In their shoes after a loss: A look at what you could be
Posted on May 15th, 2008 – 7:10 AMBy Howard
If you were Boof Bonser last night, you would have been pitching in front of an audience that included two pitchers who may end up in the Hall of Fame. They didn’t get there by being clueless. On the radio, Jack Morris said that it looked like Boof was pitching without any kind of game plan. On TV, Bert Blyleven said he was surprised Boof gave Matt Stairs, d/b/a as “The Professional Hitter,” an inside fastball with the bases loaded in the first inning — the one that grand slammed Toronto into a 4-0 lead.
If you were Brian Runge, the home plate umpire, you probably didn’t want to watch a replay of the game. Something happened to your strike zone in the final couple of innings. Maybe you failed anatomy class because of a tendency to confuse knees with ankles, or something like that. Maybe there’s too much pressure sometimes being a third-generation umpire. And one more thing, Brian. Whatever the reason for your gesture at Joe Nathan in the ninth inning, you were the one who looked awfully silly. You didn’t cost the Twins the game, but just sayin’.
If you were Jesse Crain, you boogered up a played that a Pony Leaguer makes. You had Scott Rolen picked off second and running toward third — and you threw the ball from the mound into the bullpen so he could score. Dumb, dumber, dumbest. Here’s the deal, Jesse, and I shouldn’t have to tell you this: You run at the baserunner and then throw to the third baseman, who applies the tag and gets you out of the inning. In a 6-5 loss, that kind of made a difference.
If you were Delmon Young, you found yet another way to make a fundamental mistake. This time, you went too far around first on a single — and then got tagged out by the catcher, who followed you toward first base as catchers sometimes do when they suspect they have a sucker. Missed cutoff men, misjudged fly balls, messed-up swings. Slow down, Delmon.
If you were Alexi Casilla, you still looked overmatched at the plate and a bit too nonchalant in the field. You have quite an arm, though.
If you were Matt Tolbert, you left the park after going 2-for-5 and wondering if — just maybe — you were any closer to getting a regular run at playing second base while Brendan Harris takes over as a three-position reserve.
If you were me, you saw Toronto’s manager, John Gibbons, walk to the mound and realized that you called him John Stearns in yesterday’s post. You felt stupid.
You have a day game today. Make plans to avoid work.
other people are here too
93 Responses to "In their shoes after a loss: A look at what you could be"
Amen on all points! It’s too bad a youngster like Gomez, trying to learn the strike zone, had Runge behind the plate.
Runge was hideous. Aside from an inconsistent strike zone, that 3-second delay must be as aggravating for players as fans. Even so, we gave it away with fundamental mistakes, and I hope they have their heads in the game today.
Yeah, Howard, everybody makes mistakes. My boss says if you don’t make mistakes, you’re not doing your job. Then he slammed the door and left.
Your mistake didn’t hurt as bad as a first inning gopher ball taken yard for a grand salami.
I ran out of cliches. Have a great day!
Anyone else think that maybe Boof should be the one out of the rotation when Baker comes back? His “performances” are getting more and more frustrating.
Live chat today?
You pretty much hit it all, Howard. Brian Runge had an awful night–not just the last few innings–I thought he was inconsistent the entire night.
Why Gardy threw Alexi Casilla in the linuep to face baseball’s toughest pitcher when all he’s seen is AAA pitching so far this season is beyond me. That decision looked silly with each feeble Casilla at-bat.
There should be a baseball stat for “base running errors”. The Twins would be leading the league, I imagine.
There were some positives to take from last night’s game, however…
Justin Morneau continues to be this team’s stud. Was hoping he’d get his shot in the ninth…
Jason Kubel has emerged from hibernation, but I don’t think that means we should give up on Monroe as our everyday DH. As I’ve said countless times on these blogs, Kubel is most effective when used in moderation.
Now, on the negative side…
What happened to Michael Cuddyer? He’s starting to look less like a 5-hitter than Mauer does a 3-hitter.
For the 5 millionth time, Mauer is not a three hitter–this came into play last night–if Mauer bats leadoff or second, he gets a shot in the 9th.
Bottom line, the Twins didn’t deserve to win with all their silly mistakes–but it hurts–cause when you come up with 4 runs in the first three innings off Halliday you’d like to think you can win that game.
“You had Scott Rolen picked off second and running toward third”…. “You run at the baserunner and then throw to the third baseman”
If he is STOPPED between bases, you run at the baserunner.
