The Twins finally got to go against a team slumping worse than themselves. The result is that the follow-up to a 10 game losing streak has been 5 wins in their last 6 games.
What else has changed? Deduno and Walters have been a very nice additions to the starting rotation. And all of the sudden the Twins are hitting blasts out of the park. Last night they had four homeruns including THREE in the fourth inning.
I find myself watching the games again. Better yet, I'm finding myself ENJOYING the games again. Pelfrey gets the start tonight.
sigh
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
89 out Of 90
Only Jared Allen wasn't at the Vikings OTA training yesterday (and he was probably climbing some mountain somewhere) but everyone else was.
The Vikes head coach Leslie Frasier is stoked about the participation level, but the Vikes number one free-agent acquisition, Greg Jennings is already hurt because of the practices.
I'm not sure football has ever demonstrated a need for these organized team activities. Those who have good ones rarely become Super Bowl champions.
The good news is that Adrian Peterson is feeling about 100% since his sport's hernia surgery. Since he got that injury in week 11 of the season last year, it's hard to imagine how good he will be at 100% this year.
Unless he gets hurt because of these OTA activities.
I guess Christian Ponder needs all of the practice he can get so maybe this will benefit the Vikings some. And it is nice to see that the players are taking their jobs seriously.
The Vikes head coach Leslie Frasier is stoked about the participation level, but the Vikes number one free-agent acquisition, Greg Jennings is already hurt because of the practices.
I'm not sure football has ever demonstrated a need for these organized team activities. Those who have good ones rarely become Super Bowl champions.
The good news is that Adrian Peterson is feeling about 100% since his sport's hernia surgery. Since he got that injury in week 11 of the season last year, it's hard to imagine how good he will be at 100% this year.
Unless he gets hurt because of these OTA activities.
I guess Christian Ponder needs all of the practice he can get so maybe this will benefit the Vikings some. And it is nice to see that the players are taking their jobs seriously.
Hicks and Deduno
Sam Deduno was still a bit wild last night, but that didn't stop him from having seven great innings. Gardy also brought him out in the eighth. That almost became a big mistake. But some solid relief help by Casey Fien and a fantastic catch by Parmalee ended the Brewers threat.
Oh, and Aaron Hicks hit ANOTHER homerun last night AND he also made another great catch.
When the Twins are winning, it's easy to forget that their season isn't going very well. It was a fantastic game and they passed KC in the standings.
All in all, a good night at the ballpark.
Oh, and Aaron Hicks hit ANOTHER homerun last night AND he also made another great catch.
When the Twins are winning, it's easy to forget that their season isn't going very well. It was a fantastic game and they passed KC in the standings.
All in all, a good night at the ballpark.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Pacers Tie Series
I fully expect the Heat to repeat as NBA champs this year, but that doesn't stop me for rooting for any team that plays them. Knowing that the series is tied at two games apiece now does give me some hope that Indiana (or perhaps the Spurs) can to something to stop LeBron and company.
I should probably just knuckle under and accept King James and his team as the best ever, and then root for them like everybody else.
I just can't, though. He's not and they aren't either.
I want others to see that. The Pacers and Spurs are my only hope of stopping the machine known as Miami.
I should probably just knuckle under and accept King James and his team as the best ever, and then root for them like everybody else.
I just can't, though. He's not and they aren't either.
I want others to see that. The Pacers and Spurs are my only hope of stopping the machine known as Miami.
Happiness
I am SO GLAD I went to bed last night just as the ninth inning started. The Twins had a 5-4 lead at the time and I did not want to be in a foul mood if the Brewers would tie it or win it in the bottom of the ninth.
What I saw last night was very good. THREE home runs by the Twins early was great. Seeing Aaron Hicks rob former Twin Carlos Gomez of a home run in the second was great. Getting a 4-0 lead for Scott Diamond was also great.
BUT as the game went on, it was harder and harder to watch, by the time it was tied 4-4 I had had enough. That the Twins took the lead one last time before I went to bed was good enough for me. I didn't want to see it go south again.
Perkins ultimately DID give up the tying run in the bottom of the ninth so I'm glad I missed that. I'm also glad that I missed nearly HALF the game as the Twins didn't win it until the 14th.
They won. I got a good night's sleep and I get to be excited now as I type this as if it just happened.
Come to think of it, I get up so early, that it DID just happen. That was a long game.
What I saw last night was very good. THREE home runs by the Twins early was great. Seeing Aaron Hicks rob former Twin Carlos Gomez of a home run in the second was great. Getting a 4-0 lead for Scott Diamond was also great.
BUT as the game went on, it was harder and harder to watch, by the time it was tied 4-4 I had had enough. That the Twins took the lead one last time before I went to bed was good enough for me. I didn't want to see it go south again.
Perkins ultimately DID give up the tying run in the bottom of the ninth so I'm glad I missed that. I'm also glad that I missed nearly HALF the game as the Twins didn't win it until the 14th.
They won. I got a good night's sleep and I get to be excited now as I type this as if it just happened.
Come to think of it, I get up so early, that it DID just happen. That was a long game.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Joe Mauer's Home Run Trot
Joe Mauer really needs to work on his homerun trot. Yesterday, he stood on second base for five minutes before finishing the route for the homerun.
I guess he's just out of practice.
Actually, it is kind of funny watching umps have to all get together and decide if a ball has really left the park or not. For Mauer, that's twice in three games he had to wait and see if a ball he hit would be given official recognition.
Thankfully, both were ruled in the Twins favor.
The best part is that the Twins won again. Kevin Correia struggled early, at one point loading the bases with no one out. He also gave up three solo home runs (two to former Twin Carlos Gomez). But he managed six innings and the Twins pulled out their second victory in three games.
I guess I can still watch games as long as they don't drop behind early. Yesterday was actually fun again.
I guess he's just out of practice.
Actually, it is kind of funny watching umps have to all get together and decide if a ball has really left the park or not. For Mauer, that's twice in three games he had to wait and see if a ball he hit would be given official recognition.
Thankfully, both were ruled in the Twins favor.
The best part is that the Twins won again. Kevin Correia struggled early, at one point loading the bases with no one out. He also gave up three solo home runs (two to former Twin Carlos Gomez). But he managed six innings and the Twins pulled out their second victory in three games.
I guess I can still watch games as long as they don't drop behind early. Yesterday was actually fun again.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Pelfrey
Mike Pelfrey did it again. He gave up only 2 runs in 5 innings. Gardy left him in for "one more inning" and Pelfrey got hammered in the sixth and taken out.
That's now happened in 4 of Pelfrey's last 5 starts. For whatever reason, Gardy leaves Pelfrey in for the sixth inning and Pelfrey collapses. How many times does Gardy have to get hit in the head by a 2x4 before he sees the pattern?
It's not like it mattered much, though. The Twins managed to score just a single run yesterday, which means they have scored only ONE run in their last 17 innings. Even I can figure out that winning consecutive ball games is pretty much impossible when you can't score runs. The Twins managed 3 hits which was two more than they had in Friday night's game.
It may be more than just a flesh wound. Call me crazy, but I just don't see the Twins winning the World Series this season.
In other sports news, something that I actually found interesting, at the Coca-Cola 600 yesterday, the race was delayed when a Fox television cable accidently tore loose. It hurt 10 fans and wrecked the car of the race leader at the time, Kyle Busch.
All fans were treated and later released. And Busch and his crew was given the half hour to fix his car because Fox felt pretty bad (and stupid.)
NASCAR, the sport of kings.
That's now happened in 4 of Pelfrey's last 5 starts. For whatever reason, Gardy leaves Pelfrey in for the sixth inning and Pelfrey collapses. How many times does Gardy have to get hit in the head by a 2x4 before he sees the pattern?
It's not like it mattered much, though. The Twins managed to score just a single run yesterday, which means they have scored only ONE run in their last 17 innings. Even I can figure out that winning consecutive ball games is pretty much impossible when you can't score runs. The Twins managed 3 hits which was two more than they had in Friday night's game.
It may be more than just a flesh wound. Call me crazy, but I just don't see the Twins winning the World Series this season.
In other sports news, something that I actually found interesting, at the Coca-Cola 600 yesterday, the race was delayed when a Fox television cable accidently tore loose. It hurt 10 fans and wrecked the car of the race leader at the time, Kyle Busch.
