Sometimes you just have to be that tough
Posted on June 2nd, 2008 – 8:01 AMBy Howard
Nick Blackburn has found an assortment of uncommon ways to keep from getting credited with wins this season. There have been the blown five-run leads… the ninth-inning inside-the-park home run, courtesy of Delmon Young, last week at Kansas City… and now this, a line drive that grazed his glove on the way to turning his face into a Kimbo Slice mosaic.
At the time, he was in pretty good control against the Yankees, ahead 3-1 and getting out of most of the trouble that he created for himself. But then, with one out in the fifth, Bobby Abreu ’s line drive ticked Blackbiurn’s glove before hitting hard against his face — knocking him down to the turf for several seconds and then out of the game, with a fat lip and (apparently) little other damage.
After using all of their relievers (and Juan Rincon) on Saturday night, Gardy and Anderson had to be hoping for six or seven strong from Blackburn. But Brian Bass, Jesse Crain and Joe Nathan held the Yankees to three hits over the final 4 2/3 innings and the Yankees were finally put away for the first time in this series.
While there was an optimistic spin on Blackburn’s situation after the game, it remains to be seen how he’ll really feel over the next couple of days — which could allow Scott Baker to return to the rotation without the immediate (and unfortunately deserved) exile of Boof Bonser to the bullpen. We’ll see. For now, though, Gardy’s gotta hope that Senor Smoke Free can get through most of tonight’s game.
A thought about the Yankees. People disrespected and demeaned them early last season when they were floundering in last place in the AL East, and it’s been pretty easy to hurl the same barbs this season — too old, too little pitching, too many guys who used to be somebody.
But there’s still fight in the dog, as the Twins learned in the first two games of the series when Glen Perkins (with the umpire’s help) failed to hold the early lead he was given and on Saturday when Boof ‘n’ Punto combined to give the Yankees too many early chances and the offense couldn’t put away some late-game opportunities against the lesser-knowns (anyone not named Rivera) in the bullpen.
You simply can’t give the Yankees extra opportunities because they can rear up and be dangerous. Play a fundamentally sound game against them and you’ll be fine. Fundamental soundness, however, is less and less of aTwins trademark. They put together a pretty good effort on Sunday afternoon, but that has to happen more than once every three games.
And, by the way, how did Mike Lamb’s 11th-inning drive not leave the park Saturday night?
other people are here too
59 Responses to "Sometimes you just have to be that tough"
Howard,
As for your final point, according to John Gordon, it DID leave the park…
I had similar thoughts about Blackburn…it once again goes to show how insignificant the stat of “win” can be for pitchers at times…the 5-run blown lead was all his doing, of course, but the point remains the same–he should have at least 3 more wins on his record.
Michael Cuddyer is back? Let’s hope so…what a huge series for him…nice to see we do have an RBI guy to back up the MVP of the club…let’s hope he keeps it going so he doesn’t have to see .245 next to his name anymore.
Of course I have to talk about Jason Kubel…one week ago I predicted that if Gardy played him 5 straight games after his granny he would go 3-for-20, returning to the form that makes the “free Jason Kubel” campaign look as silly as the Macarena. Well, Gardy one-upped me, playing him in six straight games and the result is 4-for-25 (all singles). So Gardy rewards Kubel for his granny by “freeing” him, yet Craig Monroe, who hits an even more clutch 3-run pinch hit job to help beat the Royals, is pretty much invited back to the pine…I’m not sure what to think of that, but as I’ve said a million times over, Kubel in moderation is the most effective plan. Are Kubel fans finally ready to admit that we have enough of a sample to know what we have?
Did I miss something…did Gardy think he was getting Ozzie Smith back in his prime when Nick Punto returned from the DL? If I were Brendan Harris I would demand a trade…hey Gardy, if it aint broke don’t fix it…
Kubel was at one time the best hitting prospect in the Twins organization. He was our best hitter in the second half of last season. I’m OK with him sitting against particularly nasty lefthanders, but otherwise he should play. He’s earned at least as much right as Delmon “Iron Man” Young to sink or swim in the starting lineup this year. If Monroe sees a bunch of playing time, it should be at Young’s expense, not Kubel’s.
