Twins-Mariners: Liriano vs Silva.
Posted on August 15th, 2008 – 3:28 PMBy La Velle
It’s the Jerrod Washburn-less, Adrian Beltre-less and Raul Ibanez-less Twins against the Seattle Mariners.
If I’m reading the Mariners game notes correctly, Kenji Johjima has thrown out just 9 of 46 basestealers. That’s just under 20 percent. Carlos Silva will have to work hard to control the Twins’ running game.
Baseball America is reporting that the Twins signed sixth-round pick B.J. Hermsen for $650,000.
6:17 update: Alexi Casilla hit off of a tee and took grounders today. Hitting righthanded, he said he feels 100 percent. Lefthanded, 85 percent. Soft toss tomorrow. Hopefully full batting practice on Sunday. The Twins hope he can play in a couple minor league rehab games then join the club in time for THE road trip.
Matt Tolbert is taking live b.p. and fielding grounders in Florida.
Lineups
Seattle (46-74): 1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF. 2. Miguel Cairo, 1B. 3. Raul Ibanez, LF. 4. Adrian Beltre, 3B. 5. Jose Lopez, 2B. 6. Wladimir Balentien, CF. 7. Kenji Johjima, C. 8. Jeff Clement, DH. 9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS. Pitching: Carlos Silva.
Twins (67-53): 1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Jason Kubel, DH. 6. Delmon Young, LF. 7. Brian Buscher, 3B. 8. Adam Everett, SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Francisco Liriano.
289 Responses to "Twins-Mariners: Liriano vs Silva."
Why does Gardy keep playing Punto while Harris sits on the bench? Not only that but keep batting him 2nd? I do not understand it one bit.
I agree with the Punto in #2 spot. he always responds with a few days off better and hasnot been off.
On another note, lets go get Richie Sexson for RH DH.
price is right and Vavra can do some magic.
Win Twins!
Richie Sexson = Craig Monroe. No thanks.
Punto’s value to this team is a great late-inning defensive replacement, not a starting 2B and #2 hitter.
I take it back, Sexson can at least hit lefties. I don’t know if he would be a huge upgrade over Ruiz though.
the news of Pohlad contributing to Obama does not bode well for the Twins in this game tonight
hehehehe
No to Richie Sexson. Did you see how quickly NYY got rid of him? That’s a sign. He had a slow bad and hit .278 against lefties. I would rather keep Ruiz or something…
Also, Harris can play third, but I’d rather he be on the bench than play the middle infield. It’s nice that Punto and Everett can turn a double play.
no question with our power laden lineup we can afford 2 .220 ave, no power hitters in the middle infield. go nicky!
harris needs to be dfa’d!!
Kevin stop!!!!!!!!!!!!
Swap Punto with Everett in the order and i wish they would try Delmon between the j’s.
Sigh, Punto hitting 2nd again. I don’t understand the thinking.
At least Everett can consistently lay down a bunt when called on.
Hopefully this particular decision will not matter much.
Sexson’s line against lefties .273/.393/.455
That’s not too bad.
nicky has been playing a lot lately, to bad gardy made him mow his lawn yesterday on his day off!!
UGGGGH…OK, Gardy’s post-game presser tonight:
“Well, I’ll start by saying this…do not blame this game on the pitching, okay?
I don’t care who you play…a high school team, junior college team, college team, much less a Major League team…
When you strikeout four times…two for called third strikes…throw your bat…kick off your helmet…leave 6 men on base….you aint gonna beat anyone I just talked about…alright
And that was a disgraceful performance, in my opinion….we gave them game, by doing that…we gave them the friggen game…in my opinion that sucks…”
Seriously, why is he batting second? That was the most devasting 0-for-4 of Harris’ career on Wednesday–and not for Harris even; for all of us!
I’m not sure how Delmon after Mauer would work out. Mauer is on first alot and Young hits a ton of ground balls. I think we would see alot of dp’s with Morneau watching ondeck.
Tony says:
August 15th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Richie Sexson = Craig Monroe. No thanks.
If Craig Monroe were a big, tall, slow, surly pothead.
“Teenage Lobotomy”
Lobotomy, lobotomy, lobotomy, lobotomy!
DDT did a job on me
Now I am a real sickie
Guess I’ll have to break the news
That I got no mind to lose
All the girls are in love with me
I’m a teenage lobotomy
Slugs and snails are after me
DDT keeps me happy
Now I guess I’ll have to tell ‘em
That I got no cerebellum
Gonna get my Ph.D.
I’m a teenage lobotomy
Morneau and / or Kubel need to break out tonight…
I have a feeling one of them will; I have a feeling everyone knows who I think it’s going to be (but I’ll take either!)
OR..maybe D Young stays hot, in which case this time tomorrow he will be hitting between Morneau and Kubel.
the logic is when nicky plays everyday he keeps hitting worse. when harris plays everyday he keeps hitting better. now do you understand why the lineup is this way? gardy logic!
“Morneau and / or Kubel need to break out tonight…
I have a feeling one of them will…”
Against Silva. I’d say at least one of them better.
Jason, if Young stays hot, I agree, I think he should move up a spot.
hitting into double plays:
mauer 16
young 14
morneau 13
looks like he fits right in there.
