Though the Twins have been encouraging as of late, we all KNEW they were going to be bad this season. They are currently 14 games below .500 and 11 games out of first place. All things being considered, this is is actually a little better than I thought they'd be at this point.
But let's look at another team to see what disappointment REALLY is. The Phillies came into the season with a starting rotation that was the envy of baseball. It was anchored by two of the games finest, Roy Halliday and Cliff Lee. But they had two other super starters as well. Most thought they were a lock for the post-season and they were heavy-betting odds to be World series champions. There was even some talk about the team having 4 twenty game winners this season.
A preseason peek: http://www.broadstreetmarching.com/2012/04/breaking-down-phillies-starting.html
Where are they now? They are 12 games below .500 and 16.5 games back mired in last place in their division. Again, all things considered, they are doing significantly worse than the Twins this season and Cliff Lee is about to be traded.
And the money they spent the last couple seasons to get this "good" would make us all cry.
Yes, it's been a disappointing season in Minnesota, but what we're going through is nothing compared to what distraught Phillies fans are going through.
Big names and long term contracts do not guarantee success at this level. Sometimes you have to sit back and enjoy what you do have.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Twins Win Fourth Straight
For an average team, they sure have playing entertaining ball lately.
Denard Span made some great catches on defense and the Twins ended up winning it on a walk-off sacrifice fly 7-6.
Even Danny Valencia is making himself noticed again now that he's back on the roster. His three hits and two RBIs kept the Twins in the battle all night.
The Twins actually LEAD the American League in scoring for the month of July and have scored 96 runs in their last 14 home games.
All I ask at this point is that they entertain me. That's just what they're doing. Maybe they'll move up a little bit in the standings, too.
Liriano makes his White Sox debut tonight against his old mates. Should be interesting.
Denard Span made some great catches on defense and the Twins ended up winning it on a walk-off sacrifice fly 7-6.
Even Danny Valencia is making himself noticed again now that he's back on the roster. His three hits and two RBIs kept the Twins in the battle all night.
The Twins actually LEAD the American League in scoring for the month of July and have scored 96 runs in their last 14 home games.
All I ask at this point is that they entertain me. That's just what they're doing. Maybe they'll move up a little bit in the standings, too.
Liriano makes his White Sox debut tonight against his old mates. Should be interesting.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Twins Win Again
Brian Duensing has been solid out of the bullpen this year, he just hasn't been very good as a starter...
...until yesterday. He was sharp. The Twins offense looked good and Justin Morneau is starting to resemble his former self more and more.
Over the weekend, the Twins passed KC in the standings. Yes, we are still a bad team, but we aren't as bad as we were a week ago.
Small steps.
...until yesterday. He was sharp. The Twins offense looked good and Justin Morneau is starting to resemble his former self more and more.
Over the weekend, the Twins passed KC in the standings. Yes, we are still a bad team, but we aren't as bad as we were a week ago.
Small steps.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Deduno and Willigham
Scott Diamond had pinpoint control two nights ago in the Twins win. Last night Sam Deduno had just the opposite as he gave up 5 walks in 7 innings. His fast ball was all over the place. But his breaking ball was hitting the corners all night long and he only gave up two hits and one run in those seven innings. That's his second really good performance in a row as a Twins starter. He looks to have real potential.
The bigger story, at least for me, was Josh Willingham AGAIN. He hit another homer last night making that 12 in his last 24 games. And it came at the perfect time. There were two outs in the bottom of the fourth and the Twins hadn't even got a hit yet at that point. Mauer had just reached by a walk and the Cleveland starter was mowing us down like a an angry park and rec worker.
That homer turned the whole game around and the Twins went on to win 12-5. They had a 11-1 lead when Duduno left after 7.
I mentioned in an earlier blog that Liriano was supposed to start this afternoon's game against Cleveland, but with Liriano changing teams that's not going to happen. I'm a little bummed. I don't think Liriano is great but I was enjoying his current hot streak. I would have like him to get a few more wins in a Twins uniform before moving on.
The Mauer contract crippled the Twins. This is just the beginning of our latest de-construction. I'm hoping the young starters we're giving chances to can deliver for the next couple of months. We need those arms to keep fans interested. More importantly, to keep ME interested.
The bigger story, at least for me, was Josh Willingham AGAIN. He hit another homer last night making that 12 in his last 24 games. And it came at the perfect time. There were two outs in the bottom of the fourth and the Twins hadn't even got a hit yet at that point. Mauer had just reached by a walk and the Cleveland starter was mowing us down like a an angry park and rec worker.
That homer turned the whole game around and the Twins went on to win 12-5. They had a 11-1 lead when Duduno left after 7.
I mentioned in an earlier blog that Liriano was supposed to start this afternoon's game against Cleveland, but with Liriano changing teams that's not going to happen. I'm a little bummed. I don't think Liriano is great but I was enjoying his current hot streak. I would have like him to get a few more wins in a Twins uniform before moving on.
The Mauer contract crippled the Twins. This is just the beginning of our latest de-construction. I'm hoping the young starters we're giving chances to can deliver for the next couple of months. We need those arms to keep fans interested. More importantly, to keep ME interested.
Phelps
Michael Phelps is no longer the leading U.S. swimmer. Ryan Lochte mopped him up last night winning gold in the 400 IM. Phelps didn't even get a medal.
There's more swimming to come and Phelps will most likely get his share of medals, he's just not as dominant as he once was. It'll make for more interesting viewing. That is IF your cable company gives you a decent signal and you can actually watch the games.
There's more swimming to come and Phelps will most likely get his share of medals, he's just not as dominant as he once was. It'll make for more interesting viewing. That is IF your cable company gives you a decent signal and you can actually watch the games.
Liriano Now On the White Sox
With all the rumors swirling about Liriano heading to the Giants before the trade deadline we all knew something was up.
