Hughes is now "0 for April." He left the game after the fifth with a hip flexor injury. The Twins "defense" made a mockery of the game at that point. And all the goodwill the team was building on offense yesterday went out the window. It's hard to write about.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Verne Gagne
Wrestling lost another great yesterday. He was the guy that hooked me on wrestling.
He was 89.
He was 89.
Baltimore
The Orioles game today is scheduled to be played in front of an empty stadium to avoid the racial tension and violence brewing there. I get that blacks are upset. Plundering your home town is not the answer. IF YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM. And you're making it worse.
A few bad people on both sides are going to destroy you. And it won't be long before all sympathy is lost.
A few bad people on both sides are going to destroy you. And it won't be long before all sympathy is lost.
Pelfrey!!!!!!!!
Mike Pelfrey has shut down the two best teams in the American League in his last two starts. He's only given up a total of two earned runs in his last three starts. Is this man becoming our ACE?
Not complaining. Nope, not at all. !0 more hits for the Twins last night including ANOTHER three by leadoff man Santana.
A new ACE and a REAL leadoff man? What more could a Twins fan ask for.
Go Twins!!!
Not complaining. Nope, not at all. !0 more hits for the Twins last night including ANOTHER three by leadoff man Santana.
A new ACE and a REAL leadoff man? What more could a Twins fan ask for.
Go Twins!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Twins Lose
This was more disappointing than most losses. Milone was horrible, but the relief was good. Price was less than stellar AND the Twins had a good opportunity late to tie. They didn't.
A good game. Wrong outcome.
A good game. Wrong outcome.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Wild Advance, Twins Win In Extra Innngs
It was a very pleasing Sunday afternoon for Minnesota sports fans.
I refuse to get too excited about the Wild just yet. They advanced to the second round of playoffs last year, too. (And the Blues have now lost in the first round for three years in a row...) So everything, to this point, is going pretty much as expected.
The Blackhawks are a totally different story. The Wild never get past the Chicago bad boys. Dubnyk has been the secret weapon of the Wild's success this year, and it's his continued success in which the Wild's hope lies. THIS IS THE KEY SERIES. We're better than we've ever been. The Hawks aren't what they once were. That's a nice place to be in if you're the Wild. I can't smell the Stanley Cup just yet, but I'm starting to do some real sniffing...
Joe Mauer had three hits again, yesterday, including the game-winning two-run triple in the 11th inning. Pitching has been good for the Twins lately. Hitting has been good enough. And Joe has managed to stay near the .300 mark so far. If Trevor May's elbow is okay and Kyle Gibson keeps looking this good, the Twins will at least be worth watching for a while longer.
The Nimble one sent me a link to an article yesterday about Molitor actually talking about the metrics of perhaps batting Mauer first in the line-up. Just knowing that Molitor is acknowledging that metrics exist is a step in the right direction as well. That he might be using them is more than my heart can take...
I refuse to get too excited about the Wild just yet. They advanced to the second round of playoffs last year, too. (And the Blues have now lost in the first round for three years in a row...) So everything, to this point, is going pretty much as expected.
The Blackhawks are a totally different story. The Wild never get past the Chicago bad boys. Dubnyk has been the secret weapon of the Wild's success this year, and it's his continued success in which the Wild's hope lies. THIS IS THE KEY SERIES. We're better than we've ever been. The Hawks aren't what they once were. That's a nice place to be in if you're the Wild. I can't smell the Stanley Cup just yet, but I'm starting to do some real sniffing...
Joe Mauer had three hits again, yesterday, including the game-winning two-run triple in the 11th inning. Pitching has been good for the Twins lately. Hitting has been good enough. And Joe has managed to stay near the .300 mark so far. If Trevor May's elbow is okay and Kyle Gibson keeps looking this good, the Twins will at least be worth watching for a while longer.
The Nimble one sent me a link to an article yesterday about Molitor actually talking about the metrics of perhaps batting Mauer first in the line-up. Just knowing that Molitor is acknowledging that metrics exist is a step in the right direction as well. That he might be using them is more than my heart can take...
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Twins (All of Them) Win
Now that was a team victory. Lots of hits, RBI, and runs from the whole lineup. Way too many pitchers after Trevor May got hit, BUT they kept Seattle at bay AND they won.
That's all I ask for.
That's all I ask for.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
I Find This Hysterical
A reporter from ESPN predicts each game of the upcoming Vikings this season.
http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/13396/game-by-game-predictions-minnesota-vikings
This is so far beyond stupid that it makes me wonder how he can even be associated with sports. I guess he gets paid by the column inch.
http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/13396/game-by-game-predictions-minnesota-vikings
This is so far beyond stupid that it makes me wonder how he can even be associated with sports. I guess he gets paid by the column inch.
Twins Lose
I certainly don't blame Phil Hughes for being 0-4 this season. He always gets matched up against the best pitchers in baseball. Last night was no exception. Hernandez pitched a perfect game through four innings. He shut the Twins batters down and out. Hughes was almost as good, but a team can't win if they don't score. Those late inning chances just weren't enough.
Good game. Wrong outcome. I feel sorry for Hughes.
Good game. Wrong outcome. I feel sorry for Hughes.
Dubnyk Shines Once More
The Blues scored first last night, but that single goal was all they got this game. The Wild have a 3-2 series lead with two games left in the series.
Go Wild!!!
Go Wild!!!
Friday, April 24, 2015
Former Relievers
Joe Nathan faced ONE batter this season, the Torii Hunter disputed strikeout. His elbow felt weird and now it's been discovered he needs another Tommy John surgery because of a ligament tear. He's 40. He says he'll be back. Most don't think so. I think he's done as well.
LaTroy Hawkins, at 42, was placed on the disabled list this week by Colorado, after being stripped of his closer role. He said this was going to be his final season. Most think he''s done now as well.
Jose Mijares was released by the Reds in spring training. He was released in the spring by Boston last year. He hasn't pitched since 2013 when he was suspended by the Reds for 50 games because of drug abuse. He's only 30, left-handed, and has a lifetime ERA of 3.23 BUT NO ONE WANTS HIM.
