Q and A answers, Part I
Posted on September 19th, 2008 – 3:33 PMBy La Velle
Sorry this took so long. Had some other tasks pop up on me in recent days.
Here’s the first part. I’ll try to have Part II ready to go on Monday - in time for you to get to work and continue to be unproductive while reading this blog.
from Milldog:
Looking ahead to 2009,(although 08′ isn’t over yet!) what are the key areas the Twins front office needs to address?
Obviously, the FO needs to identify who should be part of the bullpen next year. You can’t just say, `these guys stink and let’s dump them all.”
It’s not unreasonable to think that Pat Neshek comes back in good shape, Jesse Crain is sharper the second season after surgery and Matt Guerrier settles back in his old role. Dennys Reyes is a free agent and is due a huge raise. Don’t laugh - Ron Mahay is making $4 million this year. Will the Twins bring Big Sweat back? Craig Breslow seems like a good second lefty to have around. And I really like what I’ve seen from Jose Mijares. But I think they need one new arm in the bullpen.
The Twins also need to figure out who should be in their outfield in 2009. The emergence of Denard Span has raised the stakes. Michael Cuddyer is a core player and a clubhouse leader. Carlos Gomez has truckloads of talent. Delmon Young will hit a lot of homers in the league, he just needs to refine his approach some.
There’s not enough room for all of them.
Finally, they need to figure out if they want to have a jump ball between Brian Buscher, Luke Hughes and Danny Valencia next year for third base - or swing a deal for an established third baseman (if one is available).
from JustinCB:
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?
The three names that jump out are Adrian Beltre, Kevin Kouzmanoff and GarretAtkins.
Beltre is the best of the group, and the target of various overtures from the Twins during the season. He’s headed into the final year of his contract - and will be coming off of left shoulder and thumb surgery (the thumb is the worst of the two - a ligament is being replaced). Beltre should be good to go by spring training. But what if he isn’t?
Kouzmanoff has upside, but his strikeouts and walks are ugly. Still, the Pods may try to move him so Chase Headley can play third. Atkins was believed to be a core player, but a recent report suggested that the Rocks may move him during the offseason. His home-road splits scare me. But the Twins have asked about him before.
The Twins would be wise to check in on all three of these players. And while it’s hard to part with a starter during the season, if one of the current starters - maybe not Franchise - have to be part of the package to land one of these players - especially if Beltre is healthy.
from RF:
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?
Actually, Aaron Gleeman pointed out recently that the starting rotation has averaged about 6 innings an outing, which is better than 2006 and 2007. So the bullpen hasn’t been worn out that much. I think the problem with bullpen has been Matt Guerrier in a tougher role, Pat Neshek being hurt and Jesse Crain in the first year following surgery. I’d still look into getting a proven right-handed set-up man - but it wouldn’t surprise me if the FO stands pat here.
from Tony:
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?
Heh. I think everyone knows how I feel about pitchers winning MVP awards. I could always change my mind…but I haven’t yet. And how far has Lee gotten the Tribe this year?
Read my baseball insider on Sunday for thoughts on the MVP race.
from Plunkton:
With Yost getting the boot in Milwaukee - should Gardy be a little nervous? *-).
I expect Bill Smith to sit down with Gardy after the season and hammer out a contract extension. Gardy’s moves can be questioned, but I don’t know of a manager who doesn’t have moves questioned.
from romer:
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.
I’d like to see more of Ruiz. What’s unfortunate is that there was a rush to get Cuddy back on-line once he got healthy, which killed Ruiz’s chances of getting in the lineup during the recent run vs lefties.
Ruiz deserves to be on a major league roster. He’s paid his dues. I just don’t know if this is the right situation. Kubel should DH vs lefties and righties. Ruiz is very bad at first base. I don’t see how he can get 300 at-bats next season. And if he can’t, will he get dull on the bench?
Ruiz=Baylor?????
from MarkW:
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?
I think the shuffling of roles in the bullpen put Gardy in a no-win situation this season. Honestly, everyone in the bullpen has given up big hits. He gave relievers chances to get hot, and they never did. The FO deserves the blame for not addressing the situation properly.
And, while no one will admit it, they are mentally wrecked. Matt Guerrier has tried so hard to be accountable after outings, but has struggled to put his thoughts into words. I could tell it was eating him up. I was told Joe Nathan sat in the dugout for 45 minutes after Tuesday’s loss to Cleveland. Does the coaching staff deserve blame for not coming up with the right words to straighten them out? The coaches seemed to say a lot of the right things the previous six years, so I don’t know….
