Twins-Reds: Notes and Lineups
Posted on February 26th, 2009 – 11:57 AMBy La Velle
Joe Crede told me this morning that he’s ready to make his Twins debut on Friday against the Yankees. Crede reported to camp on Sunday after agreeing to a free agent deal but needed a few days to get game-fit. “I’m just about ready,” he said.
Steve Tolleson’s strained oblique muscle has improved, but the Twins will continue to take it easy with him.
As you saw in today’s ink editions, it doesn’t look like the Twins will land free agent reliever Juan Cruz. I’m getting those indications by people on both sides of the issue right now, so unless there’s an amazing change in approach, the Twins will look elsewhere for bullpen help.
I was almost run over by a Jeep Wrangler in the parking lot this morning as I rushed to make a 7 a.m. interview. That’s a little bit of an exaggeration, but the Jeep did throw some dirt on me as I heard Al Green music blaring. The Jeep stopped…and out came Gardy.
“I could have taken your door off,” Gardy barked at me while grinning. The man is always fired up.
Lineups
Twins: 1. Span, LF. 2., Gomez, CF. 3. Harris. 3B. 4. Buscher, 3B. 5. Matos, RF. 6. Dustin Martin, DH. 7. Tolbert, 2B. 8. Jose Morales, C. 9 .Plouffe, SS. Pitching: Blackburn.
Reds: 1. Wily Taveras, CF. 2. Hariston, SS. 3. Votto, 1B. 4. Phillips, 2B. 5. JAY BRUCE, RF. 6. Twins spring training killer Edwin Encarnacion, 3B. 7. Laynce Nix, LF. 8. Ramon Hernandez, C. 9. Keppinger, DH. Pitching: Owings.
175 Responses to "Twins-Reds: Notes and Lineups"
I hope Tolleson get well soon, I think he could beat out Tolbert for a utility spot.
we dont have a 1b to day what Harris and Buscher are both playing 3B at the same time
Buscher at 1B I’m guessing. Looks like a spring training road lineup.
LEN, how motivated are the Twins to “find bullpen help elsewhere” vs. standing pat?
La Velle-
A suggestion to pass on to the web designers. Can you have them send the full text to the RSS feed so you don’t have to click the link to the site to read your postings. It makes things a lot easier for those of us that are RSS addicts.
Is Buscher playing 1B? Looks like you have both Harris and Buscher listed as 3B with nobody at 1B.
Al Green. Sounds about right.
Busch is playing 1st, says so at mlb.com, glad to see morales in there at catcher; he will be the future catcher of twins, well when we either lose mauer to the red sox or move him to 3rd.
Harris and Buscher are both at 3B? I guess Buscher needs all the help he can get over there.
where can you get the gameday
I second the full text in the RSS feed request…
It will be interesting to see what the Twins do with that final spot on the active roster. Assuming 12 pitching spots they will either keep Buscher to backup 3rd and first, or if they are confident in Cuddyer spelling Morneau from time to time, they might keep Tolbert… Maybe Macri… Doubtful on Pridie… No chance for Tolleson.
It is interesting to see if they carry a 3rd catcher until Joe can play every day… Maybe some Jose Morales???
Micah,
the Strib is actually funding these pages with advertisement impression, so there is no way they would ever put the whole text in an RSS feed.
Actually, I like Morales so much that I wonder if a perfect world would involve Redmond as a coach and Mauer injury replacement. Morales needs some major league at-bats, no? Why isn’t he ever in the conversation as the No. 2, other than because everyone likes Redmond so much, including me?
Hopefully the true “catcher of the future” Ramos gets a few innings today. I am really looking forward to seeing what this kid can do.
I love how some people feel they need to point out all the obvious mistakes on a blog. If you cant figure out who’s playing what position then maybe baseball is too complicated for you.
Ramos is a beast! He had a great winter… Hopefully he improves his patience at the plate a bit and his receiving skills– 2 huge obstacles to be a catcher for the Twins.
who are the other pitcher that will pitch today?besids blackburn
If La Velle throws a big fat cookie right over the plate, why not take a hack at it?
Who is going to play first when Morneau gets hurt in the WBC??
can see or hear the game, but looks like Blackie pitched a perfect game today 
Guerrier, Breslow, Mijares, Humber, and Dickey.
Len3 when i read your post i thought at first you and Gardy were going to throw down.
Do you guys think Buscher will overthrow himself if he tosses to himself at first today??
I kid, I kid. I like Buscher. But like the Crede signing better.
Buscher just put up a 2-spot off Cordero.