Jesse Crain signed with the White Sox after he left the Twins in 2010. He had one big year by throwing his slider far too often. In 2013 he made the All-Star team but got hurt (arm troubles) before the game was played. He's bounced between several teams since that injury. Currently, he's on a rehab assignment back with the Sox.
Matt Capps was released by the Braves in spring training. He's pitched just 12 innings in the last two seasons. He's only 31 but no one wants him. Though the Braves have re-signed him lately, he's not pitching. They may have other jobs for him.
Jared Burton was left go by the Twins in spring training. The Yankees then signed him and cut him, still in spring training. They re-signed him to a minor league contract to avoid some contract bonus. He hasn't pitched an inning in the minors or majors yet this year.
Anthony Swarzak is pitching horribly for Cleveland. His future there is in doubt as well.
LaTroy Hawkins, at 42, was placed on the disabled list this week by Colorado, after being stripped of his closer role. He said this was going to be his final season. Most think he''s done now as well.
Jose Mijares was released by the Reds in spring training. He was released in the spring by Boston last year. He hasn't pitched since 2013 when he was suspended by the Reds for 50 games because of drug abuse. He's only 30, left-handed, and has a lifetime ERA of 3.23 BUT NO ONE WANTS HIM.
Jesse Crain signed with the White Sox after he left the Twins in 2010. He had one big year by throwing his slider far too often. In 2013 he made the All-Star team but got hurt (arm troubles) before the game was played. He's bounced between several teams since that injury. Currently, he's on a rehab assignment back with the Sox.
Matt Capps was released by the Braves in spring training. He's pitched just 12 innings in the last two seasons. He's only 31 but no one wants him. Though the Braves have re-signed him lately, he's not pitching. They may have other jobs for him.
Jared Burton was left go by the Twins in spring training. The Yankees then signed him and cut him, still in spring training. They re-signed him to a minor league contract to avoid some contract bonus. He hasn't pitched an inning in the minors or majors yet this year.
Anthony Swarzak is pitching horribly for Cleveland. His future there is in doubt as well.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Pelfrey??? PELFREY!!! Bada Bing! Bada BOOOOM!
If Mike Pelfrey wants to become the pitcher he thinks he is, I sure won't stand in his way. He hasn't had a win since 2013, so last night's surprise performance against a good Royals team was an absolute delight to the eight Twins fans who are still watching.
Now if Torii and Joe want to start playing like they're 25 again, and Arcia learns how to hit and catch, and Santana can figure out how to play shortstop again, and the REST of the Twins pitchers can up their game to major league performance level, we may have something.
As it is, it was just one good win. And I'll take what I can get.
More please.
Now if Torii and Joe want to start playing like they're 25 again, and Arcia learns how to hit and catch, and Santana can figure out how to play shortstop again, and the REST of the Twins pitchers can up their game to major league performance level, we may have something.
As it is, it was just one good win. And I'll take what I can get.
More please.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Peterson
You remember how Adrian Peterson fought to have his suspension lifted before the mid-April date? He was told Friday that he could now participate with Vikings early camp and training by the league. His suspension has been fully lifted.
The Vikings haven't heard from him yet. I guess it was just the principle of the thing that he was fighting.
That's our Adrian, a man of principle and honor. Someone who puts the little guy first above his own needs and wants. Someone who looks after others at great sacrifice to himself.
That's just what a team player does.
The Vikings haven't heard from him yet. I guess it was just the principle of the thing that he was fighting.
That's our Adrian, a man of principle and honor. Someone who puts the little guy first above his own needs and wants. Someone who looks after others at great sacrifice to himself.
That's just what a team player does.
Twins Lose
Bad bullpen, bad base running, and generally inept play, all orchestrated by a manager who has very little to work with. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, your 2015 Minnesota Twins. This is going to be a really, really long season.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Wild Win
As usual, I watched much of the early part of the game last night. I went back later and discovered we were up 2-0. I still have not seen a goal scored live. I don't like hockey enough to watch a whole game. But the Wild are now up 2-1 in the series and I'm happy for them.
Go Wild!
Go Wild!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Trevor May, Torii Hunter- BOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!
Nolasco having arm trouble early in the season is just what the doctor ordered for the Twins. Trevor May, his replacement, got his first win of the season, while Torii picked up his first home run for the Twins in quite a while.
Some readers seem to think I hate Torii Hunter. I don't. I fully expect him to hit 10-12 home runs for the Twins this season. I do hate the philosophy he represents, though. We shouldn't be paying someone that old, that much money to be our right outfielder. He SHOULD be hitting home runs for us at that salary. He SHOULD be contributing to the club offensively. If he didn't, he'd be a total waste because his defense has declined considerably.
In much the same way that Trevor May replaced an aging Nolasco in the lineup yesterday, we should have a much younger player in right. The home run was nice. The YOUNGER pitcher doing great was far better.
The best part? Torii's home run came off FORMER Twin Anthony Swarzack. The Twins need to keep cutting players, like Swarzack, who don't have it any more. Building for the future requires some painful, maybe expensive, pruning.
But the Twins aren't going to be fruitful again without that pruning.
Some readers seem to think I hate Torii Hunter. I don't. I fully expect him to hit 10-12 home runs for the Twins this season. I do hate the philosophy he represents, though. We shouldn't be paying someone that old, that much money to be our right outfielder. He SHOULD be hitting home runs for us at that salary. He SHOULD be contributing to the club offensively. If he didn't, he'd be a total waste because his defense has declined considerably.
In much the same way that Trevor May replaced an aging Nolasco in the lineup yesterday, we should have a much younger player in right. The home run was nice. The YOUNGER pitcher doing great was far better.
The best part? Torii's home run came off FORMER Twin Anthony Swarzack. The Twins need to keep cutting players, like Swarzack, who don't have it any more. Building for the future requires some painful, maybe expensive, pruning.
But the Twins aren't going to be fruitful again without that pruning.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Wild, Twins, Swarm Lose
I actually watched quite a bit of all three games yesterday afternoon.
My initial thoughts are that none of them were particularly entertaining. Phil Hughes is now 0-3. He hasn't been all that good so far, but the pitching he's facing has really stymied the Twins. Yesterday eight of the first nine Twins outs were strikeouts. Danny Salazar was real impressive in his debut for Cleveland. Cleveland, yesterday, was simply the better club.
