Twins-Mariners: The Michael Phelps edition
Posted on August 16th, 2008 – 2:23 PMBy La Velle
Forgot to mention last night that the Dome erupted with cheers when Michael Phelps’ gold medal in the 100 butterfly was announced. Fans had started to run up to the press box to ask, “Did Michael Phelps do it?” within minutes of his scheduled start time, so props to the Twins’ game day ops for getting it out there.
But how about Michael Phelps? He’s on the mind of every American sports fan…
Not much going on here. I can’t believe the Twins are going to have this in the new park. I’m worried about too many deflections when batted balls hit there.
Alexi Casilla hit off soft toss throws today and gave me the thumbs up.
There’s a rumor that Carlos Silva is headed for the disabled list.
Lineups
Seattle (46-75): 1. Ichiro, RF. 2. Jeremy Reed, LF. 3. Raul Ibanez, DH. 4. Adrian Beltre, 3B. 5. Jose Lopez, 2B. 6. Jeff Clement, C. 7. Wladimir Balentien, CF. 8. Bryan LaHair, 1B. 9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS. Pitching: Ryan Rowland-Smith.
Twins (68-53): 1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Delmon Young, LF. 6. Randy Ruiz, DH. 7. Brendan Harris, 3B. 8. Adam Everett, SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Scott Baker.
312 Responses to "Twins-Mariners: The Michael Phelps edition"
Heh, Young is batting after Morneau today — Delmon’s been looking sharp as of late. Hopefully he can protect our Canadian.
Yippee…Punto back in the line-up
why does he have to bat 2nd…do us all a favor…….geeeez
F8
6-4-3
F5
K
backwards k
two slides into first, two screwed over strike calls, and two people on way to HCMC after get hit in the face in the front row after he saws one off not being able to get around on the pitcher.
Fans should pay AAA ticket prices.
love the grit
Good to see last night’s big win didn’t take the edge off the bitterness. I suppose it’s hard to get over a cheap owner letting a guy like Carlos Silva walk.
Oh wait.
There’s a rumor that Carlos Silva is headed for the disabled list.
The Mariners FO could only be so merciful. “It’s not his fault…he’s HURT!”
Geez Brent….lighten up, Twins are in a race, unexpected by ALL, and you are being vicious…Please, lighten up and enjoy the Pups, aka, the Minnesota Twins.
Dick Stockton is clueless. Chris Gomez?
Did they just call Gomez, “Chris”? Ugghh…get the name right, please!
Wisely pitching around Beltre……
Didja see Baker’s strikeout ratio? Second in the League to C Lee. Scott Baker is definitely the Twins’ ace.
Now he’s challenging Beltre.
What’s with this weak-hitting Suzuki playing the outfield? Gotta have power from your outfielders at the plate.
He should play 2B. And Mauer should be batting 6th in the order.
:)>
Suzuki gets a hit, have to kinda pitch around Beltre = long inning for Baker.
:(>
23 pitches I think.
i thought there was a chance i’d get to watch this one…. oh well
Ha-ha. Ruiz is the “Golden Bear” and it’s “You-Never-Know-What-You’re-Gonna-Get Gomez”.
Go Nick “Pun-toe”.
Not only was Baker up there in strikeout rate, but so was Slowey and Blackburn.
Three guys in the top ten.
—————
THERE WE GO MAUER!
Keep watching, Shawny!
LaHair was the tortous….
:)>
Boy. Morneau’s stone cold right now.
My bad, I missed the walk (flipping between this and ‘lympcs)
Wow. Moreneau was so out on that play…on did he not get the tag down?
Randy Ruiz with his first RBI!
[tortiose?]
Morneau clearly got around the tag on that play in the first.
Sam Holbrook blew that call at 2nd base. Great heads up by Delmon there.
You know, everytime I think I’ve said “that’s gotta be the worst call I’ve ever seen” they go and find a way to go ahead and make a worse one.
Morneau clearly got around the tag on that play in the first.
That’s what I’m saying. With how far ahead the throw was…how does the catcher blow that?
The catcher did a terrible job of blocking the plate on that play.
Even though we have a five run lead today, Baker has not been overly impressive to me up to this point.
Why is Mauer’s dinger not posted yet?
Did LNP slide head first into the bag on his bunt single? I just got home and missed the first couple innings.
Bill, that is funny. The legendary slumpbuster.
Somebody needs to tell Mark Grace that Gomez isn’t a switch hitter.
“Did LNP slide head first into the bag on his bunt single?”
No, it was perfectly placed and there was no play on him.
Wladimir’s second GIDP in as many AB.
Baker is living by the double play ball today.
[…] Originally published by Twins Insider […]
Gotta go to work.
Fun watching Ruiz swing at the plate. Man!
toby, Grace has been the first MLB player to tell the public about the slumpbuster. Look it up.
I’ve been laughing out load all game as he sounds like his throat is in rough shape (from the night before?) and he just seems a little too “loose” in the booth. Now I feel like it wasn’t all in my imagination.
Get the pen warmed up.
CENSORED!
load = loud
Get him out.
