Breaking news: Slowey shut down, out indefinitely
Posted on July 24th, 2009 – 7:06 PMBy La Velle
Twins righthander Kevin Slowey has been shut down and will return to the Twin Cities to be examined by doctors, a potentially huge blow to the club.
Slowey, who was scheduled to start on Saturday for Class AAA Rochester, tried to play catch on Friday but was unable to do so. He’s trying to return to action despite having a bone chip near his right wrist, but the chip wouldn’t allow him to do much of anything.
“That would not be good news,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said,
Slowey (10-3, 4.86) was expected to have surgery after the season to remove the chip but today’s development raises the possibility that he might have surgery sooner, although Gardenhire cautioned that nothing will be decided before the Twins’ medical staff meets with Slowey.
Rookie righthander Antony Swarzak will surely remain in the rotation.
This also might impact how the Twins proceed before the trading deadline. One scenario was that the Twins might be willing to part with one of their original starting pitchers with Swarzak emerging and R.A. Dickey available in emergencies. With Slowey out, the Twins might want to hold on to what they have.
The Twins continue to search for middle infield help and late-inning relievers, but they don’t appear to be close on anything.
Lineups
Twins (48-48)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Jason Kubel, DH
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Brian Buscher, 3B
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Pitching: Francisco Liriano
195 Responses to "Breaking news: Slowey shut down, out indefinitely"
First. So even Gardy couldn’t bear to see Casilla or Punto in the 2 hole tonight. Also, look at the Cardinals line up tonight. Lugo, DeRosa, Holiday were all traded for in the last couple of weeks. Pretty sure St. Louis is NOT bigger than MSP
The Twins continue to search for middle infield help and late-inning relievers, but they don’t appear to be close on anything.
There’s a surprise.
Actually, with this news about Slowey (which isn’t exactly a total surprise) it might be time to admit this team isn’t going to make it this year, and start looking for help in 2010 and beyond.
And get Mauer signed, ferpetesakes.
look into Paul Byrd….
he is free agent and would pitch well as veteran…
Win Twins!
Tolleson, Dinkelman, Singleton all in the system
Sanchez- still hasn’t been traded…..
Punto and Casilla are a joke, Punto never will be anything and Gardy has scared Casilla silly…
Lets just be frank NICK PUNTO = PATHETIC
There isn’t a worse player all around in the majors, yet with the Twins he is getting regular AB’s…..
I’m not trying to be mean, I’m being honest….
Could the Twins do something at the deadline and get some help for the team…for once?
Nice to have four automatic outs at the bottom. I guess that’s what you get when you move Mauer up and have terrible guys at the bottom anyways. Better than the alternitive.
Not liking the slowey news, if he has that chip removed, how long would we be looking at? Would it be season ending or could he come back in september, or god willing, october?
But looks like we really need to trade for a pitcher right now if we want any shot. Hopefully Mauer will light a flame under Smith.
what the cards gave up for matt was nothing…one kid who may make it next year, another one playing double and a maybe 4-5 starter someday…..thats it….i am no gm but i can assure i could have given more to oakland than that for that talent …..its so obvious we need a new gm…..bill smith is a total waste ..
I think this pretty much puts the kay-bosh on any Liriano trade rumors; IMO, he’s not going anywhere.
The FO is in a bit of a quandry: the chances of winning the division are becoming more remote by the day, yet they have to demonstrate they’re at least trying (e.g. convince the MM boys that they’re trying to field a competitive team). Is BS, Antony, etc, asleep at the switch? It sure appears that way.
The Twins are the team of the future and always will be
mj1—– The Cards game up plenty for Holliday….. they gave up the #6 mid-season prospect…. the Twins don’t have the bat…. I don’t think the Twins had the pieces to get him….
the main guy they gave up is like a Parmelee power, with good average and he plays 3rd….
what were the liriano rumors?
Batting order 1-5 second to none
6-9 as bad as any
Lets just be frank NICK PUNTO = PATHETIC
Punto is who he is and he is fairly successful: He made it to the bigs and gets a paycheck to play a game he loves. That is a big thing and entirely not pathetic, despite the fact that he does not cut it as a major leaguer.
Who is pathetic, in my book, is the manager who chooses to play him every day despite him not being the best choice.
Disagree?
Does BS even remotely think that we can win with this lineup?
buckshotmike,
Actually St. Louis is a bigger “baseball” market in some sense. While the Twins Cites is larger in terms of TV market size the Cards have one one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in MLB, a new & more profitable ballpark not to mention as a much larger average attendance per game than the Twins.
That said the Twinks should still have the ability to make a deal.
What does any of this matter? Twins are going nowhere so he may as well get the surgery.
