Twins-Rays: Pregame
Posted on April 28th, 2009 – 2:32 PMBy La Velle
Twins are 1-for-19 with runners in scoring position over their past two games. More to come, or just a phase?
Here are the pitching matchups for the Royals series this weekend:
Friday: Slowey vs Sir Sidney
Saturday: Perkins vs Bannister
Sunday: Baker vs Gil Meche
5:36 Update: Joe Mauer will catch five to seven innings to night for Class A Fort Myers. He will not play in Wednesday’s 10 a.m. and instead will travel back to the Twin Cities, take Thursday off then play on Friday against the Royals.
If the Twins can win these last two games against the Rays they will be 11-11 without Mauer.
Michael Cuddyer said he should have walked twice yesterday. Ron Gardenhire said other players could have reached base just by letting Jeff Niemann walk them. Bad at-bats are on the rise. James Shields throws four pitches but mostly is a fastball-changeup guy. Cuddyer, who is 2 for 3 against Shields, said being aggressive early in the count is the way to go with pitchers like Shields, but Shields isn’t afraid to throw breaking balls early in the count and first-pitch changeups the second and third time through the order.
Lineups
Tampa Bay (8-12)
1. B.J. Upton, CF
2. Carl Crawford, LF
3. Evan Longoria, 3B
4. Carlos Pena, 1B
5. Pat Burrell, DH
6. Gabe Kapler, RF
7. Dioner Navarro, C
8. Jason Bartlett, SS
9. Akinori Iwamura, 2B
Pitching: James Shields
Twins (9-11)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Justin Morneau, DH
4. Jason Kubel, LF - 6-for-10, HR vs Shields
5. Joe Crede, 3B
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Brian Buscher, 1B
8. Jose Morales, C
9. Nick Punto, SS
Pitching: Francisco Liriano
512 Responses to "Twins-Rays: Pregame"
Cuddyer is playing and Gomess isn’t. That’s the way it’s going to be. Get over it.
If he insists on playing Cuddyer ad nauseam why not send a little message/shot across his bow and put Buscher and Morales ahead of him in the order…especially Morales? He might get at least a little shook up batting 8th.
I think Gomez is already in Florida with his wife.
Cuddy
Gomez is in FL cuz his wife is having a baby
Not really looking for an answer, but how does Cuddyer always find a spot in the lineup? And over D. Young? Cuddy is 3/21 in the past week batting .143 and Young is a strong 6/18 at .333
Matt E - this is the same Manager that puts LNP in the lineup every night we expect this by now
So is it finally time to admit that there really isn’t a 3OF/1DH platoon with the Twins?
Fire…I fully expect to see LNP and magic man in there, but at least have the decency to give everyone a firm confirmation that this is the route they’re going to take.
never was one Gardy said during Winter in Fargo his starting outfield was GOGO,SPAN,Cuddy
And when I say “expect” I am not inclining that I agree with the 2 of them in there all the time.
It takes 2 months for Gardy to figure out who sucks. Then they get benched, and the real line-up gets put on the field and the Twins make their annual June surge, and Gardy gets his praise for turning a bad situation into a good one. Someday I hope he can just start April off with the best 9 players. In this instance, Cuddyer and Punto out, Young/Gomez and Harris in. Seems everyone here knows it (minus Craig).
Cuddy is like the wind, the sun, the moon, the stars, fire and rain. He is eternal. He is ever. He is.
Cuddy is the Alpha and Omega. Gods bow before him and call him Lord. Cuddy is the zenith, the apogee. He always was and always will be. He is MAGIC!!!
Cuddy is also being paid beaucoup bucks.
Punto is playing and Harris isn’t. That’s the way it’s going to be. Get over it.
Willie, Cuddyer can reimburse me for my time watching him at the plate all season long. I watch expecting a Major League player on the field. Here’s to hoping for my check in October.
I’m glad that we miss Grienke this weekend.
Craig, Gomez is in Florida. For a guy who is a big enough fan to commment on these blogs, one would assume you knew that.
SweetOne, doesn’t matter wathc pitcher we see from KC this weekend. All 5 starters have a below 2 ERA
Sorry, minus Ponson.
dang retract my comment…
Cuddyer is WORTHLESS.
Davies and Ponson have been getting shelled, but Banniseter, Meche and Greinke have been completely solid.
Yes, I have fully accepted the fact Punto will be starting and there is nothing I can do except cringe when the guy can’t drive in a run from 3rd with less than 2 outs because he can’t hit a ball deeper than shallow outfield. But when Harris gets to start all 3 games versus the Angels, and the Twins win all three games, I just feel there might be hope the guy gets to play more. But I do fully understand Punto will be playing, and believe it or not, I actually am cheering for him because I am a Twins fan first, Punto hater second.
Punto has a .344 OBP. Third highest among the regulars.
Well put AJ, think we’re all cheering for LNP and Cuddy to smack a liner in the gap. But we still hate to see them in every day.
I hope Cuddy keeps his eyes open tonight.
“I am a Twins fan first, Punto hater second.”
No. I don’t think that is true. Just the reverse.
when kubel goes off again tonite perhaps gardy will get the hint he likes to be in the outfield instead of dhing. kubel-span-delmon . . well, not much range but we may put up more than one f’n run. check that… gardy won’t realize it anyway
Good lineup, except for the right fielder.
Right, Ben. Cuddy’s fly ball was a hard play but if he can’t make those catches, may as well play the younger guys.
95% of AJ Pesh’s comments are anti-Punto spiels. The other 5% are about something else.
It’s probably closer to 99% anti-Punto, but I’m being generous.
“Cuddyer is playing and Gomess isn’t. That’s the way it’s going to be. Get over it.”
I am over it.
It may be too late to cancel my hit-man, however.
with all the hate on LNP (I included) I wouldn’t be apposed to seeing a possible start of Harris over Casilla. He’s been struggling almost as much as Punto.
Craig, please tell me what else I think since apparently you can read my mind. I kind of want to know what I am going to eat tonight, so let me know. I’s hungry!
“Craig, Gomez is in Florida. For a guy who is a big enough fan to commment on these blogs, one would assume you knew that.”
Yeah Rob, I had read that, but the girl from the copy room was sitting on my lap at the time. It slipped my mind while I was minding her slip.
Matt,
It’s too early to tell with Bannister. He appears to be getting “lucky” so far. He has only started 2 games and has a 3-1 BB/K ratio.
Sidney Moncrief is pitching for KC?!
“please tell me what else I think since apparently you can read my mind”
He probably just reads your posts.
A.J. Pesh:
Your 2:48 post is 100% right on the money. And I hope everyone goes back and reads it again.
Twins could run out nine All-Stars onto the field and there would still be people whining about something. 
Sidney who? I thought you meant Sidney Poitier.
Friday: Slowey vs Sir Sidney
Sidney Moncrief. Sir Sid.
“Twins could run out nine All-Stars onto the field and there would still be people whining about something.”
We would be whining about the Twins using nine players who aren’t on the Twins roster.
Sidney Poitier is a knight.
Five of the nine starters tonight are hitting .236 or lower.
Four are hitting .208 or lower.
Meanwhile, a guy that’s hitting .314 is on the bench.
I will whine when there is something to whine about.
Sidney Poitier is a knight.
But is he Royal?
“Sidney Poitier is a knight.”
With the Twins, he was a knight-mare.
Maybe the Garza trade had a clause that said Young and Harris could never be used against the Rays. Did Harris play in the last series against Tampa?
crosby? Maybe Slowey would like to face Sid the kid….
Kubes is in LF because DY didn’t catch that homerun last night, at least Gladden told me he should have caught it.
“Meanwhile, a guy [Harris] that’s hitting .314 is on the bench.”
.314 in 35 total AB.
1 hit in his last 3 games (12 AB).
Gardy knows what he is doing.
LaVelle says:
“Friday: Slowey vs Sir Sidney”
Hartmann is pitching for the Royals on Friday night?
Actually a clause in the trade said I could only use DY and Harris as often as they could use Garza so Harris and DY will play every 5th day.
“Kubes is in LF because DY didn’t catch that homerun last night, at least Gladden told me he should have caught it.”
Kubel has mad hops!
Gomez is so fast i bet he ran to florida
It would be too heart breaking to play Harris at SS tonight. Watching Bartlett range left and right making all the plays, while Harris can’t get to anything. Too sad to watch.
Meanwhile, a guy that’s hitting .314 is on the bench.
just like last September…
Harris, Delmon, Pridie.
Can we just return them? They don’t fit.
Can someone please tell me what kind of blackmail Cruddy has on Gardy?? Seriously why does he get a spot in the lineup EVERYDAY when he does absolutely nothing!!!!! Hasn’t he been given enough chances to prove that he isn’t an everyday player??
It just blows my mind that we give up Garza for Young (who won’t be turning 24 until mid September mind you) and then we don’t even play him everyday to see if he is going to be a part of the Twins future plans. If he isn’t then why did you make the trade in the first place???? I have no problem trading talent for talent but how can anybody know what he can do when he plays here and there, never gets a chance to get into a groove! WAKE UP GARDY!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t even get me started on Punto, 4 million dollars for a utility player at best when Bobby Abreu signed for 5 millions dollars. Nice work Bill Smith on the Punto signing, could have waited until like a week before spring training and signed him to a minor league deal plus incentives because nobody in their right mind would have signed him for more then that except the Twins!! I can live with Harris at SS because his bat is WAY BETTER THAN PUNTO’S and that more then makes up the difference in the field.