All fans were treated and later released. And Busch and his crew was given the half hour to fix his car because Fox felt pretty bad (and stupid.)
NASCAR, the sport of kings.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
It Could Be Worse
The Twins had a TEN game losing streak and yet they are still just 7.5 games back in the A.L. Central.
Worse? The Angels are currently riding a SEVEN game winning streak and yet they find themselves a full 10 games back of division leading Texas.
And Seattle and Houston both TRAIL the Angels. Houston is 18 games back in their division. 18 games.
Toronto is 10 games back and many thought they were the division FAVORITES this season.
Over in the N.L the Mets are 12 back. Miami, in the same dvision, is 17.5 games out of first.
Milwaukee is 11.5 back and the Cubs are 13 games back in the same division.
Yes, it could be a lot worse. Detroit has one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball. They also have Cabrera and Fielder, and yet somehow they are only SEVEN games over .500.
I repeat. The Twins are most fortunate to be in the division they are in. A ten-game losing streak in this division is just a minor setback. In the immortal words of Monty Python, "It's just a flesh wound."
Worse? The Angels are currently riding a SEVEN game winning streak and yet they find themselves a full 10 games back of division leading Texas.
And Seattle and Houston both TRAIL the Angels. Houston is 18 games back in their division. 18 games.
Toronto is 10 games back and many thought they were the division FAVORITES this season.
Over in the N.L the Mets are 12 back. Miami, in the same dvision, is 17.5 games out of first.
Milwaukee is 11.5 back and the Cubs are 13 games back in the same division.
Yes, it could be a lot worse. Detroit has one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball. They also have Cabrera and Fielder, and yet somehow they are only SEVEN games over .500.
I repeat. The Twins are most fortunate to be in the division they are in. A ten-game losing streak in this division is just a minor setback. In the immortal words of Monty Python, "It's just a flesh wound."
Notre Dame
Notre Dame had a great football season last year. If not for the loss in the National Championship game and a certain middle linebacker who had a fake girlfriend die on him, it would have been nearly perfect.
Well things took a sudden turn for the worse yesterday. Their star QB from last year, Everett Golson, who was just a freshman, has left the school due to academic ineligibility. Notre Dame is going to have to replace one of the best QBs in the country.
This is worse than a fake girlfriend dying.
Well things took a sudden turn for the worse yesterday. Their star QB from last year, Everett Golson, who was just a freshman, has left the school due to academic ineligibility. Notre Dame is going to have to replace one of the best QBs in the country.
This is worse than a fake girlfriend dying.
P.J. Walters
Twins win! Twins win! Twins win!
The sad streak is finally over. P.J. accomplished what no starter has done for the Twins in ten straight tries. He got the win. Six innings of work produced only two earned runs.
Mauer got hot again. This time three hits including a homerun. At the same time, even though the Twins scored three runs in the first, they didn't score again in the game. That still does not bode well for the coming days.
One win. I'll take it. It may be awhile before we see another.
The sad streak is finally over. P.J. accomplished what no starter has done for the Twins in ten straight tries. He got the win. Six innings of work produced only two earned runs.
Mauer got hot again. This time three hits including a homerun. At the same time, even though the Twins scored three runs in the first, they didn't score again in the game. That still does not bode well for the coming days.
One win. I'll take it. It may be awhile before we see another.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
P.J. Walters
P.J. Is the official replacement for Vance Worley. He'll be making the start for the Twins on Monday. Since the Twins aren't planning on sending Sam Denduno down again just yet, the Twins will have to start making some roster moves. They want to bring up Kyle Gibson as well BUT they want him to be more consistent in the minors before doing that.
For those still keeping track:
Pedro Hernandez (a starter) has been demoted and Caleb Thielbar (a reliever) has been promoted.
Trevor Plouffe is on the concussion list (that's like a 7 day disabled list.) Mastoianni is on the 60-day disabled list and third baseman Chris Colabello has been added until Plouffe comes back.
For those still keeping track:
Pedro Hernandez (a starter) has been demoted and Caleb Thielbar (a reliever) has been promoted.
Trevor Plouffe is on the concussion list (that's like a 7 day disabled list.) Mastoianni is on the 60-day disabled list and third baseman Chris Colabello has been added until Plouffe comes back.
Pacers Tie Heat Series
The Pacers lost the first game in Miami in OT. They won in Miami last night.
Go Pacers!
I'm resisting a Heat dynasty. I'd rather Miami go home now.
Go Pacers!
I'm resisting a Heat dynasty. I'd rather Miami go home now.
Mauer Gets Hit
And that was the only highlight of the Twins' 10th straight loss.
Dedundo allowed 6 runs in a little over 5 innings. He looked like the bad version of himself and not the WBC version the world saw before he got injured.
TEN straight losses is quite an accomplishment. That's basically 1/16 of the season.
I just did some quick math, so don't quote me on this, but the Twins starters have pitched 233 innings in 45 games this year. That's an average of less than 4 2/3 innings a game. I predicted the bullpen would be worn out by mid-May and I think the Twins are seeing that now. We have a staff of starters who can't make it five innings while the bullpen is forced to pitch nearly half of every single game.
Maybe it's time to think about my suggestion of getting rid of all the starters and go with nothing but relief pitchers. I'm sure some baseball purists would laugh at me, but let's face facts, we already ARE a staff of pitchers who pitch short stints, it's just that we call FIVE of them starters. And at least 3 of them haven't been any good this season at all.
Our only other option is to watch minor league starters struggle through long losing streaks. I'd rather take the chance on good relievers.
Why doesn't anybody else see this? Where's Billy Beane when you need him?
Dedundo allowed 6 runs in a little over 5 innings. He looked like the bad version of himself and not the WBC version the world saw before he got injured.
TEN straight losses is quite an accomplishment. That's basically 1/16 of the season.
I just did some quick math, so don't quote me on this, but the Twins starters have pitched 233 innings in 45 games this year. That's an average of less than 4 2/3 innings a game. I predicted the bullpen would be worn out by mid-May and I think the Twins are seeing that now. We have a staff of starters who can't make it five innings while the bullpen is forced to pitch nearly half of every single game.
Maybe it's time to think about my suggestion of getting rid of all the starters and go with nothing but relief pitchers. I'm sure some baseball purists would laugh at me, but let's face facts, we already ARE a staff of pitchers who pitch short stints, it's just that we call FIVE of them starters. And at least 3 of them haven't been any good this season at all.
Our only other option is to watch minor league starters struggle through long losing streaks. I'd rather take the chance on good relievers.
Why doesn't anybody else see this? Where's Billy Beane when you need him?
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Mount Everest
Do you remember when it was a big deal to scale Everest? An 80-year old man did it yesterday. He also did it when he was 70 and 75.
It's just not that big a deal any more is it?
I'm waiting for some elementary class to do it in the near future as a field trip.
It's just not that big a deal any more is it?
I'm waiting for some elementary class to do it in the near future as a field trip.
Worley
Eight earned runs, 10 hits and two walks in a little less than 4 innings.
The Good News? That outing earned him an all-expenses paid trip to Rochester! I sure hope it's a one-way ticket. Sam Deduno is scheduled to start for the Twins on Friday.
Trevor Plouffe will be out for awhile, He suffered a concussion in the the 10th inning of Tuesday's game breaking up a double play. The injury reminded many of what happened to Morneau three years back. His replacement, Chris Colabello, struck out twice last night and went 0-4.
The Good News? That outing earned him an all-expenses paid trip to Rochester! I sure hope it's a one-way ticket. Sam Deduno is scheduled to start for the Twins on Friday.
Trevor Plouffe will be out for awhile, He suffered a concussion in the the 10th inning of Tuesday's game breaking up a double play. The injury reminded many of what happened to Morneau three years back. His replacement, Chris Colabello, struck out twice last night and went 0-4.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Again
Blow it in the ninth on a homerun. Lose it in the tenth.
Seven straight losses. Seven games back. Last place in the division.
Seven straight losses. Seven games back. Last place in the division.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Kevin Correia
Four earned runs in the first sunk Correia and the Twins last night. He's starting to look like every other Twins starter. And Mauer has forgotten how to hit again.
I'm just glad I stopped watching about a week ago.
