Twins-A’s: Casilla to be activated from the DL.
Posted on August 20th, 2008 – 11:36 AMBy La Velle
After going 3 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI on Tuesday during a rehab game at Class A Beloit, second baseman Alexi Casilla is on his way to the Twin Cities and will join the team in time for its 14-game, 15-day roadtrip.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire indicated he’ll play Casilla right way but will give him a day off here and there if Casilla’s right thumb gives him any problems.
The Twins will announce the roster move for Casilla after the game.
Matt Tolbert was 1 for 3 with a stolen base during his first rehab game at Class AA New Britain. Gardenhire said Tolbert will be called up when rosters can expand on Sept. 1.
Francisco Liriano goes for his fourth straight win today. The Twins are averaging 7.14 runs in Liriano’s starts - and are averaging seven runs a game during this homestand.
And the Twins are batting .390 with RISP during this homestand.
1:14 Update: As you have noticed, Young is back in the lineup. He ran on a treadmil before the game and said he was good to go.
We’ve also had server problems today. Sorry for the lack of access.
Lineup
Athletics (57-68): 1. Mark Ellis, 2B. 2. Kurt Suzuki, C. 3. Emil Brown, LF. 4. Frank Thomas, DH. 5. Jack Cust, RF. 6. Bobby Crosby, SS. 7. Rajai Davis, CF. 8. Daric Barton, 1B. 9. Cliff Pennington, 3B. Pitching: Dallas Braden.
Twins (71-54): 1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Mike Redmond, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Delmon Young, LF. 6. Randy Ruiz, DH. 7. Brian Buscher, 3B. 8. Brendan Harris, SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Francisco Liriano.
347 Responses to "Twins-A’s: Casilla to be activated from the DL."
let the griping begin …
If Slowey can strike out 12 the Franchise should break Clemens record today.
It’s going to be nice to have Casilla back! The roster move will be interesting. Everett to DL?
Thats awesome we need the speedy table setter back. he makes things happen and flashes some leather. Its critical our defense is air tight on this long roady.
See you at the Big A or E GO TWINS!!!!!
I HATE THE PALE HOSE!!!!!!!!
LaVelle,
What will be the move? Everett to the DL??
Man, that Bolt character is fast.
Let’s hope the roster move doesn’t include Ruiz’s demotion to AAA! Everett to DL sounds best to me. Maybe there will be an unfortunate injury in today’s game and the problem will solve itself, just as it did when Casilla got hurt, allowing Everett to rejoin the team!
How about letting Lamb go?
La Velle, David Weathers has reportedly cleared waivers with the Reds. He’d be a nice veteran addition to the bullpen. Does Smith have any interest in him?
How about letting Lamb go?
In favor of keeping Everett?
Yeah, okay.
Erik, we do have 2 other 3B who have hit much better.
Maybe Lamb could suddenly have an injury and move to the DL. Maybe he cramped up in the sitting position and can’t stand up straight.
Argh… Punto.
Unacceptable, Nicky….
Wow, he’s done a lot for us…more than I expected, but there should be no surprise why fans get on him….
failure to get down a sac bunt….grrrrrrrrrr
wow … great ab (and day so far) Punto … already has costed the Twins one run in the first with his two mistakes and now can’t get a bunt down.
Punto is not a good baseball player.
So with 2 on, nobody out, and a 3-1 count what does Ibanez do against the Sox …. grounds into a double play on ball 4.
Did Ole and Sven fall asleep in the server room?
Alright Redmond, Punto owes you a beer.
how soon you guys forget this morning there were guys comparing punto to ozzie smith and putting him into the haal of fame.
It’s a good thing that they got a new server recently. A real improvement.
What other infielder for the Twins other then Punto is on ESPN doing great defensive plays? Punto must be ok for that to happen all the time lately
The Twins didn’t really take off and start gaining ground on Chicago until Span was brought up and put in the lineup. Since then, you would have to say that he has been the key to the team’s winning ways. You could say that he has been the Twins most valuable player during the last 30 or more games. The added speed, defense, the ability to hit for a high average, get alot of walks, and being a threat to steal on the base paths have added an additional dimension to the Twins ability to win games. Lets hope Gardy doesn’t have a mind spasm and put Cuddyer in right field. I think Cuddyer should be traded and Gomez and Pridie be given the opportunity to play center field. Spans should be the regular right fielder.
“B-Squad” 2/3 today: 2-4, RBI.
Anybody with video see what happened to Span? Was it a shallow fly so they sent Span to protect Gomez going home?
Punto sucks. Period.
LOL fans gripe about NOGO’s mistakes at age 22 saying he needs to go to the minors
LNP makes the same mistakes and is a 10 year vet who starts everyday.
and the PITCH! Redmond swings and hits a shot into left field..base hit! Gomez around third he’s gonnna SCOOORE! Span going for 3rd! Here comes the throw!……..HEEEEEE ISS……OUT! OUT AT THIRD on a dandy throw from Emil Brown! Deceptive strength on that little guy, Charlie. Hooooo the A’s catch a break there and are happy to only be down by 1.
Ozzie Smith - at present age - would probably be about as good for the Twins as Punto is right now.
I realize he’s had some hits lately, but how many times has he erased those hits with a botched baserunning play? And then the error and failed sac bunt today… if he gets that bunt down, the Twins are up 3-1 with one out and Redmond on third, or at the very least, 2-1 with runners on the corners, one out, and Morneau up…
I know I harp on Punto a lot, and maybe it’s more than he deserves since he’s keeping his average above .260 somehow, but days like today really stick out in my mind. Liriano is struggling to find the zone, and Punto’s made him throw 9 extra pitches with an error that led to a run, and failed to get down a bunt that could’ve led to a few more runs for the Twins.
Span without an AB thus far. Punto/Redmond/Morneau with a hit each (Redmond and Morneau each with a RBI)
Cisco already is over 70 pitches in the 4th.
Who will come out of the russian roulette choice from the bullpen?
Bass? Boof? Pass me the Pepto Bismol. I think I’m gonna need it.
And if he doesn’t get his hit in the first, Morneau doesn’t drive anybody in…right?
Tommy — Pridie???? Have you followed his season at all. Give me a break.
good thing the Bullpen has been rested the past 2 days as they will be used today. Liriano will be lucky to pitch 5 innings today.