Out.
No Craig… you don’t fit.
If the pitching rotation was handled like the lineup we’d be seeing Guerrier starting every 5th day.
And yes, he pitches far better than I ever could. So?
Don’t even get me started on Punto, 4 million dollars for a utility player at best when Bobby Abreu signed for 5 millions dollars.
That’s kind of apples and oranges, but the comparison to Orlando Hudson’s contract (and performance) this season is a very valid one.
DY needs to play everyday. His patience was better than I’ve ever seen it last night and he will improve only if he sees regular playing time. The Twins are wasting his potential. I would like to see DY in right, Gomez in center, and Span in left. Cuddy is washed up and looks like he’s hungover in every at bat.
Marv,
the rotation is handled like the line up, though you gotta give Gardy credit for consistency.
well said Robert
Bobby Abreu can’t play middle infield
Don’t be angry, folks. Things will get better. If the Twins win the next two, they’ll finish April at .500. And to tell the truth, .500 for one month without the team’s best player is not half bad.
You just have to look at the glass as half full!
You just have to look at the glass as half full!
the glass is half full and it is still early and the Central is weaker and the Twins can win it.
That said, this team currently ranks 12th in the AL in OPS and 10th in the AL in ER given. That is a problem and it is better taken care of sooner than later, so the glass will be even fuller.
woot woot! go twins!
I think that Mauer will help the team’s OPS problem. Even if he isn’t his old self right away, the OPS difference between the Redmond/Morales platoon and last year’s batting champ will be huge.
As for the pitching issues, there is no reason to expect Liriano and Baker to continue to pitch as badly as they have. They have nowhere to go but up!
“Harris, Delmon, Pridie.
Can we just return them? They don’t fit.”
Craig, that’s so good! Thanks for the humor.
OPS difference between the Redmond/Morales platoon and last year’s batting champ will be huge.
not as huge as one might think, esp if Morales is optioned to Rochester.
Morales’ OPS 2009: .839
Mauers’ career OPS: .856 (.864 last season)
Cuddy and Punto play because they make to much money not to I’m shocked we doubled LNP salary this season, when nobody else wanted him as a starter
Yeah, Miller for Life. Yeah. Like, really. Yeah. They totally suck. I’m kinda hungry.
Amtrekman:
I realize that Abreu can’t play middle infield. I was just pointing out a contract for someone who has 6 straight seasons of 100+ RBI plus he is a career .300 hitter and we are paying Punto close to the same amount. Punto wouldn’t start on any other major league team.
The Angels got a deal because they waited and the Twins pounced because Punto is a gamer according to Gardy!
Take the Crede contact for example, the Twins are paying him less because they waited. Now granted Crede can earn more then Punto but that is with incentives. I am sorry but Harris could handle SS, his defense is not as good as Punto’s but his bat is way better.
They talk about being a small market team but yet they pay Punto that kind of money when he should be earning like 500K plus incentives. They could have signed Orlando Hudson to play 2nd and put Casilla over to SS (his natural position) and that would have been a way better deal.
Casilla down. Tolbert up.
Casilla down. Tolbert up.
that would really fix things up… Tolbert is hitting .203 in AAA
we can’t even get Gardy to sit Lexi for a week, there is no way he would go down to AAA… even if it meant getting Tolbert up here
I’m wondering why we don’t see Harris in early and then replaced for defensive reasons after we’re up by a few…
Also, Bert seemed to be describing in great detail the issue with Baker and the adjustment he needed to make. Any chance that Bert talks to Baker or Gardy about this kind of thing? Seemed like he had solved the Baker problem to the TV viewer…it made the next few pitches nerve-wracking - especially the ball to Cuddy that wasn’t caught…by the way, the best photo of the year in the paper today! (Eyes closed, could have been the problem Cuddy!)
“Casilla down. Tolbert up.
that would really fix things up… Tolbert is hitting .203 in AAA”
You’re so right, thrylos. Casilla may or may not end up being the next Luis Rivas, but why is it automatically assumed that Tolbert would have sustained success at this level? To me, Tolbert is another slightly varied cutout of Punto, Hocking, etc. and no more of a panacea for what ails this team than, say, Plouffe.
Putting Cuddyer in the lineup everyday is more fraudulent than a Bernie Madoff run business.
I mean, this is going from unbelievable to corrupt.
Not to pile on the Punto bashing, but last night…
Punto got his pitch, put a good swing on the ball, got the ball on the sweet spot, made contact out in front of the plate, pulled the ball on the perfect trajectory…
and flew out short of the track in right.
When a guy does everything right, and STILL can’t get the ball to the fence, that’s a problem. It shows up not just in a lack of homeruns, but a lack of extra base hits.
This, in a nutshell, is one of the primary problems with the Twins philosophy of how to build an offense, and why, ideally, the Twins front office wouldn’t sign a guy like LNP expecting him to hold down a regular job for two years.
here is some surprising numbers, talking about OPS…
this is the Twins’ OPS per position, normalized to the league’s OPS per position, where 100 is league average (sOPS+ from baseball reference). Higher than 100 means that Twins’ players in that position having higher OPS than league average and less than 100 means that they are having lower than average:
C: 104
1B: 93
2B: 34
3B: 88
SS: 93
LF: 108
CF: 66
RF: 56
DH: 82
(given that Kubel hit for the cycle as a left fielder)
Robert,
I know it doesn’t mean much, logic and grey matter rarely do.
You might look at the calendar, particularly when they signed.
Regards,
We need to send H.R. Baker down and bring someone in. How about the highschool pitcher who threw consecutive no hitters.
I know it doesn’t mean much, logic and grey matter rarely do.
You might look at the calendar, particularly when they signed.
Dragon,
foul
Punto signed his contract on 12/11/2008
on 12/11/2008 the Dow Jones was at 8565
on 12/11/2007 the Dow Jones was at 13433
the economy was in the dumper when Punto signed. No excuses.
I like how you use numbers, Thrylos, but I might have to disagree with your position breakdown by OPS at this point. After only 20 games, the sample size is still pretty low; the 2B number looks ridiculous, but that’s misleading because Casilla was in a slump. Likewise, as you pointed out, one amazing game by Kubel jacked up the LF number.
That said, I’d like to take this opportunity to laugh at the Punto bashers: according to that chart, Punto is doing just as well as Justin Morneau!
here is some surprising numbers, talking about OPS… Interesting that SS and 1B are rated the same.
I think Punto is a good player for his role. He should not be expected to be a middle of the order hitter with any sort of power. That would be ridiculous. But he is a slick fielding middle infielder who can take a walk, steal a base, and in my opinion, provide decent production from the bottom of the order.
If you want to complain about a Twin, peopel, please for the love of God, complain about Cuddyer or Crede. Punto doesn’t deserve it.
thrylos,
I guess Punto’s contract was 5X any other signed in the November/early December time frame. MY BAD.
Regards,
ps: I suspect Sabathia & Texeria signed their contracts when the DOW was…what, 30,000?
I remember seeing numbers similar to the ones that thrylos put up but I think 2nd was slightly higher because they had factored in Harris’s few games at that position but without him it would be down right embarassing.
Boy, dat was fast!!
ps: I suspect Sabathia & Texeria signed their contracts when the DOW was…what, 30,000?
Sabathia and Texeira are premier players. There are the exception. And they got way over-priced contracts as well, from the Yankees, who are known to over pay. I don’t think that there was a risk to wait and sign Punto…
As long as we’re on the OPS discussion, I would like to point out that Cuddyer’s OPS is .581. There is your problem right there.
After only 20 games, the sample size is still pretty low;
not really, in this case. These are comparative numbers. All teams played about 20 games so you compare apples with apples.
It is a snapshot of how the Twins are doing at this point in this season relative to the other teams in the league.
It is not forecasting by any means, but one might say, hey, we are lagging there…
That actually makes Punto’s .598 look good by comparison!
I would like to point out that Cuddyer’s OPS is .581. There is your problem right there.
that’s one. Casilla is another. CF is another. What is not that much of a problem is Punto and Crede, relative to the league, for those who keep score.
Someday I hope he can just start April off with the best 9 players.
The funny thing is the “best 9″ at the beginning of the season typically aren’t the “best 9″ half way through and typically aren’t the “best 9″ at the end.
The funny thing is the “best 9″ at the beginning of the season typically aren’t the “best 9″ half way through and typically aren’t the “best 9″ at the end.
correct.
But a manager’s job is to play the best 9 in any given day. If he cannot do that…
thry -
Those numbers are really disturbing.
And I’m not talking about Punto looking good in comparison. He’s a Twin & I hope he has a career year.
We suck all over the place. I hate that.
People are going to write our names on bathroom walls!
be happy folks the second coming of baby jesus will be soon and all will be saved, it is written!
you can even book it!
thrylos,
“not really, in this case. These are comparative numbers. All teams played about 20 games so you compare apples with apples.”
HELLO!?!?!? It’s still only 20 games, thrylos. Amazing.
Is this game not on TV? I can’t get it on MLB.com
great first inning for Lirano! good!
Is this game not on TV? I can’t get it on MLB.com
MLB.tv has issues with all the 8:00 PMish EDT start games. They are looking at it. Gameday is it… sucks.
good thing I’m not doing anything that deals with spelling as far as Homework goes. Liriano. My bad.
Span’s a good leadoff hitter.
Duh……….
Now he walks.
:)>
Excellent AB by Span, that’s what leadoff hitters do!
..followed by a typical Casilla at bat.
