Midday update
Posted on September 23rd, 2009 – 12:05 PMBy La Velle
I checked in with Denard Span after last night’s game. He was able to get some running in before the game and felt he was slowly coming around after being beaned on Monday.
Span said there were times during Tuesday’s game when he felt like he was close to normal. Then he would feel foggy again. He said he was up and down like that throughout the game. So it will be interesting to see how he feels when the clubhouse opens this afternoon.
The Twins could use Span tonight. He’s 10-for-20 against Buehrle, including four hits in his last four plate appearances against him.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s out again tonight. Two games off, then an off day. Then fire him out against the Royals.
Cuddyer sizzling
Michael Cuddyer is batting .347 with 5 homers and 17 RBI over his past 13 games. But his numbers against White Sox lefty John Danks are - to steal a phrase from a bad movie - mind-bottling.
He’s batting .533 with 5 homers and 11 RBI against Danks with a 1.730 on base-plus-slugging percentage. In 30 at-bats!
Danks threw up his arms Tuesday after Cuddyer homered off of him again.
“Cuddyer owns me,” Danks said. “I should just walk him every time he comes up. I’m at a loss for words. He’s a heck of a player. For whatever reason, those guys got something on me or I just serve up cookies.”
Zack Greinke watch
In addition to facing the Twins on Sunday, KC ace Zack Greinke is expected to start for the Royals on Oct. 3, the final regular season game at the Dome. There might be a couple things on the line in that game.
This and that
Matt Tolbert has two career homers, both at U.S. Cellular Field. “Both in the same spot,” he said.
Joe Mauer is a .212 hitter against Mark Buehrle, tonight’s starter.
Gardy’s quote about Francisco Liriano’s relief outing: “Joe Mauer said it was the best the ball has come out of his hand in a long time.” That suggests that Liriano could start Sunday against the Royals. I made fun of it on my Twitter page when I tweeted that Liriano was trying to make a Vincent Chase-like comeback. But he just might get a chance to emerge from the Medellin stage of his career.
The White Sox are falling apart. Closer Bobby Jenks said yesterday that he popped a calf muscle during pre-game work and is done for the year.
Watching Libya leader Mohmmar Gadhafi’s address to the United Nations as I write this. If he didn’t have any power, his revisionist history and conspiracy theories would be pretty funny. He talked about the JFK assassination and swine flu, called President Obama his son and tossed the UN charter at someone. You can’t make this stuff up….
129 Responses to "Midday update"
I like Liriano coming out of the pen - seems like he lets loose with his pitches. I’m concerned that as a starter he paces himself too much - throws 90% pitches instead.
Anyway, where’s Jason Pridie? Why isn’t he with the big club? We need another outfielder so Go-Go can be hit for late in games!!
Why would we need Pridie? If we need an outfielder move Cuddyer back and Buscher or Harris can play first for a couple innings
Why do we need Pridie? Because we need as deep of a bench as possible. We have open slots and if a player may be helpful he should be here unless there is a darn good reason for him not to be.
There is a new Jason Pridie fan club out there…After 3 weeks there is one member… mlutha.
Actually, I think you meant Liriano may emerge from the Medellin stage of his career… Aquaman, so it seems, was an early high-water mark for Vince.
And yes, I’m rather ashamed that I know this.
Anybody know if Target Field will be ready on October 5th - would be a fitting way to break in the new ballpark! 
I believe Pridie is playing in the World Cup.
Span felt up and down on Tuesday night
That’s a really bad headline, for obvious reasons.
Mauer is AL MVP 2009
Cuddyer is Twins MVP 2009
Ah, of course JimCrikket!
I agree Pridie should be called up, maybe even before the Span beaning. Pridie is on the 40 man roster and isn’t playing in the World Cup, and I don’t think anyone is concerned with his service time/arbitration eligibility.
Pridie could fill the pinch runner/defensive sub role Gomez had. With Cuddyer playing 1B, it wouldn’t hurt to have 2 of those guys when Span returns (for Young and Kubel).
We’re in a pennant race; spend 20K for a bench player.
What’s the update on Boof making a return this year?
The last game is Oct 4th
McKenzie Phillips felt up and down on O-pra
Abandon Manship! Don’t go down with the Manship! It’s a Manship of fool to pitch this guy again. Manship him back to AAA.
okay, i’m done.