Quite true, Fire… quite true.
No, we need 5-5 from Alexi first.
T, the throw was to the plate but cutoff and thrown to 3rd to get Span by a couple of feet.
Nobody bounces Pinto from the 2 hole, nobody!
if Punto bunts in the first Morneau still drives in Span
Again shall I repeat this. Why is Ozzie Smith in the HOF. 28 career HR’s and a .262 career avg. He blows. I demand Punto get a real fake grin and do a back flip on his way out and HOF bound here we go Punto.
Ground ball THROUGH the hole, BASE hit Ty Pennington. 1 on 2 out for the pest Mark Ellis..and there goes Pennington! The throw is NOTINTIME and Pennington moves into scoring position.
Punto’s made him throw 9 extra pitches with an error that led to a run…
Actually Cust was credited with a base hit on that play, (per the radio radio), Punto made a nice stop and then rushed and made a bad throw…so the extra nine pitches are on Cisco, much like the other 65 or so he’s thrown already.
Jeez, I don’t think Liriano is going to make it to the 5th. He’s already at 82 pitches with 2 outs in the 4th
He won’t even qualify for a win
The reason Punto is on ESPN a lot for fielding is because Punto is very, very unfundamental in his fielding. He’s a loose cannon in the field. He fields ground balls off to the side, like little leaguers. He does have more range than Harris or Everett, but his reckless abandon in the field is not fundamental. He makes great plays to save the Twins, but also makes horrendous plays in the field that costs the Twins. Harris may have limited range, but he is very fundamental in his defense. He has accurate throws and does everything right.
Fran,
Nope, it was an error on Punto. Resulting run was unearned.
Fran, Punto made an error on the first play of the game which allowed Ellis to get on first and force Liriano to throw the extra pitches and get an extra out.
Liriano might only go 4 today.
Punto is a defensive presence out there like a defensive phenom of the infield
Time to get Boof warmed up.
Dickey might not get out of the first today
ES,
Pridie’s been much better as of late, but I agree.
Besides Tommy, if Cuddyer goes, Delmon moves to right and Span takes left… that’s a no brainer.
Either way, the fact is, Cuddyer won’t be traded. He’s set to make just under $20MM over the next two years, hasn’t performed since 2006, and has had about five trips to the DL over two seasons. Who on Earth would give up ANYTHING of value for Michael Cuddyer right now or in the offseason?
As for your assessment on Span, he’s definitely helped, but the guy who helped the most is Alexi Casilla. If you want to use your logic, you can also say the Twins have STOPPED gaining ground and been unable to pull away since Casilla was taken out of the lineup.
Span’s been nice, but it’s a combination of a lot of people: Span, Casilla, Buscher… Delmon’s batting over .300 since June 1st with 6 HR, Harris has been hot and a doubles machine…
With as well as this team has played (with a few exceptions), it’s just unfair to say that one person caused the turnaround.
Please get through 5, Franchise….
5 innings of Twins bullpen = trouble
Ozzie Smith HOF. Jim Kaat no HOF. Ozzie Smith has less gold gloves. What gives
Fran,
The Cust play was a hit. Ellis led off the game and reached on an error. Cust never should’ve come to the plate that inning.
It’s on Punto.
That is a ton of pitches by Liriano, against a team that would need to score 50% more runs than it has to equal the Twins’ total this year.
Kent Hrbek number retired
Jim Kaat no number retired
What gives?
Maybe Liriano is trying the Dice K pitching style.
AJ stop talking logic and common sense!! remember LNP is great and NOGO is a minor leaguer that’s today’s Twin Territory Mantra!!!
ES16: have YOU followed Pridie’s season at all?
Gardy talked about having another catcher up with the team. II have heard that Lamb has catching experience. Also what about Redmond
Steve,
The Mets (who have been looking for a RH outfielder) took Xavier Nady (who was injury prone) from the Padres a couple years ago. I would basically give Cuddyer to them for just about nothing and use his contract to sign a 3B or a couple relievers.
Shortstop is the most difficult and critical defensive position.
Ozzie was (one of?) the BEST EVER.
Pitchers don’t make the HOF on fielding ability. Thats like Elvis making the R&R HOF on his guitar skills.
Missed the first couple of hitters, matt, steve, etc. All apologies.
Please feel free to resume the Punto bashing. It is the national pastime, after all.
Jim Kaat got ripped. Ozzie Smith HOF over BERT and KAAT. A .262 lifetime hitter over them being in the HOF
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
Matt, like they’d use the money saved to sign a real player in his prime, or even trade for one. It is not their style. They might sign 6 old guys that were never that good, and send Casilla and Span back down, but sign a FA in his prime, even after you cut your payroll by $15MM and raise ticket prices? Nope, not gonna happen.
I can’t think of why anyone would want to criticize Punto. Mr. Defense is after all single-handedly responsible for the A’s run. But he sure was gritty on that head-first slide into first, wasn’t he?
mickey mental says:
August 20th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
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
Defensive prowless like no other. He lives on ESPN defensive highlight reels
Jim Kaat and Bert Blyleven cannot do a backflip, to my knowledge.
Whities only scored 6? Dickey Dickey Dickey
Prowless? Good to see we’re making up words to desrcibe punto now.
Mike,
BS has already shown that he is willing to go and get guys that Terry Ryan wouldn’t have - DY and if the Washburn thing was serious there’s $14 mil they have basically said they are willing to add to next years team.
Toby,
Yes I have. Where should we start? How about his 130 strikeouts. What else would you like to know?
Booooooof (cringes)
Hall of Fame =/= Hall of Greatness. The word Fame is in there for a reason. I wonder why people don’t realize that. Look at the NFL Hall of Fame. There are almost no OL at all, even though each team has 5 starting every game. It’s about Fame, not excellence.
That’s why people talk about Mattingly, and not Hrbek, even though in some areas Herbies numbers are better.
Liriano looks absolutely terrible right now.
Liriano is still responsible for the run, in my mind, for allowing hits to a terrible offense following the error, but the fact remains that you can’t give a major league team more than 3 outs in an inning.
As for Punto’s passion for sliding headfirst… how have the Twins coaches not gotten on him for it? Cuddyer and Casilla have both been on the DL because of it, and is that how Tolbert hurt his too (I honestly don’t recall)?
