Span not in lineup
Posted on September 22nd, 2009 – 3:42 PMBy La Velle
Denard Span is not in today’s lineup as he recovers from being hit in the head on Monday. He had appeared in every game since June 25 after coming off the disabled list. He had started every game since July 21.
Carlos Gomez will see if he has another cycle against the White Sox in him, as he’s leading off and playing in center. Stayed tuned for updates later.
Update: Here are a bunch of pitching matchups:
at Kansas City
Friday: Carl Pavano vs Robinson Tejada
Saturday; Scott Baker vs Lenny DiNardo
Sunday: Jeff Manship vs Zack Greinke (first meeting of 2009)
at Detroit
Monday: Nick Blackburn vs Rick Porcello
Tuesday: Brian Duensing vs Justin Verlander
Wednesday: Carl Pavano vs Nate Robertson
Thursday: Scott Baker vs Eddie Bonine
Lineup
Twins (77-73)
1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Jason Kubel, RF
5. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brendan Harris, DH
8. Matt Tolbert, 3B
9. Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: Jeff Manship
White Sox (73-78)
1. Scott Podsednik, CF
2. Gordon Beckham, 3B
3. A.J. Pierzynski, C
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Mark Kotsay, DH
6. Alexei Ramirez, SS
7. Carlos Quentin, LF
8. Chris Getz, 2B
9. Alex Rios, RF
John Danks, LHP
331 Responses to "Span not in lineup"
I had the right guys, but not quite the right order, over on Joe C.’s blog.
Is it a blessing or a curse that I think somewhat like Gardy does? 
Hopefully Span recovers quickly. That being said, I have a good feeling that Gomez is going to make the most of the opportunity to lead off for the next day or two, and keep the Twins rolling towards our World Series title!!!
Denard is obviously a better hitter than Carlos, but Carlos has hit the White Sox well in his career. Carlos is also a great defender. So hopefully this turns out to be ok for a couple days while Span gets the rest he needs.
Wow, that’s bad, Brendan Harris is playing DH!!!!!!!
Better than Jason Tyner back in the old day.
Go-Go better take some pitches in that leadoff spot!
Cody,
Harris was also the DH in Sunday’s 6-2 loss to the Tigers. He was 0/3 with a K.
Yeah, too bad Morales isn’t DH-ing. Still, gotta get a win.
Long odds on them winning tonight methinks. No Span. Manship’s out there. And it always seems harder to win after your coming off a rout of the other team.
Surprised that Morales isn’t DHing.
That is the most expensive #9 hitter in history for the Chisox!
Are Harris’ #’s better against lefties or Danks than Morales’?
Holy craptastic. If we win tonight it will be through divine intervention.
me too Shaun, but Gardy is determined Morales can’t hit left-handed pitching (just like Brendan Harris can’t play second base).
At least Gardy didn’t bat Punto lead-off…
@upnorthnut - so true… I don’t understand that signing at all.
What’s the justification for not assigning Morales to the DH?
Harris is .375/.464/.458 in 24 AB against Danks.
big test without span..hopefully gomez can continue his magic against the white sox..go twins!
Gardy’s justification is likely his lefty/righty fixation, regardless of how well a hitter has been doing. Still, would be curious if Harris has great numbers against Danks, then it might make sense.
Paul Kotsay, huh? Did they just promote him, LaVelle?
Didn’t know the Sox had a player named Paul Kotsay, is he related to Mark? did they just sign him?
Too bad spell check doesn’t let you know about typos like that….
It should have been Mark Konerko then batting fourth….
@ES16 -
Ah yes, that makes sense.
ES 16 has answered the “Why Harris?” question of the night.
Hope Gomez is patient at the plate.
I didn’t think Kubel would play tonight, but I checked his splits VS Danks and surprisingly Kubel has hit Danks hard. NOt as hard as Cuddy who absolutely owns John Danks.
This should be an interesting game with GO-Go leading off and Cabrera in the two hole.
Over/Under on how many total baserunners are on for Joe Mauer.
I say he will only see 2 runners on.
I hope Gomez lays down a bunt when leading off because he has no patience.
I’d love to see Mauer hit a granny at the cell tonight.
Should be fun tonight, folks! I agree the odds look long tonight but I also think one team has a lot to play for while the other team is making October vacation plans. I hope the Twins play like they are the former!
As for the lineups, romer called it, with Gardy having Gomez up top and keeping Tolbert and Punto where they have been. fcmlefty picked it correctly, with only Harris and Young switched.
Even though it’s an interesting emergency type line-up, against the “giving up” White Sox, who knows what will happen?
Gardy wants to get Harris in the lineup against Danks… that’s fine, but he could play Harris at 3rd and still use Morales at DH. Morales hits better right-handed anyway.
Harris has no value as a platoon DH. If he can’t play a position, he’s pretty much worthless.
Kubel has to play. With Span out and Cuddy at 1B, the only OF are Young, Kubel and Gomez.
So has Gardy decided Harris can no longer field any position? Or is it that imperative to keep Tolbert & Punto’s bats in the lineup?
Punto and Tolbert have been doing better lately.
