Twins-Tigers: A brush-up on geese relations.
Posted on July 13th, 2008 – 12:03 PMBy La Velle
O.K. I don’t encounter animals other than dogs, cats, squirrels and chirp-chirp birds, so I’ve forgotten how to deal with other creatures.
I got up early this morning to get some exercise in before I went to the park. There was a a small field with a running path right behind the hotel I was staying at, so I did a lap then toured the surrounding neighborhood.
On the way back, I hit the path again. By now, a huge flock of geese (at least 20) had taken over the path. Some were on the left. Some were on the right. A few were right on the path.
I decided to slow down and try to walk through the group, hoping the flock would just slide out of the way and not fly away in terror. All of a sudden, a head pops up from the middle of the pack and starts coming at me, hissing. I stopped, but it kept coming at me. I guess I could have yelled at it and scared it off, but I just said to myself, “forget this,” turned around and got the heck out of there. I was near the end of my workout anyway.
I got to the park and looked up stuff about geese. I found out they’ve been known to fly at people’s heads when threatened. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire claimed I could have spread out my arms like Karate Kid and moved toward it, and it would have backed off. But what if it would have been the Rampage Jackson of geese?
Back to regular programming.
Mike Lamb is in the lineup as the desginated hitter. He’s 5 for his last 7 against Justin Verlander.
Nick Punto is out as he rests his sprained finger.
Michael Cuddyer said that he will try to grip a bat on Thursday when the team works out at the Dome.
Sorry this is late. I’ve got some computer issues going on right now. Note to help desk: Someone please call me ASAP so we can figure out what wrong with the vpn dialer today!!!
Twins (53-41): 1. Carlos Gomez, CF. 2. Alexi Casilla, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Jason Kubel, LF. 6. Brendan Harris, SS. 7. Brian Buscher, 3B. 8. Mike Lamb, DH. 9. Denard Span, RF. Pitching: Blackburn.
Tigers (46-47): 1. Curtis Granderson, CF. 2. Placido Polanco, 2B. 3. Carlos Guillen, 3B. 4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B. 5. Matt Joyce, RF. 6. Marcus Thames, DH. 7. Clete Thomas, LF. 8. Brandon Inge, C. 9. Ramon Santiago, SS. Pitching: Justin Verlander.
220 Responses to "Twins-Tigers: A brush-up on geese relations."
thanks La velle
Carlos Gomez has just one more walk than Denard Span now.
Gomez has 300 more ABs.
Can’t trust those viscious geese, LaVelle, I LMAO picturing you backing away from the flock, especially the Mad Hatter of the flock. Thanks for a humorous description of your workout.
but I just said to myself, “forget this”
I bet you used a different word than “forget” 
Eesh, Verlander looks on top of his game today. Where’s the Verlander from April? I miss that one…
How does the ump miff that call? This is riddiculous.
That’s an awful call…
LaVelle,
You were very lucky you didn’t get goosed!
Or do I mean unlucky?
Wow. That was a horrible call.
That may be the single worst call I’ve seen an umpire make all year. Dear lord…
Well, that’s going to set the tone for the rest of the day. I have a feeling Gardy’s going to get tossed within the next few innings here.
Probably the worst call I’ve ever seen.
Hopefully that just ticks-off Morneau.
Hooray for free runs!
The Detroit color said during Morneau’s AB that Morney is competing in the Derby. Is that true? I hadn’t heard he got an invite.
Great. That blown call leads to a 2 run home run.
So it should be inning over 1-0.
Yeah. Morneau was invited earlier today apparently. I don’t like the idea considering what he said it did to his swing the last time.
Extra batters faced: 2.
What an absolute f’ing joke… do the umpires have something against the Twins this year?
This entire staff hasn’t been very good, yesterday’s strike zone was really bad.
With Blackburn pitching out of the stretch who knows if he serves up that HR ball to Thomas.
You know Steve, considering the call that ended the Sox/Rangers game last night…I wouldn’t be surprised if the call came down.
Thats not the first time Blackburn has had a meldown because of adversity. He has to learn to shake these things off.
Blackburn always pitches from the stretch.
Lame. Lame….LAME!
Gardy should just go out there and erupt right now. I don’t care if the call was four hitters ago, this inning should be over. That call was so obviously blown.
If this were at Yankee Stadium, ESPN would’ve had that ump fired (if not executed) by now.
One of those runs should be unearned. For the Tigers.
Give the error to the ump!