Hey let’s keep harping on Juan Rincon because that never gets old, yes I’m being sarcastic
Jason, as a member of the “Free Kubel” (as to the DH) crowd for the last couple months, I have to say that I agree with you and must renounce my evil ways.
When he started hot at the beginning of the season, I thought that Kubel could really be an anchor and a run-provider; as Bert said yesterday, a guy who can win the game by himself.
However, every time he has started more than a couple games in a row since April 15, he has hit a slump and has forgotten how to hit.
So I’ll give up on the “Free Kubel” campaign as related to DH, but I still think he should get time in Right or Left field until the two guys out there step up, both defensively (Young) and offensively (Young and Cuddy). I know Cuddy has started to come back, but I am not holding my breath to see if he stays that way; I remember last season.
The problem with giving up on the “Free Kubel” campaign as to the DH is that Monroe has the same problem. I have never seen a streak-ier player. He’ll get a two hits a game for four games, then go 0-fer the next week.
So what do we do? There are those on this blog that argue that we have to make one of them the “everyday” DH and platoon the other one in the outfield and DH (occasionally) to get him ABs. This gives them job security and consistency. But it also means removing another bat from the lineup to play a potentially streaky player. Others recommend a straight platoon: Kubel against righties, Monroe against lefties, except that Monroe hasn’t hit all that well against lefties and Kubel hasn’t hit much better than Monroe against righties.
I ask again, what’s the answer? I don’t know, and I’m glad I’m not the manager on this one.
As far as Rincon goes, Jenny, I have to respect him. He really represents fairness and and a helping hand to others. We go into a series against a struggling team, he gives up a few clutch runs, and BAM!!!, they snap out of it.
Nice guy, eh? All the slumping teams hope that someone in their division will pick him up if he is traded.
I, for one, am once again regretting the Monroe signing. I know he has repeatedly come through in the clutch situations, but he won’t be around next year, in all likelihood, and he does make it extremely difficult for Gardy to give at-bats to Kubel and Monroe.
I think the Twins need to make a decision on these guys. If they see Kubel as a long-term DH solution, then give him an everyday starting role (maybe pull him against very nasty lefties).
If they don’t see him as a long-term solutions, they should shop him to teams that need a solid bat (maybe a team that is decimated by injuries like the Rox), play Monroe every day, and then decide whether to re-sign Monroe or bring up one of the many (ha!) sluggers filling the farm system.
Jerking both of them around like this can’t be too helpful.
now that the skipper has his little buddy back we’ll find him a full time player again and unless history of him as a full time player being one of the worst hitters for a full time player in over 100 yrs of baseball isn’t repeated i’ll be shocked. no he isn’t ozzie smith, he likes to hot dog, like the error he made, sometimes his hot dogging turns into a web gem but his defense is overrated.
over the course of 4-5 yrs it has been proven by his performance that he doesn’t suceed as an everyday player but the skipper can’t live without his little buddy.
anyway hope cuddy is getting it together need him bad.
Kubel and Monroe are more or less interchangeable from a current production standpoint. Monroe probably won’t be here in next year, definitely not in 2010. That’s the argument for playing Kubel - the Twins need to decide if he figures into the future plans or at least market him as trade bait if he doesn’t.
The real competition for hitting this year isn’t Kubel/Monroe, it is Punto/Young.
I will say our bullpen has been very encouraging lately…I feel like we should’ve one either Fri. or Sat. and we would still be on an amazing roll, but even as is, we’re in pretty good shape with Crain, Reyes, and Guerrier looking stronger…Breslow looked good, too. That’s a huge component to this thing…
One other thing I’ll harp on (other than Punto who we will be harping on all day–how can you not, he comes back and the manager immediately inserts him as though he’s an intregal part of this thing that we’ve been missing…you could hear it in Dick Bremer’s voice Friday “the Twins are hoping Nick Punto can come back and play some shortstop” And why I ask you…have we had a deficiency in that area since Everett left? I don’t think so…I think we’ve been okay.) Ok, rant over…on Red Dog…Reusse asked Gardy on Sunday if Red Dog would bat 8th to which Gardy replied “No, I’ll bat him third”.