Blegh, enough Punto talk. Let’s just hope Liriano gets through the fifth… Come on Franny.
desrcibe…good to see I’m making up words now
Please get through this inning Francisco. Please, please, please?
“We’ve also had server problems today. Sorry for the lack of access.”
Thanks for the apology, La Velle. I was gonna write — “Oh, there’s a Strib website with Twins blogs you can get on? Cool!”
But now I don’t have to.
Nicky “The Human Highlight Machine” Punto
DY is super cheap, and they dealt one head case that no one on the Twins liked for another. I’m not sure how that was that big a change.
They did not acquire Washburn. some beleive they did it to block Sox from getting him. But, had they gotten him, I’d have been really disappointed. It isn’t about spending money to spend money. It is about spending money wisely (Lamb for two years, Livan, Monroe) or not.
Steve, Punto had a chance to redeem himself and throw Ellis out at home (and would have had him out easily with a good throw), but his throw was about 10 feet to the first base side of home - Punto however did not receive an error for this play. It’s hard to pitch when your defense gives the opponent 5 outs to work with.
Another strikeout with runners on for Thomas. Man he’s just CRUSHED us this series.
Twins should’ve picked him up when they had the chance back in April. BIG mistake letting that one slip by.
Liriano, 100 pitches, 60 strikes, 40 balls. Don’t like that ratio
Its a big change because Terry Ryan would never move a young starting pitcher for anything, let alone a player who had a history of making poor decisions. TR also never would have thought about adding a player whose contract was that of Washburns.
Jimmy Bee,
I saw your post about Punto on ESPN. Your right he is on ESPN all the time. I think it is becasue John Kruk has a man crush on him. He’s always talking about how Punto is the most athletic player on the field. Know wonder the Baeball Tonight gang gives us about 2 seconds of coverage.They think Punto is our best player
something can be said for being willing to let sleeping dogs lie.
Liriano 5 IP
Twins bullpen 4 IP
I don’t like that ratio…fingers crossing time.
Santana sometimes had that problem. There’d be games where he couldn’t get a strike called to save his life.
I recall one against the Padres where the normally cool-headed Santana started yelling at the ump after a bases loaded (on three walks) double blew his lead.
Well he made it through 5. Only took 107 pitches but he gave up no earned runs.
The boys better open the game up this half-inning. Boof was warming up in the pen. Cold compresses may be in order.
Whew. Next inning, the parade from the bullpen begins.
A breakout inning here would be nice, Twins. 
punto’s one great play every 3 to 5 days is not equal to harris’ overall solid play. i don’t ….. about webgems.
They think Punto is our best player
ESPN makes money by selling highlights. Punto’s defense provides them highlights.
Long balls and web gems. Do either one of those on a regular basis and you’ll be loved for years. As long as you can do one…you never have to do the other to be a star.
Look at Jeter. He routinely makes the routine look astonishing (catch a pop up behind third base, run about 15 feet and then dive three rows up)
MrEsterhouse Punto is our most athletic player ESPN said so. He is always on ESPN showing off his glove work. Who else do they show from our infield on ESPN?
Do they dare send him out for the 6th…I say screw it, why not…give him the first couple hitters, if he doesn’t get them out, then bring in the gas cans…
“something can be said for being willing to let sleeping dogs lie.”
Sleeping dogs ALWAYS tell the truth.
Liriano struggled a bit with command and poor defense. However, he still managed to go 5 innings giving up only 1 run, which was unearned. Gotta love the fact he battled through it!
I feel great when he is on the mound, at least you know your team has a great chance to win that day. He will only get better…
“Kent Hrbek number retired
Jim Kaat no number retired
What gives?”
Maybe it’s that the Twins are a schlump organization sitting naked in a Beltre mudhole.
[Can you tell? I want the Twins to win the WS.]
Jason if the Twins could score a couple runs here they might if not brace yourself for boof.
AaronK…are you saying Liriano got after it today?
Maybe it’s that the Twins are a schlump organization sitting naked in a Beltre mudhole.
Wow. What does Beltre have to do with either Hrbek or Kaat?
Reaching much?
Sigh, I could have done without hearing he could’ve been charged with a second error, Matt, haha. I was watching the game on Gameday at MLB.com at that point… didn’t start listening in until the top of the second. Thanks for the info though.
Maybe Gomez can get it going here before we hit the road. It’s always nice when you can get a guy with his kind of speed on a hot streak… if he and Span are hitting well at the same time ever, along with Casilla…. I feel bad for the other teams.
I hope he isn’t Jason. I hate gritty players who battle their tails off to get after it.
I actually would think it would be the other way around, BC….if they score a couple runs (which it sounds like they’re not going to), then you have a little more breathing room for Booof and Liriano’s not warm anymore….if they go quietly, maybe you try to sneak another inning out of him…doubt it, though.
And maybe not… on the Gomez front…
I am trying out different Nicky names LOL.
Nicky “The Showcase” Punto
No way they’ll send Liriano out again, he ended the 5th with 107 pitches.
How about Nicky “bunt it in the air” punto.
Classic Ball Announcer:
the guy’s name is Cliff Pennington…
Here comes Booof (you could hear P.A. guy in background “For the Twins, now pitching…”)
Captain Athletic Punto. Can anyone tell me how in 1991 in the WS how Hrbek shoved a guy off of first then tagged him and the umpire didn’t see or call interference. How bout Nicky “The Showstopper” Punto
Time for Old Country Boofet. I predict it will be the good OC Boofet for an inning. Then he’ll remember who he is and begin the bullpen parade.
C’mon OCB…prove me wrong. Please?
Saw Alexi play last night and he looked pretty good. He got hits from both sides of the plate and made a great play in the fifth barehanding a soft bouncer and throwing the batter out while making a diving throw. Although his only out was a strike out where he chased two bad pitches ala Carlos Gomez.
As Bert would say will his arm fall off?
ES: Strikeouts don’t matter much from an offensive perspective if a guy is killing it like Pridie’s killed it the last 7 weeks. He had a bad May made horrific by VERY unlucky BABIP vs. LD% numbers. The rest of the year he’s been good-incredible.
By the way, his problem isn’t his strikeouts per se, it’s his lack of walks. Thanks for showing my how well informed you are. I’ll trust you didn’t just look up the K numbers since you’ve assured us you’ve followed him throughout the season.
