The Twins are having a much better time with the Yankees this year. Take last night for instance. Ricky Nolasco looked like a major league pitcher again while the Twins blasted THREE home runs (Wllingham, Arcia, and Plouffe). Arcia came up with a great throw to home as well.
The final was an easy 6-1 win against the real Bronx Bombers.
Before Willingham and Arcia came back, the Twins were lacking any real punch in the lineup. Perhaps this kind of power will make a difference yet.
Their recent struggles still leave them two below .500 and 6 1/2 games back in the standings.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Twins WIN
I admit that it's hard to write "Twins lose" for several straight days, so yesterday I took a break.
Hicks had a great catch early last night saving a 3-run home run. The returning Arcia had two hits including a homerun, Hughes was his normal good self AND the Twins won it in the bottom of the ninth.
THAT'S more like it.
Hicks had a great catch early last night saving a 3-run home run. The returning Arcia had two hits including a homerun, Hughes was his normal good self AND the Twins won it in the bottom of the ninth.
THAT'S more like it.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Twins Swept
The Giants have a lot better pitching than the Twins.
That sums up the weekend series more than anything else, but if you want details, here's some:
Mauer struck out 3 times. Nolasco gave up 7 earned runs in less than 5 innings to see his ERA for the season go to 6.12. And THEIR pitcher, Madison Bumgarner lowered his ERA to 3.15 and hasn't lost in May.
In other Twins news, Chris Colabello, who had a great April, has been sent back down to the minors to make room for a returning Josh Willingham. Chris Herrmann is also retuning to the minors so that we can give Oswaldo Arcia another chance.
Texas clubbed Detroit again yesterday, so that series with San Francisco didn't hurt us in the standings too much. The bad news? We play Texas today.
Cool? Josh Beckett pitched the majors first no-hitter yesterday. It was also his first career no-hitter.
That sums up the weekend series more than anything else, but if you want details, here's some:
Mauer struck out 3 times. Nolasco gave up 7 earned runs in less than 5 innings to see his ERA for the season go to 6.12. And THEIR pitcher, Madison Bumgarner lowered his ERA to 3.15 and hasn't lost in May.
In other Twins news, Chris Colabello, who had a great April, has been sent back down to the minors to make room for a returning Josh Willingham. Chris Herrmann is also retuning to the minors so that we can give Oswaldo Arcia another chance.
Texas clubbed Detroit again yesterday, so that series with San Francisco didn't hurt us in the standings too much. The bad news? We play Texas today.
Cool? Josh Beckett pitched the majors first no-hitter yesterday. It was also his first career no-hitter.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Deduno Very Good, San Francisco Better
I went to bed when it was 1-0. I still hate those late night games.
There were a total of 9 hits in the entire game. The pitching was good on both sides with the Twins ending up on the short side of the stick.
It's an afternoon game today.
There were a total of 9 hits in the entire game. The pitching was good on both sides with the Twins ending up on the short side of the stick.
It's an afternoon game today.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
TV Season Over
The Twins lost last night to Tim Lincecum and the Giants. Lincecum isn't as good as he was a couple of season back, but he still know how to win.
Since the TV season is winding down, I thought I'd rank my favorite shows in order of how the last few episodes struck me at the end. It's the best list out there. Trust me.
Comedies:
1) Bob's Burgers
I hated this show the first time I watched it. The male voices for most of the characters drove me crazy at first. But now I think its one of the few shows on television that makes me laugh consistently though out. I still watch the Simpsons each week, hoping at some point it becomes funny like it once was.
2) Big Bang Theory
This entire season had funny episode after funny episode, for me it was probably the best season since season one. That I put it in second place makes me realize how much I enjoy Bob's Burgers.
3) Brooklyn Nine-Nine
This show caught me by surprise. It's more of a standard quirky character sitcom, but the characters are for the most part very likable and I can't help but laugh at the smarmy, cocky lead detective played by Andy Samberg. He almost always come out ahead.
4) Parks and Recreation
I'm probably the only person in America that doesn't like Amy Poehler's ultra-liberal government employee character, but the rest of the cast more than makes up for her shortcomings. Ron Swanson is simply the best character on television and balances her off well.
Honorable Mention: Modern Family
Cancelled But Great: Community
Dramas:
1) Mr Selfridge
While most of America raves about PBS's Downton Abbey (I like it to), it simply does not compare to the remarkable cast and story of Harry Selfridge, based on the life of real-life American business man who started the department store revolution in London in the early 1900's. The first season was good. The second season was GREAT. Now in the middle of World War One in Europe, it's a lot more than selling merchandise.
2) Person of Interest
This has been my favorite show since its debut. And it got BETTER this year. The only reason it's number two now is because of the last several episodes of Selfridge this month. The show has now rebooted to an even gloomier, dark big-brother society. I can't wait to see where it goes.
3) Blacklist
Every single episode was superb. I still think the main female character is a little too dense to be a believable FBI agent, and that weighs the show down. "Red" Reddington is the most likable villain on television. He has skills. Dangerous skills.
