Twins-Royals postgame: Yuck.
Posted on August 11th, 2008 – 12:41 AMBy La Velle
The Twins on Sunday packed up in a quiet clubhouse and left for the Twin Cities upset about how they gave away Sunday’s game.
“It doesn’t seem like we make these kinds of mistakes at home,” Twins first baseman Justin Morneau said. “This is a tough one to take. We had chances to score runs…throwing to the wrong base…..just stupid stuff.”
They should have put away the Royals in all three games but stranded many baserunners. I mean, the Royals walked 22 batters in the three games. 22! Gil Meche walked seven on Sunday. The Twins, who were 6 for 33 (.182) with runners in scoring position in the series, won’t get many gifts from the Yankees this week.
KFAN’s Chad Hartman asked me during Twins Weekly on Sunday night to rank the three losses on the trip. That was easy.
1. Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the Royals. The Twins led 2-0 and 4-2. (good catch!) . The first two runs KC scored came because Mike Lamb failed to cover first base on a comebacker to the mound, leading to a wild flip throw by Scott Baker to a scrambling Nick Punto. Adam Everett’s throw in the eighth inning was awful for someone with his defensive acumen, and all Denard Span had to do in the 12th was to set his feet and he has a chance to throw Mark Teahen out. Then again. Gil Meche walked seven batters! I can’t get over that…
2. Monday’s loss at Seattle: The Twins were up six runs and it was set up for Perkins to cruise. But he struggled in the sixth and was knocked out in the seventh thanks to the first homer by a left-handed batter off of him all season.
3. Tuesday’s loss at Seattle. Great back and forth action, but because of Monday’s events, the Twins bullpen was thin. I thought Mike Lamb’s two-run double in the eighth won the game for them, especially when Ron Gardenhire brought in Joe Nathan in the eighth. Who saw the Jose Lopez double coming?
A tough road trip. They went 3-3 and rarely clicked on all cylinders.
Morneau was 2 for 10 with 2 RBI in the Royals series and is kicking himself for runners he left on base.
Carlos Gomez really looks like he’s out of answers at the plate. And he’s got to straighten out his throws.
Nick Punto had a rough day Sunday, trying a career high with four strikeouts. He’s batting .169 since he came off the disabled list - which is why many people with the club are crossing their fingers about Alexi Casilla’s thumb.
The Yankees come the Dome after being swept in three games by the Angels. They have issues with their rotation and bullpen. The Twins need to win two out of three this week. Not only would it be a setback for a Yankees team that may not make the playoffs, but the Twins need a confidence boost.
201 Responses to "Twins-Royals postgame: Yuck."
I agree, La Velle. Not scoring more than 4 runs after being walked 7 times is inexcusable.
They have to get their act together against the Yankees. Which is not going to be easy.
the twins need a 7-2 homestand. that might be asking for too much, but it really isn’t. they play so well at home and come on, it’s the mariners and A’s (who can’t win a game) after the all of a sudden struggling yankees. all year the twins have come back from bad looking stretches very strongly and i expect them to do the same this time around in the dome. a 7-2 homestand would put this team in good position to be able to play .500 ball on their 14 game road trip.
they’ve also won 10 out of their last 15, which is suprising given the fact that they haven’t been playing too well.
More great managing from the most overrated manager in the game. Another fantastic game by the Twins most overrated player (Punto). And, another gold glove performance from Minnesota’s most overrated defensive player and most inept offensive player (Everett).
This team has no hope of winning anything major as long as Gardy is at the helm and he continues to play deadbeats like Nick Punto and Adam Everett during a stretch run.
Call up Machado already, idiots. I mean, he’s only playing at a pace currently that projects to .375-10-100.
Unless Billy Boy demands that Everett and Punto sit during the Yankees series, the Twins will be at least 2.5 games out by Wednesday night, after getting swept by the Yankees.
And can we please trade Gomez in the off-season. This guy is about as overrated as any Twins player ever. He’ll never get it because he’s just so damn impatient and undisciplined by nature (not to mention stupid).
Send him on his way this off-season; we already have our lead-off bat for the next six years.
What the hell. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
Attention all Twins Fans! The Season is over! We lost on Sunday and cannot and will not recover from this. We lost to a bad team and we are sunk. Done. It’s over. Finished. The Twins will now spiral out of control and fall further and further out of the division race, and be lucky to finish in 2nd place. Punto sucks. Everett sucks. Gomez sucks. Kubel sucks. Gardy sucks. We’ll try for next year, but why bother. We’ll suck then too.
Ok, hold on. This isn’t working. I just don’t buy it. I tried. Honestly I tried…a little bit. No, this is wrong. Ok, yes. There are many elements of truth in the above paragraph, but most of it is just wrong.
Points:
The Season is over!- HARDLY. The W.Sox, remember, still aren’t all that, and we still have an easier schedule than they do.
We lost on Sunday and cannot and will not recover from this.- Hardly, again for the same/similar reasons.
We lost to a bad team and we are sunk.- Yes, we lost to a bad team, but a division team (and they took 2 of 3 from the W. Sox recently). I said that they had to win 2 of 3 and they wouldn’t sweep. It was ok not to sweep. Just win series. Oh, and we aren’t sunk.
It’s over, Blah, blah, blah, lucky to finsih in second place.- Again, wrong. Detroit sucks, and we’ll recover from this, like many, many other loses throughout the year (that were FAR worse than this one)- Det., Boston, NY, etc.
Punto sucks- Yes…and no. Is he Cassilla(?)? No. Is he Punto of last year? No. He better, and has had more clutch hits this year than all of last year in half the playing time.
Everett sucks- Again, yes…and no. Defense is pretty good, and his bad is improving. Again, he’s NOT Cassilla(?). But he did go 2 for 4 on Sunday.
Gomez suck- Yes…and well, yes. I said all year I would’ve taken Span out of ST- no matter how good Gomez is/was. He’s young, and has time to figure it out. I’m losing confidence by the day that he can signicantly(?) help us out this year anymore though.
Kubel sucks.- No. Just no.
Gardy sucks.- He has his moments. Overall, no, he doesn’t. Today, leaving Breslow in for 3(!) innings? Umm… Still can’t figure that one out. I’d rather have Bass than a 3 inning Breslow. ALWAYS, and mean Always, bunting with 1st and second and no one out- ok, maybe if Morneau is up, but other than that… Try letting someone swing away and not giving up an out once in a while.
Blah, blah, we’ll suck for next year- Again, just no. I look for us to be Really good next year- especially if BS gets us some talent this off season.
Sorry for the EXTREMELY long post, but people were complaining Way too much. Bye for now.
*Everett’s BAT is improving. Not bad.
I find it incredible that the Twins are still sticking with Punto! He makes an error on average every 7 games (only bested by Everett, who makes an error every 5.1 games!). This should be enough to an unload inept player, but he looks like a little leaguer at the plate! What kills me is Punto throwing the bat in disgust after striking out for the fourth time Sunday (yeah, WE WERE DISGUSTED TOO, NICK!!!). Like he expected better of himself? Gimme a break. Dump the lump!
when did the twins lead 4-0? smoke another one la velle
Twins never led 4-Zip. Everett…my God! Gardy trying to find ways to get Lamb in the line-up is annoying. Quit with this B-lineup crap every third game!! You’re in a pennant race, for christ’s sake! With Casilla out, Punto’s going to be in there, and that’s all there is to it. But get him out of the two hole already! Keep Everett on the bench and bat Harris second. We he was there previously (when Punto was on DL) the team was playing it’s best baseball.
I am by no means a Delmon Young fan, and watching Gomez can be frustrating at times, but both of these guys are 5-tool players. Trading either would not be smart. Young, Gomez and Span is the outfield of the future, and it appears Cuddyer or Kubel will be the DH. I would trade one (or both) of those guys long before I would trade any of the young outfielders. Give the kid some time to play. People calling for Gomez to be traded probably would have dumped Span and Casilla last year too!