I will say this, though, in Gardy’s defense…if you put Punto at 8, now you have Punto followed by Gomez….I’m not too psyched about that portion of the lineup, either…
at least this way you have Punto sandwiched between two good hitters…the problem with that, of course, is you really need to count on someone to give you good at-bats in that spot.
See that’s the thing with Punto…it’s not about straight up average or RBI, obviously, he just needs to give us good professional at-bats in the No. 2 spot and it seems like he’s unable to most of the time.
22 straight starts for Punto now!!!
Keep it up Gardy!!!
this is getting ridiculous having punto play all these games with harris on the bench
Come on guys, Punto had a single (which should have been an error) on Wednesday! Why wouldn’t you put him back in the two-hole? He’s hitting .333 in his last three at bats!
And he didn’t strike out at all yesterday. Wait, they had that golf tournament, I bet he swung and missed one of his tee shots.
La Velle…
Can B.J. Hermsen be converted to a set-up man by the end of the weekend?
Seriously, Bill…get something done on this front!
LOL Scott…yeah, John Gordon was screaming for that to be ruled an error on the radio…
Punto had played every game since Game 1 of the dreadful series in New York.
Absolutely pathetic my friends.
The issue isn’t whether or not LNP or Harris should play.
The issue is whether Everett or Harris should play.
Neither Harris nor Everett are likely to see much time at 2nd base. That leaves LNP and he’s gotta hit somewhere.
and punto has been making mental mistakes on the basepads and on defense…i just dont get it
Sexson’s line against lefties .273/.393/.455
That’s not too bad.
Monroe against lefties (last 3 years)
.281/.332/.481
That’s even better.
Stats will support any of these two guys. Fact remains that they are basically the same player.
Guys, give it a rest.
Yes I know everybody hates Punto, but he is the only 2B on the roster right now. He’ll be starting until Casilla gets back. I do agree that he has no business being in the 2 hole.
Speaking of Casilla, anything new to report on his situation. He was supposed to get his splint of on Wednesday and start fielding and BP.
Punto chops one up the middle and dives head first into the bag and Gardy considers that a reason to keep him in the line-up. Seriously, why does he keep playing? He’s a mess on the baseshe’s OVERRATED defensively, and he can’t hit.
WTF Gardy???
P.S. Yes, I said he’s OVERRATED defensively. He’s made some great plays but he’s botched some routine ones. That evens it out. He’s not gold glove caliber by any stretch.
USAFChief,
Harris could easily play at second, especially for a handful of games until Casilla returns. Don’t even argue defense either, because Punto’s defense is average at best.
Harris last 10 games:
.333 avg. (11 for 33) with 1 HR and 6 doubles…
Punto last 10 games:
.170 avg. (7-for-41) with 1 HR, 1 triple, and 1 double….
Okay, so I back Gardy a lot and give him the benefit of the doubt most of the time (remember, signed ball in car), but how can you ignore this stuff?
BS, folks. Harris started the season as our 2B…are you saying he forgot the position?
Don’t tell me Punto HAS to play in Casilla’s absence.
Scott - But Harris might miss turning a double play once every 5 games.
I think the point is that Gardy doesn’t consider Harris to be an option at 2b.
It is time for DY to bat 2nd in the lineup:
Have the top 4 be
1.Span
2.Young
3.Mauer
4.Morneau
i know everett doesnt have a great arm, but i would rather have him at 2nd and harris at shortstop, punto just has such a bad attitude when he strikes out
By the way, it was a sad day for me last night….Adam LaRoche returned from the DL and my guy Dougie got benched (despite the fact that he’s been on a complete tear for nearly three months).
The Pirates want to make a big deal out of having ‘brothers LaRoche’ manning the corners, although the brothers finished a combined 1-for-6 on the night…and the Pirates fans didn’t buy it either, only 7,000 were there at game time but a concert that followed (which included baseball admission) drew well over 34,000…
Oh well, at .288 on the year, Dougie will look to improve on his $750,000 salary as a free agent…I had to chuckle when a story on pirates.com cited Dougie as a free agent that would be too expensive for Pittsburgh next year due to his versatility. I couldn’t believe what I was reading…
jason give nicky some credit he’s hitting .181 with a .236 obp and 19 so in the last 4 weeks.
you used a small sample size!! be fair.
Harris has got to be in Gardy’s doghouse and we all know that Gardy loves LNP for whatever reason. That’s the only explaination I can come up with. Harris misses some signs last week and even though Punto didn’t run out a pop fly to center last game(obviously didn’t run hard out of the box and slowly jogged to first, then got thrown out trying to steal the next pitch), Gardy ignores that and keeps him in there.
Jason,
Why isn’t Harris in for Morneau? He’s been stinking the joint lately.
Regards,
Free Harris!
gobble…ouch…
Dragon…you’re right…Morneau should be benched…especially considering he’s getting plenty of good pitches to hit because the guy behind him is absolutely tearing the cover off the ball…wait…nvm…you’re right, bench him.