Geez Buscher’s arm is a catastrophe.
And that is why the Twins will be in the market for a third baseman. Scattershot arms don’t work at the hot corner.
yikes
bad error by Buscher? or tough play?
Come on defense!
Buscher’ defense is Bush league
Brian “Airmail” Buscher
Nick “No Stick” Punto
Buscher’s defense kinda makes me queasy…
“Reaching much?”
Absolutely. It’s like stretching your muscles out first thing in the morning to get the kinks and pain out.
Had to get rid of my Beltre cramp for the day.
Does the Bushman think Boof is better from the stretch now?
I would send Span down……….today for Alexi. Only kidding. Everett to AAA until Sep 1 is the logical choice.
romer how is McFail ruining Basketball forever for me today
While we are on the topic of nicknames…
“Bad News” Brian Bass.
Brian “Gatling” Buscher
Nick “Baryshnikov” Punto (his jete is superb)
Everett would have to be DFA’d to go to AAA. He MIGHT take it considering all the stuff the Twins have put up with.
you cannot send Everett to AAA unless he is rehabing. He has no options
Gordon and Gladden said it was a terrible throw that should have no problem, unfortunately, Shawn.
and a slow grounder to third eebetterhurry..Butch throooows and OH its off the line and DRAAAGS Morneau forward! Rohan Davis is safe at first. I’d expect him to go here Charlie, he already got the free chance so why not risk it? and he’s off! GREAT jump by Davis and Redmond had no chance to get the speedster.
“…Old Country Boofet.”
Ha! Best one yet.
I love Boof, but he’s not athletic enough….like I’ve been saying and thinking for the last year and a half.
Boof vs. Pennington… AAA pitcher vs. AAA hitter…
Carlos “get after it” Gomez
Nicky Diving Punto. Diving into a base or diving for a ground ball
“Nick “Baryshnikov” Punto (his jete is superb)”
I just had a vision of him in a tutu.
Francisco “Oh Dear God Please Stop Trying To Get Me To Wear The Johan Santana Mask” Liriano.
Bit long?
Aaron, the Twins can send Everett to AAA, he just has to clear waivers and he has the option of accepting the demotion.
“romer how is McFail ruining Basketball forever for me today”
???
???
???
Jason “Finally a DH with Power” Kubel.
and of course
Jason “Justin” Morneau.
“Jason “Justin” Morneau.”
LOL
Toby,
It’s one thing to have a high number of strikeouts, it’s another to lead the world in strikeouts (see Pridie). And what in the blazes are you talking about when you say his problem isn’t his strikeouts, it’s that he isn’t walking enough. He’s not walking, because he’s striking out. I can’t even imagine what those 130 strikeouts translates to at the ML level where pitchers actually change speeds and throw breaking balls.
Grounder to Harris and he throws Penngington out. Davis advances to third and it’ll be up to Ellis here. He has been a twin killer in the past. THEPITCH!
You can stay home, guys. Old Country Boofet delivers.
Nick “My wife is so hot, it doesn’t matter how bad I play” Punto
Good inning for Boof! Think they’ll risk sending him out for another inning or are they not going to push their luck?
One bullet dodged, two to go…(I won’t include Nathan in the 9th)
buscher kind of gets a free pass on his d, 7 e’s in 45 games is not so good.
to bad buscher doesn’t have harris’ arm.
good job boof.
Way to go boofer i still love ya.
Carlos “My wife is so young she is still in diapers” Silva
Plenty of AAA hitters on that A’s squad. They’ve scored something like 2 runs per game less than the Twins over the year.
Only 9-1 White Sox, and that’s with Seattle walking Carlos Quentin twice…
Wonder if Jay Mariotti knows how silly he looks as he flies home from Bejing?
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/1089438,mariotti080308ozzie.article
Don’t get thrown out on the bases, and I’ll back off a bit for today, Nicky… Nice work.
Dang it Punto…stop getting on base! I want to HATE you!
nicky is getting closer to the hall of fame every day! team mvp.
Punto swings and LINES one into center. That’ll drop down for a hit and the defensive specialist is on board to start out the home half of the sixth.
T just imagine him playing in a tutu the hate will go away.
Wonder if Jay Mariotti knows how silly he looks as he flies home from Bejing?
Aww cute. There goes Jason again calling out writers for making bad predicitons.
Hey Jason, how did your “Kubel needs to get it going” statement from this weekend work out?
Or are you too busy moving the goalposts to get to work on a retraction of your own?
defensive specialist Good wording. Hmmmmmmm…. Excellent
I don’t hate Punto, I pity the fool!
Punto GOES! Here comes the throw from Suzuki! Not in time and it’s a stolen base for Nick Punto. The Twins threaten to taketheleeeaad here in the 6th.
punto.
And Punto produces a run to make up for the run he costs the team.
Maybe I can hate him for not stealing 3rd too.
Look for Boof to get a much-needed win.
Redmond grounds one up the middle…and through! into center field for a BASE HIT and Punto will come around to score! The Twins get a bit of a cushion here.
Remond now 2-3 with 2 RBI. Look at that production from a natural born #3 hitter! 
Punto is also 2-3 with 2 Runs I think…jeez.
They callled Ozzie Smith “The Whiz” so how bout we call Punto “The Fizz” or “The Liz” or hmmm…
BALL FOUR to the big Canadian and the threat continues as there are two on with nobody out in the sixth. The Young Bear is up with a good RBI situation here. Let’s see if patience pays off. Braden ready now as he takes the sign and delivers..
“Plenty of AAA hitters on that A’s squad. They’ve scored something like 2 runs per game less than the Twins over the year.”
The A’s problems:
1) They draw too many walks.
2) Their OBP is too high.
3) They have read “Money Ball” too many times, and they believe it is non-fiction.
4) They fired all their scouts and have out-sourced to the Geek Squad.
“Kay says:
August 20th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Punto sucks. Period.”
Bit of a stretch, doncha think?
I still like my name for Ruiz. I watched him running and came up with Slow-Slow
red dog is an rbi machine he reminds me of Juan Gonzalez
and a soft grounder back to Big Dallas McPhearson who scoops it and throws over to first to retire Young. Essentially a sacrifice there Charlie though not what the youngster was going for heh heh heh heh.