MVP
Nice start. Now Liriano needs to hold it.
Finally someone doesn’t rob US of a HR>
Good job Morneau! We need home runs when they count; get an early lead! Help Liriano relax on the mound! Wooo!
MVP
gladden should be all over crawford for not catching that.
I dunno. Kevin Youkilis is looking really good this year.
This is what we’ve been waiting for — for Crede to contribute to a rally in a timely way.
Uh oh, anti-rally Cuddy is up to bad. K or GIDP?
Up to bat, that is. He’ll he’s up to bad every at bat anyways.
I hate to do this, I really do, but I wonder if it might be 3-0 if Harris was in for Casilla. I know it’s totally unfair but I’m not in a charitable mood with the overuse of certain players.
I’ll work through it. Promise.
And I wonder if Young were playing right tonight.
nice!
Damnit. Getting a little sick of watching Cuddy kill innings and I am generally one of his supporters.
This is also what we’ve been waiting for — for Cuddy to squelch everything:
We sit and wait every game, and he almost always comes through.
Nah, it’s all the butterfly effect. You can’t be sure that Morneau was going to hit a home run. Maybe he was thinking “f— you Casilla, I’m gonna move Span over; 3 bases, that is!”
The Super Bowl loser’s curse is more impressive.
AlRIGHTy then…..a little inside action to Pena.
Thanks, battery of Morles and Frankie…..
Crede may have some issue with the bat but I can’t recall a Twins third baseman, even an infielder, with such soft hands. I saw him in spring training and was amazed how large a human being he is. I couldn’t believe this guy could field that position. Then I saw him gobble up a brounder like he had two pillows on his hands.
He probably is the best fielding 3B we’ve had since the Rat. At least I can’t think of anyone better.
Aybar and Kapler batting about a combined .175.
So of course Frankie forgets how to throw strikes to them.
Lazy play.
Span one-hops the cutoff man? No arm?
“He probably is the best fielding 3B we’ve had since the Rat.”
I love it too, Willie……
Of course he’s not young and especially healthy; so his popouts coverage is a little on the average side.
But man! He sure gives confidence in the IF, doesn’t he.
Did Bert just say CoomDog?
What’s this playing with a lead?
What’d ya know, I didn’t come up as shimdog that time!
No wonder Bert is in last in the Pick to Stick, Punto!?
It’s been bugging for a couple of days…”who does Ron Coomer remind me of?”
Then it hit me:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/115/309772681_54791a50d6.jpg
Move over, Burl.
I’ll vote for mid-career Koskie as at least Crede’s equal defensively.
That’s what I was thinking. He’s 4-10 against Shields? Must mean he got really lucky 2 of those at bats.
For all who care: MLB.tv is on for the Twins’ game
Mauer update: He is 1 for 2 with a double, a run and an RBI. Mid six
Willie, back in the R&R days of the 60’s, my band was in a recording studio, and the WDGY DJ said my rhythm guitarist sounded like Burl Ives.
Man did that piss him off!
It was funny.
Fran,
Not even close. Koskie was a below average fielder who worked his butt off to become average or slightly above. Crede, if you watch him in person, is a natural. His hands are marvelous and it’s a natural gift. He reminds me a lot of Hrbek at first. Kent looked like a lummox over there but those hands were like surgeons.
I don’t mean to demean Koskie but he was not a natural fielder and accomplished alot from hard work. But if I had one game to play to win Crede would be my choice at the hot corner over Koskie. Of course that’s just my opinion, as is yours. Great minds disagree all the time.
Thanks Thry!!
romer,
There’s a lot of money to be made singing “Little White Duck”, “Mistress Mousie” and, of course, “Holly Jolly Christmas”
Truth be told I’d be pissed too.
First pitch to Iwamura — inside, and moves him off the plate.
First pitch to Upton — a beautiful changeup at the knees, which fools him.
Nice to see good pitch-callin’ goin’ on..
romer what was the name of your band?
What would you rather see?
Harris in for Casilla/Punto, or Young/Gomez in for Cuddyer.
Romer
It helps when the pitcher executes the pitch.
Heatonator
Can I buy an extra choice?
Thrylos
Do you know how how many doubles Mauer has had now since starting his rehab stink. I feel like he has been getting one every game.
Stint… not stink
Heatonator -
Harris for Casilla, though I’d take Young for Cuddyer.
trish,
just 2. Today was his second
that’s a quick dp.
Willie, I think it is close. I agree Koskie was not a natural, but by the peak of his career he was more than just a little above average. I think if not for Chavez, he would have won a Gold Glove or two. I hope we get to see Crede for a full season as that may sway my opinion. But to this point, I would start Koskie in that ‘one game.’
Heat - I’d settle for Tolbert for Casilla.
cuddy’s golden again for a couple more weeks.
wow even at Jupiter? I’m surprised.
Fran,
I wouldn’t lose sleep with either. One thing for sure…both are better than what we’ve been offered for the past few years. I’m happy to have Crede here this year. Especially when he works some of the rust off at the plate.
Yes you may, Willie
I’m kind of surprised the blog hasn’t come up with a suitable name for Robby Incklsndldodi.
Don’t you think his agent would have pulled him aside and said “Listen, kid. It don’t matter how much talent you have. You gotta change that last name if you wanna be in the bidness.”
I will take nominations for this poor guy’s stage name. We have him for at least 140 or so more games.
Note: We can’t call him Marney.
Awful throw by Punto…
Pretty cheap shot by Aybar.
Game is kind of dull. Here’s hoping franchise just allowed the leadoff double for getting out of jam practice. I am fine with 2-0 and done in time for Rescue Me.
Morales!
Heatonator:
Then I choose Harris for Casilla (I’d consider moving Punto to second) and Young for Cuddyer. Send me the bill.
Willie…How about Joe Schidt?
Okay, let’s go to work here…..
That was a dirty play, right?
He shoved Moreales’s HEAD with both hands. Coulda snapped his neck, right?
That was a thug play, right?
He didn’t even ATTEMPT to knock the ball out of Morales’ glove.
That was street fighting, right?
Spanky Inks?
Ummm, Morales is making a case to stay here. Better bunt than GoGo and Casilla.
Robby Mokeski?
Funny thing is, Aybar might have had a chance if he would have slide to the backside of the plate. Morales wasn’t even over the plate so Aybar had to go out of his way to smack him in the head like a punk.
cheap play should get knocked on his ass next time up. imo.
romer what band were you in?
If that was a street fight, I gave JoseMo the unanimous decision. Way to stand in there, kid.
Punto needs a rest.
Perhaps wherever Luca Brasi is taking a snooze.
If Coomer gets elected as the 1B on the all Metrodome team, we know for sure it’s rigged.
Why is Punto not bunting? Anyone?
Nice catch on the play at home by Morales. Pretty poor throw.
And that was pretty bush by Aybar.
Would be nice to tack on a run or two.
Robby Alphabetski. Robby Eyechartski. He’s an upgrade over Telly, though.
I think Twitter is better in small doses. The all-access Friday probably will make them lose followers rather than gain them.
despite all that, Morales will be in Rochester in a day or two…
kirby91, because then Span walks. Casilla grounds into double play. 3 out.
I’m afraid this is where the AL champs tie the game…
there is Butcher costing a base runner… gee!
Walks will haunt.
We were a regional band in southern MN out of Mankato. Prince & The Paupers.
But Uncle Sam drafted me.
We covered Hendrix, blues, pop standards, R&B with a brass set. Those were the days.
Fran,
that walk was picked off. He would have been out if Butcher knew what to do with the ball once it hit his glove. Inexcusable.
kirby91, because Gardy cannot see the game - it is very dark where his head is
Yeah, Aybar’s cheap shot was dumb, lazy, and dirty.
It was like…..he didn’t want to bother getting into a collision for purposes of knocking the ball out. So at the last instant he went after the catcher’s vulnerability……..for no reason other than to show he was tough or something.
If one of Buscher/Morneau is going to play first, and one is going to DH, what would the logical deployment be, general?
Agree regarding the botched pickoff thrylos…but Buscher didn’t have anything to do with the walk. Liriano is the biggest disappointment on the team thus far this year. He needs to trust his own talent a lot more than he does.
Cuddy at .200BA or Gomez at .200BA. Give me Gomez everytime!!!
Oooooo, snowcone…..Punto
Whew!
romer i have a couple albums of local bands from back then i think the underbeats and trashmen, can’t remember the others i’ll have to look for it sometime.
i do remember this; “Liar liar pants on fire your nose is longer than a telephone wire.”
USAFChief,
Maybe Gardy figured Morneau needed a night off from the field.
If one of Buscher/Morneau is going to play first, and one is going to DH, what would the logical deployment be, general?
Chief,
I am sure that Gardy had one of those gut feelings of his…
Liriano doesn’t have his best stuff right now, that saying he should have gotten out of that inning with 0 runs. (botched pickoff and golf hit by pena)
85 pitches for Frankie. We’ll see if he has any gas left.
Thank God Casilla finally finds a hole. (Saturday, he was smacking the ball.)
3 run jack by Crede right now…
time for cuddy to earn some of his pay.
I can’t believe that Dick managed to get that trivia question right today. haha
Well……if Casilla can break out a little, why not Cuddy?
Liriano has been pretty frustrating this season dominant for parts of games and making u get ur hopes up then he just falls apart
Ye who walks Cuddyer shall be punished by 2 RBI single by next hitter.
there you go. Butcher with bases loaded. Crossing fingers.