Ron Gardenhire as a player = Nick Punto
Gardenhire is stubborn and plays favorites despite the fact that it’s not what’s good for the lineup. It’s a miracle that Harris ever beat out Punto for playing time at all.
let’s see who the chief is gonna grab by the neck and throw against the wall tonight…
Steve,
Punto is about 10 times better than Gardy was as a player… scary thought. Gardy was more like Chris Latham
Steve,
Here’s what’s frustrating: Harris was brought in precisely to REPLACE Punto…Punto ended up getting a lot of playing time because it turned out the Astros’ project wasn’t going to cut it on an everday basis….
Well, now we have most of the Astros project back (although Lamb found the witness protection program once again), and, “ta-da” Punto magically replaces Harris.
Now I’ve been told that I’m horrible at interpreting stats (something I don’t exactly agree with, by the way), but I dare someone to spin the stats in such a way that proves to me that it makes sense for Punto to have stripped Harris of a job that was rightly his from Day One.
Jason,
Morneau’s in a slump. I realize you don’t like Kubel, but you can’t blame him for everything. You can visibly see Morneau fouling off mistake pitches and getting angry with himself.
He hasn’t had much for protection behind him all year… unless you consider Cuddyer’s .240 average when he was healthy or Craig Monroe protection.
Jason,
See people on this blog, including myself can always make excuses for any player they like/want.
I know right now Morneau is in a slump, and I EXPECT him to ground out, while 3 weeks ago he would have driven in a run with a double.
Regards,
why isnt Alexi Casilla playing
I thought he was prettty good
Agreed, Steve…which is why I said at the top that one of those two need to break out, starting tonight.
I still say there’s no way you keep Morneau out of the lineup, though…he just got an off-day, let’s see what happens…
Thrylos,
I think the 2007 Punto and Gardy are pretty comparable.
Jason,
You’re preaching to the choir. Punto needs to be dragged out into the street and shot.
I was excited to add Harris’ bat to the lineup after the Garza trade. He hit .287 with 12 HR and 57 RBI in just 137 games last year. That’s pretty solid production for a middle infielder. I figured if he got 150+ games, he’d hit around .280 with 15 HR and 65 RBI.
Hell, that’s practically what we pay Cuddyer $25 million to do!
I was thrilled with the prospect of Harris being this team’s second baseman when they picked him up.
Then I saw him play the position for a while.
Let’s just say I’m sticking with my opinion that for right now, LNP is the best option at 2nd base.
Don’t get me wrong…I don’t like it. I don’t like it one bit. I was the one ragging on the front office for sitting on their hands when Casilla went down THREE DAYS before the trade deadline. (BTW - I’m still pretty skeptical Casilla will come back healthy enough to be an asset.) It was easy to look at the roster THEN and say…’Yeesh, that leaves two of Punto, Harris and Everett to play middle infield EVERY DAY.’
But since that didn’t happen, IMO Punto’s the right choice at 2nd base.
I figured if he got 150+ games, he’d hit around .280 with 15 HR and 65 RBI.
Hell, that’s practically what we pay Cuddyer $25 million to do!
OMG, so true, so true. He’s really not that far off from those numbers, either. But sitting on his rear-end two of three nights won’t help the cause any.
Brendan Harris: 6 HR, 23 doubles
Jason Kubel: 16 HR, 12 doubles
Just some food for thought…
Hey, I’m off to the Dome in a sec, but I have a suggestion for those of you who will be joining me…don’t afraid to boo Punto tonight if it’s warranted…he makes plenty of cash…instead of booing a good player from the opposition where there’s really no basis for it (Jeter and A-Rod), why not boo a player locally who’s not meeting expectations…I know it’s not going to happen in this town, but I thought I’d throw it out there…
I can live with Harris as the platoon 3B and bat off the bench for now.(I hope he can).Given Gardenhires love of up the middle defense, I can also live with LNP at second until Casilla comes back.Everett has given the Twins lots professional AB’s since his return.I’d put him in the two hole for the next week or so.I like the idea of DY sliding up to #5 and splitting up the three lefties.That does leave them weak at #8 and #9, but until Casilla comes back there aren’t alot of options.
USAF,
I’ll take Harris’ limited range over Punto’s anemic bat. Hell, at least Harris could’ve caught the relay throw that Punto dropped when Teahen should have been dead meat in the KC series.
We can put Punto in there for the 8th and 9th when we have a lead. He can cough up a webgem every now and then, and still get his daily strike out/pop-up.
Everyone’s happy.
By the way, how many people here are willing to move out of the state if the Twins re-sign Punto? All in favor, say “I!”
jimmy bee- thanks for introducing the Ramones to the Twins blog…never thought I’d see the day…
USAFChief- I’m with you…I wish Punto was not the best option at 2nd, but he is…People have seen how shaky Harris can be at 3b and SS, and he plays those BETTER than 2b…as sad as it is, LNP should be at 2nd until Casilla is fully able to contribute…
Steve,
Gardy had a career .577 OPS and led all MLB shortstops with 29 errors in ‘82 (his one and only full time year). Plouffe would put better numbers as a starter at the majors this year.
Jason,
I’ll be there this weekend, and I’m thinking of bringing a “Bench Punto!” sign. Maybe throwing it at the Twins’ dugout after the game… 
Haha
I’m off to go try to win a slowpitch softball championship. Go me, and go Twins! Woooo!
punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto
I think Dragon is actually Ron Gardenhire. He’s about the ONLY one on here defending Punto. And he loves Brian Bass. Just ask him
punto!