About Slowey: I am actually glad that he is getting that bone fragment (”chip”) out of there. This is not like a ligament replacement surgery or an elbow surgery. Those two are reconstructive. Taking a bone fragment out of a wrist is almost like getting an impacted wisdom tooth out: Cut, pick out, saw. Usual recovery period, 3-5 weeks. He will be ready in September the latest. Just get him going and do the right thing fast.
Buscher, Punto, Casilla infield. Nice. That’s a god damn black hole. And Buscher hitting AHEAD of Delmon? Christ.
other teams do what it takes to win. And dont bring up Oakland, Kansas City, etc. We have two of the top players of this generation, and that doesnt happen a lot. When you do, you need to go for the winning team then. Bill Smithers is a bigger disgrace his arse.
joe - we are going to have to be willing to part with some of our prospects if we want to compete…we cant keep watching teams around us add-subtract and do whatever is needed to put together a solid roster….we have been so mismanaged the last couple years its pathetic….the twins have always had good players and alot of farm help, it just hasnt been handled well at all….this front office has no balls and even less brains
When Punto has been in a back-up role, he has proved he can be a valuable player. He has really struggled as an everyday player.
we could lose parmalee tonite and never miss him again….wheres he going to play…in morneaus spot..no in spans spot ..no i see no future for him in twins uniform for atleast 5-6 years and then who knows….
Give up any of our catching prospects.
At this point, and I know the Twins are in the middle of a pathetic central race, BUT I would completely be planning for 2010. Valencia needs to get some time (and I like Crede). Cut loose the backup catcher. Get up the bully future in Slama and Delaney. Well - other things as well but a good start. My thoughts.
another thing that would help this front office is if they would stop thinking that every player we have in the minors is the next babe ruth or bob feller and realize most of them are the next steve brye and bass……………
ok…. tyros…. I’ll give you that…. what I should of said is pathetic is that a major league team gives a guy like Punto regular AB’s…. though this is the team that did that with Punto 2 years ago, did it wth Tyner and Ford and others….
Planning for next year may not be a bad idea, a few years ago that’s the year I really had circled for a title run. With this weak division, regardless of what we do, I think it’ll be close at the end. Face it the Sox and Tigers are nothing special either, we know we can play with them, and the Twins have been doing half-decent.
It just seems this team can’t roll off a 8-10 game winning streak. I’m sure the sox have I know the Tigers have, so you know they’ve each had major slumps. If the Twins could just put one together here when they get home, we’re looking at a decent Division league. It’ll be exciting but excructiating to watch at the same time.
mj I agree I just don’t think we have that type of a package…. we didn’t have a top 25 prospect…. the only top 50 prospect we have is Hicks and he is in low A….. this was a Valencia type of guy with more power….. plus another guy who is a top 10 prospect for the Cards and another guy who is decent…..
Parmelee, I would agree with you except he is the only LEGIT power guy we really have…. maybe 2 if you include Rams…. And I don’t think either have huge value…. the farm system is full of cheap 5 tool guys…. that was what baseball america said about the Twins… that and a few doubles guys
plus Holliday is a NL player….
Stick a fork in the Twins they are done……Bad Front Office
walter- the only catching prospect that is a prospect to the other 29 teams is Wilson Ramos and he is hurt…. Morales is too old to be considered a prospect and Rams isn’t really a catcher and the other guys project as back up catchers….
mj1,
the As got a good haul, you are no GM as you stated.
the Twins farm system is full of cheap 5 tool guys and mid level prospects…
Tosoni, Martin Cates and Roberts= cheap 5 tools
Winfree, Lis, Robbins, Romero, and quite a few others are guys who will never get a chance with the Twins but project to be mid level prospects…
The Twins top prospects are probably something like this
Hicks, Valencia, Benson, Revere, Parmalee, Tosoni, Robertson, Guerra, Angel Morales, Hughes…. something like that…. of the untouchables I’d say Hicks, Valencia, Benson and Parmelee….
Parmelee, I would agree with you except he is the only LEGIT power guy we really have
As of yesterday’s games Huber, Winfree, Rams, Pinto, Valencia, Reggie Williams, Chris Hermann, Kevin Silvania (in no order) have higher isoP than Parmalee in the Twins’ system…
How great is this team, if the loss of 1 player to an injury can’t be overcome?
Seriously, players get injured all the time. The reason this season is going down the tubes is that they refused to do anything about 2B, even after it was obvious they did not have an in-house answer. They also seem to have no answer for RP in their entire system (not sure what this says about their great system). This waiting for the deadline BS just means they play a man or three down, longer into the season.
At least I can listen to the game if I want tonight, as they didn’t put Casilla, Punto, or Buscher in the 2 spot (how is Buscher on this roster?).
