Twins-Yanks: Getaway Day
Posted on July 23rd, 2008 – 10:28 AMBy La Velle
The Twins are back in the Bronx today with the daunting tasks of scoring runs against Mike Mussina and winning a game in a ballpark they rarely win in.
It was easy to tell after last night’s loss that struggling in Yankee Stadium is getting to a few guys. Punto’s reaction to not winning a series here since 2001 was classic. We also tried to talk to Jesse Crain, but he was out of answers.
But the clubhouse seems normal this morning. Some players are watching TV. There’s a card game going on. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is doing a crossword puzzle and Denard Span is looking at video of how good a hitter he is. Normal stuff.
The Twins haven’t posted their lineup yet. That usually means Gardy is waiting to see if someone can play or someone is too sore and needs a little rest. I didn’t name names.
On a side note, I ran into a bunch of Twins fans while leaving the ballpark last night. They remained in the Bronx after the game to grab a cold one. One fan claimed he went to school with Judd Zulgad (Judd, call me on this).
Anyway, they were impressed with how friendly the Yankees fans were - sounds like a few rounds were sent their way. “The Yankees fans treated us much nicer than the Red Sox fans,” the leader told me. “Red Sox fans are mean.” Just thought I get that out there.
12:08 update: Mauer gets a day off. Morneau gets a DH day.
Heard Michael Cuddyer’s hand is beginning to feel better.
Gardy was impressed with Francisco Liriano’s outing yesterday. He reported that Liriano topped out at 93 mph and Toledo batters couldn’t hit his slider. No word if that’s enough for a promotion, though.
Lineups
Twins (55-45): 1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Alexi Casilla, 2B. 3. Mike Redmond, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Delmon Young, LF. 6. Mike Lamb, 1B. 7. Brendan Harris, 3B. 8. Nick Punto, SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Glen Perkins.
Yankees (55-45): 1. Johnny Damon, DH. 2. Derek Jeter, SS. 3. Bob Abreu, RF. 4. A-Rod, 3B. 5. Richie Sexson, 1B. 6. Robinson Cano, 2B.7. Melky Cabrera, CF. 8. Jose Molina, C. 9. Justin Christian, LF. Pitching: Moose.
513 Responses to "Twins-Yanks: Getaway Day"
I bet if you ask Span how friendly the fans are in the right field seats he’d say something different…
At the Stadium’s I have never had a problem with Yankees or Red Sox fans. In fact, they all respect how the Twins do biz. I also don’t think they ever consider the Twins a serious enough threat to be disrespectful.
Only bad fans i have ever seen have been Jets fans when the Vikes played at the Meadowlands in 2002. Nothing like getting spit at by a Green Horde.
Did the topic of Liriano come up during all the card games, crossword puzzles, and TV watching?
LaVelle,
is it raining down there? It’s been raining all day up here, 180 miles away.
LaVelle, you know none of us will be happy until we hear that Liriano is going to start for the Twins his next outting 
Liriano:
My guess is that he will be starting his next start with the Twins. I bet they ride it out as long as possible to see what their best option is.
Shawn, also so they can use bass this week until slowey or whoever moves to the pen. I agree with you on that.
Shawn do you make it to this stadium at all. I am not quite sure who plays here
jimmy,
That is Binghamton Mets Stadium. I have been to about 10 games the last 2 years. Its an ok little joint although New Britian’s Stadium is nicer.
Binghamton is blue collar and Conneticut is Conneticut, probably the main reason.
Yankees don’t hit lefty pitching all that well and Mussina is not what he used to be. Loking for a ray of hope, I guess. That said, my mind has already moved on to Cleveland.
Gladden mentioned last night that a group of fans he talked to did have issues with treatment by Yankee fans and had to have security step in. My guess is there are going to be good and bad everywhere. I’ve never had any issues in Chicago, KC, Oakland, or Arlington. In fact, the White Sox fans that come to games at the Dome have been more of a problem than those at the Cell.
Today’s lineup:
RF Span, Denard 0 7 .341
2B Casilla, Alexi 4 38 .320
C Redmond, Mike 0 6 .290
DH Morneau, Justin 15 73 .318
LF Young, Delmon 4 39 .297
1B Lamb, Mike 1 26 .219
3B Harris, Brendan 5 33 .260
SS Punto, Nick 1 18 .311
CF Gomez, Carlos 5 33 .248
Just checked the radar…not raining now in NYC but it will soon…probably a rain our or long delay.
Shawn No worries where I grew up in Cali it was pretty blue collar. Now that I moved to Minnesota every day I say wow the weather is lousy but man I can afford fun doo dads and confangle contraptions now these days
Batting Redmond 3rd when Mauer sits is a bad idea.
rain out i meant
Jason,
if it gets delayed it will be a rainout, unless what we get skims north of NYC. We are going to have rain all day.
Jimmy,
Glad ya like MN, other than the weather. I miss it and hope to get a job there soon.
Shawn in Binghamton I still suffer from Seasonal affective dissorder 9 months a year. I wonder if the players go through this.
Todays lineup:
RF Huskey, Butch
2B Ojeda, Augie
C Walbeck, Matt
DH White, Rondell
LF Munoz, Pedro
1B Stahoviak, Scott
3B Hollins, Dave
SS Meares, Pat
CF Nixon, Otis
Are you kidding me. We are trying to take at least one game here right. I understand that Justin may need a break, but PLEASE don’t put Lamb in there. Batting 6th too. Oh my gosh, this guy is a lost cause. Cut our losses and let this man go. There are 3 outs just like that. Don’t we have anyone else, I am sure that Punto could play first, he plays everywhere else.
A rainout isn’t the worst thing that could happen today. Just sayin.
Lamb must have numbers against Mussina
The Ghost of Lineups Past
What! Terry Tiffee to good for that list
“sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes…. it rains, think about that for a moment”
with all these lineup changes there is no way we can win today these guys will be so confused.
perkins knock somebody on their rear end!!
Decisions are coming, probably checking one last time on Lamb
Lamb doesn’t have numbers against anyone. Maybe his Mom when he was younger and could hit still.
Lamb vs. Mussina: .316/.526/.842
Shawn your probably right, giving him one more shot to show how bad he really is before they wave the white flag.
JImmy B
With stahoviak on 1st and hollins at 3rd, yup, tiffee’s too good.
Todays starting pitcher: Willie Banks
bj was that from 10 years ago? When he still knew what a bat was for?
Red Sox fans are d**chebags. Ever since 2004 they’ve went from the everyman team to the new evil empire and their fans egos have made the trip with them. I find myself not even minding the Yankees when put up against the Sox. It’s kind of disconcerting.
rain out = Twins win.
Lamb and Punto in same lineup….eew.
The Ghost of Lineups Past
Dustan Mohr?
Assume Morneau is DH and not 1B?
Punto & Lamb and pray for rain?
Jimmy B
Oh! I Forgot about him. Lineup revision: A platoon of Kielty/Mohr in left over Munoz.
I will never understand Gardy. Why do replacements HAVE TO bat in the same spot in the lineup as the guy they are replacing? Baffling?!?!?!
Lamb should hit 7th and Redmond 8th. If the game gets played I will bet money that Redmond will come up with guys in scoring position and he will not come through.
Does Gardy know tomorrow is an off day and Mauer could catch a day game after a night game?
The Ghost of Lineups Past
Happy I could lend a hand
Right on jama
This game is already over before it starts. Red dog hitting 3-hole and Lamb and Punto are in the line-up. Why even bother showing up. Save the bullpen and just forfeit Gardy. You are completely gutless.
I’m a day late but i quite like flipping Gomez down to the nine hole so long as Span keeps contributing uo top. Taking some of the pressure off Gomez might be just what he needs.
Punto in this line-up….
I thought we play the hot hand…
why?
why?
Trade him and boof to the saints
Johnny Moses and Michael Ryan
why?
If giving people the day off is the theme of the day, why not give Carlos the day off. Slide Span to center and kubel to right.
Hey, Ghosts of Line-ups past??
What are the chances Tom Prince gets in the game? Will Tony Fiore get an inning out of the pen?
On the positive end, i get to listen to the game on local radio at work
Negative end… I have to listen to Sterling and Waldmyn
Redmond batting third is gimicky. It worked last year for a below .500 team because honestly did anyone care? But I would actually like to make the playoffs this year. But then again, who else bats there? I see we have Punto, Lamb, and Redmond in the line-up. I’m smelling 2.5 games back of the White Sox.
I wish Punto was in the “Ghost of Lineups Past”.
jama-
I agree completely. I’ve never understood why Redmond bats in the three hole. He’s a good backup catcher but it’s embarrassing when he bats in the most important spot in the lineup.
Gardenhire,
I’m sure you’ve made Perkins a happy guy with this lineup today. Two of the teams best hitters are on the bench (Mauer, Kubel), and you’re batting a no-power backup catcher in the 3-hole.
I was amazed that you had a managing job, until I saw that Bill Smith values wins as an indication of how good a pitcher is over any other stat.
Then it all made sense.
OK, this is a big game for the Twins. They need to salvage one win in NY - but what does our doum ass Manager do? He sits his best hitter against a RHP? Are you serious Gardy? Tomorrow is an off day for cripes sake. You can even DH Mauer and put Redmond behind the plate. The odds of Red Dog getting hurt a slim and even if he does, you lose the DH for what….3-4 innings?? Who cares?? We own NL baseball.
Gardy needs to go. Plain and simple.
Bill Brasky is very brash! I kind of like it. He needs to do more punto bashing, however.
here’s a good one:
Colorado wants Clay Bucholz in return for Brian Fuentes
that sounds like a trade proposed by us Twins rubes
Typical headcase Twins. Whenever they go to New York and Boston, you can see the fear in their eyes. The Twins are scared to death when they play over there, and it shows. You’d think by now they wouldn’t be so intimidated by another team, but the Twins are still a headcase when they play there. They need counseling.
Gardy’s lineup = pray for rainout.
What was he drinking whilst working on his crossword puzzle?
“I was amazed that you had a managing job, until I saw that Bill Smith values wins as an indication of how good a pitcher is over any other stat.”
That’s not actually what he said, and I seriously doubt it’s true. I think his comments had more to do with having a team capable of winning with a bad pitcher as opposed to being incapable of winning with a good pitcher.
Mauer has caught 5 days in a row. It’s time for a day off.
Now putting Redmond in the three hole, that I don’t get, but I certainly understand Mauer sitting today.
I can never understand the major whine that happens whenever Redmond bats 3rd.
When not batting 3rd: 12 games, 7 for 35, .194 average
When batting 3rd: 10 games, 13 for 33, .394 average
would you take Brian Cashman over Billy if Hanky fires him?
Here with go….
Harris goes 3-4, will sit all weekend because that is not hot enough
Manager will get thrown out of game in 3rd inning trying to provide spark to JV team after arguing a check swing with bases empty.
Punto 0-4, two k’s, two pop outs.