And I don’t like that Morneau is going either. He said he’ll never do it again but MLB acts like it’s an honor and they make sure everyone knows if you turn down in invite so you don’t really have a choice. It’s bogus.
I was watching that game on MLBTV, T… I couldn’t believe it. But at least that one was close…
Of course, if The Butcher makes an accurate throw, there’s never an issue. I bet Beltre or Kouzmanoff would’ve made the throw 
Haha
“Blackburn always pitches from the stretch.”
With a runner on base than.
No always, as in always. He doesn’t have a big leg kick.
Buscher’s throw is insignificant. 1B have to make catches like that more than once or twice a series.
Morneau’s foot clearly drags across the base. It was painfully out.
…Is anybody else’s broadcast getting jumbled occasionally.
At least Gomez had a good at bat
Verlander may make the umpire’s call irrelevant.
Jumbled on mlb.tv? Yeah, mine is. Ever since I downloaded the Microsoft Silverlight viewer, or whatever the hell it’s called, the video quality and smoothness has been really poor.
“Looks like I picked the wrong time to quit amphetimines…”
Jumbled on mlb.tv?
Mine’s on my29. But is that the one they’re picking up for MLB.Tv?
gatty790-
are you watching Blackburn and his big leg kick?
No. We get the Detroit broadcast.
I wonder if the FOX affiliate over in Wisconsin is running the same story about the Brew/Twins rivalry with the roles reversed…
I’m watching on WFTC in Fridley (obviously, ha), and yeah, it is for me too…
no issues with the telecast on Directv
Who is the only Minnesota Twins pitcher to win 25 games in a season?
That’s the Detroit Aflac question.
I never knew Barney Gumble was a Brewers fan. Makes sense.
Yeah…this feed is ridiculous.
Yeah, I’m on Comcast right now and it’s pretty bad. They need to fix this signal somehow.
Oh no. They’re picking on Morneau now.
Morneau, please don’t try the umps anymore today. Kthx.
BALL TO OUTFIELD KUBES!
Oh, too bad Beerlander. Lost the no-hitter AND the shutout.
Better stare down your catcher.
Re. the Morneau-HR Derby speculation, maybe the reason he relented and decided to go was to reward Vavra, who — as Dicknbert just said — will get to pitch to him at Yankee Stadium. Otherwise I doubt Vavra would have gone along.
Good guys look out for the people “below” them on the ladder. That’s one of the parts of the equation we fans rarely think about — I sure hadn’t until Dicknbert mentioned it.
Even though that was a wild pitch, Verlander’s curve ball has been filthy today. That one was just too filthy.
Great AB, Kubel.
Harris picking it up where he left off yesterday!
I wonder if Brrrlander would rather have Twins bunt now?
I retract my comment about Verlander being on top of his game.
On FSN about a month ago they showed Blackburn before and after there was a baserunner and it was the same delivery. He might have changed his delivery though.
Very good point PD. Didn’t think of it that way either.
Harris is really taking advantage of Punto’s injury.
Speaking of bunting, try a suicide squeeze again!
oops! kind of a long way to run from second on a bunt.
“Who is the only Minnesota Twins pitcher to win 25 games in a season?
That’s the Detroit Aflac question.”
Jim Kaat 25-13 1966
Looked it up.
That curveball is really nasty today, wow
That 3-0 pitch looked like a ball to me…
Was going to look up the answer to Aflac question but got distracted messing with my fantasy baseball team.
That 3-0 pitch was clearly a ball on the gameday from mlb, second time the ump has called that same pitch a strike
Patrick: Harris was in the lineup yesterday at 3B and moved to SS when Punto got scratched.
Today though, he likely is.
That was a horrible route by Gomez. Haven’t seen that too often.
Nice play by Blackburn there.
Patrick, they did say there’s some bad wind in Detroit today. Not sure if that was a factor, but I think even on a good route, Thomas is to second anyway, so it’s probably a moot point.
Side note: Today marks probably the 8th time this year that Bert has called Clete Thomas “Clint” Thomas. Haha
Hmm, gotta wonder about the calls the Twins have and haven’t been getting lately. Does anyone think it has to do with the way Gardy handles himself when he argues with the Umps?
It just seems that the Twins get jobbed abit more than I can remember seeing elsewhere. Maybe it is just a matter of perception.
BTW, I guess the Twins aren’t the only ones that make boneheaded base running mistakes either.
Those last two pitches were not strikes
Blackburn has gotten that same pitch called a strike though so at least he’s calling it consistently.
