Redmond, Punto, Morneau out of today’s game with injuries.
Posted on July 1st, 2009 – 12:38 PMBy La Velle
Twins catcher Mike Redmond is having X-Rays of his right forearm after being hit with a foul tip in the fifth inning. X-Rays have come back negative. All Redmond has is a bone bruise.
Infielder Nick Punto is out with a tight lower back after getting upended while turning an excellent double play in the sixth.
Justin Morneau left the game after the sixth with a tight left groin.
We’ll have more on these developments after the game.
Just got back from Ron Gardenhire’s office, and the manager was full of stories today.
But in what was a classy move, Gardenhire called former Pioneer Press writer Phil Miller, who was laid off on Tuesday, to which him luck in the future. Then we started talking about newspapers and beat writers and the time flew by. Phil’s a great guy and a fine writer and it’s too bad he no longer around. But what’s happened to Phil has happened to a lot of my friends in the business…
Ran into John Wathan, former umpire Steve Pallermo and George Brett this morning. Brett was with his son, Jackson, who has grown five inches over the last year and is 6 feet, 2 inches tall. “He’s worn the suit I wore to my Hall of Fame induction twice,” Brett said. “He can’t wear the shoes because I’m a size 11 and he’s a 14.”
Jackson was four years old when I left K.C. for the Twin Cities. Now he’s 16. And big. I feel so old.
George has Jackson playing third base, the outfield and a little at catcher, too.
Some minor league notes:
Carlos Gutierrez will get one more start at Class AA New Britain before he’s moved to the bullpen. This was always the plan as the Twins watch Gutierrez’s innings pitched this year.
New Britain catcher Wilson Ramos was close to returning to action but had a setback in his rehab from a pulled hamstring and is now headed to Fort Myers, Fla and could miss three more weeks.
Check out Elizabethon catcher Danny Rams’ stats: Five games, .423 average, 5 4 homers, 15 RBI and a 1.647 OPS. And he’s improved behind the plate.
Luke Hughes could wind up at New Britain after he recovers from his oblique strain because Danny Valencia has played well and Steven Tolleson and Alexi Casilla are the starting middle infield at Class AAA Rochester. Actually, as Seth pointed out, Trevor Plouffe is playing short too. Tolleson has played some outfield. By the way, Tolleson needs work catching the ball, so keep that in mind when pondering middle infield options.
Brendan Harris (.154), Jason Kubel (.208) and Delmon Young (.087) have bad numbers against Gil Meche and are out of the lineup. Matt Tolbert is four-for-five against Meche and is in.
Joe Mauer is batting .143 against Meche, but you know he’s not coming out!
Once again, sorry the lineups are late.But we were in Gardenhire’s office for over an hour.
Lineups
Twins (40-39)
1. Denard Span, LF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Justin Morneau 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Joe Crede, 3B
7. Mike Redmond, C
8. Carlos Gomez, CF
9. Nick Punto, SS
Pitching: Glen Perkins, LHP
Royals (33-43)
1. David DeJesus, LF
2. Willie Bloomquist, RF
3. Billy Butler, 1B
4. Jose Guillen, DH
5. Mark Teahen, 3B
6. Alberto Callaspo, 2B
7. Brayan Pena, C
8. Luis Hernandez, SS
9. Mitch Maier, CF
Pitching: Gil Meche, RHP
252 Responses to "Redmond, Punto, Morneau out of today’s game with injuries."
Trevor Plouffe is still playing most days in Rochester too, with one of the middle infielders DHing, or Tolleson has played some LF.
Rams has four home runs, but he’s been killing the ball. Most important, so far his K rate is only about 1 in 3 at bats whereas last year (also at E-Town) it was almost 2 to 1.
Tyler Ladendorf (2008 #2 pick) and Chris Herrmann (2009 #6 pick) are also crushing the ball so far this season.
Here comes a torrent of negativity…
“Most important, so far his K rate is only about 1 in 3 at bats…”
Only?
1. The trouble with Punto and Tolbert in the lineup is Span has been producing at about their level too.
2. Red’s bat is okay but def without power. So, why no Kubel? He’s about 11th in the League as a hitter. Big omission.
3. Didn’t know Harris needed a day off. Hope Punto can make strong throws.
Is it too early to offer the young Brett a contract?
Consider writing a story about Steve Palermo. I remember when he was shot in 1992. I didn’t know until last night when Bert and Dick interviewed him that he is now walking! Walking! What an amazing story.
Here comes a torrent of negativity…
And for good reason.
Benny, in baseball, as in life, everything is relative.
Agreed, BC. Sounds like another Joe Mauer, a big strong kid coming from a baseball family and everything.