If he is “running toward third”, you throw the ball to the third baseman.
“I shouldn’t have to tell you this”
I have to agree with everything in Jason’s post. I also have to wonder if this Casilla’s last shot? Tolbert is solid at 2nd and at the plate. If Casilla keeps playing like this, I would have to believe he might get moved to another organization.
I think Gardy needs to look at what’s going on in the field and make some changes to cut down on the ridiculous mistakes that are costing the Twins these games. To lose 2 in a row against these hapless BlueJays is a joke; we’re making them look like World Series champs. Runge had a terrible night behind the plate but we could have overcome that if we would just eliminate the “mental errors”. I’m at a loss to figure out how they can play so well against the Red Sox and then look like a Little League team against the Jays. Maybe Boof should pitch one inning in the bullpen before the game starts to get all those fat pitches out of the way - I would vote for sending him to the bullpen after Baker comes back.
Sane,
You’re right, but it was executed SO badly by Crain that Rolen never had to stop — at least the way I saw it. But he was moving toward third so slowly for a while that Crain needed to run at it so he didn’t change direction.
Jason,
I give umps borderline pitches, especially if they seem consistent.It just looked like Runge lost it the last few innings. Can’t happen in a close game.
DaveMN,
Not today, sorry. Thanks for asking, though.
Jason is right on again. Also, I was curious as to why Harris pinch hit for Lamb. Granted it’s because he can play the infield positions, but I would’ve liked to see Monroe bat with 2 outs and a guy on 3rd. It would’ve given us the best chance to get the run in.
Also, Booooooo (f) no longer necessary. Becoming more and more frustrating.
How long will the Twins continue to ride their reputation that they do the little things right? Many, many people have been pointing out that this is less and less true the longer they are under the reign of Gardenhire.
rotoblinder - Harris is more likely to get a hit, Monroe is more likely to hit a HR. In that situation, you want the guy that is more likely to get any kind of hit up to bat.
in that situation wasn’t Livan more likely to get a hit?
All the mental errors over the last two games indicate to me that after taking 3 out of 4 from Boston, the Twins felt all they had to do to bet the ‘Jays was to show up. Part, or most, of this lack of focus can be thrown Gardy and his staffs way. It’s their job to keep the team focused and mentally prepared.
DG
Howard,
I only saw Rolen’s starts and stops that were shot by the TV camera.
I am giving the generic instructions based on your observations.
If the runner is stopped, the pitcher runs at him. (unless the runner is stopped TOO CLOSE to 3B)
If the runner is running (or is stopped close to 3B), the pitcher throws the ball to the third baseman. (the athlete).
Crain’s REAL mistake was to throw the ball toward the bag (not toward Lamb).
Lamb had not gotten close to the bag at the time the throw was made. At that time the ball should have been thrown toward Lamb. An instant later, it could have been thrown to Lamb AT THE BAG.
mike wants wins,
I suppose, but I would still think the hot bat is more likely to get any kind of hit, as opposed to a guy who has been struggling at the plate. In that case Monroe. Plus, a homer would’ve been nice in that situation as well.
I agree with Packh9ter (and not just ’cause I hate the Pack, too)…when Gardy talked about bringing up Casilla–and this was on-air–he basically said he only got the call because they needed a middle infield guy and he was it. Gardy hinted that he really wanted Buscher, but Buscher only plays the corners.
Tolbert has quickly made us forget that Nick Punto is even on the DL. I think the kid has a lot of potential and I don’t mind seeing him in there…
Mike Lamb…ouch, I don’t know…I think it’s only a matter of time before Buscher takes that spot. Maybe I’ll be wrong about that, who knows…
sane, i think you’re reading into the Crain play way too much…Jesse screwed that one up…everyone knows you run at the guy and then make a sure throw.
Why do so many people defend Delmon (not yet today, but in many, many posts) and rip Casilla? Casilla is only 23, isn’t he? Why doesn’t he get more time to develop, like Delmon?
Sane & Howard,
Rolen had actually stopped and was starting to head back to 2nd when Crain made his errant throw toward 3rd. When Rolen saw the ball sail into foul territory, he reversed himself again and headed home. Crain definitely should have been running at Rolen, who most likely would have been tagged out trying to get back to 2nd.
good question, mike. Maybe it’s because we gave up a quality starter to get Delmon…and unlike Delmon, Casilla has yet to show he can play in the Majors…
Jason
“everyone knows you run at the guy and then make a sure throw”
I am not sure who “everyone” is, but all the coaches at the several hundred baseball coaching clinics I have attended have told us/me/the other attendees that if the runner is running (not stopped), the pitcher throws ahead of the baserunner and does NOT “run at the guy”.