Trade Kubel..make Buscher the full time DH LOL
3B is obviously a problem.
6-6 with 2 2B’s so far.
Regards,
Nothing quite like having depth, eh? Crede stays healthy and we have some thunder on the bench.
I love how spring training makes everyone so optimistic 
Perfect game after 4.
Dragon
you suck.
Regards,
That is its express purpose, I’m pretty sure.
Rob,
That’s the nicest thing ANYONE has said about me today.
My sincerest thanks.
Regards,
Dragon
No problem.
Regards,
I didn’t know Al Green did a country album.
“I love how spring training makes everyone so optimistic”
Enjoy it while it last thrylos
Kusick & Jeff:
It will be interesting to see what happens if Ramos and Morales are really tearing it up this year. How long do you keep them down on the farm for the sake of keeping Redmond? No doubt Redmond is a great backup to have right now.
Walter
This is the last year of redmonds contract, i say give him another one year contract for 1.5 mil and then let the younguns take over. They are still 2 years away in my opinion
Al Green? I like Gardy even more now.
Morales is not a baby. He is 26. If all goes well he will be the backup next year. I just can’t see the Twins give another year to Redmond. They have way too many catchers in the minors who could have equal or better than Redmond’s production next year.
Redmond will finish up the year if he’s healthy…with Ramos or Morales getting some face time in September.
I’m just saying WHAT IF. I’m sure their ability to handle pitchers is probably a couple years away. At least to the Twins standard. But what if one turns into an offensive force? Trade? The Twins wouldn’t call them up to mostly sit on the bench when they could be getting experience in the minors. Move Mauer? DH?
I would be surprised if Wilson Ramos gets called up this year since he is only starting his first year at New Britain. If he continues to play like he has I am sure they will put him in AAA some time this year I would guess. I am just very excited to see what this kid can do. One of our few position players who are ranked so high that is not an outfielder.
No free TV broadcast today?
[…] respect LEN3 as a good beat writer. That sentiment is apparently not shared by the enigmatic Gardy. Tell it La Velle: I was almost run over by a Jeep Wrangler in the parking lot this morning as I rushed to make a 7 […]
WJ,
I think that Ramos is probably a year away. If Morales did not get injured last year, he could well been the back up catcher this year instead of Redmond. If Ramos turns into an offensive force, you bring him up and find 300 or so AB for him as a PT DH/1B/C (about the ABs that Monroe/Ruiz and Redmond had last year).
Buscher definitely has a chip on his shoulder; and go Harris at 3rd (both in the lineup and at the bag). I dare Gardy to try that this year in the real games.
how was Buscher’s fielding at 1b? if it was decent, he might be worth keeping to give Morneau a day off there (although I’d rather have the righty bat of cuddy there).
Some more O from the farm system against the aged Arthur Rhodes. I wonder if his bling is blinding himself rather than the hitters today.
La Velle
Have the Twins ever looked into trading for Edwin Encarnacion? The Reds always seem desperate for pitching. Not that it matters now with Crede.
Plus, I know Encarnacion is terrible defensively, and Im guessing this would have been a huge hold up?
the Dragon says:
“3B is obviously a problem.
6-6 with 2 2B’s so far.
Regards,”
Rob says:
“Dragon
you suck.
Regards,”
That’s what you get, Dragon,for posting such inflammatory stuff!
Jeeze!
Tough room!
4-0 on rbi double by Marting and rbi single by Morales in the 6th off Rhodes.
Dragon
All offseason, according to you, anyone complaining that the Twins weren’t signing anyone to play third were impatient morons, and that the front office should not be questioned, because they are professional baseball people, and we are not, and out of the loop. Now that Crede has been signed you are (in a vague and roundabout way, as is your style) questioning that signing (and the Twins’ front office, because they signed him) based on 2 good spring training games by the guys he presumably is replacing. That’s quite a talent you have there, talking out of both sides of your mouth.
Martin, sorry…Buscher led the inning off with a single,PR Peterson scored..Mijares picked off Phillips after the first hit of the game by CIN.
and blackburn was the guy that the ‘experts’ on 9 thought would disappoint.
he’s out like he’s got something to prove today.
Funkytown,
are you watching the game some place? (where?) or just following the box score?
Sane
I think YGTBKM did a good job of actually explaining what Rob meant by ‘you suck’
Yanks and Rays on YES…631 DTV
Mets and Marlins on SNY…639 DTV
Dbacks and Indians on STO/MLB…662 or 213
I would say that before and after the Crede signing, the Dragon supported the incumbents at 3B and was opposed to signing a new 3B. I disagree with him, but his consistancy is obvious to me.