I'm still trying to enjoy hockey again, but all I see when I watch it is a lot of movement (not to be confused with action) with little results. As usual, I didn't see one of the goals live. You have to be viewing at the just the right time to actually see a score. As a comparison, it would be as if baseball only scored on homeruns and everything else was an out. The chances of seeing a score that way is pretty remote.
Football and baseball build to a score. You can anticipate a score based on that. Basketball players score about half the time when they are in their end. A hockey team may take 18-22 shots A GAME, yet only once or twice will they score. Like I said, just a lot of meaningless movement, with little to show for their efforts. It's ice soccer.
The Swarm game was so similar, that I quickly lost interest there, too, though those goalie uniform/costumes are still a hoot.
A wasted afternoon? No. But, I think I'll try doing something else today rather than watch sports. I mean, what's worse: a game with wasted movement OR sitting in a chair all afternoon, with no movement, watching it?
My initial thoughts are that none of them were particularly entertaining. Phil Hughes is now 0-3. He hasn't been all that good so far, but the pitching he's facing has really stymied the Twins. Yesterday eight of the first nine Twins outs were strikeouts. Danny Salazar was real impressive in his debut for Cleveland. Cleveland, yesterday, was simply the better club.
I'm still trying to enjoy hockey again, but all I see when I watch it is a lot of movement (not to be confused with action) with little results. As usual, I didn't see one of the goals live. You have to be viewing at the just the right time to actually see a score. As a comparison, it would be as if baseball only scored on homeruns and everything else was an out. The chances of seeing a score that way is pretty remote.
Football and baseball build to a score. You can anticipate a score based on that. Basketball players score about half the time when they are in their end. A hockey team may take 18-22 shots A GAME, yet only once or twice will they score. Like I said, just a lot of meaningless movement, with little to show for their efforts. It's ice soccer.
The Swarm game was so similar, that I quickly lost interest there, too, though those goalie uniform/costumes are still a hoot.
A wasted afternoon? No. But, I think I'll try doing something else today rather than watch sports. I mean, what's worse: a game with wasted movement OR sitting in a chair all afternoon, with no movement, watching it?
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Plouffe--BOOOOOOM!!!!! Three in a Row
Win or lose, I had nothing to complain about last night. I knew the Twins were going against the reigning Cy Young award winner in Cleveland's Corey Kluber. And he gave the Indians five perfect innings last night. Mike Pelfrey kept the game close, though. He left after 5, keeping the Twins close at 1-0. I always said he could give us five good innings when he's good, but Gardy always had him come out for the sixth. Molitor was smarter than Gardy last night. He pulled Pefrey at just the right time.
Good relief and just the right amount of hitting was enough to pull off the win. That and the homerun that Plouffe delivered in the 11th.
Three in a row!
Boom!!
Good relief and just the right amount of hitting was enough to pull off the win. That and the homerun that Plouffe delivered in the 11th.
Three in a row!
Boom!!
Friday, April 17, 2015
Minnesotans Go Wild!
I've told everyone who will listen over the years why hockey is not really a sport. (ANY sport with a goaltender is NOT a sport.) I'm not getting into more of that here.
BUT my hang-ups are not going to get in the way of me enjoying a Wild Stanley Cup run. Last night AT St. Louis they took the first step. I watched much of the game last night, but went to bed at 10 as always. (I hate playoff game time scheduling, but that's another rant for another day as well.) The Wild were up 2-0 at the time and, as is the case with hockey, I somehow managed to miss both goals because I was briefly doing something else. That's hockey, a bunch of meaningless back and forth in-fighting and suddenly-- a goal.
The Wild won. That's all that matters. If I keep watching, I might even see a goal.
I'm going to be watching a while yet.
This is a time for all Minnesotans to go wild!
BUT my hang-ups are not going to get in the way of me enjoying a Wild Stanley Cup run. Last night AT St. Louis they took the first step. I watched much of the game last night, but went to bed at 10 as always. (I hate playoff game time scheduling, but that's another rant for another day as well.) The Wild were up 2-0 at the time and, as is the case with hockey, I somehow managed to miss both goals because I was briefly doing something else. That's hockey, a bunch of meaningless back and forth in-fighting and suddenly-- a goal.
The Wild won. That's all that matters. If I keep watching, I might even see a goal.
I'm going to be watching a while yet.
This is a time for all Minnesotans to go wild!
Vargas, Susuki--BOOOOM!!! Two In a Row
Tommy Milone was definitely NOT as sharp as his first outing, but it didn't matter, the Twins big bats were out yesterday. Vargas' liner into the scoreboard was especially impressive. Even Torii, for at least one afternoon, looked 15 years younger, with three hits.
Great hitting can at times overcome poor pitching and average defense. Yesterday afternoon was one of those times. That it was against KC is especially sweet. And the Twins took the series!
Cleveland next. Let's see if the hot hitting continues for a few more games.
BOOM!
Great hitting can at times overcome poor pitching and average defense. Yesterday afternoon was one of those times. That it was against KC is especially sweet. And the Twins took the series!
Cleveland next. Let's see if the hot hitting continues for a few more games.
BOOM!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Gibson, Arcia --BOOM! Twins Win!!
Now that's how you win a ball game.
The T-wolves lost their last game of the season, finishing with a 16-66 record. At least with this team still around, we don't have to worry about the Twins being the worst team in Minnesota.
Wild and Blues tonight. Go Wild!!
The T-wolves lost their last game of the season, finishing with a 16-66 record. At least with this team still around, we don't have to worry about the Twins being the worst team in Minnesota.
Wild and Blues tonight. Go Wild!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Strategies
Managers should always be looking for ways to win. GMs should always be looking to put the best team on the field. Fans should expect no less from their team.
If those basic tenants break down, if those basic responsibilities are not kept, you will have a fan base that turns on their team. We're already seeing a lot of that early in the season.
I don't care if the Twins lose some games. I care that the team put a substandard team on the field this year, and they tried to trick the fan base into following the team anyway.