I know, JimC. It just seems like that word is out of place in that sentence.
Ron Gardenhire, not payroll constraints, has cost this team a world series birth or two this decade.
Nobody gives away games like Ronnie.
I was hoping to see Morales in there at C today with Mauer DHing. I guess his role is strictly late-inning pinch-hitting? If so, he’s doing a good job at it.
3. 4. 5. 6. need to have good days @ the plate to sneak by pesky Royals today. I don’t see us putting too many hits together again?!
Dan,
Steve was shot in July 1991 and was walking 3 months later as he threw out the 1st pitch @ the Metrodome for Game 1 of the WS.
Wow. All I can say is wow. Bench Harris and leave Punto in…seriously, are we trying to lose this series?
And how does Kubel not play against a righty?
I don’t care about the numbers (aka the excuses), having the trio of Harris-Kubel-Morales on the bench is not inspiring. Next thing we’ll see is Crede being a late injury scratch so Buscher can get in there, too…
I would like to see Gardy try Gomez in the 2 hole now that he is controlling the bat a little better. If you are going with Tolbert in that spot, just as well.
Harris could probably use a day off as long as it is only 1. I am very surprised that Kubel is getting the day off against a righty, but Gardy has probably noticed the improvement from Gomez and wants to get him in the lineup. Good work Gardy.
Can the Twins shake that 2-games-over-.500 monkey today?
Why Punto for Harris? It’s not like Punto’s numbers against Meche justify it or how he has been swinging the bat for that matter. For a manager who wants to keep a consistent lineup out there(as he was so recently quoted as saying), Gardy sure loves to tinker.
Any place to watch the game locally?
Believe it or not I actually like the Royals lineup better than ours…only inspiring part of our lineup at the moment is Mauer and Morneau…and Mauer’s been struggling. Morneau can’t win every game by himself.
I have a strange feeling we score 10 runs today even as my brain is throbing over this lineup.
I’m wondering if the bad BA’s of Harris, Kubel, and Young v. Meche represent adequate sample size and/or circumstance.
In conclusion, I don’t miss Harris so much, and I don’t mind Gomez instead of Young.
But Gomez instead of Kubel bothers me.
God bless Gardy and the Twins though. And the best of vibes go to Perk too!
Anyone out there gonna watch on TV?
union, Punto battles his tail off…plus, the last thing you want is for Harris to get too cocky at SS after his great play last night.
It was the obvious move to keep psychological order in the clubhouse.
And away we go…….
Get ‘em Tolbert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to see Gardy try Gomez in the 2 hole
Personally, I might give that Mauer kid a try batting 2nd.
Or did we try that and it didn’t work very well?
I forget.
Tolbert is 4-for-5 against Meche and he’s starting? I’m about ready to unleash “The Book” and “Tom Tango” on Gardy.
Thank goodness the voice of reason, Chief, has joined us. Absolutely right, Chief, get Mauer back in the 2-hole.
If I’m Gil Meche and I look at the pregame lineup cards for both teams, I’m thinking, “This is all me, today”.
TwinsFix, have you paid any attention to Tolbert here in 2009? Somehow I feel that’s the more relevant anaylsis.
So much for the 2 games over .500
That was actually 1991 - the Twins had him throw out the first pitch in Game 1 (?) of the World Series that year. It may have been another game. That is a great story - he was trying to prevent a convenience store robbery, wasn’t he?
WJ,
“Did you coach Dave Hansen or Craig Wilson?”
Dave Hansen
I want Joe back at #2 too.
Make Meche work today - look at a lot of pitches
Wow, I’m slow.
But Tolbert has been halfway decent lately.
he was trying to prevent a convenience store robbery,
I thought he said yesterday that he and a friend went to the aid of a lady being assaulted outside of a bar.
Mauer works pretty good in the 3 hole too. I am ok with him in either role. It would be ideal if we could find a guy for the 2 hole in front of him however.
That guy does not currently play for the Twins AK. Mauer at the 2 worked quite well. Why tinker?
Away we go…….
Lavelle, you have to give us some context with those BA’s you posted for Kubel, Harris, and Young.
Well, I’ve done the work.
Kubel: 5 for 24 w/10 K’s, .542 OPS
Okay, so not good at all, but it’s what, maybe five or six games worth of AB’s?
Harris: 2 for 13, .445 OPS
Even smaller sample size. Shouldn’t be relevant.
Young: 2 for 23, .212 OPS
I wouldn’t play Young against any righty, so that doesn’t really matter. No big loss.
You have to consider the seasons Harris and Kubel are having. No excuse to field this lineup.