Blyleven will say “major league level” only 33 times.
They will not mention one thing about the last year of Yankee Stadium.
sal butera
“would you take Brian Cashman over Billy if Hanky fires him?”
Good question. Hard to know how good Cashman would be with a budget. Right now, I’d say no. I’m basically pretty happy with Bill Smith at the moment.
The biggest thing with Redmond is that he can be a base-clogger. The thought of Redmond and Morneau on the basepaths at the same time makes me cringe. But that’s just my gut talking. Red puts up decent numbers at the dish, especially considering his limited time. Who else are we going to put there anyway?
Bill Smith said, “I’ll take the (10) wins (Livan’s current amount of wins). Who do you want, a guy who’s 10-15 with a 2.80 ERA or a guy who’s 16-8 with a 7.00 ERA? I’ll take the 16-8.”
Even if that was coming from a fan it would be a completely ignorant statement. The fact that it’s coming from the GENERAL MANAGER of our team is completely horrifying. I mean… really?!?!? How does he not understand???
I’ve always been a BS supporter but that had me flabbergasted. I was speachless after I read it… I still don’t like reading it.
is it within the rules to have 2 people playing first base? That seems a little unfair, but maybe we need the little extra help in Yankee stadium
Patrick,
I have a question. Would you rather be the Giants with Tim Lincecum or the Twins with Livan?
I think this is basically the point Bill was making. On the surface, you’d much rather have Lincecum. However, if having him means your team isn’t even contending in the worst division in baseball as opposed to being in the pennant race you might reconsider.
hello? It’s similar to the two back system the Vikes use just watch and see.
It’s frustrating to lose these types of games because the Yankees really aren’t that great. I don’t get the whole “Yankee mystique” angle–a ballpark is a ballpark just play like you do everywhere else.
I’d rather be the Twins with Livan in the bullpen and Liriano starting in his place.
I don’t think that’s the point he was making at all. I’m not even sure where you get that from what he said. To me, he was saying if the team gets the win even when a pitcher does poorly, that’s all that matters. In essence, he’d rather have Livan starting an important game for him than anyone else in our rotation because Livan has the most wins. It’s foolishness. Apparently he doesn’t put much stock in Baker’s 1-0 loss but he’s happy with our 13-10 win when Livan gives up 10 ER. I’m happy with the win too but I’d rather have the better pitcher throwing for us.
Colorado wants Clay Bucholz in return for Brian Fuentes
Wow. Were they paying attention at all during the Santana trade talks.
Though don’t they have the OTHER Bucholz? Or is that the Brewers?
You are completely gutless.
I dunno. The gutless thing to do would be to forfeit.
Oh wait. That was YOUR idea.
Yankees are a better team then the Twins plain and simple.. tell where Twins team is better? maybe I am missing it
Fire the Twins are better at doing the little things right.
we have a better rotation and score more runs then they do.
He never said anything about important games. Also, Livan hasn’t won any games 13-10. The games he’s won:
3-2
6-4
5-0
11-1
13-1
7-3
2-1
5-3
12-3
14-2
He hasn’t won a single game in which he’s given up 5 or more runs (of which there are several), although the Twins did manage to bail him out a few times.
Don’t try and tell Fire anything, everything is personal to him. The Twins do thing better then the Yankees and the Yankees with their payroll do better things then the Twins, but real Twins fans love them anyway!
they are way better then us
Let’s pray that some fool team is interested in taking a chance on Lamb and that this is his last audition for said team’s scouts. Hope and pray. I don’t see why Mauer can’t DH for his off day, either. Redmond batting third makes as much sense as anyone else in the lineup, really.
Twins rotation is better along with Catcher and 1B.
Read the blogs.
Mauer is NOT a 3-hole hitter!
Maybe Redmond is.
FIRE VAVRA & GARDY!!!! says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Yankees are a better team then the Twins plain and simple.. tell where Twins team is better? maybe I am missing it
===============
Catcher, 1st base, right field.
Derek I completely agree.
I wouldn’t say tbe twins rotation is definately better. Mussina, Pettite and Chamberlain are pretty good. Fatty Ponson has pitched pretty well. Rasner is pretty crappy, but not Livan crappy.
If we brought up liriano, then I would say our rotation is better.
He hasn’t won a single game in which he’s given up 5 or more runs
It’s an interesting situation. When Livan’s good…he’s GOOD. When he’s bad he’s TERRIBLE.
It’s like Silva, but cheaper. Could you imagine if the Twins had paid Silva like some people here would’ve had them do. It would’ve been a disaster.
Lamb beard reminds me of the old saying.
Batting practice is like shaving.
If you don’t do it EVERY DAY, you’ll look like a bum!
T Oh my gosh your so right. Especially seeing Silva leave early because of his leg the other night too. What a waste of $$$.
Ghost:
Is Scott Klingenbeck or however you spell his name hurt?
I hope Ron Davis can come in and close.
Maybe Dave McCarty can pinch hit?
Sal Butera should be the back up catcher.
Munoz was too good to be on this list. Where’s Rich Becker?
I don’t see why Mauer can’t DH for his off day, either
Because that’s where Morneau is. Also, with guys like Buscher, and Monroe available…the days of Mauer DHing when Redmond’s in are over.
I would rather see Buscher in at 1B. He’s more likely in long term plans than Lamb is. So he should get the looks at 1B. Unless Gardy is concerned that Buscher isn’t experienced enough at 1B (how much did has he played there between now and the minors?)
I’d add LF to the list of where the Twins are better… and frankly, even with his struggles, I’d much rather have Gomez than Cabrera in CF.
Yankee radio announcers are truly annoying.
Pretty efficient 2nd inning for Perks. What was that, about 8 pitches? Wonder if the Yankee blogs are whining about hitters not taking enough pitches.
“I would rather see Buscher in at 1B. He’s more likely in long term plans than Lamb is. So he should get the looks at 1B.”
he wouldn’t have to throw the ball at first a big plus!
I agree, JimCrikket. I’d also add that we have another CF option in Span that I’d take over Cabrera. That leads me where I think I was going… Twins just have more depth that the Yanks. It isn’t blue chip depth, but it’s depth. And we’ve seen what a difference that makes in season this year.
who was it that decided that play-by-play would not be complete without the announcer adding his / her 2 cents worth of smart-aleck remarks?
Was it Joe Buck?
We miss you, Herb.
Yankee radio announcers are truly annoying.
Why because it sounds like this?
“Derek Jeter just took a dump in the Yankees locker room.
It was the greatest dump by a shortstop in the history of the game…”
The Twins have lost 10 straight games against on the road against RedSox,White sox and Yankees..
Not able to watch the game… are there infield shadow issues?
Does anyone else see that when Harris plays 3rd base he hits SO much better then playing anywhere else.
So here’s a question…if the issue is the Yankee Stadium “mystique”, does that mean next year the Twins can start fresh?
I mean, how can a stadium awe you with its history when there won’t be any?
“Not able to watch the game… are there infield shadow issues?”
Looks to be pretty consistent lighting all around the infield.
Way to go LNP.
I mean, how can a stadium awe you with its history when there won’t be any?
It can awe you with its price tag…
he wouldn’t have to throw the ball at first a big plus!
But you KNOW Harris or Punto would fling one his way to show him what it’s like.
If by Morneau’s request more than anything.
man, I hope the Twins kick some butt today…I want to hear the pain in this fool’s voice…
GO-GO ughhhhhh!
The Twins TV announcers spent 99% of their air time glorifying the Yankees and kissing up to their organization. Whenever the Twins play the Yankees, they act like a prostitute with a new boyfried. They totally embarrass Minnesota Twins fans. The only Twins player they complimented was Nick Punto, of all people, who made a fielding error and went 0 for 4 as usual. I think the Twins should put the radio announcers, who are really good, on TV to announce the games. Blyleven and Brenner are the absolute worst.
did nicky get after it, get in some good swings?
has nicky been giving gomez bunting lessons?
Please….just please send gomez to AAA and bring up Liriano.
Gomez is so overmatched now it isn’t even funny.
“Derek Jeter just took a dump in the Yankees locker room.”
That may be the last time Jeter ever takes a standup dump in Yankee Stadium before the Yankees move……
t: are you saying harris and punto throw as bad as buscher?
“But you KNOW Harris or Punto would fling one his way to show him what it’s like.”
Gladden on TV would rock….instead of “Circle Me Bert” you’d have ‘which complete tool in the crowd can I make fun of this inning’
I think the Twins should put the radio announcers, who are really good, on TV to announce the games. Blyleven and Brenner are the absolute worst.
The only reason Gladden and Gordo would be any good on TV is because then you could consult the on-screen graphics when they forget to tell you what’s going on for half an inning.
grit man 0-1 and looking
he his on fire
Living in Mass, I am watching the game on MLB.tv which means listening to the Yankees TV announcers. I actually don’t mind them (as opposed to, say, the Angels announcers). They seem competent about the players on the other team and will actually talk about them in a non-condescending manner.
are you saying harris and punto throw as bad as buscher?
Nope. I’m saying Morneau would request they send a few bad throws his way to teach him a lesson.
That may be the last time Jeter ever takes a standup dump in Yankee Stadium before the Yankees move……
You what’s going to be worse than all this “last time” stuff?
Next season. When it turns into “first time ever” stuff.
Like any team’s first visit to Yankee Stadium 2. Or the first hit/homer/fan on the field/hot dog eaten….
Like any team’s first visit to Yankee Stadium 2. Or the first hit/homer/fan on the field/hot dog eaten….
First battery thrown at an opposing player…
Ghost,
Hollins was a good third baseman for us. A better ghost would be Batista. Another one is Brent Gates. Yikes he was bad.
“I mean, how can a stadium awe you with its history when there won’t be any?”
They spent an extra $10 mil to pump mystique into the new stadium.
Great Job Perkins!
wow, this game’s going to be over by 1:30.
They spent an extra $10 mil to pump mystique into the new stadium.
I was wondering what they were going to do with all of that leftover mystique from the old stadium.
I was hoping I could buy some for cube.
The Twins need to vote against Inter-league play.
Its obvious the Twins believe that they are not in the Yankees league.
T, what’s the ‘over/under’ on how many years before we’re forced to endure the first All Star game in the new stadium? No chance they have to wait the normal 15-20 years.
“He never said anything about important games. Also, Livan hasn’t won any games 13-10. The games he’s won:
3-2
6-4
5-0
11-1
13-1
7-3
2-1
5-3
12-3
14-2
He hasn’t won a single game in which he’s given up 5 or more runs (of which there are several), although the Twins did manage to bail him out a few times.”
Yeah, I made up the 13-10 score but the point is the same. For a GM to make a quote like that is kind of scary. Maybe you’re right though and he meant it differently than how I’m taking it.
*”buy some for my cube”
…See, this is why I need mystique.