Well the only good thing to look forward to is at the end of the 2009 season, Nick Punto will be a F/A.Would you please do us a favor, no matter what MN offers you please just refuse to accept it and just move on. And Jason Kubel for a player that has something to prove, well you had two chances yesterday to make a fool out of the KC manager, but all you did was show he was right when he thought, Kubel is an easy out……….
Kubel and Young O for 9 15 runners left on base! That is the story of the game along with why is Lamb playing first base if Justin had been at first Twins win! Also Harris needs to play every day!
Perhaps we should focus on Lamb. He was the reason the game was lost. Baker getting an error will hide the real reason. Maybe it was Gardenhire’s desire to play everyone to keep them involved (but I like this). It was the most disappointing game of the season. It seemed clear that the Twins were going to lose and just kept trying to find the way. Really, let’s keep everyone involved and move on - as long as it doesn’t include playing Lamb.
Gardy trying to find ways to get Lamb in the line-up is annoying.
Morneau went to Gardy yesterday and told him he needed a day off in the field. Likewise, Mauer went to Gardy yesterday and told him he was good to go.
That was why Mauer was still starting and why Morneau was DHing. It was brought up at least twice during the broadcast.
Perhaps we should focus on Lamb.
You’re the last person I’d expect to be saying this, especially when Kubel went 0-4 with 9 left on. (Hitting behind Morneau no less)
Someone should have been yelling HOLD ON TO IT when Baker was looking to throw to 1st. I know I was yelling that at my TV!! Next thing I know people are running all over the place and I could here Circus music playing in my head. D D DD DD D D D D
The Everett throw was horrible as well.
Seems like the Twins loose a bunch of games between the Late inning Bull Pen meltdowns and the Circus clown Type defense at times
Punto single handedly lost the game for the Twins against the Royals Sunday. He not only struck out four consecutive times, but he popped out with the winning runs on base to make the third out. Also, he neglected to cover first base on the ball hit back to the pitcher with Lamb also charging to get the ball. Punto messed up and it let to runs by the Royals. That’s not all though, he mishandled a ball thrown in from the outfield which led to a single being stretched into a double and ultimately being the winning run for the Royals. I don’t know how such a lousy player keeps getting in the lineup for the Twins unless he is Gardy’s buddy. There are minor league players who could do a much better job for the Twins than Punto. The strange thing about Punto poor playing is that everyone just ignores it. I think the fans, and especially the sports writers, need to pay a bit more attention to Punto and Gardenhire’s blunders.
Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll see LNP out there every game the rest of the season. If any other player struck out 4 times and looked as awful as he has, they’d be on the bench for a week….but not LNP.
Mark it down. He will get a multi-year extension after this season. I’m willing to bet it will be 3 years/$10-12 million. Any takers?
In my opinion, Gardy needs to continue to play the A squad for the remainder of the season. There are only 50+ games left and they are in a pennant race. ChiSox are struggling, even with the addition of Jr. Play the A squad and go out and win this division. Enough with playing the subs here and there. If they are going to win this division, the A squad needs to gel together.
Hey, leave me alone guys. I tried really really hard yesterday. That’s all Mr. Gardenhire asks of us. I was up all night using my Mauer Quick Swing so I’ll be ready to go tonight.
Nicky, hopefully you flew Sun Country home from KC and had a couple Land O’ Lakes “Grip and Go’s” on the flight. See you in the clubhouse at 2:00 for Guitar Hero.
“single handedly”, stan… REALLY?
You look at the failures to drive guys in by Morneau, Kubel and Young and want to say Punto single handedly cost them the game? You look at the physical and mental errors in the field by a number of guys and you still want to say Punto “single handedly” lost the game?
That’s absurd.
In the silver lining department, I thought the bullpen generally did a nice job the last couple of days. Yeah, Breslow gave up the game winner yesterday, but he was in his 3rd inning of relief work by then. Just need the pen and the hitters and the defense to do well at the same time occasionally.
Help me here…
I don’t know this rule, but since Morneau was DH, could he have swapped positions with Lamb later in the game and played first base with Lamb moving to DH?
Unfortunately no. Once the DH comes in to play the field, they become a position player and the pitcher has to hit.
If you remember the July game against the Sox, Redmond had to leave in the bottom of the first after taking a bat to the head from Thome. Mauer (who was DHing) came in, and Garza had to hit.
I think the only two things you can do with the DH without losing him is pinch hit and pinch run.
Someone should have been yelling HOLD ON TO IT when Baker was looking to throw to 1st. I know I was yelling that at my TV!!
Yea, I don’t get what Baker was thinking. Once he saw neither Lamb or Punto were covering 1st he should’ve eaten it.
Reminds me of those numerous times earlier this season where the pitcher would go to 3rd and not realize there wasn’t anybody there.
Oops, sorry. That would be the game last July. (The same one Morneau hit 3 HRs in)
Brasky,
LNP will not be resigned….. well, maybe a 1 year deal.
there is alot of redundancy in AAA plus Tolbert. LNP will command 3 mill or so, i just don’t see the Twins doing that
That was a game that magnified most of the team’s deficiencies. It has to be impossible for a manager to be without two-way players (starters) at 3B, SS, and 2B, to not have an adequate backup 1B, and to have tp post a lineup always short one potent bat.
It will be interesting to see what the FO does during the off-season, but even more interesting to see how Gardy plays his hand during this pennant race. He does not have a full house, but the Whities don’t have three aces. Should be intriguing.
LNP will not be resigned….. well, maybe a 1 year deal.
Punto at best gets an invite to Spring Training. But you’re right, there’s a redundancy with Tolbert (if he’s healthy) so Punto would be the odd man out. (Why? Because the FO is cheeeeeeeeaaaaaaap!) 
But considering what’s happened thus far (Cuddy and Casilla’s injuries) I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some voodoo involved.
Tolbert is the Punto of the future. The Twins love Punto, but they eventually let Hocking go and he was a beloved utilityman too. $ talks, and veterans are expensive.
Besides the fact that Crede will be expensive (especially once LAD gets involved) would the Twins sign him? If they do (as if he’s a Type A), do they lose their #1 pick?
FO will continue to DO nothing.
But, they’ll tell us over and over that they tried to make a deal, that they watched the waiver wire, but, ultimately, there just wasn’t a good deal available.
Then, they’ll sign some terrible, never was or has been or two, the Twins will win 85-88 games, and we’ll be promised that the following year, really, they’ll do something to make the team better.
Meantime, they’ll raise ticket prices again, while the ML salary drops or statys about the same….
I’d really like to believe that isn’t true, but all the evidence points to that.
And, it is now August. Is it too soon to judge the Santana trade, at least in terms of this year? I give it an F for it’s 2008 impact. Not one guy is a sure fire ML player. Gomez looks to have regressed to where many of us though he would be all year, AAA or AAAA. Humber and Mulvey could make it some day, but that isn’t a sure thing. and THE GUY in the deal has been a huge disappointment in the low minors. All of this for one of the 5 best pitchers in the game. Imagine if they had gotten a real SS, 3B or OF for him, just 1 real MLB player. Hopefully the future brings more in return.
And, finally, I want to apologize for calling someone a shill yesterday. That was disrespectful, and not accurate. Sorry LEN.
Umm, CAPT, I assume your post was tongue-in-cheek. No way would the twins play just there A-team thru the dog-days of August. This time of the year is a hard one for ball-players. Lots of minor injuries are starting to add up and the guys that are out there every day are doing on intestinal fortitude. Not easy to be out there every day. Honestly don’t know how Cal Ripken did it. No way that it could happen at catcher especially though. Mauer has had a really good year this year health-wise. I am CERTAIN that they aren’t going to risk him by playing him without regular rest.