I dislike Punto and Tolbert just as much as the next guy, but you have to give credit where credit is due. Both of them have been doing very good as of late
Why give Harris ABs against Danks? Morales will be DH most of the time down the stretch - keep him in there. So what if Harris has better numbers? Who will be DH tomorrow? This isn’t June.
Yeah, Harris has good numbers against Danks. But, those ABs against Danks came when Harris was hitting the ball. Now he’s not - and Morales is.
Gonna need some breaks tonight……..Mauer/Kubel HAVE to hit the lhp well………..Whats the odds that DY comes uncorked for a week ???? I think he can do it.
Manship has had the wheels fall off after 4 innings in like 3 straight starts…..Lets hope Gardy pulls his arse after 4 and hope the bullpen can hang on.
This year, the Twins are going with the lesser-known “September roster contraction” approach.
Harris is .375 against Danks.
Morales is .358 against everybody.
I get it that Tolbert & Punto have been hitting well lately, it’s just strange to see Harris DH’ing 2x recently. Especially w/ Morales batting .438 against lefties. Hopefully Gardy’s boys “get after it” and score a lot of runs for Manship.
Harris has a more extensive major league history of success versus left hand pitching than Morales.
Gardy the genius, at it again.
Could have been worse:
Punto leading off,
Cuddyer CF
Butcher 1B
“…those ABs against Danks came when Harris was hitting the ball…”
Yeah WJ, I’m nervous about Harris too. I woulda stuck with Morales. Gardy continues to perplex us.
Punto, Tolbert, and Morales have been in the lineup because they’re onboard and have been producing.
Welcome aboard young Mr. Harris. The train to post-season is leaving. Hope you’re on it.
“I dislike Punto and Tolbert just as much as the next guy,…”
Ha! That’s funny.
Gardy is an exception to the dislike. He loves those guys. So do I.
“Gardy the genius, at it again.”
Hope you’re right. I’m rooting for him and Harris.
Time to have fun………and patience. It’s at least a 9-inning game tonight.
GO MANSHIP!
Add me to the list of people wondering how Morales isn’t playing. But, wow, is that the worst lineup in the modern age for a team trying to make the playoffs in September?
Wow.
I count 3 guys I’d really like to be in the lineup if I was looking at what I’d keep/replace for next year….
Yes, I know Gardy can only play the hand he’s dealt. Still not sure how some of the AAA players aren’t up here.
I know Harris is capable of having a good game. Let’s hope he proves Gardenhire to be a genius.
I am confident Punto will make up for the loss of Span and continue to carry this team offensively in September. Delmon is going to hit a double and HR tonight.
Interesting that Jose Morales has a different middle name when he plays in the bigs than when he plays in the minors (according to baseball reference, at least). Up here he’s Jose Guillermo Morales. Down there he’s Jose Roosevelt Morales. So is his whole name JGRM or JRGM? Are there even more names in there he keeps secret from the watchful eye of Baseballreference.com?
Anyway, if we adjust JGRM’s splits against lefties to 650 AB, he should hit 108 doubles! Aye Carrumba!
Is there any doubt that a schedule which was once perceived to be a Twins advantage down the stretch is now a hindrance considering the way the Royals are playing and their past history of string September’s?
Here’ hoping the Red Sox can put them in a funk the next two days and that Greinke can get pushed back a day by the Royals.
Morales is our lucky charm (lucky JRGM).
Maybe he needs to be hung in the dugout to cast his spell to the players on the field.
dood,
it’s Guillermo. The “Roosevelt” is a mistake
You all criticize and laugh at Gardy. But you are forgetting one important thing. When the game is tied 5-5 and we have runners at 1st and 2nd in the top of the 8th, Morales will be pinch hitting for the winning run! Gardy sees things on a level we only wish we could. He is like a great chess champion anticipating things 3 and 4 moves in advance of the rest of us.
great to see punto and tolbert hitting. we will really need them to keep it up with span out.
Macleod, why is it again that the “genius” used his best right handed set up man with a 7 run lead last night?
Ben
Because the ‘genius’ is the boss and he likes to keep things ‘tuned’. Simple.
Okay Macleod, Gardy is our “great chess champion”.
I’ll go with it. Whatever it takes. I’m a Twins backer. I like Gardy. Sending positive vibes to him tonight.
If I were from Kentucky, I’d quick join a prayer group and mediate for the next three hours to bless Gardy and his men.
there could only be one reason, ben: to rile up the strib blogs.
What has Morales done to get in Gardy’s doghouse? I was at the weekend game with harris doing nothing at DH. where is Morales????????????????????????
No surprise Span is getting the night off especially against the lefty Danks. Hopefully back in there tomorrow night. A bit surprised Gardy didn’t put Punto leading off with the way he’s hit the past few weeks.
there could only be one reason, bismarck: gardy lives to rile up the strib blogs.
Ha, mm.
Stop it you’re making me mental.
It obvious the Twin are in it due to the genius of Gardy. Starting pitching blew up over the year and not to mention the relief pitching. I am sure glad Billy Smith found some help there for the run. I hope the players can overcome adversity like there front office and manager has had to deal with all year. It should take 9 more wins to make and maybe 8 even.
detroit up 1-0 in the third.
with GoGo’s success against the Sux… you gotta have him go leadoff.