Great effort by Span, but he should’ve been looking to read the baggie and make the play.
It takes a near perfect jump to make that catch, playing the baggie probably leaves runners on 1st and 3rd.
Unfortunate for Baker AND the pen. Twins should have this game in the bag…especially need the bullpen fresh going on that LONG trip.
Runners on first and second, Beltre at bat and the Idiot Twins, Gordon and Gladden, are yukking it up about lunch bags. Whoever thinks these two bozos are ML caliber must not listen to them!
Dang it Crain….
This is what I’m talking about. One week Crain is good, then Guerrier’s good.
There isn’t a pitcher in this pen can be “that guy” you can trust.
what is it about the Mariners?
Maybe the Twins and their radio broadcasters have forgotten what happened in Seattle when they had a 6-0 lead!
Crain get out of this inning. Great play by Gomez to cut that ball off to save a run for now.
“There isn’t a pitcher in this pen can be “that guy” you can trust”
Some of us have been saying that since at least June, T. I assume you’re now ready to blast the front office for allowing this situation to fester for months without lifting a finger, right?
Baker was bad today in my opinion. It might be hard to say with five scoreless innings, but he never looked good. He allowed lead off runners in four of the innings, and threw almost to many strikes early on.
He just couldn’t ever get a ball past a hitter when he needed to. Hopefully the Twins can hold on this time around.
Imagine that, the bullpen implodes again. It sure would be nice for them to step up once in a while.
why would you pitch to Ichiro there?? Walk him and pitch to the next guy! That’s horrible! Almost as horrible as this bullpen…
Wow unreal this team can’t hold a 6 run lead to the mariners TWICE?
F-ing sickeing.
I wonder how this game goes if Young isn’t called out at 2nd.
Friggin’ bullpen.
I assume you’re now ready to blast the front office for allowing this situation to fester for months without lifting a finger, right?
Good to see your panties are just as bunched as usual Chief. Last night’s game must’ve ticked you off.
What with Punto and Everett getting hits and RBIs.
Idiot move. Don’t pitch to Ichiro with 1st base open! What in the world were they thinking! Don’t let him beat you.
Okay. Seriously now. It’s 1 run against the Mariners. Our bullpen got the “suck” out this inning. Get the run back and restore some order here.
Just a complete joke.
This pen sucks.
A move must be made for this bullpen. Call up a starter from the minors (Maybe Mulvey) and put Blackburn in the pen to be the new 7th/8th inning guy. Do something. Anything.
Baker=Loser!
Crain=Loser!
Gardy=Loser!
Seth-
You’re right…Reed is a LH hitter and on-deck–so Breslow can stay in to face him if you intentionally walk Ichiro…makes absolutely no sense.
Wait…you let him go to the mound and then pull him?
What kind of jerk-move was that?
This game is far from over, boys. Keep the heads up!
Way to pack it in after the 2nd inning too offense.
I like the poise and calm of Scott Baker. I think he can be a very good #2 pitcher because he’s got great stuff… today isn’t the first time he’s done this though. I question if he’s got the personality (The way Slowey and Perkins do) to have a killer instinct. 90% of the time, I like the Baker persona and think that is what will give him longevity. But things like this don’t happen to an ‘Ace’.
Meanwhile KC is tied with NYY (at least last I checked) in like the 14th.
Wow. You’d think against KC’s bullpen that the Yanks would drop one over the fence on ACCIDENT by now.
T, it’s called giving your bullpen more time to warm up.
What happened to open the inning where the ball came outta Span’s glove…? I was listening on the radio to that play.
Okay, well. Here come the give backs from last night. (Ibanez’s chcek last night)
Any way we might get some batters who do not try to pull every outside pitch they see?
The bullpen is so terrible. It’s sickening to see them blow leads to the worst team every single time.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Breslow enter a tight situation and leave without a run scoring.
Annoucers these days need new dictionaries…they also seem to be running out of superlatives.
I don’t see us getting back in this. Who’s going to come in? Guerrier? Bass?
Both will allow at least a run…
T, that was a ball that Span had to run a great distance for and actually made a nice play to make it as close as he did. Definitely not his fault on that play.
Way to change the subject, T.
I will brook no complaining about the bullpen from someone who has spent the past 3 months telling us there’s nothing wrong, no need for the front office to do a SINGLE thing.
I would think that Breslow would start this inning and pitch to Ibanez before getting the hook.
I think the crowning of Scott Baker as our future “ACE” was a bit premature. He is turning into a 5 inning pitcher. Thank God Liriano is back.
well, the yanks finally win
Well T, just as you figured the Royals pen finally blew it in the 13th against NY to Gardner of all people.
Anybody else surprised that Breslow is still in the game at this point?
NYY wins 3-2 in 13…could’ve sworn it was 3-3 at one point.
Did KC get a run taken AWAY in the bottom of the ninth?
I guess our other options aren’t that great either.
The bullpen is going to be the death of this team. If we don’t do anything by the 31st, we’re in BIG trouble. I don’t have faith in anyone down there except Nathan. Heck, Neshek could probably do better than some of the guys down there right now and he can barely throw.