La Velle-
Blades of Glory is NOT a bad movie. If you’ve only watched it once, watch it again and you will laugh your tail off.
“Chazz Michael Michaels, the only skater to win four national championships and an adult film award.”
“Personal philosophy…clothing optional!”
anybody willing to bet that tolbert and nicky won’t be two of the starting infielders when next season opens?
part two, harris will be playing for another team?
Target Field will not be ready for any games in a play in or playoff game this year. Dave St. Peter made that clear on Saturday Morning Sports Talk a couple weeks back.
“harris will be playing for another team?”
i’d say it’s likely harris will be WITH another team. but he could easily end up PLAYING less than with the twins.
ggg,
There’s no way Harris is a Twin next year - I’m okay with him but Gardy has a case for him and he could just as well go to another team since he won’t become one of Gardy’s favorites. On the other hand, I think LNP will be around but am hoping that he won’t be a starter either at SS or 2B. My wish list would include Bill Smith getting a third baseman and SS that we can depend on for the next 5 years and stop the revolving door on the left side of the infield. Go Twins!
What was Gadhafi’s OPS last year?
Can he play 3B?
I was never one of these guys down on Cuddyer, but I never would have thought he was capable of hitting 29 or more HR this year. He has a good chance at leading the team in HR.
Amazing the Twins have managed to miss Greinke all season. I was hoping that trend would continue! What is with Greinke only pitching 5 or 6 innings lately?
This would be a fun lineup next year…
Span LF
Chone Figgins 3B
Mauer C
Morneau 1B
Kubel DH
Cuddy 2B
Yunel Escobar SS
Delmon RF
Gomez CF
This is just a dream though because I highly doubt we go get two significant players. Figgins is a free agent though…
Hopefully Span will be OK and no long term effects will linger from this blow to the head.
What was Gadhafi’s OPS last year?
Can he play 3B?
His OPS has been going down every year. I thik it was .568 last season. After he hurt his knee in that collision at the plate a few years ago, he can only DH.
LEN3, I have a correction for you: While Grienke is scheduled to pitch on Oct. 3, the final game at the Dome is on the 4th.
I realize the field won’t be done but find it rather ironic that neither MLB or the NFL is willing to concede to one another the Metrodome (if needed for a playoff game)… wonder who will have to give and to where/when IF the Twins require a playoff game to get into the ALDS. Rather ironic that the most hyped MNF game of the year could run into this type of conflict!
maybe the Royals will shut down Greinke soon,,, why should they take a chance on an injury when the season is over for him,,,, it would probably cost him a Cy Young, but thats not my problem
it would probably cost him a Cy Young, but thats not my problem
Getting shutdown “early” didn’t hurt Cliff Lee last year. Didn’t help the Twins though. 
Also, what the heck is “popping” a calf? I’m familiar with pulling a muscle, but can somebody explain how I’d know if I popped a muscle?
Cuddy 2B
Eeew. I’d rather he play 1B or OF. He hasn’t played 2B in years from what I recall.
I am in favor of using Cuddy as plan C over at 3rd.
T: I think it’s basically his description of a muscle pull. I “popped” my calf playing basketball. It actually made a popping noise. It made the same sound that my hamstring did when I pulled it. Now, I’m strictly an armcahir athlete and blogger.
If it comes down to it, I’m sure MLB will back down. Helluva lot more money riding on a Packers/Vikings MNF game, then on a Twins/Tigers tiebreaker.
I’m guessing based on how they’ve been used the last month or two, and their production, that Tolbert and Punto will have a chance to compete for a starting spot next year. However, if they get some good free agent signings, that chance may become very very small. I doubt harris will be around though. I don’t think he wants to just be a bench player, but the twins clearly feel he is not the best choice defensively, and his bat simply hasn’t been consistent enough to justify keeping him in the lineup every day. Cuddy at second would be real interesting..for whatever reason he has been hitting better since he’s been in the infield, plus it would solve our outfielder problems (and cuddy did say 2b is his fave position). If they made that move though, I’d be surprised if punto, tolbert and casilla were both with the organization next year.