Just you guys wait till I get the pitch to DRIVE tonight! You’ll all see! Every last one of you!
Tonight’s my night to shine!
thanks for the autographed ball, Dragon.
I can live with Harris as the platoon as well, but he was probably the Twins hottest hitter and then he sat 4 straight games (he did get 1 PH AB in those games). How is a player expected to get more playing time when he gets benched after he goes 6 - 12 in his previous 3 games.
I can live with Punto….batting 8th or 9th, but why is Everett even on the Roster? He has NO arm to speak of, he is a weak hitter, what’s wrong with Harris??? I don’t get Gardy sometimes!!!
MR. Punto
I hope so. We have been waiting for 2-3 years, now. I would love for you to prove me wrong on a consistant basis.
Jason - last game I was at, when LNP was announced at the start, I held out my arms and gave him two big thumbs down. I would have booed, but that would have been less polite and oh so non-Minnesotan like.
Not sure where people are pulling Sexson’s stats vs lefties but baseball-reference.com shows him with .325/.414/.575 in 99 plate appearances against LHPs. That ain’t bad, if those numbers are accurate.
Since every one here seems so pissed at Gardy’s line ups why not boo Him? he is the one with the over sized dog house,though LNP certainly is given an extra long leash.
“Since every one here seems so pissed at Gardy’s line ups why not boo Him?”
He is managing a team that is 1 game out of first and has won 4 Central titles in 6 previous years…seems reasonable not to boo him.
the .273 avg. for Sexson is his avg. vs. lefties since he joined the Yankees
I have a bad feeling that Silva will have a good game tonight. I hope I’m wrong.
Markinmn-
Just having a little fun.I have stated many times that I’m not a big Gardy fan but if you read my previous comment I stated that IMO Gardenhire doesn’t have alot of options at this point.
However if fans feel the need to boo someone I don’t really see the point of Punto being the target.he doesn’t make out the line up,Gardenhire does.Punto is not going to go up to Gardy and say,’”skip I appreciate the confidence but Harris should be starting at second”.
Mark Grudzielanek should be starting at second base. Decent 2-hole hitter to boot. That probably takes Everett off the team, and the argument could be Harris/Punto at SS.
Much better team, much better argument.
Oh no. Punto.
I’m going to be at this game tonight. Hopefully I won’t let myself have too much fun knowing he’s in the lineup.
Has Grudzy recovered from his trip to the DL?
Hello to all:
This weather is great. Therefore, I will not be at the game tonight. I will not listen to the game. I will not watch the game. I will be outside. And no, I do not feel an ounce of guilt. In fact, I feel free. Free at last! Perhaps it’s time to start a 12-Step Program for Baseball Addiction. But then again, if I lived in Milwaukee, I would be at a game. Can’t wait for the new stadium! Enjoy the addiction! But I’ll still be outside.
And everybody who’se whining about Punto. Do you have a repressed man-love on this guy? Why do so many on this blog spend so much energy on Punto? Who cares? The Twins are +14 games and 1 back in the middle of August and all you can think about is Punto? I don’t get it. All Punto haters: I challenge you to compile a comprehensive list of all the things the Twins have/are doing right to remain in contention far past the date any of us thought they would. And no, this list is not to morph into “should/coulda/wudda and they’d be +30 games”….let’s deal with the reality of the situation and enjoy the team….for a change please!
Do enjoy the weekend, seriously. Is this weather great or what?
T,
Since you and Jason agree on so much, you two should probably sit together tonight!!That might be better than the game.Just kidding,enjoy the game!
I’ll see if I can spot Jason at the game. I imagine he’ll be the one in the #16 jersey waving a “Jason Boooo-bel” sign.
Grudz is out for the year…. won’t be helping any team
August 15, 2008 2:35 PM
Washburn: “I’m disappointed”
Posted by Larry Stone
Larry Stone here in Minnesota.
If you wondered about Jarrod Washburn’s reaction to not being traded, he wore it on his face as he walked into the clubhouse today. He did not look happy. And, it turned out, he wasn’t. He said he found out yesterday about the possible Twins’ trade about the same time he found out it wasn’t happening.
“I had mixed emotions,” he said. “I was happy and upset at the same time.”
The happiness came from the possibility of being traded to the Twins, which was just about the top team on his list of possible destinations. His home, he said, is an hour and a half drive away.
“If the rumors are accurate, it’s too bad,” he said. “It would have been ideal. It would have been perfect. It would have gotten me to a place that’s contending and it’s in my own damn backyard.”
On the rumors that the Twins were offering Boof Bonser, Washburn said: “If that was the case, how much more do you think you’re going to get? A young guy with a great arm who’s cheap.”
On whether he can get back mentally into pitiching for the Mariners this season: “Yeah. My job doesn’t change. I have to go out and give my team a chance to win, no matter who I’m pitching for. I’m disappointed, but if I fall on my face the last six weeks of the season, I won’t be in anyone’s plans next year — the Mariners or someoone trying to trade for me.”