BTW, for those still lamenting the Santana trade, he hasn’t exactly been lighting up the NL either. The Santana that we remember is not the Santana that the Mets got in trade this offseason. His K’s are down, and that is in the NL even. He simply doesn’t seem to be the pitcher that he used to be. He is still a very good pitcher, but I am pretty sure he is no longer the one of the best in the majors, probably by a pretty long shot. Would I like him to still be a Twin, HELL YEAH, but at his current contract, HELL NO.
Yes, their bullpen stinks. Yes, they blew yesterday’s game at the plate and in the field. But the Twins are only .5 out of first, far better than most of us thought they would be. The bottom line is that this is mostly a young team and also one with beset with injuries (the only reason Adam Everett is even with the team right now.) Inexperience is by definition erratic. Injuries mean that you have to give players some time off as best you can to prevent further injury and it means guys who maybe should be on the bench get to play. So, relax. Let’s see what happens this week and who the Twins bring up at the end of the month.
Then, they’ll sign some terrible, never was or has been or two…
Which is exactly what everybody here was saying about Hawkins (who the Twins passed on).
Until the Astros picked him up. Then he became that “One-Arm” (TM) the Twins always needed.
The Twins are actually pretty set up for the future. This might be the 1 year were they make a run at a decent free agent at 3b, 2b, or less likely but possible relief pitcher.
I’d get Baker signed long term and then maybe pluck a free-agent for 3rd or 2nd
Unfortunately, that seems to be what people think the players should be able to do… play every game without a break. Oh, and pitchers should be able to throw a couple of innings every day, too.
I give Mauer a lot of credit for stepping up and catching yesterday afternoon. That was a warm day with the sun beating down pretty much the whole day (up until the last couple of extra innings when the shadows crept across home plate).
Without Casilla and Cuddyer, this is simply not a very deep team (though still miles deeper than last year’s collection).
Lamb is going to have to play a few games at 1B, Punto, Harris and Everett have flaws, but two outta three are going to be playing every game if/until Casilla is back. Kubel will have a few games in the OF. Redmond is going to catch about once a week.
The A lineup can’t play every game. They’re going to have to get some wins with some of these guys in the lineup.
Hawkins was never “the arm”, but he was a nearly free and significant upgrade over that waste of a roster space known as Brian Bass.
I keep reading that.
then, I read that Santana has 8 no decisions in games he’s left in the 6th or later where he gave up 2 runs or less. the guy should easily have 6-7 more wins, putting him 2nd in the NL. His ERA third in the NL.
In exchange, the Twins got a mediocre CF for this year and no other help this year so far (though I’d put money on one or both of Mulvey/Humber being a september call up, doint well out of the pen, and all of us wondering why it wasn’t done sooner), and a A league pitcher who gets worse and worse as the year goes on.
O.K. folks, now that we’ve had a night to sleep on it, we have to remember that the Twins don’t play like this very often, that they remain on Chicago’s tail and that they are home for nine games.
But they need to make hay during this homestand before they hit the convention road trip.
Casilla returning is huge. Nick Punto has played much better than he did last season but he’s slumping now and probably needs a day off - but who else plays second?
Whoever starts today - Glen Perkins or Nick Blackburn - needs to strong outing. Scott Baker went seven innings yesterday, the first Twins starter to do so since Blackburn on Aug. 1.
And the front office needs to intensify it’s search for bullpen help. I’m still a little surprised they didn’t go after Chad Bradford.
2 sides to every story, howard calls out punto for bad play, failed to cover first on time amd dropped the throw by span and len 3 calls out lamb and span on the same plays. i guess it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
The radio guys called out Punto.
LEN3,
What’s the latest on if Perkins will start tonight or not?
Also, have you heard any potential bullpen names for the Twins?
Surprised to see all the gloom and doom this morning. I admit, the game yesterday was one they should have won, but lets keep in mind this is a team that is only .5 game out of first place and only 1.5 games out of the wild card. With this Twins team, I’ll take .500 road trips any day.
It’s time to take a hard look at what impact Barry Bonds could have on this lineup. We need more production and more of a threat in the lineup than what we have now. Bonds could be put into the 5 or 6 hole and all of a sudden it makes the lineup shape-up pretty well. I know
that it will diminish someone else’s role and there would be lots of tough decisions to make, but isn’t this what leadership is all about. Management made a couple of tough decisions last week. They were good decisions. It’s time to make another one that makes good baseball sense. Bring in Bonds.
there is a rumor that ron davis is going to try a comeback and fill the 8th inning role!
While Bonds is considered to be a stigma in the locker room, would it be possible to that the good energy that you get from guys like Morneau, Nathan, Mauer, etc. could balance out the negative energy that is Barry Bonds?
I have been saying that the Twins could use Bonds all year long (to myself). Then we could laugh at the White Sox and their Griffey.
Lamb admitted that he should have gone back to the bag. I mean, why did he come so far off the bag in the first place? That chopper clearly was Baker’s.
Punto did drop the throw (it would have been a close play) but he shouldn’t have be a part of the play. Span has to throw that ball to second.
Hard to hear about bullpen names with waivers involved. Some names get leaked out but don’t hear about all of them.
Someone mentioned Al Reyes - buyer beware. He’s past 35 and has had arm problems. I like Huston Street but he didn’t clear waivers apparently. While his makeup is tremendous he’s battled arm problems recently.
Sorry for jumping in late. Andy and I had a bowling match this morning vs. Joe Girardi and Don Mattingly at Cedarvale Lanes. Andy picked up a 7/10 split to seal the deal for us. Cashman was there as well and he promised to take it easy on us this week since we normally go hide in hte corner and suck our thumbs when the Yankees come to town.
La Velle-
Do you see the FO getting desperate and seeking the help from a big name like Bonds?
I know they are only .5 games out, but a kick in the pants from a guy like Bonds couldn’t hurt. I bet he would sign pretty cheap too, he must be bored as hell.
No, I don’t wants Bondsy. He’s a great player but I don’t want my clubhouse chemistry messed up. He’s not a very good bowler.
White Sox made another trade for a bullpen arm.
Keep sitting on those hands Billy Smith!
Any word on if the Twins ever took a look at Freddy Garcia?
LaVelle
“Nick Punto has played much better than he did last season but he’s slumping now and probably needs a day off - but who else plays second?”
Pretty sad when even you spew out that garbage. Yes Nick Punto has played much better when you compare it to his year last year (one of the worst seasons for a hitter in modern baseball). His performance this year is still awful. And his play since coming off the DL rivals last year and actually might be worse. Who else plays second? Anyone. Machado? Macri? I would even play Buscher there and have Lamb take back his starting role at 3rd. I would do this the Yankee way. Keep plugging in players until someone does the job. To say there is no one else to play second is a “Homer” sellout statement (a Jason term). I don’t care if Casilla was scheduled to come back on Wed. Punto is not a starting player in this league. He is not. AND to play Everett AND Punto in the same lineup. Awful.
ZZZZZZ,
about 15 teams sent someone to watch Garcia work out, The Twins were not one of them
Good post by La Velle.
People are so eager to blame Punto for everything, they can’t even interpret what actually happened on the field.
Craig
I’ve heard Machado is a good ball player. Is that true?
JP, you aren’t going to get arguments on this blog that Punto should play every day, but Gardy has to consider available options. I think Machado would have to be placed on the 40-man roster to be brought up. Macri’s defense is worse than Buscher’s ans Harris’s, so I understand why the FO decided to stick Gardy with Punto and Harris as his 2B choices until Tolbert/Casilla return. Gardy has two choices. Both suck.
Does anyone honestly think that Machado is the ticket? The guy has had a great run right now, but, hey, he is hitting against AAA guys right now, and last I checked, Ruiz was hitting phenomenal against AAA pitching too. Didn’t exactly earn him alot of playing time as of yet either. Nine total atbats. Gotta love Gardy spreading around the playing time 
“…the Twins don’t play like this very often”?
