The Angels have now won SEVEN straight. So even though the Astros lost yesterday, the Twins are still 1 1/2 games back with only 6 games to go. The Twins would have to go 6-0 in those last 6 if the Angels would go 3-2 with their last five, to take the last playoff spot outright.
It ain't over 'til its over, BUT it's pretty much over...
I loved this season. For the first time in six seasons baseball was fun again.
At the same time, IF the Angels lose today and the Twins sweep Cleveland in a double header, we'll be tied with four games to go.
That's why I love baseball. Doom and gloom go hand in hand with unbridled optimism.
Go Twins!
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
You've Seen One Starter, You've Seen Them All
Twins' starters have been oddly consistent this year. The only one a little out of step has been Hughes, and I think we all chalk that up to injuries:
The Twins have six pitchers with at least 16 starts and 100 innings this year, and their ERAs are strikingly similar, with Hughes a bit out of step from the rest:
For that matter, Tyler Duffey and Ricky Nolasco have combined for 16 starts (but just 84.1 innings). Their combined ERA: 4.06.
The Twins have six pitchers with at least 16 starts and 100 innings this year, and their ERAs are strikingly similar, with Hughes a bit out of step from the rest:
- Kyle Gibson (31 starts, 188.2 innings): 3.96
- Mike Pelfrey (29 starts, 163 innings): 4.09
- Hughes (24 starts, 154.1 innings): 4.43
- Milone (22 starts, 122.2 innings): 4.05
- Trevor May (16 starts, 113 innings): 4.06
- Ervin Santana (16 starts, 101 innings): 4.10
For that matter, Tyler Duffey and Ricky Nolasco have combined for 16 starts (but just 84.1 innings). Their combined ERA: 4.06.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Twins, Astros, Angels ALL Win
It's nice to still be winning. It's tough to make up no ground.
My second favorite team and my favorite quarterback had no real problems last night against KC. The Packers are very, very good.
My second favorite team and my favorite quarterback had no real problems last night against KC. The Packers are very, very good.
Monday, September 28, 2015
A Great Couple of Days
The Twins looked fantastic on Saturday and Sunday, but the Astro and Angels are still winning, too. Basically a week to go in the season and we still have to catch and pass TWO teams. That we're still in the playoff hunt with a week to go in the season? That's just sweet. No matter what happens.
Go Twins!
Yesterday, Adrian Peterson looked like his old self. A long break-away run, well over 100 yards rushing, and most importantly NO fumbles. Coach Zimmer said we were going to have a different offense this year, relying less on rushing and more on passing.
I think we're all seeing where that is just a fantasy world he lives in. Teddy isn't capable of much more just yet. And Adrian is better when he handles the ball more. That Greenway interception return was a thing of beauty,
scorecard
Defense: A
Greenway A+
Offensive line: B+
Teddy: C
Peterson: A
Fun game. Go Vikes!
Go Twins!
Yesterday, Adrian Peterson looked like his old self. A long break-away run, well over 100 yards rushing, and most importantly NO fumbles. Coach Zimmer said we were going to have a different offense this year, relying less on rushing and more on passing.
I think we're all seeing where that is just a fantasy world he lives in. Teddy isn't capable of much more just yet. And Adrian is better when he handles the ball more. That Greenway interception return was a thing of beauty,
scorecard
Defense: A
Greenway A+
Offensive line: B+
Teddy: C
Peterson: A
Fun game. Go Vikes!
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Tough Loss
I started watching last night in the 7th inning. Ughh!
The Astros lost, too, so we're no further back than we were, BUT the Angels won, too. That means we trail TWO teams with only 9 games to go. That loss hurt our chances big time. IT could have been a three-team race with three teams separated by only HALF a game total if we hadn't blown that lead.
sigh
The Astros lost, too, so we're no further back than we were, BUT the Angels won, too. That means we trail TWO teams with only 9 games to go. That loss hurt our chances big time. IT could have been a three-team race with three teams separated by only HALF a game total if we hadn't blown that lead.
sigh
Friday, September 25, 2015
Sports
The Twins lost. That's bound to happen once in a while...
I ws looking up some stats yesterday and found out some cool things. An NFL team that loses it's first two games only has a 12.5% chance of making the playoffs. The odds are actually far better now with all the wild card teams. In the past, any team that lost their first two games was all but eliminated just 8 days into the season. Talk about a short season...