Of loss of command of the inside pitch, ha!
Okay, Rays have the bottom 3 coming up. Get them out, Mijares pitches the 8th, Nathan the 9th. Assuming no blow jobs.
Corey,
please re-read the last sentence you wrote
95 pitches for Frankie tonight.
Good game.
Corey is multi-tasking.
this bullpen makes me feel a little uneasy.
“Corey is multi-tasking.”
It IS kind of a boring game……..
This should be the only batter Guerrier faces. Crawford = lefty, Longoria - righty, but splits don’t favor lefties, Pena = Lefty
sigh ………….
B.J. Upton sucks so much this year, kind of surprised Mijares didn’t come in right away, but heck, it worked. Yay Kubel for making the catch.
Nice job there by Guerrier to fall behind 3-1 and get Upton to hit a rocket right at somebody.
Impressive.
Who pitches the 8th?
Mijares pitches the 8th.
Crawford = Lefty
Longoria = Righty
Pena = Lefty
Well that’s my new modifyer for LNP’s moniker:
The Fleet-Footed Nick Punto
Yep, that’t the first adjective I think of. Or was that The Flop-Feeted Nick Punto? I can never remember.
Poor Denard Span couldn’t advance the runner. 
Ah…Twins baseball. Doing the little things. Like giving up an out with no outs and not moving a runner up. Tom Kelly would be proud. Welcome to Gardyball.
Close play
So the sacrifice bunt was on for Span, right.
Why did he drag bunt?
Where is everyone tonight? DrDon? T?
He dragged bunted because he knew Shouse was going to WP
Was that first pitch to MVP a pitch out?
The failure to get the bunt down may have cost a run. Looks like the BP will have to cover for the lack of “little things” that make up Twins ball. Speaking of myths has anyone seen my unicorn?
we need more walks it’s to hard to score when we have to get hits to do it.
Good pitch…
i feel a lot better seeing ayala warming up.
Paul Emmel may have been the rally-killer that time. Play on Punto at second was bang-bang.
If Span succeeds on either of his bunts there is no play at second to be close.
Mijares better get out of this inning. Why Ayala would be warmed up instead of Joe Nathan is beyond me.
Unless Mijares gives up 2 runs.
If Mijares does not get Pena out, NATHAN should be brought in.
Mijares is good.
We need to get Crain back and BS needs to trade for one more RP.
Yeah. That’s the main thing I’d do differently than Gardy. Gardy will only allow Nathan to get a 4 or 5 out save once a season.
nathan can’t pitch more than one inning and hard and fast gardy rule.
nice job!!!!
Ok, the BP is halfway through picking up the offense. Very nice job of Mijares to keep Ayala on the sidelines. Kid’s got moxie. If tv adds ten pounds to how one looks then Mijares has lost about 15 from how he looked down in Ft. Myers.
I honestly thought he needed tethers to keep him down and not flying over golf courses. He looks a lot better than he did in March. Good for him and us.
Looks like “Who gets the 8th?” every night just got answered.
Pinch run Young?
Gardy gets Ayala up, just to raise Corey’s blood pressure. Rays lose focus at the prospect of Ayala coming in and become putty in Mijares’ hands. Well-played.
If (and I admit that it is a big if right now) Crain comes back and can find his groove an eighth inning tag team of Crain and Mijares every other night looks ok. A seventh inning combo of Breslow and Guerrier every other night is ok. Ayala can have the sixth and the rest can be long relief. Not perfect but not too bad. It’s also nice to know there are options in the minors with Slama and Delaney
It’s good to see Mijares do well.
Ayala and Guerrier are middle relievers who should never be used as 8th inning set-up guys. Otherwise, they are serviceable.
Only Dick could make a ball that didn’t make the cutout of the warning track sound like Christmas morning.
Nah, John Gordon can do that, too.
I’m not sure how their pitching splits are, but I suppose if lefty sluggers are coming up, Mijares gets the inning by default; if the lineup in the 8th is predominantly righties, it could possibly go to Crain.
earn your money cuddy!
Chance for Buscher to further atone for the botched pick-off.
isn’t mijares equally effective on righties and lefties?
yeah, great. Butcher is a major league player, alright…
Looks like Morales made up his own hit&run play there.
WTF?
What is Young doing?
Stupid!
Well……..at least Morales will lead off in the 10th.
:)>
Wille Norwood,
“I’m kind of surprised the blog hasn’t come up with a suitable name for Robby Incklsndldodi”
Early on, I called him Reverend Jim… for Reverend Jim Ignatowski, the Christopher Lloyd character from the TV show “Taxi”.
I don’t think it caught on, but that’s the best I can do.
Well that was impressive.
I assume Morales missed the take sign? Or does the hitter have to protect the runners on the double steal?
Not quite getting the Delmon deal after.
BTW, is anybody else sick of that kid with the parents and their camera commercial. “Say sooooo big” Ick.
Anyone get the feeling Gardy wasn’t very happy with Morales swinging at a pitch (that was low) on a double steal?
Both these teams should have been in the playoffs last year.
Neither one looks like they’ll make it this year.
Boring game.
I surely hope we win. That said, is there a fundamentally dumber team in baseball than the Twins?
Gardy just aged about 20 years on that one pitch.
oh no!
I guess that potential extra run when Spansie missed the bunt looms a little large. Crap.
Nathan needs to start getting that first pitch meatball out of his system before he comes in.
or buscher grounding out into a double play and striking out.
Yeah, I hate that “Sooooo big” commercial too.
I think the baseball gods just want to ensure that Francisco Liriano goes winless this year.
There goes Buscher, saving a bad throw.
Helluva call Gardo, guys and 1st and 2nd with 2 outs and a batter hitting .350 at the plate and you have Young try and steal 3rd??? Absolutely idiotic. Gardo also eschewed a sacrifice bunt twice and both times it wound up as a double play. Genius Gardenhire is really at work tonight.
can’t punto throw anymore?
Ok, will Punto be PH’d for in the ninth by Harris?
Punto with ANOTHER bad throw.
Once saved by Morales.
Once by Buscher.
Harris better PH for him.
Morrales saved a bad Punto throw at the plate earlier. If the guy can’t play defense OR hit, why don’t we have Tolbert or Harris there?
Genius Gardenhire is really at work tonight.
*psst* Joe Nathan just blew a save. Even the best manager can’t stop a closer from blowing it.
I think the baseball gods just want to ensure that Francisco Liriano goes winless this year.
Liriano is doing a pretty good job of that himself.
Anthony Slama now at 9.2 IP and ZERO RUNS ALLOWED with 17 strikeouts.
i think nicky hurt his shoulder hauling that big bag of money smith gave him around.
Morales, Punto, Span sounds like a run.
Is the Knuckler warming up?
Joe Nathan blows save…Punto hatred ensues.
Amazing.
Nathan…buddy…you don’t suck. Remember?
sane
I loved the Reverend Jim character. I remember they were taking their driver’s tests and Iggy asks Alex under his breath “What does yellow light mean?” Alex: “Go slower” Iggy: “What…does…yellow…light…mean?”
Great stuff.
I’m kind of partial to Fran’s Robby Eyechartski.
Gardy now trying to supress the ulcer boiling in his gut.
Not blaming Gardo for Nathan but his other moves lately have been bizarre. I wish he would go back to sleep in the dugout, we played better.
T would you say nicky has thrown the ball well this year?
Sorry gook, I’m too busy trying to figure out why Nathan’s getting teed off on.
Maybe Nathan isn’t concentrating and is too busy worrying about the swine flu.
*psst* Joe Nathan just blew a save. Even the best manager can’t stop a closer from blowing it.
T,
please be objective about this:
If Butcher did not Buscher that pick off play would the game be over by now?
Yes or No?
No no no…DON’T suck. Key on the “DON’T”
Joe Nathan blows save…Punto hatred ensues.
Blog makes accurate observation about Punto’s throws…T feels need to chastise blog.
Amazing
kubel ph for buscher, young in left, morneau at 1B, kubel new dh, is that legal?
Willie Norwood,
You could call Robbie Ignawhatshisface, “Iggy”.
guess, lack of work=poor nathan.
Harris better PH, they are bringing in a lefty….
If Butcher did not Buscher that pick off play would the game be over by now?
Yes or No?
Wait…we’re talking about a different play now?
is that legal?
I wish
Great call USAChief. Great call.
Kubel was removed from the game, stinky.
This ain’t basketball. Once you’re out, you’re out.
stinky,
The DH MUST remain at Mourneau’s 3-hole spot in the batting order.
Even one of the best closers in baseball can silence the mighty Ben Zobrist.
Blog makes accurate observation about Punto’s throws…T feels need to chastise blog.
T makes post…Chief tries to start s**t.
Wow. Amazing how that works.
T,
we are talking about the single play that made the difference in this game so far: Liriano picking off Upton, Butcher thinking the ball is a hand grenade and nor knowing what to do with it. BTW, Gardy chose to put Butcher at 1B tonight…
sane,
I also remember when the gang went to Rev. Jim’s home to meet his father and discovered that Jim was at Harvard. His dad told them that Jim was an excellent student and then one day he got expelled for writing his term paper…in crayon. Jim: “typing seemed so impersonal”
I think Robby has that potential.
god I hope they pinch hit Harris for Punto
I’m thnking Howell can go 2.
I wonder if Nathan can.
Just out of curiosity…how common is a switch hitting catcher?