Casilla track record is why he gets ripped. I can’t deny the guy has a ton of potential, he could be a very good big leaguer, no doubt. But he has yet to show any signs that he could live up to that potential. Now by seasons end we could have a cool nickname for him as bats behind go-go.
Sane,
Usually agree with you, but you don’t have the facts on the Crain play.
Yes, Rolen was running for 3b, having broke before Crain went into his delivery. At that time Crain stepped off the rubber. Rolen may have been about half way to third. The right play is to move off the mound toward the runner to get him to commit to one base or the other, while putting yourself on a flat surface. Rolen was in no danger of getting to 3b before a Crain throw would get there. There was no need to rush the play.
Second, the throw was made to where Lamb “was”. It was not made to the bag. Lamb was moving toward the base and the throw was made to where Lamb had left.
It was a very bad play by Crain in every way imaginable. And, the worst thing was, that it didn’t have to be. Crain could probably have run over and tagged him himself if he wanted to. Rolen was a dead duck and knew it.
Carlos G = everybody (fyi)
he is correct.
Carlos G,
I may not have the facts straight, but I am going by everyone’s accounts.
If Rolen was running, he has already committed to third. Throw to the third-baseman, leading him if necessary, or delay until he gets to the bag if time permits.
If Rolen was stopped/stopping, then run at him to get him to commit.
That is generic instruction.
Depending on Rolen’s actions, either run-throw or throw.
Also, from the Strib:
“Jesse’s got to run at him.” Gardenhire said. “We worked on that.”
Crain didn’t run at Rolen, throwing to third baseman Mike Lamb instead. But the ball sailed behind Lamb, who was moving toward the base, and rolled toward the Twins’ bullpen. Delmon Young picked up the ball and fired home but it was too late as Rolen scored.
Toronto led 6-4 and was able to absorb Jason Kubel’s RBI double in the eighth.
“That was a huge run,” Gardenhire said of Rolen’s score
don’t know if it will make up for all the harm mr. pohlad has caused people over the years but willing the team to the state of minnesota is a great gesture
“For the 5 millionth time, Mauer is not a three hitter–this came into play last night–if Mauer bats leadoff or second, he gets a shot in the 9th.”
And for the 5 millionth time, we don’t have a guy who can hit 3rd!
You said yourself: Cuddyer barely looks like a 5-hitter at the moment…so I doubt you’d want him batting between M&M.
And Young? Kubel? I know you’re not high on Kubel as an everyday guy, and Young hasn’t shown anybody anything resembling a reliable 3-hitter at this point.
The only guy that would be suitable in the 3-hole is the guy who’s currently locked down as the cleanup hitter.
Like I’ve said before. If Mauer bats 2nd, there’s nobody to bat 3rd. If Morneau bats 3rd, the argument shifts from “Mauer isn’t suitable for the 3-hole” to “Cuddyer/Young/Kubel/etc isn’t a cleanup hitter.”
The only player at this point who might be able to hit 3rd is Monroe. And that’s a big if considering he’s hot right now, and could just as easily go cold like Kubel did once he got regular playing time this season.
So Jason, let’s look at it this way.
The argument should not be: “Should Mauer bat third?” (because we all agree that answer is no)
The argument should be: “Who bats third instead of Mauer?” (because this is where the real problem is)
Carlos G,
Gardy’s quote indicates to me that Rolen was not running, but was stopped. (stopping, moving slowly,whatever)
Howard’s account said he was “running toward third”.
I have already belabored the point that if the baserunner is RUNNING or STOPPED (pick one) makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
FYI:
listening to the Rock Cats game on local radio. Hughes is back and led off the game with his 10th HR.
Sane,
I hear you. The nit I am picking is that the biggest mistake Crain made was rushing a play that didn’t need to be rushed. It makes little difference if Rolen was running, walking, or standing on his head, when the runner is at the midpoint of two bases, you have more than enough time to take your time and make the right play. I am saying that he had time to move off the mound and then make the play, which would be either run at him or throw to 3b.
Crain had time to bounce the ball of his cap, ala Cuddy and still throw to 3b in this situation.
And Jason, I also agree Buscher needs to come up and get his chance at an everyday role. Lamb has shown he’s not the answer (though he is still better offensively than Punto)
My proposition since the series at Detroit way back when has been the following:
Call up Buscher.