The Twins have lost 10 straight at Yankees,RedSox and WhiteSox…
some of the scores have been
2-11
2-12
2-12
5-18
4-12
2-8
Bill Smith’s winter was a joke, w/ inheriteding Mauer and Morneau and this pitching staff, this team would be in first place and possibly competing against the Yanks and Sox?
Look back at Bill Smith’s moves in one poor offseason…
1.Johan Santanna give away.Just didn’t get enough for him, look at what C.C Sabathia was worth!
2. Delmon young farse. Bill smith got played by the Devil Rays here. Put Garza and Bartlett on this team and take Young off this team and put him on the Devil Rays and the Twins are way better and the Devil rays are a .500 team fact!
3.Wasting money on Cuddyer.
Span is a much better player in RF then Cuddyer, now we are stuck w/ the below average Cuddy, and why did we resign Cuddy? another terrible move by Bill (in over his head) Smith.
Francisco Liarano.. Bill Smith has no clue on how this either. Liarano is now stating he want to go to a new organization. Twins will now lose Francisco down the road because he feels The Twins have no loyality towards him, he is pitching as good as anybody on the planet now, and the Twins are wasting his talent.
Bill Smith goes out and signs Adam Everett and Mike Lamb, and when he did it we all said What??? and we are still saying what?
Bill Smith is running the Twins into the ground thats the truth Twins fans!!!
no mauer?
They need to call up Liriano now! Great debate here:
http://media.myfoxtwincities.com/livestream/webcast/archive.htm
No chance they have to wait the normal 15-20 years.
I can almost guarantee you that New Yankee Stadium 2: Extra Mystique Edition will get an All-Star Game before (ROF)LoL Park.
“They spent an extra $10 mil to pump mystique into the new stadium.”
i think that was sewage from the old stadium.
Let’s see a big hit, Jason.
i think that was sewage from the old stadium.
Or maybe unsold bottles of Jeter’s new perfume?
“jon says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
The Twins need to vote against Inter-league play.
Its obvious the Twins believe that they are not in the Yankees league.”
To heck with that jon they should offer to switch places with the Brewers then we would be contenders every year.
I hope Perkins is getting the extra 2 inches are both sides of the plate that Mussina is getting…
“Maybe you’re right though and he meant it differently than how I’m taking it.”
I hope so, cause if you’re right, the Twins are in big trouble.
why is lamb playing? He should be sitting on his couch collecting a check.
young swings at crap
“Or maybe unsold bottles of Jeter’s new perfume?”
same thing jeters sh** doesn’t stink if you’re a yankee fan.
My apologies to Dick and Bert, John Sterling is the worst ever. He is way over the top in his praise of Mussina. Absolutely disgusting, not to mention, unprofessional.
I really hope Smith is able to find a trading partner (that doesn’t want us to trade away key players…*coughMARINERScough*) to help this lineup out.
It’s funny. Against Boston it was the lineup that had some issues (with the bullpen doing no favors).
This series against New York it’s primarily been pitching issues (with the lineup doing no favors)
Is there really any hole that’s consistently there? I don’t think the Twins have the resources to fix BOTH holes as much as they need to….perhaps ONE and then a slight improvement, but then which one?
Pitching AND hitting our letting us down when they face the big boys.
Up and in at Jeter! ’bout damn time.
thank you perk for one high and tight!!!!!!!!!!
young swings at crap
From what I’ve heard (and seen) regarding the strike zone…it may be by choice. 
I watched the YES feed last night on xtra innings. Kay and company were far less shrill and homerish than I was prepared for. I’d take him over either of the Chicago broadcast teams any day.
Plus the Yankee Stadium blah blah blah is a lot easier to take from the guys who actually work there all year.
Another classic bit of baseball wisdom from Dan Gladden. On Mike Mussina:
“his best pitch is his location.”
It’s just heartwarming to realize the Twins have a broadcaster with such a masterful command of the english language. On the bright side, we’ll get black Jack soon when Danny goes to Sturgis to hang with his biker buddies.
How about trading Bonser, Delmon Young and two minor league prospects for Adrian Beltre?
Play Span in LF and Gomez in RF, and pitch Liarano every 5th day.Seems simple to me,these two moves could keep the Twins in the pennant race IMHO!!!
Up and in at Abreu, too.
Redmond must have had to call time out to tell him Twins pitchers just don’t DO that to Yankees… not in historic Yankee Stadium
thats Gomez in CF of course, also why not trying to move Cuddyer for middle infield help.
T,
I think if the Twins make a trade, it will be for a third baseman. It seems to be their priority. I’d love to see them get a set-up man as well or even instead of, but everyone is looking for bullpen help and the price will be steep.
PS. Gotta cover first, Perk!!!
Thats middle relief help for Cuddy?
We’re not getting Beltre. Seattle has seen enought x-Twin busts for a while.
1.Span LF
2.Casilla 2b
3.Mauer c
4.Morneau 1b
5.Beltre 3b
6.Kubel rf
7.Monroe (Texeria)dh
8.Punto ss
9.Gomez cf
also Twins could rent Texeria for 2 months he could be had for Bonser or Cuddy or two b level prospects.
“Bill Smith running Twins into ground says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
thats Gomez in CF of course, also why not trying to move Cuddyer for middle infield help.”
That makes the “real” Bill Smith look like Einstein!
Watching Perkins through four today, one can only imagine what another power lefty might have meant to the Twins this series.
I agree we won’t get Beltre. Bill smith could never pull off that 5 star move.
Watching the Yes network telecast. Michael Key makes me wanna puke!
Micheal Key makes me wanna vommit too…
also Twins could rent Texeria for 2 months he could be had for Bonser or Cuddy or two b level prospects.
Considering what it took Atlanta to GET Tex as recently as last year…think again.
So, anybody else want to join me in figuring out who this guy really is?
Way to go LNP. You are terrible.
I’m watching Gamecast so I can only guess that Punto either threw his helmet down in disgust after that DP or he slid headfirst into 1B trying to beat it out.
Daniel1966 another lefty just would have meant we would have lost 1 - 0 again.. starting pitching isn’t this team’s problem: offense and bullpen is
0-2 and 0-6 since return
2007 again
love the grit and playing the hot hand!
Yes I live in chicago, and Hawk and DJ suck hard, but this Michael Key guy is unbearable
“sane Lamb beard reminds me of the old saying.
Batting practice is like shaving.
If you don’t do it EVERY DAY, you’ll look like a bum!”
Right on sane
Patrick,
The dp was actually a pretty nice play by Sexson. He dug out the grounder, tagged first then threw a bullet to Jeter who tagged out Harris. Punto never had a chance to slide. Didn’t see whether he threw his helmet.
Which one is the real Mike Lamb?
Here’s the fun part.
Twins have all of three hits on the day. 1 of which is from oft-maligned Redmond, and 1 from freq-maligned Lamb.
Of course, we’ll just over look that. Focus on Punto (who’s 0-fer). Nevermind that Morneau, Kubel, Casilla, Span…well…damn near everybody, is 0-fer today.
But it’s not like Mussina’s a good pitcher or anything.
You know, MLB.com’s Gameday should have something that let’s you frame the strikezone based on the umps calls.
Now that they’ve got that nice pitch tracking feature, they should put it to some use like that.
Wow, Punto has played 2 1/2 games since he is back and since he hasn’t gotten a hit it is time to rip him. Some of you guys are unreal. LNP is not a faviorite of mine, but he has played pretty good baseball this year.
T-
It’s not as fun to rip on Morneau, Kubel, Casilla, and Span. Well, it was fun to rip on Span in April but apparently that has gone out of style. He’s one of the cool kids now. Punto is everybody’s favorite punching bag.
Casilla’s brain is not working this series.
Nevermind that Morneau, Kubel, Casilla, Span…well…damn near everybody, is 0-fer today.
These guys actaully belong in majors….
THE 9TH BATTER!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Punto has played 2 1/2 games since he is back
why?
Remember AaronK, it’s only okay to cherry pick when its in your favor. Otherwise use the ENTIRE season’s worth of stats.
Of course, it’s not LNP’s fault he can’t get a hit in key spots today.
There is absolutely no excuse for losing track of the number of outs. Not at any level of baseball and certainly not a major leaguer.
Game over. The twins will not win with LNP in the line-up today.
I’m sick of this sh*t
some flippin rookie no one’s ever heard of spanked us for two runs…
Losing track of the number of outs? What happened? I’m “watching” gamecast.
Guess we know what other teams have felt like after our ‘no name’ rookies get hits. LOL
Yes me too, what happened? Should they have been out of the inning already?
No rookie beat us it was Casilla losing his mind. That rook would have been up with nobody on in the next inning.
Harris fielded a grounder, threw to second where casilla tagged the bag then proceeded to run towards the dugout as if it were three outs.
Casilla didn’t turn a dp because he thought the inning was over…that was before both runs scored. Molina was runnign down the line, so it wasn’t a tough turn.
Punto has played 2 1/2 games since he came back and we will be 2 1/2 games out of first place after we lose today. Just a coincidence though. Punto makes me happy everytime I see him out there instead of that no good Everett. What a waste of $$$.
Punto is everybody’s favorite punching bag.
Exactly. He’s a go-to. As demonstrated by people ripping on the guy when he was on the DL for two weeks.
If you can’t make a REAL complaint, just insert “Punto” into your comment, hurl some random insult, and feel like you’re actually talking baseball.
Well, it was fun to rip on Span in April but apparently that has gone out of style.
Great example. Span has such a disasterous April that everybody wants him hung up as an example…then he comes back up, and after two days suddenly he’s untouchable on the trade market and the greatest thing to happen this year.
And those who partake in the flip-flopping simply dismiss it as “Oh, I’m HAPPY to see him performing.”
But I bet the moment he starts to show signs of struggling (like oh…later this season once scouts start to spread the word), he’ll be back at the lunch table with the band geeks, goths, and Punto.
How are both of those pitches of Gomez at bat 1 and 2 strikes and Perkins pitch last inning isn’t?
Ugh.. The travails of being a rookie.
Alexi will just have to make it up with a base hit then and get the 2 runs back. GO GO GO
Gladden: “lots of conversation in the Twins dugout as the players came off the field.”
I would sure as sh*t hope so.
Sounds like Perk had a few choice words for the plate ump, as well.
Casilla’s mistake was not losing track of outs.
He has to cover 2B with one OR TWO outs.
He showed up late, because his auto-pilot was off when the ball was hit to Harris at 3B.
My guess?
Fast asleep while standing up!
T Who would get a gold glove first DY or Adam Dunn
Glad I can’t watch right now. Favorites and “earned” strike zones are my least favorite thing in sports. It’s why I don’t watch the NBA.
Sane - he did cover 2nd, he just thought that he made the third out and started running to the dugout instead of throwing out known speedster Jose Molina at first.
Jim,
Perk thought the ump called strike three, but he called it a ball (a bad call, but whatever). After the inning, he talked to the ump, but it looked like they were just clearing things up.