That he went to the White Sox late last night was disappointing. Liriano, except for his last start, has been very good lately. He was scheduled to start for the Twins today and I was hoping he'd have another great outing BEFORE the trade. Now he'll end up facing us four or five times a year.
If he really does have his mojo back, that's the last thing we want to see.
At the same time, another couple of bad outings in a row for the Sox will make the Twins look like geniuses for giving him to our hated rivals. Only time will tell. I'm just glad we didn't give Liriano a long-term contract. His arm probably isn't in this for the long haul either way.
That he went to the White Sox late last night was disappointing. Liriano, except for his last start, has been very good lately. He was scheduled to start for the Twins today and I was hoping he'd have another great outing BEFORE the trade. Now he'll end up facing us four or five times a year.
If he really does have his mojo back, that's the last thing we want to see.
At the same time, another couple of bad outings in a row for the Sox will make the Twins look like geniuses for giving him to our hated rivals. Only time will tell. I'm just glad we didn't give Liriano a long-term contract. His arm probably isn't in this for the long haul either way.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
3D Olympics
The channel comes in as a split screen with no way of me making it work like 3D on Blu-Ray discs.
Mediacom sent out NO e-mails telling us how to use this channel or if we need a special access code. In other words even though it comes in (which is better than my other mediacom channels right now), it's less than worthless. They sent out an email telling me how I can get lots of "extra" coverage online but I just want the TV coverage they are supposedly supplying.
I hate cable. I hate satellite. And I wish somebody somewhere would come up up with a good way to deliver TV content EASILY to a local homes.
Time to call and complain. Again.
Mediacom sent out NO e-mails telling us how to use this channel or if we need a special access code. In other words even though it comes in (which is better than my other mediacom channels right now), it's less than worthless. They sent out an email telling me how I can get lots of "extra" coverage online but I just want the TV coverage they are supposedly supplying.
I hate cable. I hate satellite. And I wish somebody somewhere would come up up with a good way to deliver TV content EASILY to a local homes.
Time to call and complain. Again.
Vikings
No real drama yesterday.
Peterson was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but in the NFL that means nothing. They can take him off that list anytime and he's still part of the active roster while on it. They did it as a precaution more than anything else.
Our number one pick, offensive lineman Matt Kalil finally got his contract squared away and was participating with everyone else.
I don't think Brett Favre is going to arrive by helicopter or escort this year so he may very well be retired.
Peterson was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but in the NFL that means nothing. They can take him off that list anytime and he's still part of the active roster while on it. They did it as a precaution more than anything else.
Our number one pick, offensive lineman Matt Kalil finally got his contract squared away and was participating with everyone else.
I don't think Brett Favre is going to arrive by helicopter or escort this year so he may very well be retired.
Diamond Shines
Scott Diamond had a rough outing last time out. Last night, however, was a different story. He pitched a three-hit, complete-game shutout.
Willingham hit another homer (number 26) and added 4 more RBI (76 on the season.) He's having an MVP-type season for a team that cannot get on track. The 11-0 victory last night sure was fun to watch, though.
Morneau added another homer, too. And Mauer is at least hitting singles better than he has in a couple of seasons. We're so CLOSE to looking good.
Still waiting for Plouffe to heal.
Willingham hit another homer (number 26) and added 4 more RBI (76 on the season.) He's having an MVP-type season for a team that cannot get on track. The 11-0 victory last night sure was fun to watch, though.
Morneau added another homer, too. And Mauer is at least hitting singles better than he has in a couple of seasons. We're so CLOSE to looking good.
Still waiting for Plouffe to heal.
Cable Line Problems
I managed to watch the Twins game last night and it came in just fine. Other channels came in more and more horribly as the night progressed. NBC got so bad that it simply stopped broadcasting. That's what happened to most of my channels.
I saw enough of the opening ceremonies to declare that the British are stuffy and boring except for James Bond and Mr. Bean. But I already knew that.
I'm still hoping that the Olympic 3D channel will come in great even though so many others are failing miserably.
I got a call from my cable company that they now plan on fixing the problem between 1 and 5 p.m. Monday. That's a start.
I saw enough of the opening ceremonies to declare that the British are stuffy and boring except for James Bond and Mr. Bean. But I already knew that.
I'm still hoping that the Olympic 3D channel will come in great even though so many others are failing miserably.
I got a call from my cable company that they now plan on fixing the problem between 1 and 5 p.m. Monday. That's a start.
Friday, July 27, 2012
My Cable Company has Added a 3D Olympic Channel!
My cable went out this morning and it could be awhile before it comes back. The problem is in "the line."
sigh
sigh
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Heard Any Good Jokes Lately?
Did you hear the one about the Greek triple jumper who has been banned from the Olympics for a racist Tweet that was in no way racist?
How do I KNOW that it wasn't "racist?" Because news organizations around the world are repeating it in its entirety to tell the story. Plus the fact, of course, that it is not racist in any way.
Background: The West Nile virus is spread from mosquitos from Africa.
The Tweet? "With so many Africans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes of West Nile will eat homemade food!!!"
Now if the mosquito was carrying the West American Virus and the mosquitos now in Europe were originally from America and she said, "With so many Americans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes from the Western U.S. will eat homemade food!!!" would THAT be racist?
The joke was about the location and national origin of the mosquito, NOT skin color or race.
She was forced to apologize for her comments but that was not enough to satisfy the Greek Olympic committee.
Their response: The Hellenic Delegations' Administration Board decided to remove her from the team, citing "comments that go against the values and ideals of Olympism."
HUMOR. Good CLEAN humor goes against the ideals of the Olympics?
Read the joke. Share the joke. Enjoy the joke. Tell me how any part of it is racist. Our society is dying a quick death. Freedom of speech is becoming a joke in itself.