4) Bates Motel
How did Norman Bates get so creepy? He started out as a real nice boy, it's just that he's had a lot of difficult things in his life. Freddy Highmore plays Norman to perfection. He's really likable, and that's the key. You feel sorry for him. Each episode ends in a way that you crave the show even more.
5) Elementary
This modern day twist on the Sherlock Holmes legend has been less than consistent. This year it was more of a standard "Whodunnit". Except that the underlying subplot became the major story line the last few weeks. And THAT story line was incredible. The relationship between Holmes and Watson is the best on television. Respect has been earned on both sides of the equation.
6) Marvel: Agents of Shield
I tried to like this show all season. I nearly stopped watching it several times. It was just to "comic booky" in the bad sense of the word. I read comic books all the time. The good ones are great. This show seemed more like what people think of the really bad ones. But their recovery at the end of the season was more like the better comic book movies. It's still puts in too many hoakey bits for my liking, but the plots and characters are becoming less cartoony and more likable and compelling. This show wouldn't even be in the top twenty if it weren't for the last few episodes. And I'm grading on that.
Other shows I like but aren't consistent enough to list as best: Supernatural, Resurrection, Green Arrow, Grimm, Dowton Abbey
Of all the group crime shows on television, (CSI, Law and Order, NCIS and their variations) there is only ONE that I watch: Criminal Minds. It is hands down the the the best of the best. The characters take the victims deaths seriously. And they like each other. All the others are practically (and mostly) unwatchable.
Since the TV season is winding down, I thought I'd rank my favorite shows in order of how the last few episodes struck me at the end. It's the best list out there. Trust me.
Comedies:
1) Bob's Burgers
I hated this show the first time I watched it. The male voices for most of the characters drove me crazy at first. But now I think its one of the few shows on television that makes me laugh consistently though out. I still watch the Simpsons each week, hoping at some point it becomes funny like it once was.
2) Big Bang Theory
This entire season had funny episode after funny episode, for me it was probably the best season since season one. That I put it in second place makes me realize how much I enjoy Bob's Burgers.
3) Brooklyn Nine-Nine
This show caught me by surprise. It's more of a standard quirky character sitcom, but the characters are for the most part very likable and I can't help but laugh at the smarmy, cocky lead detective played by Andy Samberg. He almost always come out ahead.
4) Parks and Recreation
I'm probably the only person in America that doesn't like Amy Poehler's ultra-liberal government employee character, but the rest of the cast more than makes up for her shortcomings. Ron Swanson is simply the best character on television and balances her off well.
Honorable Mention: Modern Family
Cancelled But Great: Community
Dramas:
1) Mr Selfridge
While most of America raves about PBS's Downton Abbey (I like it to), it simply does not compare to the remarkable cast and story of Harry Selfridge, based on the life of real-life American business man who started the department store revolution in London in the early 1900's. The first season was good. The second season was GREAT. Now in the middle of World War One in Europe, it's a lot more than selling merchandise.
2) Person of Interest
This has been my favorite show since its debut. And it got BETTER this year. The only reason it's number two now is because of the last several episodes of Selfridge this month. The show has now rebooted to an even gloomier, dark big-brother society. I can't wait to see where it goes.
3) Blacklist
Every single episode was superb. I still think the main female character is a little too dense to be a believable FBI agent, and that weighs the show down. "Red" Reddington is the most likable villain on television. He has skills. Dangerous skills.
4) Bates Motel
How did Norman Bates get so creepy? He started out as a real nice boy, it's just that he's had a lot of difficult things in his life. Freddy Highmore plays Norman to perfection. He's really likable, and that's the key. You feel sorry for him. Each episode ends in a way that you crave the show even more.
5) Elementary
This modern day twist on the Sherlock Holmes legend has been less than consistent. This year it was more of a standard "Whodunnit". Except that the underlying subplot became the major story line the last few weeks. And THAT story line was incredible. The relationship between Holmes and Watson is the best on television. Respect has been earned on both sides of the equation.
6) Marvel: Agents of Shield
I tried to like this show all season. I nearly stopped watching it several times. It was just to "comic booky" in the bad sense of the word. I read comic books all the time. The good ones are great. This show seemed more like what people think of the really bad ones. But their recovery at the end of the season was more like the better comic book movies. It's still puts in too many hoakey bits for my liking, but the plots and characters are becoming less cartoony and more likable and compelling. This show wouldn't even be in the top twenty if it weren't for the last few episodes. And I'm grading on that.
Other shows I like but aren't consistent enough to list as best: Supernatural, Resurrection, Green Arrow, Grimm, Dowton Abbey
Of all the group crime shows on television, (CSI, Law and Order, NCIS and their variations) there is only ONE that I watch: Criminal Minds. It is hands down the the the best of the best. The characters take the victims deaths seriously. And they like each other. All the others are practically (and mostly) unwatchable.
Friday, May 23, 2014
San Diego Lineup
Detroit got clubbed by Texas last night, so the Twins find themselves half a game closer to first place this morning.
I've decided to review San Diego's batting order this week. Sometimes it's not your pitchers that are good, it's the others teams batters that are really, really bad.
The cleanup hitter, Chase Headley, who in 2012 led the National League in RBI, is at .194, and that was followed by averages of .200, .163, .193 and .204.