The gameday app kinda works.
go to the url: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_02_26_minmlb_cinmlb_1
Sane
Oh. Apologies to Dragon
I was fine with Harris and Buscher as long as they showed improvement/stability at the position. But Crede is so smexy in a Twins uni.
Following the box…
Dickey to pitch the 6th..mlb box says Lehmann gets to catch…poor kid.
and for further games, you just replace the date and the road home teams
and Toby in at SS
(slowly updated) gameday:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_02_26_minmlb_cinmlb_1
Funny to see Buscher and Harris bopping it. Everyone plays better after being jilted like Denard last year. You know if Crede wasn’t around they would both be 1 for 5 so far.
Gameday works perfectly…you can even click the calendar link there in the upper right and see schedule info for days into the future.
OK, Gameday not quite perfectly, works but with frequent delays today.
sane
consistancy is well and good, but our fellow Twins fan Dragon talks down to anyone that disagrees with moves (or non-moves) that the Twins front office makes. Usually something along the lines of “Oh, I suppose you know better. Well, you don’t, because you don’t know what went into making said decision.” Now, it appears that Mr. Dragon himself disagrees with the twins front office. I would like him to give himself a virtual scolding.
You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me!
Several points:
First, I did not have the angst of most on this board over the winter, I think I stated my reasons, and they are sincerely held.
Second, I have no problem with the signing of Crede, at the price. I DO have concerns about his health OR continued health. Appearently, I am not alone, considering during the euphoria following the signing, at least 75% of the posts included the caveat “IF HEALTHY”.
Third, the following the comment…means
Fourth, and most important, my home planet “Moo-ron” has 2 languages strikingly similar to English. In the Northern hemisphere they speak “Boolsheish” while in the Southern hemishpere they speak “Kowpiis”. These subtle, yet striking differences in my Native tongue may cause any misunderstanding.
Regards,
The updates come all at once. I bet they’re being sent to mlb headquarters by carrier pigeon at each inning break.
You’ve,
Gotcha.
I see your side also.
I, also, think the FO gets a lot smarter when they do what I like.
Often, they refuse to do what I want, and I end up questioning their intelligence.
if this has already been posted sorry!!
According to Tony Jackson of the Los Angeles Daily News, the Dodgers have agreed to terms with Doug Mientkiewicz on a minor league contract.
What’s with the Buscher bashing. He’s done nothing but work his butt off and does have a chip on his shoulder with the Crede signing. BUT Buscher is a TEAM player and just wants to contribute and help the TEAM win……
If all players had his attitude and work habits the managers job would be a snap.
So get off the Buscher bashing and pull for ALL of the Twins. His throws, hitting etc all will be improved. Crede was a good signing for the Twins’ Buscher said so himself but he wants and showing that he is a vital part of the TEAM and wants to earn a spot.
I am Topp Dogg.
Dickey very impressive today. 10 pitches 10 strikes, 1 hit, 3 strikeouts in 3 pitches each…
Preseason Gameday doesn’t give an accurate pitch count. It adds 3 per strike out, 1 per other out and 4 per walk.
Tony,
thanks
I wasn’t buschy bashing just noting that he isn’t as good as it looks so far. He clearly is pissed about Crede. I thought his D was Ok last year, he has improved at 3b.
Topp Dogg,
IMO, Buscher is a high character guy, who deserves anything good that comes his way.
If his hard work results in improved defense and improved at-bats against LHP’s, then good things WILL come his way.
Looks like Humber is blowing his shot.
His 1st outing isn’t horrendous.
Did Dickey throw 10 knuckleballs?
ggg… I suppose Dougie signing by the Dodgers means they’ve decided to move on from attempting to re-sign Manny.
is the game on radio?
Too bad for Humber as I was really hoping that he would have an excellent spring. Thankfully this is only the second game so he has plenty of time to atone for himself.
4 hits/hit batter and 4 runs off Humber.
Anybody remember the last team that had a knuckleballer for a reliever? I can only come up with starters.
I always love how much stock people can put in one spring training performance. You should get neither too excited nor too depressed over any performance in the spring.
yeah. the mariners had dickey last year. knuckleballer at reliver, duh. =P
WJ,
Joe Niekro was a reliever for the Twins (and occasional starter)… I guess the answer would be Seattle last season
What’s everyone’s obsession with the smiley faces today?
Jake,
= Regards,
Drewski,
Thanks, I had forgotten about Dickey with Seattle. That’s crazy that there would be two knuckleball relievers both named Dickey.