None of those pitches were strikes, at least the ump is consistently bad
Including that curveball.
“Nice play by Blackburn there”
Actually it was a baserunning screw-up that would have gotten Punto, Gomez or Young released by the blog.
Looks like the strike zone is opening up a bit or we are just getting a few make up calls.
“Patrick, they did say there’s some bad wind in Detroit today. Not sure if that was a factor, but I think even on a good route, Thomas is to second anyway, so it’s probably a moot point.”
I think you’re right. The camera angle on the Detroit broadcast you could clearly see the ball curving away from Go-Go.
The curve was way out, but I’ll take that pitch any day of the week if it is given.
The All Star break is going to be very welcome for our young lead off hitter. The kid needs some time off.
“Does anyone think it has to do with the way Gardy handles himself when he argues with the Umps?”
Count me in on that.
If I am umpiring and Gardy shows me up as he did on that catch-trap reversal last week, my subconscious would be working overtime NOT to stick the next call up Gardy’s –ss!
I don’t think thats it these guys are professional umpires I don’t think that they are going to hold a grudge over a team because the manager is a hot head.
At least Verlander has thrown 86 pitches already.
Bush,
“I don’t think thats it these guys are professional umpires I don’t think that they are going to hold a grudge over a team because the manager is a hot head.”
I don’t disagree.
I say they are trying hard to be professionals and trying hard to ignore human nature.
And are not always successful.
Looks like Blackburn is losing it
Guillen looked out to me.
Just a bit outside
Blackburn seems to be confusing the right batters box with the plate
way to minimize the damage there Blackie.
Need to put a run on the board again here guys.
This strike zone is a joke
“Blackburn seems to be confusing the right batters box with the plate”
So does the ump.
2 of those pitches were a foot outside.
What was so wrong with the calls in that at-bat Justin? I didn’t see any pitches that were questionable.
Both called strikes to Morneau were clearly in the batters box.
I agree with MeToo.
Maybe Patrick and gatty are bigger Twins fans than I am.
And I go back to 1960.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_07_13_minmlb_detmlb_1&mode=gameday
If you don’t believe me look at it yourself
Looks like Blackburn made the adjustment between innings.
On the gameday, just rotate the view to behind the pitcher. I think that is pretty cool that you can see the whole track of the ball.
That one didnt even get to the track dickbert.
Ahem, if the first “questionable” on is called a strike, the second “questionable” one is also called a strike, doesn’t it make sense to maybe swing at the third “questionable” one in pretty much the exact same location? All you can ask from an umpire is consistancy, and if he’s been consitently been calling that pitch a strike, well, what more can a player ask for????
Lamb and Spam.
(mutton and ham)
Bush, it was the wind or he got underneath it or it was the heat or maybe the humidity or maybe venus was aligned with mars or something
Another factor:
On a day that the pitcher (Verlander) is hitting his spots, the strike zone expands a bit. It’s common for the umpire to reward great command.
I could handle this game being a loss if it weren’t for the fact the deciding run right now was handed to the Tigers eralier in the game.
Well I should have know because when it left the bat i though pop out but than he got that homerun voice and it didnt even get to the tract. I think it was that altitude that kept that one inside the park.
They just called 2 strikes on Granderson that were outside. So the ump is consistent. It’s def messing with the hitters though.
It’s common for the umpire to reward great command.
Doesn’t make it any more or less ‘right’.
BTW, Kubel catches a lot of grief on this site and others for his defense. But I’ve long maintained that he’s not a terrible defensive outfielder — he was very shaky when he came back from his knee surgery and I think that stretch sticks in the minds of many Twins fans.
But the last two seasons, he’s shown himself to be at worst a competent outfielder. Yeah, he butchered those two balls in right field at Fenway but that was the sun — even Boston’s RF lost a ball that day.
Today, he’s made two or three catches that Delmon Young never would have made, or at least would have turned into adventures.
Another test of Blackburn’s composure after a setback. (error)
Way to go there Blackie. Nice way to pick up Casilla there.
Yeah, he butchered those two balls in right field at Fenway but that was the sun
Not to mention its Fenway. Even Hunter has said he hates fielding there.
Another way to think of the strike zone today is this is the last couple hours of work before the umps vacation. I know if I was in their shoes I would want to speed up this game with a bigger strike zone!
No doubt, PD. He makes the easy catches look hard.
Wow, a called strike that was actually a strike. Whatever Blackburn did between the 5th and 6th innings, it clearly worked!
Shows how much that the Tigers are wanting this win to bring back in Zumaya after getting stretched yesterday.