The twins will not win with LNP in the line-up today.
Um, just a heads up. Two runs just scored because Casilla lost track of the outs.
But that’s okay, this basically demonstrates Patrick’s point. You KNOW if Punto had made the same throw Casilla did Monday, and now this today…there’d be a procession of Strib commenters at the Dome waiting with pitchforks and torches.
Heck, look at the responses yesterday after Punto made an error.
It’s hilarious the kind of hypocrasy around the boards. That Casilla play is dumber than most ANYTHING we’ve seen this season.
yep Twins do the ‘little things’ better then Yankees.. I know Yankees are a better team but I would just like the Twins to be competitive just once against Yanks..
Now a double! Great! Oh the pain!
Gomez actually got a hit and Span wipes him off the bases with a DP…when things are bad they really go bad for this team. Please make a deal to get yourself a good bat! Can’t anyone else see this team is already losing momentum?
OH! Gomez gets a hit and Span doubles him up. HATERADE GO!
I wonder why he even comes in here. Go to the Yankees site where you belong FIRE!
“Favorites and “earned” strike zones are my least favorite thing in sports. It’s why I don’t watch the NBA.”
I was just telling a buddy of mine about this video I’ve seen (on youtube?) that’s a compilation of pitches from Greg Maddux. They’re all obvious balls (I mean a foot outside or at the ankles or a foot outside AND at the ankles-obvious balls) and they’re all called strikes because it’s Maddux pitching. It’s irritating as all hell.
at least since so many people want to complain about very things… we have T here to complain about those people.
the circle of baseball life
Isn’t Punto a long term vet, and Casilla in his 2nd year? I’d expect more mistakes from Casilla.
Chris, I don’t think the Twins need to be told.
I just REALLY wish the Mariners weren’t asking for the moon.
Good threat…Im sure it counts for something. We are good at not finishing chances to score.
Although I am afraid of bringing the theme back to Gardenhire, can you imagine trying to coach Casilla, Gómez, and DY at the same time? Holy hell.
And Casilla nearly gets picked at second. His head isn’t in this game. I’m certainly happy that he got a double (for all the good it did), but I would have liked to see Gardy pinch-hit Buscher for him and slide Punto/Harris over in the infield. It may not have helped them win this game, but Casilla needs to get his head screwed on straight.
P.S. White Sox are already up 3-1 and Tigers are up 2-0.
Well your just the bringer of good news huh, oh this doesn’t look good.
“Isn’t Punto a long term vet, and Casilla in his 2nd year?”
And no one gives Young crap when he makes a mistake…
we have T here to complain about those people.
And those that complain about me. It truly is a vicious cycle.
It’s irritating as all hell.
It’s why I wish Gameday would go back and compile strikezones for a game. I imagine they TRIED to implement something like that…but then it busted the first time it actually tried to calculate one during the game.
No sense of urgency! Hey Gardy, what did you get for 4 across on that crossword puzzle.
T must also be Stacy? another multiple personality?? is Herb and Friends coming too??
tony,
” he did cover 2nd, he just thought that he made the third out and started running to the dugout instead of throwing out known speedster Jose Molina at first.’
That is not how I saw it on TV.
He was ridiculously late to cover 2B and was running so fast to beat the runner to 2B that he had no chance to throw to 1B.
IMO, if he had reached 2B on time and under control, he would turned the DP.
I guess we will hear the real story post-game.
Go Go finally gets on base and you don’t steal him? I don’t care who is catching, and what Go Go has done recently on the bases. This is the main reason he is not in AAA (which he should be now we are contending). Use his speed! With the B line up in, you need to get Go Go to 2nd, or at least try. Instead another DP. Then Casilla doubles, redmond grounds out.
This is a loss.
Chris P.S. no worries we have Cleveland and Seattle soming up soon
LNP made a lousy throw to home to get Molina. LNP has done nothing since his return except hurt this ballclub. Go away LNP..for ever.
“at least since so many people want to complain about very things… we have T here to complain about those people.
the circle of baseball life”
haha, SOMEONE needs to hate on the haters.
“Isn’t Punto a long term vet, and Casilla in his 2nd year? I’d expect more mistakes from Casilla.”
yeah that’s true, but I wouldn’t expect a little leaguer to forget how many outs there are. Get your head in the game. That’s inexcusable.
Sterling: “Now the Yankees need to score this run”
why? the Twins bats haven’t done jacksh*t since Saturday
Fire Don’t know who Herb and Friends are, but if they act like you do, they can take there negative talk to the other room with the stripes.
but Casilla needs to get his head screwed on straight.
It’s the same problems he was showing last season (albeit more frequently)
Me thinks some of it maybe is high pressure games? Last season he was getting his first real audition as a Twin.
He makes a mistake (like on Monday), and it gets in his head. Then he goes out and tries to make up for it…
Casilla and Gomez perhaps have the same problem. They’ve got confidence, but when the pressure’s on they lose focus (see Gomez before his slump when he’d come up with men on vs. empty)
rghrbek,
Gomez tried to steal, but Span fouled off a pitch. The next pitch, he grounded into a dp.
how is that not a friggin strike
Stacy Fire is actually quite funny. Trust Me.
I have a bad feeling that this is about to get ugly. Hope I’m wrong
rghrbek, GoGo tried to steal, but Span fouled off the pitch.
Gardenhire is Pohlad’s puppet boy and he will not call up Liriano in order to save the organization money. Actually, I don’t believe Gardenhire is good with statistics due to his lack of education. He only knows what Pohlad orders him to do. Liriano could have an ERA of 0.01 in 40 starts and Gardenhire would not bring him up. The Twins have suffered alot over the years due to Gardenhire’s slow response time to the obvious. Last season, he thought he was in Spring Training all year long and never did figure out a starting lineup or starting pitching rotation.
Tony - even if he wiggles out of it…do you really have any faith that we will score 3 runs this game?
T,
I agree, but he’s looking like he’s just not paying attention out there. Standing on second base, he nearly gets picked, but the throw goes into CF. He then starts to run to third before realizing he won’t make it, and slowly turns back to second and meandering back to the bag. The ball is live! Get back on the bag!
This ump really wants perk to throw a rod a cookie
Is sid out there somewhere his friend Mr Baseball is back for some enlightening convo
right T.. err I mean Stacy.. stick to talking about the Twins not other rubes it’s more fun that way
Ok I will trust you JimmyBee, hopefully it will get better.
when the pitching goes it goes quickly. Come on guys! Geesh
Still waiting…..
I’ve got better things to do than watch this crap
I am happy they won’t be paying at Fenway or Yankee stadium now for the rest of the year.
time for perk to move to the pen
Game Over
“Liriano could have an ERA of 0.01 in 40 starts and Gardenhire would not bring him up.”
When did Gardy get the GM position?
Sendric and AaronK, thanks, damn MLB GameCast doesn’t provide that kind of info.
Update Time - White Sox / Rangers 3-3 Go Texas!
Chris - 3 maybe, 5 not so much.
Gardenhire is Pohlad’s puppet boy and he will not call up Liriano in order to save the organization money.
Problem number 1) Gardy doesn’t make the final call on send-ups/call-downs.
I didn’t finish the rest of your post.
——-
Also, I think I’ve got the k-zone figured out. It’s the pinstripes. They TOTALLY throw off the umps vision accuity somehow. Like if you stare to long at an odd pattern it gives you vertigo (or something like that).
It would explain the Home/Road split (Yanks jerseys don’t have stripes on the road)
Could that be the mystique?
dude we suck
So, any thoughts about how the Vikings will do this year?
Since June 13th:
Punto Not Starting: Twins are 17 - 5
Punto Starting: Twins are 7 - 6
I present nothing but the facts.
I think at this point if you are defending Punto, just look at the wins and losses of the Twins. You will be on the losing side of the argument everytime. I would much rather have the team win then defend batting statistics, great defensive plays, bunting skills, etc. I’m all about wins and losses. The fact remains when Punto does not start, the Twins have a higher percentage of winning games. You can’t argue with facts.
jimmy bee not to be the bearer of bad news but with Cleveland coming up next we have Lee and Carmona lined up Friday and Saturday.
right T.. err I mean Stacy.. stick to talking about the Twins not other rubes it’s more fun that way
*psst* FIRE. Just a heads up. Calling out somebody as a dupe name only works when you can back it up.
All you’ve got is “LOL THEY BOTH DISAGREE WITH ME!”
The rain gods did not smile on us today.
How quickly people jump of the bandwagon. They are having a bad stretch. Name me a team that hasn’t had a couple.
I thought A-rod hit a HR, Sterling got so excited i shut the radio off
I hope NY crushes the Twins today. Maybe it will wake them up again because they are not into this game or the series.
These games reinforce my belief that the Twins pitchers are good pitchers, but do not have great stuff. This type of lineup (playoff type teams) is exactly why I was opposed to trading Garza when you knew Santana was being traded. Lineups like this (of which there are not many) are able to adjust to the Twins’ pitchers “stuff” easily because they don’t have great pitches.
More fodder for needing Liriano up here….
I think at this point if you are defending Punto, just look at the wins and losses of the Twins.
So wait, wins/losses are the perfect measure against Punto…but a terrible measure in favor of Livan.
Wow. You guys would be able to build much stronger arguments if you didn’t spend half the time ripping your other ones apart.
Does anybody think Livan has any trade value? I am just looking to open up a spot for Liriano to come up. Of course what I am thinking the Twins probably aren’t going to trade any arms, old or young.
Sntana pitched pretty bad last year to a few teams in our division last year. Cleveland and Detroit come to mind..
More fodder for needing Liriano up here….
It is funny how quickly the starting pitching fell off the wagon once the Liriano story kicked off.
Santana, I mean
Does anybody think Livan has any trade value? I am just looking to open up a spot for Liriano to come up. Of course what I am thinking the Twins probably aren’t going to trade any arms, old or young. Thoughts?
Why would you move Perk? he’s been the Twins’ 2nd best starter since he came up as a starter this year.
See Fire, you shouldn’t jump on the plank so much, you wouldn’t get bit in the ass then.
MWW - agreed.
I think Perkins has pitched as well as anybody this series. I’d rather see Slowey in the pen - his best innings seem to be early (although I’m too lazy to look that up).
Livan would likely be worth something like Ortiz was worth something last season.
Not much, but it would open up a spot in the rotation.
I still like the suggestion regarding Bass. Him and Boof are essentially the same job…but at least Boof could potentially bring some trade value.
I think wins and losses are a horrible way to measure a pitcher’s performance. Using them to measure a postion player’s performance is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard. That, and there are way better stats you can use to bash punto.
T,
I’m just a “guy”, not a “guys”. I love Livan. I hate Punto. Get it straight.
Livan gets us wins. Punto gives us losses.
Glad i didn’t go to the game
“…I’m all about wins and losses.”
Does that mean Livan is a good pitcher cause the Twins are 14-7 when he pitches?