I also found out that so far this year, NINE extra points have already been missed. That's more than all of last season. That little bit of extra distance is messing with kickers' minds. Or maybe Blair Walsh is accounting for most of them. What's cool from all of this is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going for two-point conversions fairly regularly now, and they are MAKING them. They got off to a 16-0 lead last week from doing that. I'm looking for more coaches to do the same thing. You only have to be successful once every two times to break even on this venture. And teams like the Steelers will actually force other teams to do it as well.
I like the rule change. I love that coaches will now be responsible for a bit more strategy after every touchdown. It'll keep the fans watching more closely.
I ws looking up some stats yesterday and found out some cool things. An NFL team that loses it's first two games only has a 12.5% chance of making the playoffs. The odds are actually far better now with all the wild card teams. In the past, any team that lost their first two games was all but eliminated just 8 days into the season. Talk about a short season...
I also found out that so far this year, NINE extra points have already been missed. That's more than all of last season. That little bit of extra distance is messing with kickers' minds. Or maybe Blair Walsh is accounting for most of them. What's cool from all of this is that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going for two-point conversions fairly regularly now, and they are MAKING them. They got off to a 16-0 lead last week from doing that. I'm looking for more coaches to do the same thing. You only have to be successful once every two times to break even on this venture. And teams like the Steelers will actually force other teams to do it as well.
I like the rule change. I love that coaches will now be responsible for a bit more strategy after every touchdown. It'll keep the fans watching more closely.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Hughes!
That's three straight fantastic starts by the Twins starting rotation. Dozier hit his 28th home run. Mauer extended his streak. Plouffe had a great night at the plate, Even Sano decided to get TWO hits again. Better? The Astros lead continues to shrink as they lost to the Angels.
With 11 games left on the schedule the Twins are just ONE back in the race for the last wildcard slot.
Go Twins!!
With 11 games left on the schedule the Twins are just ONE back in the race for the last wildcard slot.
Go Twins!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Missing Mascot
Ragnar is out as the Vikings mascot. He was making $1,500 a game as an independent contractor for the last 20 years. Now he's demanding $20,000 a game and a guaranteed 10 year contract. Essentially a 2 million dollar deal.
The Vikings said, "no thanks."
Ragnar was good but he was not 2 million dollars good.
No word yet on if Ragnar will change his demands or if the Vikings will simply move on to another mascot.
The Vikings said, "no thanks."
Ragnar was good but he was not 2 million dollars good.
No word yet on if Ragnar will change his demands or if the Vikings will simply move on to another mascot.
Santana!
Ervin Santana is on a roll. The Astros lost. And Joe Mauer has been on base safely for 41 consecutive games.
It's going to be an interesting next couple of weeks...
It's going to be an interesting next couple of weeks...
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
The Future Looks Bright
Two Twins minor-league affiliates played Monday night for championships. The Cedar Rapids Kernels lost by one run to the West Michigan Whitecaps for the low A Midwest League title; the Chattanooga Lookouts beat Biloxi for the Double A Southern League crown.
Cedar Rapids' proximity and the presence of Nick Gordon not withstanding, the Chattanooga team is the more interesting and important to fans of the major league team, and not only because it's two rungs higher on the ladder. Chattanooga was loaded this year, stuffed in large part with the players who won the Florida State League title in 2014 and the Appy League title in 2012. (That same group lost in the Midwest League playoff in 2013 to an equally-loaded Quad Cities squad.)
Even with the midseason promotions of the likes of Miguel Sano, Jose Berrios and Byron Buxton, the Lookouts were still loaded. Max Kepler was the Southern League player of the year. Adam Brett Walker hammered 31 homers (and struck out 195 times). Jorge Polanco spent much of the season at shortstop next to former first round pick Levi Michael. For much of the first half of the season, manager Doug Mientkiewicz could run out lineups with nine likely future major leaguers.
The seven players who were on the roster for all three titles, as listed by Mike Berardino: outfielders Kepler, Walker and Travis Harrison; first baseman D.J. Hicks; infielder Niko Goodrum; and pitchers Brett Lee and B.J. Baxendale.
The immensely talented Kepler, who has been on the 40-man roster for two seasons, was immediately called up to the big-league club after Monday's game. I don't expect the German to get much playing time unless and until the Twins are ousted from the playoff picture, but he'll get a taste of it these next two weeks.
He's 22, a left-handed hitter and thrower. the offspring of two world-class ballet dancers (mom from Texas, dad from Poland, both were performing in Berlin) who was signed in the same summer as Sano and Polanco. He has the speed to play center -- once Buxton was moved up, Kepler got the bulk of the center field time -- but has had some elbow problems in the past. He played all three outfield spots for Chattnooga and has considerable first base time as well.
