Questions? I might have answers.
Posted on September 17th, 2008 – 9:31 AMBy La Velle
I’ve decided to take a page from the Mike Russo playbook and hold a Q & A session.
Russo has prolific Q&A’s on his blog, but I’m sure there’s just as large of an appetite for Twins talk as there is for puck talk. So spend today banging out some questions you’d like to have answered - the players, front office, minors, new ballpark, media dining room food - and I will tackle the ones that deserve to be tackled.
Gotta imagine there’s a lot to ask about - especially since the Twins have one foot dangling over the abyss right now. True, 2.5 games out with 11 to play is not the end of the world. But given the way the Twins have played in recent weeks it’s hard to imagine that they are going to turn this thing around.
So file your questions below, and I try to answer them over the next couple of days.
Also, stayed tuned later this morning for a fresh podcast - and a minor league post this afternoon.
185 Responses to "Questions? I might have answers."
LEN III:
Twins relievers are 3-13 since Aug. 4. I was shocked when I read that stat. Do you know what their record for the year is?
Why won’t Gardy let Breslow stay in games longer? He has really been one of the few bullpen guys to avoid giving up too many big hits.
Looking ahead to 2009,(although 08′ isn’t over yet!) what are the key areas the Twins front office needs to address?
Is there anything I can do to make this pain go away?
And no, I can’t think of a real question. Too frustrated.
Is the bullpen and rotation just worn out? Are they not used to pitching so many innings? And how much do we miss Neshek right now?
So, we’re moving onto next season eh? I guess I’d have to agree, this one was fun, but it looks like we’re (for real this time) done for. Oh well. I hope I’m wrong…..
To compliment Milldog’s post above, Howard mentioned in his post that the Twins absolutely need to make a move for a 3rd base power hitter. The money is there and the talent is available. If you agree with this La Velle, who do you think the Twins should be looking at this off-season?
This year is a wash. It is OVER. Cliff Lee today and then we will be 3 1/2 back. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee hooooooooooooo. Milldog don’t even get me started
What is your favorite meal at phil’s cafe located in the dungeon of the metrodome?
RF says:
September 17th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Is the bullpen and rotation just worn out? Are they not used to pitching so many innings? And how much do we miss Neshek right now?
Neshek is hittable now that his gimmick is over. The rotation is just cheap starters converted over to be MR’s
Pssst. don’t tell Roy that Tan tweed suit on Monday was hideous
Oh well the Twins were only supposed to be a .500 team at best. I vomit a little bit in my mouth each time I hear that. They could have competed with a larger budget. No good cheap Pohlad.
Eddie G, really?
The team just battles back to take the lead 9-8, and you choose Eddie G to bring you to the 9th?!?!?!
What’s up Gardy?
Would you consider voting for Cliff Lee for MVP in a year where the best candidates (Morneau, Hamilton) are on non-playoff teams, and there is no offensive player really having a monster year?
Joe Nathan?
I’ve noticed has fastball is running around 91 mph anything wrong with his arm use to throw 95 mph.
In my mind, Cliff Lee should be the easy choice for MVP, but do you think that some voters will note Francisco Rodriguez’s record-breaking save season and vote for him?
With Yost getting the boot in Milwaukee - should Gardy be a little nervous? *-)
Why is Punto batting in the top of the 8th with the bases loaded when there were 3 guys on the bench that could have gone in to play short in the bottom of the inning? A base hit would have scored the extra insurance run that we needed. I have to believe Ruiz or even Redmond would have been a better choice in that spot.
Gardy needs to play to win at the end of games instead of playing not to lose.
What do the Twins do with Cuddyer next year? I think Span has earned his keep with the Twins, and I am not quite ready to give up on Gomez, especially since he is very young.
Rondell White had a couple good months with the Twins before chronic injury. And I remember the confidence Don Baylor gave the Twins. I was hoping that Ruiz would play that kind of role.
Why are the Twins reluctant to use him much? He was doing pretty well for a while. He’s just not that good? Hard to believe that since he’s the AAA batting champion.
Hard to believe he’s no good since he’s the AAA batting champ.
The Rockies have Stewart and Atkins both at 3rd base for next year. Stewart is a MLB player at this point. He could move to the OF, but it is unlikely they trade Holliday until later next year. Atkins can play first, but Helton will be back and is paid big $. It seems obvious that Atkins has to be moved.
The Twins have Blackburn or Perkins to offer up that may get a deal done. Will this deal finally get done this offseason? They seem like the perfect match to trade and we all know this has been discussed between the teams before.
Shaun says:
September 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Why won’t Gardy let Breslow stay in games longer? He has really been one of the few bullpen guys to avoid giving up too many big hits.
Let me premise this by saying I think gardenhire is an idiot, but I have an open mind and will listen to reason. I have the same queston. Can La Velle or one of you Gardy supporters please explain why gardy pulled left hander breslow, who just got the 3rd out in the bottom of the 7th on 2 pitches, and replaced him with left hander guardado to start the bottom of the 8th? Tired arm? no, 2 pitches in prior inning and 4 pitches for 2 outs in his prior appearance. Unless breslow was hit by a car between innings, I can find no rational reason for the change. Please, someone, explain this to me.
Please don’t sign Nick Punto this offseason we have plenty of slap hitters already. Yes, he makes some great defensive plays but then turn’s around and misses a basic play. He isn’t a gold glove infielder.
How will Perkins and Blackburn be used in the playoffs? Perkins has experience as a reliever, but I see no opportunity for Blackburn. Liriano, Baker and Slowey would be the rotation.
Does anyone else think that the “new Boof” looks identical to the “old Boof”? Looks like he has put on a few pounds that he had lost….
Walter, during the playoffs, perkins will be ordering the pizza and blackburn will be getting the beer.
[…] Twins Insider – […]
Sorry guys, I just don’t have the talent to keep up with the Sox this year.
How will Perkins and Blackburn be used in the playoffs? Much like Liriano, Baker, and Slowey they’ll be watching from their sofas.
Could you step into the batter’s box against Mike Herman and get a hit?
Jim Mora: “Playoffs!? I’d be happy just to win a game. Playoffs?!”
I have a feeling Joe Nathan is not well, either physically or mentally. No way would he have blown these games earlier in the season. Do you think there’s any truth to that, or is it just bad luck?
Plunton, that is the very quote I yelled last night to my girlfriend when she asked if the team still had a chance. I’m not sure if she got the reference to Mora or just thought I was insane.