I’m used to seeing switchers in the MIF.
guess they are going to hold Harris for Casilla if it gets that far… seeing he is standing behind Span with no bat in hand. Guess no time than the present for Punto’s first (or 2nd) RH hit than now
yeah send him down…
Oh. I missed that play thrylos. My apologies. I missed about the 1st to 8th innings.
There is LNP… where is Harris?!?
I lose. No Harris. Quelle chance.
If Gardo and Sleepy Bill Smith send Morrales down and keep playing Cuddyer, Punto and the rest of the “boys” they need to be gone. He plays the “Twins way”, giving 100%. Not many on this team can say that.
T,
Nathan DID NOT blow the save, Punto & Buscher jointly threw the Gopher ball. Nathan was sitting down sucking his thumb.
IF you don’t believe me, ask Thrylos & USAF Chief. Don’t believe your lying eyes.
Regards,
Punto didn’t head first slide? Or does he not on sacrifices?
Let’s go SpanMan
T i can understand why you’d be mad about somebody starting a fight on here.
Why did Young try to steal 3rd with 2 outs?? He is not that fast and since they tried earlier in the AB the element of surprise was gone. Just crazy.
Why PH just to bunt?
T makes post…Chief tries to start s**t.
Wait a minute…I started s**t??
I called YOU on YOUR shtick, T.
There is the bunt that everyone wanted Sunday.
Let’s see if it helps tonight.
T misses the 1-8 innings and still feels the need to jump right in and tell us not to post about Punto’s crappy throws. Classic.
rain: They had the hit and run on earlier in the AB. It almost looked like a sign was missed and Young took off again.
Either Young wasn’t supposed to go or Morales was supposed to swing.
Now they just need a sacfly…Harris I suppose has a better chance of making contact than Casilla.
Bunt!!!!!!!!!
NOW PH Harris.
Now Harris. Come on, son. Please justify my faith in you. Please?
Casilla with the squeeze bunt to win the game? Nope, makes too much sense.
T misses the 1-8 innings and still feels the need to jump right in and tell us not to post about Punto’s crappy throws. Classic.
Whining about a Punto throw when your closer just gave up a tying HR seems rather stupid.
Wait a minute…I started s**t??
I called YOU on YOUR shtick, T.
Yeah…cause calling me out (and ignoring every other post that agrees with me) isn’t your MO around here.
Troll harder oh glorious Troll King.
Bunt Harris to break up the DP!
Kidding!
Oh my, what’s this. Harris PH? But surely that would mean Gardy’s paying attention?
It can’t be!?
Bob…..
BOB!
No no, sane Harris needs to K to break up the DP. 
A bunt in the air risks the runners being caught sleeping.
Harris breaks up the DP…vicariously.
Gardy nodded off after the top half. All of this is because Ullger is managing.
Heads up play by span
Nathan DID NOT blow the save…
Yeah, because multiple posters tried to make that exact point, dragon.
Sheesh.
If you’re going to post here, try to keep up, eh?
When a player makes his second bad throw in a game, I think its ok to post something about it.
some ballsy takes in that AB. Good work Harris.
Though I don’t think he swung at all…?
Okay, if Morneau gets an RBI, you all can call him MVP, if he grounds into DP, no.
Helluva job Harris.
At this point, should Madden just have EVERYBODY in the IF? Anything in the OF scores.
Ok, Morneausie will deliver us to the land of milk and honey. Or at least the land of bourbon.
Hey! That TB defense looks like our softball team!
Grand Slam time
No way in HELL I risk running home on anything that doesn’t hit the backstop.
Please, no DP!!!!!!!!! Maybe he will hit Morneau with a curve ball
Not a boring game anymore……
And Morales led off the 10th.
I’d better watch my mouth post haste.
Please beat up Cuddyer! Morales was trying!
That was the ugliest walkoff I’ve ever seen.
It’s better to be lucky than good!
Gotta love Morneausie’s speed
I love GWFC’s
hahah, lol, ok we win
Yeah…cause calling me out (and ignoring every other post that agrees with me) isn’t your MO around here.
Which one of us goes by the nickname ‘blog police,’ T?
Or at least the land of bourbon.
That almost made me want to drink the whole bottle. But all’s well that ends well.
Keep the ball in the infield!! That’s our offensive strategy.
Ok, take it away Iggy Eyechartski!
so i guess the season’s not over yet?
Which one of us goes by the nickname ‘blog police,’ T?
Oh yes…because a insulting nickname created by a troll to flame another poster is TOTALLY a credible counter.
Keep on trying. It’s cute in its own pathetically sad way.
Winning Pitcher - Nathan
Oh and also Chief: If you didn’t notice, the Twins just won. Not to ruin that crappy mood your in or anything.
When a player makes his second bad throw in a game, I think its ok to post something about it.
If Buscher can field it, it can’t be that bad.
Thank God Morneau did NOT try and slide into 1st base headfirst.
I’m going to start a collection to get Morneausie a new hat. Either that or bankroll him in a sea salt venture.
That 2Ber for the Rays may want to have somebody else start his car for him once he gets back to Tampa.
What’s sad in a very pathetic way is that nickname is a perfect fit.
Blog police T.
here is a simple question:
if you were Bill Smith, would you send Morales to Rochester?
What’s sad in a very pathetic way is that nickname is a perfect fit.
So if I start calling you “A-Hole” JP does that mean I can be clever just like you?
“That was the ugliest walkoff I’ve ever seen.”
Bah! Humbug!!
Morneau STUNG the ball. That makes it hard to handle, ya know….
It was an odd walkoff though.
I’m going to start a collection to get Morneausie a new hat. Either that or bankroll him in a sea salt venture.
That’s his lucky hat. Can’t stop wearing it now.
T, Chief,
Please take it outside.
The other customers don’t want to get their drinks spilled.
Saw that last night, somewhere.
thrylos: I’d have to have a long talk with Redmond about his options. And he seems like a nice enough guy that he’d accept whatever the Twins did with him.
But also, do you think getting sporadic play once Mauer gets back would be beneficial to Morales’ developement?
Call me what you want. Your opinion of me means nothing to me. If your panties get in a bunch about a nickname I guess that says something.
I love celebratory man-love!
Robbie Bizzarski…
How about just “Robby Inc.” (throw an LTD on the end if you want)
Robbie Ignorantski
a civil blog tonight for 8 innings!
I’d have to have a long talk with Redmond about his options. And he seems like a nice enough guy that he’d accept whatever the Twins did with him.
I think they might just put Redmond on the DL retroactively. Gives Morales at least an extra week in the bigs and Red a chance to let his dings heal.
Hey where’s trish and DrDon?
Hmmmmmmmm……
I agree about Morales’ development being interrupted playing sporadically behind Mauer… but really, how is that going to change even in years to come if Joe signs a long term contract here? Hmmm.
T98 - heck NOOOOO!!!!!
Does anybody else think they should find a way to change things up so the guy who blows the save or gives up the lead can’t also get the win?
This Friday….
Mauer C
Morales DH
Kubel LF
“Hey where’s trish and DrDon?”
The Beauty and the old, old, old Beast.
That’s a good point Shore. Perhaps now’s just as good a time as any to bring him into the big club for good. Get him used to the backup role so that by next year he’s ready to go as the fulltime backup.
…troll…
To quote Inyego Montoya…”I do not think that word means what you think it means.”
And nice win, Twins. Let’s get on a roll here.
I like Fran’s idea. Red dog can go on the DL, the Twins can get a little longer to decide if Morales is for real.
Nathan starts the top of the 9th leading 3-2.
1st batter faced Zobrist hits 1st (as in FIRST) pitch goes yard.
BUT, Nathan DID NOT blow the save, because Punto made crap throws before that 1st pitch?
BUT, Nathan DID NOT blow the save, because Buscher screwed a pick-off before that 1st pitch?
This creative stats crap defies reality, but heck Punto & Buscher are hated, Nathan excused for his F$%#-up. AND, he got the win to boot.
Can’t make this stuff up.
Regards,
romer: Interesting idea, though hopefully you’re not talking 2-3-4 in the order.
Mauer will play four times a week, tops, at the start.
Morales will get the other three starts,….busy enough.
“Does anybody else think they should find a way to change things up so the guy who blows the save or gives up the lead can’t also get the win?”
After you fix that, then find a way for Al Gore to be President.
The one thing I don’t quite get is the concern for Morales’ development down in AAA. What is he developing? As long as JoMa is around any backup catcher is going to sit around. I don’t think another year at AAA is going to prep him any better to play twice a week next year.
The better question with him may be does his bat warrant him being on the team at another position? I have to admit that his ability to get the bat on the ball and hit to all fields surprises me. He looks like a pretty good hitter to me and the question might be “is there a better way to get that bat in the lineup more often than if he’s the backup catcher?” Especially if Butera and Valencia are hot on his heels.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there are three catchers on the roster come Friday and one of them isn’t being groomed for some other spots on the field.
romer: You saw that Family Guy too eh?
Dragon
No one was excusing Nathan for a blown save.
But because Nathan blew a save we shouldn’t say a word about other events in the game?
Not very good logic.
BUT, Nathan DID NOT blow the save, because Punto made crap throws before that 1st pitch?
BUT, Nathan DID NOT blow the save, because Buscher screwed a pick-off before that 1st pitch?
Can you show us where ANYbody posted that?
Can’t make this stuff up.
Whadda ya mean, you can’t make this stuff up? You just did.
Norwood: Would it be wise to try and train Morales at a new position midseason like you’re suggesting?