Steve Brye–now there’s a name I haven’t heard in thirty years!
This is the infield Gardy wants to play for the Twins.
losing Slowey won’t prevent the team from winning, standing pat in the infield, bullpen, gardy decisions might.
thrylos….. yeah except Parmelee is the only one playing in the Florida State League….. a very pitcher friendly league…..
Look what the Cards, Rockies, Boston did proving they want to win…….I do not believe that the Twins will spend the money to win….It’s that simple and the media let;s them get away on the cheap. The joke is on us.
well thanks shawn..appreciate your input…
While losing Slowey hurts, we can still put together a competitive rotation with Swarzak in there. If there is indeed interest from the Twins in Orlando Cabrera & Michael Wuertz, BS needs to start talking to Billy Beane and get a deal done, meaning be willing to part with players. This team is a piece or two from making a push for the division. Memo to BS: let’s get a deal done!
Seriously, did Harris run over Gardy’s dog or something?
Harris: .267 BA
Casilla: .168 BA (*lowest BA in majors with at least 100 ABs*)
Punto: .205 BA (*13th lowest BA in majors with at least 100 ABs*)
Busher: .212 (*15th lowest BA in majors with at least 100 ABs*)
FYI, Tolbert is 2nd lowest BA in majors with at least 100 ABS. Gardy sure can pick em!
The problem with the Twins waiting for prospects to develop is that when they do develop they just take the place of the stars who left for greener pastures so no progress is made in creating a team that is going to be able to make a run.
Brendan Harris might want to have his agent call a few teams…
I’ll have a beer, Doc.
losing Slowey is no big deal…. Wuertz would be alright but I think still think the team needs a second basemen…. from second we are getting like .180 average with no power….. SANCHEZ….
I do agree, the media lets them get away with this….. if it was New York and they were playing a guy like Nick Punto everyday the media would be all over them…. Nick Punto is a backup at best type of player…
josh i think what you say about a piece or two used to be that, and realistically today i hate to say it but were probably 4-5 pieces away…we need a couple of starters and or help in the bullpen and a couple of infielders to be set in my opinion….
there are certain prospects I understand that the team would be hard to part with… but pretty much everyone on AA except a few pitchers is expandable….
lets just try to win one or two in cal and get home in fairly decent shape to start a homestand and kick some whitesox ass and maybe everything will look a little brighter than it does today..and with any luck bill smith will have awoken from abyss and pulled some magic……
“The Twins continue to search for middle infield help and late-inning relievers, but they don’t appear to be close on anything.”
They’re close to the Mendoza line with this middle infield (actually, they’re under it)
I know that someone points this out everytime the topic of trades comes up: but maybe the reality is that the Twins just don’t have that many minor league players other teams want.
New stadium or not, the Twins are always going to have to be a team that relies on developing players rather than signing free agents. So to me a trade like the Holliday one with three players being traded for a guy who may/may not get you into the playoffs but that will almost certainly leave the team in a few monthes.
Guys like Sanchez/Halladay are worth a lot more to me that guys like Cabrera/Sabathia(last year) because they are under contract for more than a single season.
Collectively Buscher, Punto and Casilla are hitting .195
This should be fun!
OK…. The Twins have a deep farm system but they don’t have too many 5 star recruits or top 100 prospects…
in my top 100 they might have 4, hicks, revere, ramos, valencia…. though valencia didn’t rank top 100….. Hicks and Valencia are untouchable, and Ramos is hurt while Revere is at high A….. when those 4 guys are your top prospects you are not going to get a a holiday with….
what the twins do have a lot of are good prospects, guys who can get Sanchez for…. you can get middle relief help… you can get a washburn type of starter for these types of guys
maybe that’s why Gardy put Young after Buscher. He had to break up murderer’s row. Give the Angels a chance!
What the #### did Harris do now. Gardenhole cant honestly think that Punto, Casilla and Buscher can bring more to a game than Harris. He goes from starting ss to invisible again. He may be in a little slump, but he is still a better choice than any of the other three. I would take his mini slump over Punto’s best day anytime.
Another fun fact I find amusing:
People are ready to cut Perkins who has a 5.55 ERA, but are greatly lamenting the loss of Slowey who has a 4.86 era.
Is just over half a run per 9 innings really that devastating of a difference.
I only bring this up because I’ve been impressed with Swarzak and I would predict that had Slowey come back Perkins would have been moved to the bullpen in place of Duensing as the second lefty/mop up guy.
Why would Punto, the defensive genius that he is, try to field that deflected ground ball while standing behind 2nd base. If he would of been moving to the front of 2nd base, easy force out. I guess I must of missed Gardenholes excuse for that. Couldnt blame Harris, he was at 3rd base. That is Nicky just being Nicky. He is gold glove material out there according to Gardenhole
LaVelle says “With Slowey out, the Twins might want to hold on to what they have.” I don’t understand this, because with Slowey out, it seems like it is all the more necessary to trade Perkins and whoever else you have to in order to get a decent starting pitcher.