This would be a good place for President Obama to come in and say the U.S. will boycott these Olympics games unless this woman is restored to her team with the full apologies due her. This is much more a human rights violation than her joke was ever racist.
She didn't make a mistake. She didn't do or say anything wrong. What's happening TO her is wrong.
I'll be watching the Olympics like everyone else. But this leaves a sour taste in my mouth. These types of human rights violations will continue because folks just don't care. I've commented regularly about how we lose our rights gradually. They don't take them away all at once. This is just another small step in the giant social order change that is coming. Totalitarianism isn't pretty. It just puts on a lot of make-up pretending to be beautiful. Most people will not see the difference until it's too late.
Oh, and the Vikings open camp in Mankato today!
How soon we all move on to the next topic...
How do I KNOW that it wasn't "racist?" Because news organizations around the world are repeating it in its entirety to tell the story. Plus the fact, of course, that it is not racist in any way.
Background: The West Nile virus is spread from mosquitos from Africa.
The Tweet? "With so many Africans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes of West Nile will eat homemade food!!!"
Now if the mosquito was carrying the West American Virus and the mosquitos now in Europe were originally from America and she said, "With so many Americans in Greece, at least the mosquitoes from the Western U.S. will eat homemade food!!!" would THAT be racist?
The joke was about the location and national origin of the mosquito, NOT skin color or race.
She was forced to apologize for her comments but that was not enough to satisfy the Greek Olympic committee.
Their response: The Hellenic Delegations' Administration Board decided to remove her from the team, citing "comments that go against the values and ideals of Olympism."
HUMOR. Good CLEAN humor goes against the ideals of the Olympics?
Read the joke. Share the joke. Enjoy the joke. Tell me how any part of it is racist. Our society is dying a quick death. Freedom of speech is becoming a joke in itself.
This would be a good place for President Obama to come in and say the U.S. will boycott these Olympics games unless this woman is restored to her team with the full apologies due her. This is much more a human rights violation than her joke was ever racist.
She didn't make a mistake. She didn't do or say anything wrong. What's happening TO her is wrong.
I'll be watching the Olympics like everyone else. But this leaves a sour taste in my mouth. These types of human rights violations will continue because folks just don't care. I've commented regularly about how we lose our rights gradually. They don't take them away all at once. This is just another small step in the giant social order change that is coming. Totalitarianism isn't pretty. It just puts on a lot of make-up pretending to be beautiful. Most people will not see the difference until it's too late.
Oh, and the Vikings open camp in Mankato today!
How soon we all move on to the next topic...
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Errors
The Twins had three errors last night. Cole DeVries only gave up three earned runs, but you could make a case he'd have given up even less if the Twins defense didn't make him throw so many extra pitches. It's hard to beat raw fire power either way, though. Konerko went 4-4 and Adam Dunn hit his Major League leading 30th homerun last night.
Josh Willinham had TWO more homeruns of his own for the Twins last night and is having an MVP-like season for himself. No other Twin is worth talking about at this point.
I'm so sick of seeing Dozier throw the ball away on easy plays. It's been two seasons and I still really miss Nick Punto.
Josh Willinham had TWO more homeruns of his own for the Twins last night and is having an MVP-like season for himself. No other Twin is worth talking about at this point.
I'm so sick of seeing Dozier throw the ball away on easy plays. It's been two seasons and I still really miss Nick Punto.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Liriawful Returns
I'm sure hoping that was a ONE night return, because any hope the Twins have this season rests on two or three of our top starters being much better than what Francisco demonstrated last night.
Bigger news? Ichiro played in Seattle last night but he switched locker rooms just before the game. He is now a Yankee. Wow!
The biggest news yesterday? The penalties handed down to Penn State. My take: They honestly could not penalize Penn State too much in this case. The top coaches knew and said nothing. The top administrators knew and did nothing. What they did was worse than anything that could be imagined. They knew and they let it continue. That was unconscionable. Criminal charges should be sought across the board. Everyone who knew and did nothing were co-conspirators. They were accomplices. They were compliant. They were criminal.
Bigger news? Ichiro played in Seattle last night but he switched locker rooms just before the game. He is now a Yankee. Wow!
The biggest news yesterday? The penalties handed down to Penn State. My take: They honestly could not penalize Penn State too much in this case. The top coaches knew and said nothing. The top administrators knew and did nothing. What they did was worse than anything that could be imagined. They knew and they let it continue. That was unconscionable. Criminal charges should be sought across the board. Everyone who knew and did nothing were co-conspirators. They were accomplices. They were compliant. They were criminal.
Monday, July 23, 2012
NL MVP?
Anybody else happen to notice the monster season that FORMER TWIN Jason Kubel is putting together for the Diamondbacks? Jason hit THREE homeruns in one game late Saturday giving him 20 for the season and he now leads the NL in RBI with 71 while batting an even .300.
Doumit and Deduno
Ryan Doumit has shown some power for the Twins this season. Yesterday he showed it from both sides of plate becoming only the third Twin in history to hit a homerun from both sides of the plate in the same game. For me, the better part is that he's batting .356 in his last 26 games.
Power and average? He's certainly been a good addition to the ball club.
Another pleasant surprise was Samuel Deduno's start. I actually liked his last start, too but he looked SOOO nervous out there. Yesterday he calmed down and through a lot more strikes. And that ball MOVES when he throws it. Here's hoping yesterday wasn't a fluke. The Twins are rebuilding their rotation one pitcher at a time and some of these young kids may be good enough for the long haul.
The Twins are now just 1/2 game behind the Royals in the standings and they are still worth watching
The White Sox are next. They may be better than the Royals, but let's face it, nobody in this division looks great. The Twins are a ten-game winning streak away from contention and odder things have happened.
Even Oakland swept the Yankees in a four-game series this weekend. And all were one-run games.