“I hope the players can overcome adversity…”
Good points by vicar7. And don’t forget Gardy having to overcome his adversity with the FO, including this month with the lack of Sept callups.
Guh.
If I had seen this lineup a couple of months ago, I would have assumed that the Twins were resting their starters for a meaningless afternoon game. I mean, Harris as DH? Seriously?
But this is actually the best they can do right now. The good news is that somehow this ragtag band of 2nd raters has been winning lately.
Go Twins!
Oh I forgot first month without the league MVP Mr. Mauer. They got everyone here that they need to succeed now though except for Morneau but that cannot be helped.
bottom line is that the lineups the last two weeks have looked terrible on paper. Then the twins go out and play hard and the w’s have been piling up. I’m the first to admit that I liked the lineup with crede, morneau, and dare i admit casilla. But for whatever reason the twinks are playing their best ball of the season w/out them? go figure..win twins
the lineup doens’t matter without the starting pitching doing it’s job. it has been.
“Macleod, why is it again that the “genius” used his best right handed set up man with a 7 run lead last night?”
Since last Wednesday, Guerrier threw a grand total of 2 pitches………until last night.
And with that, I don’t feel like doing any more high maintenance tonight.
the pen was gassed sunday too
OCAB!
OC got slammed a bit for trying to go yard last night.
Apparently he knows what he’s doing!!!
so far so good with the lineup.
Billy Smith needs to make a serious effort in retaining mr cabrera….
Dick, okay on your RBI update for various Twins…..but not a one of ‘em cares about their stats right now.
Cuddy has really come up huge with Morny out.
Holy Crap. Gomez walks, and now Delmon doesn’t swing at first pitch!
And a Sac fly is all right.
Im wondering where this bunch of players was the first 5 months???!!!??
What a great start. Especially with Span out of the lineup.
Who can figure baseball? Gomez walks?
0-2 pitch to Cabrera ends up in the LF seats?
Who can figure baseball?
now then … only 27 outs to go.
The key to whether or not the Twins make a strong surge toward the playoffs hinges on the play of guys like Gomez and Young. Neither has show much this year, but now is their time to break out. Way to make the season exciting!!
come on Manship… just gotta pitch some strikes.
once again Mauer grounds out in the middle of what could have been a great rally. Lets trade him now when we can get value for him. Billy wont re sign him anyway. We have Morales waiting in the wings.
Manship did okay….he’s got to be nervous out there. Now he can settle down.
If Bremer ever walked into a saloon, they’d probably cancel happy hour!
Twins front office did a better job than the the Sox and Tigers improving for the stretch. I am surprized we are chasing the Tiger instead of the Sox though.
Way to go tolbert, guy cant find the plate in the 1st and you pop up on the 1st pitch
If they trade Mauer we will burn Target Field.
whats wrong with Bremer, I like Bremer
Good point, jjbiowa. I’m counting on it!
Vicar7, you are right on the Twins FO. Cabrera, Pavano much more valuable than anything the Tigers or Sox got. I also agree on Mauer, but unless BS convinces Mauer he will put a winning team on the field, I am afraid he is gone, a big salary in and of itself will not do it
“Fair Weather Fan formerly Known as Not So Original Kevin”
Fair enough…….
Twins will pay him and also pay into the revenue sharing rather than receive for the first year ever next year. Twins need one more veteran starter and the competition for the other SPs will be fierce next spring.
It’ll be interesting to see how this all works out for Kenny Williams and the Sox next year. He put out some big bucks and took some big risks. I don’t ever see the Twins hiring a GM who will take those kinds of risks.
A.J. as Eddie Haskell??? Now that’s an interesting comparison.
I listen to KSCORE, the Chicago station which broadcasts the Sox, (AM 670). You can get the signal after dark. Its fun to listen to their call in show later. The fans want Kenny Williams fired, they want Dye gone, they think this Sox team is terrible, they dont realize that they got Becket, Quinn, and some pretty good players
stupid Mauer, all he can do is walk… we need some extra base hits, lets trade Mauer
Nothing Kenny did worked out pretty much the same with Tigers. Everything the Twins did worked out. Even though they could have had OC to start the season.
“A.J. as Eddie Haskell??? Now that’s an interesting comparison.”
“That’s a beautiful jacket you’re wearing today Mrs. Cleaver…er…Mr.Umpire.”
Trouble is brewing in Cleveland, Detroit 2 on 1 out.
yep that is AJ for sure.
Nastiest line in TV history… June said to Ward Cleaver…”You were kind of hard on the Beaver last night, Ward.”
I really do not like our chances with Manship on the mound tonight or on the weekend. I hope the leash on him is VERY short.
get Manship out of there!
Going to take more than 3 runs to win tonight. Need the bats to swing into action.
Cleveland is 2 runs to much to ask?
Harris didn’t have a bad AB in his only appearance so far. But it was the 3rd out of a rally.
Looking like a big out right now.
He’s coming up next inning. I wanna see it…….PLEASE.