They played exactly like that every game on this road trip.
I really wish the front office had given their manager some better tools to play July, August and September with. At least a bullpen arm. Plus a middle infielder would’ve been nice when Casilla went down.
I can understand not dealing with Seattle, who apparently wanted too much for Beltre. But c’mon, how difficult would it have been to get a second baseman or shortstop so that two of Punto/Harris/Everett weren’t playing every day?
Harris batting 2nd would be better than LNP occupying that spot and stinking it up.
“People are so eager to blame Punto for everything, they can’t even interpret what actually happened on the field.”
He struck out 4 times. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4 times. 4. 4. not 3. 4. 4.
For a 2-hitter, that is inexcusable.
Teams are going to start pitching AROUND the lead-off hitter to get to Punto. That is unheard of, since a 2-hitter should be someone that handles a great bat and makes solid contact, a good hit-and-run guy. In fact I believe the Royals did in fact intentionally walk Span to get to Punto.
Intentionally walking a rookie with no power to get to our 2-hitter. The thought of that makes me sick.
it was a team effort, but for me most of the blame should ball on Gardy: a. A couple of times he took the bat off Span’s hands with men on base via bunting and hit and run calls allowing Punto to be there with 2 outs and b. he pinch hit Harris for Everett who had 2 hits on the game instead for Punto who we all know what he did. Another sad display of managing by the ‘manager of the millennium’
How many games will Gardy absolutely through away by continually using Matt Guerrier as his 8th inning guy? Why always wait until the game is blown before bringing in Jesse Crain to bail out the inning. Yesterday if Crain started the 8th inning we sweep that series.
birdofprey
lame excuse. dump everett. bring up machado. if you don’t like your options at a position, then make changes!!!!
Nicky Punto will be in my line-up every game as long as I’m Manager. He’s plucky and battles his tail off every game. We don’t look at stats.
JP,
I have heard the same about Machado. I have been waiting to see him for a couple seasons.
The reports say, he has good speed, takes a base on balls, rarely strikes out, is fundamentally sound. His best asset is that he has very sure hands. Another switch hitter, I believe, though baseball reference lists him as batting right only. He is also said to be a very nice man.
In limited play, he is hitting very well for Rochester, playing exclusively at 2B.
The question mark is his shoulder after two surgeries.
“In fact I believe the Royals did in fact intentionally walk Span to get to Punto.”
Indeed, and Punto stepped up to the plate with a chance to win it and popped out. What a suprise. I was laughing at Gordo and Jack though who, before the mighty LNP pooped out, carried on about what a “mistake” they thought the Royals were making for walking Span to get to LNP.
I’d walk 3 guys in a row to load the bases so I could pitch to Punto.
Hopefully LNP missed the flight home.
The Twins have 250 lb. Sergio Santos playing SS at Rochester. He is also on the 40 man roster. I am trying to figure out what skills this player has, and so far I have come up empty. The Twins must see something in him.
All Punto haters need to remember Kubel whiffed three times and left NINE runners on base.
Everett plain sucks=release him!
Lamb is, well Lamb=release him too!
Gomez should go to the minors to work on strategy for his at bats. Right now he’s good for, at least, two strikeouts a game!!!!!!
Punto is a FILL-IN player and a lower guy to hit in the lineup when he’s strating!!!!!!!!!!
Go get Washburn from Seattle who is going through waivers! At least, you keep him away from the Yanks and White Sox who need the help; it would almost be like a block on them!!!!!!! He wouldn’t cost much for the rest of the year and can relieve or spot start!!!!!!!
Dawg,
Washburn is under contract next year
I am a Twins fan living in KC and I was at all 3 games this weekend. The atmosphere was really like a Twins home game. Outstanding support! But, Punto is about the worst player ever in the history of this franchise. He made the nice play to end the game on Saturday, but that was absolutely it all weekend. Kubel Ks 3 times yesterday. Young left about 15 runners in scoring position. And, to top it all off, they let Tony Pena, Jr. fricking win the game for the Royals. He’s a .150 hitter on a good day. Ugghh….
How come the Twins can beat good teams and they always seem to lose or have struggles with KC
the Twins are 9-3 vs KC this year
Kubel did not sulk, pout and throw his bat and helmet over his k’s. Kubel did not fail to cover 1st. Kubel did not drop a ball thrown right to his glove. Kubel is not batting .169 over the last month.
Gotta look at yesterday’s game this way:
The Twins did just about everything wrong that they could.
Baker throwing to no one
Buscher missing a sunfly
Kubes 3 Ks
LNP playing closer to the norm
Mauer and Morneau not doing much
etc….
and they almost won on the road against a team who has been playing better of late.
Shawn in Binghamton Thank’s.
I am noticing lately that The football is getting in the way of my baseball viewing. Pre season stinks. More baseball please
Just because Kubel had a bad game doesn’t mean Punto should be given a free pass. This is what bothers me about Punto apologists. Instead of saying Punto should have caught the relay throw, we say Span should have thrown straight to second. Maybe true, but shouldn’t Punto catch the DARN ball? Or Lamb should have returned to first. Maybe true, but shouldn’t Punto have been running from the beginning of the play to cover 1st?
For a guy who is “fundamentally sound” he sure makes a lot of plays that defies
that label.
Punto clearly took his rotten day at the plate into the field. If he makes that catch from Span, they probably get the out. Everett kept them in the game early with above avg plays but in the end, the noodle hanging from his shoulder failed. Play Harris and Everett, sit Punto. Lamb is a bat and Morneau has to get some rest occassionally. My biggest gripe is that for some reason the coaches on this team cannot seem to get D Young to showe some fricken patience at the plate. I know someone out here knows, how many first pitch outs he’s made. I mean bases loaded, wild pitcher, take a %$@* pitch. All the talent in the world! Get control of this kid Gardy. You did trade a “prized pitcher” for him. Maddening!
yeah jimmy,
i am all excited for the Vikes season, but not really interested until game 1
I’ll repeat my earlier question, but without using specific player names.
In the offseason, can anybody see the Twins signing a Type A or even Type B free agent? If they do, do they have to surrender a draft pick? Because I really can’t see the Twins doing such a thing if they lose a pick.
JP,
Punto is the most unfundamentally sound MLBer i have ever seen. He makes some plays in the field. He is 30, he should be over the boneheaded mistakes.
There are good hit - no field SS. There are good field - no hit SS. There is also Sergio Santos, who is a no hit - no field SS.
Santos is on the 40 man roster, because Bill Smith looks trim when he stands next to him. That’s the only reason I have come up with, so far.
You clowns obsessed with Bonds should be sent to an asylum. You know he won’t be signed by anyone. And you know ESPECIALLY that he won’t be signed by the Twins … a club that only traffics in “nice guys” like LNP, Denny Hocking and Matt LeCroy that won’t make waves. Prattle on and on about your impossible fantasies. It ain’t gonna happen, so ZIP IT about Bonds!!
Pre Season football, Olympic basketball and Brett Favre should not get any coverage and we should just have baseball. I feel like the media is just skipping over baseball like the season is over. I can’t wait for the series against the Angels. Too bad it’s not here
Jay says ZIP IT guys!
jimmy,
I am going to a game or 2 in Baltimore in September. Best stadium in baseball.
If Everett and Lamb are released, and Gomez is sent to the minors, I’d like to know who the replacements are for a team that’s a half-game out of first place.
I was in K.C. and am just as frustrated by everyone else. But gees, people, during a 162-game season there will be bad games asnd even the best teams will lose 60. Let’s just hope the team learns from the mistakes and it doesn’t start a trend.
Let’s face it, the team could win 100 again sometime and people would still find things to gripe about. It’s human nature, unfortunately.