“…on Oct. 3, the final regular season game at the Dome.”
Looks like Hochevar will pitch on Oct 4, the last scheduled game of the regular season.
Billy Smith wanted to add Jason Pridie to the roster this month but word is Gardy and the coaching staff stood up to Smith saying they had no use for Pridie. After watching Jason try to play the outfield last year in Toronto, I can’t say I disagree with them.
Love the entourage reference. Here’s hoping Liriano has a Vincent Chase moment and doesn’t end up like Drama.
I “popped” my calf playing basketball. It actually made a popping noise.
Ah. Thanks for the explanation. I was wondering if the “pop” was a literal term. Sounds like it is.
Ouch.
“…Medellin stage of his career.”
Okay, I give.
La Velle, do you mean he’s in a faraway place off the main stage?
Yup, it’s a lot of pain. Absolutely no way someone could pitch on it.
I believe there was a report a couple days ago which said the NFL won’t back down and has the legal right to the Dome on Oct 5.
So, Plan B is for the Twins/Tiggs to play on Oct 6 in the Dome.
Cuddy is hands down the MVP of this team. And don’t you forget it….Punto is right behind him……M & M are way down the list….
How bout that Tolbert? The new 3rd baseman for next year. Forget: Crede, Harris, Buscher, Punto, Valencia, Hughes, Tolleson, Dinkleman, Gardenhire, Marci, or any FA…..Matty Tolbert is the MAN…..
Romer…it is a reference to Entourage…Vincent Chase did a movie on the show entitled Medellin which was a complete bomb…he made a nice comeback, however, with a Marty Scorcese movie.
Thanks, Mike. I’m now back in the in crowd.
I don’t see any reason not to add Jason Pridie to our roster since we’re down 2 players anyway. Pridie is already on the 40-man, and we could use a speedy baserunner off the bench.
Why hasn’t Bill Smith pulled the trigger on this?
And now it’s time for another Gardy and Bill Smith conversation:
Gardy: Tolbert and Punto are killing it out there. I bet you feel pretty stupid, huh?
Smith: A little stupid, but I feel that way most days. Anyway, I still plan on firing you if you and your gamers don’t make the playoffs.
Gardy: We’ll make the playoffs. Gamers make the playoffs.
Smith: We’ll see. So what do I owe the pleasure of this conversation?
Gardy: Oh, nothing, really. Just wanted to chat. Hey, did you see Span get hit in the head the other night?
Smith: Yeah, scary.
Gardy: I’ll say. I knew I should have batted Delmon leadoff that night.
Smith: Delmon has been very good since he has had regular playing time, don’t you think?
Gardy: No. Trade him this offseason.
Smith: No.
Gardy: Trade Gomez then.
Smith: No. Neither of them have any trade value. I’ll trade Kubel or Cuddyer.
Gardy: Don’t trade Cuddyer. He has been amazing.
Smith: So it is Kubel then. I’ll try to work a trade where we get a starting pitcher, second baseman, or third baseman for him.
Gardy: Better make it a pitcher. Nicky and Matty have second and third nailed down and will be the starters at Target Field. Did you see Matty go boom last night?
Smith: Yes, that was quite good. But you are still fired if you don’t make the playoffs. Did you see we fired the AAA manager?
Gardy: So?
Smith: Read between the lines - they missed the playoffs, too.
Gardy: Yeah, but only because they didn’t have Tolbert AND Punto, like we do now, and like we should have had all year.
Smith: I’d like to sign Chone Figgins for next year. At least inquire as to what it will take.
Gardy: He isn’t a gamer. I’ll take Tolbert.
Smith: You can take him wherever your next job is if we don’t make the playoffs.
Gardy: Fine. Well, I’m off to make the lineup. Oh - this is kind of funny - I had a cardboard cutout of you made up with removable leopard print clothing like the female owner from Major League. You’re starting to show a little leg now.
Smith: That is a little funny.
Gardy: It’s a lot funny. The gamers and I laugh at it. Delmon and Harris don’t get it though.
Smith: Good luck tonight.
Gardy: Go *#%# yourself.
It’s good to see that even when things go well, guys such like JC Smith and scottz (or should I say a guy like JC Smith/scottz) can still jump in and troll things up a bit.