Don’t look now but that object in the mirror that is closer than may appear is the Tigers!
T: I based that statement on my belief that Liriano has great stuff, and just needed to find it again, not on the last 4 days.
Livan gets us wins. Punto gives us losses.
Do you work for ESPN? It’s the only reason I can think that you’d consider a win or loss as the best measure of a single players performance.
AJ Pesh,
If I go to the game, the Twins are 40-0.
If I don’t go to the game, the Twins are 0-40.
If those are facts, does that mean that I am the reason the Twins win.
Those may be facts, but there is NO cause and effect relationship between those facts and the results.
Mr. Baseball,
My condolences to Mrs. Baseball.
She married an idiot!
I want to play the ROYALS!!
Could someone tell me what the Twins avg is when Livan is pitching compared to with the other SP’s.
LaVelle your Span loving is getting a little over the top
look at it this way T now you can yell at everyone for ripping on little Nicky…..I hope Perkins hits someone gets ejected and then goes after the ump… atleast Perkins has some FIRE in his belly!!.. Twins need another 35 wins in 60 games for me to change my moniker to….. BILLY,GARDY,VAVRA MIRACLE WORKERS INC!!! come on Twins!
I’ve been saying this for a long time… Livan has value in the pen. Forget trading him. Won’t happen. Put him in long relief with the occasional spot start and call up Liriano. It won’t solve all our problems but it will help. I also think they want to call up Liriano but now that the agent made his demand they can’t do it for a little while longer since it would look like they’re caving.
Gees first pitch, Moose isn’t even at 80 pitches yet. TAKE A COUPLE!
I based that statement on my belief that Liriano has great stuff
I know. My comment was that it’s amazing how these things work themselves out.
When this Liriano thing started…we all figured Livan was the obvious choice. Now we’ve got the Texas and the Yankees series and we’re right back where we started.
It could be ANYBODY he could replace!
Just like the “gaping holes” comment by Smith prior to the Boston series.
The Baseball Gods are fickle beings. They don’t enjoy us mortals tempting them.
Fire I think Punto should lead the charge in a bench clearer today!
John Sterling is embarrassing. Just call the game.
I demand Punto hit a line shot off Moose’ forehead! I demand it now!
Lamb is looking to take Kubel’s DH role:)!
look at it this way T now you can yell at everyone for ripping on little Nicky…
The fun part is it’s not just “Nicky”. As much as people like to oversimplify things.
It’s this whole mob mentality thing. The need to localize the problem to ONE player regardless as of it being actual related to that.
For example, I could start a whole tirade on how moving Span to the #1 spot hasn’t helped at all. In fact, it HURT today (hitting into a DP ahead of Casilla’s double)
But the mob mentality will drown that out. Because as Patrick said, Span is at the “Cool” table now.
The Yankees bullpen has shut down the twins when called upon. Pitch count doesn’t matter with the Moose.
Patrick,
I don’t think Livan would succeed in the bullpen. If anyone goes to the pen, it should probably be Slowey.
I think Livan does have trade value, but I don’t think anyone will bite unless someone gets deserpate. We’ve already seen CC, Harden, Blanton, and Wolf get moved. How many other teams are looking for pitching?
I don’t like LNP:
I am happy when he plays well, since Gardy is going to play him. I think he is fundamentaly unsound. He will make his share of great plays in the filed and will get a few hits. He will also make boneheaded plays in the field, on the bases and at the plate to often for a 30 year old. And he never gets called out anywhere but blog when he makes mistakes.
Why is everyone so excited?
Bill Brasky pointed out that all was lost when Gardy made out the lineup.
Or was it when the Twins landed at JFK?
Let’s waste another double.
yeah that’s true, but I wouldn’t expect a little leaguer to forget how many outs there are. Get your head in the game. That’s inexcusable.
LITTLE LEAGUERS DON’T SLIDE INTO FIRST EITHER
How about this for a measure of a players performance:
Punto last 2 games: 0 for 6 with 3 K’s and 2 GIDP’s. That’s 7 outs in 6 atbats. Y’ish.
Again, nothing but the facts.
sid, according to Brasky the Twins forfieted the next decade when they hired Gardenhire.
Though I have heard arguments to the fact that the moment Punto was born the Twins odds of winning the World Series…EVER…dropped to about 10%.
Check the records. The last series they won was in 1991. When did Punto first grab a bat as a child? There may be a direct correlation.
I don’t like Livan either.
I cheer when he does well because he too is going to pitch, but seeing his name as the starter scares the hell out of me.
I demand Punto hit a LAZER beam shot off Moose’ forehead now
You have to admire how the Twins continue to get two out hits. Oops, I forgot that no one was on base at the time.
I live on campus at the U of M one year
The Twins won the world series
coincidence?
Again, nothing but the facts.
And Morneau I THINK has been hitless in the series (or damn close).
I mean, if you want to be shortsighted about it.
Well Detroit is up 5-0 in the 3rd. Even that Fat F*** Caberra has 2 RBI’s.
We need a NL team for St Paul. I grew up watching both
I live on campus at the U of M one year
The Twins won the world series
MOVE BACK QUICK!
Ol’ fashion smack down!
AJ Pesh, some more facts for you. Punto has out performed Harris in the field and at the plate all year long. Look it up.
Shawn in Binghamton I here the weather in Buffalo is worse then here amazingly. You ever been near Buffalo in March
All the negativity that’s in this town……is well deserved.
no jimmy, but i lived in Syracuse for 2 years, even worse than Buffalo.
Is there a score yet? I’m stuck at work….can’t watch it.
5-0
Scott, you don’t want to know.
I don’t think the Twins need to worry about the chemistry anymore, make moves that you can.
Like Tony said there are way better ways to measure Punto than wins and losses.
Punto has played awful this series. But so have ALL of the Twins. I’m not going single out Punto. And everybody should know my view on him.
Batting has gone to sh*t for the series. hitting with runners in scoring position, not good.Three guys really didn’t have a good series. Mauer, Morneau, Kubel. I’m a huge fan of Kubel’s but as someone said, he needs to start producing or Morn gets worse pitching. As much as I like Mauer. Morneau is the engine of this team.
Starting pitching another problem. But one I’ll give a hesitant pass to. Blackburn a rookie didn’t do well, but didn’t get any help from his team. Slowey pitched well but had just one or two mistakes. Against this lineup, thats all it takes. Perkins again looked pretty good. No help from defense and one or two mistakes.
After starting second half winning two out of three, this team laid an egg. With the team 0-10 against Whitesox, Redsox, Yanks and looking completely uncompetitive except a game or two against Boston, some of the blame has to fall on coaching staff. Not going to call anyone out, T wouldn’t like that.
Plenty of blame to go around. One good thing is Gardy does seem to get the team to rally after series like this. Be interesting to see how he handles this. Soft gloves or bring the hammer down on the off day in Cle.
Scott,
5-0 Yankees, bottom 7
Why waste Gurrier. Put in Bonser and Bass again. So what if they just pitched yesterday. The game is over anyway.
The Twins play awful against good teams. What does that mean?
It’s obvious we are going to get are arses kicked. Can’t we try having Mauer or LNP pitch for a fun gimmick.
On the bright side, we are 12 outs away from Cleveland.
Here is something that should make EVERYONE feel better
Juan “Gas Can” Rincon
“The Twins play awful against good teams. What does that mean?”
Coupled with playing well against bad teams, it means they’re a 2nd tier team.
OK what are the odds that the Twins make a deal of significance? If they do the sooner the better rather than wait for the deadline!
“The Twins play awful against good teams. What does that mean?”
Usually it is quite the opposite
Bingo!
odds are 100% Whattodo… they will bring up Liriano and that is significant
odds of a significant trade? probably 10%
How’d that Boston series turn out? Before anyone says, we were close in the first two games…good team win close games. Right?
Mr. Negativity, it means they’re competitive…but not contenders.
Contenders are consistent. The Twins are making it hard for their front office to pin down a fix by having a stagnant offense one series (or day) and a terrible bullpen the next.
You could slot a good hitter into this lineup and solve the Boston series, and maybe a few of those Chicago games.
But then you’ve still got those UGLY losses where the pen gets hammered.
Like I’ve said, not enough resources to solve them both (for the best anyway).
Prediction: Liriano gets called up and Slowey goes to the pen. Bass gets to go fishing.
“The Twins play awful against good teams. What does that mean?”
It means Bill Brasky gives the pre-game speech in big games.
Angels just treated Boston to a sweep the other day.
I am curious. I understand guys need the occasional day off. But has Gardy ever rationalized his peculiar need to play the whole B squad on a given day?
Boogie, the way the last few days hvae gone (Guardado, Ponson, Hawkins), I dunno if I’m exactly excited to see them face Rincon.
Oh, come on! This is getting depressing.
Hey T, good analysis. I like your style.
Just tuned in, logged on, and since, can’t figure any of this out.
Anybody watching? What happened to Perk?
What happened to Lamb!!!!!??
“Red Sox fans are mean.”
The Nation is… “MEAN”??? They actually said “mean”? Wow, I haven’t heard that term since the third grade! Well, they say that a team if nothing more is reflective of its fans, so I guess that explains why your little team craps its pants every time they have to face those damn Doodlers, huh? Maybe if we gave them a lollipop and told them how much we like Jesse Ventura and Al Franken they would like us better.
?: how is it even possible for one team to suck SO badly against another team without their being some sort of psychological hang-up involved??? Do you guys need a real team to step in for you and kick those big, bad Bronx bullies around for you? And afterwards, the Twinkies can take our hand and we’ll safely walk them across the street for some ice cream, OK? Now, blow your little noses in The Nation’s hankie and run along and play with the Indians and Royals. And if you promise to be good, The Nation will let you call the Mariners over as well. Christ, way to knock yourselves out of postseason contention in one series, boys. We here at The Nation feel really sorry for the guy responsible for cleaning uniforms in the Twinkies’ clubhouse… I mean, with all those soiled pee stains to remove from the players’ drawers after every game; and of which appear approximately twelve seconds after having to step on that compost known as Yankee Field.
Condolences from…
The Nation
Even if the Twins make the playoffs somehow they will have to play with Boston or Ney York. That equals not going to the World Series.
This series has pissed me off
Having said that, I wouldn’t put too much stock in it…. yet.
Most teams are bad on the road. The Yankees are hot right now.
The disturbing part is Gardy’s history there.
The main problem is if we make the playoffs and have to play there.
We don’t have Santana to win game 1 anymore.
Beacon Hill Barker How did that Angel Series treat you the other day
Sorry T, Hey Beacon, I really like your style!
whole B squad on a given day?
If your A-Squad is the guaranteed win, and the B-Squad is the guaranteed loss, it’s best to keep the two seperate best you can so that you don’t turn it into a AB-Squad that’s…well…a toss-up.
At least that’s the way I view it.