Nope, it was always 2-2.
Breslow has been one of the better relievers lately, might as well leave him in
I hate to think like this, but it almost feels like this has to be our inning with Mauer, Morneau, and Young due up.
someone who has spent the past 3 months telling us there’s nothing wrong, no need for the front office to do a SINGLE thing
So uh….where were you the past few weeks when I’ve been talking about the problems with Everett’s arm, Harris’s range, and Punto’s bat that causes us to have weakness no matter what our MIF configuration is.
Or how the FO was set on the rebuilding this season, so were unpreparred when the team started getting into the playoff hunt ahead of schedule.
Or how at the beginning of the season I was pissed they signed Lamb and Monroe because I wanted them to let it ride on Kubel and Buscher (rebuilding, so why not go with guys who have been getting play before?)
Oh wait. That’s right. You cherry pick around those comments to prove something to yourself that isn’t there.
Breslow with the bases empty:
Very good
Breslow with a runner on:
Not so much
Why doesn’t gardy let Baker pitch and let him figure how to hold a lead. We all knew that when he goes to the pen the lead would go away. Let the starter lose it not this worthless pen. Gardy complains about the pen being overworked. Well I wonder why when you don’t trust your startes. If Gardy was managing Seattle the Seattle starter would have been yanked in the 2nd. Gardy loved keeping Hernandez in while he got shelled, why not the other starters?
Great patience by Mauer to start the inning.
fw, because if you were watching the game at all, you would know that Baker was getting shelled in the 6th.
Baker never seems to pitch well when his is handed a big lead.
Gardy loved keeping Hernandez in while he got shelled, why not the other starters?
Because Hernandez’s job was to take pressure off the pen. If he’s getting shelled, he can still go otu there and pitch 6-7 innings so the bullpen gets a day off.
That way when one of the young guys gets shelled, they’re set and ready to go.
Ben: I get the feeling “fw” is from the same guild as “toby”, “herb”, “tommy”, etc..
T, you are right on about the FO’s failure to go out and get a good 8th-inning guy. When Neshek went down they thought they could get by and it would not matter because they did not expect to be contending. But they still had plenty of time to get a guy once it became clear the Twins were contenders, yet they failed utterly. When this season comes crashing to an end, every one can quite fairly point at BS and lay it all at his doorstep.
TT: The ONLY time I think I remember Breslow in the “clutch” was against either Boston or New York where he got a couple of big Ks (at the Dome)
But other than that I can’t think of anything.
Geeze, that is just some crappy luck. Couldn’t hit it any harder. Delmon stay hot.
That was just bad luck, but the sixth run inning was not bad luck just bad pitching.
i’m not sure how to break down T’s line of reasoning.
1. It may be the case that i have said the bullpen is fine or at least as good as it can be.
2. BUT I’ve also pointed out other deficiencies nobody really argues with.
3. um… It is axiomatic that if one points out a given deficiency correctly, he is correct to deny other deficienies.
Therefore: It is not “technically” hypocritical to now admit to the the deficiency I originally denied.
Something like that?
onspot: When Neshek first went down, Guerrier was doing a good job. But as the season wore on, so did he.
Pinch hit Kubel possibly but if you do that, the lefty will come in.
deficiencies. geez, can’t type.
i’m not sure how to break down T’s line of reasoning.
Different toby. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I’m referring to the hoard of blue-named “herb” clones that usualy post one of three comments about five times in a row.
Okay. Morneau’s trying too hard. You can see it almost in his ABs. He’s reaching for stuff.
no, i was talking about your beef with chief. i hadn’t even seen that one yet.
I just remember Breslow allowing both runs to score when he came in during the other Seattle series, and there is another moment I can’t think of right off the top of my head.
Normally the runs are put on another pitchers record, but are from hits he allows.
He is great with the bases empty thus far…
“So uh….where were you the past few weeks when I’ve been talking about the problems with Everett’s arm, Harris’s range, and Punto’s bat that causes us to have weakness no matter what our MIF configuration is.”
I’ve been right there with you. Remember the Grudz discussion? Seems to me you’re complaining about the front office providing shitty middle infield choices. After months of telling us they’ve done nothing wrong.
“Or how the FO was set on the rebuilding this season, so were unpreparred when the team started getting into the playoff hunt ahead of schedule.”
The front office “unprepared?” Seems to me you’re complaining about the front office again. After months of saying they’d done nothing wrong.
The “rebuilding” thing is a red herring, by the way.
“Or how at the beginning of the season I was pissed they signed Lamb and Monroe because I wanted them to let it ride on Kubel and Buscher (rebuilding, so why not go with guys who have been getting play before?)”
Not bitching about the front office here, are ya? ‘Cause it sounds like it.
“Oh wait. That’s right. You cherry pick around those comments to prove something to yourself that isn’t there.”
Which is it T? Has the front office been flawless, or not?
If not, stop complaining about the relief pitching. It’s a bit hypocritical.