As for the postseason, they ran into the Yankees twice, a red hot Angels team once. The second time they faced Oakland, they didn’t have Liriano and sent the skeletal remains of Brad Radke to the mound. When were the Twins the favored team in any of those series?
from MarkW:
And do you think our pitching philosophy of pitching to contact is our ndoing 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 endthe long ball pain was the Twins’ other major weakness — defense. (Team defensive efficiency of .694, 20th in baseball.)
I think the undoing was a developing rotation learning tough lessons, a bullpen that became a playpen and offseason acquisitions that led to poor infield defense. The Twins had Brendan Harris at second and Mike Lamb at third to open the season - and Adam Everett had a bad shoulder for most of the season. Some of the pitching problems are understandable. The bullpen needs tweaking. The defense was unacceptable.
Fortunately, there is evidence that the rotation will continue to improve. Slowey, Baker and Franchise look to be the big three of the group. The bullpen needs at least one new arm in addition to Mijares becoming the primary lefty. The Twins need to identify a shortstop. I vote for Casilla at short and Matt Tolbert at second next year, with Nick Punto as a super sub.
from Jake:
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…???
It’s just you. No doubt, it’s just you.
from Fry Dog:
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?
Fat chance with Ryan. While I think Brandon League has a heck of an arm. He’s had some health issues and his slinging motion suggests more to come.
As for other options, the cost of middle relief has gone up so much that teams are holding onto their good ones as long as they can.
My complaint is that the Twins should have moved Rob Delaney and Anthony Slama through the system quicker. But I think Delaney could be a factor next year.
from jedidiah:
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 bullpenlast 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.
I was ready to throw dirt on the season too, then Alexi Casilla hit that improbable homer last night. Seriously, I was screaming at the TV on that one.
Can’t wait for the White Sox series. The Twins already are getting loads of national media requests for credentials.
Is jedidiah your real name?
a clusterbomb from Dawgzilla:
1) Why don’t we EVER win championships in Minnesota?
Um, the Thunder won it all a few years ago.
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!
Um, Glen Taylor has tried to spend, just not wisely. And you have to respect the regional economics that are in play.
3) Are you sick of the excuse “small market team”?
It is what it is. But you don’t have to outspend to win. Front offices need to be held accountable for bad moves, like the Ryan Mills- B.J. Garbe -Adam Johnson draft run the Twins went on, or the countless cheap free agents that have flopped - going back to Sean Bergman and Butch Huskey.
4) Will there ever be an athletic administration that cares about athletics at the U., namely the big revenue making football team?
Um, the Gophs cared enough to try to admit a borderline academic case in Marqueis Gray and import JUCO players. Give Dinkytown Tim a couple more years.
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?
I can’t relate to this concept….and T-Jax is now T-Backup.
from Ryan:
Could you step into the batter’s box against Mike Herman and get a hit?
Me? The worst athlete EVER from Chicago? I couldn’t hit Molly Gallatin.
43 Responses to "Q and A answers, Part I"
Wow La Velle, I’m honored you posted my question. But nah, my name’s not Jedidiah. That’d be funny though.
I dont think anyone can get a hit off Molly Gallatin… she has a golden right arm that carried the baseball communications department during the playoffs in 2006 like former Twin Matt Garza.
Butch Huskey came with Todd Sears for Todd Walker, not via free agency…
And, LaVelle, I don’t know if the word “Super” should be used ever when describing Nick Punto. I don’t mind the idea of Casilla at SS and Tolbert at 2B, maybe with Alejandro Machado to back them up (if his arm gets better).
Punto on the team next year and Gardy signed to a contact extension would be the worse 2 moves that Smith can make south of offering arbitration to Rincon last off-season.
The economics of signing Punto do not make sense, since the Twins can get the same production with $3 mil less by either Harris or Tolbert and or can double their offer to Punto and go and sign a difference maker like Furcal to play SS.
This team needs a manager who would a. manage a game b. do not play favorites and c. has some fire. Gardy lacked severely in all respects this season. Time for a change and a fresh manager and coaching staff to allow this team to reach its potential.
La Velle, about the statement whether the Twins were ever favored in the post-season, check this link from October 2, 2006:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2006/news/story?id=2610409
clearly, 80% of the ‘experts’ picked them to make the ALCS and 42% picked them to win the WS, which made them the favorite pick to win the WS. The second favorite was the Yankees with 37%.