Power and average? He's certainly been a good addition to the ball club.
Another pleasant surprise was Samuel Deduno's start. I actually liked his last start, too but he looked SOOO nervous out there. Yesterday he calmed down and through a lot more strikes. And that ball MOVES when he throws it. Here's hoping yesterday wasn't a fluke. The Twins are rebuilding their rotation one pitcher at a time and some of these young kids may be good enough for the long haul.
The Twins are now just 1/2 game behind the Royals in the standings and they are still worth watching
The White Sox are next. They may be better than the Royals, but let's face it, nobody in this division looks great. The Twins are a ten-game winning streak away from contention and odder things have happened.
Even Oakland swept the Yankees in a four-game series this weekend. And all were one-run games.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Cool Record
Baseball has cool things happening ALL the time. Even though the Twins are struggling this year, I still look for these types of things to enjoy the sport.
Last night it happened in St, Louis. The Cardinals ended up with SEVEN doubles in one inning. What makes it even cooler? It was the SEVENTH inning.
Yep, That's baseball.
For those wondering, the Cardinals won 12-0.
Last night it happened in St, Louis. The Cardinals ended up with SEVEN doubles in one inning. What makes it even cooler? It was the SEVENTH inning.
Yep, That's baseball.
For those wondering, the Cardinals won 12-0.
The Secret Weapon
I've talked about this idea for a few years and I still haven't come across anyone that says this isn't a viable option for teams who want to win in the NFL.
College basketball produces a lot of gifted 6 foot 10 forwards. Many of them are big, athletic and tough. The problem is that they just aren't good enough basketball players to get drafted into the NBA.
My solution? Draft the best of them into the NFL and make them the perfect tight ends for short and goal situations.
They'd be the perfect secret weapon for any team with a QB who could throw the "lob it up for grabs pass." No defender could guard a 6 foot 10 player with a 35 inch vertical leap in his corner of the end zone. The red zone would be ruled by one of these guys.
How many times have we seen teams struggle on first and goal situations when they run it up the middle? How many times have we seen teams settle for field goals when it looked like they just needed a quick pass for the TD?
The right gifted TALL man would become the perfect secret weapon. And we wouldn't have to watch those dumb runs up the middle any more. You know the ones.
Especially if your a Vikings fan.
College basketball produces a lot of gifted 6 foot 10 forwards. Many of them are big, athletic and tough. The problem is that they just aren't good enough basketball players to get drafted into the NBA.
My solution? Draft the best of them into the NFL and make them the perfect tight ends for short and goal situations.
They'd be the perfect secret weapon for any team with a QB who could throw the "lob it up for grabs pass." No defender could guard a 6 foot 10 player with a 35 inch vertical leap in his corner of the end zone. The red zone would be ruled by one of these guys.
How many times have we seen teams struggle on first and goal situations when they run it up the middle? How many times have we seen teams settle for field goals when it looked like they just needed a quick pass for the TD?
The right gifted TALL man would become the perfect secret weapon. And we wouldn't have to watch those dumb runs up the middle any more. You know the ones.
Especially if your a Vikings fan.
Diamond Not As Sharp
Scott Diamond had an average start last night giving up four runs in 6 innings. The Twins offense continued to struggle, though much of that was probably due to stronger KC pitching. All of this resulted in another Twins loss.
We'll try again this afternoon.
We'll try again this afternoon.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Comeback of the Day
The Atlanta Braves were down 9-0 after 5 innings to the Washington Nationals yesterday. They ended up winning 10-9 in 11 innings. It makes me smile just knowing that stuff like this doesn't just happen to the Twins.
Vikings
Defensive lineman Everson Griffin is a very good football player. The problem is that he plays behind two other really good defensive lineman, Jared Allen and Brian Robison. The Vikings have decided that the best way to get Griffen and his skills on the field more is to give him a new position, As athletic as he is, the Vikes will now have him practicing at one of their linebacker positions.
I like Griffen and I like the move. Here's hoping it pays big dividends this season.
I like Griffen and I like the move. Here's hoping it pays big dividends this season.
Blackout
Nick Blackburn, just returning from the minors, pitched great last night. He didn't get the win because, as usual the Twins didn't score him any runs. BUT the Twins did win, this time in eleven innings. The final was 2-1.
Joe Mauer went 3-4 last night and the Twins other great player, Josh Willingham singled in Mauer, who had just doubled, with the game winner.
Trevor Plouffe left the game late with a bruised right thumb.
How good was Blackburn? He didn't reach a three ball count on any of the 27 batters he faced. That kind of control is freakishly superhuman.
Jared Burton pitched another inning of shutout ball in relief. That's 14 straight appearances without giving up a run.
Joe Mauer went 3-4 last night and the Twins other great player, Josh Willingham singled in Mauer, who had just doubled, with the game winner.
Trevor Plouffe left the game late with a bruised right thumb.
How good was Blackburn? He didn't reach a three ball count on any of the 27 batters he faced. That kind of control is freakishly superhuman.
Jared Burton pitched another inning of shutout ball in relief. That's 14 straight appearances without giving up a run.
DUI of the Day
Here's the third. This time it's the Lion's Corey Williams. You get the point.
Please notice the clock went up ONE while I was typing the first two posts today. That person is now dead because someone was driving drunk.
Please notice the clock went up ONE while I was typing the first two posts today. That person is now dead because someone was driving drunk.
DUI of the Day
I hate listing two of these in one day, but It makes my point even more valid. DUIs are so common in pro sports that even I don't list them all any more. Yesterday, Marshawn Lynch of the Seahawks apologized for his DUI last weekend.
He's considered a role model and that's just part of the problem. I'm glad he's sorry for what he's done, but there should be a penalty other than embarrassment when players drive drunk. These guys are looked up to. The league knows this. If they would treat the crime seriously they could show people there are consequences to threatening other people's lives.