The guy is coming back from injury, and yet he’s right back out there.
Guess they are keeping with the high velocity pitchers today.
fastball hitter against fastball pitcher. Come on Morneau.
Time for a home run for our derby contestant
This strike zone is as confusing as it is frustrating.
And Mauer gets the benefit on close pitches with Zumaya pitching. (whether its right or wrong)
break his heart morny
they like walking morneau, i guess
C’mon MVP. Show the Tigers how a good team wins on its own merits.
whimps
IBB
Inge cant block anything he stinks.
sane, I’m never a fan of pitchers and hitters getting “the benefit” on close calls.
It makes it incredibly frustrating as a fan…and I can imagine its moreso for hitters and pitchers who get PAID based on some of those calls.
Time for a clutch hit Kubel, make them pay
CRAP
dang
Monroe or Young needs to come up to bat for Lamb in the 9th.
So who pitches the ninth for the Tigers? Think they trust Jones?
If this holds the Twins need to request that Wolf never be allowed to ump a Twins game again. I’m still pissed at the idea that this score will hold. Wolf should be sent down to the low A level after that gaffe today. I hope we don’t “need” this game to win the division or I’m hunting that guy down in the offseason. At least in my dreams.
Well, at least Bass makes that run insignificant now.
I guess he IS good for something.
I guess the SOB is off the hook now
way to go Gardy…
Bass is the new Rincon
So they just give up on a one run game putting Bass in? Not enough rest coming up for your bullpen?
Gomez, you’re fun to watch but get your body under control, look what happens to Punto.
Ugh. Bass.
We may have a new Twins killer on our hands — move over Jamie Quirk — here comes Matt Joyce!
Actually, that’s not fair to Joyce — he appears to have a pretty nice MLB career ahead of him. That’s a sweet swing he’s got.
“Bass is the new Rincon”
Big difference, Rincon was a solid set up guy for years. Bass has never shown that he has major league ability.
He cut the plate in half and he pays. Is anyone actually surprised?
Anyone honestly think that Bass is gonna stick around once Cuddy comes back????
why is Gardy putting BASS in at a crucial time again!!! opps there goes a HR!! is GARDY trying to make Billy trade for a reliever??
I missed most of the game what are the comments about on the ump Wolf?
“We may have a new Twins killer”
Yeah, his name is Brian Bass
The bullpen has been worked so heavy over the last week, they are pretty much forced to use Bass here, but hey, it doesn’t make it feel any better.
So they just give up on a one run game putting Bass in?
I’m guessing Crain and Nathan are pooped. Don’t know about Guerrier…
But you need a guy like Bass (or Bonsor) to able to pitch in more than blowouts (one way or another) otherwise you’ve shrunk your bullpen down by two pitchers before you even get into it.
Little late for the giveback call…
I would rather have Mariano Gomez up in the majors than Brian Bass
Wolf is having a really good game today isn’t he.
the double pay call was a payback for the miss earlier
I’m telling ya the umps are smelling vacation!
“I missed most of the game what are the comments about on the ump Wolf?”
He missed a call earlier in the game at 1B. Buscher pulled Morneau off the bag on a routine grounder but it was obvious, even with before the replay, that Morneau kept his foot on. Wolf said he got pulled off the bag. Next batter Clete Thomas hit a 2 run HR.
It’s the day before a very long break. I’m not suggesting putting Gurrier or Nathan in, I’m just asking them not to put Bass in. He’s been their worst reliever. Crain, Bonser, Breslow…. Redmond. I don’t care, not Billy Bass.
Lets see if Harris and Buscher can go back to back again…
MT: You hit the nail on the head. It’s beacuse of how close 5 of the last 6 games have been that Bass has to pitch here.
But that won’t stop people from complaining. It gives them a chance to shift blame from the umps to Gardy.
And when I say obvious, I mean “one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen” obvious.
the double pay call was a payback for the miss earlier
While I appreciate getting one back. It’s a little late in the game.
And I’d rather have a 3-2 score and no callback than a 4-2 and a callback.
I’m not trying to shift the blame from the umps to Gardy. I’m blaming Bass.
Lamb in possibly his last Twins AB.
I hate get away games days, particularly when they lead to long breaks. It’s only human nature to start thinking ahead and perhaps relaxing a little. I hope I’m wrong.
At least Lamb was a good DH hitter today. Oh wait.
And I’m not really blaming him for giving up the HR. We wouldn’t have won this game anyway. I just don’t think he should be on our roster.