Is that a joke, Walter? R.A. Dickey was with Seattle last year. Taken in the Rule 5 from the Twins.
Walter-
You can’t be serious…
My gosh, the announcers on the ESPN Braves/Astros have been bragging up the Twins big time. They make the right decisions & do things the right way. Wow!
Walter,
Quit Funnin’ these guys!!!
[…] Twins Insider – […]
WJ,
if you mean anyone else but Dickey, Russ Springer has been relieving for 16 seasons.
Knuckleballer relievers
Hoyt Wilhelm 1070 games, 52 starts
Eddie Fisher 690 games 63 starts
I remember picking up Tom Candiotti on MLB or MVP baseball 95 for my Sega and his knuckleball was UNHITTABLE!
sane,
I suspect the list of “knucklehead” releivers is MUCH longer.
“I suppose Dougie signing by the Dodgers means they’ve decided to move on from attempting to re-sign Manny”
that would be the logical thing to think their careers have matched each other and dougie is far more versatile!
Niekro started 18 games for the Twins in 1987. The other starters were Viola, Blyleven, Les Straker, and Mike Smithson.
Brock’s the man
Way to go Brock !!
Lou Brock? Brock Lesner?
twins put up a 5 spot in the 8th powered by a slam by peterson…..
Brock Peterson. Grand Salami in the 8th
Who is Brock Peterson?
Hey Walter Johnson,
Are you having a little trouble with names today??
Who is Brock Peterson?
Caveat: ;-) ;-)
Morneau better get on the stick!!!
Last night a sweet double. TODAY! 1B 3-5 3Runs scored 2 HR 6RBI.
Definately.
Swarzak just might have that big breakout year this year!
So Brock Peterson is going to be this year’s Randy Ruiz?
Hey Toronto has a guy named Randy Ruiz playing for them too! What a coincidence!
Jeff,
I can’t take any more. Twilight Zone.
So Brock Peterson is going to be this year’s Randy Ruiz?
Too early to tell, but most likely he will continue to be the Red Wings first baseman. If the Twins go North with 14 position players, 2 (IF) bench spots are in play and he is in play for one of them
“Who is Brock Peterson?”
How embarrasing that we should not know the guy who SethSpeaks pegged as the 42nd best prospect last year. No one else even put the guy on a list. It’s a great game, ain’t it? What a thrill for this kid.
at this point we can only assume the twins are now world series champion favorites!!
Dragon,
“I suspect the list of “knucklehead” releivers is MUCH longer.”
I have spent many coaching years looking for relief from knuckleheads.
Please forward that list.
Randy Ruiz?? A 30 yr old minor league free agent, compared to a 24 yr old draft pick who has worked his way through the Twins system??
Walter,
I know that your a very smart Twins fan and baseball in general. I was just giving you a little ribbing is all!
Good for Gabino today! Maybe he will show everyone that he does indeed belong on the 40 man roster! These two games are definitely showing that Buscher has come to play!
Jeff, I know very little about minor league players, especially those on other clubs. I also am fairly ignorant about alot of players in the National League unless they’ve been around for awhile.
Brock seems like a good guy. Tried to give my stepkid a bat. Hope he continues to do well.
Hey Walter,
It is funny but you have the same name as an old Washington Senator pitcher. Maybe you should change your moniker on here to the “Big Train” or something original like that!
Looks like everyone pitched well except Humber.
Thrylos,
Great report on part 2 or your story! Where did you come up with those photos of the torn and repaired labrum, and rotator cuff??
Jeff,
I like to think I’m being original in my commonness.
It is pretty funny, Walter Johnson.
awesome game. Go Butcher
“Christy Mathewson says:
February 26th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
It is pretty funny, Walter Johnson.”
What’s REALLY funny is that my real name is Grover Alexander!
It is very encouraging to see our number 4 and 5 starters start out there spring so well. Lets hope they keep it up and the other starters all come through this year. If they all keep progressing I am sure we will be in the thick of things this year.
Right, Louie. What are we going to do about our glut of hard hitting third basemen? (other than move one to first, I mean)
I heard that hitting is contagious. So let’s keep it going and hope everyone feeds off these young guys whether they make the team or not.
So the homer was hit off Arthur Rhodes isn’t he older then Walter Johnson?
Anybody interested in pictures of the tear I described yesterday?
I didn’t think so.
stick one in left. I heard we have an opening.
I see that Toby played SS, had one at-bat and struck out.
Thrylos!
Comments?
Toby “took charge”.