Growing up in Germany didn't afford Kepler much exposure to quality competition as a kid, and it took him a while to catch up to his peers. But he certainly had a breakout year this season.
On a team with Buxton and Aaron Hicks, Kepler's not going to play center field. With the elbow issues on his resume, I suspect he's best suited for left field or first base, and the Twins have Joe Mauer at first base with three more years on his contract. I also suspect that of the four young outfielders -- Buxton, Hicks, Eddie Rosario and Kepler -- that Kepler may emerge as best hitter.
The Twins have time to sort out that alignment.
Cedar Rapids' proximity and the presence of Nick Gordon not withstanding, the Chattanooga team is the more interesting and important to fans of the major league team, and not only because it's two rungs higher on the ladder. Chattanooga was loaded this year, stuffed in large part with the players who won the Florida State League title in 2014 and the Appy League title in 2012. (That same group lost in the Midwest League playoff in 2013 to an equally-loaded Quad Cities squad.)
Even with the midseason promotions of the likes of Miguel Sano, Jose Berrios and Byron Buxton, the Lookouts were still loaded. Max Kepler was the Southern League player of the year. Adam Brett Walker hammered 31 homers (and struck out 195 times). Jorge Polanco spent much of the season at shortstop next to former first round pick Levi Michael. For much of the first half of the season, manager Doug Mientkiewicz could run out lineups with nine likely future major leaguers.
The seven players who were on the roster for all three titles, as listed by Mike Berardino: outfielders Kepler, Walker and Travis Harrison; first baseman D.J. Hicks; infielder Niko Goodrum; and pitchers Brett Lee and B.J. Baxendale.
The immensely talented Kepler, who has been on the 40-man roster for two seasons, was immediately called up to the big-league club after Monday's game. I don't expect the German to get much playing time unless and until the Twins are ousted from the playoff picture, but he'll get a taste of it these next two weeks.
He's 22, a left-handed hitter and thrower. the offspring of two world-class ballet dancers (mom from Texas, dad from Poland, both were performing in Berlin) who was signed in the same summer as Sano and Polanco. He has the speed to play center -- once Buxton was moved up, Kepler got the bulk of the center field time -- but has had some elbow problems in the past. He played all three outfield spots for Chattnooga and has considerable first base time as well.
Growing up in Germany didn't afford Kepler much exposure to quality competition as a kid, and it took him a while to catch up to his peers. But he certainly had a breakout year this season.
On a team with Buxton and Aaron Hicks, Kepler's not going to play center field. With the elbow issues on his resume, I suspect he's best suited for left field or first base, and the Twins have Joe Mauer at first base with three more years on his contract. I also suspect that of the four young outfielders -- Buxton, Hicks, Eddie Rosario and Kepler -- that Kepler may emerge as best hitter.
The Twins have time to sort out that alignment.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Great Day For Minnesota Sports
Tyler Duffy has turned out to be quite a gem for the Twins. He doesn't have arm problems, but he's young, so the Twins hesitate to give him any more innings this year. It's just that he's our best pitcher right now, and he's one of the main reasons we still have a chance for the last wildcard slot.
Yesterday: 7 shutout innings. That he got some runs support from vets like Mauer and Hunter was great. We managed to pull back ahead of the Angels for that last slot BUT we're still far enough behind Houston to worry about the time factor. Losing 5 straight has put us in an awful hole.
I'm still watching.
The Vikings looked like a totally different team yesterday. We're all happy about that. Primarily our defense was just incredible. Matthew Stafford was treated like a WWE jobber. He hit the turf time and time again. His only real success were the last-second drives he manufactured before the half and before the end of the game.
The offensive line looked reborn as well. They protected Teddy wonderfully. They even gave the fumble-fingered Peterson holes so large that even he couldn't screw it up...until he fumbled of course.
Officially he fumbled twice and he recovered one of those himself, but the only reason he didn't fumble three times was because a defensive penalty occurred away form the ball. Make no mistake about it. Adrian IS NOT BACK. He should just be happy he didn't cost the Vikings the game. And he should also be happy that his line gave him so much support.
He better fix his fumble-itis fast and consider himself very lucky.
Walsh missed another extra point yesterday which didn't really come into play (except it added drama to the end of the game when the Vikings had a 16 point lead instead of 17.) That one extra point made the ending more tense than it needed to be. At least he made both field goals.