I'm just glad I stopped watching about a week ago.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Mauer Strikes Out Three Tmes
Including with the bases loaded in the seventh. His hitting streak is over. Another horrible loss that was compounded by a long, long rain delay. I missed it.
On purpose.
On purpose.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Diamond Awful
I can't say enough about how poor the Twins starting rotation is. Diamond just gets worse with every start. It didn't help that the Twins left 13 runners stranded last night.
This team is now becoming the team I thought it would be at the beginning of the season. The games are becoming skippable every night. I tried to watch last night, but seeing Mauer strike out with the bases loaded ended my interest for the night.
I didn't think I'd be watching much by the middle of May. I got that prediction right at least.
This team is now becoming the team I thought it would be at the beginning of the season. The games are becoming skippable every night. I tried to watch last night, but seeing Mauer strike out with the bases loaded ended my interest for the night.
I didn't think I'd be watching much by the middle of May. I got that prediction right at least.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
There's More to Life Than Baseball
Vance Worley finely had a nice game. One UNEARNED run in 6 innings, and Gardy got him out of there to keep his confidence up.
But the bullpen failed, Mauer was on the bench with a sore back, and Justin Morneau's hitting streak was snapped.
The result was another Twins loss.
I only saw the go-ahead run in the 10th, because I was gone all night.
I saw the latest Star Trek movie with good friends in St James instead. The tickets were just FOUR dollars each. A REALLY large popcorn was only $5 and the seating was so cool. We had front row seats with the movie screen back across a stage. AND the picture and sound was digital. Total cost for 4 people to have EVENING tickets and all the popcorn they could eat was $26. For those of you slow with math, that translates to only $6.50 each. That's less than the price of a matinee ticket in the New Ulm theater. And they weren't showing Star Trek.
We all liked the movie but I don't think it was as good as Iron Man 3 last week. I personally like my action movies with a little LESS action and more moments of quiet reflection. The phrenetic pace of this movie, especially sitting in the front row, made my eyes hurt.
The theaters Dolby sound, though unbelievably good, was a bit loud for my tastes, especially in a movie where half the screen time was something blowing up loudly.
All in all, I did enjoy the night, the movie, and time with great friends. And it sure was better than watching yet ANOTHER heartbreaking Twins loss.
Did I mention that two of us dressed up as Kirk and Spock? Thankfully, there is no photographic evidence of the event.
But the bullpen failed, Mauer was on the bench with a sore back, and Justin Morneau's hitting streak was snapped.
The result was another Twins loss.
I only saw the go-ahead run in the 10th, because I was gone all night.
I saw the latest Star Trek movie with good friends in St James instead. The tickets were just FOUR dollars each. A REALLY large popcorn was only $5 and the seating was so cool. We had front row seats with the movie screen back across a stage. AND the picture and sound was digital. Total cost for 4 people to have EVENING tickets and all the popcorn they could eat was $26. For those of you slow with math, that translates to only $6.50 each. That's less than the price of a matinee ticket in the New Ulm theater. And they weren't showing Star Trek.
We all liked the movie but I don't think it was as good as Iron Man 3 last week. I personally like my action movies with a little LESS action and more moments of quiet reflection. The phrenetic pace of this movie, especially sitting in the front row, made my eyes hurt.
The theaters Dolby sound, though unbelievably good, was a bit loud for my tastes, especially in a movie where half the screen time was something blowing up loudly.
All in all, I did enjoy the night, the movie, and time with great friends. And it sure was better than watching yet ANOTHER heartbreaking Twins loss.
Did I mention that two of us dressed up as Kirk and Spock? Thankfully, there is no photographic evidence of the event.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Television
I've recommended some TV shows in the past. The Thursday night line-up on CBS is amazing. Last week, the season finale of Person of Interest was great. Last night the season finales of Big Bang Theory and Elemenatary were also fantastic. Elementary was especially cool because of what they did with two of the main characters in the Sherlock Holmes mythos. Hardcore Holmes fans may be a little upset, but I found what they did pretty cool and satisfying.
Oh, and after watching the season finale of Arrow this week as well, I can safely say that it is the best superhero show in television history. Part Batman, part Avengers, surprisingly well written, I recommend it as well.
Oh, and after watching the season finale of Arrow this week as well, I can safely say that it is the best superhero show in television history. Part Batman, part Avengers, surprisingly well written, I recommend it as well.
Tigers Lose
Justin Verlander looked very human last night as he left the game in the third inning against Texas. He's only 4-4 on the year, and as long as HE is having an average year, the Twins still have some hope of contending.
The cool thing is that while the Twins have lost two straight, and are only 5-5 in their last 10 games, they are still only 3 games back in the division, and they are only TWO behind Detroit.
The division has lost a lot of it's "luster" the last week and a half.
Of course, Worley pitches tonight against Boston, so it's not like I'm optimistic or anything. Here's hoping Mauer and Morneau keep whacking the ball all over the park. At this point, they are our best chance to contend. Bucholz (6-0) is going for Boston, but we knocked him around pretty good last week. That was the game where we had a 6-0 lead and then lost 9-6 when other half of our "dynamic duds" Mike Pelfrey went one inning too long.
The cool thing is that while the Twins have lost two straight, and are only 5-5 in their last 10 games, they are still only 3 games back in the division, and they are only TWO behind Detroit.
The division has lost a lot of it's "luster" the last week and a half.
Of course, Worley pitches tonight against Boston, so it's not like I'm optimistic or anything. Here's hoping Mauer and Morneau keep whacking the ball all over the park. At this point, they are our best chance to contend. Bucholz (6-0) is going for Boston, but we knocked him around pretty good last week. That was the game where we had a 6-0 lead and then lost 9-6 when other half of our "dynamic duds" Mike Pelfrey went one inning too long.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Webb Now a Reciever
Thanks to my brother Myron for sending me the news!
The Vikings have finally decided that Joe does not fit into their QB plans. That's fine with me. If they expect him to be a regular pocket passer, everyone will just be left disappointed.
But this guy is seriously gifted athletically. IF he is given time to develop and he can catch the ball consistently (Ponder may make that difficult) he could be one of the all-time greats. And he'll probably get to return kicks now that Harvin is gone as well. Can't wait to see his speed with the afterburners kicked in.
It will be nice seeing him used with some option plays as well. My hopes for the Vikings this coming season just got much higher.
Ponder is still the biggest question mark. I guess he can hand the ball off a lot of end-a-rounds to Webb and Patterson when not handing it of to Peterson.
Patterson and Peterson sounds nice. Webb makes it sound a whole lot sweeter.
The Vikings have finally decided that Joe does not fit into their QB plans. That's fine with me. If they expect him to be a regular pocket passer, everyone will just be left disappointed.
But this guy is seriously gifted athletically. IF he is given time to develop and he can catch the ball consistently (Ponder may make that difficult) he could be one of the all-time greats. And he'll probably get to return kicks now that Harvin is gone as well. Can't wait to see his speed with the afterburners kicked in.
It will be nice seeing him used with some option plays as well. My hopes for the Vikings this coming season just got much higher.
Ponder is still the biggest question mark. I guess he can hand the ball off a lot of end-a-rounds to Webb and Patterson when not handing it of to Peterson.
Patterson and Peterson sounds nice. Webb makes it sound a whole lot sweeter.
National League Batting Leaders
I keep waiting for this to change. Knowing how the Twins judge talent, I don't expect it to. Just imagine if he were OUR lead-off hitter.
Adam Dunn
The White Sox picked this guy up from the Phillies a couple of seasons ago and at $15 million a year, they expected great things from him. He's batting .156 so far this year and has 20 base hits total.
The thing is that NINE of those twenty hits are homeruns. Two of them came yesterday as Mike Pelfrey was his usual awful self.
Dunn may be the most feared .156 hitter in history.
The thing is that NINE of those twenty hits are homeruns. Two of them came yesterday as Mike Pelfrey was his usual awful self.
Dunn may be the most feared .156 hitter in history.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Peavy Very Good
Kevin Correia was pretty good. Jake Peavy was better. Mauer and Morneau kept their hitting streaks alive. It was a pretty good game even though the Twins lost.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer
In the last 10 games Morneau has raised his average from .253 to .296. He's also got 14 RBI in those 10 games.
As good as that is, Joe Mauer has raised his batting average from .282 to .343. One of the resons Morneau has so many RBI lately is that Mauer is on base so much. Mauer has 13 runs scored in that same time.