Their strategy wasn't to win games this year. It was to get fans back in the ballpark by signing an over-the-hill Torii Hunter. That strategy, which has nothing to do with winning games, was destined to fail. Even if they can fool enough of the fan base early, the loss total resulting from that roster move will affect attendance and support well into the future.
Where KC has lost several of their top players, including top starters, over the last five years, THEY keep bringing up their minor league guys to perform in their place while signing an occasional free-agent to boost their current needs. As a result, THEY are the team to beat this year.
The Twins USED to be that team. Now they rely on has-beens and cast-offs to to be too much of their team. And as a result we have a lot of average (or worse) guys miscast in their rolls.
Take Blaine Moyer for instance. At 33, he has been a reliever in the league for nine seasons. He has never been particularly good. I call him a fringe reliever. He's the 13th pitcher on a 12-man staff. You use him in mop-up stints in games that are out of hand so that you don't have to waste the arm of good relievers in that spot.
But Saturday, he entered in the NINTH inning of a TIED game with one out and nobody on. On Sunday, he faced four batters in the EIGHTH inning of a one-run game. If you were still watching at the time, you saw the results. I'll summarize it here for you: The last seven batters that Boyer has faced have all gotten hits. Yeah, the Twins are losing, but you can't be losing like that. Boyer should never been in those games in those situations. That's not what we have him for. What little value he may have for the Twins is not in the eight and ninth innings in close games.
Those types of moves reflect on the manager. Molitor isn't having bad luck. He doesn't know how to manage a game. He MAY learn in time, but history shows us that good managers are good from the get-go. They have the knack, right out of the gate to see things like this, and avoid them.
You know how I always harp on metrics, odds, and tendencies? This is why. Great managers see those types of things inherently. Good managers trust their stat guys who see those things. Bad managers? They do what Molitor did on Saturday and Sunday. They lose.
And they keep on losing.
I'm still watching, but I'm not a blind follower. At some point the Twins have to see that their current 5-year-plus path is really screwed up and do something different. Radically different. A new GM and new manager would be a good place to start. It's never to early to do the right thing.
If those basic tenants break down, if those basic responsibilities are not kept, you will have a fan base that turns on their team. We're already seeing a lot of that early in the season.
I don't care if the Twins lose some games. I care that the team put a substandard team on the field this year, and they tried to trick the fan base into following the team anyway.
Their strategy wasn't to win games this year. It was to get fans back in the ballpark by signing an over-the-hill Torii Hunter. That strategy, which has nothing to do with winning games, was destined to fail. Even if they can fool enough of the fan base early, the loss total resulting from that roster move will affect attendance and support well into the future.
Where KC has lost several of their top players, including top starters, over the last five years, THEY keep bringing up their minor league guys to perform in their place while signing an occasional free-agent to boost their current needs. As a result, THEY are the team to beat this year.
The Twins USED to be that team. Now they rely on has-beens and cast-offs to to be too much of their team. And as a result we have a lot of average (or worse) guys miscast in their rolls.
Take Blaine Moyer for instance. At 33, he has been a reliever in the league for nine seasons. He has never been particularly good. I call him a fringe reliever. He's the 13th pitcher on a 12-man staff. You use him in mop-up stints in games that are out of hand so that you don't have to waste the arm of good relievers in that spot.
But Saturday, he entered in the NINTH inning of a TIED game with one out and nobody on. On Sunday, he faced four batters in the EIGHTH inning of a one-run game. If you were still watching at the time, you saw the results. I'll summarize it here for you: The last seven batters that Boyer has faced have all gotten hits. Yeah, the Twins are losing, but you can't be losing like that. Boyer should never been in those games in those situations. That's not what we have him for. What little value he may have for the Twins is not in the eight and ninth innings in close games.
Those types of moves reflect on the manager. Molitor isn't having bad luck. He doesn't know how to manage a game. He MAY learn in time, but history shows us that good managers are good from the get-go. They have the knack, right out of the gate to see things like this, and avoid them.
You know how I always harp on metrics, odds, and tendencies? This is why. Great managers see those types of things inherently. Good managers trust their stat guys who see those things. Bad managers? They do what Molitor did on Saturday and Sunday. They lose.
And they keep on losing.
I'm still watching, but I'm not a blind follower. At some point the Twins have to see that their current 5-year-plus path is really screwed up and do something different. Radically different. A new GM and new manager would be a good place to start. It's never to early to do the right thing.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Reader Response
From Cranky Curtis:
I will try to keep this as concise as possible without rambling too much. But it will take a bit of explaining, so here goes...Pitching Concept 1 (which I spoke to Mrs Casual Observer about):I will use some ex-Twins as examples, since I would rather not speak about any current Twins.The Minnesota Twins are about to face the Chicago White Sox in a critical series for the division lead. Brad Radke is scheduled to start. The White Sox have used a platoon at DH and 3B all season. Since Radke is pitching, Chicago uses their left-handed platoon players. Combined, they now have 6 lefties, 2 righties and a switch hitter. Radke takes the mound in the first inning. He throws 1 pitch. A harmless, soft-toss intentional ball. Skipper Curtis Dorschner walks to the mound and takes the ball from Radke and makes a call to the bullpen. Johan Santana gets the call against the heavily stacked left handed lineup. Since the Twins had an off day this week, Johan Santana has his usual 5 days rest and lefties have been hitting .095 against Santana this season. Yum! Ozzie Guillen must then choose to empty his bench in the first inning or suffer through a 17 strikeout performance. Now, this strategy could not be employed every day. But, if every manager in the league knew that Coach Dorschner was this crazy...they might think twice before stacking their lineup with lefties or righties. This would give my team a better chance to win every game.I will send my second pitching concept another time. It will be about the closer role.In addition to my pitching concepts, I also believe in your ace pitcher philosophy. I hate wasting a good pitcher against a Cy Young-type pitcher. Hughes vs. Price in the season opener was a perfect example. Hughes is a very good pitcher. Price is better. Save Hughes for a game that we could win. Sadly, we scored zero in games 1 and 2, so it wouldn't have much mattered this time around. None the less, I completely agree. Especially for playoff series!And yes...bunting can be an equalizer for soft hitting teams (if you time them properly and/or have any kind of speed).Bahhh! I'm finished.Baseball is too sad to talk about it.