Honestly, what do you think of Gardenhire’s managing late in ballgames, late in the season, or in the playoffs? Basically in any “must win” situations? 5-9 record in September this year, and 6-15 lifetime in the post season… I understand all the cookie cutter answers of how he gets his guys ready to play, knows how to manage these kids, is a players manager, does the best he can with what he’s given, but in all honesty, his teams have had talent and have won 4 division titles, yet have been embarrassed in the playoffs. Does this not point back to the fact that his over matched with his “we’ll get ‘em tomorrow” attitude?
LEN III - first, enjoyed the blog and discussions immensely this year. Thanks.
Second:
Will the Twins re-sign Punto?
How would you rate the job Bill Smith did this year?
Will the Twins make another pitcher for hitter deal?
Would the Twins be in the playoffs if Young was even close to leage average (hmmm, may have tipped my hand on the bill smith question there)?
What is the prognosis for Neshak’s return?
What happened to Nathan?
Is it a pain to have to travel so much?
Should read:
“Does this not point back to the fact that HE IS over matched with his “we’ll get ‘em tomorrow” attitude?
TC fan in LA says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Shaun says:
September 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Why won’t Gardy let Breslow stay in games longer? He has really been one of the few bullpen guys to avoid giving up too many big hits.
Let me premise this by saying I think gardenhire is an idiot, but I have an open mind and will listen to reason. I have the same queston. Can La Velle or one of you Gardy supporters please explain why gardy pulled left hander breslow, who just got the 3rd out in the bottom of the 7th on 2 pitches, and replaced him with left hander guardado to start the bottom of the 8th? Tired arm? no, 2 pitches in prior inning and 4 pitches for 2 outs in his prior appearance. Unless breslow was hit by a car between innings, I can find no rational reason for the change. Please, someone, explain this to me.
The other day on the radio, rick anderson said “its nice to have another closer in your bullpen”, or something very similar, in reference to guardado. I’m pretty sure it was Rick Anderson who said this, on KFAN. That may be why gardy brought in guardado; he might be as delusional as anderson. He and Anderson are apparently living in a fantasy world, where eddie g still has closer stuff, and Nick Punto is the 2006 LNP. That anderson would publicly spew the above nonsense is a tremendous cause of concern, and speaks ill of his ability to judge talent. And if a pitching coach cannot effectively judge a pitcher’s ability, how can he possibly be expected to correct flaws?
Say good night the party is over till we go back to FLA
Thanks kidding me - guess it supports my original view, gardenhire is an idiot. guardado has had only one good outing since he arrived. a manager with a brain would base decisions on recent performance not delusions of past grandeur.
La Velle,
The Twins have obviously been interested in upgrading at third base for well over a year now. But given the downright incredible implosion of the bullpen over the last month and a half, shouldn’t fixing the reliever corps. be the #1 winter priority for Bill Smith? Moreover, any chance they’ll dump Jesse Crain and/or Matt Guerrier?
Thanks
Don’t forget, Bill Smith said he’d rather start a pitcher with a winning record and an ERA over 6 than start a pitcher with a losing record and an ERA under 4!
I see most of the lineup set for next year. Span in CF, Tolbert getting quite a bit of time at SS and 2b. Punto playing SS if he’s back for a reasonable amount and Buscher and Harris platooning at 3b. Where does Gomez fit next year and could we bring in a free agent reliever to shore up the pen?
I think Gomez needs time in AAA and we could use a 4th OF if that’s the case. My hope is we pursue someone like Juan Cruz or Will Ohmann of the Braves but I expect nothing from this franchise also.
One other question, could we pursue some of the Marlins arbitration eligible guys like Willingham or Gregg to shore up righthanded power and the pen.
These would be moves that I think could be done if we are willing to pay these guys a little. They are still 2 years away from free agency.
And do you think our pitching philosophy of pitching to contact is our undoing at this point?
NOTE: over the course of under four games, we gave up 17 consecutive runs via the home run (on 10 homers). And the only thing that managed to finally end the long ball pain was the Twins’ other major weakness — defense. (Team defensive efficiency of .694, 20th in baseball.)
“And do you think our pitching philosophy of pitching to contact is our undoing at this point?”
How is not walking people ever a bad philosophy?
I didn’t see the game last night so I was curious what was the story with Liriano?
Also what is the deal with Nathan? Is there concern on the part of the Twins?
What moves do you see over the off season? What moves do you want to see? There is probably a difference:)!
Cory says:
September 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
One other question, could we pursue some of the Marlins arbitration eligible guys like Willingham or Gregg to shore up righthanded power and the pen.
No, we are run on a stingy budget. The Twins are run like a team built not to compete but just to be around .500.
Why is Gardy not leveraging Mijares? He looked solid.
Eddie G was a token move. He’s not better than anyone else on the team, but he’s the Livan of the bulpen so since he’s been there done that, the Twins will trot him out there… Very Frustrating game to watch slip away.
I was wondering why they didn’t bring Nathan in in the 8th since last night had to be considered a must win. I just don’t get it. At least he’d be mentally prepared to try to go for 2 innings. That’s my move all the way. Why wasn’t it Gardy’s especially with Nathan’s light workload?
Is it just me, or has Joe Nathan gotten a little “Boofy” around the mid section (and neck, and face, and legs…)? Maybe that is why he has sucked for the final push. He is now fat and has no endurance for the end of the season…???
The Twins winning the World Series is like buying a cubik zerconia and expecting it to cut glass.
LEN3 - Toronto has a good bullpen and word has it they want to dump BJ Ryan’s salary. Since the Twins are down on payroll, any chance we might trade for BJ as the 8th inning guy? Or, do you think the Jay’s would consider parting with Brandon League? We could use a guy like him that throws mid-upper 90’s for the set up role.
If not Ryan, League…who else is touted as a top-notch 8th inning guy that we might consider trading for?
Seth: Our philosophy has worked in the past when our Defense could back up our pitchers (Note our defensive efficiency this year, 20th), however the long ball has killed us this year and is likely the reason for our last 3 losses (BIG losses) and for our starters not going “deeper” into games… I do believe “not walking” batters is a good thing, but to substitute a HR for a walk isn’t a better strategy…
Mark,
Well put!
If that’s our line-up Cory, we’re not going anywhere next year either.
If I recall correctly Mark Teixeira will be available. Is he capable of playin third base? Wouldn’t he be a good acquisition anyway?
kinda reminds you of 1984 with ron davis. what is the best scenario from here on out? if the white soxs come into the dome next week with a 3 game lead is it over?