Grades?
Defense A+
Offensive Line A
Teddy A
Peterson C+ (The yards were nice, but those fumbles are killer. In ANY other game, they would have been a big deal.)
The Vikings were clearly much better than the Lions yesterday.
And my other favorite team? Aaron Rodgers had a great fourth quarter. And now my least favorite team starts the year 0-2.
Go Vikings. Go Packers. And Go Twins!!!!
Yesterday: 7 shutout innings. That he got some runs support from vets like Mauer and Hunter was great. We managed to pull back ahead of the Angels for that last slot BUT we're still far enough behind Houston to worry about the time factor. Losing 5 straight has put us in an awful hole.
I'm still watching.
The Vikings looked like a totally different team yesterday. We're all happy about that. Primarily our defense was just incredible. Matthew Stafford was treated like a WWE jobber. He hit the turf time and time again. His only real success were the last-second drives he manufactured before the half and before the end of the game.
The offensive line looked reborn as well. They protected Teddy wonderfully. They even gave the fumble-fingered Peterson holes so large that even he couldn't screw it up...until he fumbled of course.
Officially he fumbled twice and he recovered one of those himself, but the only reason he didn't fumble three times was because a defensive penalty occurred away form the ball. Make no mistake about it. Adrian IS NOT BACK. He should just be happy he didn't cost the Vikings the game. And he should also be happy that his line gave him so much support.
He better fix his fumble-itis fast and consider himself very lucky.
Walsh missed another extra point yesterday which didn't really come into play (except it added drama to the end of the game when the Vikings had a 16 point lead instead of 17.) That one extra point made the ending more tense than it needed to be. At least he made both field goals.
Grades?
Defense A+
Offensive Line A
Teddy A
Peterson C+ (The yards were nice, but those fumbles are killer. In ANY other game, they would have been a big deal.)
The Vikings were clearly much better than the Lions yesterday.
And my other favorite team? Aaron Rodgers had a great fourth quarter. And now my least favorite team starts the year 0-2.
Go Vikings. Go Packers. And Go Twins!!!!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Football
The Vikings have their first home game of the season today against the Lions. I hate to say that today's game is critical since it's so early in the season BUT we all know that beginning a season 0-2 isn't a good sign for anybody. And the Lions and Bears are in the same boat. The pressure is on all three teams to win.
Green Bay, since they are a premium team, will get the premium Sunday night slot this week in a rematch of last year's NFC championship game. I always root for the Packers when they aren't playing the Vikings. Tonight will be no exception.
I like winners. Their games are more fun to watch.
Green Bay, since they are a premium team, will get the premium Sunday night slot this week in a rematch of last year's NFC championship game. I always root for the Packers when they aren't playing the Vikings. Tonight will be no exception.
I like winners. Their games are more fun to watch.
Twins
It took awhile for this prediction to come true, but I said the main problem I had with Target Field when it first opened up (even though most fans like outdoor stadiums) is that outdoor stadiums meant rainouts, and that sometime in the future, a rainout would mean having to play a meaningful double header (or two) in September during a playoff hunt, and that playing double headers impacts a team's ability to win a playoff spot. The only reason it hasn't happened already is because the Twins haven't been IN a playoff race in September since playing at Target Field.
Losing yesterday's double header was bad enough, but double headers, especially when one of those games was extra innings, puts a strain on the bullpen which has a detrimental effect on future games (and wins) as well.
We'll see in the coming week if that indeed is the case. Up until now I liked the Twins chances at getting a last playoff spot. Vegas odds makers had the Twins at a 22% chance of making the playoffs on Wednesday. That dropped to 10% yesterday. They now how the odds work more than anybody.
sigh
Losing yesterday's double header was bad enough, but double headers, especially when one of those games was extra innings, puts a strain on the bullpen which has a detrimental effect on future games (and wins) as well.
We'll see in the coming week if that indeed is the case. Up until now I liked the Twins chances at getting a last playoff spot. Vegas odds makers had the Twins at a 22% chance of making the playoffs on Wednesday. That dropped to 10% yesterday. They now how the odds work more than anybody.
sigh
Saturday, September 19, 2015
A Quote From Bull Durham That References Last Night
"Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Think about it."
Nuke LaLoosh
The Twins got rained out Friday and actually gained slightly in the wild card chase as both Houston and Texas lost.
As difficult as this week has been for the Minnesotas, all they've really lost so far is time. The Astros have lost five in a row now.
Big twin bill for the Twins today against the The Angels of Upper Los Angeles and Greater and Eastern Anaheim. Think about it.