Did you see Jones’s expresion on that catch by Joyce? Looked to me like he was thinking “what the hell are you doing kid”?
Woulda-coulda-shoulda.
Oh well. 3-1 is a great bounce back considering how hot the Tigers were going into this series. And how badly the Twins need SOMETHING coming out of Boston.
But as we saw this week, there’s bullpen help needed one way or another. Now we’ve got 4 days off. Let’s hope the FO can put together something to help this team continue what’s been a surprising push.
I hope to see at least one new face joining this team coming out of the ASG. Definately before the Sox come to town later in the month.
See you all Thursday!
Well, a 4 game sweep on the road was going to be a tall order. I’m very pleased to be 11 over heading into the break. Go Texas!
I’m not really blaming him for giving up the HR.
yeah, it was the ball’s fault…
53-42 at All Star Break I pegged this team to be 10 games out by now with a .500 record.. it has been a pleasant surprise so far this year looks like White Sox will be 2 1/2 games up they are winning 4 - 1 over Rangers
This team scored five runs in the top of the ninth with two outs in a game. I am pretty sure they could have overcame a 1 run deficit.
i had a comment ready for kubel’s at bat with two on.
i really thought we were gonna beat these guys AGAIN.
just have to get ‘em after the AS break.
Fire, that game’s just the second inning.
keep the faith buddy!
One more question, is Fox9 really going with this “Minnesota Fans are so much nicer than anyone else story.”?
at the worst, the twins finish 2 1/2 games out of first, while 11 games over .500 at the All Star Break. anyone in here complaining needs to shut the hell up. i know the twins can be frustrating at times because it seems like they have a chance to win and don’t come through, but that happens to every team, watch other games. and what about all the times the twins have a chance to win and they do come through? everyone seems to forget that.
Twins took 3 of 4 from a very, very hot Detroit team. I am sure there are some players that are very happy to have come away with 3 wins.
Looking back at this series, the Twins front office made a very good gamble on signing Nathan to that contract before the season, since right now, what do you think they would do with Nathan? How can they possibly have traded him now? The bullpen is a mess, with Nathan being the only player that is performing well. Hindsight is so very clear, just nice to see some foresight from the front office. Guess they did something right this year. Team is 11 over at the break, great place to be.
La Velle,
Say it’s not true. Say you were kidding. I looked up to you. You were my hero. My hero, scared off by a goose? My head is hanging. My life will never be the same. A goose. Scared of a goose. I can’t accept this.
One more question, is Fox9 really going with this “Minnesota Fans are so much nicer than anyone else story.”?
July Sweeps at it’s worst
The bullpen needs HELP! The only move the Twins need to make is to get a solid, hard-throwing setup guy - hopefully one’s available. No sense going with a rent-a-player though, hopefully they can find one with at least a year or more on a contract. It would be nice to at least hear the Twins FO is looking to make such a deal.
Should have kept Rincon.
Yeah, Ricon is solid - 2/3 of an inning, 2Hs 4Rs for the Tribe yesterday.
this Chisox game is very… defensive
Bull, any ideas on who to get, and what to offer to get them. I would think that a good reliever with a club favorable contract may cost abit in terms of talent.
Dang, that Texas team can sure throw some runs up in a hurry.
Denard Span = Rod Carew
Carlos Gomez = Luis Gomez
The Gomez part is a joke….but not too far off, right now. Luis made better contact.
MT: I don’t know who might be available. The Twins seem to have a lot of OF prospects so they might be good trade bait (along with Boof maybe:)) One name I heard mentioned on KFAN as a possibility was Huston Street @ OAK, but at $3 million/year it might be a bit rich for the Twins. I don’t know how long he has left on his contract.
Good to see Gardy get Lamb in there. He wants Lamb to feel he is part of the team. Since Lamb will be a Minnesota Twin next season, also, Gardy is wise to do this. He should play him as often as he can.
Gardy is proving what a wise manager he is. I thought the logical thing would be to lead-off the guy who’s recently been getting on base, at almost a .600 clip, rather than a guy who’s recently been at about .200 pace. Dumb idea. Gardy understands the importance of intangibles. Gardy says he doesn’t want to mess with the mind of the great, young Gomez, by switching him and Span in the batting order. Gardy thinks Gomez’ mind is already messed up, having to watch Span outplay him.