I think the Twins have enough good relievers to replace Manship if he gets in any more trouble. Use the pen Gardy we can’t afford not to.
Last night we were discussing Voltaire.
Tonight we are discussing June Cleaver’s Beaver.
You have a crappy influence on the intellectual level of the blog, Doc!
That didn’t take long to erase the 3-run lead.
Going to take more than 4 runs tonight.
Manship is not ready, I do not even know why hes even getting the chance to pitch in these meaningful games. Kid was in AA this year, hes not ready, (even though you all were calling for him all year, heres your wish!)
Well now it’s really time to get Manship out of there. Gardy, you waited too long!
damn, there’s that pesky beckham
Didnt I say a while ago to get Manship out of there? Gardenhire always seems to wait too long. In fact, he doesnt even have anyone ready yet. He should have at least had someone warming up so Manship could be pulled after Beckets homer
Beaver vs. Voltaire
Well, actually Eddie Haskell vs. Voltaire.
I’ll take the Beav every time.
damn, GET HIM OUT OF THERE!!!!!
Need to stop pitching to this Beckham kid. He just hits Twins pitching.
Gardy always waits too friggin long.
If we get out of this down by just a run it will be a miracle.
“I’ll take the Beav every time.”
Most guys do, jjbiowa.
Gardenhire has waited too long, but again he fails to get anybody up until forever. Now he just barely got Liriano up. Franky has had no time to warm up. Watch him just get rocked.
“Gardy always waits too friggin long.”
Is it possible for a manager to NOT WAIT LONG ENOUGH?
If so, how can you tell?
Manship blows.
A HR for Rios? Really? The guy with a .333 OPS on the white sox
Actually romer, i dont know a lot of guys that prefer the Beav
Whew!! Thanks Konerko.
LOL, I post here under an assumed sex, Romer. Can’t let Trish be the only female posting on here…although I’m significantly older than her.
Great DP.
PUNTO!!
Sharp thinking there………..
OOPS, I apologize for the “LOL” abbreviation.
“I post here under an assumed sex”
What is an assumed sex?
There’s no way we can run Manship back out there for two more starts down the stretch. This kid isn’t ready. Even Gardy admitted it. I still can’t believe the Twins gave up on RA Dickey so quickly. I know he struggled a bit before he got sent down but he had a lot of effective outings including a win in a start against the White Sox.
All knuckleballers struggle from time to time. Look at Wakefield’s career.
I’d take a veteran like Dickey right now in the starting rotation. The Twins could have put him back on the 40 man roster if they had moved Morneau or Crede to the 60 day DL. He should have at least been brought back up as an option to start!
sane, I would say it is definitely too long when you no longer have the lead.
Thatta boy Cuddyer.
fcmlefty says: September 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
“Is it a blessing or a curse that I think somewhat like Gardy does”?
Actually … it is scary.
What if Gardy had changed pitchers sooner and the relievers gave up 20 runs?
Gardy lucked out there getting out only 1 run down. He should have had Liriano warming up much sooner. Manship had given up 4 hits before even having the bullpen go in action. I cant be the only one in here who thinks Gardy often waits too long. I am not a blanket Gardy basher, but he does have a problem with letting pitchers in too long.
Should have said neutral “name”, sane. Oh, well.
MORALES > HARRIS
Danks looks like he has a tired arm, needed to wind up on that throw to 1st.
Isn’t there something pitiful about having your DH hit 7th?
At least they tied it.
Harris slammed his helmet down, little baby, learn how to turn on a pitch
sane, when Manship is throwing as terrible as he was, that is a chance you need to be willing to take.
Great choice as DH as well tonight. I just wish he would put this team in the best chance possible to win, that’s all.
DAnks 24 pitches in the first
40 in the next 3….
Tigers 2-0, runners 2nd/3rd 0 out… i would not count on getting ANY help in the next few days from cleveland, they are AWFUL
Looks like the Tiggers are locking it down on their end. Twins gotta win.
Hey Ben, Manship really battled….
surely we have better options at DH,
minntwins5, it sure would be nice to see Liriano come out and dominate tonight because if he does you would have to think he would pitch Sunday, but that would be asking for a lot wouldn’t it?
It must be depressing to be an Indians fan. I know it was hard to see Santana and Hunter leave Minnesota but to lose 2 Cy Young winners in back-to-back seasons? That is really beyond what most fans should have to swallow.
I really do not see how they can march him out there again for anymore starts… So I hope Liriano can do something!
Hi Derek!!!!!!
Morales should be at DH.
Hello
What’s the reason again they can’t plug Frankie into the Manship spot and least just have him try to go 3-5 innings?
At least with Frankie goes bad you know he is part of the teams future and has potential to be a major league pitcher. Manship, not so much.
Yes Heatonator, Morales would be a much better choice at DH
I missed his 2nd AB. has Go-Go even attempted a bunt tonight?
cmon Mauer, do something when it counts for a change
Clutch two out hit by Mauer!
I see Mauer listened to me
Fair Weather Fan, do something when it counts? Really? You don’t put up the numbers Joe has this season without doing many things when it counts.