Beacon Hill Barker I heard Manny will be gone and the new guy will be Holliday. Hmmmm….
NOGO should pitch he can try his “crazed rabbit” ball!!
you guys are making my LOL at my desk my co-workers think I am insane.. no not sane.. INsane
scroll back and read 5 minutes worth of postings.. we are all over the map.. “CATS AND DOGS LIVING TOGETHER MASS HYSTERIA!!!”
nashing of teeth and tearing of clothes shortly to follow conslusion of today’s buzzkill
“Mr. Negativity, it means they’re competitive…but not contenders.”
Not deep enough at the plate (need Beltre) or in the pen (Korecki, Mulvey, anybody).
Crain continues to have a slider only as effective as Johan S.’s.
Vlad loves playing against the Sox Beacon Hill Barker
I am composed entirely of douchebags that don’t know how to pronounce the letter “r”.
Beacon Hill Barker-
I think the term the fans used but LENIII can’t repeat (so I will) is…..Red Sox fans are …. You’re a prime example.
Gee…LNP actually hit the ball. Oh yea, it was a pop out. Maybe next time LNP because your Manager likes you to play all the time.
We need to trade Punto before he drops below .300 bc its coming fast. Tolbert will be ready in less than two weeks.
Vlad the Destroyer treated the Nation to a royal arse kicking
I’m sick of all this bandwagon stuff. Guys put it on the line every day man. I mean they really do. I’m sick of it.
I wouldn’t put too much stock in the Manny talks. It comes up EVERY YEAR at the trade deadline. The Sox are tired of his antics, and its time for a change….
*blah blah blah*
Manny is a damn good hitter, the Sox would be stupid to trade him when they’re right in the middle of a playoff race.
It’s just like all of the Trade-Rod “rumors” that were circulating last season after he made a few errant throws. The media just LOVES to stir up crap like that.
What usually happens is Manny is on the bench for the July 30/31st games. He then makes a PH appearance (to a HUGE pop from the crowd).
Then, as Manny likes to do, he usually gets the clutch hit. He did it against the Twins back in either 05/06.
yeah Fire, it is good yucks
AaronK says: “Punto has out performed Harris in the field and at the plate all year long. Look it up.”
Um, based on what? In the field, for instance:
Harris
43 games at SS
3 errors
FPCT .985
LNP
23 games at SS
4 errors
FPCT .967
LNP has also been thrown out on the bases far too often for a vet due to baserunning stupidity.
So, what do you guys think about having Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson on the field together more often this year?
Span has awesome defensive skills. It will be depressing to see cuddyer fumbling around out there when he gets back.
How about Red Sox fans are losers? You worried about Tampa Bay and now the Yankees so felt like you had to come rant on a Twins blog when the Yankees are playing them?
My friend you have more to worry about than us Twins. Ellsbury is diving. Manny is an off the field embarrassment (and on the field did you see the play where he sat on the ball?)
And anyone who signs himself the nation is a moron. I really laughed at it. How many games have you helped the Redsox win? Have you helped build a pretty good team by making moves in the FO? All you do is tarnish the good name of the Redsox and their fans. Get a life.
Mr. Negativity,
this isn’t bandwagon stuff. WE ARE PUTTING IT ON THE LINE TOO. Our job is too be consistantly crazy, i hope you can jump on that bandwagon.
Tolbert is probably no better at the plate than Harris. Much better athlete and better D than Harris though.
But not a difference maker….just another Punto.
Jason,
i am all for a 2 back, backfield.
Arron K……..I dont he has passed him up in clutch hits, but he sure has on trips to the DL.
Jason, I’d kill for a Peterson/Gomez footrace. Though my gut tells me it wouldn’t be close.
And I’d like Taylor/Peterson more if it was Favre handing off the ball.
Nah, I keed!
They will split carries again this year. Someone please push me into traffic.
Here comes the throw! Allen slides under the tag and HEEEE ISS…… …. … SAFE! SAFE AT HOME AND THE TWINS WIN!
Beacon,
Your 2:10PM post was “mean”!
But hilarious!
honestly, I’m going to watch every game no matter what, but this squad is dangerously close to allowing the Purple to take over the full momentum of the Minnesota sports world…
it’s not over yet, but if the Sox do to us next week what they did to us in Chicago, then it will be…
Guys, don’t even bother with Beacon. He’s not even a real BoSox fan. He’s no different than those other opposing “fans” that magically spring up.
The fact he didn’t show his face until somebody ripped on Boston is an even better sign of that.
I am the reason chad allen is not a future hall of famer.
Favre in a Vikes’ jersey just would not look right.
Nathan should’ve started this game.
Chilly if your team doesn’t win the division this year your owner will personally send you onto 694 during rush hour strapped to an office chair
“Nathan should’ve started this game.”
Nah. Perk was doing just fine until Casilla’s blunder in the fifth. That’s two games this series alone that he has made a very bad play to help the Yankees rally.
Brian says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 am
Here with go….
Harris goes 3-4, will sit all weekend because that is not hot enough
Manager will get thrown out of game in 3rd inning trying to provide spark to JV team after arguing a check swing with bases empty.
Punto 0-4, two k’s, two pop outs.
Blyleven will say “major league level” only 33 times.
They will not mention one thing about the last year of Yankee Stadium.
sal butera
Rangers currently beating the Pale Hosers….
if we can escape this disastrous series with losing only 1 game in the standings… i’m very happy!!!
i know there are a lot of complaints with Mr. Bill Smith right now - but bear in mind he’s given a purse with only loose change in it. He cant go after the A-rods of the world, just the Lambs of the world. Can anyone really say who would’ve been a better FA than Lamb? i remember the rankings saying he was somewhere #2 to #3 of available 3B’s.
I think DYoung will round out to be a good LFielder…. when’s the last time we had a good LF????
I agree they overpaid Cuddy - nice and everything like that - but supsected he was retained long term b/c he always speaks what the Twins’ brass wants to hear ie. regarding trading Castillo etc.
I think Ellsbury would have been great for Santana. but i’m going out on a limb and saying Gomez has emerging power that Ellsbury will never have. Power and speed is truly sweet and rare. for even more context, have we seen the terrible numbers being put up by Melky Cabrera (the other CF we could’ve had)??? i know it sucks that Gogomez is sub .250, but Melky has no excuse posting that kind of garbage in NY’s deep power lineup. advantage Gogomez. he’ll be good.
Boston, Congratulations. Your team and fanbase has become more annoying and more hated than New York in the span of just a few years. I’m out east all the time and I constantly hear that Red Sox fans are the absolute worst, most impolite and un-courteous fans around. My family in Balitmore won’t even go to the games at Camden when the Red Sox are there because it’s too obnoxious. Again, congratulations. You always have had a major inferiority complex with New York. Way to finally top them in something.
Kay, I would LOVE to see Favre in a Vikings jersey simply to see the reaction from the Packer Faithful.
I picture statues burning in effigy, and much foaming at the mouth.
“I am composed entirely of ..that don’t know how to pronounce the letter ‘r’”.
No, that would be Erik Young on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight.
Holliday… Pujos… Chipper Jones… Berkman… Ichiro… Mauer… they’re all lining up and submitting their applications to become part of the Juggernaut Nation. We’ll consider them carefully.
BTW, if you guys have no need for Liriano just send him this way. I never saw a second place (soon to be third place) team that was so particular about having good players on their roster. He dominates the best hitting team in Triple AAA last night and the Twins practically demote him! We could use him as a mop-up guy around here considering all our mop-up guys are worn-out from coming into the third-inning all the time with us up 18-0. Face it, you don’t need him any more than you needed the Big Popster!
Keeping it Real…
The Nation
danimals: A lot of people (myself included) felt that if Lamb was the best option on the market (not named Lowell or A-Rod) that Buscher would’ve been a better choice.
“I would LOVE to see Favre in a Vikings jersey simply to see the reaction from the Packer Faithful.”
You’re right. That would be a sight worth seeing.
“I think Ellsbury would have been great for Santana. but i’m going out on a limb and saying Gomez has emerging power that Ellsbury will never have.”
And what part of Gomez’s game right now would infer this? Is it the way he swings and misses everything… or the spunk he shows on tapping to third… or how he swing and misses– whoops said that already! How about how he always hits a tapper to the– Dammit!
Word
The Nation
I don’t think scoring a run or two in the 9th inning is going to give the Twins confidence for the next series.
Beacon Hill Barker After the Angels beat the Sox are you going to be a Pho Fan of more Boston sports franchises.
Cuz Ellsbury is tearing it up right now??
Lamb is awesome.
I really want a mustache ride from Jason Giambi.
Tolbert is better than Punto and Punto salary is 2 million more. He may not be a difference maker but he is solid at any position in the infield and has a good eye at the plate.
I love having a big ego. It compensates for my pea-sized brain. Thanks to my ego I’m able to use words such as “we” “our” and “us” when referring to a sports team.
This gives me a sense of belonging that I don’t get at home, where my mother frequently berates me and my older brother beats me.
He’s a Yankees fan. It’s where the complex came from.
Love,
The Nation
I believe I heard the Twins hold the advantage over Boston in all-time record. How bad is that considering the payroll differential?
So is this considered a save scenario for Rivera?
And to top it off Micaheal each franchise has the same number of World Series wins since the Senators moved to MN and became the Twins.
Not that it will make much difference, but why would you not save Kubel to pinch hit as the TYING run? Oh - I see because Punto would be up then.
I believe it is T. Tying run on deck or in the hole. Not sure which it is.
T - Yes. Tying runner ondeck.
what a reality check this yankees series has been. we’re not a playoff team, not falling over like this for three games. morneau needs protection in the lineup!
J/K - I’m certain they would have pinch hit for Punto. Wouldn’t they?
I don’t see Tolbert coming back and replacing any of Punto, Buscher, or Lamb (because of the latter’s performance today).
It is a save situation. Tying run is on deck.
“It is a save situation. Tying run is on deck.”
Correction: was on deck.
That’s what I don’t get JP. If gets Kubel, then he never even faces the tying run.
I always thought that was the indicator for a save. The pitcher had to face either the tying/go-ahead run.
Rivera has 3 losses this year but Michael Kay said Monday that he might be having the best year ever for a closer.
Its all over. The twins season is done. I’m going to go hang myself.
Who would have thought that Mike Lamb would be the only Twins position player not to be intimidated by NY and the only one who didn’t play with his head up his backside?
Maybe it’s time to get a guy who doesn’t have “quitter” tattooed on his forehead some playing time.
WOW, did the Twins get beat in every conceivable way this series. In every aspect of the game, i.e. Pitching, fielding, hitting, managing etc., the Yankees were the far superior team.
It just shows the Twins have a long way to go to be a legitimate contender.
Again, what’s the explanation for Perk’s disappointment today.
Anyone have a clue today?
:)>
No, T… tying run must be on base, hitting or on-deck. It’s how some pitchers get such inflated save totals.