It’s obvious Gardy is right, that Span’s play is messing with the mind of the sensational young Carlos. Gardy is keeping Carlos up top, and Span in the 9 hole. I’m sure he’s hopeful that Span hasn’t messed Carlos up permanently. If nothing else, they can always send that rotten Span guy down to AAA, to ease poor Carlos’ aching brain.
huston street would cost the twins too much in terms of prospects. beane isn’t going to trade him for nothing, he’s going to have to be blown away to deal street.
tyler walker, keiichi yabu, mike adams, jason grilli. these are the names the twins need to look at because they won’t cost much in terms of prospects. the twins are a rebuilding team and it would not be wise to give up good young players for bullpen pitchers.
everytime i come on this board, i see comment after comment criticizing the twins bullpen, criticizing the twins for not cashing in on opportunities to score, and criticizing the twins bad fielding play.
is anyone watching the white sox/rangers game? the sox have failed in at least 5 innings to get a hit with runners in scoring position, some with 1 out or less. they have made stupid error after error in the field. it happens to every team. so think about that the next time you come on here and criticize. baseball is all about failure, it’s who can fail the least and take advantages of other teams failure that leads to victory.
I agree about Mike Adams, but he probably would be expensive, since his salary is about 400K.
What the Twins need is an one year rental to replace Neshek. Here is a list of potentially available relievers who are making about $2-3mil/year, play for teams that have no hopes for playoffs, are performing well this year, are established set up men and their contracts expire at the end of the season:
Doug Brocail
Scott Downs
Chad Bradford
Damaso Marte
Marte is the only lefty
Craig,
If Gardy really thinks that way, how do you explain all the rings on his –
Oh wait, nevermind.
Whalefeet, so the purpose of this blog then is to come on here and blow the sunshine and kiss ass, is that correct? So if the Twins commit an error or take a bad at bat or give Manny a letter high fast ball that loses the game for them, we are to congratulate them for accomplishing the same feet that other teams have accomplished as well, is that correct?
And does this philosophy of yours extend also to life as a whole. If someone, say, throws another off of a bridge, does that mean the next time someone throws a person off of a bridge it’s all right because it’s happened before? Honestly, your post might just be the dumbest I’ve EVER read in the history of blogging!
If you’re so Twins-sensitive that you can’t stand someone making the least bit critical remark against your precious team, then I’d say stay off the blogs and get some counseling. And, btw, fans in other cities and states do the same thing with their teams; so by your very philosophy one would think that it would be all right when we do the same thing.
Blog Laureate,
Your post runs Whalefeet’ post a close second.
Regards,
white sox scored three in top nine but lost, 12-11.
White Sox lost too. Good news.
Wow the Rangers sure do know how to make a game interesting! Whew! 1.5 back heading to the break! Go Twins!
Mr. Dragon, AMEN!! Enjoy the All-Star break and remember the good times. WE’re 11 over .500 and 1 1/2 out of first. Who, back on opening day, wouldn’t have been thrilled with such results. And we have plenty of room for improvement. The outlook is rosy.
Daniel,
I am enjoying the run. Back in March I made a modest investment on Twins over 73.5 wins.
Also, Having followed this franchise for 50 years, I sometimes get frustrated with the Fantasy baseball mentality of some blog posters.
The season is 162 games, the Twins will LOSE 5-10 games they should have won, they will WIN 5-10 games they should have lost, the rest of the games tell the tale.
Regards,
Mr. Dragon, Your fandom, since it precedes the Senator’s move to MN, has been something that I’ve enjoyed in your posts. Like Carlos G. and I exchanged a few weeks back, I, like Carlos, was a Dodgers fan back in ‘65 with the Twins being my #2. After that series, I dumped Sandy, Don, Johnny and the boys to cheer for Zoilo, Tony, Killer, Bob A., etal and haven’t stopped. Moved to AZ years ago and one of my only regrets was giving up my season tickets 12 rows up from the Twins’ dugout. I may be one of a few people, who having lived through the gnats and skeeters that meandered from the Minnesota River valley into old Met Stadium, actually loved the Metrodome. The dome’s quirkiness has won us a few games over the last 26 years. Glad that the love of the game isn’t lost on the exuberance of youth. Regards,
Blog Laureate, so the purpose of this blog then is to come on here bitch and whine about everything that goes wrong, is that correct? So if the Twins make a good play or have a good-bat or Mauer hits a letter high fast ball that wins the game for them, we are to piss on them for not doing everything perfect, is that correct?
And does this philosophy of yours extend also to life as a whole? If someone, say, saves a you from being thrown off a bridge, are you going to whine that that person also didn’t run and catch the person responsible and hold him until the police arrive? Honestly, your post might just be the dumbest I’ve EVER read in the history of blogging!