Twins Lose
This headline is getting old. Sloppy play in the middle infield and a throwing error by Torii contributed to some really bad innings. Arcia misplaying a "double" off his glove didn't help at all. There's no doubt the pitching was bad, but that defense is killing us. Every single game.
And there is no cure in sight. This is the team that management decided was best for us.
I warned everyone before the season started in blog after blog that this would happen.
I've never been this sick of the Twins.
And there is no cure in sight. This is the team that management decided was best for us.
I warned everyone before the season started in blog after blog that this would happen.
I've never been this sick of the Twins.
Monday, April 13, 2015
Twins Lose
Lets see. Where to start? The Twins dropped TWO easy fly balls in one inning yesterday. Hughes is now 0-2, and, after one week of the season, the Twins are now 1-5, tied for the worst record in baseball.
Joe Mauer is the only Twin, with more than three at bats, hitting .300. NO ONE ELSE is hitting above .214.
The team ERA is 5.98.
As a bonus, every once in awhile, I'll throw in the Torii Hunter Report Card:
He's batting .143 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. One sliding catch that was pretty nice, but in the same game he mis-played a single and turned it into an undeserved triple that went against the pitcher's ERA.
He also had a ninth inning steal of second in the only game the Twins won this year. The score keeper could have ruled that one defensive indifference since the Twins had a three-run lead at the time.
Grade? D+
But the season is young.
Joe Mauer is the only Twin, with more than three at bats, hitting .300. NO ONE ELSE is hitting above .214.
The team ERA is 5.98.
As a bonus, every once in awhile, I'll throw in the Torii Hunter Report Card:
He's batting .143 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. One sliding catch that was pretty nice, but in the same game he mis-played a single and turned it into an undeserved triple that went against the pitcher's ERA.
He also had a ninth inning steal of second in the only game the Twins won this year. The score keeper could have ruled that one defensive indifference since the Twins had a three-run lead at the time.
Grade? D+
But the season is young.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Twins Lose
"Blessed are those with low expectations for they cannot be disappointed."
The Twins had ONE good inning yesterday.
Mike Pelfrey, who continually tells management why he should be in the starting rotation, once again demonstrated why he should not be.
The outcome was predictable.
I was a little disappointed in the Wild yesterday, though. They were on NBC at about the same time so I watched the first period of that one. I stopped watching at the period break and didn't come back until they were behind 4-1 in the 3rd. At least it wasn't a playoff game.
Oddly enough, there was a THIRD professional Minnesota sport on at the same time as well. KTCA 45 was broadcasting the Minnesota Swarm indoor Lacrosse game.
It was tied 2-2 while I was watching. All I can say is that, of the three games I saw yesterday, THAT was the one I found most entertaining. The goalie's uniform made him look like the lead character in Big Hero 6. Actually the look of the Swarm made me think the whole thing was done to remind me of Japanese Anime. And unlike the girlie sport of hockey, they were actually hitting each other with their mallet/stick/net thingies. This is a MAN'S sport.
It's like a cross between football, basketball, and hockey. And it was all being played in a carpeted hockey arena. I'm going to be looking for it again. I may have found something to get me through the summer besides wrestling.
I just have to be careful to keep my expectations low, though.
The Twins had ONE good inning yesterday.
Mike Pelfrey, who continually tells management why he should be in the starting rotation, once again demonstrated why he should not be.
The outcome was predictable.
I was a little disappointed in the Wild yesterday, though. They were on NBC at about the same time so I watched the first period of that one. I stopped watching at the period break and didn't come back until they were behind 4-1 in the 3rd. At least it wasn't a playoff game.
Oddly enough, there was a THIRD professional Minnesota sport on at the same time as well. KTCA 45 was broadcasting the Minnesota Swarm indoor Lacrosse game.
It was tied 2-2 while I was watching. All I can say is that, of the three games I saw yesterday, THAT was the one I found most entertaining. The goalie's uniform made him look like the lead character in Big Hero 6. Actually the look of the Swarm made me think the whole thing was done to remind me of Japanese Anime. And unlike the girlie sport of hockey, they were actually hitting each other with their mallet/stick/net thingies. This is a MAN'S sport.
It's like a cross between football, basketball, and hockey. And it was all being played in a carpeted hockey arena. I'm going to be looking for it again. I may have found something to get me through the summer besides wrestling.
I just have to be careful to keep my expectations low, though.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
The Lost Art
I've been asked a lot lately what I would do differently if I ran the Twins. One of the first things I would do is establish that ALL my players learn how to bunt. And not at just the major league level either.
Our minor league system is filled with speed. Our centerfielders (up until this season anyway) have been speed burners for over two decades. Most of our middle infielders have shown that trait as well.
And I'm not talking about sacrifice bunts either. I'm talking about "getting on first base with a single" type of bunting. I'm talking "Rod Carew leading the league in hitting" type of bunting. I'm talking about "messing up the ace of the other team so he can't simply plow through the lineup" type of bunting. Bunting that disrupts pitching. Bunting that causes defenses to pause and reposition. Bunting that causes defensive mistakes that leads to errors that leads to big innings.THAT type of bunting.
Modern baseball has gotten away from bunting. I guess they feel that third basemen have gotten so much better at fielding them. But the truth is, that a good bunt will get you on base far more often than swinging away. IF you were successful at it just three out of ten times, you would have a better average than everyone in the Twins line-up last year.
And the truly great bunters, the ones that know WHEN to bunt, not just how, can have success rates far greater than that.
I watched the first two Twins games and part of the third, and all I could think of is, "Why don't they bunt instead of going 1, 2, 3 (like clockwork) every single inning?" Of course the major reason is that NONE of them know how. They don't practice it. They never learned it. And no one seems to care. They couldn't even pull off a successful sacrifice bunt if called on to do it. If you watch a lot of Twins games you know this.
At the very least, ALL guys with speed should know how to bunt well. I'll give guys like Vargas a pass. Bunting is the great equalizer for teams that have losing records. It's a lost art that needs to be rediscovered.