The were the clear favorite and Gardy chocked.
thrylos,
I agree with you about Punto.
Gardy will be the Manager for as long as he wants the job just like TK.
“The were the clear favorite and Gardy chocked.”
Did Gardy choke, or did the Twins choke? Did Gardy give up the home run to Frank Thomas in Game 1? Did Gardy take a few at bats that caused the Twins to score so few runs? Did Gardy have a better choice in Game 2 or 3 than Boof Bonser?
Listen, I don’t agree with everything Gardy does either, and he definitely has his favorite, and he goes too much at times by first-impressions, and he’s always got guys in his doghouse, but I guarantee that every manager does things and makes decisions that people (especially blog commenters) can question.
As much as I don’t agree with everything Gardy does, I am in agreement that he will (and probably should) get an extension.
I also really believe that Bill Smith will be smart enough to not bring Punto back, protecting Gardy from himself.
[…] Twins Insider – […]
Seth,
Thomas hit a solo HR early in the game and was 3 for 2 with the bases empty on the top of the 9th. Gardy did not server the pitch, but allowed his pitcher (Crain) to throw strikes at him. Bad management.
Second, Gardy decided to go with Perkins instead of Garza in the post season roster. If Garza was there to pitch parts of Game 3, things could have been different
Third, despite the fact that Nevin struggled in the game, Gardy left him in instead of bringing Kubel in at DH (as a matter of fact for the other 2 games, the DH was Tyner, with Kubel seeing not a single AB in the series.) Boof pitched fine. 6 innings 2 ER. The bullpen and the horrific match-up management of it cost that game.
Dennis Green got the Vikings into the Playoffs 8 out of his 10 years, which with the salary cap is very hard accomplishment. In the playoffs, he won 4 games and lost 8. He was ran out of town
Gardy got the Twins in the postseason 4 out of his 6 years (this year is still to be determined) and won 1 series while loosing 4. Does he deserve an extension? Not in my book.
Thrylos: I totally agree with your comment regarding Punto. I don’t know what it is with this guy and Gardy; but one thing Harris has shown is that he can hit. Even if Tolbert does not become an everyday second baseman, he can easily fill Punto’s role.
Secondly, Blackburn has pitched consistently all year, and his ERA is still under 4.00. I think he has clearly earned his spot in the rotation as opposed to Perkins. Perkins (except for a few good outings) has lackluster stuff and can never hold a lead. If the Twins do go FA for 3B; doesn’t anyone think that a package deal of Perkins and/or Bonser will be used?
Now the situation in the OF is another question. Cuddyer just signed a long term deal; but 4 is a crowd…
I think Gardy needs to stay with his starters longer if they are doing a good job instead of immediately going to the bullpen in the later innings. When he does that, I throw my hands up in the air and shout…WHY!!!! He seems to be hung up on the idea of always going to the bullpen in the 6th or 7th inning, no matter what.
Relating to Cuddyer…I think they should trade him or put him back at third. Span has proven he is better all around. Another option with Cuddyer is to use him as relief for the outfield but not full time…the current outfield is better without him. I know he is good on the bench…maybe keep him there.
the twins should look a guy named Metcalf at the Rangers. They good buy his contract from Texas and he is a solid 3rd baseman plus he crushes the ball.
I think we need to keep some perspective here. This team was gutted last offseason by the trade of Santana and the loss of Hunter to free agency. And yet with a week left in the season the team is still clinging to potential postseason hopes - while Gardy certainly can be questioned on individual decisions from time to time doesn’t he also deserve some credit for keeping this team in the mix during a season that was supposed to be a rebuilding one going in? That should have gotten worse when Neshek went down early?
Clearly the team needs some work in the bullpen and power areas but I find it hard to blame the front office too much for not paying the price that was being asked for some of the reinforcements they could have brought in at midseason during a time when the team is supposedly rebuilding. I am amazed at where this team is at - I am very excited about what next year and the first year at Target Field are going to bring.
I also continue to be amazed and amused by the folks saying the Twins should go get a power-hitting third baseman by offering guys like Boof. Guess what, everyone. If Boof gets traded it’s going to be a deal of spare parts for spare parts. If the Twins want to acquire Kouzmanoff or Atkins or Beltre it’s going to take real prospects or young major leaguers. Perkins might have some potential to be included in a deal like that but if Boof is, it’ll be as an end of the deal throw in.
Sorry about the novel. Just my two cents.