If you’re so Twins-sensitive that you can’t stand someone making the least positive remark about your precious team, then I’d say stay off the blogs and get some counseling. And, btw, fans in other cities and states do the same thing with their teams; so by your very philosophy one would think that it would be all right when we take the higher road.
[I disgree w/ Dragon. Your post wins hands down.]
For anyone who thinks we need a “rental” for the bullpen because Neshek will be back….I want you to give me your home, all your income for the next year and your children (Ok, you can keep those) if Neshek isn’t at his best on May 1. A lot of folks were pretty confident that Liriano was in the mix this year…um, I haven’t seen him lately.
I’m thinking that it is just as likely that Neshek will need reconstructive surgery as he will be in his 8th inning role.
Nope, if you can find the needle in a haystack that can yield an established, effective bullpen guy that has at least two years on his contract then go get him…no matter the cost. Houston Street, I believe, has some time on his contract. J.J. Putz as a setup man may work, especially if you have designs on Beltre.
Whatever the situation, here is the deal. Either the front office believed their hype that they weren’t rebuilding or they didn’t. Whatever. You’re sitting at a game point 5 out at the break and you have a chance to win the division.
Here is Billy Smith’s first chance as a GM. Will he seize the day…a day that doesn’t present itself every year or will he do the safe thing and build for next year? Guess what? These are not mutually exclusive concepts. If you pick the right guys you can accomplish rebuild and compete.
Show me something, Billy.
ESPN keeps repeating the Beltre or Beltran, whoever, deal. But just who would the Mariners accept in return? Lamb and Everett? Monroe and Bass? M’s are not dumb. Everyone else is untouchable in my book.
Daniel,
I also enjoyed the discussions with you and Carlos G.
My mom’s people are from California, and it took a very long time to live down the 1965 World Series.
I personally think the young pups, FORGET all the rough times from the mid-70’s really through 2000 (with the brief exception of 1987 & 1991).
I remember, I believe in the late 70’s when there were something like 6 or 7 former Twins starting in the All Star Game.
Regards,
Willie Norwood: Great comment! The Twins don’t have a good setup guy - Crain’s still not back to where he was before his shoulder surgery and who knows when, or if, Neshak will be back. They need to look for a good setup player that’s more than just a rental. The Twins have a very young OF and a number of good OF propects in the minors. They’ve go the trade bait. If they can’t get a solid reliever for a fair price, then so be it, but I’d at least like to see them try.
I have another bullpen arm in mind.
He has a 3.86 ERA with the Mariners.
That ERA is better than Perkins, Slowey, Bass, Neshek, Boof and Livan.
He has pitched more innings (60) than any reliever on the Twins staff except Boof. (ex-starter)
He has pitched more innings than Guerrier, Bass, Nathan, Crain and Reyes.
He can pitch almost every day because his best pitch puts very little strain on his arm.
He is knuckleballer RA Dickey and he was Twins property this winter before they pissed him away to the approval of nearly the entire blog.
Everyone told me he was a career MLB failure with the Rangers and wasn’t good enough to even be kept at Rochester. If he made the Twins, he would just be taking away innings from Brian Bass. (5.31 ERA)
Just freaking brilliant!
OMG! How could the Twins ever have let a career 5+ ERA guy go?
Mr sane. I need a few days to relax. That said, I’m glad that you continue to comb the rosters for potential players. Believe me when I say that we all enjoy the latest info. Keep it coming but don’t resent my silence as tacit disapproval. Your exuberance is appreciated. And, Mr. Bay Area Twins fan, your earlier lengthy post has earned my kudos. Much thanks!
Mr. Dragon, I recall in the late 70’s, leaving my office around 8 pm and catching the last half of games at the Met. The crowds were so spotty that one could drive up to stadium and walk in. Those were the days of Carew, Bostock, Hisle, Goltz, Koosman, etal. They were always better and more exciting than the crowd’s meager numbers would indicate. Those were some of the very lean years that ultimately led to the departure of all the above-named players plus others. A little bit of trivia…who was the principle player sent to the Mets for Jerry Koosman. He was a class A or AA lefthander who had a lengthy ML career. Answer, if not posted, will be given in a short period of time. (No google you younguns.)
Bull,
“OMG! How could the Twins ever have let a career 5+ ERA guy go?”
Yeah, career numbers are all that count.
Just ask the Span-bashers and Casilla-bashers.