It was like going against a whole team of Aaron Hicks, with a dash of Pedro Florimon thrown in.
Sometimes the other team is just worse than you.
I've decided to review San Diego's batting order this week. Sometimes it's not your pitchers that are good, it's the others teams batters that are really, really bad.
The cleanup hitter, Chase Headley, who in 2012 led the National League in RBI, is at .194, and that was followed by averages of .200, .163, .193 and .204.
It was like going against a whole team of Aaron Hicks, with a dash of Pedro Florimon thrown in.
Sometimes the other team is just worse than you.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Super Bowl
When the Vikings have a new stadium in a couple years, I'll probably be more excited about this, but for the time being, I'll just look at the Vikings hosting a the Super Bowl in 2018 as a major financial coup for Minnesota. 10's of millions of dollars are going to flow into Minneapolis every year over the next decade and beyond because of that new stadium. Couple that with the taxes the players and visiting NFL players will pay and you have a pretty good picture of how valuable that new stadium really will be.
The Super Bowl is just the icing on the cake. The NFL owners are basically rewarding the state for building the stadium. That's how it works.
I laugh at people who say that the economic impact of the Super Bowl won't be enough to pay off the $500 million bill the state has invested in the new stadium.
Of course it won't. But up to $125 million EXTRA will come to the city because of just ONE event. That pays off 1/4 of the state's bill in one fell swoop.
Keeping the team HERE will pay for itself in the long run. And in the short run we have bragging rights to a Super Bowl.
The state capital building revamp is going to cost taxpayers just as much money as the new stadium, and there's no way THAT will ever pay for itself. It, like government in general, is just one big money pit. And it's one black hole that keeps getting larger with age.
It's good to keep things in perspective.
The Super Bowl is just the icing on the cake. The NFL owners are basically rewarding the state for building the stadium. That's how it works.
I laugh at people who say that the economic impact of the Super Bowl won't be enough to pay off the $500 million bill the state has invested in the new stadium.
Of course it won't. But up to $125 million EXTRA will come to the city because of just ONE event. That pays off 1/4 of the state's bill in one fell swoop.
Keeping the team HERE will pay for itself in the long run. And in the short run we have bragging rights to a Super Bowl.
The state capital building revamp is going to cost taxpayers just as much money as the new stadium, and there's no way THAT will ever pay for itself. It, like government in general, is just one big money pit. And it's one black hole that keeps getting larger with age.
It's good to keep things in perspective.
Hughes
The Twins have now won 6 straight Phil Hughes starts. Perkins messed up one of those for Phil but the Twins still won.
Last night Perkins was perfect in the ninth, earning his 14th save.
The Twins were actually outhit in the game by the punchless San Diego Padres, but both Parmalee and Plouffe delivered when needed.
What's cool is that Hughes didn't walk anyone at all, again. That's five straight starts (147 batters) without a walk. Even the very best starters give up a walk or two a game. So he's really on a roll.
Better? Detroit just got swept in their series with Cleveland. The Twins find themselves alone in second place, just five games out of first, having won 7 of their last 10.
Last night Perkins was perfect in the ninth, earning his 14th save.
The Twins were actually outhit in the game by the punchless San Diego Padres, but both Parmalee and Plouffe delivered when needed.
What's cool is that Hughes didn't walk anyone at all, again. That's five straight starts (147 batters) without a walk. Even the very best starters give up a walk or two a game. So he's really on a roll.
Better? Detroit just got swept in their series with Cleveland. The Twins find themselves alone in second place, just five games out of first, having won 7 of their last 10.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Twins Win
I HATE late night West Coast games. I stayed up last night and caught the first two innings, but then headed to bed.
Kevin Correia pitched one of his better games of the season AND Chris Parmalee hit another homerun.
The highlight? Suzuki hitting an inside-the-park homerun in the eighth.
Kevin Correia pitched one of his better games of the season AND Chris Parmalee hit another homerun.
The highlight? Suzuki hitting an inside-the-park homerun in the eighth.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
11 Year-Old to Golf in Women's U.S.Open
Lucy Li won her regional tournament by seven strokes to qualify.
Sometimes I think golf is way more natural-born ability than practice.
She is just one more really good example of that.
Sometimes I think golf is way more natural-born ability than practice.
She is just one more really good example of that.
Nasal Strips Part II
The New York Racing Commission met and decided that California Chrome COULD wear nasal strips at the Belmont Stakes.
The meeting went something like this:
"This will be the most watched horse race in history if we allow Chrome to wear those strips.
"We will look like the world's biggest putzes if we don't."
The motion was carried unanimously.
We can all breathe easier.
The meeting went something like this:
"This will be the most watched horse race in history if we allow Chrome to wear those strips.
"We will look like the world's biggest putzes if we don't."
The motion was carried unanimously.
We can all breathe easier.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Of Love And Nasal Strips
Kevin Love has told the Wolves that he is not going to sign an extension with the Wolves after next season. He's planning on seeking free agency if the Wolves don't trade him.
There goes next season. The Wolves will once again be in a rebuilding year. Even having Love for awhile next season, the whole team knows he will be leaving and he could be gone at any moment. That doesn't make for good team basketball.