Nuke LaLoosh
The Twins got rained out Friday and actually gained slightly in the wild card chase as both Houston and Texas lost.
As difficult as this week has been for the Minnesotas, all they've really lost so far is time. The Astros have lost five in a row now.
Big twin bill for the Twins today against the The Angels of Upper Los Angeles and Greater and Eastern Anaheim. Think about it.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Up Close and Personal
I happen to be the brother-in law of one of the state's top regional building inspectors. He and his wife recently took part in a tour of the new Vikings stadium facility. Here's a quick look:
In The NFL Great Teams Look Good Most the Time
Peyton Manning was sacked four times and had NO touchdown passes last week in the season opener, and yet the Broncos managed to beat the Baltimore Ravens anyway.
Last night against the equally impressive Chiefs, Manning led a 10 play, 80-yard touchdown drive in 36 SECONDS, late, to tie the game...
...and then he won the game in OT.
Manning at 39 years of age is not the quarterback he used to be, but the Broncos win far more times than they lose. Good teams win these types of games. And the Chiefs? They still looked good in losing. They're a pretty good team, too.
What. A. Game.
I love football.
Did I mention that Manning went over 70,000 career yards passing? Brett is now less than 2,000 yards away.
Number three on the list? Dan Marino with 60,000. Favre and Manning are in a league all by themselves.
Last night against the equally impressive Chiefs, Manning led a 10 play, 80-yard touchdown drive in 36 SECONDS, late, to tie the game...
...and then he won the game in OT.
Manning at 39 years of age is not the quarterback he used to be, but the Broncos win far more times than they lose. Good teams win these types of games. And the Chiefs? They still looked good in losing. They're a pretty good team, too.
What. A. Game.
I love football.
Did I mention that Manning went over 70,000 career yards passing? Brett is now less than 2,000 yards away.
Number three on the list? Dan Marino with 60,000. Favre and Manning are in a league all by themselves.
Angels Fighting For Last Play-off Spot Too
On Tuesday night the Twins got beat with the tying run on second base and Sano at the plate striking out.
Wednesday night they had the tying run on third and the winning run on second with one out.
Last night they got out-slugged by a team desperately trying to salvage their season.
Whatever the reason, the Twins find themselves with a three-game losing streak, and they still have three games left in the series with the frantic Angels.
Those losses are getting tough to watch. And everybody knows each and every game is now critical.
Wednesday night they had the tying run on third and the winning run on second with one out.
Last night they got out-slugged by a team desperately trying to salvage their season.
Whatever the reason, the Twins find themselves with a three-game losing streak, and they still have three games left in the series with the frantic Angels.
Those losses are getting tough to watch. And everybody knows each and every game is now critical.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Heart-Breaking Extra-Inning Game
It was a great game last night. Both teams had comebacks. The outcome hurt, but it's still nice to see a game this late in the season matter.
My brother mentioned on Facebook a couple days ago that it's time for a winning streak. It certainly is.
Go Twins!
My brother mentioned on Facebook a couple days ago that it's time for a winning streak. It certainly is.
Go Twins!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Football Thoughts
I laughed at Nimble Nate's comment yesterday, but football is such a different beast than baseball.
The good football teams (think the Patriots, the Packers, or Broncos) rarely look bad even in their losses. Average (or worse teams) frequently look horrible in many games. I think we all would agree that the Vikings looked really, really bad on Monday night.
Concerns reared their ugly head early and often.
Bridgewater looked so bad in his passing, especially early, even on the plays in which he had time to throw, that you had to wonder if something was physically wrong with him. He overthrew one simple 6-yard pass by 10 or 12 yards. The ball didn't get away from him, he didn't lose his grip. He simply threw it way too hard and way too far. I don't think I've ever seen an out pass thrown that badly by anyone.
Tavaris Jackson, at his worst, never threw a pass that badly.
And it's not like that pass was out of the norm Monday night. Bridgewater looked bad.
Another concern? Blair Walsh has got the yips. People usually use that term for baseball players who suddenly forget how to throw the ball. Literally. It happened to Chuck Knoblach when he was on the Yankees. A very good second baseman, and former Twin, literally could no longer make a good throw to the first baseman. Not just an occasional bad throw, but an all out assault on accuracy with virtually every throw. His body simply forgot how to throw a ball successfully to first base. He had to be moved to the outfield and eventually was forced to retire early.