With Slowey very uncertain for the rest of the year the Twins need to do what it takes and get Washburn now. Then they can use Perkins as trade bait for a 2nd baseman or relief pitcher.. I am not too crazy about getting Cabrera and still hold out hope for Sanchez. I do like that they are after Weurtz. Getting all three of Sanchez, Washburn, and Weurtz might be quite the stretch for the Twins but it sure would help this team for this year and next.
Thrylos is right Gardenhire should go for his insistance at playing Punto and batting him second. That and his flags comments have marked this team with the umpires. Gardenhire needs to learn how shut his yap sometimes and not be so free with his thoughts to the media.
The Twins continue to search for middle infield help and late-inning relievers, but they don’t appear to be close on anything.
Meaning: The Twins continue to ask teams to trade their really good players to us for a few of our really bad players and get the answer “no” then turn around and tell the media & fans they’re really trying to improve team.
If the Twins do make a move for middle infield help, what does Gardenhole do with his boy Nicky. Gotta have that gold glove out. Remember, if everyone else does there job, noone will notice a 200 hitting POS that is never held accountable for anything. What a 4 million dollar lemon.
Watch it Zack. This is a family friendly site. Why don’t they put your butt on moderation? You jack butt.
Tell them Rocky. Zack was out of line.
What has Harris done to deserve sitting on the bench? Why not he play SS and move Punto over to 2nd base and bench Casilla……Then Buscher for Crede until Crede returns Monday.
I do agree with the more strongly opinionated of you, if they bring in Sanchez or someone like that, they need to send out Nicky, or Gardenhire will just keep playing him anyway.
Sounds good, but Casilla is getting his 3rd chance and noone wants to admit that they made a mistake with Casilla and the signing of Punto for 2 more years.Punto’s best suited for a utility role. Every one sees this but Gardy. I would love to know, according to Gardenhire, what 20 other teams were actually interested in little Nicky. I know I bash Punto alot, but honestly, he is in over his head playing everyday. I feel its honestly earned by him.
MWM– that is exactly what will happen. Sanchez at 2B and Nicky fulltime at SS. As long as Gardy had Nicky available he will get the bulk of the playing time. I wonder if Black Jack Morris would want to finish the season as manager? He might make things interesting.
Jeff,
I agree with you up to a point:
*even if Slowey needs to get the bone fragment (”chip”) removed, that is only a month rehab thing. He should be available by Sept and till then Swarzak can hold the fort.
*Perkins has to go. Lot’s of commenters in these blogs have been talking about Young being a “head case”… Well, Young has been a model citizen since he joined the Twins while Perkins last season after Casilla made an error he chewed him up on camera and then imploded, while this season he twice claimed that ouchies were responsible for his bad results. The last one was practically dismissed by the Dr who told him to take a couple of Tylenor (or something like this). Washburn will be an improvement.
As long as Gardy had Nicky available he will get the bulk of the playing time.
hmmm
how about getting rid of Gardy? He sure seems like the single point of failure…
Twins are cheap They don’t have the will to spend to win admit it
I am so sick of that tool Gardenweasel cr*pping on Harris every chance he gets. Time for an intervention.
Somebody should call in to the Bill Smith show Sunday and tell him that he and the Pohlads owe it to us to go out and spend some money on free agents/trades.
They owe it to us because they will be playing in OUR new stadium that we bought and paid for.
Thrylos
The Mariners are not assured of getting anything for Washburn as a free agent. They will have to realize that they had better become sellers. Washburn wants to play for the Twins this year and beyond. Besides he will give a great veteran presence in the rotation as well. Two months of Washburn should not cost the Twins all that much one would think. I also like the idea of them getting Weurtz as he is the kind of reliever we need. Besides like Washburn he is a local guy too..
Halos lineup:
Figgins
Aybar
Abreu
Napoli
Kendrick
Matthews
Quinlan
Wood
Mathis
4 .240 or under hitters at the bottom, 2 under the Mendoza. Suppose there’s a reason for that?
Anybody see that Matt Holiday is 3 for 4 in his first game for St.Louis?
Of course, we don’t need him.
Thry - who is the guy you want as mgr - I couldn’t pull up ur Twitter article.
In my opinion the eventual successor to Gardenhire is already managing in the low minors. I also believe that it will be a bargaining chip to resign Joe Mauer long term to a home town discount.
At least two regulars for the Halos are injured and out. Plus, they are ?finally? giving Wood a shot.