The big boys need to keep playing like this.
As good as that is, Joe Mauer has raised his batting average from .282 to .343. One of the resons Morneau has so many RBI lately is that Mauer is on base so much. Mauer has 13 runs scored in that same time.
The big boys need to keep playing like this.
Aaron Hicks
Is this a sign of things to come? Aaron Hicks was tied with the worst batting average in baseball going into last night's' game. Even the .150 average he left the game with is nothing to brag about. Most players are considered awful if they hit .200.
But what he did last night to raise his average 13 points was pretty spectacular. Those two center field homeruns were SHOTS. It's simply not easy to hit a homerun in Target Field if your name isn't Thome or Willingham, but Hicks made it look easy last night. That coupled with Hernandez' 5 pretty good innngs and a 4 RBI night by the ever improving Justin Morneau, and the Twins managed to blowout the cellar-dwelling White Sox.
Oh, and Hicks also made an incredible leaping catch over the centerfield wall last night robbing Adam Dunn (the other worst average in baseball) of a two-run homer. Making catches like that at Target Field is a LOT harder than it was at the Metrodome. The wall is so much higher. Ben Revere isn't even tall enough to make that catch.
More please.
But what he did last night to raise his average 13 points was pretty spectacular. Those two center field homeruns were SHOTS. It's simply not easy to hit a homerun in Target Field if your name isn't Thome or Willingham, but Hicks made it look easy last night. That coupled with Hernandez' 5 pretty good innngs and a 4 RBI night by the ever improving Justin Morneau, and the Twins managed to blowout the cellar-dwelling White Sox.
Oh, and Hicks also made an incredible leaping catch over the centerfield wall last night robbing Adam Dunn (the other worst average in baseball) of a two-run homer. Making catches like that at Target Field is a LOT harder than it was at the Metrodome. The wall is so much higher. Ben Revere isn't even tall enough to make that catch.
More please.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Stephen Strassburg
Instead of talking about another Twins loss, I thought I'd talk about the Nationals phenom instead. Strasburg's record is 1-5 for Washington this season. Most would quickly conclude that he isn't very good now that he's more than a year removed from Tommy John surgery.
But look at his stats. He's averaging more than a strikeout an inning. He's giving up just eight hits per nine innings AND his ERA is just a tad over 3.00. The problem is that his Nationals teammates just aren't scoring him any runs. It's hard to believe that the Twins Vance Worley actually has a better record at this point in the season when Vance is giving up way more than TWICE as many runs a game.
Baseball is a fickle sport. In the long run, Strasburg should have a great career. It's just that he could end up having a great career on losing ball clubs. He should ask Bert Blyleven about that scenario. He's well acquainted with it.
But look at his stats. He's averaging more than a strikeout an inning. He's giving up just eight hits per nine innings AND his ERA is just a tad over 3.00. The problem is that his Nationals teammates just aren't scoring him any runs. It's hard to believe that the Twins Vance Worley actually has a better record at this point in the season when Vance is giving up way more than TWICE as many runs a game.
Baseball is a fickle sport. In the long run, Strasburg should have a great career. It's just that he could end up having a great career on losing ball clubs. He should ask Bert Blyleven about that scenario. He's well acquainted with it.
NBA Officiating
Chicago Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau, is starting to say out loud what fans have been thinking for years. REFS determine the outcome of games in the NBA more than players.
He says refs do indeed favor the teams with the top players and that these refs make it more difficult for his team to win. The latest example? He says LeBron James "flopped" when he pushed in game three by one of Chicago's players. (The league has been fining players for pretending to be knocked over and pushed like they are international soccer divas.)
The problem? Not only wasn't LeBron charged with flopping, the Chicago Bull player was ejected from the game for a flagrant foul. Thibodeau went to the press with is problem and now has been fined $35,000 as a result.
The NBA is not a sport worth watching. Refs do indeed influence the outcome of close games more than the league officials want to admit. The game has become too physical to call properly and each ref has their own bias as to what is and is not acceptable. As a result, top teams and top players are given huge advantages.
It won't get any better with Thibodeau's fine. Players, fans and coaches have been fuming about stuff like this for years. Eventually, more will realize that trying to win in a league where officials determine the winners is a hopeless task.
I'd much rather play in a pick-up game in the park than watch the NBA product. We have more luck calling our own fouls. And the better players and teams win because they are better. You know, the way sport is supposed to be.
He says refs do indeed favor the teams with the top players and that these refs make it more difficult for his team to win. The latest example? He says LeBron James "flopped" when he pushed in game three by one of Chicago's players. (The league has been fining players for pretending to be knocked over and pushed like they are international soccer divas.)
The problem? Not only wasn't LeBron charged with flopping, the Chicago Bull player was ejected from the game for a flagrant foul. Thibodeau went to the press with is problem and now has been fined $35,000 as a result.
The NBA is not a sport worth watching. Refs do indeed influence the outcome of close games more than the league officials want to admit. The game has become too physical to call properly and each ref has their own bias as to what is and is not acceptable. As a result, top teams and top players are given huge advantages.
It won't get any better with Thibodeau's fine. Players, fans and coaches have been fuming about stuff like this for years. Eventually, more will realize that trying to win in a league where officials determine the winners is a hopeless task.
I'd much rather play in a pick-up game in the park than watch the NBA product. We have more luck calling our own fouls. And the better players and teams win because they are better. You know, the way sport is supposed to be.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Former Centerfielders Report
Go-Go Gomez is having an unbelievably successful year so far. Tori is doing well. Span and Revere aren't doing much. I like the upside of Oswaldo more than three of those on this list.
Worley's ERA Goes Up in Win
Vance Worley had another horribly pitched game last night giving up 5 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched. It would have been even worse if Parmalee hadn't made a spectacular catch in right field.
But the Twins won anyway because Mauer and Morneau had three hits each, Doumit hit another late-inning homerun, and the worn-out bullpen pulled off another spectacular relief job.
I should be excited, but I'm not. The combination of Pelfrey and Worley are killing this ball club slowly. Perkins is already injured and the rest of the bullpen is going to start dropping like flies. Worley's ERA is still over 7.00 (and rising) and we keep sending him out there. The Twins need to do something with this mess of a starting staff.
Hopefully we'll get some help from the minors in the near future. This cannot continue.
The good news? The season is over 1/5 over and the Twins are still just 2 1/2 games out of first.
It could be worse. The Angels are 8 games below .500 at this point and their last two big-money free agents, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, aren't making much of a difference with their horrible pitching staff in place either. At least the Twins have a relatively cheap roster in comparison.
The same goes for the Dodgers. Their roster is one big expensive money-pit and they find themselves in last place in their division.
I can still smile knowing the Twins are two young arms in the minors away from relief. And those arms should be available shortly. The Angels and Dodgers need so much more than that.
But the Twins won anyway because Mauer and Morneau had three hits each, Doumit hit another late-inning homerun, and the worn-out bullpen pulled off another spectacular relief job.
I should be excited, but I'm not. The combination of Pelfrey and Worley are killing this ball club slowly. Perkins is already injured and the rest of the bullpen is going to start dropping like flies. Worley's ERA is still over 7.00 (and rising) and we keep sending him out there. The Twins need to do something with this mess of a starting staff.
Hopefully we'll get some help from the minors in the near future. This cannot continue.
The good news? The season is over 1/5 over and the Twins are still just 2 1/2 games out of first.
It could be worse. The Angels are 8 games below .500 at this point and their last two big-money free agents, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, aren't making much of a difference with their horrible pitching staff in place either. At least the Twins have a relatively cheap roster in comparison.
The same goes for the Dodgers. Their roster is one big expensive money-pit and they find themselves in last place in their division.
I can still smile knowing the Twins are two young arms in the minors away from relief. And those arms should be available shortly. The Angels and Dodgers need so much more than that.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Umps BAD
A few nights ago an umpiring crew failed to call a homerun a homerun AFTER watching a replay of the play. EVERYBODY else, including TV crews from both teams and everybody watching at home could see it was a homerun.
The refs, after conferring, simply blew the call.
This same umping crew, one day later, let a relief pitcher come in and warm up and then LEAVE the game before pitching to anyone. That's another big no-no.