Move Lamb to the bench.
Release Everett (he’s Punto, but limited to shortstop)
IF: Morneau, Harris, Tolbert, Buscher.
OF: Cuddyer, Gomez, Young.
C: Mauer.
DH: Kubel/Monroe (since apparently neither one wants to take this and run with it)
Lineup:
Gomez
Mauer
Monroe/Cuddyer/Young
Morneau
Cuddyer/Monroe/Young
Young/Cuddyer/Monroe
Buscher
Harris
Tolbert
You can see from the 3/5/6 spots why it’s tough to slot Mauer third. Because if the other option is:
Gomez
Mauer
Morneau
Monroe/Cuddyer/Young
Cuddyer/Monroe/Young
Young/Cuddyer/Monroe
Buscher
Harris
Tolbert
…And I think we can all agree that none of those options look all too appealing in the 4-hole.
I suppose there is the option of trying to find a way to bring in a DH or 3B that could take over.
But if you think about it, Delmon Young was aquired to hit fifth, with the assumption that Cuddyer could take the 3-hole.
If Young were hitting like the Twins expected him to, I would guess he’d already be in the 3rd spot and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
Mauer started the season batting 2nd, and then Cuddyer got hurt before they could really test it out.
Now Gardy sees he doesn’t have anybody who can hit 3rd and he’s doing the best he can.
Does anyone know how long before the Hughes kid gets moved up to AAA? His numbers are awesome and would be nice to see how he handles a higher level of competition. I’m very much ok with Punto staying on the DL, to keep Casilla up, and see what Hughes can do with the Red Wings.
Hughes has been awesome. I think he would have been moved to AAA if he wasn’t hurt for a few games. Glad to see he came right back with a HR.
I agree with T’s analysis but to me I would rather have a soggy 15-20 HR guy hitting .270 in the 3-hole than no power at that spot and two guys with low OBP at 1 and 2. So that’s my point…you are correct, we don’t have a great No. 3 option, but we could do better…you handcuff yourself if your first power / RBI guy is your No. 4 guy.
Anyway, I hope Gardy keeps giving Monroe some swings…maybe Young should sit for a while (as Howard suggested yesterday).
I like Tolbert hitting in the 2 spot and playing 2B. I like Harris too. I would try harris at SS, I think He has played at SS just as much at 2b in the past.
I wouldn’t give up on Lamb just yet. Its not like Buscher is Evon Longoria. I’d also give Everett a little more time, i however think he could be done.
There’s really only two ways the “Mauer batting 3rd” situation can be resolved.
1) The Twins FO finds a way to aquire a solid 3-hitter.
2) Either Cuddyer or Young steps up and performs like they were expected to and takes over the spot.
The first option is out of Gardy’s hands. He can only play what he’s got.
The second option could be done if Gardy were to pencil one or other other (or Monroe I suppose) in at the 3-hole.
But with that, we as fans would have to be willing to suck it up for while Gardy tried to make something work with a new #3 guy.
Move Mauer to #2, Morneau to #3, Cuddyer to #4. Not perfect but gets more at bats for the 2 best players.
Grand slam today Howard.
Who bats 3rd T? Quite simple, Morneau. Gardy can mix up 4th between Cuddy, Young, Monroe/Kubel and hopefully one or two of them will stand out. Mauer should not be in the 3-hole. Period.
I have always thought, and previously said, that Boof is a bullpen guy, not a starter.
Carlos G,
Agreed.
Crain should have held the ball until Lamb got to third base and THEN thrown the ball if he had plenty of time.
If Rolen stops, Crain runs at him to force Rolen to commit.
Shawn, packh8ter,
Often the Twins make a bunch of MID-YEAR promotions with minor leaguers.
Most other promotions are either injury-driven replacements or off-the-chart performances (Hughes is close to qualifying for that - Also Ben Revere at Beloit)
Kay, I have to respectfully disagree with Morneau 3rd. While he is one of the team’s best hitters…he’s currently kicking butt and taking names as the cleanup hitter.
For how long it’s taken this team to find an honest clean-up guy, I think it would be a very bad idea to move a guy once he finally took hold of that spot.
I don’t mind Gardy rattling some cages if the need be. But that shouldn’t involve moving around the one guy in the lineup that’s consistently producing where he is.