Shawn in Binghamton I heard that Baltimore had the best stadium the other day. It must be quite a stadium to partake in the viewing of a game. The stadium I would also like to see is Pittsburgh’s and SF’s
I wonder if anyone on the blog has seen a game in Oakland
” The radio guys called out Punto. ” … if I were called out by John Gordon I think I’d probably hang myself.
BONDS!!!!!
I would like to see Pittsburgh and SF also.
“Just because Kubel had a bad game doesn’t mean Punto should be given a free pass.”
JP,
Punto getting a free pass?
Punto getting a free pass??????
It seems half the posts almost everyday, have been Punto hate posts. For a couple of years! It’s an obsession with a few dozen people on the blogs.
make it happen
I would have liked to have had the new stadium be on a river or lake like SF has the ocean/cove area. We could have called it Killebrew cove or something if a ball landed in the water.
The new stadium should’ve been built where the new Guthrie is now. Right on the river, with a much better view of downtown than the one being built. That was the plan, but taxpayers turned it down over and over and over again. So we’re left with a cramped stadium in a ditch. Could’ve done so much better.
The Minnnesota area is known for 10,000 lakes and we couldn’t find a single one to put it next too.
Barry? Barry? Barry, can you hear me? Barry please get on your phone and see if you could work out a deal with the Twins ? Yes Barry. I know about the baggie. Yes Barry, it must go above the baggie for it to count as a homerun. I know that it’s shorter down the left field line but that’s ok. Just pull it more often. No Barry,I don’t believe that Delmon would be a good choice to tutor you on the art of pulling. Please call soon Barry. See, in Minnesota they like to take things a little slower than the west coast. Just make sure that you behave for a couple of months. Barry, Please call us. Maybe we could call you or maybe we’ll drag and Tampa, Boston , or New York will come calling even though they act like they don’t want you. The time is ticking Barry. Please call.
Craig
Semantics. Instead of free pass how about “Just because Kubel had a bad game doesn’t mean Punto’s poor play should be defended or minimized.”
Let me ask you a question Craig. When has Gardy every publicly called out mistakes that Punto has made?
Would you rather have Punto keep starting or bring Machado up and give him a chance?
Did anyone else think the game dragged on just a bit? Obviously, it went extra innings, but I was thinking in the seventh inning that I’d eventually have to make a decision between watching the Twins or Michael Phelps in the swimming relay later that night. Seemed like every inning starting with the 5th took forever.
Shawn in Binghamton Do you know the age of Carlos Silva’s wife. Is marrying someone that young actually legal in the US
I have never seen his wife, is she about 12?
I have problems telling the difference between his wife apart from his new child
Bonds won’t play again. He broke the one rule that you can’t break, he implicated another active player. Just like what Palmeiro did. Bonds probably just made it up. It doesn’t matter though, the mob (MLB and the players union), hates a snitch. The baseball mob has a zero tolerance policy for snitches. The reason is because it messes with their money. Here is what major league baseball is all about: Money. BIG MONEY.
The New and Improved Craig Selig and Stearns are 2 of the dirtiest presidents of Major league sports and no player shall ever cross them or it’s curtains for them and there careers.
JP,
I don’t think Gardy publicly jumps on his players that much, except for the rookies and near rookies.
I would like to see players better than Punto, and I think Machado might be that. I don’t know if Machado can play SS anymore after his surgeries, so he may not be a complete replacement for Punto.
I am far from convinced that either Everett or Harris is an upgrade over Punto in the middle infield. I like Casilla and Tolbert, but the Twins could look to add a solid middle infielder in the off-season, preferably one who can play SS, and both hit and field.
Howie and footbreaker just go back-to-back for Roch
kjr - you were out of line on the La Velle smoking another one remark.
who’s kjr?
From coyotetom:
“kjr - you were out of line on the La Velle smoking another one remark.”
This is the rude lingo from a young, rude generation. One should never trust anyone under 30.
Post all-star break:
Punto .169/.234/.254
Everett .294/.429/.294
Harris .279/.357/.459
Machado in AAA: .375/.395/.554; 22 games one error in 2B.
Isn’t clear who is the odd man out?
Machado in AAA: .375/.395/.554; 22 games one error in 2B.
22 games.
Even Punto managed to put up a 1.000 OPS over a 22 game span this season.
Of course, in my case, I have to trust my girlfriend(s) a little.
I am off to do another nooner.
jimmy bee, you are in charge until I return.
Somebody please give the status on Tolbert!
snepp,
the point here is that it is the last 22 games… and in the same period Punto has been stinking the joint.
JJ
I heard they were taking it extra slow with him(Tolbert) before Casilla got hurt, Bc the team was doing so well. Now Casilla is hurt and Punto is sucking Hind Tit, I heard they are pushing him hard and he may be back in about 10 days to 2 weeks.
Go-mez Go-away. For all of you Gomez lovers consider this. How long did it take for the Twins to promote Denard Span???? He would still be in AAA if not for the constant injuries of Cuddyer. Span is 10 time better player than Gomez. Where did he learn to play??? In the minor leagues. That is where Gomez belongs. That is where ALL rookies start. Anyone in the Twins FO that can’t see that is a moron. Sure, he had a few good months in the majors, until everyone figured him out. Now, he can’t hit, he can’t bunt. If he does get on base, he gets picked off. Terrible routes to the ball in the OF. Going to balls that are clearly the LF’ers. Horrible offline throws to the cutoff or to any plate. And what’s with that Bambi prance leap thing he does before throwing the damn ball????
Disappointed in LEN3. First he smokescreens for FO in his piece on relievers by not even mentioning Ricky Barrett and his 29% K rate (35% since June) and ability to get both right and left-handed hitters out with aplomb.
Now this ridiculous rah-rah punto cover-up job.
“Mike Lamb failed to cover first base on a comebacker to the mound, leading to a wild flip throw by Scott Baker to a scrambling Nick Punto…. all Denard Span had to do in the 12th was to set his feet and he has a chance to throw Mark Teahen out.” While Lamb deserves some blame, it was NOT a clearcut “comebacker to the mound” when it came spinning off the bat. Regardless, it was Punto’s job to break toward 1st just as surely as it was Lamb’s to stay home. He didn’t (it actually looked like he was coming from further away than starting position, so he might’ve broke the wrong way) and that contributed to the disaster as surely as Lamb and Baker’s play.
And then to put the blame on Span for that throw? Lavelle, PUNTO DROPPED A PERFECT THROW. No analysis mitigates such a glaring mistake. Perhaps Span could’ve stopped and planted and thrown. But absolutely nobody with whom I was watching the game nor anybody on either very busy message board I was on at the time spotted that as a possibility and I have trouble believing that many folks missed such a putatively obvious “shoulda”. LNP is a toolbox of a baseball player. He is so far below replacement level it’s ridiculous. His reputation for a good glove is based on getting late jumps that force him to dive, diving unnecessarily and a handful of truly spectacular plays over the years.
As for Machado: The guy did not suddenly become five times the hitter he’s ever been after being laid up for a year thinking about hitting. His LD rate is 23% and his BABIP is .412. Those numbers are badly out of whack with each other and with his career numbers and not sustainable. That said, he’s going good and very well could be better than LNP. But if I’m going to DFA somebody for a middle infielder, I’m giving Luke Hughes until the day before the deadline to continue performing. If he does, he’s in and LNP’s out, regardless of whether Casilla’s back.
Blah blah blah toby. LEN3’s trying to do what NEEDS to be done, and that’s to get morons like you to realize that Punto isn’t the sole reason this team lost yesterday, and wasn’t the sole reason it struggled last season.
Get over it. There’s no elaborate coverup, just you and many like you who have this need for scapegoats and oversimplifications.
Just because Kubel had a bad game doesn’t mean Punto should be given a free pass.
Punto getting a free pass? Are you serious? Punto doesn’t even get a free pass when he’s not in the lineup.
Hell, he doesn’t even get a free pass when he’s on the DL for christ’s sake.