Baseball decided to do something with these awful umps yesterday. The crew chief was suspended for two games and the rest of the crew was fined.
Justice is sweet.
The refs, after conferring, simply blew the call.
This same umping crew, one day later, let a relief pitcher come in and warm up and then LEAVE the game before pitching to anyone. That's another big no-no.
Baseball decided to do something with these awful umps yesterday. The crew chief was suspended for two games and the rest of the crew was fined.
Justice is sweet.
Gardy Loses Game in Sixth
Pelfrey had 5 shaky shutout innings and then Gardy decided to leave him in for a horrible sixth inning AGAIN.
A 6-0 lead became a 9-6 10-inning loss. Gardy isn't very bright and he cost the Twins again last night.
I'm sick of Gardenhire.
A 6-0 lead became a 9-6 10-inning loss. Gardy isn't very bright and he cost the Twins again last night.
I'm sick of Gardenhire.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Twins Take Series
Boston's struggles could not have come at a better time for the Twins. And Oswaldo Arcia is playing like he belongs here.
Kevin Correia wasn't great last night. He allowed 3 runs in a little over five innings, throwing 99 pitches in the process, but he kept us close enough to allow the Twins another big rally inning in the top of the sixth led by a two-run homer by Arcia.
The Twins started the series 4 1/2 games back of first place in the A.L. Central. They are now just 2 1/2 back. Taking three out of four from the Red Sox IN Boston is a big deal.
Fun game. Great series. And just in time to head back to Minnesota to play the much improved Orioles tonight. The Twins are sending Pelfrey to the mound. Based on Mike's last outing, I'm actually excited to see this game tonight.
And the Twins are once more ABOVE .500.
Did I mention that Arcia celebrated his 22nd birthday last night? The kid is just 22-years old. Let's hope that Hicks starts looking like this in the near future as well. Detroit may be the best team in baseball this season, but the Twins are still in this 31 games in.
That's a lot longer than I thought we would be in it.
Go Twins!
Kevin Correia wasn't great last night. He allowed 3 runs in a little over five innings, throwing 99 pitches in the process, but he kept us close enough to allow the Twins another big rally inning in the top of the sixth led by a two-run homer by Arcia.
The Twins started the series 4 1/2 games back of first place in the A.L. Central. They are now just 2 1/2 back. Taking three out of four from the Red Sox IN Boston is a big deal.
Fun game. Great series. And just in time to head back to Minnesota to play the much improved Orioles tonight. The Twins are sending Pelfrey to the mound. Based on Mike's last outing, I'm actually excited to see this game tonight.
And the Twins are once more ABOVE .500.
Did I mention that Arcia celebrated his 22nd birthday last night? The kid is just 22-years old. Let's hope that Hicks starts looking like this in the near future as well. Detroit may be the best team in baseball this season, but the Twins are still in this 31 games in.
That's a lot longer than I thought we would be in it.
Go Twins!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Twins Club Boston
Boston has now lost five of their last six games.
It's nice to get a team on their down-swing for a change.
That first inning set the tone for the game. You get excited that the Twins scored four in the first and then you turn absolutely sick inside when you see the Sox score 5 in the bottom of the inning. The top of the second? SEVEN more runs for the Twins.
You breathe easier when Pressly takes over in the third and stops the Boston bats cold for 4 straight innings.
Then you just wait for it all to be over.
A great hitting display by one of the worst hitting teams in the American League, you think just maybe all of these guys will finally break out of season long slumps. But, realistically, you just figure that Boston's pitching last night stunk as much as it possibly could.
That seventh inning double play that killed another Twins rally was the saddest play in baseball history. I don't blame any of the Twins involved because it was the third base umpire's call. it's just too bad that the second base umpire, you know the one EVERYBODY on the field was looking at, didn't relay that information so the base runners had a chance of knowing what to do next. This is where baseball looks like such a hick-sport. Instead of a nice hit off the Big Green Monster, it became a Keystone Cops movie. Knowing we had a HUGE lead at the time made the play seem laughable. I'm just glad it didn't effect the outcome of the game at all.
The series finale is TONIGHT. Odd that it's not a day game. Correia, who was horrible his last outing, gets the nod for the Twins. Here's hoping the twins bats stay hot for one more night. They have a .500 record to defend again.
It's nice to get a team on their down-swing for a change.
That first inning set the tone for the game. You get excited that the Twins scored four in the first and then you turn absolutely sick inside when you see the Sox score 5 in the bottom of the inning. The top of the second? SEVEN more runs for the Twins.
You breathe easier when Pressly takes over in the third and stops the Boston bats cold for 4 straight innings.
Then you just wait for it all to be over.
A great hitting display by one of the worst hitting teams in the American League, you think just maybe all of these guys will finally break out of season long slumps. But, realistically, you just figure that Boston's pitching last night stunk as much as it possibly could.
That seventh inning double play that killed another Twins rally was the saddest play in baseball history. I don't blame any of the Twins involved because it was the third base umpire's call. it's just too bad that the second base umpire, you know the one EVERYBODY on the field was looking at, didn't relay that information so the base runners had a chance of knowing what to do next. This is where baseball looks like such a hick-sport. Instead of a nice hit off the Big Green Monster, it became a Keystone Cops movie. Knowing we had a HUGE lead at the time made the play seem laughable. I'm just glad it didn't effect the outcome of the game at all.
The series finale is TONIGHT. Odd that it's not a day game. Correia, who was horrible his last outing, gets the nod for the Twins. Here's hoping the twins bats stay hot for one more night. They have a .500 record to defend again.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Gay Rights?
I've been giving this issue some thought as of late and I think I'm ready to share it now.
Jason Collins recently came out as the first openly gay player in the NBA and that has lead to much debate on the subject of gays being accepted in the locker room.
I'm going to try discussing this rationally and logically with no real moral slant other than where our laws stand now.
The first question I ask myself is why do we separate men and women into different locker rooms in the first place?
I believe the answer that most would give is that it's because the vast majority of men are sexually attracted to women and that the vast majority of women are sexually attracted to men. Separating them when they are naked and lathered up in the shower makes perfect sense. Natural sexual attraction like that can lead to totally inappropriate actions and responses when they are naked together.
In our society, inappropriate sexual remarks and actions are not tolerated. Work places have men and women working together with their clothes ON and we still have new laws on sexual harassment added every single year. People get fired over saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
With all that being said, let's look at the scenarios. IF a gay teen boy were placed into a teen girl's locker room, most of the girls in the locker room would be uncomfortable with the situation. Even if the boy would have absolutely no attraction for the girls, many girls may have a heavy sexual attraction for him OR be naturally embarrassed by his presence. In other words they would be sexually uncomfortable just because he is there. Parents, for good reason, would not like their daughters exposed to such a situation.
Let's reverse that scenario. Let's say a gay teen girl is placed in the teen boy's locker room. Parents would be upset and most of the teen guys would become sexually interested even if the girl had no interest in them. ALL would feel the regular sexual tension and pressure of the situation. The situation itself would be considered harassment, because it's the tension that is causing the uncomfortable feelings to develop.
Now let's push these scenarios a bit farther. What if a straight male shared a locker room with straight females or a straight female shared a locker room with straight males. In high school, in college, in gyms?
The obvious answer in these scenarios is that the circumstances certainly would not get better if we placed all people into these exact types of situations regularly. Despite shows like Big Brother ruling the world's airways, the vast majority of husbands and wives and girlfriends and boyfriends would not want their significant other sharing locker rooms naked with the opposite sex. Many of the people involved would feel that this would be a sexual violation of the highest order. If staring at a co-worker with her clothes ON can get a man fired from his job, imagine the consequences of him standing in front of her in any state of sexual arousal while doing the staring.
In fact many of us would consider this wrong without ever giving it a second thought. IF harassment occurs in normal situations that we all deal with everyday, then it's only going to get amplified when we are in close proximity with our clothes off. Common sense tells us that.
For those of you who don't see it yet, that's the conundrum. We separate people in locker rooms, for good reason, based on their potential sexual attraction to one another. We don't do it JUST because they are male and female. That's just a shortcut we've come up with because it works out most of the time.
So what about gays? Is a gay guy naked in a male locker room any less sexually attracted to some of the men than if a straight guy were naked in a female locker room filled with naked women?