I agree with T…leave Morneau at 4 and just pick someone and plug him in at 3…I go with Monroe right now…the dude has 4 HR and 15 RBI in barely 70 ABs…
sane,
I’d be your bench coach anytime. Good discussion. I think we’re all pretty much in the same place, based on what we saw and heard. It was Gawd-awful execution, including the part where Crain threw so wide of the base that even Bobby Korecky was scared in the bullpen.
“don’t know if it will make up for all the harm mr. pohlad has caused people over the years but willing the team to the state of minnesota is a great gesture”
I wouldn’t leave anything to the state of Minnesota. They would just f-ck it up like they do with tax revenues.
Thanks for the info sane.
As for the 3 spot: Can we all agree the spot would need to be a righty to split Mauer (2 spot) and Morneau (clean up). Someone like Matt Stairs (for example) could be a good and realastic add, but three lefties in a row would be unwise.
Unfortunately the only way we look to trade for someone is if we are still in the mix in June/July, and unfortunately I think the only way that happens is if the division lets us stay in it. We are more than likely waiting for someone (Cuddy, D-Young) to show they can perform in the 3 spot.
Well I would go the other way around, Packh8ter…give someone the spot and see if they can perfom.
Jason
Kubel’s best if used in moderation??
Is he an alcoholic beverage?
It’s not that tough you play Kubes against righty’s and Monroe against lefty’s. If you want more AB’s for Monroe give one of the outfielders a day off. Monroe has been more productive then Young or Cuddy anyway.
Is it just me or does our lineup LOOK alot better with no Everett or Punto.
Yes Kubel is an alcoholic beverage, shameless….he’s been killing us when used in excess (see .238 OBP as of last weekend before the benching).
not just you, I agree too…
Pretty spot on recap, Howard. Boof wasn’t paying attention Monday when Slowey had the marathon AB vs. Rolen, pumping heater after heater, and then grooved a first pitch fastball to Stairs. I think he was busy unravelling a baseball, if I recall. The strike zone in the last couple of innings was just baffling, but as you say, can’t blame that for the loss. No timely hitting (0-8 with RISP), poor baserunning, giving away outs, giving away runs. Just bad fundamental baseball on so many levels. The boys need to get their minds right if they don’t want to be swept by a last place team today.
Oops. Boof wasn’t paying attention Tuesday. I wasn’t paying attention today.
Casilla is the new Rivas: lots of potential but a questionable work ethic.
PACKH8ER:
Nice name. Just can’t see how we can stay in the mix with all these injuries. Getting painful to watch.
TWAYN:
This got MY attention:
“The boys need to get their minds right if they don’t want to be swept by a last place team today.”
Can’t keep celebrating the Red Sox series, I guess.
Mudcat:
Thanks, and that is why I say the Division would have to let us stay in it, like it has so far.
If Casilla doesn’t work out, maybe someone else will see that potential and they would be willing to give him a shot. We could maybe get a nice bullpen arm in return.
Vikes rule, Packers drool (Trust me I wanted to say something else, but I don’t feel like getting banned from the blog today)
Howard bans people?
Then he should take over Access Vikings
because Kevin Seifert is going to ESPN. Some of that stuff would make a sailor blush!
I’m guessing red dog will be in the lineup today so why not put Kubel in Mauers spot and see what happens.
“don’t know if it will make up for all the harm mr. pohlad has caused people over the years but willing the team to the state of minnesota is a great gesture”
And in 20 years the Twins will be in the same condition as the 35W bridge.
“sane,
I’d be your bench coach anytime.”
Thanks Howard.
But we start playoffs today.
Tomorrow, I may be asking YOU for a job.
SANE:
Will it to me.
the batting order doesn’t matter.
Mudcat,
As soon as I get the team, I’ll give to you.
Not sure if Howard does ban people, just don’t wanna find out the hard way.
BISON:
you’re prolly right. leadoff batter only leads off once. sometimes leads off another inning, but not too often
Jason
I think that seeing Monroe have some success lately has lit a fire under his under achieveing ass.
I’ve been wrong before though(don’t tell anyone)
Having those two trying to one up each other could be just what this lackadazicle offense needs.
Anyone wanna gives odds on Runge getting “Knoblauched” if he calls a check swing strike 3?
good idea, shameless.
lackadazicle not a good quality.
(that doesn’t look right)
H8TER:
Can’t remember that one. What’d Skippy do?
Gomez getting in a run down on the Tolbert hit back to the pitcher was also frustrating. Mauer would have been up with a shot to tie the game. Kind of a big mistake.