The words “Punto” and “Free Pass” don’t ever come into the same sentence? If anything, Punto is the reason everybody ELSE gets a free pass.
The Lamb/Baker/Punto fiasco yesterday? Was all Punto’s fault. The offensive woes…all Punto.
The Vocal Majority are the only people on here who thinks Punto gets any kind of Free Pass, and yet they’re the same group that’ll take a blog entry about Carlos Silva or Justin Morneau and turn it right back into the same damned Punto whining day in and day out.
You want to see the Punto “apologists” (aka the people who actually want to talk baseball) stop? Then stop dragging him into the middle of everything as the reason for all the Twins problems.
There’s 24 other players on the roster. And as much as it may pain you to admit it, occasionally they screw up.
Also, re: Gomez. People say Pridie’s just as strike out prone. True, and nothing the good people (me) at FREE JASON PRIDIE have ever denied. Case in point: Pridie struck out 3 times yesterday. Touche. But wait! Two of the at bats were 8 and 9 pitches and his OPS for July and August is over 1.000. Yup, just like Gomez. I hear he even makes an on-line throw once in a while. Maybe they want to see if he’s gonna break the Rochester record for triples?
Is Bill Smith so drunkenly smitten with making himself look good by keeping Santana-acquisition Gomez in MLB he doesn’t see he’s going to sour the entire fanbase on the guy and have his narcissistic goal implode on him? I don’t want Gomez “banished to AA to rot” or anything. I want him sent there so that he CAN become the very good player I figure he probably WILL be.
Gomez may “posess” the 5-tools, but he certainly doesn’t know how to use them. A year in AAA should fix that.
Anybody think the Twinks can handle Sidney Ponson this time around??
LEN3 - what’s the situation with Perkins and the wife???
The other 24 players may “occasionally” screw up, but none of the other Gardy annointed starters screw up as often BOTH offensively and defensively as LNP. And yes, little nicky DOES get a constant free pass from Gardy, the FO, from Dick B, from Jack and Gordo (thankfully, Dazzle man is not so easily muted) or from most of the Strib sportswriters and from apologists such as yourself.
There are a handful of people Gardy will never throw under the bus, no matter what: Cuddyer, Mauer, his ‘lil buddy and himself.
No, Punto is not the reason for all the Twins’ problems, but he is a sorry excuse for a MLB player, he should not be starting every fricking game and he absolutely should not be batting 2nd.
and from apologists such as yourself.
If you want your arguments to be taken seriously, you should probably avoid the “Us vs. Them” debate.
But again, you’d rather deal in absolutes. If anybody disagress that Punto isn’t the only problem than obviously they are apologists.
I just consider that ignorant. Especially when countless times I’ve described my problems with Punto.
Feel free to gloss over them to prove whatever you need to yourself…
toby: Many have suggested (and I agree) that Gomez’s problem isn’t his hitting…it’s his ability to hit big league pitching.
The kinds of things that won’t normally get thrown in AAA.
T, NOBODY on this or twinkietown at the time said “The Baker error was *all* Punto’s fault.” My point and everybody else’s (I assume) was and remains that it was in part LNP’s fault, which LaVelle’s account tacitly denied. Absolutely, Lamb could’ve realized it was Baker’s quicker and broken back sooner. But Punto should’ve been breaking immediately as he had NO potential responsibility other than to back up the play at 1st. He also struck out 4 times, popped out (he’s the one-man Dominate Me machine) and played horribly in the field after a career of not hitting and making stupid plays. Those sorts of players (i.e. bad ones) tend to get singled out as the guys folks want replaced. I think I speak for most when I say our incessant criticism of Punto is directed at making the Twins better in the future (which involves making predictions about future performance based on the elements of the past that have a predictive value); it’s not the product of some academic project aiming at sitting back and judiciously apportioning blame/credit in every single pitch of every single game. If Morneau or Mauer strikes out with the bases loaded, it’s not that he’s not to blame for failing in that situation — of course he is — it’s that nobody is arguing that there are better options than him that would in the long run create more wins for the team. Thus nobody sees any need/point to spending much time talking about it. It’s an academic exercise versus a practical one. Maybe Span should’ve planted and thrown, but nobody thinks he sucks and there’s a better option right now because in general he’s great in the field and great at the plate (notwithstanding that nobody but Lavelle actually thought he was to blame for that play). Punto dropped the ball and given that everybody thinks there were better options when Casilla got hurt he gets called out in the (vain) hope the light will go on in Mr. Smith’s/Gardy’s (can he read?) head. Would I LAMENT it if Justin Morneau pulled a Bill Buckner in the 7th game of the 2008 World Series later this year? Yes. Would I be pissed/irritated/upset because I didn’t think he had any business being there? No.
Punto should be a late inning substitution for his excellent fielding skills. He is a human highlight real for his defense.
The New and Improved Craig says:
“August 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Of course, in my case, I have to trust my girlfriend(s) a little.
I am off to do another nooner.
jimmy bee, you are in charge until I return.”
I got you covered and will try my best. Have fun on the nooner.
I actually want to see him learn to hit AA pitching, first. All he did the first time around (in AA) was beat out groundballs and strike out too much.
Can anyonr think of what should be done with Lamb and Everett. A creative decision would be greatly appreciated
“If you want your arguments to be taken seriously, you should probably avoid the “Us vs. Them” debate.”
Pot, meet kettle. Anyone who points out Punto’s flaws is a “Punto-hater” or: “just you and many like you who have this need for scapegoats and oversimplifications.”
“But again, you’d rather deal in absolutes. If anybody disagress that Punto isn’t the only problem than obviously they are apologists.”
Try reading comprehension Mr. Blog Police. I said he his not the cause of all the team’s ills and I don’t think anyone else said that either.
You have to be humored by “silver bullet” posters. It’s all (insert name here)’s fault. Do something. Bring back Mientkiewicz (my personal favorite recommendation this month. Get Bonds. Get Washburn. Trade Bass for K-Rod. Fire Carl Pohlad. Funny stuff.
Cuddy is a missing piece in the chain and his production at the plate is greatly missed and his MIA status is costing the Twins valueable run support.
Can anyone give me a hint as to how LaPanta leaves the stadium after a game is complete while they are deflating the dome? Inquiring minds want to know.
If the Twins are anywhere close September 1st, there is more than a good chance to win the division. Ignoring the “flair for the obvious” imbedded in the statement, the key would be Septmber callups. Maybe a real first baseman who could at least be used as a defensive replacement when Morneau DH’s, an army in the bullpen and Pridie for defense(or replacing Gomez). Twins will be a lot stronger in end game situations. Bass, Lamb, Bonser won’t be released - just sit
“Can anyone give me a hint as to how LaPanta leaves the stadium after a game is complete while they are deflating the dome? Inquiring minds want to know.”
Duh. The door by the time cards.
Also a catcher so Mauer and “nude walk” could both be in the lineup
if punto would stop mowing gardy’s lawn and make gardy do it he may lose a few #’s and could fit into his uniform. so gardy being out of shape is punto’s fault!!!
all things considered, including no moves by smith for help, if any were actually available, the team is doing well considering that the outfield has about 3 yrs ml exp, we have no ml 3b, iffy ss play at best and 2 utility guys playing full time in the if. plus our starting pitchers have less ml innings than any team in baseball.
if the tigers and indians had been as good as advertised (or even .500) we’d be lucky to be even close. with our terrible road play and heavy road schedule if we finish .500 the rest of the way it will be very lucky. only hope is for the sox to suck big time the rest of the way.
and that all means it’s all punto’s fault for making the schedule that way.
If craig’s girlfriend becomes laden with child as a result of today’s nooner, that will be Punto’s fault.
feel the raptors talons!
Someone might have said this already, but why not have Everett (and his weak shoulder) play second to give Punto a day off with Harris at short and Buscher/Lamb/Macri at 3rd.