The same goes for straight women who share a locker room with a lesbian. IF someone in the locker room is sexually attracted to a woman, she has the RIGHT to feel uncomfortable and call it harassment, if it's a man or a woman. Women have the right to say that they are uncomfortable in these situations.
Men, too.
Instead we try to validate the gay person's right to be there. Since gay males are attracted to their own sex, the logical conclusion should be they shouldn't be in a male locker room. There very presence is harassment to many of the men there. Lesbians don't belong in a female locker room either because it will make females sexually uncomfortable. This is the very definition of harassment.
Unless you would be comfortable with teen boys and girls sharing locker rooms together in junior and senior high, you should not be comfortable with gays in locker rooms. The scenario IS the same. It's about unwanted sexual attraction in the most vulnerable of positions.
You just have to take the time to see it.
For those men and women who say they wouldn't mind sharing because they aren't bothered by it, I caution you, at work you may not be the person who feels violated by inappropriate work place behavior or remarks either. The problem is that YOU are encouraging the inappropriate behavior that may get someone else fired while others ARE getting sexually harassed. You are the enablers who are causing others to be violated.
The victim is the person violated, NOT the person who doesn't have a locker room to dress in.
We live in difficult times, but this is not a difficult decision.
There are other scenarios of course. All-gay locker rooms wouldn't work either, if they are mixed gender or not, because of the potential sexual attraction that many will have for so many of the others.
If a lesbian teen is in a monogamous relationship with another teen girl, she shouldn't have to face the temptation or fear of sharing a locker room with other lesbians (or any girls OR guys for that matter.) And her lesbian partner wouldn't want her in that type of situation either, any more than a straight guy would want his naked girlfriend sharing a locker room with naked straight men. I'm pretty sure the straight guy wouldn't want his girlfriend to share the locker room with all gay guys either, or lesbians. Why? Because loving monogamous relationships don't discriminate against groups of people. They rightfully discriminate against potential individual rivals who may cause an otherwise monogamous heart to wander. That's being discriminating in the best sense of the word.
If the situation were totally reversed, gay men in a monogamous relationship should feel the same way, right? Right?
So why don't we hear about this aspect of the situation? Where is Jason Collins' boyfriend in all of this? Why is he happy allowing HIS man in the locker room with all of these naked, rich athletically built men around him daily? Why doesn't this situation bother either one of them enough to talk about THAT to the press?
Shouldn't Jason Collins be uncomfortable in his current locker room situation in much the same way that a straight girl wouldn't want to share a locker room with straight guys?
I repeat, we live in difficult times, but this is not a difficult decision.
Jason Collins recently came out as the first openly gay player in the NBA and that has lead to much debate on the subject of gays being accepted in the locker room.
I'm going to try discussing this rationally and logically with no real moral slant other than where our laws stand now.
The first question I ask myself is why do we separate men and women into different locker rooms in the first place?
I believe the answer that most would give is that it's because the vast majority of men are sexually attracted to women and that the vast majority of women are sexually attracted to men. Separating them when they are naked and lathered up in the shower makes perfect sense. Natural sexual attraction like that can lead to totally inappropriate actions and responses when they are naked together.
In our society, inappropriate sexual remarks and actions are not tolerated. Work places have men and women working together with their clothes ON and we still have new laws on sexual harassment added every single year. People get fired over saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
With all that being said, let's look at the scenarios. IF a gay teen boy were placed into a teen girl's locker room, most of the girls in the locker room would be uncomfortable with the situation. Even if the boy would have absolutely no attraction for the girls, many girls may have a heavy sexual attraction for him OR be naturally embarrassed by his presence. In other words they would be sexually uncomfortable just because he is there. Parents, for good reason, would not like their daughters exposed to such a situation.
Let's reverse that scenario. Let's say a gay teen girl is placed in the teen boy's locker room. Parents would be upset and most of the teen guys would become sexually interested even if the girl had no interest in them. ALL would feel the regular sexual tension and pressure of the situation. The situation itself would be considered harassment, because it's the tension that is causing the uncomfortable feelings to develop.
Now let's push these scenarios a bit farther. What if a straight male shared a locker room with straight females or a straight female shared a locker room with straight males. In high school, in college, in gyms?
The obvious answer in these scenarios is that the circumstances certainly would not get better if we placed all people into these exact types of situations regularly. Despite shows like Big Brother ruling the world's airways, the vast majority of husbands and wives and girlfriends and boyfriends would not want their significant other sharing locker rooms naked with the opposite sex. Many of the people involved would feel that this would be a sexual violation of the highest order. If staring at a co-worker with her clothes ON can get a man fired from his job, imagine the consequences of him standing in front of her in any state of sexual arousal while doing the staring.
In fact many of us would consider this wrong without ever giving it a second thought. IF harassment occurs in normal situations that we all deal with everyday, then it's only going to get amplified when we are in close proximity with our clothes off. Common sense tells us that.
For those of you who don't see it yet, that's the conundrum. We separate people in locker rooms, for good reason, based on their potential sexual attraction to one another. We don't do it JUST because they are male and female. That's just a shortcut we've come up with because it works out most of the time.
So what about gays? Is a gay guy naked in a male locker room any less sexually attracted to some of the men than if a straight guy were naked in a female locker room filled with naked women?
The same goes for straight women who share a locker room with a lesbian. IF someone in the locker room is sexually attracted to a woman, she has the RIGHT to feel uncomfortable and call it harassment, if it's a man or a woman. Women have the right to say that they are uncomfortable in these situations.
Men, too.
Instead we try to validate the gay person's right to be there. Since gay males are attracted to their own sex, the logical conclusion should be they shouldn't be in a male locker room. There very presence is harassment to many of the men there. Lesbians don't belong in a female locker room either because it will make females sexually uncomfortable. This is the very definition of harassment.
Unless you would be comfortable with teen boys and girls sharing locker rooms together in junior and senior high, you should not be comfortable with gays in locker rooms. The scenario IS the same. It's about unwanted sexual attraction in the most vulnerable of positions.
You just have to take the time to see it.
For those men and women who say they wouldn't mind sharing because they aren't bothered by it, I caution you, at work you may not be the person who feels violated by inappropriate work place behavior or remarks either. The problem is that YOU are encouraging the inappropriate behavior that may get someone else fired while others ARE getting sexually harassed. You are the enablers who are causing others to be violated.
The victim is the person violated, NOT the person who doesn't have a locker room to dress in.
We live in difficult times, but this is not a difficult decision.
There are other scenarios of course. All-gay locker rooms wouldn't work either, if they are mixed gender or not, because of the potential sexual attraction that many will have for so many of the others.
If a lesbian teen is in a monogamous relationship with another teen girl, she shouldn't have to face the temptation or fear of sharing a locker room with other lesbians (or any girls OR guys for that matter.) And her lesbian partner wouldn't want her in that type of situation either, any more than a straight guy would want his naked girlfriend sharing a locker room with naked straight men. I'm pretty sure the straight guy wouldn't want his girlfriend to share the locker room with all gay guys either, or lesbians. Why? Because loving monogamous relationships don't discriminate against groups of people. They rightfully discriminate against potential individual rivals who may cause an otherwise monogamous heart to wander. That's being discriminating in the best sense of the word.
If the situation were totally reversed, gay men in a monogamous relationship should feel the same way, right? Right?
So why don't we hear about this aspect of the situation? Where is Jason Collins' boyfriend in all of this? Why is he happy allowing HIS man in the locker room with all of these naked, rich athletically built men around him daily? Why doesn't this situation bother either one of them enough to talk about THAT to the press?
Shouldn't Jason Collins be uncomfortable in his current locker room situation in much the same way that a straight girl wouldn't want to share a locker room with straight guys?
I repeat, we live in difficult times, but this is not a difficult decision.
Kluwe Given the Boot
In a totally expected move, the best Vikings punter of all-time was given the boot yesterday after seven very good seasons.
Most say it was because he had a big mouth. I'm sure that was part of it. It wasn't just that he expressed his opinion, he always did it in such a way that most people were turned off by the attitude that went with it.
But he also managed to have a lot of his kicks ran back because, as strong as that right leg of his is, he missed the corner more often than most players in his position should.
The Vikings drafted another punter for a reason this year. This was the reason.
Kluwe says he wants to punt another four or five seasons if a team will give him a chance. We'll see if there are any takers.