He's considered a role model and that's just part of the problem. I'm glad he's sorry for what he's done, but there should be a penalty other than embarrassment when players drive drunk. These guys are looked up to. The league knows this. If they would treat the crime seriously they could show people there are consequences to threatening other people's lives.
DUI of the Day
This time it's the Titans' Kenny Britt. Since Britt has a history of legal problems, I'm HOPING that for the FIRST time ever, they'll actually punish a player for this crime. Some of Brit's history:
• Outstanding traffic warrrants for false statements on his driver's license application.
• Ticket for driving without a license.
• Lawsuit over his alleged role in a Nashville bar fight.
• Arrest after a car chase.
• Charges for resisting arrest after police confronted him over what they thought was marijuana possession.
My point in these DUI rants has always been the same. The league has always punished players who use drugs that may or may not hurt the player, but they never look at drunk driving seriously. You know the crime that actually, regularly KILLS others. These guys should be punished professionally when these events occur. The crime is serious and if THEY would set the example, maybe just maybe more organizations besides angry mothers would start to follow their lead.
• Outstanding traffic warrrants for false statements on his driver's license application.
• Ticket for driving without a license.
• Lawsuit over his alleged role in a Nashville bar fight.
• Arrest after a car chase.
• Charges for resisting arrest after police confronted him over what they thought was marijuana possession.
My point in these DUI rants has always been the same. The league has always punished players who use drugs that may or may not hurt the player, but they never look at drunk driving seriously. You know the crime that actually, regularly KILLS others. These guys should be punished professionally when these events occur. The crime is serious and if THEY would set the example, maybe just maybe more organizations besides angry mothers would start to follow their lead.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Vikings Lead the League!!!
In arrests.
11 since 2011 and 39 since 2000.
Governor Dayton was quoted yesterday as saying several Vikings have "fallen considerably short" of being role models.
My Take?
We're Number One! We're Number One! We're Number One!
11 since 2011 and 39 since 2000.
Governor Dayton was quoted yesterday as saying several Vikings have "fallen considerably short" of being role models.
My Take?
We're Number One! We're Number One! We're Number One!
One Pitch
Liriano rocked again last night. The problem is he gave up a 2-run homer during his stellar performance and the Twins only scored one run.
Liriano has only given up 3 home runs in his last 60 plus innings since returning to the starting rotation. That is a fantastic ratio. Two of those homeruns, though, have cost him the last two games because the Twins have stopped scoring him runs. 25 strikeouts in his last two games and he didn't get a win.
sigh
Liriano has only given up 3 home runs in his last 60 plus innings since returning to the starting rotation. That is a fantastic ratio. Two of those homeruns, though, have cost him the last two games because the Twins have stopped scoring him runs. 25 strikeouts in his last two games and he didn't get a win.
sigh
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Two In A Row
Joe Mauer is hot. His singles have now at times turned into doubles and home runs and he's hitting when guys are on base and in scoring position.
In short, he no longer looks like the Joe Mauer from the last season and a half. He even made a great catch last night.
The Twins bullpen is still clicking on all cylinders as well. They pitched another 5 2/3 shutout innings last night.
At the same time, the LENGTH of the game was interminable. The long pitch counts in the first two or three innings made the game almost impossible to watch. The game lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes and only went 9 innings.
Plouffe extended his hitting streak to 15 as well. Liriano, who has been on a role of his own, is scheduled to pitch tonight.
In short, he no longer looks like the Joe Mauer from the last season and a half. He even made a great catch last night.
The Twins bullpen is still clicking on all cylinders as well. They pitched another 5 2/3 shutout innings last night.
At the same time, the LENGTH of the game was interminable. The long pitch counts in the first two or three innings made the game almost impossible to watch. The game lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes and only went 9 innings.
Plouffe extended his hitting streak to 15 as well. Liriano, who has been on a role of his own, is scheduled to pitch tonight.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Now THAT'S More Like It
Scott Diamond had an off night pitching for the Twins. The Twins offense more than made up for that, though. The final was 19-7.
I didn't watch the whole game, I never do on Monday nights when WWE Raw is on, but I kept switching back to the game and the Twins kept piling it on.
I'm always amazed when a team that can't seem to score any runs for over a week can suddenly start hitting like this. Hopefully there's more juice left in those bats for the rest of the season.
Way to go Twins!
I didn't watch the whole game, I never do on Monday nights when WWE Raw is on, but I kept switching back to the game and the Twins kept piling it on.
I'm always amazed when a team that can't seem to score any runs for over a week can suddenly start hitting like this. Hopefully there's more juice left in those bats for the rest of the season.
Way to go Twins!
Monday, July 16, 2012
DUI of the Day
NBA superstar Jason Kidd drove his car into a tree late Saturday night. The police charged him with drunk driving. His attorney says he's innocent.
We've covered that before.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sports Thoughts
The T-Wolves want Nicolas Batum. Portland wants to get rid of the malcontent. The Wolves are willing to pay Batum twice his market value.
So what's the problem?
The T-Wolves have also signed former Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. Roy retired from basketball with a knee injury. Insurance paid a large chunk of the salary that Roy was still due leaving Portland off the hook for all that money... until now. IF Roy does play for the Wolves this year, Portland is going to have to reimburse the insurance company to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.
Because of that, Portland is now holding a grudge and does not want to give Batum to the Wolves.
The corporate world of sports is absolutely hilarious.
Oh, and the Twins lost last night. Oakland scored 4 in the first and that was it for me...
(Super Steve still liked the park and the hotdogs.)
So what's the problem?
The T-Wolves have also signed former Trail Blazer Brandon Roy. Roy retired from basketball with a knee injury. Insurance paid a large chunk of the salary that Roy was still due leaving Portland off the hook for all that money... until now. IF Roy does play for the Wolves this year, Portland is going to have to reimburse the insurance company to the tune of tens of millions of dollars.