Way to go Mauer!
now if Kubes could jack one
cleveland is gonna walk off win…i’m feelin it
I am listening on the radio so dont see the action. Gordon and Gladden said that AJ should have been able to field that throw and tag Cabrera out. Do the people here watching the game think that?
mauer’s double didn’t come with runners in scoring position, so he stinks.
I think A.J. should have had the one tonight and the throw from Dye last night.
AJ had no chance but with a good throw he was gonna be out though.
I am being a bit sarcastic about Mauer, of course with his numbers he must do stuff when it counts. Still, it seems to me he and Morneau dont have that Kirby Puckett killer drive, that really rises to the occassion when the pressure is on
That’s why Liriano isn’t starting.
You knew it was asking too much for him to hold onto the lead.
Liriano bringing 94 mph.
What I meant is, Liriano isn’t necessarily the improvement over Manship to go 4-6 innings as a starter.
Yank him right now!
Always an adventure.
Indians get a bases loaded walk.
“Still, it seems to me he and Morneau dont have that Kirby Puckett killer drive, that really rises to the occassion when the pressure is on”
kirby pucket hit .208 in the 1987 alcs — same coulda been said about him. it’s baseball and nobody is immune to slumps.
tigers just walked in a run…
3-1 Tigers now, bases loaded for the Tribe in the 8th with two outs. Valbuena up.
Cleveland trying to rally; they’re down 3-1 to Detroit.
Hopefully we can take care of business here! Come on, Craintrain!
Thats 2 outings in a row Liriano has not done that well. So much for a fresh arm.
Need a base knock for tribe.
alright, tie game, nothing to sweat. get some damn runs!
So much for that rally. Valbuena K’s.
Damn Indian missed with that swing by at least 6 inches.
fire wedge. what a worthless team.
Well the tribe can still have a walk off 9th inning. There is still some hope.
Cuddy!!!
Cuddyer with a BIG NIGHT!
Hella Cuddy!!!
ATTA BOY CUDDY!
I take back every nasty thing I said about Cuddyer early in the year — he’s been a monster.
Cuddy on fire for sure!!
Why would anybody throw Cuddyer a fast ball? Ever!
there’s one run, lets get some more!
Mauer may end of winning the MVP but is there any doubt the Cuddy may be saving the season? T98?
where has cuddy 2.0 been all year?
paging thrylos98 …
Now Morales is set to PH the next time Harris is up.
TOLBERT, WOW!
Tolbert!!!
HA! He lost the ball, AND his glove!!
MAKE IT RAIN!
Did Justin sprinkle some magic dust on the Twins before the game?!!
He’s as giddy as a little school girl.
Tolbert? wtf!
Yes Bremer, your memory is correct, it did.
LNP’s turn…Well, lets not get carried away.
wisctwinsfan, not yet as the runs were scored in this inning, not complete game. I hope you aren’t talking like Pac Man.
If Punto hits a dinger I’m booking my flight for the playoffs.
Cuddyer is carrying this team. I’m happy to say I was completely wrong about him earlier this year.
Matty Tolbert > Joe Crede. 
on the other hand, neither home run came with runners in scoring position. they barely count.
Tolbert even appears to know it went out this time.
Macleod is a wise betting man.
trade cudaver. cudaver sucks.
i motion to play buscher more consistently based soley on the fact that t98 often put him in the same category as cuddyer.
but seriously it is nice that t98 went into hiding… very refreshing.
Cabrera really wants to get to the playoffs. Nice to see him “come back” the last few games.
wow, crain with a sub 5 era. its been a while
It sure would be nice if Cabrera played every game like it was played against one of his former teams.
maybe crain start on sunday?
Jesse Crain’s ERA is back below 5.00. He has definitely improved over the past month.
Over the past 9 games (including tonight) here are Cuddyer’s stats:
.389 AVG .889 SLG 3 doubles 5 homers 15 RBI
Come on Tribe. Show some heart and ruin Rodney’s night. Walk off, Walk off, Walk off!
but what’s cuddyer hitting with risp?
Tribe go down quitely. Twins really need to hold on here.
mickey mental, due to his recent hot streak his BA with RISP has increased about 25 points.
I don’t like the Twins chances of the Royals pushing Greinke back a day coming off of his dominant start tonight against Boston (6 innings and no runs) since he only threw 91 pitches tonight.
whew. then i guess he can stay on the team, ben.
Cuddyer’s September stats with RISP:
.304/.304/.609
well, heatonator, i’m being sarcastic. point is, stats don’t tell all.
Those stats tell how hot Cuddyer has been lately…
count me in on those who thought Cuddyer was worthless earlier in the year,,,, he seems to have that fire in him that even the Twins bigger stars do not seem to have
Lots of folks in here eating crow or humble pie.
Who is this new pitcher Gordon keeps talking about? Did we just call somebody up? Some Larry guy. I think Larry Onno.
Gordon just drives me up a wall, I’ve switched over to the horrible Sox announcers.
I see the Tribe outhit the Tigers. That makes it harder to take.
i’m with you, heatonator. my point is that cuddyer has hit a lot of bases-empty doubles and home runs all season. seems especially so in low-scoring games.