Just so it is not Ulger
This board is hard to read with all you crybabies. We’re two games out and have not played our best ball yet. I believe it is coming now that baker and liriano are back on track. People here expect every player to have an 800 plus OPS and every pitcher to put up an era in the low 3s. Every team has weaknesses - but not every team has our strengths. Have faith.
We’re competing now and for years to come because the front office does not listen to message board clowns.
Thry - if ur website agrees with ur Twitter post, gotta tell ya - saw the video of Wally Backman getting booted in Fargo when he delivered the lineup to the umps — hmm - he has a fire in the belly no doubt, but may just be a little unstable, ya think? lol
Ulger’s got the personality of a fence post.
With all the Punto-bashing one would think his presence must be a huge drag on the Twins. Starting Punto is just guaranteeing a loss. Twins record since June 2 with Punto in the starting lineup:15-12. With Punto not in the lineup: 9-8.
This team’s problems are deeper than one player. It’s a problem with a team starts three players whose collective average puts them below the Mendoza line. It’s a problem when starting pitchers don’t have the stuff or mental toughness or whatever to consistently get through more than five innings. There are other problems. Sometimes a .500 team can be entertaining, but it’s incredibly frustrating when expectations are so much higher, as when two great players are having the best years of their careers.
The Twins originally wanted Wood from the Angels instead of Casilla for J.C. Romero…
TJL, I’m not sure what standings you are looking at, but the Twins are 3.5 games out now as the Tigers have already swept Chicago in a doubleheader today.
reading my 8:59 post made me laugh.. 
With all the Punto-bashing one would think his presence must be a huge drag on the Twins. Starting Punto is just guaranteeing a loss. Twins record since June 2 with Punto in the starting lineup:15-12. With Punto not in the lineup: 9-8.
Maybe with someone better tham Punto.
..not Harris or Casillo…we’d have a better record either way.
TJL- with all due respect you get the prize of the week for benign ignorance. You can be a Twins fan and realize Crain, Punto, Casilla, Buscher, Young and Gomez stink. Other than Maurer, Kubel, Nathan, Morneau and the world’s most patient and forgiving fans, what strengths do we have? Not coaching or management. Not the bullpen. Not the starting pitching. Not the hitting of the middle infield. Not the hitting of the reserves. Not the bench. Not a whole lot of strengths.
I hate that Slowey is down for two reasons: first I think he is the only pitcher other than Swarzak who pitches up to his potential, he isn’t great but he gives it his all; second, now we are going to be saddled with Liriano and Perkins and one of them can’t be shipped off for Sanchez. Shame.
Jeff - your 8:59 take leaves alot of options in replying - add a couple bag of balls to the deal and you got something there….
TF,
yeah, I want Wally to be the manager
Since I’m in a p!ssy mood…
It’s Mauer. M-A-U-E-R.
Not “Maurer.”
Terry Felton
I am going to leave that one alone now.. Ha!
MLB Game Day not on Twins site tonight?
Well you guys here is my peek for the rest of this season and beyond. Our Twins will not be in any playoffs come Oct. Joe Mauer will not I say again he will not resign with club! If this guy as any brains he will not sign with this club again. This man has a chance to gain hall of fame status as the best hitting cather in the American League. And he can do that better on a different team, a more competitive team with a much better chance to get in the playoffs and most importantly a much better supporting cast of players to work with. If by some twist of fate and he signs with this club again Joe Mauer will be the laughing stock of every major league player now playing. There’s no room for MN Nice here, there is no remorse if this team cannot get some decent help for this team. So, please Joe, sign with someone else and make it hurt for the people that run this team…..
what a bunch of whiners
bob, every team has players who stink. It’s true (btw, gomez does not stink).
Our strengths are considerable in Mauer, morneau and Nathan. Kubel, cuddyer and crede are also quite good. And the starters have been disappointing, but my point is you can tell the talent is there and they are going to start producing. As you know, they are quite young. I’m disappointed about slowey as I have most faith in him, but I still think the division is ours.
Mark– I think the Twins FO will try to resign Joe this winter– how serious of an offer they give is questionable. It is very possible Joe won’t take it– but I think the FO will break tradition and continue negotiations through the spring and early summer if their is no agreement reached. If all looks lost, Joe will be traded next year at this time in a Santana type “blockbuster.”
I hope we’re both wrong.
An early blow to Frankie & the Twins fragile pysche. Uh-Oh.
I agree with RT. Remember all the Cuddyer bashing over the past two years. Now that he is healthy he is a productive, quality bat. Punto has been struggling this year, obviously, but he has been playing through pain. That doesn’t totally excuse his numbers, but his OBP is still 320. If he can hit 250 the rest of the season with a 300+ OBP and play gold glove D, no one should really be complaining. I don’t understand why he is everyone’s whipping boy. He plays with more heart than most professional athletes.
