They had Crain hitting 96-97 and now Zumaya at 100.
Nathan is warming up….
NICE! I thought Erik was serious about BOOf
He had three days off in Boston. Twins just need to give him some wriggle room.
Erik is serious about nothing, unless its wishing injury on Punto.
I have a feeling he’s showing up because the game could get ugly, and then he can be happy.
Yeah, more than a one-run cushion would be nice this time. Come on, Mauer
An insurance run would be nice…
Big run standing on third base right now. C’mon Mauer.
I’m predicting a seeing eye single here.
Ohh thank goodness they’re pinch hitting him…
Wow. That’s rare.
Erik is serious about nothing, unless its wishing injury on Punto.
I have a feeling he’s showing up because the game could get ugly, and then he can be happy.
Or just the flooding of idiots that takes these blogs over has driven me away to more sane places to discuss Twins baseball.
Oh yes, because wishing a career-ending injury on a player is sane.
—-
C’mon Kubes.
So does that count as a stolen base by Morneau?
Wow Delmon.
Wow.
Oh Delmon…Delmon buddy. Eck.
Just ugly!
4 pitches, swung at all four.
Delmon delmon delmon….
That was just as ugly as I was afraid it would be.
sometimes aggressiveness is great! Sometimes, it makes you look horrible!
Delmon Young is more like Torii Hunter than people give him credit for.
I have no faith in Young coming up to bat with the bases loaded…hopefully Nathan can close this thing out.
I can’t wait until Cuddyer gets healthy, so the Twins can play Span in Leftfield.
I think any trade the Twins make, Delmon Young needs to be a part of. Obviously, from what I see, he doesn’t know patience at the plate. 1 pitch and an out every time up.
I think if we could get a bullpen arm and a consistent 3B, we’d be set.
Young is good, he is just stupid.
And I’m sure Vavra and Gardy don’t tell him to swing at every 1st pitch, he probably just does it out of habit
I like the idea of Span in LF
These are the types of series where your glad Gardy doesn’t use Nathan as much as some would wish.
Had he been used in a few of the Boston games, you’d be looking at possibly 5-6 games in a week.
As ugly as Young’s at bat was I think the key at bat to get an insurance run was Mauer not getting a fly ball in play.
Josh, let’s not give up on Delmon after one season hmmm? If we did that with other players we’d never have seen Span back up here. Or Casilla.
Ahh now things are set up for a double play…
Let’s hope if the Twins get a lead tomorrow that it’s a big one. I think the pen (or at least the back end guys) are getting worn out this series.
T- I could not agree more. I think he will be an all start. He just has ALOT of learning to do. He was drafted #1 overall for a reason.
I’d hate if Nathan pitched 5 times this week…. we have won 2 potentially 3, if he’d have pitched 5 we might have won 5
Get that ground ball at someone Joe!
*phew*
Okay Nathan. 2/3s the way there.
I don’t think Nathan would be very effective if he had pitched in 5-6 games this week.
How can he say swings at a bad pitch? It’s a 90 mph slider down and in, a lot of good hitters would swing and miss that pitch
Ump not giving Nathan much to work with at the moment.
WOW. I don’t think Joe’s got anything left in the tank after how he looked today.
One walk and three strikeouts? I think he looked just fine.
where is this team if Nathan is not resigned? That was a great move…cannot deny it.
Harris’ 4 RBI’s won this game. Go Brendan!
Young is good, he is just stupid.
You can’t be stupid and be a good MLB player.
That Nathan, such a kidder, just showing off before the All-Star break.
Man, the white sox announcers are tools.
Dang, Garza is getting lit up bad today by Cleveland. It would seem like the Captain Cheeseburger trade put them back on the winning way finally after their big skid.
Well, Garza, I am sure it’s somebody’s fault that you gave up 7 earned runs, maybe the nerve in your arm is hurting you again 
Mr. M.T., Like you said, Garza thru three…11 hits, 7ER, 2BB, 2K, 4.04 ERA. Don’t we have pitchers doing at least that well? It’s only one day but the TRADE is looking better and better. Better yet, the Chisox are losing.
The chickens may be coming home to roost for Garza. I don’t know what the specific issues were with him but the Twins don’t just give up on good pitching prospects unless there’s a problem - look how long they hung in with Baker.
Man, the white sox announcers are tools.
Yeah, I’ve watched one inning and had to shut it down. I’ve never seen annoucers actually MOPE about a called third strike. A full half-inning later even.
moose,
“I don’t know what the specific issues were with him but the Twins don’t just give up on good pitching prospects unless there’s a problem - look how long they hung in with Baker.”
Maybe nobody offered the ROY runner-up who had 93 RBI as a 21-yr-old rookie (and who was a number one OVERALL draft choice) in exchange for Baker. (or any of the other pitching prospects)
Trading Garza (or Bartlett) does not mean the Twins “gave up on them”.