Gonna book, Macleod?
Kubel with another homer for the Twins.
All year Cuddyer was having his best year ever and shows up when needed big time now. Alright Kubes!!
Vicar, true, but in our defense, Cuddyer just didnt have it earlier in the year. Not that he could have had this current pace all year long, but if he had even done half as well as he did not, the Twins would have won three or four more games
Oh……my bad. I thought Dick said Punto hit that HR.
this team is gelling like it has not all year, without Morneau. Now I will not say anything stupid and say lets get rid of Morneau. But can you imagine this team now if instead of him on the bench, he was having his typical numbers, not his typical late season slump?
Greinke for CY, Mauer for MVP. Piss off all the Yankee and Blow Sox fans…
“”"Mark says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Greinke for CY, Mauer for MVP. Piss off all the Yankee and Blow Sox fans…”"”
I was busy looking at airfares for the Vikings Monday night game against Packers. First things first…
is Greinke a free agent after this year? If so, I am sure the Twins will go all out to sign him
DY went half way to 2nd and decided he could not make it so he went back to 1st. Sounds like a joke I’ve heard before.
Fair you could say the same thing about Mauer or Morneau as well Morneau was 7 for 79. Mauer had a patch where he could not smell the ball after the All Star break which cost us. Cuddyer when healthy will get you .270 with 25 HR with 85 RBI batting behind Morneau where RBI opportunities are less.
It’s not the contract for Greinke that we can’t afford, it’s the personal Psychiatrist he has to have.
Matt is starting to pitch like he did last year lately.
Gardenhire, maybe you should not have used Guerrier in a 7 run game last night.
That ball wouldn’t have been out of most parks.
How did Harris work out for you tonight, Gardenhire?
Nice game by Tolbert. Gee, Gardenhire should start Buscher at 3B tomorrow.
Greinke is not a free agent. MLB Trade Rumors has good lists of free agents this year and next year.
Okay, I’m lost in moderation land. Tried to post links to the mlbtraderumors lists of 2010 and 2011 free agents. Nicely compiled lists.
Harris is on the outside looking in probably for the rest of the season.
Why isn’t Swarzak up?
And, I suppose Nathan will take the 9th and give us more heart attacks.
Greinke is in the first year of a 4-year $38 million deal with KC.
They got out of the inning, thankfully but I just don’t understand Gardenhire’s logic. Nobody warming up until a full count with the tying run up?
Wes Mantooth was aweful tonight.
Tolbert just got robbed!!
Guaranteed Bremer makes a comment about one of the batters home run stats in the bottom of the 9th.
Thank you Bremer! I knew you wouldn’t disappoint to bring up bad memories.
Hallelujah!
Nathan with sharp stuff tonight.
That’s a relief.
Wow, that was a nice boring inning by Joe. Just what we needed. Go Twins and GO Tribe!!!
86 wins will do it maybe 85 8 more games to win now.
Good win tonight since the pitching matchup definitely didn’t favor them. Going to need Duensing to come up big again tomorrow as they certainly can’t expect Cleveland will help them out at all.
Not a pretty game by the pitching staff, but the offense apparently was very comfortable at the plate because it didn’t appear to be an issue.
8-6 is just as good as 8-0 at this point in the season.
twins five games over .500, white sox six games under.
Wow, that lineup did not look likely to produce 8 runs! Well done.
I guess I can say it out loud now…
I sure love Michael Cuddyer.
Great win. Never expected to score that many runs off Danks. Wish we could have done that last year in Game #163. Nice to see us out-homer the Sox in their own park. It will be interesting to see what is said about Manship’s next turn. The kid clearly isn’t ready. I still think the Twins should have kept Dickey around for September. He would be an option. Gabino is just taking up a spot and rotting in the bullpen anyways.
awesome win, fun to watch, but oh how we need some magic to get span back in this lineup…cant count on cuddy to carry us all the time- amazing how well the twins are playing with this patched up lineup tho…can you imagine a healthy morneau, a healthy crede, and span- hats off to this team and get the sweep tomorrow…whew
mickey, unfortunately they are not in a pennant race with the White Sox.
“mickey, unfortunately they are not in a pennant race with the White Sox.”
thanks, ben.
Cuddyer stats:
1. Before today.176BA w/risp and 2 outs and .250 w/risp - I stand behind year long criticism.
2. .297 and a .597 SLG% with no runners on. For AL batters with at least 75(actually 53)AB’s in that situation CUDDYER IS FOURTH. He has 19 solo homers while Mauer has 20. Here is a ludicrous idea - Bat Cuddyer 1st or 2nd
stats are for who?
mickey, no problem figured if you could give us easy information to access, I would return the favor.
One more Cuddyer thought. He said the most fun he had was when he was playing 2B. He sure seems more alert when playing the infield, which may explain the greater production - 1st may be ideal at this stage of his career
It is not Mauer’s or Cuddyer’s fault that runners and not on when they go yard.