Please not another blown game to the Mariners…
Anyway on the topic of Guerrier, it is completly wrong how often Gardy has used Guerier, and how little he has used Nathan. Gleeman said the other day on his blog that Guerrier is the Major Leauge Leader in apperances. That should not be the case, the best pitcher should pitch the most, doesnt that make sense??? Who cares about saves, sure joe should pitch in save situations, but he should also pitch some 2 inning games when it is tie game.
i love watching the fights in here
Breslow was pretty good in KC.
Oh wait. I see it now. Any issues I have don’t count if they aren’t new?
Well that’s going to be hard to do. I guess I can poke fun at Harris’ socks then.
If Chief thinks he knows my line of thinking enough to call me out, then that should mean he’s familiar with what I’ve written in the past.
If he honestly thinks I don’t have one issue with how this team is run, then that means he hasn’t…and thus has no footing for calling me out.
Just because I haven’t repeated my beef with the FO thrice a day for the last 6 months doesn’t mean I don’t have them.
Hey, we BOTH said it was “hypocritical”. Hmmm…
T, Morneau hit that ball in his last AB about as hard as you can.
I don’t know what to say other than that playoff teams don’t lose the type of games that the Twins have these past few weeks.
They need to figure something out, or else this 14-game trip is going to eat them alive.
T, regardless of how well Guerrier did or was doing, it should be clear to anyone who has watched him the last few years that he is not the guy you want to have to rely on in the 8th, especially down the stretch. And even if he were an 8th inning ace, you still need another serviceable setup guy. Anyway, it was palpably clear at least one month before the trading deadline that neither Crain nor Guerrier were up to the task of shutting teams down in the late innings down the stretch. The FO’s failure to do something is a complete abdication of their duties, and basically means they are throwing this season away. I for one am not overly impressed with BS’s performance since taking over the FO.
why is that, Tyler? So Nathan’s arm can be shot too?
I hope the Twins offense wakes up from its hibernation before this game is over
So your beef with the front office is that they signed Mike Lamb, a very decent attempt to fix third base, and that they signed Monroe, debatable for sure but nothing that hurt them?
But you have no problem with them going months without lifting a finger to help a team that’s been in contention for a long time now?
Do I have that about right?
Breslow continues to get behind hitters this inning. He is going to have to come out soon.
I’ve been right there with you. Remember the Grudz discussion?
Friend you’ve got a LOT of reading material to catch up on if you’re only referencing as far back as the trade deadline.
Try looking back at the beginning of the season when I was wishing that they’d go after Rowand, and use Buscher and Kubel instead of Monroe and Lamb.
Well pardon. I didn’t have issue with Monroe as a bench option. But I did have issue with him taking starts from Monroe.
If the Twins had their 2006, or even 2007, bullpen this year, the door would have been shut on the Chisox two weeks or more ago as far as this division race is concerned.
C’mon offense, pick up the bullpen for once.
I actually didn’t mind the Lamb signing either. The Monroe signing was a different story. I think “debatable” is charitable.
How about a simple, collective “Thank you!” to Craig Breslow for what he has done for the Twins today!
Breslow has done well today, other than the huge 2 run hit he allowed to Ichiro.
I miss Neshek 
good job Breslow. i’m not giving him a complete pass, but he gave up an opposite field hit on a decent pitch to the Mariners best hitter. I blame baker and crain for that mess.
as for kubel not pinch hitting. let them bring in the lefty. we then woulda had three RH hitters coming up. the more lefties we can burn through before span, mauer and morneau come up the better.
Went to the game the other day. Asked Redman and Rick Anderson about Ricky Barrett. Something funny is definitely afoot.
Gotta bunt him over with AE up now.
Here we go.
Let’s see if the twins can actually get a hit this inning
Please dig the bullpen out, we need some wins here at home…
JP- Yes, he gave up a hit to Ichiro…but the correct play was to intentionally walk Ichiro to face Reed. Ichiro is a tough out in those situations…much tougher than Reed.
Seth
The person who leades the team in apperances and innings pitched doesnt mean that he would have to have a dead arm. Gardy should use Breslow more, switch bass out with someone who can pitch also and use that player more. Gardy is just finally starting to use Breslow more but Gardy has had 3 pitchers that up to two weaks ago hardly have been used, Bonser,Bass,Bonser. I am not for sure with the stats, but I know those pitchers are being used way to little, and if you are not confident with them be aggresive, sign people like Bradford and use everyone in the pen, with the BEST PITCHER LEADING THE PEN.
Now Kubel and Span have to do something.
C’mon offense. Rescue us.
I’m really starting to lose faith in Gardy. He gets a lot of credit for this team being tied for first. He does. By why wouldn’t you let Harris hit and then PH for Everett? The idea when you’re losing is to get your best hitters a chance in the game? Right????
Okay, not a bad move there…
Kubel for Gomez now?
You had to figure that this move was coming, but I still like Kubel up there in this situation more than Gomez. Only problem is now a lefty can pitch to both him and Span.
*Bonser,Bass,BRESLOW
Just a single Kubel, just a single…
Korecky’s going GREAT the last couple weeks.
I have no faith in Ron Gardenhire.