Their best bet is to find a team he wants to play for and trade what you can get for him as quickly as they can, especially if he and his agent can work out a great deal with the new team before he's traded. That's usually how those things work.
One of the top three players in the NBA will no longer be a Wolve, and any interest I had in the NBA quickly dries up...
And the nasal strips? It seems that New York State, home of the Belmont Stakes has a rule against horses wearing nasal strips. They don't want horses to have an unfair competitive advantage when racing.
California Chrome wears nasal strips AND the Belmont is the longest race in the Triple Crown. Unless the rule changes within three weeks, there is a good chance that California Chrome won't even run the race.
And I can go back to hating horse racing.
There goes next season. The Wolves will once again be in a rebuilding year. Even having Love for awhile next season, the whole team knows he will be leaving and he could be gone at any moment. That doesn't make for good team basketball.
Their best bet is to find a team he wants to play for and trade what you can get for him as quickly as they can, especially if he and his agent can work out a great deal with the new team before he's traded. That's usually how those things work.
One of the top three players in the NBA will no longer be a Wolve, and any interest I had in the NBA quickly dries up...
And the nasal strips? It seems that New York State, home of the Belmont Stakes has a rule against horses wearing nasal strips. They don't want horses to have an unfair competitive advantage when racing.
California Chrome wears nasal strips AND the Belmont is the longest race in the Triple Crown. Unless the rule changes within three weeks, there is a good chance that California Chrome won't even run the race.
And I can go back to hating horse racing.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
California Chrome
Two for two. I might be wary of horse racing because of so many senseless deaths of the animals involved, but most likely I'll be watching the Belmont Stakes like everyone else in three weeks.
A Triple Crown Winner doesn't come along very often. Affirmed in 1978 was the last. Since that time 12 have won the first two and lost or pulled out of the Belmont.
36 years is a long time in horse years.
But just a reminder, it's been estimated that over half a million race horses have died racing worldwide in those 36 years since Affirmed.
That's a lot to think about.
A Triple Crown Winner doesn't come along very often. Affirmed in 1978 was the last. Since that time 12 have won the first two and lost or pulled out of the Belmont.
36 years is a long time in horse years.
But just a reminder, it's been estimated that over half a million race horses have died racing worldwide in those 36 years since Affirmed.
That's a lot to think about.
Dozier and Deduno
Sam Deduno was very good last night. He threw strikes and he got people out. He ended up with just two walks in his six innings while giving the Twins their third quality start in a row.
And Dozier, what do you say about Dozier? Yet another home run, this time the 3-run variety, and the Twins pull off a 4-3 win.
All I can say is, that without Dozier's bat, the Twins would be nowhere near .500.
Are the Twins a good team? Time will tell. Gardy made some major mistakes early this season, and I'm still not sure Hicks is a major league ballplayer. But right now, I look forward to their games.
Right now, that's good enough for me.
And Dozier, what do you say about Dozier? Yet another home run, this time the 3-run variety, and the Twins pull off a 4-3 win.
All I can say is, that without Dozier's bat, the Twins would be nowhere near .500.
Are the Twins a good team? Time will tell. Gardy made some major mistakes early this season, and I'm still not sure Hicks is a major league ballplayer. But right now, I look forward to their games.
Right now, that's good enough for me.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Dozier and Pinto
Kyle Gibson pitches much better at Target Field than on the road. Last night was no exception. He only gave up run one in the first 7 innings while Brian Dozier and Josmil Pinto both hit homeruns.
Between that and Plouffe, who hit another double last night, and Escobar, who is on a real roll hitting, the Twins managed onto hold on to another one-run squeaker.
Perkins didn't look great, but he got the job done last night, and the Twins are back to .500 for the season. 1/4 of the way through and they are alone in second place in the division.
The only real problem is that Detroit is still 6 1/2 games in front, and at 25-12 they don't look to collapse anytime soon. We might be having a a better than expected run this year, but with Detroit winning 2/3 of their games, it doesn't take a genius to see that .500 ball isn't going to cut it in the long haul. At this pace we'll be 27 games out by the end of the season.
But at least .500 ball is enough to keep me tuning in. That and Dozier's hitting.
Between that and Plouffe, who hit another double last night, and Escobar, who is on a real roll hitting, the Twins managed onto hold on to another one-run squeaker.
Perkins didn't look great, but he got the job done last night, and the Twins are back to .500 for the season. 1/4 of the way through and they are alone in second place in the division.
The only real problem is that Detroit is still 6 1/2 games in front, and at 25-12 they don't look to collapse anytime soon. We might be having a a better than expected run this year, but with Detroit winning 2/3 of their games, it doesn't take a genius to see that .500 ball isn't going to cut it in the long haul. At this pace we'll be 27 games out by the end of the season.
But at least .500 ball is enough to keep me tuning in. That and Dozier's hitting.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Twins
Phil Hughes is becoming the man in the Twins rotation. Another great start was ruined by a poor Perkins' finish, but we still won, and I guess that's all that matters.
Nice? Colabello might be struggling, but all the sudden recently recalled Chris Parmalee is showing some of the power we always expected of him. So far this season it's been more than one guy stepping up to the plate to get the job done. You NEED that to have a good season.