LasVegasDave says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Rivera has 3 losses this year but Michael Kay said Monday that he might be having the best year ever for a closer.
Bull Shart!!! Better look at what K-Rod for the Angels is doing this year
Crikket Twins didn’t quit. they just got beat by a better more seasoned team..the team is still light years ahead of where I expected them to be at this time..
now back to more nashing of teeth and shredding clothes!!
“Guys, don’t even bother with Beacon. He’s not even a real BoSox fan. He’s no different than those other opposing “fans” that magically spring up.”
Yeah, because it’s so difficult to imagine that there would be a “BoSox” fan out there in the world amonst that never-ending Twins fanbase. I’m on here anytime we kick your tails or anytime your team makes no effort to even show up against the Evil Empire. In fact, I see how your blog master here stole my suggestion that your team should trade for Streets… so someone appreciates The Nation’s immaculate advice.
JP, who said The Nation was “worried” about the Twins!??! Is the U.S. worried that Kenya is going to become a First-World Superpower???
Manny… lifetime .320 hitter, 500 career homeruns, top three greatest RH bats of all time, the letter-high FB he got from Guerrier just landed yesterday… but, yeah, we’re cutting him today because he “sat on a ball.”
Aut disce aut discede…
The Nation
Beacon Hill,
Lived in boston for a while and loved it — you guys have a good thing going with the Sox, enjoy while you can.
as far as gogomez, i have to go by the analysts and scouts who say Gomez will eventually be a 3 or 4 hitter and the small glimpses of power he’s displayed thus far. of course he has power, but can he eventually learn the strike zone and see the ball of the pitchers hand? i’ll be watching intently. guess is he’ll be overall better than ellsbury (what he’s not hitting over .350 still?)
That was a Brett-Favre-one-yard-TD-pass-like stat inflator of a save. The 71-year old guy from the HR Derby could have gotten the save there.
What’s a “Pho Fan.” Is that Minnesotan like “You betch’ya.”
MMH
The Nation
Sorry, Fire, just don’t see it that way.
With few exceptions, nobody on this team even showed up for the series. Who did the Twins face that’s so “seasoned”? Jeter, ARod, Mussina. Giambi didn’t even play today. Their outfield sucks. They have no catcher. They lost to two pitchers who probably won’t even be in the major leagues by next year.
It’s not seasoning. It’s one team not even putting out enough effort to make a game of it.
jimmybee, Rivera is having a better year than K-Rod. K-rod is just getting more save opportunities.
So, do you think the Twins will just run to the airport with their uniforms on?
So can The Nation have Liriano or what? Don’t have all day here, have to go see what Doodler fans are blogging about your team.
Stiff Upper Chin…
The Nation
i just looked up in my baseball almanac …
it seems the Twins have the same number of WS titles since 1987 and a few more division titles as the Red Sox Empire (er “nation”)….
how cool is that for us small market fans???? i feel so gosh darn lucky!! 
Span stinks at leadoff. We need a new leadoff hitter.
As a Twins fan it’s hard to sit and watch the team go into Beantown and get swept. Then go into the Bronx and get swept. People were going crazy when we went 3-1 against BoSox and split with the Yanks at home. So is it a matter of youth for this team?
If that’s the case, then, with the philosophy of this team to trade away veterans and continuously bring in younger players, I don’t see us ever going into NY or BOS and winning a series. Hope I’m wrong.
Beacon Hill Barker says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
What’s a “Pho Fan.” Is that Minnesotan like “You betch’ya.”
MMH
The Nation
FO is a West Coast term meaning a fake.
Tony says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm
jimmybee, Rivera is having a better year than K-Rod. K-rod is just getting more save opportunities.
LOL
Pho is a vietnamese soup
Pha is a Vietnamese soup
Fo means a fake
F0 is nothing. Faux is a French term that means fake.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faux
I think “Fo” is actually Faux…could be wrong…
romer says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Again, what’s the explanation for Perk’s disappointment today.
Anyone have a clue today?
:)>
The Yankees are good at home? Casilla cost them two runs by not knowing the # of outs?
The Twins always play like this in pressure situations, especially on the road. Some of this has to fall on the manager. What else does he do besides motivate and fill out a lineup card? The in-game decisions are/were not that extensive.
I don’t want to blame any one player beacuse your superstars didn’t do anything this series, but Kubel stands out to me as someone who just doesn’t seem capable of producing where he is at. NYY dared him to do anything yesterday and he failed miserably. I think Gardenhire has done a fairly good job in putting him in positions where he can succeed but batting 5th behind Jason is not one of them IMO. He just isn’t good enough. I know he is 3rd on the team in RBIs, I know he has a high OBP, but he should be down in the order more and used situationally. They need Cuddyer of 2006 to come back if they want any shot of winning in the playoffs since it does not appear that the FO is willing to go after anyone else of significance.
Hey Barker, How did it go with Barney?
Beacon Hill Barker I have a good question for you that is more serious. Why are you ragging on the Twins when a team that is in your own favored division wins a game and has a good chance to catch the Nation in the standings.
NO CHANGES!
Leave Liriano at AAA!
No trades for Beltre, Atkins, etc.!
Hold on to Bass!
We don’t want to mess with our team chemistry!
We want to maintain a testosterone-free clubhouse!
I am smug a-hole, with nothing better to do than mock fan’s of other teams, due to the fact that i am unable to leave my bedroom, because i ate too many clams and now way 600 pounds and haven’t seen my junk in about 10 years.
Fo, faux, pho, pha, to many darn manny’s around here
Does anyone know if a person could make a seafood chili. How bout’ shrimpy Joes
Bull Shart!!! Better look at what K-Rod for the Angels is doing this year
Meh, he’s putting up some of the worst numbers of his career. There are 4 other closers in the AL alone that are having better seasons.
Cricket if the team truly quit then that is on Gardy.. it’s hard to believe that they did but.. so is their current record I guess
Bull Shart!!!
Watch your language!
There are children on this blog!
Mostly children.
“Yeah, because it’s so difficult to imagine that there would be a “BoSox” fan out there in the world amonst that never-ending Twins fanbase.”
Funny, that “tigersfan” fellow said the same thing. Almost line for line.
Might have to check on the typo though.
snepp are they going to beat Bobby Thigpens record also
Span stinks at leadoff. We need a new leadoff hitter.
How about that Gomez fellow. He got a hit or two today…right?
The issue is, they have no one better than Kubel to put there. He is their best option for that spot right now. That is a combo of Ryan’s and Smith’s fault.
again this team is a pretender not a contender.
we have an of with about 2 1/2 yr exp.
no major league 3b, 2 utility guys playing short. a 2b with less than 1 yr exp. prone to looking great and making bone head plays. nobody to hit behind jason so he may never see another good pitch the rest of the yr.
4 talented starters with limited big gm (if any) exp. our 5 th starter and ace is a batting practice pitcher lucky enough to pitch when they score a lot of runs.
with luck and some bad play by the sox and tigers we could make the playoffs but this team is not a playoff team.
and we probably don’t have a front office willing to stick it’s neck out and make a meaningful trade which may be impossible with our lack of top prospects in the minors.
other than that every thing is going great, never expected to be this close this late in the season.
T Where do you think that Bacon Bit Tiger fan Fellow is from. I don’t root for East coast teams so that rules me out. What do you think
snepp are they going to beat Bobby Thigpens record also
Save situations are generated by the pitchers BEFORE the closer. (With some help from the lineup)
Joe Nathan could go a whole season without recording a save if the lineup behind him is that good. (Or that bad if you think about it)
Where do you think that Bacon Bit Tiger fan Fellow is from.
He’s just a random troller.
ggg - well said!!
Free Jason Kubel already.
gook, Livan was never the team’s ace. How that notion ever came to pass is beyond me.
Baker was the opening day starter until he got hurt. After that Livan was the guy they felt had the best experience.
T I hate Posers that hop on any band wagon near by when the time is right. Before they started doing well he probably went by Baby Ruth or something
We may be able to keep pace with the White Sox and even hold the Tigers off, and if by chance they make the playoffs with another Division Title, great. But there’s no way they make it past the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, or Angels in any 5 or 7 game series…
not enough power, not enough patience.
t the media guys dick and bert and other pundits have been calling him the ace all yr.
not my words i never considered him that.
I wish Gardy would figure it out. How long is he going to leave Span in that leadoff spot? He should move Span to No. 9 and Gomez should bat leadoff.
Next time in NY, no one should be allowed to leadoff!
8-4 Rangers, bottom of the 7th.
I WANT LIRIANO!!!!! I WANT BELTRE!!!!
TRADE BLACKBURN OR SLOWLY TO MAKE ROOM FOR LIRIANO AND GET BELTRE.
i dont care how many prospects, and butt kissing it takes Billy. GET IT DONE
THE TWINS ALWAYS TRADE SLOWLY!
SOMETIMES, NOT AT ALL!
fyi Doug Mientkiewicz is 3-for-3 today and now has his average up to .270.
Considering the guy can play 3B, 1B, and outfield, perhaps we should jettison Lamb or Punto and make a play at him…
Mientkiewicz now 4-for-4, 2 RBI…
Jason,
I hate to ask a personal question, but do you smoke crack? Of all the players in MLB to bring in, you bring up DM. I can’t believe anyone would even suggest that.
Jason
I don’t mean to belittle your post, but i threw up a little with your mention of mientkiewicz.
Hey, Luis Rodriguez had a hit this month for the Padres, lets bring him back.
ES and JJ…I ask you honestly, who would you rather have on this roster, Doug Mientkiewicz or Mike Lamb?
Mr. Jason, Tell the truth, did you have to look up the spelling of Doug M.’s last name or did you have it down pat?
Mientkiewicz, I’ll give you that. But ideally, a third option would be best. Hopefully one presents itself soon.
Jason Mike Lamb
I knew it, Daniel, but full disclosure…I do have a Mientkiewicz jersey hanging in my closet, too…
Just nice to see a former Twin, who was part of the movement that brought our squad up from the ashes, doing well…
He knew the spelling, because he’s got the life-sized poster he got on DM day in 2002 up on the wall in his bedroom.
All this series did was deepen my hatred for the Yankees even more if that’s possible. Can they leave Coomer and LaPanta in New York.
Do you suppose Yankee fans looked at Coomer doing his updates during this series and said “who the heck is that guy”, then a savvy Yankee fan in the section pipes in and says “he used to wear the pinstripes”, to which everyone else replies “No freakin way!”
“Can they leave Coomer and LaPanta in New York?”
Coomer will think he died and went to heaven.
Can they leave Coomer and LaPanta in New York.
Trade them for a pretzel and Hot nuts. LOL. I get a kick out of when you are in New York and a vendor is standing there yelling,”HOT NUT’S”!!
snepp are they going to beat Bobby Thigpens record also
*yawn*
Quite possibly the most overrated record in professional sports. Gauging closers by their save total is even worse than judging a starter by their win/loss record.