Mark I would love to bet you as much as possible that the Twins do indeed resign Mauer.. As for the guy who just hit the homer for the Angels just now.. He will be our back up next year… I hope…
“An early blow to Frankie & the Twins fragile pysche. Uh-Oh.”
But you have to love it when a St Cloud River Bat Alum does well!
What the F is an R. Quinlan.
Maybe there is hope for Gardy. Richard just said that Gardy mentioned that Casilla’s days batting second are done that it just didn’t work and he will be batting at the end of the lineup. Maybe, just maybe, Gardy is letting Casilla down easy– first move him to 9th in the lineup– then move him to the bench and finally DFA him. Maybe
Sign Washburn, Quinlan, and trade for Weurtz.. Three local guys playing next year in Target Field..
Hey Jeff– then Morris or Molitor can manage!
every team has players who stink. It’s true
Yeah, tis true.
But they don’t resign them to an overpriced contract and hand them a starting position.
They try to get better instead.
Rick Blaine
there is another Minnesota guy who just might be the next manager and it isn’t Molitor or Morris..
Jeff– I can’t do it– so you must have some one else in mind.
On another note– Santana deal reaps some benefits?
Deolis Guerra, one of the players the Twins acquired from the Mets in last year’s Johan Santana trade, tossed a four-hitter with a season-high 12 strikeouts as New Britain blanked Portland, 1-0, in the opener of Thursday’s doubleheader.
Playing with heart doesn’t equal to playing with talent and LNP fits that bill. Rudy played with heart and he wasn’t a four year starter at Notre Dame.
Rick Blaine
I will give you a hint or two.. He already manages in the Twins system and could be a great bargaining chip when it comes to resigning there other Minnesota guy Mauer… Long term
Brother Jake? That would be interesting.
why not have Joe be player/manager?
How did the three Ripkens work for the Orioles? I don’t think it worked too good when it was time to change managers.
Gee, even my cat can play catch. Not good news
gee,
I really think Delmon needs a lighter bat.
He doesn’t seem to be able to get around quick enough.
But what do I know.
Yea, but everyone liked Rudy. Everyone here seems to love Harris. Compare his numbers to Punto’s.
Punto 200 AB 18 RBI 27 Runs 320 OBP 205 BA
RBI 296 AB 32 RBI 26 R 309 OBP 267 BA
Not much difference in production.
“breezes through the bottom of the Twins lineup”, imagine that.
shaun
My guess is if you had two sons and two of them played MLB baseball one of which is a hall of famer and you got to coach them I would guess that you would not trade that for anything.
I think that worked out pretty good for the Ripkens if you really think about it..
Dickbert: “Angels getting power from their 7 and 9 hitters.”
Is that even legal?
No quick 1-2-3 inning here- let’s get back in this fellas!
home run derby!
Yeah- we better get him signed!
For Jake Mauer to become a MLB manager with a razor-thin resume (before he pays his dues) is absolutely unrealistic.
He has never coached or played in the high minors, I am pretty sure.
His only contact with MLB is a blood relationship.
No freaking chance!
Just as Morneau’s tear seems to be slowing down (you can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him), Mauer picks his swing back up.
These are two of the best in baseball, and as much as we have to whine about the FO not doing enough to put a winner on the field, I love watching these boys.
Sciosia must have the biggest dome in the Big Leagues.
He must wear a size-10 hat.
Pitchers have stopped being able to put a 0 on the board after we add one…
Pitchers have stopped being able to put a 0 on the board after we add one…
They stopped being able to do that long ago.
Or even a 1 on the board…
Duhhhhhhhhhh DA Duhhhhhhhhh.
Duhhhhhhhh DA Duhhhhhhhhhh.
Crank up the funeral trumpet. 21 gun salute to follow. On a brighter note, those 21 shots will double as an execution for the nearly 21 worthless players on this roster.
Put a fork in it, our boys are done.
Can you imagine this team with Vlad and Tori?
Any chance Gardy is setting up Crain to fail, so he will get sent back down? Wishful thinking?? I want him off my favorite team.
bucket
“can you imagine this team with Vlad and Torii?” How about adding Texeira to that mix like last year??
Crain has come in to stop the bleeding, I think Gardy has conceded.
Nice effort Justin.
For Jake Mauer to become a MLB manager with a razor-thin resume (before he pays his dues) is absolutely unrealistic.