And Kurt Suzuki, who I was bad-mouthing all spring, has become Mr. Clutch so far this season. That .325 average to lead the Twins astounds me. Pleasant surprises make for great seasons.
Go Twins!
Nice? Colabello might be struggling, but all the sudden recently recalled Chris Parmalee is showing some of the power we always expected of him. So far this season it's been more than one guy stepping up to the plate to get the job done. You NEED that to have a good season.
And Kurt Suzuki, who I was bad-mouthing all spring, has become Mr. Clutch so far this season. That .325 average to lead the Twins astounds me. Pleasant surprises make for great seasons.
Go Twins!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Baseball
I don't want to talk about the Twins getting whomped last night.
But I did notice the Gem of the Orient, Mashahiro Tanaka, got his sixth win without a loss last night for the Yankees, AND it was his FIRST major league shutout. With an ERA at 2.17 and a WHIP at .91, I'd say the Yankees investment in Tanaka is paying off huge early dividends.
I don't like the Yankees much, but I still love some of their players. Tanaka is worth keeping an eye on.
But I did notice the Gem of the Orient, Mashahiro Tanaka, got his sixth win without a loss last night for the Yankees, AND it was his FIRST major league shutout. With an ERA at 2.17 and a WHIP at .91, I'd say the Yankees investment in Tanaka is paying off huge early dividends.
I don't like the Yankees much, but I still love some of their players. Tanaka is worth keeping an eye on.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
DON'T Buy the Jersey
Minnesota Viking fans joke about the incompetence of Christian Ponder, but a mannequin in a Cleveland area store let's us know how much worse it could be.
Twins Win, Wild Done
The returning Chris Parmalee was THE man for the Twins last night. He may have been back for a few games already but last night he finally contributed in a big way--a walk-off two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. You know, the kind of play that every kid in America dreams about when he first begins to watch baseball at a young age.
With every team in baseball (except the division leaders) hovering around the .500 mark, the Twins are proving game in and game out that they just as mediocre as anybody else. Knowing the season is almost 1/4 over at this point, I'll take that as big plus.
The pitching might be sketchy, but the offense is still around more often than it's not not.
And it makes for some enjoyable games.
The Wild, on the other hand, last night succumbed to the NHL law of averages. Every team is truly equal and eventually you will lose a couple of heart breaking 2-1 games in a row that you could have easily went the other way, and your season will be over. And that's exactly how all soccer team variation seasons end.
At least it was on CNBC last night. Our cable company gives us THAT channel. I watched enough of the game last night to once again realize that ice soccer is as boring as real soccer. There are far too many people on the ice to truly have a meaningful game. If soccer or hockey lost of couple of their players, it might open the game up a tad. Getting rid of offsides would open it up even more.
As it is, every player must stand around, close together, gumming up the works.
The NHL calls it defense.
I call it unwatchable.
That's why it on CNBC.
With every team in baseball (except the division leaders) hovering around the .500 mark, the Twins are proving game in and game out that they just as mediocre as anybody else. Knowing the season is almost 1/4 over at this point, I'll take that as big plus.
The pitching might be sketchy, but the offense is still around more often than it's not not.
And it makes for some enjoyable games.
The Wild, on the other hand, last night succumbed to the NHL law of averages. Every team is truly equal and eventually you will lose a couple of heart breaking 2-1 games in a row that you could have easily went the other way, and your season will be over. And that's exactly how all soccer team variation seasons end.
At least it was on CNBC last night. Our cable company gives us THAT channel. I watched enough of the game last night to once again realize that ice soccer is as boring as real soccer. There are far too many people on the ice to truly have a meaningful game. If soccer or hockey lost of couple of their players, it might open the game up a tad. Getting rid of offsides would open it up even more.
As it is, every player must stand around, close together, gumming up the works.
The NHL calls it defense.
I call it unwatchable.
That's why it on CNBC.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Synthol
I'm becoming more and more amused by fake bodybuilders. They merely inject a dangerous oil and alcohol substance into their muscles to look big. I guess this guy from Brazil is one of the worst offenders and is quite a joke among real the bodybuilder scene.
Sadly, I still think he looks better than women with breast implants.
Sadly, I still think he looks better than women with breast implants.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Twins Win, Wild Lose
The Twins had a really nice rally yesterday to take the series from division leading Detroit 4-3. Perkins got a rare four-out save, starting out with the potential tying run on third with two outs in the eighth.
The Wild had a 1-0 lead at the midpoint of the second period, but went on to lose to The Blackhawks 2-1.
Both games were nerve-wracking. That's the nature of sport. That's why we watch.
The Wild had a 1-0 lead at the midpoint of the second period, but went on to lose to The Blackhawks 2-1.
Both games were nerve-wracking. That's the nature of sport. That's why we watch.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Another Draft is Over
The NFL makes a big deal out of the draft.
The way I look at it, it's a three day game of poker, and the winner or winners won't know if they won or lost for several more years.
And nobody will ever admit to losing.