Pridie is not even an option, he has been called up twice and did NOT get to the plate… what does that tell you?
All you people calling for him are probably the same ones calling for Manship all year… how’s that one working out?
And if you think Pridie is a defensive sub, i want you to think back to when he was in the field last and the events that came with that whole fiasco.
Kubel stays in the field, with gomez and young. Morales/Harris are going to DH. If it gets bad Tolbert or Punto can play in the OF, but I would not want Pridie near this club.
They do not just NOT call up people for a reason. They obviously do not feel he can contribute. The Pridie talk should end now.
Pridie has shown he has all the tools to be a career AAA player.
T, I’m not trolling, I just like to have fun. I’m a big Twins fan and have been for many years.
I’m also not JC Smith.
Tolbert spent time in the outfield during his last stint in Rochester, so he could easily play out there in a pinch.
Personally, I’m just glad he’s playing so well right now. He played great last year until his injury in May, and his time up here earlier this year just wasn’t the same as last year’s start. I’m glad to see him back to last year’s form.
Despite the attempted explanations from the crowd, I have NO IDEA what you are talking about in the third to last paragraph Len. Please don’t explain, don’t care to figure it out…
Anyway regarding, “I believe Pridie is playing in the World Cup” mentioned long above, THANK GOD because I believe Pridie is destined to be a career minor leaguer with 26 or so other organizations. I saw enough of his ability to muffboggle a slow rolling routine grounder directly at him in the outfield at the end of last season. Next…
i want you to think back to when he was in the field last and the events that came with that whole fiasco
While I do not remember that event fondly, that same season Span had a ball bounce off his glove and over the fence in Detroit.
That was oft-referenced when he got his second callup later in the season. Needless to say it has quickly been forgotten.
T, I’m not trolling,
El-wrong-oh, scottz. Mucho el-wrong-oh.
You posted something T doesn’t agree with, ergo you are ‘trolling.’ By default.
Take it as a compliment.
Its good to see T never runs out of comments to complain about.
I don’t think the Twins were particularly impressed with Pridie’s .677 OPS this season, nor his K/BB ratio of 85/19.
Just curious Scottz, do you seek assistance with a ventriloquist type dummy to help you choreograph your way through these super-im-blog-posed two way dialogues?
I enjoyed Scottz blog drama, I got some good chuckles out of it
I’m glad to hear Span is feeling better because watching Gomez leadoff is painfull.
Mohmmar Gadhafi is one funny guy.
scottz
that was funny— i lmao!
“I enjoyed Scottz blog drama, I got some good chuckles out of it”
~ I did too, that’s why I asked; it actually sounds like a skit that a Twins fan ventriloquist would perform on-stage…if a Twins fan ventriloquist actually did exist.
But who would make the funnier dummy, Gardy or BS?
Chief - sorry man, I don’t speak Canadian, so I can’t read the first part of your post. But I will take it as a compliment on your advice.
heetcpa - no. i use a standard protagonist/hero vs antagonist approach, using an assumed conflict between the two, with minimal climax and resolution. i find it offers the best possibility for ongoing dialogue. or i just make stuff up as i go.
FWFFkaNsOK - cool. if what i do makes a single person laugh, then i’m successful. well…if it only makes a single person laugh, then i suck, but hey, who am i to complain about me?
BC of ND - I opened for Gadhafi once. He killed the crowd that night. Literally, he killed them.
Well, according to Reusse, they better not shut down Greinke, because Zack doesn’t have enough wins for him to be the CY Young (I had an e-mail exchange with Reusse on this topic today)….
A:I thought it was funny too.
B:I don’t necessarily agree with it.
C:There are many much funnier posts on Lavelle’s previous thread.
“I’m glad to hear Span is feeling better because watching Gomez leadoff is painfull.”
~It can also be expensive, as I darn near punched thru the TV once or twice.
Greinke’s ERA is WAY below the pursuers, but I know that many voters place WAYYYYY to much emphasis on Wins alone. The question is, if Greinke is on the Yankmees, does he have a loss? He definately should rest up for next year at this point (homer view).
popriveter - which part of my fictional conversation don’t you agree with?
for the record, i don’t think Gardy wished Delmon would have been hit in the head.
i have no real basis for it, but i do seriously wonder if Smith and Gardy are at bigger odds than what little parts have come up in the media, and i further wonder if Gardy’s job is on the line.
oh, and so not to be further accused of trolling, go Twins.
