Before we get to movie quotes, we thought we’d give all the Nick Punto bashers out there a chance to take a deep breath and enjoy a one-day break from the hate. The guy had two huge hits last night in what, frankly, might have been the make-or-break game of the entire 14-game road trip for the Twins (and therefore the entire season). Hear us out: if they lose last night’s game, they have to take the next two of three against the Angels just to split the series. Now, the Angels are on a little bit of cruise control right now, but winning the next two of three wouldn’t have been easy. Now all the Twins have to do is win one of the next three to feel decent about the start of the trip, while winning two of the next three — tough, but not unheard of — would be a fantastic start. A loss last night, particularly in heartbreaking, extra-inning, bullpen-using fashion could have started a mini-tailspin that saw them go, say, 4-7 on the West Coast portion of the program (lose 3 of 4 in Anaheim, then take that bad vibe into Seattle, drop 2 of 3, then split 4 with Oakland). That still could happen, but sometimes it’s all about mood. And if the Twins go at least 2-2 in Anaheim, we think at least a 6-5 record going into those final three games in Toronto (and a 7-7 overall trip), while not assured, is a very good possibility. That sort of trip would probably cost them a couple of games in the standings, but our sentiment is that a playoff spot will not be won on this trip — though it could certainly be lost.

Yes, we’re aware it’s just one game of 162 and that they all count equally in the standings (hi, Brandon). But some games have an undeniable carryover impact. Think back to this game in 2004 and you’ll know what we mean. Last night’s game could have a similar big picture impact. And it would have been made possible by the man people love to hate.

And now, movie quotes. These are all movies in the IMDB top 100-250 that deserve to be higher than movies in the top 100 like Star Wars and Requiem for a Dream. (We’re relentless).

1. He’s an idiot. Comes from upbringing. His parents are probably idiots too. Lorraine, if you ever have a kid that acts that way I’ll disown you.

2. It was not my intention to do this in front of you. For that I’m sorry. But you can take my word for it, your mother had it comin’. When you grow up, if you still feel raw about it, I’ll be waiting.

3. If he’d just pay me what he’s spending to make me stop robbing him, I’d stop robbing him.

4. Now we got a nice, quiet little beach community here, and I aim to keep it nice and quiet

5. Shaking hands? Well, that’s not saying much for my wife, is it?

6. I am mentally divergent, in that I am escaping certain unnamed realities that plague my life here. When I stop going there, I will be well. Are you also divergent, friend?

7. Where’s your grandpa right now? … In the trunk of our car.

8. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe you’re not too big? That maybe this place is just too small?

9. Now Ms. Parker, don’t you believe what you read in all them newspapers. That’s the law talkin’ there. They want us to look big so they gonna look big when they catch us.

10. Some people feel like they don’t deserve love. They walk away quietly into empty spaces, trying to close the gaps of the past.

Fasola-link! The pop vs. soda map.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.