“JP- Yes, he gave up a hit to Ichiro…but the correct play was to intentionally walk Ichiro to face Reed. Ichiro is a tough out in those situations…much tougher than Reed.”
Fair enough! More blame on Gardy then. Breslow IMO has done pretty well today.
JP, because you need baserunners as soon as possible in the inning and with Buscher drawing a walk, I don’t see what there is to complain about. Even if Harris gets a single, you are still going to be bunting with the next hitter.
Putting Kubel in against a lefty, gutsy move. Let’s see if it works out.
Wow that is a low low strike.
And I still don’t get how people equated “competitive” with “playoff” and now “World Series”.
This team without Santana and Hunter was going to be young, and was going to be VERY inexpereienced.
It was why I felt both Buscher and Kubel should have gotten the lions share of starts. Both of them showed promise in 2007, and desereved to get a chance to prove themselves as starters. Especially in a season where there was going to be a lot of shuffling and transitioning to young players.
I stomached the Everett signing because I felt that Young would make up for it…and didn’t realize he had such a weak arm. Heck, I felt that by this point in the season Young and Cuddyer would’ve swapped spots and been hitting 3/5 around Morneau. Cuddyer’s injury troubles ended that…as did Young’s early struggles to produce with consistent power.
I didn’t like what I saw from Casilla at all in 07, and Span was struggling in the minors. Had no idea they’d be able to turn it around like this.
I just find it funny that the FO says “we’re competing” and people run with it like this team is playoff bound.
But they say “we tried to make a trade” and people start putting on the tinfoil hats all of a sudden.
My view on this season has remained the same all the way through. If a player can be brought can help now AND going forward (more than a rental) then that’s the direction I’d prefer they take.
And “rebuilding” is far from a red herring. There are all of three or four guys in the lineup on any given day that were regular starters last season. (Look at opening day where it was Mauer/Morneau/Cuddy and that was it)
I’ve heard some say “reshuffling” I’ve heard some say “restructuring” and some say “reloading”
Whatever the case, the goal going into this season was get a group of young guys they could develop and keep together to avoid the mistakes that cost them Santana and Hunter.
Generous strike is an udnerstatment
gatty, what are the other options at this point? Redmond? No thank you.
So who did Buscher hit for again? I’m a bit confused how this defense is going to look next inning.
Young/Span/Kubel. Buscher/Everett/Punto/Morneau?
Hey now!!!! I never said he couldn’t hit lefties 
KUBEL! BOTH PHs come through!
HUGE hit for Kubel. Nice job by Kubel taking 2nd as well.
That’s what it’ll probably look like in the ninth…
T, Buscher hit for Harris so he will just come in at third for him.
I think Kubel’s ABs thus far qualify as “getting it going”. Wouldn’t you think?
Meow Kubel… meow
Great AB by Kubel after eating that low strike.
KUBEL 
KUBEL!
Can I say it again? Kubelicious!
Unfortunately nobody to hit for Punto now…
T, what is wrong with that defense next inning. I mean I know you would not like Kubel in the OF, but at the same time without him in the game, this game is not tied.
One mroe run, then Nathan!
Ben, how about leaving gomez in against a lefty. Gomez has .277 average against the lefties and kubel is batting .162. I’m not sure, what is my point?
Dang, please LNP surprise us all.
Come on Punto. You’ve gotten some big hits this series…
How is that different from you putting on the tinfoil hat when the FO says “we’re competing,” which turned out to be true, but you swallow the “we tried to make a trade” BS hook, line and sinker when the facts say otherwise?
Way to go Kubes!
Once again LNP fails. You are horrible Punto! gatty790, because we are all sick and tired of Gomez trying to swing for the fences and K’ing with runners on base.
When PHers Punto and Kubel combine to tie it…you can’t ask for much more off the bench.
Unless we want to see Redmond fielding second.
Wait no. I just gave myself a headache trying to picture that.
Kubel is no more of a butcher in left than Young. His arm is not as strong, but who cares?
Now you have to bring in Nathan. There will be no save situations today.
Buscher hit for Harris. Span will move to center, Kubel in Right. Buscher at third.
WHY IS REYES in and not Nathan?
Reyes?
It’s perspective Chief.
The definition of “competing” is up in the air. A team can be competitive and still be around .500.
Others apparently see “compete” as “Playoffs or bust”
But the FO says “we tried to make a trade”…that’s just face value. Either they tried or they didn’t. They went for Beltre, tried for Roberts, made attempts at Ibanez, Embree, and Washburn, they even looked into Hawkins (I still think we dodged a bullet there)
Not if your name is Ron Gardenhire, Ben.
Can someone explain to me why Nathan isn’t in to pitch the top of the ninth?
Just does not make sense leaving your best reliever in the pen with your 3-4-5 hitters due up in the bottom half. I sure hope it works out.
The Mariners are warming up THAT Miguel Batista?
Mauer/Morneau/Young in the 9th.
If that doesn’t do it, this will be like game 2 of the Yankees visit earlier this week.
Never mind, Dick messed it up
I agree 100% T. We need to do something with the big guys or it might be a lost effort. We just have Guerrier, Bass, Bonser and Nathan.