“How is not walking people ever a bad philosophy?”
when our pitchers grove their 88 mph fastballs to avoid throwing close to the edge of the strike zone and tempting the “walk” police!!!
Teixeira will be way beyond what this team will spend for one player.
“If I recall correctly Mark Teixeira will be available. Is he capable of playin third base? Wouldn’t he be a good acquisition anyway?”
Ummm….
Why the hell are so many people giving up on the Twins? Are you assuming we’re going to let the Sox walk over us in the Dome next week? I’ll admit things don’t look good right now especially after how we used up our bullpen last night. But still, making up 2.5 games is still possible. If we beat Lee today we’ll have some momentum going into Tampa Bay, which will be a tough series but I can see the Twins taking 3 out of 4 and then ready to demolish the White Sox. Wishful thinking? Probably. It’s just too soon to give up.
How do we end up in extra innings, needing one run to win, and we have Span, Casilla, Punto, Tolbert, and Gomez in it? One swing can win the game. Another reason Harris should be playing more, as he demonstrated he can win a game with one swing as he did at San Diego, hitting a home run in the top of the 9th.
How do you think the twins will address the bulpen issues? Will they bring in a free agent, bring someone up from the minors. stay pretty much the same?
Thanks love your blogs.
~Ryan
I just think that the starters have been the furthest thing from the problem, with the exception of Liriano and Perkins in their last starts each. There are many other issues that are more noteworthy, the defense on the left side of the infield definitely being one of them.
Plunkton you know the future??
Here’s a few:
1) Why don’t we EVER win championships in Minnesota?
2) Why is it that all (exception for Ziggy, new owner of Wild given a pass, being he just bought team) Minnesota owners are tight!
3) Are you sick of the excuse “small market team”?
4) Will there ever be an athletic administration that cares about athletics at the U., namely the big revenue making football team?
5) What are the chances that Brad, I love my West Coast offense and have a man crush on T. Joke., “Chilly” Childress fails to blow up a dynamite/gun powder factory with all the oil from the Middle East and a flamethrower?
Mark Teixeira. I vomited a little in my mouth when I saw this name appear. Uuuuh hum. What part of cheap, stingy or miserly don’t you get.
MC: I think the plan was Eddie for the first two batters of the 8th and then Nathan for a 4 out save. If Gardy would have stuck with Breslow we may have pulled that game out. I still can’t believe Gardy brought in Eddie after Breslow shut the Indians down in the 7th on very few pitches. What a joke!
I believe the Twins have now lost 6 of the last 7 extra inning games. That has to fall back on the manager.
FIRE…no..but at least I watch the games and don’t make posts based on rube comments and box scores.
We would have better odds at seeing George Herman Ruth in a Stingy Twins uniform then Mark Teixeira
Why does Gardenhire say our starters need to go longer in games and then take them out after 94 pitches when they are pitching good. He did it to Baker and Slowey recently. He always says one thing and does another. Like “I’m not afraid to let Nathan pitch 2 innings.” Then the other night be pitched a perfect inning striking out 2, to be replaced with Guerrier who of course blew the game. The bullpen next year should only have Breslow, Neshek and Nathan returning.
not considering money/financial implications, where would this team be if they had kept Johan and Torii? what about Garza and Bartlett? all of the above?
not a question but man I miss Neshek.
Seth: I have no problem with our pitchers performances and what was looked at as a possible weakness before the year has probably been our biggest strength, as they have all proven to be big league pitchers… My question concerns our pitching philosophy of “pitching to contact”… they are doing what they have been taught to do and do a damn good job of it, with the exception of giving up homeruns (and multiple HRs too) which I believe has hurt our chances of winning this division and if we were to advance will definitely hurt us in the playoffs against teams that thrive on hitting HRs… that’s all I was bringing up to debate.
Don’t forget Blackburn in his last start Seth.
AJ,
I was wondering abotu that since I can’t recall the last time the Twins won in extra innings.
“FIRE…no..but at least I watch the games and don’t make posts based on rube comments and box scores.”
umm Plunkton I think you just did make a post based on my comment???
It looks like Hughes & Vallencia are both good 3rd base prospects as hitters - How is their defense? - In the meantime,if need be, Chipper Jones & John Smoltz for a few prospects? Atlanta is now on a budget - Might work for a year or two
Teixeira has already stated he’s going for the money period!! and Boras is his agent. BJ Ryan is half a season away from being the next Eddie Guardado.
besides Liriano none of the Twin starters have real “blow em away” stuff that would allow them to avoid much contact anyway
Looking to 2009, who will the interleague opponents be? Aren’t the Twins about due for a visit to Wrigley?
Here’s a question for you, two of them actually:
1. What is the deal with Ulger’s 3B coaching ability? I see him out of position a lot of times, and why in the hell did he hold up Delmon Young at 3B on Sunday when Punto had an easy double. We almost ran into a huge gaff there. I realize it wasn’t the reason we lost, but geez.
2. Are the Twins seriously considering bringing back Punto? I don’t have any ill-will towards him, but Tolbert is his replacement and he doesn’t POP-UP as much and is much cheaper. What’s the scoop?
Why can’t Pohlad spend money like Wilf does???
Matt,
Twins should be playing the Cubs in 2009, since they last played in 2006 (at the Dome). However since the NL Central has more teams, there’s a chance the Twins wouldn’t play them.
Although it would be cool to see them at Wrigley down here instead of the Cell.
Because Pohlad is a Depression Era kid.
Why don’t players plan to have their babies during the off season?
“It looks like Hughes & Vallencia are both good 3rd base prospects as hitters - How is their defense?”
Hughes - Horrible. Probably sub-Buscher-like.
Valencia - in my mind, he’s the future 3B. Defense is very solid. I’d like to see him take over the every day job by opening day at the new stadium.
Because Pohlad is a businessman. Not a baseball fan.
Twins gonna resign Redmond?
LaVelle, here’s another question for you. I was down by Target Park yesterday morning on some business. When I came back to my vehicle it smelled like I was inside of a dumpster. Got into my car and it absolutely stunk. Looked over to see that the garbage incinerator was in use. Gross! The smell was not something I want to take in when going to a ball game in the future. What steps are in place so that the fans don’t have to suffer through a reek-filled 9 inning affair?
Plunkton says:
September 17th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Because Pohlad is a businessman. Not a baseball fan.
Very good. I agree 100%
What the heck happened to my last questions I recently posted? Now that’s the question!
Why does there appear to be a reluctance on behalf of all members of the Twin Cities media to call Gardenhire out on his more obvious gaffes and questionable practices?