Mauer in the 3 hole is and was working good too…why tinker? With that being said, I tend to agree with you that it is unlikely we can find a good 2 hole hitter at this point. Gomez would be the last guy to try and now is the time to try it. He is swinging real well right now.
So, if that option doesn’t work, I agree moving Mauer back to 2 may be the best option for this year.
romer says:
July 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
But Tolbert has been halfway decent lately.
On your MLB 2K9 season?
Whatever thrylos says about Cuddyer’s gutless non-play of the popup off Tolbert’s glove is true in this case.
Totally @#$%@#$%-king gutless!
Royals announcers saying the twins have played “shady” defense this series. I believe they wanted to say “sh!tty”
touch ‘em all, Michael Cuddyer….and the radio was late to get it live!
This lineup is a total WTF, but maybe they’ll prove us all wrong.
I guess Harris can get a day off, he does have the most plate appearances in June.
Oh dang, a HR for Magicman!
BUT, he atones with the bat!
Cuddy!!!
When was the last day off for Harris? Gomez for Kubel is much better defensively. It’s really not so egregious.
….and the radio was late to get it live!
They must be borrowing the FSN production crew today.
There goes that Cuddyer guy just producing in non-critical situations again.
Morales can’t get a start behind the plate to save his life…
What must the Royals be thinking when their starting catcher is on the DL and they see the Twins with Joe Mauer as their starter and a guy hitting .368 as their No. 3 catcher who is twittling his thumbs on the bench for today’s game…
Aside from Tolbert hitting in the 2 hole, that is.
In the last game against the Brewers and the weekend series against St. Louis, Tolbert improved his batting average 22 points. Yes, he’s still batting below .200, but “halfway decent” certainly applies.
Gomez walks after being down 0-2?!? Impressive.
Punto 5-for-22 lifetime off Gil Meche.
Translation: Punto absolutely owns Gil Meche.
Why did the Twins bring Morales up here?
New it was only a matter of time before Punto was back at SS. Gardy and Punto love each other.
“What must the Royals be thinking when their starting catcher is on the DL and they see the Twins with Joe Mauer as their starter and a guy hitting .368 as their No. 3 catcher who is twittling his thumbs on the bench for today’s game…”
I don’t think they’re all that concerned. They’re probably just thinking “Boy, it sure sucks to be the Royals.”
A Carlos Gomez walk!
On deck: Bigfoot
Yesss! The most exciting play in LNP’s arsenal: The grind-out walk! If only he would keep the bat on the shoulder every time.
Meche walks the fear-inducing Gomez and Punto and then Span swings at the first pitch!!
Meche now at 45 pitches thru 2 innings.
Good job Span! Meche justs walks 2 people and you go and swing at the 1st pitch.
2 walks in front of him and Span swings at the first pitch?
Gomez has been a totally different hitter at the plate the last couple weeks. Man I hope he has started to turn the corner.
Nice walk by Nicky too.
The two batters in front of him walk, and Span swings at the first pitch. Really?
Span swinging on the first pitch….he sure seems a little out of whack since being back.
classy mention about Phil Miller LEN3. Hope he keeps writing for the twins somehow.
Cuddyer is forgiven but not excused, right sane?He is who he is.
Span must be taking those hitting lessons from Delmon’s dad.
Span could be due for a day off to clear his mind. He has not been the same player since coming back. He deserves to play, but could use a day to collect himself perhaps.
Lots of GBs. Keep it up Perk.
Whatever thrylos says about Cuddyer’s gutless non-play of the popup off Tolbert’s glove is true in this case.
All I am going to say is what everyone would have said if it were DY instead of Cuddyer not making that play…
BOP,
“Cuddyer is forgiven but not excused, right sane?He is who he is.”
Cuddy and (all other players who screw up) are all forgiven immediately.
I didn’t say Cuddy was gutless.
I said his “leave me out of this” PLAY on the pop-up was gutless.
I try never to insult the player, but often insult their actions.
Sometimes good people do bad things.
Top 2nd….Meche walks two in a row, and then Span swings at the first pitch. Can’t someone teach these guys something?
What a gritty, scrappy at bat for Tolbert. That guy is so gritty. Just pure grit.
Truly a gritacular at bat
Meche will be fortunate to finish six innings today.
the difference is Cuddyer isn’t completely useless like Delmon Young is, so he deserves some slack.
speaking of Cuddy… lots of big hits this road trip. good to see.
All I am going to say is what everyone would have said if it were DY instead of Cuddyer not making that play…
So bile-filled speech with little coherent criticism with a sprinkle of personal bias and a hint of bitterness?
Now that’s Royals baseball.
Saw multiple similar plays by KC when we were there two Aprils ago…
We’ll take it!