In other Vikings news:
The Vikings elected NOT to sign Cris Carter's son after a tryout this weekend. I guess they felt he just wasn't good enough.
Most say it was because he had a big mouth. I'm sure that was part of it. It wasn't just that he expressed his opinion, he always did it in such a way that most people were turned off by the attitude that went with it.
But he also managed to have a lot of his kicks ran back because, as strong as that right leg of his is, he missed the corner more often than most players in his position should.
The Vikings drafted another punter for a reason this year. This was the reason.
Kluwe says he wants to punt another four or five seasons if a team will give him a chance. We'll see if there are any takers.
In other Vikings news:
The Vikings elected NOT to sign Cris Carter's son after a tryout this weekend. I guess they felt he just wasn't good enough.
Great Scott! Diamond Sparkles
Three hits in seven shutout innings. That was a nice outing.
He probably could have pitched the whole game but the Twins took him out early since he's still recovering from elbow surgery. It seems that the Twins have a lot of those guys in the starting rotation.
It was also great seeing Doumit get his first homerun of the season. It's taken surprisingly long. He's now on a pace for just seven this season, so hopefully that pace will pick up with the weather getting nicer.
No complaints. It was a great game and Twins won it the old-fashioned way. They earned it. I'm still not sure why the Twins have two lefties starting back to back in the rotation. That's just odd on the face of it. Boston, used to seeing a lefty last night, is scheduled to see another in Hernadez tonight. I'm hoping that Gardy changes that rotation up in the near future.
An incredible catch in foul territory last night took out two Red Sox in one play. The third baseman (Ross Middlebrooks) made the great sliding catch but the their catcher, David Ross, trying to make the same catch, slid into him HARD. Both players ended up leaving the game before it was over.
David Ortiz is on fire. He now has a 27-game hitting streak after a leadoff single in the second. He's batting over .400 on the season.
The Twins are still worth watching.
He probably could have pitched the whole game but the Twins took him out early since he's still recovering from elbow surgery. It seems that the Twins have a lot of those guys in the starting rotation.
It was also great seeing Doumit get his first homerun of the season. It's taken surprisingly long. He's now on a pace for just seven this season, so hopefully that pace will pick up with the weather getting nicer.
No complaints. It was a great game and Twins won it the old-fashioned way. They earned it. I'm still not sure why the Twins have two lefties starting back to back in the rotation. That's just odd on the face of it. Boston, used to seeing a lefty last night, is scheduled to see another in Hernadez tonight. I'm hoping that Gardy changes that rotation up in the near future.
An incredible catch in foul territory last night took out two Red Sox in one play. The third baseman (Ross Middlebrooks) made the great sliding catch but the their catcher, David Ross, trying to make the same catch, slid into him HARD. Both players ended up leaving the game before it was over.
David Ortiz is on fire. He now has a 27-game hitting streak after a leadoff single in the second. He's batting over .400 on the season.
The Twins are still worth watching.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
NBA
I've haven't commented on the playoffs yet, but something great happened last night. The Bulls beat the Heat in game one of their series AT Miami.
Cool.
Cool.
Disappointing
The Twins got to Buchholz early last night. The Vanimal was actually pretty good/adequate until Gardy decided to bring him back out in the sixth. The Red Sox kept chipping away. And even though Dozier hit the game the game-tying homer in the ninth, we all kind of knew that on the road in Boston that it was still going to end badly.
It did.
It did.
Monday, May 6, 2013
The Wild
I've talked about NHL hockey occasionally in the past and I still think it's more soccer than sport. This current post-season series with the Blackhawks is a good example.
We looked good in the first game but lost in OT. Yesterday we looked good and won in OT. But the problem is both games had lots of play up and down the ice and nobody really scored.
I don't want to say that the goalies are great and that's why hockey is such a low scoring game. I'd rather say that good defensive strategy by MOST teams makes scoring a matter of luck rather than skill. I've covered this before. The level of talent is all so equal that there just isn't enough to distinguish great from bad. All the teams are merely good and it usually takes an overtime period or a shootout for one team to win because ONE TEAM EVENTUALLY HAS TO WIN with one more goal than the other team.
With all of that being said, I think the Wild have played better than the Hawks so far in this series. They should have won the first game and they won yesterday.
But since this IS hockey I have to use my college basketball line from Oogway instead.
"There are no good teams. There are no bad teams. There are just teams."
I'm still hoping that the Wild get a couple more lucky bounces and pull the whole thing out however. As Mike Pelfrey has so ably demonstrated for the Twins this season, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Go Wild!
We looked good in the first game but lost in OT. Yesterday we looked good and won in OT. But the problem is both games had lots of play up and down the ice and nobody really scored.
I don't want to say that the goalies are great and that's why hockey is such a low scoring game. I'd rather say that good defensive strategy by MOST teams makes scoring a matter of luck rather than skill. I've covered this before. The level of talent is all so equal that there just isn't enough to distinguish great from bad. All the teams are merely good and it usually takes an overtime period or a shootout for one team to win because ONE TEAM EVENTUALLY HAS TO WIN with one more goal than the other team.
With all of that being said, I think the Wild have played better than the Hawks so far in this series. They should have won the first game and they won yesterday.
But since this IS hockey I have to use my college basketball line from Oogway instead.
"There are no good teams. There are no bad teams. There are just teams."
I'm still hoping that the Wild get a couple more lucky bounces and pull the whole thing out however. As Mike Pelfrey has so ably demonstrated for the Twins this season, sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.
Go Wild!
Pelfrey
Mike Pelfrey surprised everyone yesterday. Let's start from the beginning.
Mike Pelfrey may have a 3-3 record, but anyone who has watched his games knows he's been really bad about 70% of his innings. He's been more lucky than good. He's had a couple of outings that were just good enough when the Twins scored him lots of runs. He's also managed 5 innings a couple of times with lots of walks and pitches and miraculously left with the lead.
YESTERDAY, he was good. No, yesterday he was VERY good. Six innings, seven strikeouts, 1 walk, four hits and just ONE run. It's the first time all year that he has went SIX innings. AND he kept the ball LOW the entire time.
It was a great performance. His ERA is STILL 6.45 which means he still has along way to go, but this was the first good sign all year that he actually IS recovering from Tommy John surgery. I'm still not sure why he couldn't have worked all of this out in the minors, but as of right now there is hope.
I feel a little sorry for the Twins. They end up getting teams like Detroit and Boston and Cleveland that are on hot streaks BEFORE we start playing them and then we somehow have to slow THEIR momentum. The result is that we end up winning one of three games against each and gradually go back below .500.
The worst part is that while we are mired with a record around the .500 mark, two teams, KC and Detroit, are starting to look like very good teams. You know, the kind of teams that we don't usually find in our division.
We're 25 games into the season and just a game below the .500 mark. Vance Worley (our ACE at the beginning of the season) is still the worst starter in the rotation
And he pitches tonight in Fenway against the division-leading Red Sox. The best part? The Red Sox are currently on a three-game LOSING streak. Maybe THAT will make a difference.
On second thought, probably not. I keep forgetting that Worley is pitching.
Plouffe went yard again yesterday. He's starting to look like the kid with great power from a couple seasons ago. I'm anxious to see if that can continue.
Mike Pelfrey may have a 3-3 record, but anyone who has watched his games knows he's been really bad about 70% of his innings. He's been more lucky than good. He's had a couple of outings that were just good enough when the Twins scored him lots of runs. He's also managed 5 innings a couple of times with lots of walks and pitches and miraculously left with the lead.
YESTERDAY, he was good. No, yesterday he was VERY good. Six innings, seven strikeouts, 1 walk, four hits and just ONE run. It's the first time all year that he has went SIX innings. AND he kept the ball LOW the entire time.
It was a great performance. His ERA is STILL 6.45 which means he still has along way to go, but this was the first good sign all year that he actually IS recovering from Tommy John surgery. I'm still not sure why he couldn't have worked all of this out in the minors, but as of right now there is hope.
I feel a little sorry for the Twins. They end up getting teams like Detroit and Boston and Cleveland that are on hot streaks BEFORE we start playing them and then we somehow have to slow THEIR momentum. The result is that we end up winning one of three games against each and gradually go back below .500.