It's curious that the Vikings didn't draft cornerback help until the later rounds. Once you draft the 155th best player in the draft or the 188th, it's harder and harder to think that you drafted someone under the radar that's going to surprise everyone.
Basically, through it all, Matt Cassel will be our starter next year. Ponder will be his back-up if something happens to him and Teddy Bridgewater will be riding the bench until he's ready.
And we hope there will be a few of our picks that can contribute as starters right away.
Just like every year.
The way I look at it, it's a three day game of poker, and the winner or winners won't know if they won or lost for several more years.
And nobody will ever admit to losing.
It's curious that the Vikings didn't draft cornerback help until the later rounds. Once you draft the 155th best player in the draft or the 188th, it's harder and harder to think that you drafted someone under the radar that's going to surprise everyone.
Basically, through it all, Matt Cassel will be our starter next year. Ponder will be his back-up if something happens to him and Teddy Bridgewater will be riding the bench until he's ready.
And we hope there will be a few of our picks that can contribute as starters right away.
Just like every year.
Stat of the Day
Do you remember that Michael Cuddyer won the NL batting title last year? Justin Morneau, another former Twin, clearly recovered from concussion syndrome, is having a great year in Colorado THIS Season.
(He has 8 homeruns and 29 RBI too!)
(He has 8 homeruns and 29 RBI too!)
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Vikings
The Vikings are taking athletes in the draft.
Their first pick was a running back who was converted to linebacker for one year. In that one year, he managed 13 1/2 sacks.
Their third pick was a cornerback/kick returning/quarterback who the Vikings see as a running back. He's incredibly strong (32 consecutive bench presses at 225 pounds). He's incredibly quick (his ability to make quick cuts at combines reminded everyone of Darren Sproles) and he's fast ( he may give Webb and Peterson a run for their money as the fastest Vikings player ever) and the Vikings think he could play well wherever they decide to play him. Did I mention he has a 40 inch vertical jump?
I like the new coach's idea of who you should have on your team. GREAT athletes with fantastic coaching and training should give you unbelievably great football players.
I'm willing to see how all that shakes out.
Maybe they'll even figure out what to do with Joe Webb.
Their first pick was a running back who was converted to linebacker for one year. In that one year, he managed 13 1/2 sacks.
Their third pick was a cornerback/kick returning/quarterback who the Vikings see as a running back. He's incredibly strong (32 consecutive bench presses at 225 pounds). He's incredibly quick (his ability to make quick cuts at combines reminded everyone of Darren Sproles) and he's fast ( he may give Webb and Peterson a run for their money as the fastest Vikings player ever) and the Vikings think he could play well wherever they decide to play him. Did I mention he has a 40 inch vertical jump?
I like the new coach's idea of who you should have on your team. GREAT athletes with fantastic coaching and training should give you unbelievably great football players.
I'm willing to see how all that shakes out.
Maybe they'll even figure out what to do with Joe Webb.
Wild Win
My local cable company, Mediacom, does not carry the channel that shows the Wild. Normally I wouldn't care, but with the series with the Blackhawks now tied, I'm kinda wishin' I could see at least a bit of their games.
Part of the problem is that NBC puts the games on their not-very-available NBC Sports channel (only 25% of cable providers place it their 2nd tier programming) and part of the problem is that the NHL doesn't make a better deal for their product so that people can watch it on real channels. Fuel and Versus come to mind.
ESPN, for instance, is carried by all major providers and often has audiences of over 20 million viewers. NBC Sports One has yet to crack 100,000 viewers for a single prime time show.
A rinky-dink product gets a rinky-dink network I guess.
Anyway, the series is tied 2-2, and though I don't expect the Wild to win the series, (they are a Minnesota sports team after all) I'm suspecting that Blackhawks fans are now sweating buckets after not taking us seriously at the beginning of the series.
That in itself is a win for me.
Go Wild! I hear the next round of playoffs will be on REAL channels.
Though that's just a rumor for now.
Part of the problem is that NBC puts the games on their not-very-available NBC Sports channel (only 25% of cable providers place it their 2nd tier programming) and part of the problem is that the NHL doesn't make a better deal for their product so that people can watch it on real channels. Fuel and Versus come to mind.
ESPN, for instance, is carried by all major providers and often has audiences of over 20 million viewers. NBC Sports One has yet to crack 100,000 viewers for a single prime time show.
A rinky-dink product gets a rinky-dink network I guess.
Anyway, the series is tied 2-2, and though I don't expect the Wild to win the series, (they are a Minnesota sports team after all) I'm suspecting that Blackhawks fans are now sweating buckets after not taking us seriously at the beginning of the series.
That in itself is a win for me.
Go Wild! I hear the next round of playoffs will be on REAL channels.
Though that's just a rumor for now.
Hughes Outduels Verlander
Phil Hughes got his fourth straight win as the Twins beat Justin Verlander for the first time in over four seasons last night. It was Hughe's third straight game without issuing a single walk.
Perkins pitched a scary ninth, made even scarier by ever-graceless Jason Kubel's outfield play, but in the long run the lack of outfield gazelles didn't hurt the Twins in the win column.
The Twin's Mr. Clutch, Kurt Susuki, came through yet again last night with a two-run single in the seventh. That's all the Twins got. That's all they needed.