Translation: I want to keep the three hole reserved for singles hitter and surely I don’t want another regular to have a shot their when The Chosen One takes his day off…
I just found that pretty funny, I guess.
A big game from Livan tonight would be awesome!
I’d put the over-under on 82mph fastballs that get knocked out of the park tonight at four.
I would like to see the Twins try switching Casilla and Gomez in the lineup for a couple games. Casilla’s OBP is almost 100 points higher, and Gomez would see more fastballs with that speed on base in front of him. When the Yankees walked Punto (!) to get to Gomez the other night, everyone in the building knew he was going to chase breaking balls and strike out.
Well both players respond well for Kubel and Monroe when they are platooned.
I for one want to see more of Monroe and if a player is 0 for 3/4 in a game definitely time to go to the other one.
yet I am not the manager and only a fan.
Win Twins!
Peter says:
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 am
I’d put the over-under on 82mph fastballs that get knocked out of the park tonight at four.
I’d like some of that action. Livan has averaged about one dinger a game. Boston got one; White Sox got one; Texas got none. Besides, Souhan has assured us that these are tired and old Yankees, so I doubt they have the strength to play 4 straight games against us.
Unfortunately, I’d put the over/under on balls to the ribs of Jeter and A-Rod at zero. Blackburn is the only one with enough mo-jo to throw inside — owning 5 of the 13 Twins’ pitchers HBP.
Greg says:
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:49 am
[…]
“yet I am not the manager and only a fan.”
Greg, I think that is the first time anyone has ever written that on the strib blogs.
I applaud. Some others (myself included from time to time) would do well to remember that.
Jason, Monroe hasn’t been any more successful when given multiple successive starts.
Quite frankly, the best way they’ve worked is as the platoon they originally planned to use.
“Are Kubel fans finally ready to admit that we have enough of a sample to know what we have?”
Only if you’re willing to surrender that Mauer is the best option at the moment to hit ahead of Morneau. Especially with Casilla feeding off his spot in the lineup behind Gomez.
And I don’t mean surrendering Mauer shouldn’t be a #3 hitter (because that is a worn out arguement that pretty much everybody agrees to), just admitting that he is the Twins best option ahead of Morneau…wherever in the lineup that is.
Though if Cuddyer is actually back to form now, he could be worth trying back in the #3 spot and using Crason Monbel in the #5.
Though you’re taking Casilla out from behind Gomez at that point.
Carlos G says:
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
Livan has averaged about one dinger a game. Boston got one; White Sox got one; Texas got none.
Footnote… Texas got no HRs in the 2nd Texas game against Livan. Livan gave up 2 HRs in their 1st game in April. I was only looking at recent outings. Livan gave up a total of 3 HRs in 6 May starts against KC, Texas, Boston, Rockies, Detroit, and White Sox. (He did give up 58 hits in May though… just not that many of the real long variety.)
As far as Redmond #3 yesterday, he went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.
Not bad for his first start in what…a week?
Oh, and that 1 hit was a double.
And since we’re on the subject of singles hitters…
Mauer has 11 doubles (leads the team).
Gomez and Morneau are second with 9.
Cuddy has 8.
Young has 7.
Young does lead in triples (4).
Gomez is second (3)
Cuddy, Lamb, and Morneau each have 2. (Oddly enough I think each of them got one yesterday).
Mauer has 1.
There’s only three things you can count on death, taxes, and that these old tired Yankees who are in there 30’s, and are better at almost every single posistion then the Twins will be in the playoff hunt.