10:11 - stats for Cuddyer
Here is a ludicrous idea - Bat Cuddyer 1st or 2nd
Not that ludicrous. He’d be fine in the 2 spot. Not 1st (doesn’t get on base that much…)
Glad to see his trade value getting higher, BTW. No way the Twins should pick that $10.5M option this offseason. (I’d rather see them give that to Mauer) Hope he can bring Escobar (Braves being another team that does not get advanced measurements… so they might overvalue Cuddaver)
smithtrs,
unless you have a stat for doubles and home runs with the bases empty in close games, your stats don’t mean much as far as cuddyer’s season goes.
V7 - the point is the mindset when batting. Mauer is Mauer all the time while Cuddyer (negative or positive here?) does very with no runners on. Bye
OK - stats are meaningless
Cuddyer will finish his career here question is where will Delmon be next year.
When the Twins win a game by 2 runs, a comment like this makes me laugh:
mickey mental says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
“on the other hand, neither home run came with runners in scoring position. they barely count.”
Part of me hopes MM was being sarcastic, part hopes he was being sincere.
(Braves being another team that does not get advanced measurements… so they might overvalue Cuddaver)
You’d think Cuddyer’s performance since Morneau went down (when the Twins need him most) would help some people actually remember how to spell his damn name.
Since we’re trading guys that are doing exactly what the Twins need them to do…maybe Nathan, Span, Mauer, amoung others, should be dealt immediately before their trade value drops!
batting cuddyer 2nd is indeed a stupid idea. funny thought though guys.
Yes Cuddyer is consistent .270 and 25HRs and 85 RBI and a very good RF. There are not many better available.
“Cuddyer will finish his career here question is where will Delmon be next year.”
that sounds about right.
i say trade t98 for a blogger to be named later.
Well said, T!
Sometimes, we forget how much it sucks to have a hole (like 2nd base) where we gave up an “expendable” player (Luis Castillo). I’d hate to have seen this outfield w/o Cuddyer this year. Are there still fans stubborn enough to hope he gets dealt?
My guess is that if he’s traded, well spend the next three years whining that we desperately need an outfielder who can give us some power from the right side.
We miss Torii right? This team can actually afford Cuddyer. Enjoy watching him.
Or a hole like 3b, when we gave up Koskie.
Or a hole like CF, when we gave up Hunter.
Or a hole like SS, when we gave up Bartlett.
Or a hole like staff ace, when we gave up Santana.
Let’s not beg Smith to make holes.
Keep Cuddyer, Span, Mauer, Morneau, Kubel. Keep Baker, Blackburn, Slowey, Guerrier, Mijares, Nathan.
Nobody else on the roster would leave a hole that doesn’t already exist.
Oh yeah, keep Duensing for awhile. I want to see if he’s really this good!
“OK - stats are meaningless”
Stats aren’t meaningless - but small sample sizes can give the wrong impressions.
Cuddyer’s 2 out, RISP stats for previous years :
2008 - .250/.375/.400
2007 - .219/.351/.281
2006 - .292/.417/.584
2005 - .209/.261/.302
2004 - .355/.459/.613
Clutch hitting - if it exists - does not impact performance much. It is more an issue with small sample sizes and a lot of luck.
cuddyer hit a fifth-inning no-out bases-empty double in game 163 last year. been doing it all year, especially in low-scoring games, doubles and homers. sometimes he ends up BEING the risp.
stats don’t always tell the story.
“…where we gave up an “expendable” player (Luis Castillo).”
“This team can actually afford Cuddyer.”
Well said, popriveter. Maybe Ryan and Smith can get their heads together and trade for Castillo (.311, .398 OBP) now that he’d be playing on grass next year.
And look for Cuddy to play a lot of fill-in 1B next year.
BP is rested, everyone available tomorrow except Guerrier.
cuddyer’s stock certainly rises by showing first-base capabilities.
it makes killebrew looks all the more amazing, with hundreds of games in the outfield, at first and at third. baseball reference says he even played 11 at second (although those were all before the move to bloomington).
Liriano probably isn’t available tomorrow either. Doubt they’d use him on back to back days at this point as he’s really not conditioned for it at all
man, that twins bullpen has sure gotten tough. two runs in 6-1/3 again tonight.
make that 6-2/3.
Oops, you’re right, fcmiefty. No Franchise tomorrow.
Trade Cuddyer? Really? Free speech and all that, but dang.
the pen is indeed in good shape for tomorrow, then the off day almost assures the pen will be at full strength for the weekend. Good deal
Sure the Twins could have easily won X more games if the offense had done more. BUT the Twins could have easily won X more games if the starting rotatation had delivered what was expected. Hitting comes and goes over the course of a long season. You must have good, reliable pitching day in, day out. Twins didn’t get it and that’s why they’re chasing the Tigers.
And good pitching defeats good hitting.
And yikes, I’ve just been looking at the Yanks’ stats. They got 7 guys with 20 or more HR’s.
My favorite — Posada. 21 in only 363 AB’s. I’ve always liked and respected him. The only Yankee that I do.
Souhan wrote it’s pretty much useless for the Twins in the post-season because of the Yankees. But it’s pretty much the same for all teams.
Now a positive thought –
I forgot Manship hasn’t pitched in a while. Plenty of time for him to have extra strength and to get nervous tonight. So he failed on the road in the big city of Chicago.