That’s exactly how i feel heetcpa. When i watch Gomez it looks to me like he’s doing an impersonation of some else hitting, if that makes any sense.
Span being out does not necessitate Gomez batting leadoff.
BC: When I watch Gomez, it looks to me like he’s doing an impersonation of someone else not hitting…
…rimshot…
nice one Chief
Span’s injury and its lingeringness (new word?) should remind football fans why football players shouldn’t go back in right away…..
SCOTTZ!
Ha ha..
and ho ho,
and HA-HA-HA!!!
If the Twins and Tigers need to have a playoff game for the title, they could always go to Milwaukee to play it. I’ll bet the Twins would have more of a home field advantage there.
T, what’s YOUR thinking?
How could you possibly think scottz was JC Smith!!??
Steve H. I think they should play 163 during halftime of the Vikings game.
nice to see somebody having fun! it’s still only a game.
gets old with the complaining about the complainers all day.
not to mention the 100 posts about a certain infielder with a 5 letter name.
zoilo?
Scottz, I don’t think Gardenhire’s job depends on the playoffs and I don’t think he’d pass up on superior players if Smith staffed the team with them. Still, I thought it was very funny and you could argue there was a reason for every characterization you squeezed in. I give it a B+!
Mickey, your Fonzie quote earlier was so good I’ve been laughing about on and off for a hour.
Well played!
“I’m glad to hear Span is feeling better because watching Gomez leadoff is painfull.”
I believe he only led off once…….and drew a BB.
well, I think Greinke needs to put team goals ahead of his personal goals. A Twins divisional championship is more important than any individual awards he can garner. He needs to star thinking about the team.
Here’s what I find amusing. Last year some Twins fans panned Cliff Lee for sitting at the end of the season (When he would’ve been facing the Sox)
Now some Twins fans are panning Greinke for potentially still playing at the end of the season (When he would be facing the Twins)?
If Greinke was having issues, I would say sit him, but he’s just as strong as ever…so why shut him down? The Royals revel in being a spoiler, and they’ve got a guy giving them national attention.
Why wouldn’t they play him if he’s healthy?
“I believe he only led off once…….and drew a BB.”
Not to rip on Gomez but the walk was due more to the wildness of the pitcher then it was Carlos keen eye.
Thanks for the chuckle scottz.
“Why wouldn’t they play him if he’s healthy?”
More Dom Perignon?
of course they will play Greinke, as they should. I think some of us just wish they wouuldnt for obvious reasons, but no one, if asked, would say it is something the Royals should do
BC of ND (at 4:47) is your clubhouse PoD leader.
But I’m confident that can be topped.
T, I don’t think anybody here is serious in saying the Royals should shut Greinke down. And if they are, you are absolutely right in your critique.
popriveter - i’ll take the B+. and re: Gardy’s job…yeah, i have no basis for the thought…it’s just a feeling i’ve had after reading the various quotes. hopefully, the twins make the playoffs and we don’t find out whether my feeling is right or not.
Dom Perignon?
Isn’t that really expensive? Is that what the money not being used on callups and free agents earmarked for in the offseason…. bribing the Royals and/or Indians and celebratory booze?
scottz: If I were critiquing your dialogue I’d have to give you serious markdowns for ‘realism.’
Everyone knows Gardy never refers to Harris as ‘Harris.’
It’d be “Harry.”
And for that matter, there is no “Tolbert” in Gardyspeak. “Matty, Tolbertsie” or “Mini-mini-me” (”Mini-me” is taken) would all be acceptable.
I’m not sure what words he uses to refer to Delmon, but I’m pretty sure that
A) his range of nicknames does not include “Delmon,” and
B) any actual nickname would likely send you to blog moderation land for a long, long time.
“Span felt up and down Tuesday night” –great headline. After seeing that, I thought the article was about some jersey chaser.
Remember the discussion last winter about trading Cuddyer and Blackburn (straight up) for Atkins? That was so funny!