With almost identical sample sizes, Tolbert and Morales put up almost identical numbers in AAA this season. Why have some of you have concluded that Morales is a big-time player and that Tolbert is a stiff? Am I missing something?
BOP,
“Tolbert and Morales put up almost identical numbers in AAA this season. Why have some of you have concluded that Morales is a big-time player and that Tolbert is a stiff? Am I missing something?”
You are missing their MLB numbers.
Sure would be nice to see Morales in against the right-hander.
When Redmond bats, all 3 OFs may as well move to RF, like the shift for Ortiz in the infield. Has Redmond flew out to LF this year?
“Am I missing something?”
Um, by that logic, I’d say you’re “missing” most Twins games this year.
Adam,
“Ron Gardenhire, not payroll constraints, has cost this team a world series birth or two this decade.
Nobody gives away games like Ronnie.”
Don’t say that too loud. The FO might just hear you. Cause if this is true then the inverse must also be true. They might just whack Gardy, install Ulger, cut the budget, and expect a greater winning percentage.
Because in the very, very limited AB’s that Morales has had he has been successful at this level. Some people take his limited AB’s and overrate his potential…while others discount them which isn’t right either.
My take is he is about in the middle and will be a solid MLB backup catcher for us starting next year.
66 PAs are all one needs to know bop. Probably not. Although Morales showed a better eye at the plate in AAA this year.
Scott, thanks for your relevance post at 1:27.
Tolbert has had an okay week or so. Spanking the ball today.
I like this 2-0 lead…well done Cuddy and Royals Defense.
Let’s hope Perk can make it stick.
“Tolbert has had an okay week or so. Spanking the ball today.”
romer is “missing something” too, apparently.
Perk motoring along relatively efficiently so far today.
“Tolbert has had an okay week or so. Spanking the ball today.”
Gordo would agree - he said something like “Tolbert hit the ball on the snuz twice today”. Anyone else hear that or am I hallucinating again?
Gladden:
“The only early batting practice work today was by George Brett’s kid, and he’s 13…”
Love the Dazzle Man!
Yeah, Cuddy’s BA moved slightly ahead of Span’s there.
Another spanked ball by Tolbert…
Too Nice says:
July 1st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
“Tolbert has had an okay week or so. Spanking the ball today.”
Gordo would agree - he said something like “Tolbert hit the ball on the snuz twice today”. Anyone else hear that or am I hallucinating again?
Even if you didn’t hear Gardenhire say it, I’m sure he did say it at some point. Probably when he was tucking Tolbert in last night and reading him his favorite bedtime story “Sub-Replacement Level Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Start in the Majors.”
Or maybe that’s Gardenhire’s memoir.
little nicky punto
at shortstop
gardy manlove crush
or… “The Little Second Baseman That Couldn’t”
All these hits given up by Perkins might catch up to him. Hopefully not but more than one per inning isn’t a great ratio…
Actually, by Gordo I meant John Gordon on the radio.
I only got gamecast SoCal but I don’t think those hits have been hit too hard. Lots of GBs.
romer says:
July 1st, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Yeah, Cuddy’s BA moved slightly ahead of Span’s there.
Yeah, and his OPS is 280 points ahead of Young’s.
Meche @ 99 pitches
injury delay….
who is injured???
Perkins, 13 ground ball outs, 1 air out, 60 pitches, 68% for strikes… no extra base hits and no walks (key)…
Hopefully he doesn’t hit the “wall” in the next couple innings…
We still should be rocking Meche considering the amount of pitches he has thrown this start and last!
What happened to Redmond? Not how I wanted to get Morales in there but I’ll take it…
Morales looks like Darth Maul.
What happened to Red?
The ball came off the bat and hit Redmond right on the inside of the knee… at least, that’s what it looked like.
Reddog must be hurt pretty bad to need to leave the game.
Nicely done, Go-Go.
Let’s see a bunt, Nicky.
Redmond replaced by Morales… must have taken a foul ball tip somewhere you dont want to??!
I wasn’t watching at the time but the KC announcers made it sound like he took it in the family jewel box.
What on Earth was that? Wow.
wow, why was Nick not bunting in that spot?
Cuddy on track for 24 HR’s and 83 RBIs this year.
Why is Punto NOT bunting?
Then Span hits a fly ball that would have scored Gomez from 3rd…. perfectly executed guys, good job.
Not to pick on the guy, but that was a horrendous AB for LNP.
Nice game for Gomez so far.
Why didn’t punto bunt?
Gomez has really been swinging the bat well lately. I wish Gardy would continue to play him, instead of sticking Delmon “Dud” Young in there.
I think Gladden wants to spill his guts on his extra carricular activities while playing. I’m surprised to hear some players party on the road.
Absolutely unbelievable.