Are the Twins seriously considering carrying 13 pitchers when they call up Baker? I guess we’ll have more pinch hitting options then.
Thanks Jonas! I live in northern California and am a big Twins Fan here. I like the blogs and enjoy posting. Just a big fan of Monroe and like to see him play more.
Win Twins!
Great to see Punto back for a game he should get the starting ss job full time after the great year he had last year. To bad he got a bad hop Saturday night tuff way to come back. He made up for it with that well placed fly to right for the rbi. What an exciting player, glad Gardy doesn’t listen to all the whining on here.
All season i’ve been thinking Punto is due Punto is due and it turns out it was actually his wife who was due silly me. I’m hoping Big Pappi Punto will show up the rest of the year.
what the…
his name says it all.
Although my evaluation of Kubel was separate and aside from any evaluation of Monroe, I will point out that Monroe’s offensive numbers are probably the best on the team considering his limited at-bats (except for batting average of course)…all I’m saying is we should balance Kubel / Monroe…
With Punto, sorry what the…, I want no balance there…Harris was not brought here to sit on the bench…he shouldn’t be asked to, in my opinion.
Jason,
“Harris was not brought here to sit on the bench”
Harris wasn’t promised anything.
He was obtained in a trade in which he had no say.
IMO he should get whatever PT that he earns.
Kubel has too many bad at bats to be effective over the long haul. He has a good game than does nothing for a week. The problem is: when is he going to have his good game??!! MLB is a marathon and not a sprint and Kubel has nto been consistent over the long haul of a season and doesn’t appear to have figured it out. Monroe also is not a real good option as he has the same problems as Kubel. DH, not to mention other areas, will be a sore spot for the Twins mostly because of their tendency as an organization to be wishful thinkers and making “hope” a plan to deal with the team’s deficiencies.
I think it is obviuos that they traded Bartlett and Castillo because they knew Punto would be the eventual starter at one of those positions. Gardy understands how valuable Punto is to the team and will use him on a regular basis. He doesn’t make his line up cards out based on what uninformed bloggers think. Dick and Bert made the Twins intentions clear and that is for Punto to play full time, he should be in the lead off spot and move Gomez to 9 th.
That’s the argument for playing Kubel - the Twins need to decide if he figures into the future plans
Well, I, for one, respectfully think that the Twins should be more concerned about winning every game, unless they are mathematically eliminated. That said, who would have thought that, at this point, the Twins would have scored more runs than the Yankees, Cleveland, Angels, and would trail Detroit only by 7? Especially when so many regulars have been having long concurrent slumps.
The Twins are a game behind the White Sox and several ahead of Cleveland and Detroit. After the last clownings of Guillen, I expect the Sox to go the way of the Royals sooner than later. There is no reason that the Twins will not win the division this year and every effort of the manager should be focused that way. That possible includes not playing his buddy after the cost the team Saturday’s game with his glove and sitting down Kubel and actually playing Monroe (who happens to be second on the team to Morneau in SLG%, and actually happens to have a .988 OPS against RHPs. Kubel’s OPS against righties is a Puntonian .737). No excuse for Monroe not being the everyday DH…
Howard,
“how did Mike Lamb’s 11th-inning drive not leave the park Saturday night?”
It was hit TOO LOW, NOT too softly.
The other thing to point out about Monroe is he’s only 31…it’s not like he’s washed up ala Rondell White…
Even in his so-called “off year” of 2007 he hit 12 HRs and 59 RBI…I can think of several members of our lineup right now who would have to catch some serious fire to reach those numbers in 2008.
“Are the Twins seriously considering carrying 13 pitchers when they call up Baker?”
It’ll be temporary, while the FO explores trade options. They can’t afford to just let a guy go. Because then they’ll get nothing in return and likely still have to pay the guy’s salary.
If the can take a guy like Rincon and just move him SOMEWHERE for anybody who can breath, at this point I’d consider that good enough.
But they want to make a deal on their terms, which means they want to be sure Baker’s back to 100% and now make sure Blackburn doesn’t feel any ill effects as hangover from yesterday’s injury.