Chief, you make some good points. I’ll try to remember that in the next installment. However, in my defense, the number of times I referred to Tolbert, for example, would have lessened the readability, had I chosen to go purely with Matty every time. When crafting what is sure to become classic literature, required in bathroom stalls everywhere, I chose some creative license.
For the record, what DOES Gardy call Delmon in public? Don’t answer that until you consider Chief’s item B) in his 5:00pm.
Torii just got career hit 1500 for those who care
JC Smith..you’re a F*&$ing retard
Now THAT is funny, Sauce. That’s like Hitler calling Harry Truman a meanie.
birdofprey, i don’t know if that’s a knock toward’s me or JC Smith..i’m just sick of coming on here and reading smith’s blogs and how ridiculous they are. i enjoy coming on here and reading what fans have to say and getting other point of views, but to say mauer and morneau are NOT the mvp’s of this team, and going as far as trading morneau, is not only unreasonable, but just plain stupid.
This has been quite entertaining today, thank you!
My apologies Sauce. I read your post fast, had scottz on my mind, and jumped to the conclusion you were calling out scottz. JCSmith? Yeah, perhaps he hasn’t fully matured.
Scottz, I am surprised that you have that much time to work up a post like that….
Wow, some people really don’t like Pridie. I’m not sure we can base his defensive prowess on one play alone.
I am in the bring up the Pridie boat not because I think he should be playing over anyone else but strictly as a just in case basis. For instance if Kubel is on base with a chance to win the game late I don’t want Gardy to not pinch run for him just because he doesn’t have someone else to throw into the outfield.
JD,
Facts are facts. If he was a viable option he would have already been here.
Chief, how about Deli?
It’s amazing to see the Twins at 11-6 so far against the White sox after losing 4 out of the first 5 times they played them
Tigers 4
Indians 0
Top 1st
sorry if i have missed something or out of touch a bit, but what is the status of huber- i know he had some kind of knick but is he available and eligible…would love to see his bat in this lineup at times…i too would like cuddy back in the of with gomez coming in later, but without span, pridie- no chance
if cleveland could only help abit, but it doesnt look good from that start already….lets just hope the twins can blast beurhle one more time… go twins…
Lineup for the Twins
Gomez
OCab
Mauer
Kubel
Cuddyer
Young
Harris DH
Tolbert
Punto
Why does Morales not get a crack at DH? Will it hurt redmonds feelings?
C’mon Cleveland…man up!
Huber - day to day oblique strain
minn, tough lefty is the reason.
thx minntwins 5…i was afraid of that…anyone taking odds on cuddy carrying the load again tonite….what an unreal run he is on, and i was one who in the worst way, wanted him gone- damn good thing i dont always get my way…..go ahead cuddy, carry em agin tonite….
Cuddy is proving many of us wrong. I am happy for him. It isn’t like he didn’t earn the criticism though…he was really struggling.
Cleveland is dead! They will not win a game vs. Detroit.
Morales is a switch hitter. batting 342 vs RH, 438 vs LH
Harris 291 vs lh 240 vs rh
Masterson is garbage! He is clearly not a major league starter and yet another overrated prospect from an east coast team.
Did I see a 96mph fastball and a 90mph slider on the radar gun for Liriano last night? Naw, I must have been seeing things.
Lets get anotherm win tonight and see if we can gain another game!!!
HAVE FUN !!! GO TWINS !!!
wonder if len3 ran into an old girl friend and forgot about the game?
minntwins5, I don’t think you can use the fact that Pridie hasn’t been called up to say that it is a fact that he isn’t a viable option.
That’s like saying that because I have a job I must be good at it because in fact I am not.
Cleveland has stranded 4 on base in just 2 innings. Wish the Tigers were playing a real team.
JD,
I just do not understand the admiration for a career minor leaguer who has 4 career plate appearances
JH, Cleveland sucks thats why. As someone said, they won’t beat the Tigers once.
i just don’t get it sometimes. duensings pitches have been way up for 3 innings, the sox are spanking the ball, and with as important as this game is…. gardentired can’t seem to see what is so obvious and get him out BEFORE the damage.
only an inning late gardentired.
“only an inning late gardentired.”
blah blah blah
Go to a punkrock club and have some fun.
3 ER’s for Duensing tonight. He won the game.