Batting Redmond 3rd.
Poor bullpen decisions.
Playing Punto way too much (a gold glover at every position? He can’t consistantly make the routine plays, and have you seen his baserunning?)
Using Nathan so sparingly (well, when he was pitching well)
Jerking Kubel around so much and not playing him more to see what we’ve got.
Benching Harris for a play that wasn’t all of his fault (does he ever do that to his little buddy Punto?)
Batting Gomez first far too long.
Starting Hernandez far too long.
Preaching “Power is bad” throughout the organization. He sets this tone.
I know you guys have to maintain a working relationship with the team, but there seems to be an air of non-critisism around Gardy’s more inexplicable calls. Just wondering.
Sorry, critisism s/b criticism
Here is a link to a list of all Managers salaries
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?Itemid=73&id=631&option=com_content&task=view
LEN3,
It’s obvious that the Twins must address the left side of their infield. Punto, and Buscher don’t look like long term options, and it looks like players such as Trevor Plouffe, Luke Hughes, and Danny Valencia are still a year or two away.
What names do you see, free agency or trade, coming up for the Twins to possibly pursue? Would someone like J.J. Hardy be expendable from the Brewers, and would he be someone the Twins would have interest in?
Thanks.
Lavelle, Any chance of the Twins pursuing Uggla from FLA this off season? Move Casilla to SS. Live for another year at 3B until Valencia is ready to take over there.
Uggla, Tex, A-Rod are all names of people we could afford but ownership won’t spend the money needed in order to pursue these types of players.
Is 11 homers given up in a three game span some kind of record? 11 homers in three games……..18 of 21 runs scored are results of Homers. 5 Sunday, only 2 Monday, 4 Tuesday…….WOW.
What takes shape with the bullpen for next year?
Jump in anytime LaVelle.
jedidiah says:
September 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Why the hell are so many people giving up on the Twins? Are you assuming we’re going to let the Sox walk over us in the Dome next week? I’ll admit things don’t look good right now especially after how we used up our bullpen last night. But still, making up 2.5 games is still possible. If we beat Lee today we’ll have some momentum going into Tampa Bay, which will be a tough series but I can see the Twins taking 3 out of 4 and then ready to demolish the White Sox. Wishful thinking? Probably. It’s just too soon to give up
Wait for it….there, I finally stopped laughing. Are you serious? Have you watched any of the last month? We beat Lee today? It may be too soon for you to give up but the pitcher already have. That ship has sailed.
Saying it’s still possible is like saying it’s still possible Carmen Electra could fall for me because I’m a man and she’s a woman. But let’s face it…Carmen ain’t walking thru that door.
Why isn’t Valencia going to the AFL?
Rondell White, Tony Batista, Mike Lamb, Adam Everett, Phil Nevin, Sidney Ponson, Ramon Ortiz, Livan Hernandez, Eddie Guardado. THINK ABOUT IT. This should answer quite a few questions on this Q and not so much A session
Got our wish, we play the Cubs in Wrigley in June
What is the most RBIs a player has had with only 23 HRs?
What are some good kinds of beer I should try?
Who stays and who goes 2009?
It seems with Span’s improvement you have 5 players for 4 spots.
DY, Span, GOGO, Cuddy, Kubel
Who gets traded? Or do they all stay and one sits every day?
Also, Boof, does he get one more chance in MN next spring or does he get dealt also?
Last, do the Twins miss Torii’s leadership in the clubhouse this year, specifically this month?
I know that is a little controversial, but Gardy repeatedly said Torii was a leader in and out of the clubhouse and I am taking him at his word. Nobody seems to have stepped up to to take that role, Cuddy tries, it just isn’t the same.
Mark,
Where do you see that the Twins play the Cubs in June? I need to know since I am getting married in June but want to see the Twins at Wrigley.
What don’t the Twins like in Brian Buscher, Matt Tolbert, and Matt Macri? We keep hearing them talk about getting a legitimate 3rd basemen, but I don’t see anything wrong with giving these guys a shot, especially Buscher. Is it the fact that they want a Right-handed bat for the line-up? Or just about defense? Thanks La Velle
Has anyone noticed that the Twijns have been in a free fall since the acquisition of Everyday Eddie. The Twins record has plummeted and Joe Nathan has been pitching terrible since that trade happened. We need to let him go if we want to be in the playoffs. It may just be a case ofg bad luck but he needs to go!
I found it. Twins at Cubs 6/12/09-6/14/09\
One hell of a bachelor party for me!
Twins host the Mariners to start the season, then come to Chicago to play the White Sox. 3rd year in a row the Twins play the opening weekend on the road at the White Sox.
“Why isn’t Valencia going to the AFL?”
He is.
What do the Twins do to get the defense back to where it used to be…10th in the league in defense this year. Lot’s of extra outs. Errors aren’t everything…KC has made 17 less errors than the Twins, yet look at their record. Still, a big concern.
Kpuck,
A defensive upgrade at 3B and SS would get the defense close to competence.
La Velle,
Is there any chance that Michael Cuddyer and the team would consider a switch back to third base? Granted, he had his breakout season in right field but perhaps now that he’s a bit more of a veteran he could be moved back. It seemed to work well with Casey Blake and the Indians (and now the Dodgers), a player who went from third to right and back to third to help the team.
Chelsea or Man U on Sunday from Stamford Bridge? Looks like everyones fit to be at least a sub…Dragba, Ballack, Pretty Boy Ronaldo…
sounds like fun Shaun, I’ll hopefully be down there as well to watch some Twins/Cubs!
Tobias, Beer? Go to the Four Firkins on Texas and Minnetonka Blvd in St louis park…excellent source of finely crafted beers from all over…
All,
The 2009 Twins schedule is at http://www.startribune.com/twins
Also (and I hate to bring this up), one of the few ways to have comments banned from startribune.com sports blogs is to impersonate other people. Unfortunately, I had to do that to a couple of commenters today. It’s infrequent, but it happens.
Keeping watch over this makes the comments section vibrant for people who contribute them, and for those who just read ‘em.
If you have any concerns, feel free to contact me at hsinker@startribune.com.
Thanks,
Howard Sinker
Sports Coordinator
startribune.com
Now, back to the questions for LEN, including mine about a right-handed third baseman with some pop.
I posted this as a response to one of Joe’s game wraps last week, but I’m wondering what you can tell us about Deolis Guerra’s adjustments this year. His K/BB ratio was horrible after being better in the same league last year, and stat heads can’t understand what’s going on unless we know what’s happening in real life. Changing arm angles, working on pick-off moves, working on new pitches, what?