If you’re going to groom him in another position, he’d need more than just a spot game here and there (Which he’d have to live with to learn 3B or 1B)
And yes, I said 1B. He could backup Morneau on days he needs off, with Morneau either DHing or just sitting.
“romer: Interesting idea, though hopefully you’re not talking 2-3-4 in the order.”
Ha! You LAUGH!!
With essentially Kubel replacing Young while keeping Morales in the lineup, maybe Mauer in the 2-hole becomes the great idea.
I mean, Cuddy/Crede are showing glimpses. And getting Casilla out of the 2-hole could be prescient.
I like Fran’s idea. Red dog can go on the DL, the Twins can get a little longer to decide if Morales is for real.
Thanks, Chief. Can’t claim the idea. Red hasn’t played since Saturday, right? I think that’s because the Twins are thinking to DL him and that way it’s more like eight days instead of 15.
Morales may wind up back in AAA at the end, but I think a few extra days in The Show as Mauer insurance doesn’t hurt him and also benefits the team.
USAF Chief:
“thrylos98 says:
April 28th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
*psst* Joe Nathan just blew a save. Even the best manager can’t stop a closer from blowing it.
T,
please be objective about this:
If Butcher did not Buscher that pick off play would the game be over by now?
Yes or No?”
Regards,
Mauer will play four times a week, tops, at the start.
Morales will get the other three starts,….busy enough.
sane,
there is a big IF there
IF Morales is still going to be there…
DLing Redmond would also give them time to figure out what to DO with Redmond.
Didn’t Morales come up as a 2B?
I’d like to see his bat a 2B these days.
I may get stoned to death for this…but would the Twins have any potential to shop Morales around to a team that needs a STARTING catcher?
Marv,
Morales did not play second since 2003… that’s a long time ago.
Hmmm…JoMa = Joe Mauer. Does that mean we can also use JuMo and JoMi and JoMo and JoCr? I kinda like that. Saves typing plus I don’t have to always look up how to spell Mijares. JoNa, JaKu … I could go on and on. Maybe even use it for non-J players.
Willie,
You don’t think Morales needs more work on the “development” of his catching skills?
I may get stoned to death for this…but would the Twins have any potential to shop Morales around to a team that needs a STARTING catcher?
I think given the seemingly fragile condition of Mauer and Redmond that the Twins are way too cautious to even let that thought linger for more than a couple seconds.
Lot of ex-Twins floating around the C ranks in recent years, though. They are kind of the catcher source for the rest of the majors.
DeSpa, AlCa, JuMo, JaKu, JoCre, MiCu, DeYo, JoMo, NiPu, CaGo, MiRe, BreHa, BriBu, etc…
Hmmm…JoMa = Joe Mauer. Does that mean we can also use JuMo and JoMi and JoMo and JoCr?
I use JoseMo for Morales. JoMo is convenient, but it doesn’t sound that great out loud.
FranTheMan: “JoJoMa”?
“I may get stoned to death for this…but would the Twins have any potential to shop Morales around to a team that needs a STARTING catcher?”
Actually, I’ve been thinking about that.
Doubt we’d get enough for him. Maybe closer to deadline — which means he would need to stay up here and keep proving himself.
Fran - I see your point
I was purely thinking English ‘J’ for all the nicks.
good old gardy throwing dy under the bus. never says anything about poor play by his favorites that i can remember. they always seem to get a free pass.
“JP says:April 28th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Dragon
No one was excusing Nathan for a blown save.
But because Nathan blew a save we shouldn’t say a word about other events in the game?
Not very good logic.”
JP,
I don’t think I said that.
I was making a quite different point. There are 3/4/5 players and a manager that many posters criticize every minute play, a moment by moment, game by game colonoscopy. Fair enough, YET they get very indignant if someone else happens to point out the obvious flaws in one of their own “love children”.
Criticize away, just save the bile when another poster, mentions the flaws of a personal favorite.
Regards,
Eddie Shore,
Obviously, he needs more honed skills to catch but if he is being groomed for the once-maybe-twice/week role next year I have to wonder how you find a way to get the bat in the lineup more than that.
From his track record in the minors to what we’ve seen “at the major league level” (I hate that!) this guy may be one of the better hitters on the team.
I’m just thinking out loud on ways that you get the bat in the lineup more often than Red’s has been once Mauer is back.
Based on a limited sample (although his minor league #’s support it) he’s a better hitter than the guy at 2nd, short and, at least right now, right, left, third.
On a team that needs to manufacture runs (like tonight) we need a bat like his.
I just am not sure what the point of parking him in AAA does. I don’t know how much he needs to develop and if he can’t learn it up here.
It is a real conundrum. We aren’t rife with hitters that hit for average.
During ST, I floated the idea of Red as trade bait - I was called ’silly.’ Just sayin’. Butera was logical, I was ’silly’ for suggesting the ‘other guy’ (think his name was Morales as my post suggested).
Morales is making the decision pretty tough for the Twins, and I can see it going either way - either meaning keep Morales or not. Let the debate begin. The kid can hit and he appears acceptable as a receiver. I’m OK with sending him back to the minors and keeping Red - it is OK with me (if you believe the long-term view and arguably it is also the short-term view but certainly the ’survive’ as is view.).
Terry Felton view - I’d send Morales down as it is the least intrusive to the status quo — but remember the Carew like swings and find a home for him later in the year. DFA of Red is not a MN Nice approach - hence the least intrusive. I hate it, and the ballsy move is to make the Red move and keep the kid (think his name is Morales). This line of reasoning doesn’t even get into the OF situation which is becoming more obvious by the AB - btw, the big enchalada is money in meaningful games - some guys just need the pressure (money games) - like the big taco.
I totally agree that it would be nice to find a spot for his bat but like you stated, it’s a real conundrum.
My initial remark about his development was based on the Twins only identifying him as a catcher and not hinting in any way that they would consider him as something else. In that regard, it does him no good, defensively or offensively, to play sporadically.
Tough call.
There are things that Morales needs to work on defensively, and it might be better for him to do that in AAA working as the number 1 catcher and letting Red go back to being the backup. When Mauer gets here he is going to catch 5/6 or 6/7 games, that is just how much he is wanting to be in the lineup and the bat proves he should be in there. I am not wanting to send one of the few decent bats away in Morales but I think it might be better for him to work on some things like his game calling and blocking certain pitches and see how he does in September.
“Mauer will play four times a week, tops, at the start.
Morales will get the other three starts,….busy enough.”
“sane,
there is a big IF there
IF Morales is still going to be there”
The context and entire premise was that Morales CAN be kept in MLB AND the Twins CAN give him enough work here, so sending him to AAA for the sole purpose of giving him work….would be stupid.
Mr gobble (9:16 and 9:40 posts) Thank You!! Funny how conversations can change from we/us to you/me/I.
“I totally agree that it would be nice to find a spot for his bat…”
How about while using tonight’s lineup —
Mauer replaces Morales
Morales replaces Morneau
Morneau replaces Buscher
Buscher goes to AAA
“I am not wanting to send one of the few decent bats away in Morales but I think it might be better for him to work on some things ..and see how he does in September.
Without Morales catching on Mauer’s rest days, the Twins may be playing for exercise ONLY, in September.
Mr sane, Thank you for your baseball wisdom and humor. We, at least in the West, appreciate it.
Honestly how many games do you see Morales playing? And with Kubel getting paid what he is do you see him getting benched for Morales to DH very often? I don’t mind the idea of Red getting DL’d to let him heal but I also think that Morales could benefit from taking what he needs to work on up here and working on them in the minors and be ready for play come September. I don’t think the 30-35 games Red plays (if even) will cost the Twins a spot, I think other people will be more damaging than Red
Let me preface my next remark with how much I wish Morales’ bat is the real deal and I’ve enjoyed watching him thus far… BUT are we getting ahead of ourselves on his offensive prowess with such a limited sampling?
And yes, I realize there’s several current position players that aren’t hitting for squat.
But what happens when Morales runs into his first slump?
Just keeping the conversation alive.
are we getting ahead of ourselves on his offensive prowess with such a limited sampling?
Yes.
Although I wouldn’t mind the Twins giving him some time to add data to encouraging early returns.
morales oughta stay until he stops hitting and mijeres should be the setup man until he obviously isn’t.
“…are we getting ahead of ourselves on his offensive prowess with such a limited sampling?”
With eyes not wide open, I compared him to the semi-surprise Puckett was when he arrived. Of COURSE he’s not as dynamic or athletic as Puckett.
But he handles all pitches, and he hits to all fields, all the while handling immense pressure to be the leader of the pitching staff.
What else do you want? He hit over .300 the last two years at AAA. He isn’t slowing down in the majors.
His smooth swing compares more to Carew than Puckett. Too bad Mauer is blocking Morales’ way as compared to the immediate opening which was available for Puckett.
But why stifle HIM. This is a Twins management problem, not his.
He
has
passed
the
test!
Rather than set the bar higher, the Twins management needs to look inward and solve the problem.
Free Morales!
Man, I wish there were 26 roster spots! Maybe send Gomez down? It’ll mean more of Kubel in the OF, but he really isn’t that bad out there. Each catcher could catch 1 game per series in early may, and Mauer could DH a little more often to start with, then re-examine the whole situation around Memorial Day.
My two favorite one-liner posts from yesterday:
“Casey strikes out again and is optioned to Mudville.”
“Puntophiles? Do they have to register?”
I told you guys that Morales MLB stats coming into this year (BA=1.000) were inflated due to a small (3 AB) sample size!