I am so sick and tired of Punto, he wouldn’t even see the starting lineup on most teams yet he is in there EVERYDAY for the Twins. I really loved his base running the other day and then he follows that up with his 4 strikeout performance. Why is he in there over Harris??? Punto has done absolutely nothing to deserve playing everyday and batting in the #2 spot! Harris was on a role when he was playing everyday, hitting doubles, playing above average defense, get him in there Gardy!!! If you need to get him in there everyday, put him in there in the 8th inning for defense, other than that his bat throwing butt should be on the bench.
I’m so tired of people perpetuating the myth that Punto is the best 2nd base option. You don’t like Harris there? Fine. How about bringing up Macri, or Machado, or even Hughes. There are better options in the system than running out a guy hitting .170 since coming off the DL with spotty baserunning and defense.
Pro is right though, this isn’t really Punto’s fault. I blame Gardy.
punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto punto
Guys,
If you have any photos I can blackmail Gardy with, send them my way. I will just be getting splinters in my @ss sitting on the bench waiting for them!
Yes it’s Gardys fault if he goes up to Bill Smith and tells him he thinks he can win with Punto in the every day line up.Garenhire seems fine with trotting Everett out there every day right now,and for the most part he has played OK.It will be interesting to see who sits if and when Casilla comes back.
Brendan Harris
Look in Puntos locker,he’s been using that ploy for four years.
Dear Brendan Harris-
My advice: Your chances of playing will improve if you…1) If show you can turn a double play as a 2B. You’ve been unable to do this so far. 2)Field at least one ball that is not hit directly at you. Again, range has not been a strong point.
Good News for You: Punto will likely suffer a finger injury sliding into first–then it will be all you.
3) Steal the incriminating pictures of Gardy out of Punto’s locker.
T: “Has Grudzy recovered from his trip to the DL?”
I already explained this to you, T.
Casilla was hurt 3 days before the trade deadline (placed on the DL 30 July, effective 29 July), and at the time it looked like there was a good chance he was done for the year. He still might be.
“Grudzy” was hurt on 1 August, placed on the Dl 2 August. He suffered a sprained ankle in a collision.
There was ample time for the Twins to look at their middle infield situation and see a need, and ample time to make a trade for a free-agent to be Mark Grudzielanek who is of no long term use to rebuilding Kansas City.
But by all means, keep making up excuses.
I wish Kirby Puckett was still alive.
again
all indiations are that grudzielanek is out for the year
Grudzielanek would have fit nicely into the 2-spot, given Gardy’s insistence that it be a middle infielder. Decent average, decent on-base, respectable contact rate, and a bit of (doubles) power to top it off.
Pretty much everything that Punto doesn’t provide from that spot in the lineup.
“again
all indiations are that grudzielanek is out for the year”
Again, Grudz wasn’t hurt at the time the need arose, and later suffered an injury running into the KC first baseman. Unless you are asserting that Grudzielanek would have collided with Morneau had the Twins traded for him, the fact that Grudz is now injured is completely irrelevant.
He wasn’t injured at the time the need arose, there was time to make it happen, and there was low hanging fruit there for the asking.
but…. it didn’t
I know. It didn’t. Bringing up “Grudz is on the DL” isn’t a reason it COULDN’T have.
If it WOULD have, we wouldn’t be having this conversation about which three of Punto/Harris/Everett should be manning the infield until, at best, we get an injured Alexi Casilla back.
Do I need to type slower?
but, it didn’t
LEN3,
encouraging news about Casilla, thanks for the update!
awe Silva, i like it much better when you pitch for the other team
That was about an inch away from being out for span. Hey, Punto can get a double too!
i like our chances about as much as vegas does tonight.
NEWS FLASH!!!
KC Royals file a grievance against Bill Smith for injuring Mark Grudzielanek.
That is three consecutive at bats where you have seen the back of an outfielder…
Dragon
Really? I figured it would be the other way around.
The good news: Carlos Silva is pitching tonight.
The bad news: Carlos Silva will pitch against the White Sox in his next start.
Bert,
stop kissing punto’s ass
Shawn you noticed that too?
it gets to be too much. He didn’t do anything stupid, does that deserve a medal?
current ERAs
Silva 6.01
Larry Ah No 6.26
which inning do they pass each other?
which inning do they pass each other?
next pitch
Question is this: Punto is in the last year of his contract. Do the Twins sign him this winter?
2nd inning
Thrylos wins….Liriano now has an era of 6
Punto is not re-signed. Unless Tolbert loses his hand.
punto punto
Punto won’t be resigned
Silva’s leading again with a 5.97
Next Question: Who will Punto be playing for next year?
Liriano at 5.92
Punto will probably play for a team like the Yanks who want a 3 mill $$ defensive replacement
now at 5.76
Just looking at the mlb gameday, Liriano is putting massive sink on his fastball and to lefties he is using more of a cut fastball.
“Unless Tolbert loses his hand.”
He already torn it in half…
Hey Shawn, You think Gordo likes that guy Larry Ahno, and the way he’s pitching tonight??