He has never coached or played in the high minors, I am pretty sure.
you are correct
that said, I’d rather see you manage the Twins than Gardy (and I mean that).
btw, check TK’s managing/coaching record before he was hired to manage the Twins…
Buscher is a hack. Punto, Crede, Harris, Junior Ortiz, Pedro Munoz, Todd Walker, ROn Coomer, Dick Bremer, Roy Smaley’s hair, LaVelle, Joe C and even Howard make that play at third. What purpose does Brian Buscher serve to this team? He can’t hit, he can’t field he can’t even eat sushi without sucking!!!
Right, Chief. Robbie sounded like Ross the Intern that time. He was pretty strange.
Ok, there may be less than 21 that need to be put out of everyone’s misery.
But 3 hits & 2 of them are Mauer HR’s? Really? (as the SNL skit says).
Attaboy, Crain! Make these guys a little nervous.
I’m all for hitting a guy from time to time but a .160 hitter? Crain, you’re not only bad you’re stupid!
Crain got Wood.
t98-not sure where to find that– but I did find this–
A native of Minnesota, Kelly has more than a 30-year association with the Twins. A career minor league player, he spent part of one season playing with the Twins in 1975. After rising through the minor-league ranks as a coach and manager, Kelly became Minnesota’s third-base coach in 1983 as a member of Billy Gardner’s staff.
fork time
“btw, check TK’s managing/coaching record before he was hired to manage the Twins…”
Yes, but TK did play in the Big Leagues. (although badly and quickly departed)
Jake Mauer knows about the Big Leagues through heresay only.
Thrylos
What post said that Jake Mauer becoming a Twins manager is unrealistic?? I could not find that post at all..
With that.. I am glad I gave my tickets to tonights game to my daughter. Last night was tough enough to watch in person so hopefully we will do better the next two games..
TK was the Twins third base coach for a couple years– or at least one and a half.
His minor league managing career was in the low minors only.
His MLB playing time was very limited– 49 games in 1975.
sane
Why do you think that Jake Mauer was hired to manage one of the Twins minor league teams if he was so unqualified? Do you think he is the first manager to ever be hired who never played in the big leagues? I personally think there maybe a master plan in place but I could be wrong too..
Jeff– see Sane’s at 10:37
sane did you play any minor league ball?
Jeff,
‘What post said that Jake Mauer becoming a Twins manager is unrealistic?? ”
Me at 10:37PM…..
Speaking of this year or next year.
Do you think I am mistaken?
It wouldn’t be my first time, but it would shock me in this case.
There’s our bright spot for the night
sane
By the way I know of some high school coaches who would probably match up very well with some guys coaching in the minor leagues..
Jeff,
I am saying that Jake Mauer as a MLB manager NOW or in the near future is unrealistic.
Eventually, after gaining some minor league managing experience, it may happen.
sane
“Do you think I am mistaken” I think that there is a real chance that you are yes.. That is why he was hired in the first place besides having a great baseball mind..
Jeff–”Do you think he is the first manager to ever be hired who never played in the big leagues?”
I know it’s not a strong endorsement– but Ray Miller, the guy TK replaced never played in the majors.
My guess would be Jake was hired as a gift to Joe in the hopes it would be a bit easier to sign him.
I know some brilliant HS coaches (football and baseball).
But no HS coach goes to the MLB or NFL without paying his dues at a higher level.
That is just the way it is.
Casilla now 3-29 since his return.
Casilla now 3-29 since his return.
So he IS one of our best middle infielders.
Huh. I didn’t realize he was doing that well.
Jeff,
Great baseball minds (with zero MLB or high minor league COACHING or playing experience) who try to give direction to people who HAVE paid their dues, are up against it, IMO.
sane
Of course that is the way it is and I know that.. I am also not saying that any Mauer is going to be the manager of the Twins this year or probably in the next couple of years. But I do believe that more then one Mauer is going to be associated with the Twins for years to come. It may happen or it may not but I bet you Jake will not stay down in the low minors for a long period of time..
To add to his great stats — All 3 hits are singles and he has one run and one RBI. Amazingly, has played and had at least 3 plate appearances in every game since his recall.
Casilla now 3-29 since his return—Boy that’s a whopping .104 BA. That is not only below the Mendoza line- it’s below the Blyleven line, (Bert had a .131 lifetime BA)
Punto 5-24 since the break.
Harris 4-20 since the break.
They have both royally stunk and are still better than Casilla.
sane
If your going to the game tomorrow I will be in section 126 behind the Twins dugout.. Lets get together and settle this! Ha!!
Jeff,
That is what I thought you meant.
I was responding to:
“there is another Minnesota guy who just might be the ‘NEXT’ manager and it isn’t Molitor or Morris..
That was in the middle of a “FIRE GARDY”
discussion, so I was thinking this year or next year.
If Gardy survives five years, you could be right.
The Twins are really really close to winning a world series.