Now that his average has dropped 625 freaking points, (to .375) how do you like me now?
Like he was going to be a lifetime 1.000 hitter!!!
Sheeesh!
Franchise blows!
I think you are missing the point of a Morales as trade bait.
A young good hitting catcher has to be worth a decent relief pitcher…right?
Nathan, Mijares, Crain, Guerrier, Breslow, Dickey, Ayala, Morillo, Slama and Delaney
This time when they send Morares down,he knows he has the talent to make it in the show.That will do wonders for his confidence.He also knows the things he has to work on to stay in the show next time.
“Twins are 1-for-19 with runners in scoring position over their past two games. More to come, or just a phase?”
Might be more to come…they were 1-for-8 again last night.
I think you are missing the point of a Morales as trade bait.
I don’t think there is any way possible that the Twins would use Morales as trade bait, because:
A) This will most likely be Redmond’s last season on the roster… (hopefully we find a coaching role on the club)
B) I’m sure the Twins have existing concerns regarding Mauer’s health history and the ability to sign him to a long term deal.
C) I don’t think you’re going to get the value in return with his limited play.
D) I just wanted to get to the letter “D”
jason-There was alot of speculation on this board,this spring,that we could not expect us to have the same level of success scoring with two outs.That’s leveled off.We have to righted-handed power from someone,be it Crede,DY or Cuddy!
this may be a huge reach, but I really think nick punto is the twins best player, what do the rest of you baseball geeks think>??????
I was at the game last night. You could feel all the “excitement” leave when nathan threw that first pitch.
I will be sorely disappointed if they send Morales down. They only have 3 hitters (4 with either Mauer or Morales) on the entire roster (5 if Harris was allowed to play more). Cuddy and Punto looked even more pathetic live than on tv or the radio.
Did Gardy actually call for a steal, with his hottest hitter at the plate, a man on second, and two outs? If so, he messed up. Everyone around me was making fun of Delmon’s “speed” and his slide, that looked like that slide in Major League where they guy never makes it to the bag.
“this may be a huge reach, but I really think nick punto is the twins best player,”
This is not a reach: johnsmith is late for pre-school, and his teacher is relieved.
mww,
“Did Gardy actually call for a steal,”
Probably a missed sign, don’t you think?
bop: If I remember correctly, the runners were going on a previous pitch in Morales’ AB. It’s entirely possible that either Young missed the sign that the H&R was taken off, or Morales missed the sign that the H&R was still on.
Weren’t there two men on at that point…what was the second guy doing? If he was standing still Young missed his sign, if they were both moving than likely Morales was supposed to be swinging.
There should not be a hit and run with two strikes, your hottest hitter, and two outs. Why force Morales to swing?
Either the manager messed up (calling for a steal or H&R), or Young messed up. I’m pretty sure that the man on first was also running (lots to look at live, and I may be mistaken), so I think it was either a double steal or a hit and run.
It was fun, as my 11 year old said he wanted more drama and excitement, and then we got the 9th. Even with the completely lackluster effort of the Twins’ hitters and the crowd just not being into it, we had fun. (but dang, it’s expensive to eat/drink there)
Either way, Gardy didn’t call a straight steal, but trust me, Gardy still screwed up …. again.
I pored over last night’s blog entries and came away with the wisdom that, if Buscher plays 1B, then Nathan will blow a save.
I learn something new every day from my fellow sharpies on the blogs.
Buscher fielded well, as Punto made at least one terrible throw. His throw to second on a pickoff could use some work.
After watching Liriano “hold runners”, I’ll never criticez Morales again. Upton was already sliding into his base when Morales was catching the pitch one time. A rocket launcher could not have thrown him out.
A rocket launcher could not have thrown him out.
Probably not, though it would’ve been entertaining to watch one try.
Not that I’d want to be anywhere near second at the time.
Maybe this has already been discussed, but does anyone else think they should change the rule so that a reliever who gives up the lead can’t get the win?
Nothing against Nathan. He’s one of the best in the game and he almost always gets it done. Last night he didn’t get it done and was the least effective pitcher the Twins put out there. I think Liriano should have been credited with the win.
I know we should probably take a break from ripping on Cuddy and Punto for one day since they both at least found a way to get on base last night, but here was an observation I had last night that, to me, sums up a flaw we have here in Twins Territory:
When Punto dropped down that sacrifice bunt in the ninth inning, he returned to the dugout with a standing ovation. A standing ovation for dropping down a sacrifice bunt. I realize someone failed to execute a bunt a couple innings earlier (can’t remember who), but when you get an ovation as if you just pitched 8 shutout innings for dropping down a sacrifice bunt, there’s something wrong. Fans’ expectations are skewed.
So here’s my point: Cuddy makes $8 mil this season. Why are fans not booing him? If this guy played in New York, they would be all over him. Our fans do not hold well-compensated veterans accountable.
Ironic for sure that Nathan got “the win” and Liriano did not.
Jason
You obviously don’t know anything about Twins Baseball. Punto got his well-deserved ovation for getting after it and battling his tail off.
you’re right, saam, I have a lot to learn about Twins Baseball.
To me, “battling your tail off”, is fouling off several tough pitches during an at-bat and finishing it off with an RBI hit.
I posted something similar a couple days ago, but I’ll re-summarize…
It’s brutally disappointing that Cuddyer is the 4th highest paid player on this team behind the MVP, the batting champ, and one of the best closers this club has ever seen. (Not to mention Punto is 5th)
I also wondered how Cuddyer’s contract ranked in crap deals this club has made in the past decade or so.
Punto is 5th??????? Is that true?
You can’t make that up.
Punto makes more than any of the starters? I have to look that up…
Do you find fault with the fans here, guys? If a player fails to leg out a ground ball, the local fans will boo him, right? I personally think it’s good that the fan base here has a higher tolerance for struggling players.
That’s nuts. Punto makes $4 million; Brendan Harris makes $400,000. I know it’s a league that pays for time put in, but wow.
It’d be tough to rank the Cuddyer contract ahead of the Mike Lamb contract, the 2nd Rondell White contract, and the Joe Mays contract.
birdofprey…legging out a grounder is something every player should do, but I’d rather have a 30 HR guy who doesn’t leg out every grounder than a guy who hits .230 who does. Just me.
Not sure where you go for the most accurate salary analysis, but I found this…
http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2009/01/minnesota-twins-salaries-payroll-2009-offseason/
(And it was on the internet so it must be right)
Not sure what Baker’s contract extension did to his current salary if anything…
The sacrifice was successful. Should the fans have booed Punto for laying down a good bunt?
If anything the Twins haven’t been bunting enough.
“but when you get an ovation….for dropping down a sacrifice bunt, there’s something wrong.”
The “achievement” of bunting wasn’t the show-stopper.
The word “sacrifice” means to give up oneself for the good of others.
THAT is what was ovation worthy!
See martyrs, Joan of Arc, etc.
“We humans do, when the cause is sufficient, spend our lives. We throw ourselves onto the grenade to save our buddies in the foxhole. We rise out of the trenches and charge the entrenched enemy and die like maggots under a blowtorch. We strap bombs on our bodies and blow ourselves up in the midst of our enemies. We are, when the cause is sufficient, insane.” - Orson Scott
Jason: He’s the #9 hitter, and the sacbunt was what was needed. Can you get off it for a day?
It’d be tough to rank the Cuddyer contract ahead of the Mike Lamb contract, the 2nd Rondell White contract, and the Joe Mays contract.
Yeah, I thought of those too. The Mays one was just unfortunate (if I remember correctly)… that injury right after signing his big deal was just flat out unlucky.
But White’s and Lamb’s deals, although high ranking in suckage, they weren’t too deep in the club’s pockets where we couldn’t let them go.
Cuddyer’s contract details:
Three years, $24 million with a $10.5 million option for 2011
$2.75 million signing bonus
• 2008: $5.0 million
• 2009 $6.75 million
• 2010: $8.5 million
• 2011: $10.5 million*
Note: $1 million buyout. Limited no-trade clause in which he names three teams he can’t be traded to.
Jason
Everything Punto does qualifies as battling his tail off.
Seriously though, I can’t criticize the fans for cheering a player. That’s what fans are supposed to do. I only complain about fans when they are being jerks.
PS: salary
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/roster?team=min
Punto’s 4 mil is 5th highest on the team, but it’s also 3.6 mil behind the #4 guy (Cuddyer) and not even half of the #3 guy (Mauer @ 10.5 mil)
If Crede hits all of his incentives this year, his wlil jump over Punto’s as the #5 contract (5-7 mil if I recall correctly)
Kubel is also making 2.7 mil this season, Young’s making 1.1, Crain is 1.7, Ayala 1.3 and Guerrier 1.4.
Those are all the guys making a million +
If you look at the rest,
Baker
Liriano
Slowey
Blackburn
Gomez
Casilla
Morales
Buscher
Bonser
Span
You see a ton of young players who have yet to even get past arbitration…or guys like
Dickey
Breslow
Redmond
Harris
Who are on either on their last legs or haven’t really ever broken out as a starter.
Shore: Where the White contract pissed me off is that they picked up his option (or did they resign him) after his abysmal first season.
I wonder if they’ll pick up that 10.5 million option for 2011?
That’s what I meant, T. They resigned White to the same 1-year deal thinking he couldn’t possibly be worse in 2007 than he was in 2006.
But RonDizzle found a way to be worse.
Rule#1
If our least favorite player gives himself up to save the future of all mankind, we are NOT REQUIRED to approve his actions on the blog.