I don’t think anyone else said that either.
If you’re going to call me out for a lack of reading comprehension, you probably shouldn’t make statements such as that.
Read yesterday’s game thread. Punto was solely responsible for the botched play at 1st, as well as TOTALLY to blame for the offensive problems while Kubel quiety K’d for the third time in the game and left his ninth man stranded on base.
If people don’t think Punto’s solely responsible, they sure as heck don’t act like it.
And by the way, the “Apolgist” term is incorrect when used to address somebody who actually does have problems with Punto’s play.
Another reason you shouldn’t be pointing fingers in regard to reading comprehension.
Which is why I don’t take your “Blog Cop” comment personally. As obviously you don’t actually read anything I have to say anyway.
Here is a name: Gary Sheffield
he wants a trade, i am sure the Rays want him.
Put in a claim and if we get him, he can block the trade if he doesn’t want to come here. If he does, it could be a short term upgrade. Gary is a play when i want to play kind of guy.
“birdofprey says:
August 11th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
If craig’s girlfriend becomes laden with child as a result of today’s nooner, that will be Punto’s fault.”
Craigs nooner love child will be the result of Mauer not carrying this team and hitting HR’s
The Yanks by the way need this series and are pulling out all of the stops. YES network is playing th Giambi raining Grand Slam game right now.
“If you’re going to call me out for a lack of reading comprehension, you probably shouldn’t make statements such as that.
Read yesterday’s game thread. Punto was solely responsible for the botched play…”
Clearly, I was speaking of today’s thread.
“As obviously you don’t actually read anything I have to say anyway.”
It would kind of be hard to avoid your postings on the Twins’ blogs T.
That said, I do know that you have said before that you would rather Punto be used off the bench. (see - I read your stuff, I really do!) However, today you are skewering anyone who points out Punto’s multiple F ups yesterday, or the fact that he should not be starting every darned game, or the fact that Gardy and Co. do give him a free pass.
I think Toby’s post at 1:02 said it best, we hope for a better Twins’ future, and that future picture would like brighter without Punto as our everyday 2nd baseman or SS.
I am trying to figure out if Mike Lamb is about the same type of player as say a Sid Bream
That’s “look” brighter not “like.”
good news, Shannon Stewart is available
To continue going down the list of current players that are of equal value in comparison to late 80’s players.
Is Kubel in comparison equal to Pete Incaviglia
The Twins are offensively too weak to threaten the Yankees. If the Twins take the series, it will be almost a miracle.
Didja see A-Rod and Giambi go back-to-back Saturday. The Yankees probably won’t make it to post-season. But with great starting pitching coming from Ponson and Mussina, they’re set up in their role as spoilers this year.
LOL
Dunn traded to AZ. Other teams find ways to make trades and close holes….
I know Everett had 2 Rbi’s yesterday, but I swear he looks like a 80 year old man playing to me.
Jimmy
Is it true you are selling replica LaPanta hair pieces on ebay? And are they really made out of genuine squirrel and possum hair?
RE: Yesterday’s Game Thread.
To the contrary, T, I for one readily acknowledged LNP wasn’t solely to blame for the Baker error. Look it up.
I saw that about Dunn mike. If Arizona wanted Dunn, there’s nothing the Twins could’ve done on the waiver wire. Teams in the same league get priority.
I was bummed too.
Yes, Punto was one of about 6 players to blame for yesterday. But the difference is, we rely on those other players to get the big hit. Punto has been pushed into every day action due to injuries. It’s not surprising Punto is in a slump at the plate. But Kubel and Young stranding 15(?) runners? That is what really hurt. We needed somebody, anybody, to step forward and produce yesterday. And that man is supposed to be Kubel, not Punto. Yesterday was clearly the reason we needed to acquire a right handed bat to protect Morneau. Let’s hope it’s not a regular occurance.
Jennie, are you saying you think Everett might have Projeria? He is not aging prematurely, but he is the first “elk” to ever play MLB. I did love him in the role opposite Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer though. I wonder if he still wants to be a Dentist?
However, today you are skewering anyone who points out Punto’s multiple F ups yesterday
Quite the contrary. I’m skewering those who look to that as why the Twins loss. Or using those to gloss over the less than helpful contributions of our friends Misters Kubel, Young, Lamb, and Everett.
Heck, even Morneau made a couple of key outs once they actually started pitching to him.
Twins’ future, and that future picture would like brighter without Punto as our everyday 2nd baseman or SS.
More than agree. I miss the hell out of Casilla and can’t decide if Harris is better to cover for Punto or Everett. Everytime I lean one way or the other they go ahead and switch it up.
For example, Punto’s 3Ks were ugly. But then Everett rainbows that throw to 1B.
I’m also not about to give Everett a break because he picked up RBIs 9 and 10 yesterday….
Rochester beat Indianapolis 5-4 this afternoon. Jason FREE ME Pridie was 2-4 with a double. Machado 2-4. Howie Clark and Garrett Jones homered and had multi-hit games. Luke Hughes 0-4 w/3 Ks, Trevor Plouffe 0-4. FREE RICKY BARRETT stranded the runner he inherited and gave up no runs although he did face 9 batters in his 1 2/3 IP. 3 hits and 2 walks were minimized by 3 Ks. Ah, the power of striking out 1 in 3 batters faced… Korecky pitched two innings of 1 hit ball and struck out 1 to get the win.
Punto needs to sit a game or two just to get his head straight. He mentally loses it when he goes into a slump. Probably bc most all of us get on his a** Much sooner than other players. I think we would be better off to platoon Harris and Punto at 2b.
T: the point wasn’t about Dunn specifically (though I’m generally a fan of his), but that other teams are finding ways to get hitters and pitchers they believe will help them. The Yankees, Angels, Red Sox, Tigers, White Sox, Rays made trades. Is that all of our competition? They all made trades and the Twins made none, right?
Plus, several NL teams have made trades, like the dodgers, Diamdonbacks, Marlins, Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers, Phillies (not the Mets, the Twins got all their “good” prospects).
That is, I think, EVERY team in the playoff hunt except the Twins.
except the Twins and Mets, that should have read.
Have Casilla and Tolbert played any games in rehab yet?
Not Casilla, not sure on Tolbert.
Thanks Mike I just cant get any news on either one of them.
Mike…
How are those trades working? Not too well, in general. But what the “H”…Make any move, just to make a move.
Regards,
Tolbert, Macri, Hughes……….You want them all…….Tolbert is a flake..Ask the team members…..Macri-hands of stone……Hughes………injury prone, 3K’s today….He better handle AAA pitching before he’s ready for the Bigs.
But all think they are the saviors….
Of course, Gomez should be with the. A 5 tool player that is using about 1 1/2 of those tools.
(oops posted that at the wrong place…)
Tolbert started rehab in Florida late July. He has been taking batting practice and the Twins are handing the situation as wait and see
Casilla has been swinging a bat with little effect from the right side, however he still has pain when swinging from the left (as of last weekend). There is a thought for him to be hitting exclusively right handed until the pain subsides.
About Gomez, Span and tools:
Gomez is a 5 tool player
Span is a 3 tool player (no power and noodle arm)
Span has 1 of the 3 common tools with Gomez obviously higher (hitting for average.) As far as the common tools go, Gomez has better speed and is better defensively than Span. In addition, he has a better arm. His other 2 tools need work.
Thrylos: Span’s defense is much more polished (route taking, jumps) and his arm hasn’t looked like the advertised noodle to me. Cetainly Gomez’s arm hasn’t done much this year I can think of. It was interesting to see Span flat out JACK his home run the other day. Rincon giveth tools!
Dragon, have you actually read and remembered any of my comments on making trades for the sake of making trades? I try to remember your stances on topics.