Luckily Joe Mauer bailed Gardy out. Meche helped out by walking Tolbert, of course.
Radio guys say it was Red’s right arm. And he wasn’t moving it as he walked to the dugout.
Gordon wonders if any team still has a set curfew…. REALLY?
Gardy best get the bullpen up…this inning has a chance to be trouble.
and boom goes the dynamite…
I’m in the Morales over Redmond camp. However, I’m not missing the 66 MLB AB’s for Morales, and the 120 MLB AB’s for Tolbert. I simply give them the same small sample discount as the minor league AB’s. Isn’t it logical to expect the longer term results to even out for both? I hope we get a chance to see Morales in action a lttle more. My guess is he’s good for about a .270 BA and .630 OPS over the course of a season, a nice offensive upgrade from Redmond. A tad better than Tolbert’s. But jason, Gardy hasn’t been benching a .369 hitter as you seem to be suggesting. That was what I was questioning. It’d be great if he is a .300 hitter and adequate at handling pitchers, but I just don’t see it as the sure thing maybe some of you do.
Why is the worst hitter on the team (Tolbert) hitting in the 2-spot?
That was a deep fly ball out according to Gameday. Did Crede get robbed?
It isn’t just the fact Gomez is swinging the bat better…it is his approach that has changed. This is not just getting hot…we are talking a significant change.
We can only hope this is the beginning of that greatness we have been hoping for.
Crossing fingers…
Uh oh - why is Buscher in at 1st?
Nope. DeJesus made a nice running catch in the far corner. The game is on Royals’ network here in Des Moines on DirecTV. Channel 672.
Red has done a lot for this organization. He is playing well enough to be our backup catcher. Morales will get his chance as early as next year to be the primary backup. He has done well for us so far, but he has a lot to prove still.
why the switcheroo away from lnp at short?
BennyW,
Must be because he a a far superior defensive player.
Not that I care but to add on to why is Morneau out…..why is Punto out?
the Punto discussion seems to be moot now…he’ll go back on the DL with another sore batting average.
Punto tight lower back…(eyes roll)
What’s up with Morneau? Please don’t tell me Gardy just wanted to give him three innings off!
Punto, Redmond, Tolbert, and Gomez in the same line-up? Must be Spring Training…or Gardy’s brilliant afternoon line-up.
So - armchair managers: Do you send Perk out for the 8th with 92 pitches and ten hits? if not, who do you bring in?
What’s with the buscher/harris for morneau/punto switch?
You know Mauer’s going to get plenty of quality pitches to hit in his next at-bat with Tolbert hitting in front of him and Buscher hitting behind him.
Jason,
Apparently Morneau left the game with a tight groin.
Punto’s too old to play the middle infield, and Redmond’s too old to play the game. Get rid of both, then send Gomez and Tolbert to AAA. Give Morales the back-up catcher job (for good!) and pull up Casilla already. Or, better yet, trade Perksins for a second baseman and pull up Swarzak!!
I guess this is the definition of “scattering hits”…
Costly game with 3 injuries.
gameday says morneau hurt his groin, punto his back and redmond his hand/wrist. Last two no huge deal, first one BIG deal if it’s serious…
This slight groin pull better have heavy emphasis on the word “slight”.
Could you imagine Buscher playing first for the majority of this upcoming homestand against Detroit, New York, and Chicago?
Punto out? Morneau out? What’s going on?
From Royal’s broadcaster Jamie Quirk on Carlos Gomez: “A scout’s dream; a manager’s nightmare.”
LaVelle has updates above re: the injuries.
Twins catcher Mike Redmond is having X-Rays of his right forearm after being hit with a foul tip in the fifth inning.
Justed posted by La Velle
“Infielder Nick Punto is out with a tight lower back after getting upended while turning an excellent double play in the sixth.
Justin Morneau left the game after the sixth with a tight left groin.
We’ll have more on these developments after the game.”
Punto tight lower back…(eyes roll)
Typical Jason. Whines about Punto when he’s in the lineup, whine’s about him even more when he’s not in the lineup.
And yes, Punto’s not really injured. He’s the only player on the team that never ACTUALLY gets hurt. Ever. It’s all a vast conspiracy dedicated to ticking you off.
Come on, we don’t really lose anything when Buscher takes over for Morneau at first… just some defense, power and average. It’s no big deal.
The “good” news if Morneau has to go on the DL and is only out 15 days, he would only miss 9 games. Of course, he would be out for the ASG.
Justed posted by La Velle
“Twins catcher Mike Redmond is having X-Rays of his right forearm after being hit with a foul tip in the fifth inning.
Infielder Nick Punto is out with a tight lower back after getting upended while turning an excellent double play in the sixth.