Bunts lead to big innings, rattled aces, and second-guessing. And it's far more exciting to watch than another weak fly to right. Need a little excitement? Snap into a drag bunt.
Our minor league system is filled with speed. Our centerfielders (up until this season anyway) have been speed burners for over two decades. Most of our middle infielders have shown that trait as well.
And I'm not talking about sacrifice bunts either. I'm talking about "getting on first base with a single" type of bunting. I'm talking "Rod Carew leading the league in hitting" type of bunting. I'm talking about "messing up the ace of the other team so he can't simply plow through the lineup" type of bunting. Bunting that disrupts pitching. Bunting that causes defenses to pause and reposition. Bunting that causes defensive mistakes that leads to errors that leads to big innings.THAT type of bunting.
Modern baseball has gotten away from bunting. I guess they feel that third basemen have gotten so much better at fielding them. But the truth is, that a good bunt will get you on base far more often than swinging away. IF you were successful at it just three out of ten times, you would have a better average than everyone in the Twins line-up last year.
And the truly great bunters, the ones that know WHEN to bunt, not just how, can have success rates far greater than that.
I watched the first two Twins games and part of the third, and all I could think of is, "Why don't they bunt instead of going 1, 2, 3 (like clockwork) every single inning?" Of course the major reason is that NONE of them know how. They don't practice it. They never learned it. And no one seems to care. They couldn't even pull off a successful sacrifice bunt if called on to do it. If you watch a lot of Twins games you know this.
At the very least, ALL guys with speed should know how to bunt well. I'll give guys like Vargas a pass. Bunting is the great equalizer for teams that have losing records. It's a lost art that needs to be rediscovered.
Bunts lead to big innings, rattled aces, and second-guessing. And it's far more exciting to watch than another weak fly to right. Need a little excitement? Snap into a drag bunt.
Tommy Milone
I was hoping that Milone would regain the form he was known for before his arm injury. If so, he could be this year's version of another Hughes in the Twins rotation.
But one game, against the lowly White Sox, doesn't prove anything yet. It just leaves me hopeful,
The Twins rediscovered how to hit yesterday, at least for one game. And Joe Mauer looked like someone who learned patience again, walking three times. It's the little things that can add up to a different approach, not just for Mauer but the Twins.
Molitor's first win is nice, but it's what they do from now that will determine how much they've learned. Knowing Nolasco is already hurt and that we'll be missing Santana for half a season leaves us in a big hole.
We're already in a small one. NOW is the time to start digging out. The bigger the hole, the harder it is to climb out.
Go Milone!!!
Mike Pelfrey pitches today. Last year he was good for four or five innings. Let's hope Molitor remembers that. Gardy always left him in one inning too long.
But one game, against the lowly White Sox, doesn't prove anything yet. It just leaves me hopeful,
The Twins rediscovered how to hit yesterday, at least for one game. And Joe Mauer looked like someone who learned patience again, walking three times. It's the little things that can add up to a different approach, not just for Mauer but the Twins.
Molitor's first win is nice, but it's what they do from now that will determine how much they've learned. Knowing Nolasco is already hurt and that we'll be missing Santana for half a season leaves us in a big hole.
We're already in a small one. NOW is the time to start digging out. The bigger the hole, the harder it is to climb out.
Go Milone!!!
Mike Pelfrey pitches today. Last year he was good for four or five innings. Let's hope Molitor remembers that. Gardy always left him in one inning too long.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Outfield
I hope nobody else watched that performance yesterday, but the Twins outfield is living up to my expectations and predictions already. As bad as Nolasco was yesterday, the so-called outfielders were worse. This picture sums it all up.
Twins Lose
Adrain Gonzalez through 3 games: 5 homeruns and 7 RBI
Twins through 2 games: Nothing. They haven't even got a runner to third base yet.
Twins through 2 games: Nothing. They haven't even got a runner to third base yet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
How Bad Are the Wolves?
With the regular season quickly winding down, I had to look back at the Wolves 26-season history and compare notes. As you can see, the ONLY season that the Wolves ever won a post season series was 2003-2004. That was the year they went as far as the conference finals.
ALL other times that they made the post-season they lost in the first round. 18 of those 26 years, including this season, they didn't even make the playoffs. So basically 25 of their 26 seasons have been duds.
Has there been a worst NBA team in that time? Not really.
If anything, based on their entire history, this has simply been another bad year.
Like most years.
click to enlarge
ALL other times that they made the post-season they lost in the first round. 18 of those 26 years, including this season, they didn't even make the playoffs. So basically 25 of their 26 seasons have been duds.
Has there been a worst NBA team in that time? Not really.
If anything, based on their entire history, this has simply been another bad year.
Like most years.
Follow-Up
Let's continue the discussion about the Twins from yesterday.
Nate's response:
Nate's response:
While
I like your way of thinking, that thought can go two ways. The new
skipper would look like a genius if we would have won opening day with
our #2 pitcher but with a loss it may not sit well that he's trying to
be so different. If this was a established manager it may not be that
big of a deal but I can about imagine what the media would try to make
that into.
Me now: Since it's baseball, 162 game season, they are on the road, and it's the Tigers, (probably the best team in the division) doing something like this shouldn't be that big of a deal. Everyone would see what he's doing would be the "right" move even if it doesn't pay off. Just like walking their best hitter with runners on second and third with two outs, or shifting your defense for Ortiz. If just one manager of a perennial losing team would do this even once, you would see more doing it the next time.
The "ace vs ace" mentality makes sense when two good teams collide, but when one team is acknowledged as the clear underdog, the manager's job of THAT team is to WIN more games in the course of a season. The Tigers have to throw their best starter at home on the first day of the season but the Twins don't. That's a strategy that makes sense. And it's little things like that in the course of a full 162 game schedule that will make you a manager worth keeping. Gene Mauch was a manager for the Twins back in the day who did the craziest things on a case by case basis. Tom the Retired Twins fan remembers him well. Late in the game, he'd often go to a five man infield with two outfielders playing shallow with the bases loaded when he had a ground ball pitcher throwing.