LaValle must be smoking something funny in Minnesota. Liriano to pitch against the Sox. Did you not witness last nights game. Of course, Blackburn and Perkins and Slowey got shelled as well. So Where do the Twins turn? I guess you will say start Every Day Eddie next?
You must be on of those wanting a 3rd baseman as well………3rd base ain’t the problem jack.
La Velle,
I have three questions for you:
1) Do you think that the Large Hadron Collider is safe?
2) What do you think of the present state of knowledge in elementary particle physics as well as the state of string theory?
3) How do you feel about the discovery of asymptotic freedom in the theory of the strong interaction?
Thank you.
brett,
I believe that Guerra’s arm angle was lowered to get better movement on his pitches.
His velocity was better at his higher arm angle, and he overpowered lower level hitters.
But,that wasn’t going to overcome lack of movement against good (MLB) hitters.
The Twins hope his old velocity will return as he gets accustomed to his new arm angle.
jhbjkghblkjh
The New and Improved Craig LOL
When will Robbie Keane score his first PL goal for Liverpool?
“jhbjkghblkjh”
Correct.
Be honest, which Twins players did you hate the most when you were a kid growing up in Chicago?
Couple of questions I can answer:
- What’s the Twins’ bullpen’s overall record?
Not counting Boof Bonser, who’s started some games and thus has decisions as a starter: 21-23. For comparison’s sake, the 2006 Twins bullpen record not counting Kyle Lohse was 25-6.
21-23 isn’t great, but it isn’t shabby, either — the Red Sox bullpen is 19-18 this year.
- What’s the most RBI someone has had with just 23 HR?
Depends when you want to start counting:
The all-time record for RBI with 23 or fewer HR belongs to Harry Heilmann, who hit 19 HR and drove in 139 RBI for the Tigers, but this was in 1921.
The post-war record belongs to Vic Wertz, who drove in 133 while hitting 20 HR for the 1949 Tigers.
Morneau has the most RBI (126) for a player with 23 or fewer HR since Wertz, but that’s a bit misleading, since
a) it assumes that Morneau won’t hit any more homers, and
b) it considers only players with as many or fewer homers than Morneau.
Increasing the max number of homers to 25 adds one relatively modern name to the list: Joe Torre, who hit 24 HR with 137 RBI for the 1971 Cardinals. With 11 to play, it’s certainly not impossible for Morneau to top that combination, though it’s a dubious achievement at best.
My question: how many of the folks willing to ‘give up’ (including Seth Stohs?! Dude, I’m surprised at you!) will be back crowing if the Twins sweep the home series with the Sox next week? My guess: all of them.
I had a feeling that might have been what you were after for an answer
TNAIC
Be honest, which Twins players did you hate the most when you were a kid growing up in Chicago?
I grew up in LA but I hated Rick Sutcliff, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg and last but not least I haaaaated Harry Carey
new craig beware of black holes, strange lint on your skin (don’t pull) and the odd quarks. you’ll be ok!
Of course, jimmy bee. Great minds think alike.
I’ll take your advice, gobble. Thank you.
thanks, sid. i appreciate the insights into guerra. i hope not just the velocity, but also the accuracy comes back soon, and i’m guessing it will. having seen what fastballs with no movement can do, this seems wise. anything else to add, lavelle?
I thought this was Lavelle’s blog? Am I wrong
new craig remember when, last winter, we mused on having a team that could hit the least homeruns possible coming up with 45-50 hr team? funny we ended up close to it without trying. proves homeruns are overrated. is it time to trade morneau for pitching?
New Craig wins the thread! He must read TMQ on ESPN.com.
Valencia looks like a nice player, but he’s another one of those “his power will develop, trust us” guys that make me nervous.
Lavelle, in your opinion is their any infielder from the left side of the infield worth keeping for next year? The Twins have had so many players for 3B and SS this season and with the way Gardenhire uses these people its hard to figure who is good enough to keep.Please do not include Nick Punto! Im talking about starters! Rumor mills has the Rockies willing to trade their 3B Aikins for Glen Perkins…thanks
“My question: how many of the folks willing to ‘give up’ (including Seth Stohs?! Dude, I’m surprised at you!) will be back crowing if the Twins sweep the home series with the Sox next week? My guess: all of them.”
I will happily be cheering for the Twins. My hope is that they do make the playoffs. My first hope is that they get back to Minnesota having won 3 of 4 in Tampa (they’re something like 55-24 at home this year) and that the Twins are within 2 or 3 of the White Sox when that series starts.
“Valencia looks like a nice player, but he’s another one of those “his power will develop, trust us” guys that make me nervous”
He hit 10 home runs in about two months in New Britain. How much ‘Power’ do you want?
i wanna apologize to everyone..im the person who has been doing alot of the impostering. i have realized how childish it is. and it wont ever happen again.
I like the idea of going after Uggla and moving Casilla to short. We wouldn’t “need” a power hitting 3rd baseman as bad then, but it would still be nice. I also think Perkins would be great trade bait. Sell high on him, as he doesn’t appear suited as well for a starting role.
I looked it up and Atkins has actually hit more home runs away from Coors than at home, which is a good sign that he’s not a product of the air up there. However, he hit .344 at home and .235 away…not good.
Seth I have to disagree with you about your comments about Luke Hughes 3B. he just started playing 3B this season at Rochester. You may be right that his skills for that position are not up to your standards.Please remember this, he was signed as a 2B and it was only during this past season that the Twins asked him to start playing 3B. This kid as can hit for power and I might add that you should not be surprised if you see his name on the lineup card when the 2010 season begins at (?@#%^& field).
Wally - the question though was about his defense at 3B, which I assumed meant ‘now’. I know he’s primarily played 2B. I’ve been told his “natural” position is 3B. he played in the OF this year too. But his fielding percentage this year at 3B was something like .880, which is not good. Also, he has played 3B previously in the organization, and did a lot at New Britain this year, so not just at Rochester.
Of course he can hit and has very good power. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in the Opening Day lineup in 2010. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the opening day lineup in 2009 and makes the team in a platoon of sorts with Brian Buscher.
I see him as a super utility type who can play 2B, 3B and some in the OF.
Jake I see what your saying. But he would be a whole lot better than all the guys we have now. He would be a regular starter at 3b and he would be an xtra power bat. And you said this yourselve that he hits alot of HR’s on the road. By the way Jake do you remember who the last starting 3B was for the Twins?