I think that what the Twins’ FO does with Punto next year, will be my litmus test for Smith. If he re-signs him, he fails. Truth of the matter is that the Twins do not have a SS for next year. I hope that Smith goes and finds one, if he doesn’t, I would not doubt that he would re-sign Punto, unfortunately.
I hope the Twins start having better at bats because 4 out of the last 6 at bats have been way too short
I dunno about Gordo, but Bert sure does.
And the perfect game is toast.
Will Larry Ahno get to pitch against Shecago in September?
Come on Liriano, your pitch count is ballooning…
If they stay on the same rotation, I does not look as if he will face Shecago.
HELP!! Going to the Twins-Angels series next week and need advice on seating. Where is the best place watch a game in Angels Stadium?? Thanks in advance.
Here we ago again
well, that sucks
!@#$@@#
that’s terrible
there goes Butcher…
Buscher, you piece of crap, field the routine grounder. You are never going to make up for it with your bat.
I hope he PH Lamb in next inning…
Nice defense by Buscher. Right between his legs. Now it appears that Liriano is going to ‘Perkins’ it.
Better start cloning Nick Punto
Bremer just called Liriano “Silva.” Good god.
Guess that’s what happens when you walk a bunch of people, fielders get bored and complacent, and make errors.
Once again Bremer tries to freak out on a foul ball.
With that, Bill Smith is on the phone to Punto’s agent talking new contract
Why is Blyleven lying about Buscher’s defense?
Nice job by Liriano to get out of the mess. Buscher you owe him a couple runs.
“Where is the best place watch a game in Angels Stadium??”
On TV…
Okay, let’s take it to the most overpaid pitcher in MLB!
Punto will be re-signed. They don’t want a free agent because they are hoping to bring up Plouffe next September. Punto, Tolbert and Harris will hande the position for a year.
there is the unintentional/intentional walk
“Nice job by Liriano to get out of the mess. Buscher you owe him a couple runs.”
I think Cisco created the mess.
Damn Kubel sucks, what a stiff.
Kubel got the lead back!
Kubel with a bomb. Thatta boy!
Gone…KUBES
Way to go Kubes!
Need More Kubel!
Ben,
Liriano caused his own mess, Buscher didn’t help, BUT it was in Liriano’s hands.
Regards,
The way Dick was calling it, I thought it was going to be caught
The ball is really carrying tonight, fans must be on
nibbler, I don’t think that it was Liriano’s fault that 2 runs scored last half inning is what I am saying.
Kubelicious!
Serve’em up Silva!
Kubel!!!!
SO GOOD when he’s on….
Aaron, I know what you mean, I wish he would just quiet down once in a while.
i was JUST about to say kubel was due for a HR
Aaron. Dick is a notorious phantom caller. Routine flies are home runs and home runs are routine flies.
Joy…Dickbert is reliving Silva moments
Ev raked that single
the Twins aren’t bunting on command
2 strike bunt anyone?
My favorite Dick call was when one of the twins players hit a lazy fly ball to third and Dick said something to the effect of “Line drive into left, caught”. You could see on the TV that it took around 2 second to get to third.
Maybe I should back to my old handle of Everett_fan. But I can’t I am more of a Harris fan now. Sorry Adam. BTW, we could use Harris’ pop at SS.
Silvalicious
double steal time?
Silva pitched a gem for the Twins!
wow, I would feel sorry for Silva if he wasn’t so undeservedly wealthy
Punto has two hits today…
You gotta give Silva credit for giving the Twins another opportunity to win. Now if his Twins teammates can just hold the lead for him.
and two RBI’s
I want a grand slam this inning
Keep piling it on, we very well may need every run.
Inexcusable popup.
Koo Bell
He can’t hit lefties at all…
I want to score ten this inning
if i was Silva, i’d grab some necks in the dogout
Carlos appreciates the padding to his e.r.a. that Woods provided.
“i’d grab some necks in the dogout”
Starting with his own most likely…
I was just looking at the ERA’s…
Silva started today at 5.93 and is now at 6.36 wtih 9 earned runs.
Liriano started at 6.55 and is now at 5.54 with 2 unearned runs.
I guess these pitchers are going in opposite directions
Silva gets paid $343,000 per start. Assuming 90 pitches per start, that’s $3800 for each pitch. Crazy!
he did that already
Very short inning!
How many time will Bert and Dick refer to changeups as fastballs?
Lefties don’t even stand a chance against Liriano’s cut fastball today
Here’s one for you guys between innings:
Earth shattering news from ESPN radio:
Manny got his haircut. Joe Torre told him to clean it up a bit. Check it out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=3536099&story=3535984
Quite the at bat for Everett
Tenth pitch of the at bat forces the bad call. Great at bat by Everett.
It was a catch, IMHO.
Few things in baseball give me more pleasure than watching the Twins pummel Silva’s fat, wretched ass. Damn, what a glorious evening.
I wonder if Carlos had a tummy ache.
first time posting….but i don’t care what the “rule” is…..catch the ball with TWO hands..make the play. Little Leaguers around the country will see that and think it is ok to one hand it
Hey, why do the Twins have to hit the road for two weeks straight? I thought the Republican Convention was at Xcel. Isn’t it?