When the fans from left field showered him with beer bottles during one of his visits with the Yankees. I think he was quoted afterwards as saying “Some of those 19 and 20 year olds throw beer bottles better than I throw a baseball”. I could be mistaken on that LOL
that’s a good one, too good to be made up!
The media is enamored with the fact that the Twins supposedly play fundamentally sound baseball and great defense. What a joke. Young and Gomez have no clue how to hit a cutoff man, the infield play is brutal except for Morneau and the base running is atrocious. Fundamentally sound my patoot! Give TK a month with these guys and they would be so much better.
Bob,
“Give TK a month with these guys and they would be so much better.”
TK already got his month in Spring Training.
charlie reliford makes up for some of brian runge’s calls last night!
As rumor has it, that was the incident that drove knobby to the juice. After all when a half in the bag 19yr old has better accuracy than you, something’s gotta be done.
On a little different note:
Angels stadium had 734 food violations in their concession stands. The Rockies had 16. I heard that, evidently, phlegm is a condiment in the Angels stadium.
(hope this didn’t spoil anyone’s lulnch)
Does the phlegm get added before or after you ask for a liter of cola?
Sane, if you didn’t see the play, quit commenting. You are wrong in your assumptions. Rolen was running, then stopped, then started again towards 3rd when Crain threw the ball into the bullpen. Think of where the bullpen is at the dome in relation to the line between 3rd base the the pitcher’s mound. Crain should have run at Rolen to get him to commit, which would have allowed Lamb to get to the bag at 3rd. Crain screwed up the play by standing still and throwing the ball to Lamb’s left which was the opposite way that he was running.
How many food violations did the Twins have?
i dunno but i’ll go to the all you can eat game and take an unbiased survey and sacrifice my colon in the name of science
Then you can also give your unbaised opinion on the toliets
where are the to-li-ets?
LMAO
i know, spelling doesn’t count
T says:
May 15th, 2008 at 9:58 am
“Kay, I have to respectfully disagree with Morneau 3rd. … I don’t mind Gardy rattling some cages if the need be. But that shouldn’t involve moving around the one guy in the lineup that’s consistently producing where he is.”
T - I think the point that you and others is missing is the one that Morneau has made abundantly clear… he wants to hit behind Mauer.
So, moving him in the lineup is probably much less disruptive to his psyche than moving Mauer away from him. I continue to believe you have only two choices — leave it Mauer/Monreau at 3-4 or Mauer/Monreau at 2-3 — that is, if you are concerned about keeping Monreau happy. And since he is the one stud driving the ball most consistently, I am in favor of keeping him happy.
Maybe not a fair comparison since their team is stacked with hitters, but Ortiz does a nice job of hitting in the 3 hole as a “slugger”.
I also like the idea of your best hitters getting a few more at bats over the course of the year. I like Mauer/Monreau at 2 and 3 for those reasons.
Somehow i think i’m being vindicated on a near daily basis when I say that Justin Morneau is THE star on this team…
In other words, it’s not Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins….it’s Justin Morneau and the Minnesota Twins.
I would have to agree with Jason on Mauer vs. Morneau, Baby Jesus gets all the love cause he is one of us. If it’s up to me, you need someone to win the game with one swing of the bat, I’m taking Morneau.
that’s ok. I like the idea of morneau being underrated. results so far have been ok. there’s one on every team. BoSox had that Ukelele guy that looked pretty good against us.
Mike,
“Sane, if you didn’t see the play, quit commenting”
Let me know when I have your permission to comment again.
Then I can pretend that I was waiting for it.
“Maybe not a fair comparison since their team is stacked with hitters, but Ortiz does a nice job of hitting in the 3 hole as a “slugger”.”
David Ortiz also has the benefit of Manny Rameriez hitting behind him.
“BoSox had that Ukelele guy that looked pretty good against us.”
I wouldn’t consider anybody on the Red Sox “underrated” by the national media.
Especially not Youkilis.
T says: “David Ortiz also has the benefit of Manny Rameriez hitting behind him.”
Yes, T - but you failed to address the main point… that being our best hitter wants to hit behind Mauer. And, you want to screw with his mind by moving Mauer to the 2 spot. That ain’t gonna happen as long as Morneau is hitting well and he believes it comes from Mauer hitting in front of him. Hence, the only solution is 2/3 or 3/4 for Mauer and Monroe.
Me, I think it would be good to break up the two lefties and Mauer should be hitting 2 and Morneau 4… but not at the expense of Morneau’s mind. We got enough problems hitting as it is.