Seth and thrylos….good catches!
Huskey sucked so much I thought he was a bad free agent move.
As for 2006…
I remember Twins players admitting that, after rallying to win the division, they exhaled. When they were done exhaling, the ALDS was over.
I also remember Gardy yelling at them that they weren’t finished after getting into the postseason… but what happened.
I also remember Torii Hunter re-enacting the Ray Durham play from 2002.
So, O.K. I screwed up one postseason out of four….
You must remember that any Minnesota manager has to win while developing young talent - and that is very hard.
I disagree with some of Gardy’s moves - but who do you trust in the bullpen right now?
Victor Lebanon…I feel you brother! But we should beyond the overachieving part of this season. You don’t know when the next postseason run will come, so you have to go all out when you do have a shot.
And, while I have been impressed with the offense this year, the Twins should not be satisfied. A legitimate third baseman might make the 2009 Twins a juggernaut.
So, are we going to buy more excuses about the pitching from here on out? Are we going to buy that it’s because these guys have never pitched in September, that their arms are tired? It’s odd that four of these guys were here last year in September. You know, the the MILB season is 143, while the MLB season is 162. Yet, it’s odd how much those extra FOUR starts, those MERE FOUR starts, seem to tax a “young arm.”
Or, perhaps it’s that Gardy–after losing pretty much all of his TK-trained players–is really little more than a choke. Forget the 6-15 post-season mark for a minute. Forget the “miracle” of 2006. In three of the past four seasons, this team has completely buckled in Septemeber (just like it does almost every April). In 2005, this team was 13-16 in September. In 2007, it was 11-16. Thus far this year, after tonight’s loss, the Twins will be 6-11 in September.
Sure, young talent needs to be taught, La Velle. But when you have a manager that has NEVER managed at the minor league level, a guy that obviously HATES to teach, that young talent isn’t going to find their way through a September pennant race.
That’s a fact.
LENIII, I agree - I don’t want to necessarily give the team a free pass for not chasing it when it’s in front of them.
I think we might be less apt to be on them about not making a deal this season if they had made a couple bigger deals during the playoff pushes of two, three, four years ago.
I agree, the front office needs to get more aggressive. And if they don’t move up the timetable and chase those couple spots this offseason I’ll be disappointed.
I’m just saying we need to keep the season in perspective - it’ll be disappointing if the Twins don’t make the playoffs, but we, the fans, got a lot more out of this season than we had any right to expect going in, regardless of whether the team makes the playoffs or not.
Don’t underestimate another 375-400 pitches on an arm….
And, you know what, you’re nuts if you think Gardy doesn’t teach. Minor league experience? Puh-leze…. You’re delusional if you think that’s the only way to learn to manage. IIRC, Joe Torre was a player-manager in the majors before he became a full-time manager.
Bob Brenly never managed in the minors..
And Gardy MANAGED in the Southern League before joining the Twins as a coach.
Hey folks:
Everyone who wants to scapegoat Gardy and Punto is out to lunch. Sorry, that’s just fact. If you really think that a journeyman utility player is the underlying reason the Twins have failed to get to 1st, then you should also be investing heavily in Lehman and AIG. And Gardy? All he’s done is take a team with 3 legitimate MLB ready positional players (M and M, Cuddy, for part of the season) and work in a cast of developing players, unfit-retro FA’s, and cast-off career minor leaguers into a team that has won more games than anybody on this post, myself included, ever considered possible in the spring.
So, we are all disappointed things havent panned out in September. Big deal. It was a fun summer and it will be a fun winter looking forward to next year. That is, if most people are still gainfully employed. It’s scary times right now. Can’t we just enjoy what this team has accomplished, rather than trying to find scapegoats for what they did not? Honestly, there are far more important things to find scapegoats for right now than a damn baseball player.
I am still trying to figure out why the twins didnt try to get melvin mora from the orioles? A veteran presence, who has some power and is an established hitter. I think he could have greatly solidified this lineup for this year and next anyway. We could have gotten him maybe? at the deadline.
La Velle,
Any interest in taking a flyer on Dallas McPherson?
I’m with you, La Velle, on your idea of Casilla at short and Tolbert at second next year. I have no problem with Buscher, Macri and Punto filling the third base and sub positions, either. Buscher’s a good hitter and his defense will improve with more reps and some coaching while Punto’s bad year is behind him. What’s not to like?