Because of that, Portland is now holding a grudge and does not want to give Batum to the Wolves.
The corporate world of sports is absolutely hilarious.
Oh, and the Twins lost last night. Oakland scored 4 in the first and that was it for me...
(Super Steve still liked the park and the hotdogs.)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Brees
Drew's holdout worked. He's going to get a record $40 million this year and at least another $20 million guaranteed over the next few years on his way to a 5 year $100 deal.
I find it interesting that some "extra clauses" were written into the deal that made it possible for New Orleans NOT to pay all of the guaranteed money. The $40 million up front made it an easy contract to sign, though.
Only in the NFL is this type of contract allowed. The numbers announced never match the money the player ends up receiving. Never. I'm actually okay with that. It's better than baseball where you end up paying a singles hitter a quarter of a billion dollars for 12 years in an iron-clad deal.
I find it interesting that some "extra clauses" were written into the deal that made it possible for New Orleans NOT to pay all of the guaranteed money. The $40 million up front made it an easy contract to sign, though.
Only in the NFL is this type of contract allowed. The numbers announced never match the money the player ends up receiving. Never. I'm actually okay with that. It's better than baseball where you end up paying a singles hitter a quarter of a billion dollars for 12 years in an iron-clad deal.
One Pitch
Liriano was great last night except for that ONE pitch. The Gomes grand slam was too much. Even Willingham's TWO home runs weren't enough to match it.
Disappointing but fun at the same time. Liriano looks like he's back. (Watch the Twins trade him now....)
A shout out to the Casual Sports Fan number one Vikings scout, Super Steve. He's actually going to a TWINS game today.
Disappointing but fun at the same time. Liriano looks like he's back. (Watch the Twins trade him now....)
A shout out to the Casual Sports Fan number one Vikings scout, Super Steve. He's actually going to a TWINS game today.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Blake Griffin Hurt in Olympic Training
He tore cartilage in his knee.
I always hesitate a bit when pro players with huge contracts are allowed to play in the Olympics. If I owned these players contracts, I would have no problem telling them they couldn't play anywhere else.
Griffin's knee injury is considered minor and he's supposed to make a "full recovery." Speaking as someone who has had the same exact surgery, I'd like to add that he will never make a full recovery. Some cartilage will have to be removed from his knee and it will not grow back. He'll be fine, but that knee will always cause him some discomfort. He'll come back at 98% but it will affect his leaping ability and strength training. Deeper squats and leg presses should not be part of his regular regimen any more. Those exercises could cause more cartilage damage in the future.
I still think of Red Sox superstar pitcher Dice K who hurt his arm pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He's not the pitcher he once was. He's still being paid by Boston, but they are not getting what they paid for.
He used up his talent somewhere else.
IF players want to play in these exhibitions they should sign a waiver. If they get hurt, their contracts can be voided or renegotiated. It's only fair for their teams and their fans.
It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.
I always hesitate a bit when pro players with huge contracts are allowed to play in the Olympics. If I owned these players contracts, I would have no problem telling them they couldn't play anywhere else.
Griffin's knee injury is considered minor and he's supposed to make a "full recovery." Speaking as someone who has had the same exact surgery, I'd like to add that he will never make a full recovery. Some cartilage will have to be removed from his knee and it will not grow back. He'll be fine, but that knee will always cause him some discomfort. He'll come back at 98% but it will affect his leaping ability and strength training. Deeper squats and leg presses should not be part of his regular regimen any more. Those exercises could cause more cartilage damage in the future.
I still think of Red Sox superstar pitcher Dice K who hurt his arm pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He's not the pitcher he once was. He's still being paid by Boston, but they are not getting what they paid for.
He used up his talent somewhere else.
IF players want to play in these exhibitions they should sign a waiver. If they get hurt, their contracts can be voided or renegotiated. It's only fair for their teams and their fans.
It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.
Amnesty Designation
The vocabulary of sports business is getting harder and harder to follow. I saw a new term yesterday and it was used in an article about the T-Wolves who are trying to land Portland free agent Nicolas Batum.
"The Timberwolves used their AMNESTY DESIGNATION to waive center Darko Milicic on Thursday..."
Later the article said Milicic "will go through a MODIFIED AMNESTY PROCESS..."
In effect it means that any team who wants to pick up some of Milicic's remaining salary (that's not guaranteed) may procure his services for this upcoming season. If no one wants to pay him that extra cash, Milicic will become an unrestricted free agent.
I think.
"The Timberwolves used their AMNESTY DESIGNATION to waive center Darko Milicic on Thursday..."
Later the article said Milicic "will go through a MODIFIED AMNESTY PROCESS..."
In effect it means that any team who wants to pick up some of Milicic's remaining salary (that's not guaranteed) may procure his services for this upcoming season. If no one wants to pay him that extra cash, Milicic will become an unrestricted free agent.
I think.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Drew Brees
Drew Brees was offered the franchise tag this season by the Saints. That means he'll get paid really well this season but he has no ongoing contract.
The Saints and Brees are close on a 5 year $100 million deal BUT Brees wants at least $10 million more written into that contract in guaranteed money.
The Saints don't want to do that.
Brees says he doesn't want to report or accept the franchise tag. He did once before in his career at San Diego and got hurt the year he did that. As a result he only made $10 million a year the last six years, about half of what a QB of his stats and stature should be making. He does not want that to happen again so he will be holding out.
Football is a weird sport for contracts. Players get offered huge money deals long term all the time but it's always dependent on the team not cutting the player. If they are cut they usually receive nothing but their guarantees which are a fraction of the "big deal" they signed.
My Take:
At 33, Brees might not be worth a 5-year deal. But he is worth an extra $10 million in guaranteed money as a bonus for years of faithful service. Sign him and cut him in three years. That's what every other team does. I don't see why this situation should be any different.