I disagreed w/ Gardy on not walking Ichiro in the 6th…But, I have to give him credit-his two pinch hitters did the job. Plus, he stayed with Breslow and was rewarded for his confidence in him.
gatty790, Dick is not broadcasting the game today.
“Ock-whaass.”
Yes he is. Dick Stockton
The only thing I could think of is that Nathan is being saved if it doesn’t happen in the ninth?
If the heart doesn’t get it done, you’ve got Nathan to face the heart of THEIR lineup in hopes that the bottom can either get it done or it wraps back around to the heart again?
It makes my head spin a bit.
That was a great inning by Dennys
I am 47 minutes late for work.
Dick Stockton
Well I am glad that worked out. The only reason I can think of that Gardy had him in there is because Ichiro and Reed are left-handed. I wonder if we are not able to win it in the bottom half if Reyes stays in to face Ibanez to start the 10th? Let’s hope we don’t have to worry about that.
You know what. Morneau just needs to grow a pair and deposit one over the 408 so we can put this mess behind us.
Wow, the two lefties in the pen were ready today…
gatty, my bad. I understand now.
I’ll add that for his own sake Morneau needs to get one of those liners to land somewhere.
Gardy needs to stop treating the lefties as mere specialists, to be used against lefties and rarely against righties. Our lefties are just as good as the righties, and lately have been better, so why not use them to set up Nathan? The lefties have been given more innings lately due to the struggles of Crain and Guerrier, but why not treat them the same from here on out? Use the lefties more if they are better, which right now they are.
toby, you might as well just not show up. Hopefully this game turns out to be worth missing work.
“Kubel is no more of a butcher in left than Young. His arm is not as strong, but who cares?”
I bet if those two were at the fair and could throw baseballs and find out how hard they throw, they would both be about the same… both are hitting 90 easily, I’m sure.
Morneau needs to break out of his August slump right here. There is no better place for it.
“Can someone explain to me why Nathan isn’t in to pitch the top of the ninth?”
Lefties?! Not too hard to figure out.
I’m sure the regular Dick is also calling the game at his house though.
This is absolutly ridiculous that nathan is not in the game right now, I dont care if Reyes goes 123 in this innings, Nathan is the better pitcher and you put him in these situations, he is already on pace for a all time low for apperances this year. They should just trade nathan know for a power hitting 3B if they are going to use him so little, and never bring him in late tie game situations. It is absolutly inexcusable how Gardy uses Nathan. I love how he motivates and runs things in general, but his use with Nathan is completly ridiculous.
Wow that pitch didn’t miss by much.
Breslow and Reyes picked this bullpen up (yeah Breslow gave up that hit…but he shut them down after that)
Now the lineup needs to remember that games don’t end after 2 innings.
Seth, that is kind of what I figured, but you don’t want to lose the game with your best reliever not having entered the game.
Nice start by Mauer.
Nice effort by the 3B, maybe saves an XBH?
Hit it out Justin!
They HAVE to pitch to him here…don’t they?
Or do they “pitch” to him like one “listens” to their wife.
I think that Joe Mauer ball would have been a single regardless. That is assuming that the defense is playing no doubles.
I don’t super-mind that it was Reyes given the lefties, although I’d wager if they’d had 3 righthanders due he would’ve pitched Guerrier instead of Nathan, which would have been truly foolish.
Ben
Exacltly!! Think of the KC exrta inning game and so many other games this year.
Hell yes. Flyball wins the game.
yes
I’m getting my shoes on.
It’s not a dinger, but it’s a start. Let’s go heart.
Okay, no DPs Mister Young!
Nice knock by Morneau, unfortunately Mauer had to hold up in case it was caught by the 3rd baseman. Now probably a pitching change.
I agree… If there is a 10th, Nathan should definitely pitch.
Now would be a really bad time for a one pitch triple play by young.
What? He held him?
I don’t care that it is Delmon up, have him drop it down.
TWO SAC FLIES! That’s ALL we need. Doesn’t even have to be fancy!
I’d really like to see Ruiz get the glory here.
Time for one more three run jack for DY
Ben, I caught that to. Beltre twice now has almost come up with two big stops. Thankfully for us they were “almost”.
Bunt by Delmon and a first-ever walkoff by Randy. That’s my call.
Batista WAS warming. He’ll walk the twins to a win if they are patient.
Tyler, the KC game was not his fault. Delmon screwed up the fly ball. Are you seriously telling me that you are more confident with Reyes on the mound than Nathan?
Sox close to winning, unfortunately.
I’ve got TT down for the “Howie Clark Special”
Randy. Randy. Randy. Are you randy, Randy?
How does Young not beat that out? Was he duffing it?
First career sac bunt for Delmon..
Bunt by Delmon and a first-ever walkoff by Randy. That’s my call.
wow, looks like it will happen
Good bunt by Delmon, if he had any speed it would have been a hit.
Oh come on.
Never mind, Mike Lamb is coming out.
Oh JHC, Mike fargin Lamb?
Let him hit Gardy!