I don’t doubt that right now Smith’s on the phone with other GMs and testing the waters.
Rincon, Livan, Boof, Bass? Any interests?
Conversely, team’s likely know the situation the Twins are in. So Smith could be getting a few calls from people inquiring about who might be available from the ‘Rot or Pen.
“There is no reason that the Twins will not win the division this year and every effort of the manager should be focused that way.”
While the Twins have shown they’re strong in the division, they’ve yet to really prove themselves outside of it. They had the big series against the Red Sox…sure.
But compare that to the series against the Rockies, Rangers, Rays, Jays, A’s, Angels, and to a lesser extent the Yankees.
They’re feasting on a weak division this season. Sure they could make a run at the title and make the playoffs. But I don’t see this team as being a playoff contender considering its lack of power and unstable bullpen.
The team record-wise is almost even with hte 07 pace right now. Which means the rest of the division is weaker, not that the Twins are better.
What I also find hilarious is that after all the hand-wringing that the team was destroyed and cheaped and doomed to suck for all eternity after the 08 season, suddenly people are jumping back on the bandwagon.
Because I’m reading what boils down to “this team is a bat away” once again.
Because I’m reading what boils down to “this team is a bat away” once again.
Well, a bat … and a shortstop … and a 3B … and a couple relief pitchers … and some power from the LF … and a legitimate ace in the rotation. Yeah, we’re pretty close.
Now, all of those except the shortstop could happen this year simply by players maturing and playing up to their potential and/or recovering from injury (e.g. Delmon, Harris, F-bomb).
T says: They’re feasting on a weak division this season. Sure they could make a run at the title and make the playoffs. But I don’t see this team as being a playoff contender considering its lack of power and unstable bullpen.
Competing for a division title, even if it is in a weak or balanced division, DOES make you a playoff contender. We proved that in 1987 you don’t have to win 90 games to win a World Series.
So, while I agree this team is a long way from being a World Series favorite, I disagree that we are not a playoff contender. And, getting to the playoffs is step one of getting to the World Series.
Losing games builds character. Winning games builds champions. We need to continue to do the things to improve the team long term — yes. But, we also play to win now. If we win enough now, we get some playoff experience for the next couple of years when World Series contender should be our goal.
t: you hit the nail on the head. this team is .500 only because they have a weak division to play in this year. you would think at some point the indians or tigers would make a move to move out in front. the current twins team would not seem to be a legit playoff team but stranger things have happened. there are no “another bats” out there we can afford. (atkins would be nice, however) what they need is the bats they have to get going with more production, kubel, cuddy, young all need to pick it up.
it seems like league wide there are no real great teams, kind of an average yr. for nearly everyone.
T says: While the Twins have shown they’re strong in the division, they’ve yet to really prove themselves outside of it. They had the big series against the Red Sox…sure.
Twins are 6-7 against the 3 current AL division leaders.
Against Red Sox and Yanks: 4-3
Against Rockies: 1-2
Just which teams have proven to you that this team isn’t a playoff contender?
@#$% blue jays
T,
re: bandwagon jumbing,
Since the offseason, I was arguing that this team should win and potentially be better than last year’s, reasons being that it got better offensively and the loss of Santana would not as big as presumed (because the team was just .500 when he started).
However, what it comes down to is that the manager should be accountable if the team does not win the division. I do not here many bandwagon jumpers saying that 
I’m surprised no one has brought up attendance as a discussion topic for today, too. Pat Reusse wrote about it for today and I would be curious to hear everyone’s take (ignoring, of course, previous Reusse commentary that those of us who comment on blogs are not paying customers)…
Is it gas prices? Is it lack of Torii and Johan?