THEY’RELOADEDUP! for Brian the Butcher who swiiiiings and
“Aww cute. There goes Jason again calling out writers for making bad predicitons.”
T are you part of the writer’s union?
CBA - Stop. Please stop. I’m sure your mom thinks it’s really cute that you’re pretending to be a play-by-play announcer, but it has become really, really old for the rest of us.
“Kind of an emergency hack for Buscher… almost like he forgot to take the doughnut off his bat!”
Sounds about right versus a lefty… =\
76.2% likely to score 2+ runs. Who’d have thought that was the stat for bases loaded and 1 out?
Anthony “What’s that moving on my head”LaPanta
The b-squad, scoring runs, doin’ the bulldance. feelin’ it.
Let’s see one of those Harris doubles
“Punto sucks. Period.”
What is period?
How about yet another double for Harris? C’mon Brendan… force Gardy to keep you in the lineup
You see sid, when a girl gets all grown up….
They gave Ruiz his first IBB now watch his legend start to grow.
“sid says:
August 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
“Punto sucks. Period.”
What is period?”
Kay is on her period and I guess she wants Punto to do an action of some type
Just watched Harris’ play up the middle on Gameday… WOW, is all I can say. What a play!
Wow. Buzzkill. So much for the odds.
jimmy, that’s gross.
T are you part of the writer’s union?
Nope. Just think its funny. Jason comes in here almost daily with one person or another having made some “riddiculous statement”, which he usually rides for about a week.
So I find it amusing that having made his own completely riddiculous statement, instead of manning up and admitting his mistake he just runs for cover (or in this case, adds yet another stipulation)
Basically, “He who sits in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”. Or something like that.
jimmy that one was bad.
back 2 back strikeouts with bases loaded…sweet
ES: He’s not even remotely leading the world in strikeouts. 23.5% K/PA is high, but it’s actually good for only 23rd in the IL among hitters with 300+ PAs. Looking no further than today’s game, Mr. Jack Cust has 156 in 372 ABs for the A’s, while also having 85 BBs for an OPS of .815. He struck out 164 times last year and had an OPS north of .900. If you don’t understand that Ks and BBs are independent phenomena I guess I can’t help you. It’s not a zero sum game between the two. He could still strike out at the same rate, but if he’d just walk 8-10% of the time he’d be deadly, Ks and all.
Apparently that strike out is thanks to “One-A-Day”. I thought Boof was on the mound…
Stupid Gameday ads.
I’m waiting for the Brian Bass releif inning brought to you by Pepto.
“Anthony “What’s that moving on my head”LaPanta”
jimmybee in another conversation with himself……
Think I’ll go to Howard’s blog and do something useful.
Sung…
“Old Country Boofet! You’re gonna be sorry. Sorry. When he comes your way!!!!”
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!
“completely riddiculous (sic) statement”
pretty sure Kubel is 2-for-9 with 2 singles, 2 GIDP, and 7 LOB since I made that statement, so I don’t know how ridiculous it is, actually.
romer why don’t you go back to the Wolves blog where you belong
Haha, that’s supposed to say “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF!”
Hmm…
Just watched Harris’ play up the middle on Gameday… WOW, is all I can say. What a play!
It’s fun “watching” a game on Gameday.
“Adrian Beltre flies out to Denard Span. Three out.”
Then you go watch the recaps and realize that the “fly out” was something more akin to play of the year…
Gameday is like the Anti-Bremer. Every play is ho-hum.
It kind of looked like the runner WAS safe on Harris’s play, amazing though it was.
Boof “bad beer” Bonser showed a little maturity. An error and a stolen base and he did not fall apart. Hes throwing strikes and getting ahead in the count
Ironically, the “Killer Bs” are probably going to decide the season for us. Bass, Bonser, Breslow. They are the only bullpen guys who haven’t been run into the ground. Hope they are up to the task. The White Sux are really hitting the ball.
As for writers, they get to make predictions because they think it’s fun and attracts readership, and God forbid, if they happen to be right, they get to brag about it. This pretty much sums up every Aaron Gleeman blog, for instance.
I see nothing wrong with calling them out when they swing and miss–they have no problem calling out pro athletes when they do the same. I doubt any feelings are hurt.
I want a punto slide into first, brought to you by Head-On.
I wonder what Kubels HR per at bats ratio is compared to Mourneau. Maybe better actually.
“Think I’ll go to Howard’s blog and do something useful.”
thanks someone has to keep Howard company!!
“I’m waiting for the Brian Bass releif inning brought to you by Pepto.”
Ha! Kudos to T.
romer T-Wolves blog is available whenever you want to go
Haha T… I meant I watched the video highlight of it that they have available, but I know what you mean.
Harris made a phenomenal grab there and a GREAT play to stay with it and not miss a beat after it slipped out of his glove when he hit the ground hard.
definitely higher, jimmy. I think at .310, Morneau’s hit to at-bat ratio gives him a slight edge in that category, however.
Jimmy,
I don’t know it off hand, but it’s definitely better.
Nice job by Booooooooof today….two bullets dodged, one to go!
Steve from Fridley yeah I wonder somedays how many HR’s Kubel would have with a whole season at the rate he is hitting them. He is playing pretty good
From Old Country Boofet to Dennys. Suddenly I’m hungry.
Morneau hits a homerun about every 25AB and Kubel is 1 every 21.
We now return to our regularly performing bullpen. Nice job, Sampler. Four pitches?
Great Job Reyes, come in to face 1 batter and you walk him.
Kubel has 30 HR potential eventually… be nice to see him get a real chance to develop against lefties.
He’s been improving off them lately… looks like Gardy still didn’t have the confidence to start him against a LHP though.
Can’t blame him today I guess… Ruiz is swinging a nice bat.
we know all hitters should be judged on how many hr’s they have, except a fielding wizard like nicky.
dennys has a little control problem, just what the bullpen needs.
Kubel will hit 40 more HRS before seasons end
I want a Jason Kubel home run brought to you by Gillete Shaving Cream.
I would like to see Bass instead of Crain. Be nice to give Bass a jam to get out of and see what he does.
So the A’s are bringing in a pinch hitter who is 0 for his last 19.
Um, Jesse? Go after him. Don’t nibble.