It worked so well so many times that I was surprised so few others did it. Today's radical defensive shifts are a direct descendant of Mauch's genius. Baseball's just waiting for that next amazing strategist, otherwise what's the point of hiring a new manager? Gardy would have played the same game Monday. In fact he played the very same game against Price and the Tigers the last game of last season, his last game. We lost that one 3-0. Sometimes it's the new skipper's fault for being too much like the man you replaced.
I say it again. Think different.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Twins Lose
I have a feeling I'll be using that headline a lot this season. When the only highlight was Torii Hunter arguing an iffy third strike call at the end, you know it was a bad game.
I may have asked this question before, but I decided to ask it again. IF David Price is one of the acknowledged best pitchers in all of baseball (and he is) WHY do the Twins insist on wasting OUR best pitcher against him on opening day? Why didn't we send our second best pitcher against him, hope for the best, and save OUR best pitcher against their second starter WEDNESDAY during the second game?
Doesn't that automatically increase our chances of winning at least ONE of the first two games each year. THAT'S why I want managers to think differently. That's how the Twins should take every opportunity to increase their win total.
We're shut out. We can't use Hughes again for several days and Nolasco might have pitched an okay game.
Think different.
Especially when you really need to.
I may have asked this question before, but I decided to ask it again. IF David Price is one of the acknowledged best pitchers in all of baseball (and he is) WHY do the Twins insist on wasting OUR best pitcher against him on opening day? Why didn't we send our second best pitcher against him, hope for the best, and save OUR best pitcher against their second starter WEDNESDAY during the second game?
Doesn't that automatically increase our chances of winning at least ONE of the first two games each year. THAT'S why I want managers to think differently. That's how the Twins should take every opportunity to increase their win total.
We're shut out. We can't use Hughes again for several days and Nolasco might have pitched an okay game.
Think different.
Especially when you really need to.
Duke Wins Title
Coach K continues to add to his amazing legacy. I did watch some of the game last night as RAW was on, but what I saw was a very good, close game most of the way.
For what its worth, my picks did okay. Ask anyone, I'm very consistent this way. I ALWAYS pick the higher seed. Three of my favorites made the the final 4 because they were number 1 seeds.
I then pick the Big Ten team at the end.
Did I mention I picked Wisconsin last night?
Those last three games pretty much catch everyone.
For what its worth, my picks did okay. Ask anyone, I'm very consistent this way. I ALWAYS pick the higher seed. Three of my favorites made the the final 4 because they were number 1 seeds.
I then pick the Big Ten team at the end.
Did I mention I picked Wisconsin last night?
Those last three games pretty much catch everyone.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Baseball is Back
WHICH TEAM IS BEST RIGHT NOW? The Cardinals. They have more wins than any other team.
Which one is worst? The Cubs. They don't have any wins yet and they have more losses than any other team.
The Twins play at noon today against Detroit. I decided to check what others are saying about the Twins chances this year. I guess I'm not alone in my belief that the Twins aren't going to have much success this year. For example:
Sports Illustrated picks the Twins for last place and 67 wins. ESPN.com picks the Twins for last place and 68 wins. Baseball Prospectus projects the Twins for last place and 71 wins. Bovada sets the Twins' over/under win total at 72.5. FanGraphs projects the Twins for last place and 74 wins. Grantland picks the Twins for last place and "under 75 wins." CBS Sports picks the Twins for last place. Yahoo Sports picks the Twins for last place.
You get the idea.
One game at a time, I guess. One game at a time.
We're tied for the second best record in all of baseball right now!
Which one is worst? The Cubs. They don't have any wins yet and they have more losses than any other team.
The Twins play at noon today against Detroit. I decided to check what others are saying about the Twins chances this year. I guess I'm not alone in my belief that the Twins aren't going to have much success this year. For example:
Sports Illustrated picks the Twins for last place and 67 wins. ESPN.com picks the Twins for last place and 68 wins. Baseball Prospectus projects the Twins for last place and 71 wins. Bovada sets the Twins' over/under win total at 72.5. FanGraphs projects the Twins for last place and 74 wins. Grantland picks the Twins for last place and "under 75 wins." CBS Sports picks the Twins for last place. Yahoo Sports picks the Twins for last place.
You get the idea.
One game at a time, I guess. One game at a time.
We're tied for the second best record in all of baseball right now!
Good, Better, Best
I've pretty much always hated March Madness. Well, ever since it expanded past a 16-team tournament, anyway. It's too big with too many undeserving teams. And the truly good teams, like Kentucky can't really prove their greatness (or lack there-of) with a one loss and your out tournament.
The NCAA season has gotten way, way too long. The conference tournaments at the end of the season have only compounded the problem and the MESS that is the 64 team March Madness makes me long for a better playoff system.
Something like this: The regular season ends after 20 or so games, and then there is a tournament with the 4 highest-ranked teams. Two out of three games in the first round. And best three out of five in the finals.
The team that can win FIVE of those possible eight games is the best. Period.
Nate B. Nimble insists that Kentucky was still the better team against Wisconsin. I say the better team won that night. BUT in a best of three tournament, Nate could be right, that the BEST team in the country this year may very well have been Kentucky. But because of the one-loss-and-your-out-mentality of college basketball, we'll never know.
Kentucky would have had to go 40-0 to show they were the best this season (basically HALF an NBA season). Instead they are 38-1 because Wisconsin was better ONE particular night.
Now THAT is madness.
(But it did keep my $50 Trillion safe, so I'm not complaining too much.)
The NCAA season has gotten way, way too long. The conference tournaments at the end of the season have only compounded the problem and the MESS that is the 64 team March Madness makes me long for a better playoff system.
Something like this: The regular season ends after 20 or so games, and then there is a tournament with the 4 highest-ranked teams. Two out of three games in the first round. And best three out of five in the finals.
The team that can win FIVE of those possible eight games is the best. Period.
Nate B. Nimble insists that Kentucky was still the better team against Wisconsin. I say the better team won that night. BUT in a best of three tournament, Nate could be right, that the BEST team in the country this year may very well have been Kentucky. But because of the one-loss-and-your-out-mentality of college basketball, we'll never know.
Kentucky would have had to go 40-0 to show they were the best this season (basically HALF an NBA season). Instead they are 38-1 because Wisconsin was better ONE particular night.