Mr. T, The White Sox announcers are selling a product in an unfavorable market. They have competition from the perennial and beloved “underdog” who are the top dog in the second city. That being said, I agree that Harrelson and, whoever he teams with, are sickening, much like Ozzie’s continuous looking into the stands, as if seeking approval from whomever. By the way, after living thru yet another 1 run win, I’m glad you’re still breathing and in good health.
Great post as always LaVelle. You should have Sid’s job. Just talk about the Twins though. Don’t go anywhere else. Delmon Young ain’t stuped, he’s developmentally challenged perhaps but I think like a lot of d-c types he has tunnel vision and once he gets his defense down he’ll be a gold-glover. Nanker makes the prediction now!
Just looked at the boxscore for the Indians/Rays game, the beloved Juan Rincon gave up 4 ER in 2/3 of an inning!
sane: As much as the Twins value pitching, I just don’t think there’s any way they would have traded Garza with all of his talent unless they were having problems working with him. I know there were rumblings to that effect but I don’t know what the specifics were.
Mr. 1966, the White Sox annoucers have been this way for as long as I have seen them on TV, dating back before the Sox championship and even after.
When I watch the Sox games and hear the announcers, it’s as though I were reading two blog commenters take on the game. Or just hanging with a buddy talking about it as I watched.
By the way, after living thru yet another 1 run win, I’m glad you’re still breathing and in good health.
I’ve been here all season. Rain or shine.
Mr. T, Please lighten up. My statements regarding your health come from your posts as the Twins and Nathan were trying to end the game. You were saying much of what we were feeling. I’ve been following this team since the early 60’s and have never lost my enthusiasm for new and younger devotees. I just hope that a love for this fine game will remain sustainable for generations to come. After this drug-infested Selig era, I was not a confident old-timer.
Ah Detroit… I can’t wait for the future, when Robocop cleans it up.
Well, Texas tried to make it happen, but the rally fell apart. Oh well, the Twins won, still 1 1/2 back. Lets hope they can pull off the sweep. Even if they don’t gain any games in the standing, a sweep is a sweep is a sweep.
Boston came out of their sweep feeling on top of the world since the Twins were playing very, very good leading up to it. Well, guess what, the Tigers were playing very, very good leading up to this series, and right now, I have a feeling that there are some people in their blogs right now talking about how crappy their team is right now.
Go for 4 in a row guys, I am ready for the AllStar break, and I am sure they are as well.
Mr. M. T., As one who lives in the southwest US, I happen to enjoy listening to the Oakland A’s radio team. As I tuned in last evening, they were discussing the Angels having just arrived for their seies with the A’s after having survived the Rangers in Arlington and how exhausted the LA pitching staff was after having to face those TX thumpers. An interesting aside to note while we watch the end of the CHI/TX series manana and await those self same Rangers next Friday at the Metrodome. Let’s get Detroit one more time!
All-Star Break Trade Check.
Name BA HR-RBI RBI+Runs
Bartlett .256 0-20 44
Harris .262 5-31 71
Young .286 3-36 83
W-L ERA
Baker 6-2 3.47
Blackburn 7-4 3.72
GARZA 7-5 3.96
Perkins 6-2 4.14
Slowey 6-6 4.26
Young plus Harris have produced 154 runs.
Bartlett has produced 44 runs.
(runs +rbi)
Garza’s ERA would put him as a middle of the rotation guy - not much different from Baker, Blackburn, Perkins and Slowey. - Definitely not irreplaceable. And probably replaceable by Liriano in about a month.
interesting all star break trade check.
harris has been quite the pickup. slipped right over to ss with rbi in four different at-bats. that’s a good day.
do you really think they’ll wait a month if the next one or two are like the last one?
sane,
Thanks for the most nonsensical, illogical argument, I’ve ever read.
Bartlett hasn’t produced as many runs as Young and Harris, COMBINED. Wow! who would have ever thought that would happen. Not to mention each has had a lot more AB than Barty.
How have Young and Harris pitched compared to Garza? … Let’s continue the “logic”.
Follow the yellow brick road …….. you need to find the Wizard.
well, craig, any such comparison is bound to be a little abstract when the big pieces were a pitcher and an outfielder. point is, harris and young have created a bunch of runs the twins would not have had. harris, meanwhile, has some infield value. and garza has been good but not great.
by the way, i forgot to mention — i’ve seen some clips of span on gameday and his swing does have a little carew sweep to it. also, he’s listed at 6 feet. i was thinking he was a smaller guy.
Go Twins! Great job LaVelle! Keep up the great work!
You speak my language dude!
craig,
“Thanks for the most nonsensical, illogical argument, I’ve ever read.”