Opps! Jake I forgot to mentioned this.BB rumors have the Rockies willing to trade 3B Aikins for Slowey or Perkins! We both know Slowey is not going anywhere. But, Glen Perkins LP would be a good trade. I only hope our GM(BS) will do this trade before someone else does….
“new craig remember when, last winter, we mused on having a team that could hit the least homeruns possible coming up with 45-50 hr team? funny we ended up close to it without trying. proves homeruns are overrated. is it time to trade morneau for pitching?”
I sure do, gobble.
The Twins don’t hit HR, but are headed to scoring the third highest, season run total, in the history of the team.
We can get that HR total down even further next season.
Trade Morneau for pitching? Mourny is becoming that slap hitting opposite field hitter, I had always hoped he could become. I’m hoping he can cut a few HR off his totals again next season. I don’t think he will ever go single digits, like Joe, Delmon and most of the other guys, but you never know. There’s always hope. Let’s keep him.
Seth thank you for your update. what is a “super utility man”. If you mean some player that plays 3B,SS,2B,PH,DH and sits on the bench for awhile. Seth, not getting off the subject, but do you consider Nick Punto a”super utility guy”? All Im saying is if and when Luke Hughes gets here, he will be a starter at 3B and will have the experience to fill in as needed….
Mark you are right on with your comments on HR’s vs Walks. Bert is always saying the Twins give up the least amount of walks. Well I wish the starters would give up less HR’s and issue more walks!…..Perkins and Blackburn for sure……
I will happily be cheering for the Twins. My hope is that they do make the playoffs. My first hope is that they get back to Minnesota having won 3 of 4 in Tampa (they’re something like 55-24 at home this year) and that the Twins are within 2 or 3 of the White Sox when that series starts.
Now that’s more like it!
The pessimism should be left to those of us who are older and more bitter.
Henry Sanchez is hurt, they shut down Parmelee, can’t think of that other guys name. Who else is being groomed as a power hitter in the organization?
How has Delmon Young been welcomed into the clubhouse?
Why does Gardy insist on always managing by numbers? Case in point -once again messing with the bullpen and pulling out Mijares in favor of Gas Can Guerrier who promptly gave the Tribe the lead.
Valencia has 17 and 15 HRs last year and this year. That is not dominant power. It is the kind of power that people say things like “he hits a lot of gap doubles, and the power will come”, or “he hit 10 HRs in AA in two months”, that was 266 ABs worth of HRs. That would be about 20 HRs over a season.
Some batter get more power as they age, some get less as they face more difficult pitching. His power is more projection right now than reality. That’s all I was saying, and that kind of power makes me nervous, as it does not always translate and develop.
I’d rather have a Brandon Wood type, or any of a number of other guys that are hitting 25+HRs in the minors.
Just to be clear, I think he is the 3B of the future, I just don’t know he is a savior type just yet.
He was 4th in the FSL in OPS (more than 150ABs), but in the 30’s range in the AA league he was in (of those with more than 150 ABs). Don’t forget, there are two other leagues at both level, so if the ranges are similar, he’s about the 70th best hitter in AA last year - hardly an indication that he is necessarily a hitting star. It isn’t an indication he isn’t going to be one, but it’s premature to say he is for sure.
OBITUARIES
Twins - Minnesota, 48, passed away after a recent sudden illness due to heart failure, travel fatigue, and the curse of Little Nicky Punto. Will be remembered for, at various times, significant scuffling, bouts of getting after it, and frequent battling their tails off.
Survivors include T.C. Bear and his wife Goldy Gopher, and amazingly, Carl Pohlad.
A bullpen is preferred in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by John Gordon Funeral Services, ‘Touching ‘Em All’ for eighteen, correct that, nineteen years.
would a trade of valencia, humber, and boof to texas get us chris davis to play 3b?
texas could pick up blaylock’s option, have valencia ready in a year or so, and have two starting pitchers who might do well for them, and the twins would get a very good batter in davis (i’m even willing to substitute perkins for humber and/or boof, but maybe i’m in the minority.
Chris Davis (22 years old): http://www.baseball-reference.com/d/davisch02.shtml
Main stats: OPS = .863 (BA .275 / OBP .325 / SLG .538)
Chris Davis in the Minors: Career OPS = .952 (.302 / .357 / .595)
2008 AAA, OPS = 1.087 (.333 / .402 / .685)
No Minor League Splits Available
Chris Davis 2008 MLB splits:
RHP: .277 / ..328 / .511 for an OPS of .839 (198 plate appearances)
LHP: .269 / .318 / .603 for an OPS of .920 (85 plate appearances)
Note that the Twins need a 3rd baseman - unfortunately, so do a lot of other teams. Dodgers, A’s, Indians come to mind. So, who is out there, and who is realistically available to the Twins? Related question - can Casilla move to short and improve the defense? Thus, what second basemen are available in trade (beyond Brian Roberts, who seems to require too much value in trade)? imho - Tolbert, Macri, Buescher, Punto are reserve infielders, not regulars. That the Twins have achieved so much with the left side that they put out there every day is amazing. Maybe Bartlett was a bit too much to give to Tampa (and I am a Young fan). Also, btw, regarding an earlier post - Vic Wertz finished his distinguished career, with the Twins, in the ’60s. It was a great decade for heroes passing thru the Met(ropolitan stadium).
Who is the Twin’s defensive MVP this year?
Hey. Just wanted to let you know that I will start working on these questions tomorrow. Based on the response, it may be a multi-part post.
I was going to post my rankings of the Twins’ 11-20 prospects, but was called in to co-host with Barreiro on KFAN.
Keep asking questions! Let’s figure out ways to make this team better!
At Alary’s there’s a plaque on the table that says Lavelle. Is that you?
Gomez is doing fine in the 9 spot and his defense is outstanding. Keep Go-Go in center… then put Span in LF and trade Delmon for a 3B.
One (almost retorical) question: Why can every, and I mean EVERY team hit home runs when it matters except the Twins? True, we hit them when we’re winning big, or down by a lot, but when the game’s close- say we’re down by 2 with 2 on- we Never get them. Why can 29 out the other 29 teams get home runs in that situation, and we can’t? It’s Very frustrating to me, and it has to be to many others out there I would think.
Is it our hitting philosophy? Do we tell our players to hit for avg. over power? I could almost guarentee that you could take the Exact same line-up, put it in a different organization, and the power production would increase by at least 15-25%. Am I asking too much for a team that can hit homers at least on par with the Indians?