Seems possible that Humber and Mulvey could at least push Blackburn and Perkins for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation next year with the losers filling roles in the pen. Also, it’s too early to give up on Bonser. He’s young enough to deserve more grooming for a pen job if not as a starter. It takes more than half a season to acclimate to the switch from starting. Decent middle relievers are no longer dime-a-dozen and fans should recognize that many pitchers who ultimately had successful careers usually had a couple bad years in the mix, too. As young arms mature over the next couple years, pitching will be a strength of this ball club. The FO realized this as evidenced by their willingness to trade Garza.
It’s a good time to be a Twins fan regardless the outcome of this year’s campaign!
Riddle of the Twins
Is solved by La Velle and blog
Like seerers on summit
Lala72,
“But when you have a manager that has NEVER managed at the minor league level, a guy that obviously HATES to teach……That’s a fact”
No facts, just crap.
On what basis could you say that Gardy obviously “hates to teach”.
You fabricated that completely, just like Gardy “NEVER managed at the minor league level” was also untrue.
Your entire post was crap.
THAT’S A FACT!
All of your long posts are giving me a headache. Punto must go. Reyes, who cares. Boof is better than some of you think. Deal Perkins or Blackburn and Gomez for a bat. I have a shot at striking out Gomez in my whiffle ball games. We have back-ups in all positions mentioned above.
Wow, Jon. You write the most bitter posts at your fellow posters. Do you just wait in the wings to post venomous things at people whose ideas you disagree with? Ask yourself why you do that.
Great Reusse column on the Twins today. He actually raises the possibility that the Twins might deal Delmon. Now THAT gives me something to hope for over the long winter months. Another disadvantage of being a cheap team that tries to develop young talent is that they have to hang on to these guys (like Delmon) for years to see if they can reach their potential, rather than just jettisoning them (like Monroe, Lamb, etc.) if the show that they don’t have it. I would argue that Gomez’s five tool potential makes him someone they should stick with as long as possible, but Delmon…
Not that it matters, because they willn’t, but the Twins should not trade Gomez, Young, or Punto- well maybe Punto they would, but they shouldn’t. Gomez and Young are…young. And they have a lot of potential. Delmon is only 23 (and 22 for most of the season). How can you EXPECT him to be great at 22? He’s done all right this year anyway. Give it time. Punto is a solid, if not incredible fielder, and his avg. this year is Well within acceptable limits. (Besides, who could you get for Punto anyway). Cuddyer… involves a tough decision. There are 4 outfielders (starting) for 3 spots. For a small market team, you keep your young, CHEAP, players. Cuddyer is a vet and, in a packaged deal, could bring some serious talent back. You also have to consider the clubhouse presence he brings. A positive one, not unlike Hunter, that would be missed. Even so, I think it’s best that he moves on.
Nathan should be traded…or at least considered. I’m not all that convinced that he will be as dominant as he once was- many closers follow this trend. Many reach their peak, and then just can’t do it anymore- usually a span of 3-5 years or so. Hawkins, Guardado, Gagne, Chan-Ho Park (I think). For every Rivera, K-Rod, and Hoffman (who actually is declining), there are many who don’t make a career closing. Nathan is still percieved as being dominant though and, again, bring back some serious talent. If they trade him and he succeeds, it could be another case of Brad Lidge, who it would seem, just needed a change of scenery.
The last win was almost a waste after losing last night. Too bad. Not done yet, but not looking good.
**The Twins should have made some kind of trade at the deadline**
I am wondering what Viking bloggers are saying about Childress as to what some of you are saying about Gardy. Gardy stays. Why is it so easy for us to say to trade Twins junk for establish players? The AJ trade days will not happen often. Nathan stays, Cuddyer stays(if anything, huge contract and good in the clubhouse - what does that mean anyways?), and Gomez has to play paper-rock-scissors some where else.
1. Why are they calling the new twins stadium target field? Now you have two stadiums a block apart named target. That is just great. We had the chance to name the new stadium Wheaties Field. How cool is that? I know money talks and BS runs the marathon, but TARGET?
2. In the start of the season people were calling this season a rebuilding year. Just wait till 2010, with new stadium. Now, we might miss the playoffs by 1 to 3 games and every idiot wants to trade all are young players.
Every one chill-out and rename the stadium.