Everett needs to be sent to the dl. If Casilla is back then maybe Gomez will get going. Bat them in the 1 and 2 spot move Span down in the order and the speed should get us more run production. Yeah were scoring alot of runs now but, with more speed on base the more havoc Gomez and Casilla can create the better we will be.
“I want a Jason Kubel home run brought to you by Gillete Shaving Cream.”
lol
Maybe he ate something bad again. You’re bound to get food poisoning if you eat everything.
Do the A’s still have Carney Lansford?
Yes, Jess! See what happens when you do as you’re told?
Now finish it so we can get to Nathan.
weird, the MLB broadcast has John and Danny doing the play by play….
I’m looking over these bullpen numbers today…any chance this is a home game?
AJ is a triple away from the cycle.
Toby,
If you don’t swing at bad pitches and miss, you have a better chance of walking. Stikeouts and walks are independent, but having a lot of stikeouts and few walks is a bad sign, especially at the AAA level. You can run around wearing your Rochester Pridie jersey and tooting your Pridie horn, but no matter how you slice the stats, his chances of starting the outfield for the Twins are about the same as Boof starting a World Series game.
Forget Carney. I sincerely hope they do not still have Jamie Quirk.
Steve, yes, he is on the bench next to Terry Stienbach, and Henderson…see him? right there??? fun, fun.
“pretty sure Kubel is 2-for-9 with 2 singles, 2 GIDP, and 7 LOB since I made that statement, so I don’t know how ridiculous it is, actually.”
Um. No. Good try.
“Jason says:
August 15th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Does anyone care to agree with me that Kubel needs to get it going this weekend (or will I be obliterated for even suggesting such a thing)? He is our 5 hitter now, for better or worse.”
Jason Kubel since August 15th -
.526/.526/.789, 1 HR, 2 2B, 6 RBI, 6 R
By the way…don’t look now folks, but A.J. Pierzynski is batting .295 with 12 HR and 53 RBI…
I know Mauer blows him away in OBP, but damn, those are impressive numbers for A.J.
I still think we need a rp or two that can solidify the pen. We do have issue there. Nathan can’t pitch two innings and expect us to win.
Bonser did a good job today! What a shocker there.. Finally Bonser doe’s his job!
“romer T-Wolves blog is available whenever you want to go”
Thank God……I have just read the last jimmy bee post for the rest of my happy life.
(After mentioning quirk, i had to do the sign of the cross, knock on wood, and i warded off the evil eye.)
romer this is your conciouns talking to you. Come back here with jama and Beneke and me Kevin McFail. You don’t need baseball you need failure ball.
I only mention Carney because he had a wicked stache, not to mention very small hands, smelled like cabbage
bullpen looks better against a 3a lineup.
We need AJ and Dougie Baseball instead of Kubel and Mauer.
Where’s the debate here, Pete?
I said he needed to get it going heading into the weekend…that is correct…then on Monday I suggested that perhaps the Seattle series needed to be viewed with skepticism since just about everyone and their mother hitting for the Twins looked like Ted Williams against the M’s…..since then he’s 2-for-9 with 2 singles, 2 GIDP, and 7 LOB…
Oh, and as a result, he’s not in the lineup today.
I’m not in a box here…I think I’ve been very consistent and I think my concerns are shared by the manager and pan out in the statistics…this isn’t a John Kerry flip-flop.
Nathamatic Time in the 9th.
Punto for President!! That guy is awesome!
romer get that trade going
pretty sure Kubel is 2-for-9 with 2 singles, 2 GIDP, and 7 LOB since I made that statement, so I don’t know how ridiculous it is, actually.
Funny. I could’ve sworn that I was talking about your comments on Friday.
You know. Where you said that Kubel “needs to get it going this weekend”. Then promptly started backpedalling on when Monday rolled along.
PS: Grammar and spelling correction? Seriously? You’re going to resort to that? That’s worse than resorting to “Are you related?”
Hey Jason,
Look at what the Sox are doing to Seattle! Seattle is a bad team and everyone is beating up on them. Sox need to play the better teams and then lets see how things turn out.
“We need AJ and Dougie Baseball instead of Kubel and Mauer.”
lol
I would never, and have never said that…but that I got a good chuckle out of it.
On a serious note, good to hear that Jodi Mientkiewicz appears to be doing alright.
On a not-so-serious note, I will add this about the four players you mentioned…
Dougie and A.J., for what it’s worth, lead Mauer and Kubel in combined World Series rings 2-0.
Also, we hear a lot about how much credit Mauer should get (and rightfully so) for handling the Twins pitching staff; A.J. deserves an equal amount of credit for the White Sox pitching.
http://ww3.startribune.com/blogs/wolves/2008/08/15/uniformly-loved/#comments
romer You know you like the new uniforms???
Randy Ruiz and Dennys Reyes should sumo wrestle against each other. Reyes’ head may get cracked open and we can see what sweet prizes are inside that massive thing
did i just hear young get booed when he came up to bat?
Well I will give you credit to this extent, T…if you viewed my comments on Friday as meaning that Kubel only needed to get hot for three games, then yes, I backpeddled.
Confused? I went to check out Chicago’s upcoming schedule and I got confused. They have tomorrow off and play Tampa Bay @ home over the weekend (All Clear so far).
This is where it confusing: On Monday the are scheduled to complete a suspended game @ home against Baltimore. That game is scheduled to start at 5:05pm. That is fine, but the confusing part is they are also scheduled to start a 3 game series @ Baltimore with a game time of 6:05PM.
How are the going to complete a game in Chicago @ 5:05 and fly to Baltimore and start a game @ 6:05?
“Look for Boof to get a much-needed win.”
My bad, kind of.
I’m working today, and lost track of when the Twins scored. So of course it’s Liriano’s win.
Franchise with his 4.24 ERA now already oughta put him technically about in the middle of AL starters, no?
ESPN still can only conclude that he’s a good #5 starter, I’m sure.
Didja hear that ESPN clown last night describing Slowey as a control pitcher and not really a K pitcher.
Isn’t Slowey solidly in the top 10 in strikeout ratio in the AL, you turd-bait mouthpiece!??!!
“Dougie and A.J., for what it’s worth, lead Mauer and Kubel in combined World Series rings 2-0.”
They (and Steve Lombardozzi) also lead Tony Gwynn and Ted Williams, so it doesn’t mean shit about their baseball skills!
i lol’ed my pants at steve perry’s comment.