Perkins pitched a scary ninth, made even scarier by ever-graceless Jason Kubel's outfield play, but in the long run the lack of outfield gazelles didn't hurt the Twins in the win column.
The Twin's Mr. Clutch, Kurt Susuki, came through yet again last night with a two-run single in the seventh. That's all the Twins got. That's all they needed.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Vikings
I admit I was pretty disappointed last night watching the early part of the draft. So many commentators had the Vikings picking Manziel eighth, that when it didn't happen I was bummed. That they picked a linebacker that the commentators thought was average at best, made it worse.
But the Vikings picking Teddy Bridgewater 32nd in the first round more than made up for it. MOST experts figure he is a better long-term NFL QB and a better selection than Johnny Football. He was ranked in the top 3 QB slots available, many had him at number one.
His arm strength has always been in question, but his accuracy under pressure is his greatest strength.
He comes with a load of concerns, though. He has a known heart irregularity and he looked a little lost at the combines. His main stat? 31 TDs versus just 4 picks last season.
The Vikings lost their second and fourth round picks to Seattle to make sure they got him. We can only sit back and wait to see if he was worth it.
In other sports news, the Twins got beat by Cleveland again AND broken down Joe Mauer is probably headed to the DL. His contract makes me cry.
Oh, and Pedro Florimon and his .108 batting average was sent down to Rochester so that Eduardo Escobar can play his normal position instead of centerfield.
I can't help but think that the Twins would not be in this position if they'd cut Jason Bartlett (like they should have) and kept Alex Presley at the beginning of the season. Presley has three home runs so far this year for Houston.
Some people tell me that the Twins being a bad team is not Gardy's fault. Keeping Florimon this long and picking Bartlett over Presley are just TWO of the examples I could give to prove to them they are wrong. And I can't figure out why the Twins have THREE shortstops on their roster today yet.
...or why Mike Pelfrey is a starting pitcher for the Twins at all, or...
Well, you get the idea. So much of this mess IS Gardy's fault, and it's messed up the organization so much that it will not be easy to fix.
But the Vikings picking Teddy Bridgewater 32nd in the first round more than made up for it. MOST experts figure he is a better long-term NFL QB and a better selection than Johnny Football. He was ranked in the top 3 QB slots available, many had him at number one.
His arm strength has always been in question, but his accuracy under pressure is his greatest strength.
He comes with a load of concerns, though. He has a known heart irregularity and he looked a little lost at the combines. His main stat? 31 TDs versus just 4 picks last season.
The Vikings lost their second and fourth round picks to Seattle to make sure they got him. We can only sit back and wait to see if he was worth it.
In other sports news, the Twins got beat by Cleveland again AND broken down Joe Mauer is probably headed to the DL. His contract makes me cry.
Oh, and Pedro Florimon and his .108 batting average was sent down to Rochester so that Eduardo Escobar can play his normal position instead of centerfield.
I can't help but think that the Twins would not be in this position if they'd cut Jason Bartlett (like they should have) and kept Alex Presley at the beginning of the season. Presley has three home runs so far this year for Houston.
Some people tell me that the Twins being a bad team is not Gardy's fault. Keeping Florimon this long and picking Bartlett over Presley are just TWO of the examples I could give to prove to them they are wrong. And I can't figure out why the Twins have THREE shortstops on their roster today yet.
...or why Mike Pelfrey is a starting pitcher for the Twins at all, or...
Well, you get the idea. So much of this mess IS Gardy's fault, and it's messed up the organization so much that it will not be easy to fix.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Two Outs, Bottom of the Ninth
When you're the visiting team in a tied game in the bottom of the ninth inning, it's a totally different game from when you're the home team.
Nolasco pitched well, but not good enough to win. Mauer is still riddled with back spasms. Willingham is about to go on the 60-day disabled list because of his wrist fracture.
And the Twins lost a heartbreaker.
Cleveland had been in a major slump when the Twins came to town.
We helped them fix that.
Nolasco pitched well, but not good enough to win. Mauer is still riddled with back spasms. Willingham is about to go on the 60-day disabled list because of his wrist fracture.
And the Twins lost a heartbreaker.
Cleveland had been in a major slump when the Twins came to town.
We helped them fix that.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Deduno First Couple of Innings
That really was the story of the game. Colabello's error didn't help.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Jack Is Back!
I've missed the TV show "24". Last night, it was back and it took top billing on our TV screen last night. A great 2-hour premiere.
Kyle Gibson pitched a gem for the Twins last night, but I didn't get see much of the game because of 24. A 1-0 final score in 10 innings. No one made it past second base for Cleveland. Sam Deduno gets his first start of the season tonight. The Twins have had 3 very good stats in a row. Here's hoping Sam makes it 4.
The Vikings did not pick up Christian Ponder's option. He'll be a free agent after this coming season. The chances of us drafting another quarterback early in this year's draft just got considerably higher.
The NFL draft starts Thursday. One of the Vikings purposed early picks was caught in a drug test yesterday. It's a good thing we hadn't taken him yet.