Personally, I’ve been to only 3 games at the Metrodome so far (which is below average for me) and two at Kansas City…I will get to a lot more in June and July, but I disagree with Reusse that this is about on-field product–at least for me. I actually argue this team is more fun because we actually can score more than 3 runs a game…
But gas prices do play a part, for sure, and although I’m in the metro so it’s not a huge deal for me, a lot of my family lives out-state and travel in general has become a huge consideration for them.
thrylos98,
“Since the offseason, I was arguing that this team should win and potentially be better than last year’s, reasons being that it got better offensively and the loss of Santana would not as big as presumed”
What about the loss of Santana PLUS Hunter, Bartlett, Garza, Silva and Luis Castillo?
Not factors?
For me, the cost of travel has definitely played a part. I have already blown my summer driving budget going to the Rockies games, and I have yet to get to the Royals games this summer. Really sad that the price of gas has skyrocketed so much. With our family, it is simply not possible to pile the kids into a small car, much less comfortable.
Driving a Suburban down the interstate is nice, until I pull into the filling station, then it isn’t so nice.
This year, we had to stay at the cheapest hotel we could find (Econolodge, actually, it was pretty nice for it’s pricepoint) to offset the cost of driving out there.
Driving to KC is gonna be more enjoyable, since it should be warmer, so the cost is much cheaper since we like to picnic, and it is far cheaper to buy food at a grocery store than it is even ordering off the dollar menu at Mickey D’s.
Price of tickets actually are the least of my concern when it comes to these trips.
I will not buy nosebleed tickets, since why would I want to go to the game, only to sit so far away as to not be able to see something?
well sane gomez’s #’s are close to hunters, livan’s close to santana, harris’s close to bartlett’s and blackburn’s close to garza. silva waste of money. castillo would be in a wheel chair if he was still here on the turf.
overall all the replacements have done nearly as well or better then the old guys. so it’s a wash and our record is about a wash with last yr.
except they saved a whole lot of money!!
Just back from the England/USA friendly at Wembley.
The boys from HOK did a bang up job on that joint. First class all the way. They can design a stadium for me anytime.
There are wagering windows INSIDE the stadium! This isn’t rocket science. The more available this kind of entertainment is the less prone to manipulation it is, plus it totally demistifies gambling. It’s akin to suddenly being less interested in getting totally wasted every weekend after your 21st birthday.
Speaking of drinking. No alcohol in the seating bowl at any football matches in England. Want a beer, go to the concourse and stay there until you’re done. Damn Hooligans have ruined everyone’s good time.
For all you Mauer haters out there, I know a component of your arguement is his health. Well guess who’s season is over…again! That’s right, Mark Prior, the guy we passed on to pick the local.
gobble,
If the “livan’s close to santana” comparison lasts four more months, I’ll be happier than a pig in sh-t!
If thrylos98 saw THAT coming, I’d like him to look over my investment portfolio pleeze.
The price of gas is definitely a factor for me, and I live in Forest Lake as opposed to outstate MN. You can’t get decent seats for less than $20 anymore, add on a dog, a beer, and parking and we’re talking about a $40 experience IF my wife doesn’t come with me. It’s tough for me to justify that more than once or twice a month, especially when it involves sitting inside the Dome on a beautiful summer evening.
I don’t think the absence of Hunter is much of a factor - Gomez is more exciting to watch, imo. Losing Santana is a bigger deal because people will buy tickets to see a great pitching matchup (Santana vs. Sabathia / King Felix / Halliday etc.).
Gobble, not only is it a huge money savings, we are giving younger players the opportunity to improve while playing basically up to the stats of the players that they are replacing. Sometimes, it does help to get players out there with the “hunger” that is needed to get better.
One thing about resigning players, you get a proven player, that is already familiar with your system.
Signing players from other systems may be a poor idea, since it takes time for them to adapt, but if they do adapt, great.
Bringing players up, well, that is a GREAT thing if they perform. Young players are cheaper, often have a lot of upside potential, and guess what, the young players we have right now are matching last years record, at a fraction of the price.
Also, last I checked, we don’t have any potential free agent’s doing there farewell tours at the Twins expense.
Gotta love youthful exuberance.