Rodriguez’s season is largely a product of circumstance. Anaheim has fantastic starting pitching which puts them in a good position to win most games, and a mediocre offense that just barely scores enough runs.
snepp probably the HBP record of Don Baylor which was passed by Craig Biggio is the most overrated record. Human target practice morons
I don’t mind lapanta too much. But they can load fat head coomer into a rocket and fire him into the sun, as far as i’m concerned. If he wants to give some insight on what happens on a particular play, that’s fine, but i despise his personal stories about his career, like he was some kind of great or something.
One thing I’ve always wondered about Coomer: Who ties his shoes for him?
I disagree, the HBP played a sizable role in Biggio’s ability to get on base. He had 4 or 5 seasons with more HBP than Gomez will have walks this year. It isn’t some fluff stat with arbitrary requirements like the ’save’.
ES16 says:
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
One thing I’ve always wondered about Coomer: Who ties his shoes for him?
When LaPanta ties his shoes how does he not lose his rug
Did Baylor go to the dish and say peg me in the head
How bout Adam Dunn’s record for strikeouts in a season. Whew that’s sure an important record. In 2004 Dunn struck out 195 times to set the single season record that had been held by Bobby Bonds
Does Dunn have that record i thought it was Rob Deer. Now that dude was a free swinger.
Hey BC how goes it over there?
Not bad a little muggy here today but the sun is shinning and i have a 4 day weekend coming up so lookout Walleye’s
BC Walleye are awesome. I have tried fishing but I am awefull at it. Everything that hits my line dies. By the end of the day there is me a boat and a bunch of dead keepers and tossers floating around me on a hot humid day. Don’t get me wrong. I like fishing just people around me don’t like me fishing near them
jimmy it must be your over juiced arms ripping there guts out as you real them in or something. I just like being out on the water with a cool Bud catching fish is a bonus for me.
Eddie G. enters the game in the 8th with an 8-5 lead. Half inning later, 10-8 Chisox. It just went final. Dang! CHI was down 8-4 earlier in the game (7th) after Saltamacchia (.218) got a two out, two strike, two run single. With one on and Swisher at bat, Ozzie went billistic on the home plate umpire. Swisher then walked and the Sox went on to score 1 in the 7th and 5 in the 8th. Coincidence or good managing?
Hmmm… Beer… 30 minutes till Beer….
ron coomer wears kangaroos. no laces.
Daniel1966
Neither. Whitesox hitters + Everyday Eddie’s dead left arm = many runs
Velcro shoes and safari green T-Rex Snapper dinosaur toy is how Coom does the shoe trick
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31xlyCapsRL._SL160_SL120_.jpg
lol @ safari green T-Rex Snapper dinosaur toy
mlb-trade rumor has the twins interested in hank blalock. how many freaking lh hitting 3b do we need. cheaper than beltre who may actually help us.
3 things we need to do to be contenders instead of pretenders:
get beltre for 3b and to hit behind jason.
houston street to pitch the 8th.
bring up liriano.
Quentin hit a three run shot off Wilson, the Texas closer, to win the game. Wasn’t Wilson the lefty who abused us at the dome on Sunday?
Hear, Hear!
Mientkiewicz reaches base all 5 times today…4 for 4 with a walk…
trade Lamb for Douggie straight up…gets Lamb back to the NL and gets us a guy to back up Buscher / Morneau who we can actually justify as being on the roster…plus, the Pirates don’t have any use for Mientkiewicz the rest of this year, anyway.
I thought wilson’s stuff was nasty. He was throwing a mid-90’s fastball that tailed to the left. poor command of said pitch, though.
I know the Buccos would never assume Lamb’s contract…
What about Texiera? Wasn’t he a third baseman originally and isn’t his contract coming due? Switch hitter, to boot.
Jason
I very much doubt that the pirates wish to pay lamb 3.5 mil next year. By the by, did you know you can sponsor Mike Lambs page on Baseball-reference.com for the low low price of $20? I’d have thought some lucky fellow would have sponsored that page, what with the season he’s having.
Trade for Mienkiewicz??? lol what if he keeps hiding the ball? he’s too big time for MN anywayz
haha…
wow that is painful to think we’re on the hook for 3.5 mil for next year. perhaps Bill Smith should be fired on that basis alone…
I cant believe the Pale Hosers came back to win!!!! :((
folks, we can’t be worried about the White Sox….it’s too early to be scoreboard watching…if we take care of business we should be fine.
That said, it would be nice to pick up a game over the weekend so we can enter the big series next week just 1.5 games out…
Jason
It blows to be on the hook for that money, for sure. But at the time of the signing, based on his prior numbers, it looked like a reasonable signing. Oh, well. Stupid national league.
pop quiz….what do Jason Kubel, Carlos Gomez, Mike Lamb, Michael Cuddyer, and Brendan Harris all have in common?
That’s right…he’s got defense, and he has a better BA than all of them.
Oh well, just food for thought.
Mr. Jason, I’m afraid that Doug M. has an outgoing personality and is kind of competitive. Those types of personality characteristics probably would work on Gardy’s team.
Good riddance to Yankee Stadium. I just hope the Twins can win some games at the new place.
From the “you can’t make it up” column:
“Baecon [sic] Hill Barker”… He tries to mimic another (which is pretty pathethic in its own right) and doesn’t even know how to spell it! LOL! God, there are some weird people on here. Don’t know why you people don’t want me around… I at least bring some classiness and sanity to the board.
Jimmy Bee, your assessment of the Yankee situation is right. The Nation beats the absolute axel-grease out of the Whities and Kittens for you guys and your little team can’t even reciprocate because they’re too intimidated by “The Mystique.” Ooooh, not the Yankee Mystique… not all those Yankee fans with their hairy bellies sticking out of their sweat-stained shirts and half-shaven faces (and that’s just the female fans)… not Jeter and all his “intangibles”… not A-Rod and his inability to hit an inside, belt-high fastball…not Rasner and Mussina and FRIGGIN’ SIDNEY PONSON!!! See, that’s what happens when a team does nothing but drafts kids out of high school… high school kids never are given a chance to grow-up and they soil themselves when they step out onto the manure field that is Yankee Stadium.
Don’t know why you’re bitching at The Nation anyhow… we’re clearly on your side. You should of heard us defend your team over on the Yankees blog (man, those people even sound like Doodler fans when they blog). Check this out: http://www.pinstripealley.com/
Look on the left there, “…blanked the bumbling Twins for eight innings….” Are you guys going to take that and just tuck your tails between your legs like your team did this entire series? The Nation can’t keep stepping in to defend you guys like an older brother. Sooner or later you’re going to have to check “Minnesota Kindness” at the door and start whooping some Bronx-ass! Make a Spitzer joke, they like that.
Stage Left even…
The Nation
dick and bert and other pundits have been calling him the ace all yr.
ESPN and FSN types are going with it cause he was the opening day starter…
DnB? I have no clue. They really should know better.
Has either Smith OR Gardy referred to Livan as “The Ace” of this staff? I don’t think ANY pitcher has been officially called that at this point.
If Buscher can’t handle 3B, the position still remains a problem.
Is Tolbert the answer? Gardy and the field staff love that kid.
Tolbert has the speed, the glove, the arm, and the bat. He could be the man.
August line-up?
Span, Casilla, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Young, Tolbert, Punto, Gomez.
after the white sox sweep, the twins went on their tear and got back into the race. after the red sox sweep, they dominated in detroit and got back into the race. after the yankees sweep…
…they completely fall out of the race.
Buscher makes one error and he becomes the Busher. Punto and Alexi makes errors and its no big deal…….I don’t get it. Alexi makes mental errors to boot and can’t count 1,2,3….
Buscher’s not perfect but he’s the equal of many a Twin that the fans and Gardy love.
I saw H. Blalock play with Texas. He has no more range than Buscher and stays injured…….
Twin fans beat all.
“Buscher makes one error and he becomes the Busher”
My bad!
I didn’t realize that he had only made one error.
One error vs the Yanks….
you twins fans are idiots! be happy that your over “500″. your team stinks!!
Punto and Alexi makes errors and its no big deal…….I don’t get it
Nah, Punto makes an error and you’ll hear about it until the end of the season.
Of the three, Alexi seems to be the only one who gets the pass over time.
Thank you Yanks111 for proving how classy NY fans are.
Don’t worry. The clown front office won’t make a trade until we are 10 games out and then wonder why we couldn’t gain ground. The Yanks made a very good trade today for a HR hitter and here Pohlad sits counting his billions and is son making ghey movies. The new one titled Brokeback twins…
I was there for All 3 games. I spent the money and had the “pleasure” to watch the Twins in Yankee Stadium. (Get swept btw).
For 2 of the 3 games, I was in the regular seats. Fans pretty much ignored me (I was also alone with no other Twins fans nearby). They did seem to cheer quite loudly- as if it was an in-your-face kind of thing. Actually I think they cheered as loudly for a 0 on 2 out single as Minn. fans would cheer for a game leading home run. (Maybe it was just the fact that there were 55K vs. 35K fans at a game too).
Anyway for the other game, I sat in the bleachers. Ummm, yeah. Those fans…made me hate the Yankees even more than I did before. I even saw a shirt that said Bleacher Creatures. One fan had the balls to wear a Red Sox jersey. That brought out a prolonged chant of F*ck the Red Sox!!! (Yes, they did actually chant the word F*ck). I was (silently) replacing Red Sox with Yankees. (Fill in the blank) Sucks!!!
(Span, Gomez, Twins, Twins fans, etc. etc. etc.) One Yankee fan (during the 8th inning of a game that was pretty much over) turned around and said to me, Whatr ya still doin here? (In a, get outta here, kinda tone). Even little kids screaming Twins suck, Beat the twins, and twins/twins fans go home. I wanted to hit many of them. A Twins fan sitting near me caught a practice ball (I ALMOST had it) and a Yankees fan remarked that the ball was cursed now. I now REALLY want to go to the upcoming Yankees series at the dome and start razzing the Yankee players the whole game. Get a F*ck the Yankees! chant going. We don’t do that stuff here, but we should make an exception.
To be honest, I was waiting for someone after the third game to say to me that the Twins suck to which I would’ve replied, Yup. You are damn right. Cause, truth be told, we did suck.
But the Yankees aren’t that good either. Their payroll is 3-4 times the size of ours and they barely have a better record than we do. If we had their payroll, we’d have the 26 World Series titles.
Twins NEED to make a trade or their world series hopes can just die now. They can make the Playoffs without a trade. They can’t win in the playoffs without a trade.
Twins NEED to make a trade or their world series hopes can just die now.
If only it were that easy.
I bet Bill Smith wishes he could just call up a team and be like: “Hey, can I have your hot hitting 3rd baseman for a bunch of my spare parts?”
I didn’t say it’d be easy, just that- for a shot at winning it all- it Has to be done.
-One man’s opinion