I'm not sure what game New Orleans is playing, but it's not the game everyone else plays.
The Saints and Brees are close on a 5 year $100 million deal BUT Brees wants at least $10 million more written into that contract in guaranteed money.
The Saints don't want to do that.
Brees says he doesn't want to report or accept the franchise tag. He did once before in his career at San Diego and got hurt the year he did that. As a result he only made $10 million a year the last six years, about half of what a QB of his stats and stature should be making. He does not want that to happen again so he will be holding out.
Football is a weird sport for contracts. Players get offered huge money deals long term all the time but it's always dependent on the team not cutting the player. If they are cut they usually receive nothing but their guarantees which are a fraction of the "big deal" they signed.
My Take:
At 33, Brees might not be worth a 5-year deal. But he is worth an extra $10 million in guaranteed money as a bonus for years of faithful service. Sign him and cut him in three years. That's what every other team does. I don't see why this situation should be any different.
I'm not sure what game New Orleans is playing, but it's not the game everyone else plays.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
All-Star Dud
I wasn't real interested in the game last night in the first place. Verlander made sure I lost all interest before the first half inning was over.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Peterson "The Victim"
We'll see where this goes next, though I'm always amazed that those who are arrested in these circumstances are always "completely innocent."
Going Going Gone
I enjoyed watching the home run hitting contest. The problem is that at three hours it becomes almost tedious. I'd prefer that players go "one one one" in some kind of bracket, and those who win go on to the next round. The old TV show home run derby got it right. Too many chances, too many rounds, and too many outs takes away from the competition
Prince Fielder looked exhausted when it was all over last night. Those rocket shots take a lot out of a guy.
Prince Fielder looked exhausted when it was all over last night. Those rocket shots take a lot out of a guy.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Twins Lose
I went to bed when the Twins had a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the ninth. I told the Casually Observing Wife I didn't want to see the Twins lose this thing after the Dozier error. The final was 4-3 in 13.
The best part? When you're already having a subpar year, losses like this really don't count. They sting a little, but the overall pennant race is unaffected because we aren't IN the pennant race.
I feel sorry for Cole, though. He pitched 7 shutout innings and deserved a win.
The best part? When you're already having a subpar year, losses like this really don't count. They sting a little, but the overall pennant race is unaffected because we aren't IN the pennant race.
I feel sorry for Cole, though. He pitched 7 shutout innings and deserved a win.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Peterson
Have you heard the one about a Minnesota Viking going into a bar and refusing to leave even when they are closing?
Even when police asks him nicely? Twice?
He then pushes one of the policeman and gets arrested.
Adrian Peterson is the punch line.
Oh, and the Twins lost.
I didn't find anything funny about either situation.
Even when police asks him nicely? Twice?
He then pushes one of the policeman and gets arrested.
Adrian Peterson is the punch line.
Oh, and the Twins lost.
I didn't find anything funny about either situation.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Heat Get Ray Allen
I knew the Celtics were going to get a little worse when Ray left, but I'm really bummed he joined the Heat. The Heat are turning into the Yankees of the NBA. The Lakers never quite pulled it off, but Miami is now attracting players who simply want to win championships. The players will take a little less because they are pretty sure they'll be contenders every single year. I like that trend. I just hate the Heat.
Believe it or not, the Wild may become that team in the NHL. Their recent free agent signings are going to make them attractive to other free agents the next few seasonss. That BOTH our free agents settled for less than what they were worth was nice to see.
Joe "I Can Hit Singles Pretty Well" Mauer could learn from these guys.
Believe it or not, the Wild may become that team in the NHL. Their recent free agent signings are going to make them attractive to other free agents the next few seasonss. That BOTH our free agents settled for less than what they were worth was nice to see.
Joe "I Can Hit Singles Pretty Well" Mauer could learn from these guys.
Liriano ROCKS as Twins Roll
And Morneau NAILED a homerun. It was a great game during an average season.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Diamond Shines
Scott Diamond pitched another great game yesterday. The bullpen was awful. The Twins lost 7-3.
The T-Wolves reacquired Brandon Roy yesterday. He retired last season because of bad knees. He's only 27 but he has the legs of someone much, much older. He wants want more chance.
Jeremy Lin, the emerging superstar from the New York Knicks, decided to leave the Big Apple yesterday. He agreed to a four year deal with the Rockets. He did it his way.
The T-Wolves reacquired Brandon Roy yesterday. He retired last season because of bad knees. He's only 27 but he has the legs of someone much, much older. He wants want more chance.
Jeremy Lin, the emerging superstar from the New York Knicks, decided to leave the Big Apple yesterday. He agreed to a four year deal with the Rockets. He did it his way.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Notes
The Twins lost last night. Verlander is very, very good.
The Wild made some major news yesterday. I don't usually report on them but both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter signed 13-year deals with Minnesota. They were the top two free-agents in all of hockey. This is a big deal. How big? I may actually start watching some hockey this season. I can't believe a Minnesota team pulled off something like this.
Former Twin David Ortiz hit his 400th home run yesterday. He never would have reached that milestone in Minnesota. They didn't want him to pull the ball. They always wanted him to just make contact and go the opposite way. Boston let him be himself. Nice.
Steve Nash got traded to the Lakers yesterday. I'm not sure If Nash has much left in the tank, but for this coming season, the Lakers should be a better team.
The Wild made some major news yesterday. I don't usually report on them but both Zach Parise and Ryan Suter signed 13-year deals with Minnesota. They were the top two free-agents in all of hockey. This is a big deal. How big? I may actually start watching some hockey this season. I can't believe a Minnesota team pulled off something like this.
Former Twin David Ortiz hit his 400th home run yesterday. He never would have reached that milestone in Minnesota. They didn't want him to pull the ball. They always wanted him to just make contact and go the opposite way. Boston let him be himself. Nice.