The worst part is that while we are mired with a record around the .500 mark, two teams, KC and Detroit, are starting to look like very good teams. You know, the kind of teams that we don't usually find in our division.
We're 25 games into the season and just a game below the .500 mark. Vance Worley (our ACE at the beginning of the season) is still the worst starter in the rotation
And he pitches tonight in Fenway against the division-leading Red Sox. The best part? The Red Sox are currently on a three-game LOSING streak. Maybe THAT will make a difference.
On second thought, probably not. I keep forgetting that Worley is pitching.
Plouffe went yard again yesterday. He's starting to look like the kid with great power from a couple seasons ago. I'm anxious to see if that can continue.
Little Kid
I know some of this is editing BUT the kid has a nice two-handed shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUgKU8dA4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUgKU8dA4w
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Orb Wins Kentucky Derby
24 horses died while racing this week in the United States. 2 more died in England.
This happens every single week.
I'm still not sure why this is considered a sport while Michael Vick went to jail for dog fighting.
This doesn't even count the number of horses that die in training accidents every single week preparing for these races.
I guess it depends on the color of those doing the betting.
This happens every single week.
I'm still not sure why this is considered a sport while Michael Vick went to jail for dog fighting.
This doesn't even count the number of horses that die in training accidents every single week preparing for these races.
I guess it depends on the color of those doing the betting.
Floyd Mayweather Bores Fight Fans Again
Floyd's been in jail for some domestic violence charges over the last year. He came back last night as if he had never left and fought a defensive fight for a 12 round unanimous decision.
And even though he's 44-0 now and picked up at least $32 million in the process, the 36 year-old fighter BORED the fight fans who came to watch him. He's great at ducking and landing quick punches, but he RARELY puts fighters away.
I always wonder why fans who HATE his style keep paying record amounts of money to see his fights? It's not like he's suddenly became a boring fighter. He's ALWAYS been a boring fighter. Yes, he's undefeated, and in this modern era of fighting, that in itself is amazing.
But he's still a boring fighter.
I used to like his fights when I was younger, now I just wait to read how boring he was in victory. I appreciate his greatness. I just don't enjoy watching it. It's kind of like watching the best soccer team in the world win 1-0 by a deflected goal.
It's a win, but it's still soccer.
Floyd wins, but it's still soccer.
And even though he's 44-0 now and picked up at least $32 million in the process, the 36 year-old fighter BORED the fight fans who came to watch him. He's great at ducking and landing quick punches, but he RARELY puts fighters away.
I always wonder why fans who HATE his style keep paying record amounts of money to see his fights? It's not like he's suddenly became a boring fighter. He's ALWAYS been a boring fighter. Yes, he's undefeated, and in this modern era of fighting, that in itself is amazing.
But he's still a boring fighter.
I used to like his fights when I was younger, now I just wait to read how boring he was in victory. I appreciate his greatness. I just don't enjoy watching it. It's kind of like watching the best soccer team in the world win 1-0 by a deflected goal.
It's a win, but it's still soccer.
Floyd wins, but it's still soccer.
Utah Ref Dies
About a week ago, a Utah soccer ref was punched in the face/side of the head by a 17 year-old player in a recreational soccer league game for giving the player a yellow card. The ref was taken to a hospital, later slipped into a coma, and has now died.
The ref was writing down his notes from the game when the player blind-sided him with the killing punch. The player, who was much larger than the ref, had been arguing with him over the call just before the attack.
The yellow card is ONLY given as a warning. Only after two yellow cards and THEN a red card is a player ejected. It would best be compared to a player picking up his third foul in a basketball game. In other words, the offense wasn't that big of a deal.
The worst part? The ref has been attacked several times before. Angry soccer players are considered "part of the game" by those who watch and play it.
Sometimes I hate sports. I really do.
The ref was writing down his notes from the game when the player blind-sided him with the killing punch. The player, who was much larger than the ref, had been arguing with him over the call just before the attack.
The yellow card is ONLY given as a warning. Only after two yellow cards and THEN a red card is a player ejected. It would best be compared to a player picking up his third foul in a basketball game. In other words, the offense wasn't that big of a deal.
The worst part? The ref has been attacked several times before. Angry soccer players are considered "part of the game" by those who watch and play it.
Sometimes I hate sports. I really do.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Peterson Wants 2,500 Yards Rushing
My Take:
He has the right quarterback to make that happen. I'll give him that.
He has the right quarterback to make that happen. I'll give him that.
Good Hitting, Bad Pitching
Cleveland is hot. Their fifth straight win last night is the best current streak in baseball.
It also moved them past the Twins in the standings. It was great to see a couple of homeruns last night from the Twins again, but it's harder and harder to watch the Twins pitching.
Until IT changes, I just can't watch them.
It also moved them past the Twins in the standings. It was great to see a couple of homeruns last night from the Twins again, but it's harder and harder to watch the Twins pitching.
Until IT changes, I just can't watch them.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Flip Saunders and the Wolves
Part owner and President of Operations (the POO.)
This will be Glen Taylor's last hurrah as owner of the Wolves. IF Saunders wants, he'll put together some kind of ownership group in the future, but for now Taylor wants a chance at making this team, his team, work.
Definitely a step in the right direction and I'm looking forward to what Saunders may accomplish here.
This will be Glen Taylor's last hurrah as owner of the Wolves. IF Saunders wants, he'll put together some kind of ownership group in the future, but for now Taylor wants a chance at making this team, his team, work.
Definitely a step in the right direction and I'm looking forward to what Saunders may accomplish here.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Gardy, THIS is What GOOD Pitching Looks Like!
I'm coming to terms with my dislike of the Twins this year.
I know at some point something will have to be done with Pelfrey and Worley. I also know that guys like Deduno, DeVries, and Gibson are still healing in the minors. All I know is that until Worley or Pelfrey have dramatic turn-arounds or are replaced, I simply cannot enjoy this Twins season.
KNOWING that those two pitch back to back and are going to give you a two game losing streak every few games is unhinging if you are a real fan. If you can't look forward to each game, you can't enjoy your team. It's MAY and those guys have a combined ERA OVER 7.50. We got rid of Liriano because he was over 5.50!
I would settle for ANY minor league arm that's healthy right now, even Hendricks, over those two walking disaster areas. Knowing they are pitching is like going to the dentist each day for a root canal. It's absolute dread because they are absolutely dreadful.
The Twins and Diamond beat a very good Tiger's pitcher yesterday. More of that please. And less dread.
We only signed Pelfrey to a one year deal. He's either no good or not yet ready. In either case, we should NOT be conceding a victory every fifth start just because he's under contract. Put him in the minors to heal or cut him. He should not be seeing any more major league work until he can prove himself.
I don't know what to do with Worley. He's been signed to a multi-year contract and I can't think of anyone who would want him in a trade. Not even his old Phillies team.
I know at some point something will have to be done with Pelfrey and Worley. I also know that guys like Deduno, DeVries, and Gibson are still healing in the minors. All I know is that until Worley or Pelfrey have dramatic turn-arounds or are replaced, I simply cannot enjoy this Twins season.
KNOWING that those two pitch back to back and are going to give you a two game losing streak every few games is unhinging if you are a real fan. If you can't look forward to each game, you can't enjoy your team. It's MAY and those guys have a combined ERA OVER 7.50. We got rid of Liriano because he was over 5.50!
I would settle for ANY minor league arm that's healthy right now, even Hendricks, over those two walking disaster areas. Knowing they are pitching is like going to the dentist each day for a root canal. It's absolute dread because they are absolutely dreadful.
The Twins and Diamond beat a very good Tiger's pitcher yesterday. More of that please. And less dread.
We only signed Pelfrey to a one year deal. He's either no good or not yet ready. In either case, we should NOT be conceding a victory every fifth start just because he's under contract. Put him in the minors to heal or cut him. He should not be seeing any more major league work until he can prove himself.
I don't know what to do with Worley. He's been signed to a multi-year contract and I can't think of anyone who would want him in a trade. Not even his old Phillies team.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Minnesota Sports
Vance Worley gave up 10 hits and 6 runs in 4 2/3 innings. His ERA is 7.22. Can we end this experiment now?
The Wild looked good last night, but lost in O.T.
Losers are losers.
That's the story of Minnesota sports.
The Wild looked good last night, but lost in O.T.
Losers are losers.
That's the story of Minnesota sports.
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