Nathan will give up a 3 run homerun. Twins lose… YA!!!
Bitchsox pummeling Beltre and his M’s 14-3. Why did Seattle need to hang on to him?
:)>
hence my use of the term “for what it’s worth”
Dougie’s role was nearly completely meaningless…A.J., on the other hand, had a much bigger role in it…in fact, you could argue based on his fake out play against the Angels, he had the biggest role in it.
White Sox linescore looks more like a bowling scorecard than a baseball one…
Nathan was at Hubert’s till bar close last night. Hope he’s feeling better than I am today…..
“Where’s the debate here, Pete?”
The belief that Jason Kubel needed to ‘get it going’ in the first place. I’ve shown the numbers many times, so I’m not going to do it anymore, because you will ignore them or claim it’s because of 1 game, or some other excuse.
Do you think Raul Ibanez ever looks around from left field and just breaks down crying?
hmm, only the Angels in the american league have a road winning record… that gives me hope that the Twins are as good as any other team…(when the twins are on their A game)
they also lead ivan rodriguez, craig biggio, jeff bagwell, ernie banks, harmon killebrew, rod carew, and many others in world series rings.
Sweetone they way there playing it might be a split squad game.
If Punto would have made the play Harris did, he would have thrown the ball then rolled into centerfield until he got to the warning track. Then he would have made two flops on the warning track then got up pretending he hurt his shoulder while rubbing the dirt into his jersey from the warning track.
Whities crushing 15-3, Ibanez of course responsible for the 3.
You’ve got be kidding me! you forgot Rich Becker and Rich Robertson on your list
Ok, it’s after the game. Where’s the personnel move announcement?
yes I’m well aware it’s not the end-all…pretty sure I qualified it as such with “for what it’s worth”…
you would agree that World Series ring is a check in someone’s favor, right?
In other words, if we were putting together a resume for A.J. or Doug, you probably would include it, correct?
Whatever happened to Rod Beck/
“By the way…don’t look now folks, but A.J. Pierzynski is batting .295 with 12 HR and 53 RBI…
I know Mauer blows him away in OBP, but damn, those are impressive numbers for A.J.”
Those numbers are pretty much in line with his career totals - .285/.327/.430 for his career and .290/.321/.434 entering today…
Twins win 3-1. Now on to LA for a 4 game series with the Angels. We need to win the series and maintain the great baseball we have been playing.
Whats the word on who is being sent to AAA?
Damn will the Sox every lose a game when we win. Seems like every roll we get on they are on they are on one too.
“Jesse In Lake says:
August 20th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Nathan will give up a 3 run homerun. Twins lose… YA!!!”
Damn! Jesse Ventura. I thought you were running for President. LOL
I always get bummed out when the score is not tied so that we can get are full 9 innings of ups. when the Twins get only 8 innings of ups, I feel ripped off.
As to LA, if we can split that series, I would be thrilled. Winning it would be good, but splitting would be a victory.
Finally, too bad we could not have got Liriano up here three weeks earlier. We may have three more wins.
Why did Lariano leave after only five innings and one unearned run? I live in Cleveland and the box score provides more q’s than a’s?
As of yesterday.
Harris and Young have produced 208 runs.(runs scored plus RBI)
Bartlett has produced 53 runs.
Could Garza compensate for that?
Liriano was well over 100 pitches by the end of the 5th. So he got the hook.
I wish the Twins would have gotten something in the AJ trade.
jimmy,
Rod Beck died. OD i think.
the Twins did manage 8 inning and no ER from the AJ trade today.
Why did Lariano leave after only five innings and one unearned run?
Because he struggled mightily just to get through those 5 innings.
Shawn i wonder if SF would ever make a trade with us again cuz i really like that Lincecum kid.
“Rod Beck died. OD i think.”
But, how is his arm?
Sabean made the AJ trade and paid Zito that money, it would be worth a try.
Beck’s arm is probably well rested.
Liriano left because he had a high pitch count, despite the low number of runs.
[…] Originally published by Twins Insider […]
Only one thing to do now, I guess…cheer for a Red Sox loss!
Haha Shawn, I didn’t think of that… Liriano, Boof, and Nathan all shutting a team down in the same game. Nice day for the AJ trade!
The Mets signed Al Reyes… there goes one cheap alternative to Brian Bass, not that I’m particularly upset over it… are there any left?
David Weathers cleared waivers today… haha. Oh hell, just bring up Korecky already.
“sid says:
August 20th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
“Rod Beck died. OD i think.”
But, how is his arm?”
LOL I spilled my pop
Price tag for Lincecum:
Scott Baker, Denard Span, Luke Hughes, and Jose Morales.
Literally, it would be that outrageous, haha. I know you were kidding BC, but I just got to thinking about what it would take…
sane -
You need to subtract HR’s from your formula.
runs scored + RBI - HR’s
Yeah to late to pull off a heist like that they should have tried three years ago.
Steve,
I’d make that trade.
here is an encouraging stat from ESPN.com
“Bonser had a 8.74 ERA in his first 14 relief appearances, but in six games since his ERA is 2.89 — three earned runs in 9 1/3 innings”
Gladden commenting on the upcoming Angels series:
“Best case scenario, go ahead and get a spllit with those guys.”
Best case scenario?!!!? Danno, go back to Sturgis and stare at some pine.
Are we finally seeing the new and improved boof lite?
it has to be Everett, right?
The move:
Bass assigned to Rochester.
Bass was outrighted, it sounds like; just heard it on KFAN.
Bass goes!!!! Excellent news.
Bass gone.
If you haven’t read it lately, I highly suggest reading Brian Duensing’s blog from the Olympics. Interesting stuff.
Shawn,
Please don’t print information like that. You’ll only encourage the Twins to keep him around. I know your intentions were good, but we don’t need anyone bringing up positives that may keep Boof on the team. However, it might be beneficial to e-mail that information to the rest of MLB in hopes that someone will take interest in him.
“romer says:
August 20th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Gladden commenting on the upcoming Angels series:
“Best case scenario, go ahead and get a spllit with those guys.”
Best case scenario?!!!? Danno, go back to Sturgis and stare at some pine.”
It’s called being realistic…I would agree with Gladden there…take a look at our road record, take a look at the Angels’ home record.