Justin Morneau left the game after the sixth with a tight left groin.
We’ll have more on these developments after the game.”
Punto to DL; bring up Hughes.
12 LOB among Span (4), Morneau (5), and Redmond (4).
Morneau’s and Punto’s injuries happened at the same play: the double play Punto turned:
Guillen had a nasty slide upending Punto who landed on his injured side. Punto’s throw made Morneau stretch to catch it and keep his foot on the bag to turn the DP…
Yeah Tolbert!
Tolbert swinging away on 3-0…
Gardy = genious
A line from the movie League of their Own comes to mind: “(Ron Gardenhire), the master strategist, had him swinging away”
Site keeps timing out on me. Anyone else having problems?
Joe the First,
Hate to disappoint you, but it looks like Hughes is headed down to AA, not up…
Punto to DL; bring up Hughes.
He’s on the DL as well
That was quite a move…if Tolbert makes an out on that swing, La Velle might even have a question or two for Gardy postgame.
Hey, whatever it takes to get to 2 games above .500…just six outs away!
t98 did Guillen go out of the “path” to break up the double play?
Me too Union. Lavelle’s been updating breaking news on injuries (a bruised bone, tight back, and tight groin). it slows down when they do that. (the players do too).
The AL keeps walking Buscher and Punto.
I don’t get it.
Jason, do you need a dictionary? Have you ever used spell check?
If Punto is on the DL, it’s Tolleson time.
No, there’s a prob again the the Strib blogs.
Does Phil Miller know anything about computer systems?
Cuddyer another meaningless RBI
romer,
All a pitcher has to do is throw one down the middle of the plate and let them hit a lazy fly ball. It’s not brain surgery.
t98 did Guillen go out of the “path” to break up the double play?
Yes. The slide was on the outfield side of the bag
Punto to DL, Tolleson up
Punto gets hurt a lot, because he’s a hard-nosed player with plenty of grit.
Too Nice….. Anything more to complain about? Good grief…He draws a walk for an rbi and you find a negative. Whine and jeez time, I guess.
Dazzle not impressed with the Gomez effort - anyone agree?
Tolbert has played pretty good as of late. His D is always there and his bat seems to be picking up. All of his bats today were good.
Oakland 2, Detroit 1, bottom of the fifth.
Was Nick hurt on the double play t98 talked about?
Probably a good Twins Squeeze Play tonight. Check out the Punto/Morneau DP…..
Dickey used only one Knuckle to get 3 outs
Well, Shaun, it was the last time Punto was in the game today.
“Cuddyer another meaningless RBI”
What about the solo home run to put us up 1-0? I don’t understand how we can get a “meaningless RBI” in a game where we are ahead, especially when the lead was less than 4 runs. I would have to say you are using the wrong moniker Too Nice.
When you battle your tail off as much as Punto does, you are bound to get injured.
actually i don’t believe punto was even touched on the take out slide , just lept over the runner and twisted kind of weird.
And on gomez’ mis-play on that double??? the royals announcers just sat there speechless watching the replay. Then said what is he doing out there?…lol he didn’t even look for the ball the last 15 feet and just jumped on the fence as the ball landed behind him on the warning track…
Punto battled so hard his tail literally fell off.
Do we run Dicky out again since it isn’t a save situation? That would be my guess.
What!? Harris disagreeing with a called 3rd strike!?!!
NEVer!!!
I think it is a good move leaving Dickey in to finish (if possible).
Of all his strikeouts, what percentage are called third strikes for Harris? Anyone know?
Benny,
Punto will be the first player ever to go on the disabled list with a “disabled tail” - they must have another name for it but this is a family blog so will resist the urge to make a few suggestions.
So Nathan is summoned in this easy save situation (only one out is needed and tying run in on-deck circle), but last night, when the tying run was at second and four outs were needed, Nathan was saved for a fresh ninth inning start.
I like our guy, but you have to respect Mariano Rivera. Although lost in his legacy is the fact that he blew a save that cost the Yankees the 2001 World Series.
The percentage he should have swung at the third called strike is 100.
Oakland 4, Detroit 1, bottom of the seventh inning.
I’m starting to sense a pattern. Dickey comes in and pitches just bad enough to get Nathan a one out save opportunity. Hopefully it doesn’t backfire.
Dickey did his job and gives Nathan the opportunity for a 1 out save.
Does Nathan get the save now?
Well, after Souhan finishes disecting this game, none of us will feel good about the win. He’ll clearly explain why this win portends bad news.
My meaningless RBI comment was sarcasm aimed at the Cuddy haters. sorry it was not as transparent as I had hoped.