Steve Nash got traded to the Lakers yesterday. I'm not sure If Nash has much left in the tank, but for this coming season, the Lakers should be a better team.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Perspective
The Twins may have one of the worst records in baseball (only Seattle, the Cubs, and San Diego are worse) but for a last place team we aren't doing that badly in our own division.
We are just 8 games out of first. Baltimore is 6 games back in SECOND place in their division. Toronto is playing .500 ball and they are 8 1/2 games back in last place behind the Yankees.
Seattle is already 16 games back and completely dead. The Cubs and Padres are in similar straits. Both at least 14 games back in last place.
8 games back isn't good, but the season is almost half over. Good pitching and timely hitting over the next month could change things dramatically.
I'm just glad the Twins play in such a horrible division. I don't have any real hope for a pennant run, but 8 games isn't that big a deal. It's manageable. It's possible. And we're a lot closer to first than I thought we'd be at this point before the season started.
We are just 8 games out of first. Baltimore is 6 games back in SECOND place in their division. Toronto is playing .500 ball and they are 8 1/2 games back in last place behind the Yankees.
Seattle is already 16 games back and completely dead. The Cubs and Padres are in similar straits. Both at least 14 games back in last place.
8 games back isn't good, but the season is almost half over. Good pitching and timely hitting over the next month could change things dramatically.
I'm just glad the Twins play in such a horrible division. I don't have any real hope for a pennant run, but 8 games isn't that big a deal. It's manageable. It's possible. And we're a lot closer to first than I thought we'd be at this point before the season started.
Twins Win FOUR In a Row
No homers last night. Just 13 singles, 6 runs, 5 scoreless innings of relief, and Gardy's 900th career win.
Detroit isn't having a year that's meeting their expectations either. It's kind of nice when we can knock them off. Still hoping we can pass a few teams in the standings before the season is done.
Detroit isn't having a year that's meeting their expectations either. It's kind of nice when we can knock them off. Still hoping we can pass a few teams in the standings before the season is done.
DUI of The Day
Eric Wright of the Tampa Bay Bucs was arrested Monday for DUI after a he crashed his vehicle in L.A.
The NFL, which tries to set a higher example for its players by banning all sorts of drugs that may affect the the health of their players, never bothers to do anything about drugs that hurt the public at large. It's time the league step up and punish players who drive drunk. Personally I'd rather these players did steroids than run in to them on the road to Mankato because they drank too much during training camp and then got into their vehicles. The league's message should be that these guys are heroes who are held to a higher standard. Make it part of their contract.
What I don't understand is that NBA and NFL players drive drunk all the time. Why is is that drunk driving is so rare in MLB?
Drunk drivers kill people all the time. It's time for pro leagues to step up and do something about it.
We're on a pace for nearly 11,000 highway deaths this year caused by those driving drunk. Leagues shouldn't let their players drive drunk.
The NFL, which tries to set a higher example for its players by banning all sorts of drugs that may affect the the health of their players, never bothers to do anything about drugs that hurt the public at large. It's time the league step up and punish players who drive drunk. Personally I'd rather these players did steroids than run in to them on the road to Mankato because they drank too much during training camp and then got into their vehicles. The league's message should be that these guys are heroes who are held to a higher standard. Make it part of their contract.
What I don't understand is that NBA and NFL players drive drunk all the time. Why is is that drunk driving is so rare in MLB?
Drunk drivers kill people all the time. It's time for pro leagues to step up and do something about it.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Plouffe, Willingham, Butera
The Twins scored 10 runs yesterday, all off homeruns by these guys. They needed them. The final was 10-8. Joe Mauer was named our All-Star representative yesterday, but we all know a couple of selections who would have been better choices. Plouffe now has 18 homers on the season with his two yesterday. Willingham has 17.
Those two keep me watching.
Those two keep me watching.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Talkin' Baseball
I didn't get to see both games yesterday but I I got to see most of the second and read about and watch all the highlights of the first game a few times.
Plouffe, Willingham, and Diamond were big deals again yesterday,
And the recently recalled Chris Parmelee and Cole DeVries stepped up big time in the nightcap. The Twins also had seven stolen bases yesterday.
I know they are going nowhere this season, but yesterday was a good day to settle back and enjoy some young players execute pretty well. Let's face it, a sweep of the Royals is not a big accomplishment, but they are ahead of the Twins in the standings and it would be nice to at least catch them by season's end.
Small steps. The season is not yet half over and two Twins are on pace for 34 home run seasons. The bullpen has become outstanding, and guys like Ben Revere are a pleasure to watch both at the plate and in the outfield.
Liriano pitches today. I'm hoping he keeps his recent streak of good performances alive as well. A team's success begins and ends with starting pitching, and I'm more optimistic about our starters than I've been in a while. We are all aware that it could all come tumbling down today, but right now I'm smiling.
Plouffe, Willingham, and Diamond were big deals again yesterday,
And the recently recalled Chris Parmelee and Cole DeVries stepped up big time in the nightcap. The Twins also had seven stolen bases yesterday.
I know they are going nowhere this season, but yesterday was a good day to settle back and enjoy some young players execute pretty well. Let's face it, a sweep of the Royals is not a big accomplishment, but they are ahead of the Twins in the standings and it would be nice to at least catch them by season's end.
Small steps. The season is not yet half over and two Twins are on pace for 34 home run seasons. The bullpen has become outstanding, and guys like Ben Revere are a pleasure to watch both at the plate and in the outfield.
Liriano pitches today. I'm hoping he keeps his recent streak of good performances alive as well. A team's success begins and ends with starting pitching, and I'm more optimistic about our starters than I've been in a while. We are all aware that it could all come tumbling down today, but right now I'm smiling.
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