Buscher got off to a hot start last spring training as well. Remember Gardy called him the most improved player but then he tailed off greatly as Tolbert came on in the last 2-3 weeks of ST. So Buscher needs to substain throughout Spring T. this year.
I am Topp Dogg.
Played his ass off!
When the 3B didn’t follow his orders, Toby was heard to say “Don’t you know who I am”?!
Went after it!
John Bonser,
Did you have your “Boof” surgically removed?
We all heard that it was your labia.
sane,
“Boof” is a cool name when you are a Major League pitcher, but kind of a dumb one when you are some guy working down at the car wash.
right sid he really worked the caulk today
John Bonser,
““Boof” is a cool name when you are a Major League pitcher, but kind of a dumb one when you are some guy working down at the car wash.”
Sorry to hear about your sudden career change.
sane,
It won’t be that sudden. I’ll milk the DL and rehab stints for a couple years.
John Bonser,
Just don’t give away your chamois. (sham-ees?)
sane,
ShamWow!
how is boof a cool name at all
Where is Jimmy Bee?
just a spring training game but so far so good.
I haven’t even heard of brock peterson and he hit a grand slam. thats sweet.
a two spot by buscher is also good too.
peterson, went with the big club to the last two games spring training games in Pittsburg. he had a homerun and several other hits, drafted in 49th rd from high school. last year started playing left field, in addition to 1st, dh and has played third in his A ball days. has power, raw talent.
I love this lineup! It’s the perfect solution to Buscher’s defensive problems - have another guy there at third base to back him up. Plus, we won’t have to worry about his erratic throws to first base, since there is nobody at first to dig them out of the dirt anyway. If we had thought of this before, the Crede signing would have been completely unnecessary!
Sane:
Regarding your earlier comment about the Boof being surgically removed… I think you meant to say “labrum,” not “labia.” I am not a doctor, but I am pretty sure that men do not have labia. Though, to be honest, I have never gotten to know Mr. Bonser well enough to verify that firsthand…
Icon, that was the big joke yesterday. Doc accidentally typed “labia” instead of “labrum.” There were several jokes about the whole thing. I’m glad you don’t know Bonser that well, incidentally. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I can safely say after just 2 games Matos stinks..
Probably the first link…
Second seems like just a base link. Like a home button for gameday.
Pete,
Matos stunk even before those 2 games
Tolleson not ready for the BIGS.
Tolleson not ready for the BIGS.
based on?
Tolleson career minor league numbers: .280/.379/.408 (he is 25)
Buscher career minor league numbers:
.280/.349/.404 (he will be 28, April 18th)
plus that defense thing…
Y’know, I’m a little reluctant to complain, but it’s now several hours after the spring game ended, there’s at least two STrib sports writers at spring training, and yet there’s not a thing on the sports page, or one of these blogs, about the outcome of today’s game.
Unless I’m missing it…no game story, no box score, no blog blurb, nothing.
What’s up with that?
i was all for the signing of crede or even wigginton, but in truth i remember thinking to myself last year that this kid buscher is one hell of a hitter…i just liked his approach and he has a short. compact swing and always seemed to get damn good wood on the ball…not a big power guy but definately a line drive, gap type pull hitter…the twins may just have to find a way to keep his bat in the lineup, as i believe and even as he improves, he may just have one of the best bats on this team…call me crazy, but im tellin ya this kid knows how to hit…of course i dont have splits and so i am referring to what ive seen of him against mostly rt handers…but thats ok as we have crede and i wish him all the best on his new team—-we have a good situation-its up to gardy to figure it all out……
Who’s on first?
Just a thought on the cruz report but maybe the twins didn’t like the fact that he’s in zona right now making demands under contract if im not mistaken? Thats not the type of locker room attitude the twins need. We have a lot of young arms why not see what happens? Livan was a answer last year? No Way! Who knows maybe one of the young guys step up a-la last year! Theres always plenty of time to make something happen if need be.
What I really want to know is what the Twins DID offer Cruz.
“What I really want to know is what the Twins DID offer Cruz.”
The opportunity of a lifetime!
Gardy— listening to Al Green the quintessential soul man. I wouldn’t have guessed that in 100 tries. He must have been listening to “Everything’s gonna be allright”
HAVE FUN !!! GO TWINS !!!
SkyBlue
What is.
[…] Watch it, you won’t be disappointed.I’ve criticized Ron Gardenhire plenty, but I’ll never question his taste in music or hit-and-run targets.When the supermodel you’re dating vows to remain a virgin until marriage … […]
hasn’t pitched “since”, not “sense”.