I know it was more of a rant than a question, but I’d still like to know.
(Long post so I’ll split it).
LEN, I have some questions wrapped around sliding (head first vs. feet first). I ask these questions because of idle speculation about where would the Twins be right now if Casilla’s hot bat hadn’t been silenced for weeks and seemingly has not recovered with his return to the lineup plus the lesser impacts of losing Tolbert who still swung a nice bat early on and Cuddyer (who is lesser by virtue of not having been that hot to begin with).
Q:
1 - is there any way including fines that the team can use to minimize as close to zero as possible sliding head first? (I’m NOT including pickoff moves, many of those have to be head first). The many hand injuries so far this year may have already had a dampening effect but then there’s always LNP who will do it at any time. It was interesting that D&B said at the time of a Randy Ruiz feet first slide into FIRST! that something happened in his minor league career and he has never gone in head first since, so you can teach even “old dogs” new tricks with enough incentives.
2 - which coach(es) are responsible for sliding techniques? Now I’m talking about sliding hard enough to get there but not overshoot the bag so much that you can’t recover. I’ve watched nearly every Twins game this season and maybe my memory is playing tricks but I can’t remember the last time I saw so many instances of Twins making an out by oversliding and so few opponents caught the same way. Is this aggressive approach that Gardy promotes shooting them in the foot at times?
This has nothing to do with your Q&A but I have to give MAXIMUM KUDOS to Bill Brimner who posted that OBIT last night on your blog. I have not laughed that hard in awhile and certainly not from anything related to the Twins. To Howard, you really ought to give a lifetime achievement award type prize to Bill for your recently concluded contest even if he didn’t enter that obit. That IMHO had way more creativity than even all those revised songs. Bill, the line about Pohlad was priceless!
Granted, I don’t know anything about his contract situation, but if we can get him, the man we should target is: Aubrey Huff. He would instantly give us another player of Morneau’s calibur.
Career stats:
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/individual_stats_player.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=333492
This year: .314 avg. 32 Homers 106 RBI’s
OBP .371 SLG .576
Morneau’s stats: .311 avg. 23 Homers 128 RBI’s OBP .383 SLG .521
Not all of his seasons have been this impressive, but he’s done it more than once. He wouldn’t just be protection behind Morneau, He’d be another Morneau. I’d argue the Morneau Could protect him. As a side note, Cuddyer’s return (next season, not this one) should help substantially too- though I wouldn’t mind at all trading him for the right price.
Too bad the FO didn’t take my advice and trade Nathan at the deadline. The bullpen is a current mess. That said, I don’t think a lot has to be done to improve it. For this organization especially, relievers are found from with in- or in minor leaugers recieved in trades. There isn’t THAT much in the way of great bullpen help out there, and what little there is, will command big money. I think the Twins current bullpen will be largely fine. Guys like Korecky and Mijares should do fine, and (hopefully anyway) the return of Neshek will greatly help too. The rest of the bullpen should bounce back. I’d be willing to (as you’d almost have to) part with one starter. Preferibly Perkins. Package him with Crain, and maybe a minor leauger and you’ve got a nice package to throw at someone. Include Cuddyer and you could get almost anything.
Look for Young and Gomez to have better years- especially Gomez. Cassia should be back to form- as he hasn’t truely ever been since his injury. Twins should have a pretty good team for their final year in the dome.
(One more, shorter, part)
So to sum up my questions:
#1. Is our hitting philosophy telling players (intentional or not, subcontously or not) to NOT hit home runs? (Follow up) Or do we just have the weakest professional baseball players EVERY year?
#2. Is it at all plausible that the Twins land Huff? (Follow up) If yes, who do we give up? If no, WHY, and who do we get instead? (In the way of a power bat- AT LEAST one).
#3. Are my bullpen arguements more or less correct? (Follow up) If not, then what do you see happening in that area?
#4. Do you see, in any scenerio, Cuddyer being traded? (Follow up) If yes (and not for Huff) whom to and for whom?
#5. (I don’t think I had this many Q’s to start with, but I’m on a roll). Do you see the Twins parting with a current starter? (Follow up) If yes, do they sign (another) Ponson, Hernandez, Ortiz, etc?
#6. Are you getting sick of these questions?
#7. Who do the Twins currently have in the minors that could make the roster out of ST next year (who’s waiting in the wings)?
#8. (Last one, I promise) If the Twins don’t make the PS, who do you want to win it all this year? (Personally, if it comes down to Cubs/Rays…I really don’t know who to cheer for- I’m sure I’m not the only one in that would be boat).
P(ost). S(eason).
Thanks for taking your time (and making me use mine to ask) to answer these questions.
(Sorry, it wasn’t shorter)
**The Twins should have made some kind of trade at the deadline…and they lost on my B-day**
Why not package Young (his defence is shakey at best) with Bonser and one of the other young potentials like Humber for a strong right handed bat? Move Span to left put Cuddy back in left and you have a solid defence all armed with guns for arms.
Cuddy in right. It’s early.
TK(2), in a Cubs/Rays World Series, you have to cheer for the Rays. Just imagine how much the Rays fans could infuriate the Cubbie faithful.
I know Bonser would like to be a starter, but I think he has the stuff to possibly be a good setup man and take Guerrier’s place in the bullpen next year. What are the chances of signing Bonser for the bullpen and what do you think of the idea?
This is just a pipe dream here, but I am already looking to towards 2009 and 2010. I think the Twins seriously need a good righty to sandwich inbetween the M&M boys. Ok, here goes my dream trade (which is actually possible if you look at the numbers).
The Rockies might be looking to unload both Matt Holliday and Garrett Atkins during this upcoming off-season. They are looking for pitching. I propose a 7 for 2 player deal.
Twins would send the following players: (Majors) Delmon Young, Brian Buscher, Nick Blackburn, Boof Bonser, (AAA) Brian Duensing, Garrett Jones and (AA) Jeff Manship. Rockies would send Holliday and Atkins. Blackburn and Bonser (and possibly Duensing) give the Rockies majors-ready pitchers. Young is still young enough to blossom. Jones to be a replacement for Todd Helton. Buscher could be a backup 3B as Rockies have Ian Stewart in the wings. And Jeff Manship gets more time to develop.
Imagine this lineup.
RF - Span - L
C - Mauer - L
LF - Holliday - R
1B - Morneau - L
3B - Atkins - R
DH - Kubel - L
CF - Gomez - R
2B - Casilla - S
SS - Tolbert - S (these last 2 are interchangeable)
With the young starting staff the Twins have, they are set there. Even with an injury or 2, they still would have Humber and Mulvey, plus a few others at lower levels.