Now THAT is madness.
(But it did keep my $50 Trillion safe, so I'm not complaining too much.)
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Nate B, Kentucky Fall to Wisconsin
The Tournament Challenge has ended for another year. The $50 Trillion isn't going anywhere.
This is an artist's conception of the Casual Sports Fan's reaction to keeping all that money.
This is an artist's conception of the Casual Sports Fan's reaction to keeping all that money.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Twins Get Worse
I guess we all know by now the reason Ervin Santana looked so good this spring.
He was our only real upgrade in the off-season. And now the Twins are figuring out how to get rid of him and his $50 million plus deal.
The Twins starting rotation is now, at best, about as good as last season. Most would say worse. Our outfield is slower and far older. And our bullpen is in a shambles.
At times, I despise the Twins. This is one of those times.
They went with older guys clinging to past glories every way they could, in the process paying them far more than they were worth, and they are going to suffer the consequences for that. Any fans left will have to go along for the ride.
And Opening Day is mere days away.
And Adrian Peterson is still a Viking.
What's left? Go Wild!
I wish I liked hockey,
He was our only real upgrade in the off-season. And now the Twins are figuring out how to get rid of him and his $50 million plus deal.
The Twins starting rotation is now, at best, about as good as last season. Most would say worse. Our outfield is slower and far older. And our bullpen is in a shambles.
At times, I despise the Twins. This is one of those times.
They went with older guys clinging to past glories every way they could, in the process paying them far more than they were worth, and they are going to suffer the consequences for that. Any fans left will have to go along for the ride.
And Opening Day is mere days away.
And Adrian Peterson is still a Viking.
What's left? Go Wild!
I wish I liked hockey,
$50 Trillion Dollar Challenge Continues
Two more games today.
(My dealings with the F.I.B. have been resolved. Those "Fefderal" guys are tough, though. They just wanted to make sure any winners pay their taxes in American dollars. The winner will owe the government approximately $20 Trillion.)
Nate B Nimble's last game picks:
Saturday: Kentucky, Duke
Monday finals winner Kentucky
Most experts agree.
(My dealings with the F.I.B. have been resolved. Those "Fefderal" guys are tough, though. They just wanted to make sure any winners pay their taxes in American dollars. The winner will owe the government approximately $20 Trillion.)
Nate B Nimble's last game picks:
Saturday: Kentucky, Duke
Monday finals winner Kentucky
Most experts agree.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Rumors
The Twins roster is basically set. With Caleb Thielbar optioned out, the Twins can now add Shane Robinson to the 40-man roster.
It LOOKS like Chris Herrmann, Eduaro Nunez, and Josmil Pinto will make the final roster, though Pinto's concussion MAY open that spot up to shortstop Eduardo Escobar who can also kind of play reserve outfield.
The main "rumor?" The Twins might be sending Vargas back to the minors to get in shape. He reported to camp at 290, and the Twins supposedly told him he wouldn't make the opening day roster if he wasn't down to 275. They don't want a 24-year old, with those bad habits of discipline during the offseason, being given a roster spot. They want him to learn that lesson NOW.
If that's the case, Pinto (if healthy) would be given the regular DH role.
Twins News:
Ervin Santana pitched five great innings again yesterday. The old man has looked fantastic this spring. The Twins relief corp immediately gave up SEVEN runs in the fifth after Santana left. I said it before, I'll say it again. There doesn't appear to be much relief in that bullpen.
sigh
It LOOKS like Chris Herrmann, Eduaro Nunez, and Josmil Pinto will make the final roster, though Pinto's concussion MAY open that spot up to shortstop Eduardo Escobar who can also kind of play reserve outfield.
The main "rumor?" The Twins might be sending Vargas back to the minors to get in shape. He reported to camp at 290, and the Twins supposedly told him he wouldn't make the opening day roster if he wasn't down to 275. They don't want a 24-year old, with those bad habits of discipline during the offseason, being given a roster spot. They want him to learn that lesson NOW.
If that's the case, Pinto (if healthy) would be given the regular DH role.
Twins News:
Ervin Santana pitched five great innings again yesterday. The old man has looked fantastic this spring. The Twins relief corp immediately gave up SEVEN runs in the fifth after Santana left. I said it before, I'll say it again. There doesn't appear to be much relief in that bullpen.
sigh
Lydia Ko
I'm following up on another story I wrote a year and a half ago. Lydia Ko has shown some real promise as a female golfer. She has now shot her her 29th consecutive sub-par round on the tour, tying Annika Sorenstam's all-time best record.
The kicker? She was just 15 when I wrote about her. She just turned 17.
The kicker? She was just 15 when I wrote about her. She just turned 17.
Kris Bryant
A week or so ago, I wrote of a budding superstar for the Chicago Cubs, Kris Bryant, who was leading baseball with 8 preseason homeruns. Yesterday, he became the first ever player to lead all of baseball in that stat and NOT make his team's opening day roster.
He was sent to the minors for more seasoning, while currently leading with NINE home runs. I guess his 43 homers in the minors last year wasn't enough, either. Disappointment reigns for Cubs fans.
But then again, they're used to it.
He was sent to the minors for more seasoning, while currently leading with NINE home runs. I guess his 43 homers in the minors last year wasn't enough, either. Disappointment reigns for Cubs fans.
But then again, they're used to it.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Wild/ Rangers Tonight
As Nate pointed out a couple of days ago, these are the top two teams in ESPN's power rankings. This is a pretty unique event for Minnesota sports fans.
Speaking of ESPN, they've now "modernized" their website.
Translation: Tons of extra stuff to to scroll through while compartmentalizing stories all over their home page. More and more sites are doing this; adding extra pictures, making it harder to look for stuff. I do like local teams on the left, but that's a lot of wasted space when most of them aren't playing.
sigh
I used to like the internet.
Speaking of ESPN, they've now "modernized" their website.
Translation: Tons of extra stuff to to scroll through while compartmentalizing stories all over their home page. More and more sites are doing this; adding extra pictures, making it harder to look for stuff. I do like local teams on the left, but that's a lot of wasted space when most of them aren't playing.
sigh
I used to like the internet.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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