Kyle Gibson pitched a gem for the Twins last night, but I didn't get see much of the game because of 24. A 1-0 final score in 10 innings. No one made it past second base for Cleveland. Sam Deduno gets his first start of the season tonight. The Twins have had 3 very good stats in a row. Here's hoping Sam makes it 4.
The Vikings did not pick up Christian Ponder's option. He'll be a free agent after this coming season. The chances of us drafting another quarterback early in this year's draft just got considerably higher.
The NFL draft starts Thursday. One of the Vikings purposed early picks was caught in a drug test yesterday. It's a good thing we hadn't taken him yet.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Twins
Quick Hits:
Twins took the series from Baltimore yesterday.
They got a ton of walks again.
Plouffe leads the league with 14 doubles.
Suzuki leads the league in batting average with runners in scoring position.
Hughes picked up his third straight win.
Mauer left the game with back spasms.
The Twins drew over 20,000 again.
Twins took the series from Baltimore yesterday.
They got a ton of walks again.
Plouffe leads the league with 14 doubles.
Suzuki leads the league in batting average with runners in scoring position.
Hughes picked up his third straight win.
Mauer left the game with back spasms.
The Twins drew over 20,000 again.
Fighting Discrimination
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BjOiPkueto
A man with no hands trying to be a UFC fighter.
A man with no hands trying to be a UFC fighter.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Horse Death Watch
Over 1,100 race horses have died in the last 2,600 days in Great Britain.
horsedeathwatch.com supplies the details.
It isn't any better in America.
The movie industry gets in trouble if even ONE horse dies during a filming accident. Horse racing seems immune to criticism.
I'm not a huge animal rights advocate, but when this many animals die on a regular basis just to supply us with entertainment, I can't help but at least take notice.
Thousands of horses every year, worldwide, just so we have something to gamble on.
And Michael Vick is a criminal?
I just don't understand it.
In related news, California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby yesterday.
horsedeathwatch.com supplies the details.
It isn't any better in America.
The movie industry gets in trouble if even ONE horse dies during a filming accident. Horse racing seems immune to criticism.
I'm not a huge animal rights advocate, but when this many animals die on a regular basis just to supply us with entertainment, I can't help but at least take notice.
Thousands of horses every year, worldwide, just so we have something to gamble on.
And Michael Vick is a criminal?
I just don't understand it.
In related news, California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby yesterday.
Twins
Nolasco pitched nine very good innings for the Twins on Friday, but the Twins offense was shutout.
Yesterday the Twins got another very good performance, this time from Kevin Correia, who FINALLY picked up his first win of the season. Of course it helped that both Mauer and Dozier homered.
Mauer's slowly creeping back up to the .300 mark as well. And Dozier now has eight dingers for the season.
Pelfrey's headed to the DL and Gardy already has said he will have a rehab assignment to go with it, so the good news just keeps coming!!!
Hughes, who has two wins in a row, pitches today.
Yesterday the Twins got another very good performance, this time from Kevin Correia, who FINALLY picked up his first win of the season. Of course it helped that both Mauer and Dozier homered.
Mauer's slowly creeping back up to the .300 mark as well. And Dozier now has eight dingers for the season.
Pelfrey's headed to the DL and Gardy already has said he will have a rehab assignment to go with it, so the good news just keeps coming!!!
Hughes, who has two wins in a row, pitches today.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Friday, May 2, 2014
Twins
Those Dodgers sure have good pitching, don't they?
The Twins took over 9 hours to lose that double-header yesterday.
The less said about that sweep the better.
That's gotta be one of the coldest series ever played, and for the most part, the fans responded by staying home.
Pelfrey, a regular starter, has not won a home game in over a year now.
A YEAR!
The kid we brought up last night for the second game looked good for 4 plus innings.
I wonder if the Twins will make room for him on the regular roster?
The Twins took over 9 hours to lose that double-header yesterday.
The less said about that sweep the better.
That's gotta be one of the coldest series ever played, and for the most part, the fans responded by staying home.
Pelfrey, a regular starter, has not won a home game in over a year now.
A YEAR!
The kid we brought up last night for the second game looked good for 4 plus innings.
I wonder if the Twins will make room for him on the regular roster?
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Wild Vs. Blackhhawks Friday
I make fun of ice soccer, but last night's game was a great accomplishment for Minnesota. Their season continues for at least a few more games.
Vikings Offense
Wide receiver Greg Jennings has been quoted as saying that there are so many things in the new scheme that the variations on a single play in Turner’s offense are almost as diverse as last year’s entire playbook.
His head is spinning at the the prospect of Norv Turner's sophisticated offense.
For a team that is known for years to only run it up the middle three times in a row and then punt, this is very good news.
Go Bill Musgrave. Go Norv Turner. Go Vikings.
Offensive playbooks are meant to be more than a page and a half long, double spaced with 14 point font.
Now, if we only had a quarterback...
His head is spinning at the the prospect of Norv Turner's sophisticated offense.
For a team that is known for years to only run it up the middle three times in a row and then punt, this is very good news.
Go Bill Musgrave. Go Norv Turner. Go Vikings.
Offensive playbooks are meant to be more than a page and a half long, double spaced with 14 point font.
Now, if we only had a quarterback...
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