On a side note, the Twins must have a fascination with cherubic latino lefties (Reyes, Guardado and now Mijares)….it’s seems as they hvae cornered the market on them. Those 3 have to teach Breslow how to eat so he can fit right in with them.
Here’s a real question for you LEN III:
Why does the local media never, EVER, put any fire to Gardy’s feet or ask him the questions they should be asking him?
He never gets any crap for the stuff he pulls–I think the media should be MUCH more critical of him. This shouldn’t be a “Well, we were supposed to be .500, but Gardy managed us to 6 games above” year–it should be a “We had a real shot at the playoffs if we’d have just been able to play .500 baseball through September.”
Yost was fired because he couldn’t keep the fire going. Why isn’t Gardy looked at under the same lens, LEN?
Next year, you’ll have the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Blue Jays, the Angels, the White Sox, the Tigers, and the Indians all with a decent chance to make the playoffs. It’s going to be a little tougher to be in the position the Twins were at the end of August of this year, next year.
TK(2), I think the problem with getting Aubrey Huff is that he is another left-handed bat if I remember correctly w/o looking it up.
And a correction for my post above, Humber would have to become the 5th starter. Baker, Liriano, Slowey, Perkins and Humber.
LE III - Why do the Twins in the last few recent off-seasons always take the $10M (or so) and go buy 2 or 3 mediocre players instead of using it all up on one solid free agent. An analogy, buying three $5,000 used cars instead of one $15,000 used car - same money - different outcome. I would like to see the Twins get one super-solid free agent that hits right-handed and can play 3B. Does that exist? I don’t know, but it should be pursued. I want to know why they distribute the money as they do - and then wonder why it turns out the way it does as they get rid of these chumps at some point during the season (this year it was Lamb, Monroe, etc). A couple of years ago I would have loved Frank Thomas in a Twins uniform instead of having the big year he had with Oakland. Have heard he is a locker room cancer, but I am looking at it from a production standpoint for the purposes of this argument/question.
Question:
What is the truth on the LaTroy Hawkins trade to Houston? Did ANY American League team have a chance? Could the Twins really have had a chance at him and blew it, or were the Yankees determined to ship him to the Senior Circuit?
Anyone else notice that Nathan’s velocity is down this year. He usually starts slower but gets his fastball up to 95-97 by end of year.
Looks like he’s peaking at 92-93 mph this year. Could be why he’s getting tagged a little more more often now.
Age, overuse, injury..?
Why did Gardie bring in Guerrier last night? He babies the young guys too much. Jose Mijares gives up one weak single, and Gardie feels the need to pull him for a guy he has overworked and continues to overwork.
My question: what does the front office think of Jose Mijares? Do they see him a setup guy for the 8th?
1. Is Nathan healthy?
2. Is there a logical reason for the seeming disconnect between the Twins organization philosophies regarding hitting and pitching?
They clearly understand and preach the value of keeping people off base by avoiding walks, almost at all costs, with their pitching staff. Not only do they preach this philosophy, they are able to translate that philosophy into on field results; they are annually among the teams allowing the fewest walks in the majors.
However, on offense, they seem to treat OBP, and plate discipline, as if it were cancerous. They often target players with poor plate discipline and OB skills, talk often about ‘aggressiveness’, and don’t seem to teach or care about those skills through the minors.
So what’s the deal…why the seeming disconnect?
3. What’s the bottom line on the failure to obtain any realistic help this season? Was it just too expensive, or is the current regime as timid as Terry Ryan when it comes to helping the big league club at the expense of some minor league talent? There were such clearly identifiable needs this year, and a clearly winnable division, yet the front office did virtually nothing.
Why is it so difficult for the Twins to develop a bonafide power hitter in their minor league system? Besides Justin Morneau, I cannot really think of one true power hitter that has come up through the Twins system in the last fifteen years. You could probably say that Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones and Corey Koskie fit the bill but that’s debatable.
The Twins’ way which is called “Twins Baseball” is to move the runner over, hit to the opposite field, steal bases and take a lot of pitches. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone besides Morneau hit a three run homer once in a while so that we don’t always have to rely on three singles to score one run. “Twins’Baseball” has never brought the Twins farther than winning the Central Division crown. Lets get some more power in the line up either through a trade or developing it in the minor leagues and maybe we can go farther than the first round of the playoffs. Correction: I forgot that the Twins did win the first round of the playoffs vs. the A’s in 2002 but I still contend they could have gone farther with more power.
Are Gardy’s Twins going to continue their track record of minimizing closer situations while maximizing “setup” situations, thereby burning out setup guys after 1-1.5 years (to injury or uselessness). Examples include Rincon, Crain, Neshek, and Guerrier.
Is there some other way to approach pitching decisions than to use one guy not just as set-up, but also in every other key situation, so that he leads the league in appearances and ends up shelved?
Also, is there any chance that teams will start to develop “closer managers” to keep their teams performing late into the season and preserving W-L leads? Or maybe even “LOOGY managers” to help beat tricky teams (like the Indians were for us just now, not to mention the Mariners this year)? It seems that the Brewers and Mets would like to get their hands on a “closer manager” right about now.
Hey LEN III,
I’m not one to go around throwing praise to sportswriters, but I think you do an excellent job covering the Twins. But, I have a question for you that might bring about a more honest answer than if I called Gardy on his radio show. Partly, because the man looks worn down right now and partly because I don’t think he’d give me a real answer.
Anyway, it’s this: Everyone loves Joe Mauer. He’s a wonderful hitter and catcher. Great guy, local boy, etc. I don’t want this to sound like I’m ripping him, but it might. If I can get ticked off at guys like Manny and others that fail to hustle to first on ground balls to infielders, then why is Joe special?
Case in point. I was down in KC for the series in August. He hits a routine ground ball to the left side. He’s running half-speed to first. Problem is, the ball was bobbled. He then busts it down the last 45 feet and just gets thrown out by a half a step. If he hustles out of the box, he beats that easily. I watch Morneau and he’s busting it down all the way. Kirby was the same way.
I don’t want to hear the Barry Bonds excuse that they play 162 games and need to “pace” themselves. How many times do you REALLY have to bust it in one game? Maybe twice. So let’s go!
Nobody makes a big deal out of it. But, if it makes the difference in one game… that’s what the season could very well come down to.
Thanks,
Mark,
The fact that Mauer is a catcher makes a difference in how much flexibility and bounce is available in his legs.
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