I’m thinking he’ll be more relaxed and ready in the normal fashion taking a regular turn in the rotation Sunday. And it’s supposed to be sunny and 76 in KC on that day.
KC will be the death in all. “Its not who you play, but when you play them.” KC is on fire and will be the death to the Twins. Mark my word. I’m almost always right! Always!!
Ya JC Smith, and the Pope is a Lutheran too.
Cuddyer just finally started doing his job this past week or so…
Still for the season:
Win Probability added : -.1
UZR at RF: -15.7
UZR at 1B: -1
the facts that he has contributed negatively overall in both offense and defense and still there is a huge sense of him being “valuable” for this team and ignoring the above reality of offensive and defensive numbers but glancing at HRs and RBIs, makes a trade very prudent because someone is about to overpay. I would not mind the least if he brings Yunel Escobar (+1.29 WPA) in a combination of players. The Twins can use him more than Cuddyer.
the facts that he (Cuddyer) has contributed negatively overall in both offense and defense
I won’t quibble with the UZR numbers, thrylos…even though you and I, and everyone with a brain, knows that at the very least, the 1st base numbers are from WAY too small a sample size to be taken seriously.
But your credibility is forever gone when you attempt to equate “Win Probability added” to “negative contribution offensively.”
That’s a new low, even for you.
None of which means, by the way, that I’d be opposed to trading Cuddyer this winter in the right deal.
T98 - facts, facts - always with the facts.
T98. I think you should go and ponder waht makes you decide that after Cuddy has carried the team for two straight weeks (not only with his bat but his obvious leadership), you still seem to need to try to rag him out.
If your stats are telling you that Cuddy is not a good player, your stats are wrong. The thing is, your stats aren’t telling you that at all. It’s your inexplicable distaste for a player who is not only a good player, but also a good person. This is a guy who gives everything he can on the ball field, day in and day out. He also spends a large percentage of his free time and personal income towards community programs both here and his home.
Meanwhile, you roll up to the blog comment section with some garbage stats cherry picked to try to make people see how you’re right and Cuddy really is last weeks trash. It’s becoming rather disconcerting to watch.
T98,
I think your calculator is playing mind games with you. If you can’t see the fact that Cuddy has been carrying this team the last two weeks then you must not watch the games at all.
If Cuddy’s UZR in RF is really that bad, and yet he still has a -.1 WPA, doesn’t that mean he’s making a positive offensive contribution?
There are two major failings in the Sabermetric approach to measuring baseball.
The first is the completely false idea that past performance is ever a true indication of future results. You can tell us all the stats you want about what a player has done and it will never tell you what that player is going to do.
The other more serious mistake is the idea that every similar play in baseball carries with it the same value. OPS is all the rage, as it tells you pretty well how much base movement the player has caused. But it’s a very sterile approach to a game that is much more organic.
For example: there were 7 dingers hit yesterday, but not all of them carried the same value.
OC, Beckham and Cuddy all hit homers that gave their team a lead. Rios cut into a lead and broke up a shutout. Konerko hit a garbage time homer that really did nothing.
Of course, you can say it wasn’t Paulie’s fault, and he was still out there grinding, and yes it’s true. I’m not bagging PK’s big bomb. All I’m saying is that it did EXACTLY the same thing for his SABR Stats as everyone elses, but it wasn’t as valuable to the thing that mattered, that being the win.
The reason these things aren’t measured? It’d be impossible to do so objectively. I won’t even begin to suggest I have an objective bone in my body when it comes to baseball, but I can tell you right now, neither do people who trot out SABR stats to convince you they’re right.
Nick Punto is really the only candidate for A.L. MVP - resign him to a lifetime contract. Go for it Twins!
I just had a look at t98’s Twitter stream. It’s a fair bet that he and I would not enjoy conversation together. I think I need to file that away before I let his comments register in future dealings.
T98,
Why don’t you set down the pins and your Cuddy voodoo doll, and find something else to do. Your tired, baseless trashing of one of the best players on the Twins’ team has no traction here. Did Cuddy steal your crayons in kindergarten? Or wait… maybe you tried to get his autograph and he passed you by to autograph something from an eight-year-old boy. Maybe he never answered your fan mail. What did Cuddy do to you to make you so bitter toward him?
To paraphrase Mr. Bumble from “Oliver Twist”:
“If those are the stats, then the stats are an ass!”
“Cuddyer just finally started doing his job this past week or so…”
Didn’t I read somewhere he was AL player of the week last week?
Geeesh T98
“Cuddyer just finally started doing his job this past week or so…”
reminds me of the episode where fonzie couldn’t admit he was wro … wro … wro … wro … wro …
So Cuddy just started doing his job and won player of the week all in one week? Impressive!
I love Dood’s SABR-themed comment from 9:52. We should link to that under FAQs.
Mickey,
I am so glad I backtracked to read the last comments in this string. Thank you for the Fonzie comment. My side hurts!
Why are you guys always picking on thrylos?
“Why are you guys always picking on thrylos?”
Real funny, bop……..
Maybe Cuddy’s good character thrives on voodoo attack. So we should ironically thank thry.