I don’t agree with this Lamb for Ruiz move. Ruiz is a rookie, but still do you want Mike Lamb up with the game on the line?
I’ll be DAMNED. He almost got on there even. Wow!
SACRIFICE FLY! WALK OFF SACRIFICE FLY!
Lamb will come through. Line drive right field if they pitch to him.
Ben: I think the hope is that Lamb has a better chance of hitting a deep fly than Ruiz.
Hopefully they walk him. They are going to play with 5 infielders.
Sox win.
Ben
Huh, no I am in complete agreament with you, the Twins use Nathan not nearly enough, I am way more confident with Nathan as opposed to Reyes, and the KC series I am referring to is the recent one a week or so ago when Breslow pitched 3 innings and nathan was not used becuase it was not a “save situation”.
I have never seen this defense before
Wow, cool stuff.
Tyler, alright I gotcha.
Ichiro playing Left Second Field. I”m confuzzled.
gatty, you haven’t watched much baseball, have you?
I’ve got my shoes on. I’m all ready to go to work and I fully believe I’ll be on my way in the next 2 minutes.
Just a sac fly is needed
SACRIFICE FLY! TOMAHAWK IT INTO CENTER>
Now Ichiro is back in right.
No DP!!!!!!!!!!111
We win!
yeah buddy!
YES!
WALK OFF SAC! The Heart comes through!
That will do it. NICE come from behind victory today to stay tied atop the division.
Where the left fielder is playing in front of the second base bag? I guess I don’t watch enough baseball then.
After what happened in the 6th, the Twins needed this rally BIG time.
What a weak throw in LF
Wow, despite Baker’s and Crain’s best efforts, we still won!
An even remotely good throw nails him at home.
gatty790, first off it wasn’t the left fielder, it was the right fielder. Secondly, it happens many times when the game is on the line and the bases are full in a tied game. The defense is hoping to coax a grounder out of the batter.
And Buscher (who didn’t even start the game) has the tying run and the winning RBI under his belt.
That PH decision looking rather golden.
T, I agree, but thankfully for us it didn’t happen.
was it Ibanez in LF? Young would have nailed Mauer at home.
TK used the five man infield on a couple occasions.
Nice come from behind win. Would’ve been a bad one to lose.
Ben: I’m wondering if the Twins didn’t have the scouting report on the LF there.
But what a great rally by the heart of the order. That’s how you pick up a bullpen having a bad day.
Okay, you finally got me. It was the left fielder instead of the right fielder. I must be so dumb. I hadn’t even thought the reason they moved him up there to get a ground ball. Not.
Echo Seth…a big thank you to Breselow.
At the risk of being stoned to death:
1. Breslow is brought in, gives up lead but otherwise shuts them down.
2. Reyes goes 1-2-3 in the ninth.
3. Buscher PHs, scores tying run (later knocks in winning run)
4. Kubel PHs, knocks in tying run.
Can we notch this as a game that Gardy was directly responsible for winning.
BTW…17th consecutive 30,000+ crowd at the dome today. Believe that’s the longest streak in team history.
I’ll also add:
5. Young bunts, sets up Mauer at 3rd.
A thank you to Dennys Reyes for the slick inning that he pitched
And thanks to the middle of the order for not forcing the bullpen to go any deeper than it needed to.
And yes I have seen four infielders before, just not an out fielder playing in front of the bag.
T
No, it is stupid to let your best pitcher sit on the bench, the Twins had a bigger chance of losing with those two on the mound, Nathan is being underutilized all year, and those 2 pitchers have screwed us over much more than Nathan would have if he would be pitched more, I’m glad that Breslow and Reyes came through, but it was still stupid by Gardy.
Batista is getting paid 9.5 million this year. Ouch.
T
but i give Gardy credit for points 3,4, and 5.
gatty, I think everybody has seen 4 infielders before considering that every MLB plays every game with 4 infielders. The reason a FIFTH infielder was brought in to play in front of the bag is to have a chance to force the runner on third out at home.
Batista is getting paid 9.5 million this year. Ouch.
How does that compare to what they’re giving Silva?
T
We’ve been through this before. Moves made by the manager can work out and be wrong or not work out and be the correct move.
I didn’t like Buscher hitting for Harris with Everett on deck. Harris is our 5th best hitter and a better defender than Buscher. Didn’t like that Kubel didn’t PH for Ruiz an inning earlier. Woulda forced the lefty in and eliminated the lefty pitching to Kubel and Span later in the game.
Yes everything worked out. I give credit to the players.
26 over 30,000 in 1988
Many of you keep talking about how much Mariner pitchers are paid. Don’t you know how expensive a latte is in Seattle? You have to figure these things into a contract…don’t you know. Nice comeback but that’s Baker’s fourth straight no-decision. He has to tighten up his act a little.
Agreed Daniel1966.
Baker does need to step up and protect the bullpen like Perkins and Liriano did last time through the rotation.
Busch Man……..PH great walk (good as a hit!) Scores on Kubel hit..
Sac Fly scores winning run. Just deep enough…..
Twins Win, Twins Win, Twins Win…..