Ben: There’s still 2 full seasons between now and 2011.
“I also wondered how Cuddyer’s contract ranked in crap deals this club has made in the past decade or so.”
Eddie, why the absurd fixation on something so unimportant and fleeting? So, a player is overrated, gets an out-sized contract, probably inflated due to hypersensitivity surrounding the imminent departures of Santana and Hunter. Then, he gets hurt, or begins an early decline (you get to believe what you want here, and can probably find some data to back you up). The player raises the anger level of the rabid ones and becomes underrated, and the manager shows greater tolerance and more patience than some like, perhaps misguidedly.
Big deal. We got bored by all the Puntophiles, and now we are being nauseated by the moral outrage expressed by the Cud chewers. And in between, the Butcher brigade keeps having their own little clan get-togethers. So, the team has some deficiencies, some below-average or poor-performing players. And we want them to be booed, or we think it’s cool to demean them for “getting after it?” No thanks. Imagine what the Blogosees are bitching about in New York and Cleveland. I rather like it here.
T
They paid to buy out White’s first contract and THEN resigned him. That really pissed me off.
bop: I can’t imagine what this blog would be like if it were about the Yankees.
Sabathia may have had to ask security to escort him around the city after his first few starts.
Also: CM Wang would have needed witness protection.
sane, I made a more radical suggestion re: w/l for pitchers - lose the stat completely. It is highly dependent on your team’s offensive performance, and is not a good indicator of his performance. If the hitters get shut out, and a pitcher goes 9 innings giving up 1 run, he gets the loss, but the hitters get their normal batting stats!
W-L should not be a stat for anyone but the team. It’s an antiquated statistict that could go away and we’d be no worse off (and maybe better).
Are we MORE angry if:
The Twins won’t spend money?
or
If the Twins mis-judge a player and then over-spend on him, because the mis-judging was obviously intentional?
mike
Interesting perspective on the W/L stat. I hadn’t thought of that. What a great idea.
I see no reason to boo. I’ve learned my lessons about that. But, I also see no reason not to be disappointed that they refuse to sign FAs that are good, but are willing to re-sign their own players that are bad (assuming you think cuddy or punto is bad….).
mike,
Was your 8:35AM post directed at me?
If so, I have already forgotten posting on that subject.
Sorry.
“w/l for pitchers - lose the stat”
Tradition has its purpose. Gotta keep the stat for posterity. There’s nothing wrong with the stat per se, and the baseball world has adjusted to its true value already in my view. How else to explain $40M contracts given to perennial 12 game winners?
mike,
But, your post made a lot of sense.
“the baseball world has adjusted to its true value already in my view.”
See HOF voting; Blyleven, Bert.
sane
I posted on the subject of W/L and I think mike thought I was you since we have similar-looking usernames. It’s happed a few times before. (I am flattered; you should feel insulted.) Since you are something of a fixture around here, I will change my username.
Ooops, that was saam, not sane.
The “problem” with w-l is that it effects cy young, hall of fame, and salary structure to an unfortunate degree. If none of those things had an effect on the actual game, I’d not care, but remarkably they seem to effect how teams are built and paid.
I agree that tradition has it’s place. I really struggled sitting there last night looking at the useless stats that they Twins put on the scoreboard - no OBP, no SLG%, just old traditional stats. I also liked how Punto’s seemed to get stuck on the board, once they were there. I’d say half of Span’s AB’s were largely accompanied by Punto’s stats being on the board…..
saam, don’t be silly. It was my mistake, you should use the name you want to use.
saam,
It is I, who is flattered.
mww,
“But, I also see no reason not to be disappointed that they refuse to sign FAs that are good, but are willing to re-sign their own players that are bad (assuming you think cuddy or punto is bad….).”
An acceptable point in general, mike. So you would have jettisoned Cuddyer and signed a FA outfielder that was better, maybe for less money, two years ago. And you would have found a way to bring a FA shortstop on board this past winter. My issue with these types of statements has to do with how easy it is to express the view compared to how hard it is to do the deal. If it was easy, every club would simply fix their problems and tie for the World Series title every year with 30 other teams. Sometimes the fix is unavailable in the short term, some times the fix fails, and this happens to every club, not just ours.
mike, It’s happened before. I just wish someone would attribute one of sane’s more insightful posts to me. Oh, well…
bop
First of all, last I checked this was a place for people to voice their opinion and create discussion concerning our local club. So as much as you are entitled to post responses and comment on others, you don’t get to decide what people talk about.
And secondly, there is no absurd fixation, I was merely trying to strike up or continue some additional dialogue with other Twins’ fans. It just happens to be on a topic that has been on a lot of minds around here.
I never mentioned or encouraged booing or disrespecting players either… even as frustrating as their play can be.
So what would you like to discuss?
Does anyone else think Nicky has something wrong with his arm, he reminds me of that Everett guy from last year bouncing throws every other time.
Gardy, but how’s he been bowling?
I was clapping and happy when LNP got the sac bunt down because….he got the sac bunt down. He’s had some difficulty with this in the past and it was nice to see him accomplish what he was asked to do…unlike Span who twice failed to move a runner along in the same at bat by bunting futilely. I supposed I’d have been guilty of cheering had I been at the game and not sitting by myself in my recliner.
As to Punto’s arm, I’d need more data. I was wondering if he had something wrong ala last year’s SS attempt but I think in both instances he felt he had to hurry the throw…to home and to beat either Upton or Crawford at first (can’t recall which)
I think it is something to look for going forward, but I haven’t really thought he has a wing issue.
bop: agreed, but work keeps interrupting my attempts to respond….
Sorry if you were offended, Eddie. You voiced your opinions. Who attempted to decide for you what to voice? So, great, Cuddyer is on your mind a lot and is not a fixation. I accept that.
And thanks for asking what topic you and I could possibly discuss. How about prospects in the farm system? How about players about to turn things around? How about anything besides Puntophilia, Butcher-bashing, and Cud chewing?
Thanks for your backhanded apology.
“Cuddy and Punto looked even more pathetic live than on tv or the radio.”
must be one very powerful radio.
mickey mental,
Good catch!
“clutterheart says:
April 29th, 2009 at 6:26 am
I think you are missing the point of a Morales as trade bait.
A young good hitting catcher has to be worth a decent relief pitcher…right?”
But he still has defensive issues. Only a rebuilding team will be interested in him, right?
And teams aren’t now ready to admit they’re in a rebuilding phase this early in the season.
“…so I think it was either a double steal or a hit and run.”
In the post game, Gardy hinted that it was a Young blunder. All he said was we got “too excited”.
We have a young team.
I was waiting for that, sloppy posting on my part with the radio thing.
romer,
Morales’s offense is awesome (in his small sample so far) compared to most catchers. His D isn’t great by any means, but it just isn’t going to cost most teams games. If Morales is actually this good (his OPS is currently .009 lower than Mauer’s was last year) someone should want him as their everyday catcher (or backing up Mauer, would be my preference).
Please don’t give me more ammo about Young and how great he is….
In the post game, Gardy hinted that it was a Young blunder. All he said was we got “too excited”.
Actually, by using “we” in that sentence, Gardy did just what management is suppoesd to do and absorb blunders as a team.
“We messed up.”
Likewise, Gardy will isolate a single player when something good is done and praise him publically.
This does not count if somebody specifically asks Gardy “What did you think of *insert player* tonight?” which really is just the reporter baiting for a sound bite.
I should add that no matter what people may say about Gardy refusing to take the blame for a bad decision…you’ll also note he never tries to take the credit when a decision succeeds.
For example, people expect Gardy to take the fall when he doesn’t have Player X hit for Player Y.
However, nobody would expect Gardy to come out in the reverse situation and pat himself on the back when Player X bats for Player Y resulting in a winning hit.
For example: Monroe’s PH 3-run jack against KC last year.
mww, Young hasn’t been too bad recently. He’s our .290 hitter from last year who is on the bench though his offensive production is far better than Cuddy or Gomez.
He has a bit of a blockhead for a brain, but his benching has made it worse.
Gardy’s handling of youngsters Gomez and Young this year (starters last year) is suspect to say the least.
I’m not gonna get down on Young.
Check out this link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2009-lineups.shtml
You’ll notice Morales has started to get more frequent starts, as has Young and Kubel.
You’ll also notice that Gomez and Casilla have started getting fewer frequent starts.
You’ll also note that the frequency of starts corresponding to when the player began succeeded. Not vice versa.
You’ll also notice that Punto’s getting a significant amount of play time at SS, but mostly because Harris has been busy primarily taking over for Casilla.
More fu@@##@# Cuddyer! F U Gardy!
Does anybody want to tell shazel that this is yesterday’s lineup?
…That won?
Gardy was mad when a sign was missed in the Morales at bat,but did he miss the sign or Ulger?With Ulger’s track record,who knows for sure.
“Gardy was mad when a sign was missed in the Morales at bat,but did he miss the sign or Ulger?”
thrylos98 says that it was Gardy’s fault.
hey mike wants wins,
no offense intended — you’ll note that i didn’t call you out by name. just found it amusing. and, in fact, i live on the west coast without cable so i “see” the games on gameday and (gulp) through the eyes of these blogs …
Rays are in a very giving mood today. I like it! LOL
I wasn’t offended, I thought it was funny. You’ll have to call me names and disrespect my wife or child to offend me (and even name calling won’t so much offend me as it will annoy me). Make fun of my posts in a nice, funny way (not meanspirited) and I’ll like your posts more and more.