All they need is a 2B, a SS, a 3B, a couple outfielders, a few starting pitchers, a handful of relievers, a 3rd base coach, a manager and a GM and we’ll be right there! Yankees look out!:o
Casilla now 3-29 since his return—Boy that’s a whopping .104 BA. That is not only below the Mendoza line- it’s below the Blyleven line, (Bert had a .131 lifetime BA)
To get a positve spin– 3 for 29 is above the Chance line (Dean Chance had a .066 lifetime BA)
Of course Chance and Blyleven were in the game for their hitting,
Jeff,
“If your going to the game tomorrow I will be in section 126 behind the Twins dugout.. Lets get together and settle this! Ha!!”
I had to give up my Thursday tickets because my Pony All-Star team is in a Zone Tournament at Fullerton, so I won’t see ANY Angel-Twins games (in person) this weekend.
sane
Are you going to the any of the next two games?? I am still pissed at you that your team beat our team in that tournament.. 
we should be able to hit k jepsen
Disgruntledtwinfan
You hit the nail on the head there. All we need to get off to a decent start is Sanchez, Dye, Weurtz, Washburn, and Quinlan.. maybe more..
“sane
Are you going to the any of the next two games?? I am still pissed at you that your team beat our team in that tournament..”
We play Saturday and Sunday, so I don’t have a chance this weekend.
You have to let go of your two-month-old losses.
Then you will be able to call yourself “sane” like I can.
Looks like the wheels are really falling off this team…
Ump wants to get out of there…
Good grief….
speaking of managers with little or no experience– Frank Quilici took over as Twins manager in 1972 at age 33 with no professional managerial experience. He had 1 1/2 years as a Twins coach under his belt only.
Good one, Blaine. I saw Dean Chance play. No DH back then, so he batted every game. He swung just like a girl,(no offense, anybody). It was just pathetic, disgusting, and embarassing!
But he won twenty games for us!
Bad news-Good news:
Bad
Mauer signs For some coastal teams 125M/ for five yrs. , then finish w/ 80m for 4 yrs…
Good
Enters the Hall of Fame as a Twin.
sane
I think I am going to change my name on here then to NOT SANE ..
Good luck in your tournament. My Son pitched at Santiago High for the Mariners tryout camp last week. There was a lot of scouts there from MLB and colleges so it was worth it. Where are you playing in Fullerton??
Rick Blaine,
Quilici was a MLB player.
Do we know of any MLB managers with ZERO previous managing, coaching or playing experience in MLB or even high minors?
Jeff,
I don’t think that Mauer’s older brother will be a major league manager in the next 2 years. That said, it would be a great think if he replaces stop sign Ullger as the third base coach for the Twins tomorrow.
sane,
yeah, high school coaches do not get their dues (and you know that more than me) but bums like Gardenhire do get way too much credit. If you don’t know it by now, Wally Backman would be my ideal manager for this group. Would you accept a bench coach position?
Have you guys read seths new posting? the twins are sick of perkins and are talking to the M’s for a swap for Washburn. That would be a pretty good deal IMO
Here’s an idea– thinking of Quilici, who as a player was a scrappy utility infielder who hit around the Mendoza line of Italian heritage who replace a white haired manager (Bill Rigney) Maybe we should let history repeat itself and have another scrappy utility infielder who hits around the Mendoza with Italian heritage, with no managerial experience replace a white haired manager. Maybe Nick Punto should take over as manager!
okay its getting late…..
“Would you accept a bench coach position?”
If I thought that my opinions would have as much impact as they do on my HS players,…..then, yes.
So, my answer is no!
Bottom of lineup 0-10. That is becoming the norm. Starting pitcher with sky high ERA, can’t keep us in it for 6 innings. That is becoming the norm. The Twins FO not doing anything about it, that has been the norm forever. The Twins going in the tank on the West Coast. That has become the norm. Even the very great closer, can’t keep a lead when on the West Coast. This team is pretty predictable.
“That is becoming the norm”
NORM!
“”Hey Mr. Peterson, there’s a cold one waiting for you.”
“I know, if she calls, I’m not here.”
I volunteer for 1st Base Coach position. I am good.
Is it just me, or did the entire team look like they were attending a wake tonight?
I’m not big on chemistry, leadership, and all that hoo-hah, but I would kill to have Torii back in the dugout.
Twins suck. Seasons over. Sell sell sell and get somebody who doesn’t suck.
wow it looks like I went to the right game tonight…. Santana had a better night at the plate than Punto and Casilla and that is pretty sad, I think sadly he saw almost the same amount of pitches that those two did in one less AB….
I had a better night at the plate than LNP, grilled steak and new potatoes.
This has gone on long enough. It is time to call up Tolleson and see what he can do. He has proved that he can play at every level. MAKE THE MOVE BILL