This was a great win and a great road trip, folks. Very encouraging. The Twins have been on the verge of falling into irrelevance just in time for Brett Favre to dominate the headlines for the rest of the summer…
But a 6-3 road trip was just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully they keep it going at home before the All-Star break.
With the injuries, in all seriousness, I hope everyone comes out of it okay. Hopefully the team makes the necessary adjustments on the spots that obviously need upgrading on the team in the meanwhile. I think we can start to feel good about this team again.
Yes, Ben D, it’s a save situation.
KC has 12 hits and one run. We do have awesome defensive team
How is it possible that Redmond is always getting beat up behind the plate? Is it coincidence or is the guy just sloppy in his approach to pitches? You never see Mauer getting beat up this bad. Or maybe he does, and Mauer is just superhuman and made of steel.
Bring on Detroit!!!!!
No prob Too Nice. I wasn’t following the string until the last bit (and sarcasm almost always fails in print, unfortunatly). No hard feelings?
You won’t have to wait for Souhan, Joe1. There will be plenty written right here explaining why despite three straight road series wins, the GM, manager, coaches, most of the players, batboys and clubhouse attendants (not to mention the broadcasters, of course) all still suck.
My meaningless RBI comment was sarcasm aimed at the Cuddy haters
It wasn’t obvious enough, Too. You need to be pretty blatent around this crowd.
Nice road trip, in the end. 6-3, could’ve been even better. Playing better ball on the road is pretty important for this team, and the last two road trips have been encouraging.
Now go get Freddie Sanchez and a RH reliever, Bill, and we’ll all dance merrily to the postseason.
Redmond’s arm did not look very good. I would not doubt that he is going to the DL tomorrow.
“But a 6-3 road trip was just what the doctor ordered.”
should have been 9-0. twins should be 80-0 right now. trade everyone. fire everyone.
Good time to get a day off tomorrow. Give some bumps, bruises and pulls a little time to heal. Not to mention giving everyone a well deserved day off.
“the GM, manager, coaches, most of the players, batboys and clubhouse attendants (not to mention the broadcasters, of course) all still suck.”
Don’t forget the fans. 
No, the fans (especially those here) are brilliant and knowledgeable!
The obvious omission was the owners. My bad. They suck too.
T98, if Redmond does end up on the DL, care to speculate about who they may promote? I assume they won’t feel the need for a 3rd catcher (tho I suppose they could). Gardy has mentioned wanting to get back to 12 pitchers. If so, I assume it would be a RP rather than Swarzak getting the call.
3 more outs till the A’s win over Detroit.
A’s win but I think if we sweep this weekend we’re still technically behind Detriot by a fraction of a percentage.
T98, if Redmond does end up on the DL, care to speculate about who they may promote?
at this point it is a guesswork. I think Gabino might be as good guess as any, if they go with another arm (they want Swarzak to be a starter and they are correct). Otherwise, Tolleson, Huber, or even Casilla might be possibilities. It would be interesting to see what will happen if Punto ends up on the DL as well.
Well if it’s Punto on the DL, they obviously have to bring up another MI, so it comes down to whether they want to give Tolleson a shot or go with “the devil they know” in Casilla. Might opt for the latter, not only because they at least have a familiarity with him but it would also allow them to showcase him a bit in anticipation of possibly trading him later in the month.
I agree it’s just guesswork at this point, but with an off day coming up tomorrow, we’ve got nothing better to do.
How is Matt Tolbert staying in the majors? He really isn’t good at any facet of the game. Baserunning, fielding, hitting… below average across the board.
There is a decent chance this guy is the worst player in the Majors.
but with an off day coming up tomorrow, we’ve got nothing better to do.
a great thing to do in the off days it to catch up with the minors. WHTK, the Red Wings station streams live (including games on line). Their web site is there:
3 Cautions: a.I would not open the link at work because apparently they are sponsoring a “hot fan contest” and have bikini clad women pictures on their home page b. For some reason it does not with Firefox, so you have to use Internet Exploder c. Sometimes they play Yankee games out of the blue.
Lavelle wrote last week of hearing Jimmy Piersall speak. The death today of Karl Malden reminded me of his role as Jimmy Piersall’s father in the movie “Fear Strikes Out”. He played a mean SOB of a father and pushed his kid in baseball until he snapped. It’s a good little movie to learn how to NOT raise kids.
Call up Tolleson reguardless of any one going on the DL. He is that good. Give the Guy a Chance!
I actually try to get out to the local Class A games on “off days”. Unfortunately, the CR Kernels are on the road (coincidentally playing the Twins’ MWL affiliate Snappers in Beloit) this week.
WingsFan1177:
Where did you get that info? He isn’t That good……..But is would help.
