Comments on: Feeling a bit old today. Thanks, Eddie

By: romer

romer — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:36:14 +0000

In the lst 30 days, Liriano is 1st among all AL starters in ERA. Slowey is 3rd. Perkins is 14th.

Then there’s Baker who, against those formidible 3-4-5 Twins bashers of the M’s last night (7 for 11 while the rest of the lineup went 3 for 19), hung on for a quality start for 6-2/3. About 100 pitches, about 70 strikes.

I like these four starters as a post-season core.

Guerrier is born again with the addition of Eddie G. The BP will be fine.

Now for the lineup and its only problems of power hitting and defense at 3B. Gardy can solve these problems with the personnel he has, if he’s smart.

Harris at 3B. Kubel in right. A defensive wash as 3B tightens and RF loosens. But it offers everyday power in the lineup, as there is MUCH more confidence in Ruiz than a Rondell White at DH, and we see Kubel’s hot bat against all comers EVERYday.

And please note that this produces a starting lineup of smart, veteran players ready for the home stretch pressure. And leaves Gomez as an excellent pinch runner. And leaves a better pinch hitter from the left side, Buscher.

And there remains the 7th best hitter against lefties in MLB history since records of such were kept — Redmond.

No power off the bench? Redmond has your double, Buscher too. I trust that each will hit .300 the rest of the year too.

And, need a pinch bunter for Young or Ruiz? It’s Everett.

Time to get to it, Gardy.

By: AgateHunter'swife

AgateHunter'swife — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:44:49 +0000

Harris - thumbs up

Gomez - thumbs up

Punto - thumbs DOWN

By: Blake

Blake — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:49:10 +0000

Jason,

I thought the same thing about Span getting on the Ump. I’m glad he showed that fire and I agree, the Ump deserved it.

My initial impression is that Span is one of those that will keep quiet until really pushed. Sunday, he was pushed and gave the Ump a well deserved piece of his mind.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:47:47 +0000

Absolutely. Denard doesn’t need you to plead his case, Dick. He’ll be just fine on his own.

And I got news for everyone…Twins baseball players are not Saints. They probably swear, they might even watch Rated R movies…might enjoy getting drunk every now and then…who knows, they may even play a friendly game of poker for about, oh, $10,000 or so….

it’s okay. They’ll be fine.

I was yelling and screaming at the TV when Gorman rang up span on that pitch that was clearly low and away.

My apologies, Dick. I learned my lesson, though.

By: gobbledygookguy

gobbledygookguy — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:47:19 +0000

gardy is fast approaching the record for being tossed it’s not like he shows a great example for the players.
it’s getting very touchy-feely if you can’t argue with an ump anymore.
that’s big brother, first they take away the drugs and then freedom of speech, what’s next?

By: Rotoblinders

Rotoblinders — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:40:56 +0000

Jason, this is a weird day for me, but once again I agree with you. I see no reason to spin it whatsoever. In fact, I applaud the guy for flipping out. I want players to show emotion and occasionally put the umpires in their place.

The only time I see fit to talk about learning a lesson is when a bat is thrown at an umpire. I’m ok with saying Delmon learned his lesson. But turning around and yelling at an ump, well, that’s baseball. Heck, I occasionally yelled at and mocked umps in little league. (but I’m a terrible person).