Obviously, you don’t read your own writings.
Good decision!
Garza has an arm that comes along every 20 years - right!
Pitchers are far more valuable than corner outfielders. Like:
Babe Ruth
Henry Aaron
Ted Williams
Roberto Clemente
Barry Bonds
Mel Ott
Roger Maris
Al Simmons
Stan Musial
Al Kaline
Frank Robinson
Tony Gwynn
Even your icon, Ty Cobb played over 1600 games as a corner OF, although admittedly at the end of his career when he was still a great hitter.
Punto to replace Morneau at 1B.
Trade Morneau for Eric Bedard.
Time (and a fading memory) prevents me from reviweing the rest of your arguments which are in the illogical, nonsensical contest with mine.
But I am sure the other commenters may remember a few.
Bartlett hasn’t produced as many runs as Young and Harris, COMBINED. Wow!
He hasn’t produced as many runs as either of them alone either.
While it’s fun to talk about,we really can’t evaluate the Garza-Young trade for 3-5 years.
GENO,
“While it’s fun to talk about,we really can’t evaluate the Garza-Young trade for 3-5 years.”
I agree, especially that “it’s fun to talk about”.
I just brought it up because we are at the All-Star Break.
“Punto to replace Morneau at 1B.”
sane,
That’s one that you said, not me.
Anyone who puts Roger Maris in the same group as those other OF doesn’t know baseball from bocce ball.
“Anyone who puts Roger Maris in the same group as those other OF doesn’t know baseball from bocce ball.”
For two years, Roger Maris was more valuable than any Yankee pitcher.
And he was an excellent defensive RF.
I thought we WERE talking about bocce ball!
I guess I didn’t know the difference.
Also, I clarified, as you know, that I meant an arm like Garza comes around to a team once in 20 years.
Quit misquoting me, and try saying something that isn’t illogical, ignorant or intentionally deceptive.
I don’t think you have the wherewithal to do so.
craig,
“Punto to replace Morneau at 1B.”
If not you, that was the creation of one of your impersonators.
Please don’t give me credit for that pearl!
“Also, I clarified, as you know, that I meant an arm like Garza comes around to a team once in 20 years.’
Still untrue.
Santana, Liriano, Nathan, Shooter Hunt, JD Durbin…..
ONCE AGAIN, IT’S GREAT TO BE A BASEBALL FAN [ESPECIALLY A TWINS FAN]
GREAT FUN SO FAR THIS YEAR!!!
WHAT’S GOING ON? THE ANGELS [FROM THE ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD] MUST HAVE TAKEN THE PRESEASON ODDS ON THEM MAKING THE PLAYOFFS.
HAVE FUN!!! GO TWINS!!!
Kinda funny, Craig calling someone’s post illogical and nonsensical. Kinda like the pot calling the kettle black, isn’t it?
Weird thing is, I don’t see anything illogical or nonsensical about the comparison. The trade was three position players for 2 pitchers and a position player.
Stands to reason that the trade would be evaluated based on the success’s or lack of success by said players, wouldn’t it? How else is one to evaluate a trade? Go by gut instinct? Craig, I must say I simply don’t trust your gut instinct, since it was you that was bombarding these same blogs with “trade Morneau for pitching” tired spiel for weeks in the off-season. Heck, you even said that Lamb would be a more than adequate replacement of him over there.
I will say that you were spot on with Punto, but for some reason, I think you were with him simply because you wanted to be a contrarian, and well, sometimes even a blind squirrel can find an acorn.
MT: I would have to agree. Craig was a Punto advocate even in his horrid 2007. I think he can’t really claim any credit for a “call” considering it seemed more like hurling something at a wall and eventually having it stick.
And yeah, you can’t fully evaluate the Garza/Young (w/ Harris) deal for a few more years. But I think sane’s evaluation is a good indicator that those who want BS’s head for making the deal are simply shooting from the hip.
A few bad ABs in clutch situations (really no uglier than Hunter as recently as last year) from a young hitter shouldn’t overwrite that he’s putting up good numbers otherwise. Sure he’s short on power, but he’s still driving in runs and hitting for a decent average.
I just hope the power comes back going into 09.
On a side note: What’s the condition of the pen going into today’s game? Nathan’s been in 3 of the 4, Guerrier I believe has been in 3 innings but had yesterday off, and Crain has pitched in the last two (though I think only one or two outs yesterday)
I hope the Twins can score enough to keep it from being yet another save situation. This bullpen is likely worn pretty well. Three or more days off coming up with the ASG, but still…I’d hate to have to ask Nathan to pitch in a fourth straight day. I don’t know if he’d have much left.
Detroit by far is the worst major city in America. I’ve never felt more unsafe in my life then in Motown.