98:
Get your facts straight. Why would want to bring Up Hughes? He has been on the DL forever, it seems like.
98:
Get your facts straight. Why would want to bring Up Hughes? He has been on the DL forever, it seems like.
Huber. Not Hughes (at this point). He leads the Red Wings in HRs and RBI. I think that he can help the team at this point more than Brian Buscher. He is a 1B/DH/”OF” type (If Crede needs a day off at 3B, Harris can play.
Gomez’s play at the wall in the 8th didn’t look that ridiculous.
…,
he was definitely concerned about hitting the wall, that’s why he took his eye off the ball. Tough play.
Looked like he lost it though, says. He outran it, then had to save himself with a 4-point landing on the wall.
Just funny, not incompetent.
The slide that took Punto out of the game was WAY out of the baseline by KC #11. Punto did a big somersault to avoid…..probably twisted his back.
I bet he’s okay, but who knows.
But I have to join the Punto bashers here for a moment. He sure makes himself vulnerable a lot on DP turns. Part of his patented fearless/agressive approach.
Yea-Rah-Rah.
It can pretty stupid, as he stands his ground and avoids at the last instant. And he ain’t young anymore. He sets himself up as a target.
Ironically, he did it right on that “#11″ play; but the guy went after him anyway — “There’s Punto, easy target”.
The slide that took Punto out of the game was WAY out of the baseline by KC #11
told ya 
It was beaning way out of the baseline and someone else that Dickey should have done it, up 5-1.
Now to find out who #11 is…
Pena?
Injury update:
“Morneau (sore groin) expects to be ready to play Friday. Punto (tight back) said it was spasms and hopes the same”
No word about Redmond.
romer,
Guillen
Actually, to be reliably factual, Punto didn’t do a somersault. But he kinda started to, and ended up in an awkward loop of a dive.
Very acrobatic, but of course out of control as he came back down.
Where’s the quote from please, thry?
And thanks for the new s**tlist name.
Whatever happened to speedster Joey Gathwright (sp?) for KC?
(And don’t say he went to med school.)
:)>
thrylos98 says:
3 Cautions: a.I would not open the link at work because apparently they are sponsoring a “hot fan contest” and have bikini clad women pictures on their home page b. For some reason it does not with Firefox, so you have to use Internet Exploder c. Sometimes they play Yankee games out of the blue.
And, just as I suspected, “bikini clad women” offends Thrylos.
Here is a decent injury update.
Sorry, thry…did not see your comment above
If Mourneau strained his groin, he can DH, CUddy to 1B, Span to LF, Gomez CF, and DY to RF!!
Where’s the quote from please, thry?
Kelly Thesier’s Twitter
And, just as I suspected, “bikini clad women” offends Thrylos.
they don’t offend me the least, but I am not sure whether they would offend people’s bosses if someone does that at work, thus the warning.
6-3 on the road trip!
Not bad.
t98, you can do what you want, obviously, but I think the best idea is just to ignore Pete. He’s just a troll, and if you don’t feed trolls, they whither and die.
Do you think Guillen went out of his way to break up the double play because he thought Punto “showed him up” by dropping that pop up in the earlier AB? Guillen might have thought he dropped it on purpose to get the lead runner so he was going to get his own vengence…. I wouldn’t put that past Guillen (AL batters should be glad he isn’t a pitcher)
I just saw the replay on Squeeze Play, Sarcky. It kind of looked like he dropped it on purpose but hard to say.
Squeeze Play showed the double play twice. Guillen was out of the base line, but no worse than our guys break up DP’s. Nick just sprawled out awkwardly. No sense starting something and giving KC an incentive to break up our playoff chances or something later.
OK… to preface… I realize this comes from Sid and that BS isn’t going to be open with him (or anyone in the media) about what, if any, discussions he’s having with other teams. But that said, this exchange is disheartening to fans and I would think to the players as well.
“Can the Twins win the division with the present roster? ‘We’re going to find out,’ he said.
Is there chance of a trade to improve the team? ‘We’d love to make the team better, but it would have to make sense,’ he said.”
“Love the Dazzle Man!”
The Dazzle Man is a douchbag. He is a horrible announcer and even his commentary is bad. Trying to follow the game when he is talking is brutal.
My favorite from Monday’s game (guy on second, 2 outs):
“Ground ball… Harris knocks it down… and that will be an error…”
What?
JC,
that came in the same Sid’s piece when he said that:
“Smith singled out third baseman Danny Valencia and second baseman Steve Tollefson”
and
“The Twins recently completed their draft, and they have signed seven of their 10 picks”.
(when they signed 14 out of their 50 picks and a non drafted free agent)
I guess “close personal friends” can do so much…