TK(2): I have to strongly disagree with what you said about Delmon. He is definitely Exhibit A of the “We have to hang onto him because, although he is terrible, he is only 23″. He is brutal and he is always going to be brutal. As someone once said about Lonnie Smith, “The way he plays left field, he looks like he is running on a water bed”. Why would any pitcher EVER throw him a strike?! Please get rid of this bum, so we can have a chance to win. He is a black hole in the line up and a real detriment to team defense. I still can’t believe Smith gutted our infield by trading the excellent Jason “Little Jeter” Bartlett for this terrible player.
Four moves the Twins need to look at for next year.
They need to improve the bullpen #1.Just by adding Neshek it isn’t the answer. Boof, Reyes and Crain can all go. Guerrier needs to go back to an easier role.
#2 Look at Texas and see if they are willing to move Michael Young.
#3 DH — sorry but a Kubel/Cuddy DH doesn’t do much for me. Or a platoon in the OF if you move DY.
#4 Get Perkins to mature or ship him out. As well as the rest of the staff. It sure seems like if the defense makes an issue our starters tend to pout and pitch poorly.
Ha! Way to use my question. I remember Mike being a pretty good pitcher back in the day at St. Olaf - although I’m sure Molly is tough too 
Are 4 in the outfield a crowd? Add Kubel and the DH position and you have 5 players sharing 4 positions - that’s 130 games for each player.
Unless the Twins have a prospect ready for the majors (which they don’t), I hope the Twins keep all four outfielders. They’ll be enough opportunites for them all. Also it’s nice to have such depth in case of injury.
LaVelle! Thanks for posting my question. Not sure if you were being sarcastic or agreeing with me though??? Either way, I am correct, Nathan has put on weight! That isn’t the problem though. We’re just running on fumes right now and everybody seems to be throwing batting practice. Who knows, anything can happen just like in 2006. Unfortunately, we will either have to sweep the white sox or sweep the royals. 5 of 6 will at least get us into the one game playoff.
Kitty Kaat, like the post. The Twins play “small ball” and Delmon does not fit that. He can’t move runners over when he’s flailing away and striking out, and you have to play defense to play small ball. He is an embarrassment in the oufield. If they want to keep him around, they need to decide between him and Jason Kubel as the everyday DH. That is the only role those two are suited for…unless Delmon can improve his power and play a good third base???
LEN3: No chance of acquiring BJ Ryan because of the size of his contract or because of the recovery from Tommy John injury? Thanks…
LaVelle, if Gardy is such a good teacher, why do the Twins not do the little things right the longer TK is gone? Is it that all the players are actually from other minor league systems? Is the Twins minor league system not good, or do the major league coaches take some of the blame? The fundamentals on this team are bad, and this team is living off of its hard won reputation from the TK years.
It all comes down to this.
Cruse of the friggin’ Cuddyer! Give me a break fellas! The team that wins is the one that pitches, hits, and fields best. Curses have nothing to do with it. (Unless you’re talking about the curse of the goat)
I’m OK with the FO non-moves for the most part. A current starter and significant dollar outlay for Beltre? I might have done it but we still weren’t sure what we’d get out of Liriano. Bonsor and a lot of salary flexibility for Washburn? I know it’s hard to believe but Boof has value either for us or as part of a trade.
The clunker decision was passing on Bradford. Smith believing that it wasn’t much of an upgrade when we still had Bass in the pen was a blunder.
Man, am I sick of the Delmon bashing.
ALL of his offensive numbers are better than Gomez, but because he’s a better interview the press leaves him alone. Anybody want Rondell or Tyner back? Can you really make the argument that he’s the reason we won’t make the playoffs? BTW, he’s playing on a bad ankle…it’s the managers job to sit him if it effects his play too much.
I say let Punto go.
I don’t think we should trade for a 3B or SS…any free agents for next year? We have lots of $$$ to sign and I think we should hang on to all the young arms.
LENIII, thanks for the interesting blog. I am actually OK with Casilla at 2B and Punto at SS. Neither one of them can replace Bartlett. Why did the Twins “solve” an outfield problem by creating an infield hole? Our infield defense was a problem all year until Casilla came back.
I still like Beltre at 3B, although I doubt we will do a trade with Seattle. Beltre would be a rental next year, and not worth giving up what Seattle will want for him.
Gardenhire will get votes for manager of the year, and rightly so. To be 2 1/2 games back in a rebuilding year is an accomplishment that few managers can claim.
Q: What are the odds of a Twin sweep?
Well, Delmon is 27th in VORP among left fielders. He’s in the high 50’s in Win Shares among all OFers. He’s just not that good. I think a league average LFer would be worth 2-3 more wins, but I’m not versed enough in all the stats to figure it out….