Forget the fact that Dickey is now effective (3.86 ERA) and last year was PCL pitcher of the year.
Bass has a 5.31 ERA and he was the Twins best option today in the 8th inning.
How did that work out?
To whom it may concern, the answer from the post of 10:15 was none other than Jesse Orosco, who as part of the NY Mets rebuilding effort, won a World Series ring in 1986 when the Mets defeated the ill-fated “nation” from New England. Yup, Jesse was once a Twins’ farmhand.
LaVelle, That headline threw me. “I did not have relations with that goose” sounds really bad. Perhaps the word “relations” was ill chosen.
Daniel1966 and Dragon,
You’re the biggest idiots on here. Learn something about baseball before you blog about it.
the Dragon says:
July 13th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
“My mom’s people are from California.”
You talk like an illegal immigrant.
Daniel1966,
Thanks for all the lovely strolls down memory lane, everyone thoroughly enjoys listening to you chirping to yourself on a blog. One question though: Exactly how old are you?
Yup, Jesse was once a Twins’ farmhand.
Is Jesse Orosco that really old guy that pitched forever? Because I think I remember him winding up on the Twins for the last part of the 2002/3 season.
Yup, T, I remember Orosco as a Twin. But that Beltre rumor won’t go away. A Gold Glover at third with 16 homers. So he won’t come cheap. I think all the Twins could part with are the top minor league starting pitchers. Any one on the major league roster that are expendable, nobody would want.
Any one on the major league roster that are expendable, nobody would want.
They could pull an Ortiz/Lohse/Romero type trade and get a low level prospect, which would open room for the new addition.
I think Lamb can get you something. Maybe nothing that’d pan out, but something to fill a gap in the minors that lets you move a guy who’s ready further up. Twins could offer to eat the rest of his 08 contract as a peace-offering even.
The fact the Twins are dicussing Beltre is already another big step in the right direction for this FO. It’ll be interesting to see what Seattle wants in return (he’s still got a year on his contract after this one does he not?)
The last few years, were there ever any “open” discussions such as this? I remember Wiggington (though that never seemed like a good fit)
I just hope that we don’t see another team move to block. But like I’ve said a number of times, I don’t see another AL contender with a need at 3B.
Good idea,T, hadn’t thought of that. That reminds me of another rumor that won’t go away. Brett Favre to the Vikings. The Packers trade him to the AFC, and THEY trade him to the Vikes.
Sorry about Brett Favre stories, not fully awake yet!
T-I guess we have to determine if Beltre is a viable option in 2010.I think 10 is the year the FO has determined as the year we can realistically make a serious playoff push.We all hope that we can make the playoffs this year,but to go all the way is a bit of a stretch!With are abundance of pitching prospects,a deal is possible.If not Beltre in 10,who?
whalefeet,
“One question though: Exactly how old are you?”
You got a problem with old people?
whalefeet,
Thank you for the kind remarks.
Regards,
Well said, Mr. Dragon! Whalefeet appears to be a bit out of sorts this fine morning.
Mr. Dragon, As I beleve you said that you live near Washington, D.C., have you ever had occasion to visit the Antietam/Sharpsburg Civil War battlefield in MD. Only reason that I ask is that while perusing one of the many memorials there (a few years ago), I noticed that one of the officers named on the NY memorial was none other than Abner Doubleday. I hope that information is not too ancient for some to absorb. And no, I didn’t serve in that war.
Daniel,
I haven’t been to Antietam/Sharpsburg. Interesting you should ask though. On Saturday, “She who bosses us ALL” and I were in Amissville, VA at our favorite winery for their Annual Celebration. The Winery “Gray Ghost Winery” takes it’s name from the famous son of Amissville. John Singleton Mosby…The “Gray Ghost” of the Confederacy.
Actually, I have spent alot of time at Chancelorsville and Bull Run(Manassas). It continues to intrigue me how some 20000 odd Southerners were able to march from Chancelorsville to Bull Run in less than 24 hours for the battle of 2nd Manassas.
Regards,
Mr. Dragon, Interesting story about J. S. Mosby. I trust you enjoyed the winery. Interesting lessons on tenacity, execution of strategies, physical conditioning, mutual faith and commitment transcend military history. Perhaps, the height of Confederate supremacy in the war occurred at Chancellorsville and also, the beginning of the end, with the loss of Jackson. It acts as fair warning to us all that success can be fleeting. Let us hope that our Twins continue to strive forward and not accept their first half as strides sufficient for a young team.