Well, I guess things just aren’t going the Mariners way when Ichario gets charged with an error on a play that should have been called an error. Guess this one is for a blown call earlier this year. Too bad we got a break when we really didn’t need it, seeing the game is 9-2 right now.
1999 - 24 yr old Torii Hunter
.255BA 135 Games
384AB 9HR 35RBI
26SB 72K
Twins had something similar happen recently. Ump called no catch. I wasn’t too happy about it at the time.
Remember when Cuddyer had that ball dance on the brim of his cap before he caught it?
I remember that one, but not as well as the one Span had fall out of his glove for a homer.
Let’s hope Liriano can start the seventh inning. I’m not holding my breath.
More like the glove guiding that ball for a HR. The only other thing I remember about that game was Matt G. blew up the next inning.
WOW, what a GREAT play by Punto. Web Gem nominee for sure.
Gotta bring him back out for the 7th.
Time for Boof to appear
Time for Liriano to pitch seven instead of six
Seven innings, ZERO earned runs.
That equals a new ERA of 4.97
Bring him out for the 8th. Twins need to move pitching limit to 110-15 for all starters.
And Jim Souhan wanted Liriano traded. Wonder when/if he will pony up his mea culpa.
I know everybody rags on punto on here, but how can we really think the Twins will go anywhere in the playoffs with Punto, Everett, and Gomez in the same line-up?? I know Casilla is suppose to be back but man are we thin. Starters are studs and I think we have found our ace, bullpen is a bit iffy. Couldn’t we bring up humber or mulvey, or hell even korecky?? Also how about tolbert?? Think he could make a impact??
Garza having a hell of a game again!!
Sox already up 3-0
Since when does Boof have a beard?
Liriano will be 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA since his recall after tonight.
Assuming the bullpen can hold this league, of xourse.
LOL. Wow, that was a really bad type job, huh?
Let the Boof times roll.
I love how, in the gamecast online, it says that “Boof Bonsor relieves Francisco Liriano.” Relieve? Did Fran really need “relieving”?
I believe in the power of the beard.
Wee need the rest of the game rained out, just so we can hang onto this lead.
Boof looks like he’s back to snacking on Twinkies six or seven times a day.
I try to watch the Sox game during commercials, but I just cant take it…
Be nice if Boof could gather some confidence and ability to execute and become our new 8th inning guy. He’s got the stuff.
Man, I’d hate to be his roommate; you’d have to keep the door closed for a week after he took a dump.
THose guys make Dick and Bert look like HOF announcers
Boof’s got great stuff. He’s also a very smart pitcher. His problem is, yes, confidence and execution.
Did those beach volleyball guys beat Switzerland???
I don’t know what is more frustrating at present: Morneau’s inability to hit in the second half, or the fact that Brian Bass is about to pitch.
yes they did
That would be Bass pitching.
Cool. thank you for the update.
A double against Bass. Who would have thought…
Dick might have spoken too soon that they kept Ichiro hitless tonight
Looks like Bass hasn’t lost a step since his most recent appearance.
3 outs Bass. If you trade two runs for each out, we still win.
Was Bonser winded after his one inning of work?
I wonder if the Mariners would take Bass for the simple promise that the organization will not allow Danny to public rail on the Mariners for the rest of the season.
Bonser was winded from the jog from the bullpen…
Boof had a pizza deliverd to the clubhouse just before the ninth.
Bass is the perfect mop up man, he gets hit but gets DPs with the sinker, the mistake was ever putting him in a close game
Thats what he was doing from the bullpen to the mound….jogging…
And a trunk full of Twinkies.
Next to Silva, I’ll bet Bass has one of the strongest necks in the game. All that wiplash from gappers….
I know it will probably get buried by the east coast media, but Liriano gave two hits and 2 unearned runs. Not too shaby.
Looks like Bass missed a spot.
He gave up three hits in the ninth??? For Christ sake. Get rid of him yesterday.
Gatty, he’s now 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA since his recall too.
Man, Bonderman looked great for the Tigers tonight. What happened to that guy.
Boof might be seeing more setup man chances. The one inning tonight maybe a sign of things to come. Return Bass to middle relief where he belongs.
I saw the Tigers score on the updates…what the heck?! Boy, sure good they tried to get Ibanez. I hear he’s a MASTERFUL pitcher.
Great game tonight. Punto 2-4, Kubel 3-4. Combine for 5 RBIs. None to shabby there.
Morneau struggled, but the rest of the lineup was able to pick it up around him. And they didn’t quite after Buscher’s error tied the game.
Also a couple of nice defensive plays. They could’ve gone “Here we go again” when they let the Mariners back in…but they beat the CRAP outta Silva (like they should’ve) and put the Mariners back in their place.
T -
Actually, it was the defense that really let the game get out of hand tonight for the Tigers. They had 2 errors in the 9th inning that led to 5 unearned runs. In fact, only 5 of the 11 runs scored by the Orioles tonight were earned.
Why Punto over Harris? Because Punto has the better glove. It isn’t all about offense. Harris doesn’t have the range at short, and he has problems turning the dp at second. He’s adequete at 3rd. If Harris could hit for lots of power he’d be a good DH.
“Brendan Harris: 6 HR, 23 doubles
Jason Kubel: 16 HR, 12 doubles
Just some food for thought…”
Troll.