And, by the way, how did Mike Lamb’s 11th-inning drive not leave the park Saturday night?
Because he swings the bat like he’s holding a 2′ x 4′.
“Hacksaw” Mike Lamb
sane i just want livan to do enough to get something decent in a summer trade. i’d rather we have our young guys pitch as much as possible and take whatever lumps this year so next yr we have a solid semi exp. rotation. something like:
baker, liriano, blackburn, perkins, slowey. could be a very good rotation for several yrs before we can’t afford them anymore.
If the Twins are still in contention by the trade deadline, Livan is not going anywere.
I doubt that they will make the same mistake this year they did last year with throwing up the white flag at the trade deadline.
Me Too says:
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
If the Twins are still in contention by the trade deadline, Livan is not going anywere.
I doubt that they will make the same mistake this year they did last year with throwing up the white flag at the trade deadline.
BINGO! And, many here would be saying how cheap we are to unload players instead of trying to win.
I hope Livan does well enough to help pitch us to a playoff and does well enough to keep pitching for us for another couple years. You can not have too many starting pitchers. He has been a good guy on the bench for some of the other pitchers and Gomez. Maybe he could be a positive influence for Frankie when he gets back.
sane,
I did not see that Livan’s performance would match Santana’s, but in my preseason predictions (http://tenthinningstretch.blogspot.com/2008/03/fearless-prognostications.html)
I predicted that “One of the Twin’s pitchers will have better record than Santana”, which after today’s game might still stand.
I don’t deal with financial portfolio management
Carlos G
gotta disagree. i’m not saying the twins will move Livan. what i am saying is that if fans can see the value in the trade AND see that the replacement player is performing even close to the traded player then fans welcome these trades. i think if there are pitching options to replace livan and we get the right deal we should pull the trigger. problem most had with the castillo trade was that casilla was touted as good enough replacement. if that had actually happened then i doubt there would have been any gripes.
JP — you make excellent points. I agree on the Castillo trade. That looked bad from about every angle. I am saying if we unload a quality pitcher or two (like Livan and Crain — seriously, no one is going to give us anything for Rincon) and if the player(s) we get don’t perform well OR if they are cheaper OR if they are prospects… many on these blogs will bash the Twins FO as cheap.
Just my opinion on reactions, but based on historical, hysterical things I have read here.
no one is going to give us anything for Rincon
I think that the Astros would prefer him to Oscar Villarreal, Tim Byrdak and Chris Sampson who are currently in their pen, for one.
The thing about a Livan trade is that starting pitching has not been that great so far (mainly due to injuries to Slowey and Baker and Liriano’s unreadiness). When you trade, you usually give away something you have in surplus (and the Twins currently have bullpen pitching surplass, esp. if you count Boof as a reliever, as well as decent starting prospects and major league utility middle infielders) and get back something you have a deficit (and the Twins currently have a deficit in a power right hand bat in the majors who can hit lefty pitching -btw Monroe is a great power bat against righty pitchers- , and middle infield and 3rd base prospects who might be a year or 2 away.) This is the equation. Trades outside such an equation do not make much sense. The Young/Garza trade was part of this equation.
Just to be clear… I am not saying the Twins can’t or shouldn’t trade Rincon. I am saying they won’t get anything for him (of much use or value) unless it is a low level prospect or an over-the-hill guy like Batista (is he still around?) or some new bats (the Twins Pro shops have an excess of splintered wood to sell these days).
Crud. Livan, down the middle, belt high is not a good place to pitch.
The team is winning. The bats are starting to heat up. Even Punto has been hitting pretty well. Baker is back on Thursday and Liriano has been doing well at AAA and will probably be back before the end of the year. I’ve got a great idea - why don’t we just keep what we have and let them play out the season?
Did any of the media ever attempt to sit
in one of the usual (17″) seats for 3 hours plus? Especially a seat where there is an aisle between you and the action is, but where your view is constantly obstructed? Who wants to return to that misery?