The point is, year after year the twins say they tried to make a deal, and they don’t. Eventually, you have to believe their actions, and not their words. Other teams, whether you like the deals or not, are trying to make themselves better. The Twins, for the every year but 1 this decade, are not doing so. So far, I’d give the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Angels high grades on their trades. I’d say the White Sox and Tigers are about the same as they were before the trade. The Yankees - not sure. They have a lot of starting pitching issues, and I’m not sure any amount of O can make up for those. But, maybe it can. Their trades were about patching holes due to injuries, just trying to stay even with where they “should be”. I can’t comment on most of the NL teams, as I don’t pay as much attention to them.
thrylos: the guys at BA say all the time that hitting is the most important of the five tools. that is one of gomez’s biggest issues, and the one I’m sure he could be working on at AAA.
“How are those trades working? Not too well, in general”
Texiera, since the trade: .325/.440/.525
Rauch, since trade:
I would have no problem Gomez working out his hitting at AAA, if there were a suitable replacement. Maybe Kubel as the every day RF and Ruiz as the every day DH… On the other hand, in this configuration, it is certain that Lamb would take more than 50% of the DH PAs, so I’d rather have Gomez than Lamb on the plate and Gomez’ defense on the field. Close call.
I am just wondering what exactly Harris has done to warrant himself a 3 game benching while Punto is drowning himself? I think it would be just cruel to send LNP out in the field after the last two games.
Mike,
I think you directly answered me at the deadline that you favored making a trade for it’s own sake (maybe it was tongue in cheek).
I don’t think anyone including Red Sox and Dodgers have shown any improvement in standings. The Red Sox may have done better for future, time will tell. They gave up a headcase, AND a postseason producer for a (?) in postseason. Time will tell.
Even Brewers got CC and after going on a tear, are roughly where they were.
Regards,
Whoops, hit, submit too soon.
Rauch, since trade: 9 IP, 4H, 2R, 1BB, 12K
Bradford: 1W, 2 scoreless IP since trade.
Hawkins, since Houston picked him up for free: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 6K, 1 SV
Should I stop now? Or do we wanna talk about Manny, Bay, or Nady too?
I’m a tool who got beat up alot as a kid. And I never could play little league because I was scared of the ball.
Tex is doing well, yet has he done enough to substantially improve the Angels?
Kotchman is a heavy price to pay if Tex ends up being just a rental.
BTW, IF the Twins were 1 piece away, I’d sign on in a minute. I don’t think they are that close (too many ?????). Span comes to earth, Mauer & Morneau regress toward 2007 performances, don’t think that’s probable, yet it’s not that improbable either. Add, the young pups in the Starting rotation, continuing the 5/6 inning routine rather than the 7/8 inning’s of a month ago.
Regards,
USAF Chief,
Stats are wonderful.
Have any of those teams increased their actual results 2/3/4 games above where they would likely have been without the trade? I don’t think so.
Regards,
Nope, I said I thought that when you are .5 games out, you go all in. You just never know what may happen in the future (ask the Twins and CLE this year). When you are close, you should go for it. It’s what they did not do earlier in the decade, despite needing just 1 player or 2 to really help the lineup.
I personally don’t think they’ll make a move to be substantially better next year. So, with bad luck, they’ll be out of the playoffs, with good luck, they’ll be in the same position they are now, and still not make a move to put themselves over the top.
ok, I think I’ve exhausted the number of times I can type the same thing, so I’ll get off this rant for a few weeks….hope I didn’t bore you all.
mike,
It will be interesting to find out just what Tampa paid for Bradford.
It probably helps that they have seemingly had the 1st or 2nd draft pick since what? 1620?
Don’t remember specifically what moves the FO did not make in 2004 or 2005, yet anyone complaining about 2006 is a bit daft IMHO. July 31 Twins 8.5 or 9 back, AND had been playing close to or above .700 for 6/7 weeks and gained like 2.5/3 games. Maybe just a difference of opinion.
We’ll see, maybe this will be a year similar to 1987 where a fairly flawed team took advantage of home field and wins.
Regards,
ps: I expect something in the off-season, once the FO has gotten a chance to see the youngsters under ML fire.
I agree on 2006 for sure.
what does the free agent pool look like this offseason? anyone know?
You’ve got to be kidding me! - that had to be a troll comment. Seriously? You think they’ll sign a legit FA?
CC Sabathia has started 7 games for the Brewers. He’s 6-0 with a 1.58 ERA (274 ERA+) in 57 innings in those 7 starts.
Yup, you’re right Dragon. Milwaukee hasn’t benefited this year by trading for CC at all.
And by the way, it makes no difference whatsoever what Tampa gave up for Bradford. The Twins, had they put in a waiver claim, would have been under no obligation to give up a player–any player–to obtain Bradford. All they had to do was put in the claim and tell Baltimore “we’ll pay the salary.”
Baltimore could’ve said no, but the Twins then just walk away, Tampa doesn’t get Bradford, and the Twins are no worse off. The WORST that could’ve happened is the Pohlad family is out around $4M over this season and next, and Brian Bass is lost to a waiver claim.
Mike wants wins
I think they might. I agree with the dragon in that i expect them to do something this offseason, having seen that their young players are capable of playing well “at the major league level.” And at the same time i do not have my hopes up, because its not worth the frustration. Idon’t really mean what superstars are going to be free agents. I mean solid players that they might be able to pounce on while the big pigs out east and west go after the big names.
the free agent pool looks mighty dry for 2009:
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2002/02/2008-09-free-agents.html
weak, though marcus giles would be worth a look, i think. ideal number 2 hitter, at his usual production.
Brutal, I think I counted 1 player I wanted at 2B/SS/3B (assuming Chipper Jones never becomes available). Brutal list.
Orlando Hudson might be a reasonable choice for second base, if the Twins think Casilla can hold down the every day SS position.
Not sure if Casilla is capable of that.
O-dog might be a reasonable choice… but
he will be 31 and it will probably take a 3-5 year/$18-25 mil contract to sign him.
No thank you, I’d rather see the Twins try to get a 3B via a trade and give Hughes/Machado/Tolber a chance to stick next year. The only interesting middle infielder in the list is Furcal, but his contract vis-a-vis injury history will probably make him a bad risk.
USAF Chief,
First Hudson out for season.
As to CC, I said specifically the stats are good, the bigger question is has the team done dramatically better than would have without the trade.
Since CC was an early trade I will check date. When he 1st got to Milw they went on a tear then lost 5 straight 4 of which were at home to the Cubs.
Others who traded at deadline (using 7/31 record).
LA Dodgers 54-54 now 58-59
LA Angels 68-40 now 73-43
NY Yankees 59-49 now 63-55
Boston 61-48 now 67-51
ChiSox 60-47 now 65-51
Twins 60-48 now 65-52
Boston 3-0 home Oakland, 2-1 away KC and 1-2 away ChiSox…That seems about one would have expected.
LA Angels 1-2 away NY Yankees, 2-1 away Baltimore and 3-0 home NY Yankees…Again seems about what would have been expected with or without Tex.
NY Yankees 2-1 home LA Angels, 2-2 away Texas, 0-3 away LA Angels…maybe a game worse then expected?
ChiSox 1-2 away KC, 2-1 home Detroit, 2-1 home Boston…again about what would be expected.
Twins 2-1 home Cleveland, 1-2 away Seattle and 2-1 away KC…you tell me…3 games down?
Regards,
thrylos,
Hudson had season ending surgery on Saturday.
Regards,
Dragon,
I know that. I am talking about the fact that he is a free agent after this season (and not a good potential signing for the Twins IMHO)
Sorry thrylos,
Missed segue,
Regards,
Twins back in first.
That’s all for now.
Dragon, you should also factor in how the new guys have performed for their teams comparred to the counterparts.
For example, how as Tex done statwise. Pudge/Nady/Marte? How about Griffey? I’ve seen Wise out there a few times and I can’t imagine Guillen would sit Thome…