Brendan Harris : .386 Slugging Percentage.
Jason Kubel : .462 Slugging Percentage.
And that was before tonight’s 2 single, 1 home run performance for Kubel.
Just some food for thought…
Youngsters will drive you crazy, but 2008 might be magical.
Yankees lose!!!!!!!!!!!!Rivera with the loss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4-4 As and White Sox in the 8th
Thanks Pete D. I only had the Dome’s banner. So I saw 11-x and figured it was typical Tigers pitching.
Hawk: “If we lose this game. We deserve it.”
Really Hawk? No credit to Oakland for putting a late game rally?
And by the way, you’re not a member of the White Sox. You don’t do anything to contribute to their wins and losses.
Sorry, just have to get that off my chest. They REALLY suck.
I also realized why Jason hates Kubel so much.
What number does Kubel wear? #16.
What other Twin once wore #16?
That’s right. Dougie B.
See. It all makes sense. Jason holds Kubel personally responsible for Dougie being forced off the Twins so Kubel could claim his number for his own use.
Thus he feels that he needs to redeem Dougie in the eyes of Minnesota fans and do anything possible to make Kubel look like the inferior player.
It’s all beginning to fall into place…
Sox LOSE! Twins regain a share of first!
Oakland wins in the 9th, 6-4…
Tied for 1st…
Carrasco brushes back the hitter…who gets him back with the walkoff.
During the on field celebration, I just counted 6 “we”
…
7.
“We deserve to lose the way we fought.”
No. The Sox fought. You sat there and watched it.
Stupid fanboy annoucers.
10 “we”.
Tools.
Just caught that on mlb.tv! Sweet! I had just watched a video of Tony Gwynn predicting the Sox to win the division because they “have too much offense and enough pitching.” He will be proven wrong. The Twins pitching, especially now with Liriano being the hottest pitcher in baseball, will carry them past the Sox by a comfortable margin IMHO.
Brian Anderson in CF for the Sox? What’s happening with the Griffster?
FTR: Punto’s DP tonight was #5 Web Gem.
Anderson getting thrown out at home turns out to be a huge run.
You gotta love those White Sox….they are truly an organization that is easy to dislike and they seem to bring out the best in struggling opponents. Well done, Ozzie!! You want to hear depression? Tune into the postgame show on the White Sox radio network. Suicide watch in Chi Town.
the white sox are 6-28 in oakland since 2001. let’s hope that trend continues and the twins regain first this weekend!
2 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBI. Plus, amazing fielding. Punto was incredible.
Gardy knows what he is doing. He will keep playing Punto.
punto punto punto
Sox Lose! Sox Lose!
…Ok, so it’s not THAT big of a deal on August 15th, but it’s cool anyway.
Oakland is bad guys. Really bad. Seattle is worse record wise, but Oakland is actually worse. I bet Seattle will catch Oakland by the end of the year. Since they traded Rich Harden on July 8th (and everyone else of talent by the deadline), they are just 7-25. (Now 8 and 25). And that includes 3 wins before The Break, and a also July 8th win. That means that post Break, they are now 5-26.
I’ll repeat that. Since the All Star Break, The Oakland Athletics have FIVE wins and TWENTY-SIX Loses. They have a total of just 3 wins this month.
How did the Sox lose? The bullpen gave up 3 home runs in two innings. While that explains how they lost, that really doesn’t explain why they lost. They shouldn’t have. If the Twins had lost the same way to that team, this blog would be calling for murder of many players and coaches (more so than they already are).
Ok, I’m just ranting on because I genuinely(?) can’t figure out why the Sox lost. How could you lose to a team that has 2 wins this month? They were even leading in the 8th inning! I’ll stop now, but still, wow…
Anyway, the Twins ARE taking care of business and beating Seattle- especially at home. I tried to figure out, and I hope I’m wrong, but I believe that Liriano will be the Only One to miss the Angels series. Too bad because he willn’t get a REAL test until TB (Maybe Detroit, but not don’t count on it- they’ve quit). Days off and rain outs affect the rotation schedule too, so I can’t be sure, but if I’m right he’ll face KC, Seattle, OAK, DET, CLE in his next several starts. Not exactly fearsome lineups. I chalk this start up as: well, nothing went wrong so it’s a positve one. Not a lot to build on except that he’s progressing- though I’ll reiterate that he hasn’t faced a Good lineup/team yet (not to mention that even Joe Mays could win with this much run support).
Just so you know I’m not being critical of Liriano: Very Good outing. He’s getting better with each one.
Sorry for the long post. Night.
**The Twins should have made a trade of some kind**
You Punto haters stuck your feet in it again last night,2 hits and a great turn on that double play.Yes,utility is where he belongs,but he’s doing a nice job untill Cassila returns.Give props when they are due!
What is Bass doing on the Twins roster. He had a very high ERA and has cost the Twins at least threee games in the standings by his inept relief pitching. There are better relievers at Rochester. Gardenhire should be able to recognize the fact that Bass is not a good relief pitcher and will untimately cost the Twins wins.
No updates yet for today on a 3 pm game?
Lineups usually get posted anywhere from an hour to half hour before the game.