The one plus you could say for us is the Angels are starting to play like a team that already has everything wrapped up (which they pretty much do)…
but ultimately, if you take 2-of-4 there and back it up with taking 4-of-7 from Oakland / Seattle…that would be good. Anything above that is a nice bonus…anything below that and we could be staring down an ugly defecit when we return home (and I think the Toronto series has the potential to be the hardest one)
Ok, now we just need to get Korecky (check out is 6 most recent outings) up here and we’re good to go.
Bizarre. They won’t DFA Bass to bring in a pitcher when the pen is imploding, but they will to bring in Casilla. I’m not sure there was another choice, but it still seems bizarre they didn’t send Bass down sooner. Then, they could have sent korecky or someone else down that took Bass’ place in the first place weeks ago.
I hope the Whities take a look at Bass
Too many hitters are banged up, according to Gardy and Smith. They will have to get by 11 pitchers for awhile.
Get Korecky up here, for the love of God and get rid of some dead (Astros) weight…
hitters banged up? Is that for real?
I’ve been watching these games night in, night out…the bullpen is what’s been banged up, not the hitters…and the starters aren’t consistently getting us 7…why reduce to 11 pitchers now during this brutal stretch?
Is my understanding correct in that if Bass was outrighted to Rochester, then he must have already cleared waivers?
The New and Improved Craig Nooner and meetings all day???
Bass would look nice in a White Sox uniform, but if they don’t want him, I think Fenway Park would be a great place for him to play.
So Bass can be picked up by another team now
The New and Improved Craig says:
August 20th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Too many hitters are banged up, according to Gardy and Smith. They will have to get by 11 pitchers for awhile.
Your joking right? they couldn’t just put Everett on the DL?
So Korecky is the savior now? This is one guy that has essentially been a career minor leaguer. Come on people, get real.
So Korecky is the savior now? This is one guy that has essentially been a career minor leaguer. Come on people, get real.
Hooray strawman!
I agree Todd Anthony…Korecky’s not necessarily the savior…but they have to get us another arm in this bullpen…today’s game notwithstanding, these guys aren’t good enough to get it done…they need help. So help has to come from somewhere…
Although, isn’t Korecky a lefty? I doubt the Twins would go with three lefties in the bullpen.
Look all Gardy is doing is buying LNP some more time to actually hurt one of the other infielders so they HAVE to go on the DL…. the fact the media got to Adam before Gardy could and he said he wouldn’t need a trip to the DL ruined the plot to keep them all until September roster expansion. It wasn’t just chance the foul ball went screaming at Everett, Harris and Lamb…. it was a planned move…..
It is odd how these things work…if Bonser would have coughed up a bunch of runs today, is there any doubt that it would’ve been him packing his bags?
where is oaklands pitching ranked in the AL
bass has pitched 3 1/3 inning in last 2 weeks and 7 1/3 in last 4 weeks not likely to be missed that much. but hard to figure why not reyes or weathers both with exp to help out.
It’s essentially an entire bullpen issue. I think for the most part, we can safely place our trust in two pitchers: Nathan and Breslow (who has basically proved himself). But what gets me is intelligentsia on these blogs that make outlandish claims: Livan rocks, Punto sucks, Korecky will ride to the rescue, Delmon should be our #3, etc.
Armchair…
I could be wrong, but don’t the angels have a better road record than home record?
Jason,
Korecky is a righty.
I heard that Oakland was ranked pretty good at pitching this year
“Bass goes!!!! Excellent news.”
Yeah, Guerrier loves it. Now he can back to his plantation work.
Jason says:
August 20th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
It is odd how these things work…if Bonser would have coughed up a bunch of runs today, is there any doubt that it would’ve been him packing his bags?
There is no way, even if he had given up 10 runs today, that they would have cut boof. He is a young pitcher with good stuff that still has upside.
Yep, I think they like Boof’s “upside.” With that said, he’s our 11th starter, nothing more, IMO.
Kidding,
It’s about the same, the are +14 on the road and at home.
thanks, Sweetone…
Todd Anthony…again, I don’t hear anyone claiming Korecky is a savior. I agree with you there.
My point is our bullpen is so bad that you have to give someone else a chance to see if they can help us out down the stretch. The Twins have been ignoring this problem all year and low and behold, when we face tough teams in big games, it absolutely destroys us.
The bullpen has been serviceable all year against the bad teams, particularly at home. But I think you have to give someone a shot…I disagree that this is a matter of dealing with the idea that our current bullpen is as good as it gets.
boof and harris will probably be dealt this winter. boof is still a live arm which a lot of teams need and gardy doesn’t like harris so he’ll be gone.
“A very productive day today for the bullpen…it does help that they were playing the worst offense in the league”
Thanks some sanity and perspective, Doogie
Oh well, I’m sure the Twins aren’t done making moves…
Twins website says they sent Bass to the minors! Can they handle an 11-man staff?
Not really surprising that the Twins would swap out a pitcher to bring in a hitter at this point. While they may still make some adjustments before the end of the month, an 11-man pitching staff is pretty much what you would expect them to have on August 31 when playoff roster is set. You aren’t going to need 12-13 pitchers for the playoffs because you’ll only use 3-4 starters.
Oh, and Sweetone, the answer to your question about the O’s/Sox games on Monday, I believe, is that they’re playing both games in Baltimore but for the “suspended” game, the Sox will still be designated the “home team”… thus the “@ home”.
Is there any chance Bill Smith is really our GM, or is he a talking BOBO for Terry Ryan, because neither of them llike to pull the trigger.
if you viewed my comments on Friday as meaning that Kubel only needed to get hot for three games
Gee Jason. Where would I ever get THAT idea from.
Does anyone care to agree with me that Kubel needs to get it going this weekend (or will I be obliterated for even suggesting such a thing)?
Keeping on dodging there Art.
JC: Considering two starters likely go to the pen…which two would be the best options?
Perkins has experience in the Pen (don’t know if he was there in the postseason or not), as does Blackburn.
I think Liriano and Baker are locks for the rotation (knock wood that Liriano continues to improve)
The best thing about Liriano is that he’s only played in like 7 games. He’ll likely be a very fresh arm comparred to the rest of the rotation.
Is Slowey the “third” starter depending on the schedule?