On another thought - have you seen http://www.battingstanceguy.com ’s work on the Twins? tHis guy is really good.
You know, the way people talk on this blog, you’d think the Twins were somehow 40 games under 500. Can’t anybody give Gardy some credit? Crap, he was given a team with more holes than Swiss cheese and has turned it into a winning ballclub. That’s not just the players — and the players would be the first ones to say that.
Thanks, JDM, for finally making some sense here!!!
Also, in a situation like at the end of the game with less than two outs, the outfielders must be shallow in a position to throw out a tagging up runner. Since in most cases a ball hit to the outfield will end the game, it makes much more sense to use five infielders to make the play at the plate or possible turn a double play.
[…] it wasn’t as surprising as you would think if you didn’t watch the game. I was reading LaVelle’s game blog throughout the game and commented that I think Baker has the stuff to be an excellent #2. I […]
JDM,
I just got home from the Ravens/Viking game.
I have learned to check the score first before reading these blogs, because there IS NOT a day where one could determine a win occured.
Chicken Little is an “Eternal Optimist” compared to these blogs
Regards,
Dragon,
you are the optimist of these blogs
Very good point Daniel, though Baker didn’t get ANY help from the pen this afternoon.
At least, not in the 6th.
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Good win for the Twins, Should sweep. I didn’t see the game because I was working- I know it got a little rough, but at least we got a W as opposed to an L.
Here’s hoping Casilla comes back AND is effective. Punto has filled in nicely- NOT OUTSTANDING- but nicely. (Had to clarify because god-forbid I would praise Punto on this blog).
I’m excited more than ever for the new stadium after hearing about The Stone Zone. Can’t wait for some crazy-ass bounces. That should be fun.
That’s all I got tonight, mostly because I didn’t/couldn’t see the game.
Night.
**The Twins should have made some kind of trade**
Shawn,
I ONLY qualify as an optimist because most other posters are not.
Last yesterday/last night was really nice. Last scores I heard before the Ravens/vikings game were twins 5-0 and sox 2-1.
It was NOT until I got home that I got the final score (ALL sports stations were wall to wall Ravens & Redskins coverage). The foregone conclusion happened to be more difficult than expected, yet another WIN is what matters most.
I play a lot of poker, and see the baseball season as having a lot of similarities to that game. Sometimes the best starting hand loses, sometimes an opponet screws-up, sometimes I screw-up, and sometimes an extremely low % play pays off handsomely.
The Baseball season is 6 months long. That’s at least 4,131 outs the Twins hitters have to work with, it’s also at least 4,131 outs the Twins pitchers have to survive/achieve.
In my old age, I have finally learned in poker that 1 bad hand DOES NOT have to be devistating, Just like 1 good hand is not Nirvana. Just deal with it and move on, since it’s only 1 of 2,000/3,000+ I will play each month, and over that time frame, things tend to work/even out. If that’s optimism, I accept that description.
Regards,
Dragon-Chicken Little is an “Eternal Optimist” compared to this blog ! Unfortunately,that’s the most spot on post i have ever seen on this blog!
Here’s hoping the W. Sox keep on winning- at least to a certain degree. I’ll explain later…
For now, good win for the Twins- not so good a sweep though. That couldn’t have gotten any tougher than it did. All of the sudden, I’m Really not looking forward to having to face them Again in a week- and back in Seattle too. Best thing though, they won and did take care of business. Oakland comes to town- just give me one compelling reason why the Twins should NOT sweep them. Oakland is terrible, the Twins have played Oakland pretty well recently (or at least semi-recently), the Twins are at home, and Oakland hasn’t played in the Dome very well over the years.
Prediction: Twins definitely take 2 out of 3, and very likely sweep- rather easily too.
I willn’t forgive them this year if they lose on my birthday- especially to Oakland.
Night.
**The Twins should have made some kind of trade**
Yeah, it’d be nice to get some time off between Seattle series. Playing them once a week for three weeks is riddiculous. Don’t get a chance to regroup and get a new gameplan together even.
But the big thing is the Twins didn’t quit just because the bullpen had troubles. Heck….look at Seattle’s pen. If the Twins were a mess, Seattle’s didn’t even show up.
Dickey managed to give up two runs and load the bases without even surrendering a hit!
Regarding the limestone on the right field facade and behind home plate; not a good idea.
From what I’ve read, this was the Pohlad’s idea. I’m guessing they didn’t consult with anyone who has ever played 3B or 1B.
The “proposed” limestone that will line the wall that wraps behind home plate will really make it difficult for the corner infielders to pick up the ball off the bat.
Just not a good idea with not much forethought.
There’s still time to change this, and I’m not ripping on the Pohlad’s here. But there’s enough limestone on the outside of the park, and really no need to put it behind the plate.
Hey LaVelle, how many Twins players are using maple bats and how many are using ash? Have any of them switched back to ash this season in case maple is banned?
Wow. Serious lack of posts.
Too mad to talk about the Twins- losing to Oakland and all- so night.
**The Twins should have made some kind of trade**
Hey Lavelle, how about you post something once in awhile. 3 days without? Come on, isn’t this your job?