Blair no longer looks like the kicker we had a couple of years ago. He started looking bad late last season. He looked worse in the preseason. And then looked just as bad Monday night. That the Vikings signed him to a new long-term contract in the preseason doesn't help. Mike Zimmer says he's not considering anyone else.
Long time readers of my blog might remember how I documented what a major role the kicker plays on good or great teams. Accuracy by a kicker will often determine if a team makes the playoffs. Long-range accuracy is the difference between making the playoffs and winning the Superbowl. So many games between great teams come down to a single kick by each of the teams' place kickers. The team with the best kicker wins.
Unless Walsh remembers how to kick, our season is over before it started. A missed extra point or a couple of missed "easy" field goals in any game will kill a team. Great teams win close games. Bad teams find ways to lose. Missed kicks and failing to take advantage of turnovers will turn you into a losing team. On Monday, both of those things were on display for the Vikings.
Biggest concern? We are putting our running game in the hands of an aging/ over-the-hill runner. I've already said that I don't like Adrian Peterson the person. His never-ending string of excuses blaming everyone but himself last season for his legal problems grew old quickly. But what about Peterson the former all-pro running back? I don't like his chances either. Very few running backs in football history are great after they turn 30. That seems to be the shelf life of an effective NFL runner. The difference between great and washed-up, is reaction speed. Even two seasons ago, the year AFTER his great 2,000 yard season, it was obvious his evasive feet in the backfield were no longer quite as evasive. Getting trapped in the backfield time and time again while attempting to make a good escape move became more of the norm than break-away runs. We should see that trend get worse this season. And if our makeshift line is supposedly worse than expected, we'll not see Peterson have a successful season.
Emmitt Smith was basically the only runner in NFL history to have a great later career. He was not the same type of runner. He didn't dally in the backfield. He wasn't known for dancing to get away. He knew where the hole was supposed to be, he went there, and he squeaked through it as quickly as he could. And he just kept on running until someone tackled him. He didn't over-power. He didn't evade. He just hit the expected hole quickly. Once through, he just followed his blockers. He was the smartest running back who ever lived. There was a reason he has the all-time rushing record.
Football is different in another way. It will take just 14 days for the Vikings to play (not quite but close enough) 20% of their season. Those first 14 days, those first three games, mean more in football than any other sport. I can't say the Vikings are going to be bad this year just yet. But in about 10 days or so, we'll all know. We don't have to win all our games to be good. But we have to look good even in our losses. The good teams look good even in their losses.
In other words, we can't look like Monday night again. Good teams don't have that luxury.
The good football teams (think the Patriots, the Packers, or Broncos) rarely look bad even in their losses. Average (or worse teams) frequently look horrible in many games. I think we all would agree that the Vikings looked really, really bad on Monday night.
Concerns reared their ugly head early and often.
Bridgewater looked so bad in his passing, especially early, even on the plays in which he had time to throw, that you had to wonder if something was physically wrong with him. He overthrew one simple 6-yard pass by 10 or 12 yards. The ball didn't get away from him, he didn't lose his grip. He simply threw it way too hard and way too far. I don't think I've ever seen an out pass thrown that badly by anyone.
Tavaris Jackson, at his worst, never threw a pass that badly.
And it's not like that pass was out of the norm Monday night. Bridgewater looked bad.
Another concern? Blair Walsh has got the yips. People usually use that term for baseball players who suddenly forget how to throw the ball. Literally. It happened to Chuck Knoblach when he was on the Yankees. A very good second baseman, and former Twin, literally could no longer make a good throw to the first baseman. Not just an occasional bad throw, but an all out assault on accuracy with virtually every throw. His body simply forgot how to throw a ball successfully to first base. He had to be moved to the outfield and eventually was forced to retire early.
Blair no longer looks like the kicker we had a couple of years ago. He started looking bad late last season. He looked worse in the preseason. And then looked just as bad Monday night. That the Vikings signed him to a new long-term contract in the preseason doesn't help. Mike Zimmer says he's not considering anyone else.
Long time readers of my blog might remember how I documented what a major role the kicker plays on good or great teams. Accuracy by a kicker will often determine if a team makes the playoffs. Long-range accuracy is the difference between making the playoffs and winning the Superbowl. So many games between great teams come down to a single kick by each of the teams' place kickers. The team with the best kicker wins.
Unless Walsh remembers how to kick, our season is over before it started. A missed extra point or a couple of missed "easy" field goals in any game will kill a team. Great teams win close games. Bad teams find ways to lose. Missed kicks and failing to take advantage of turnovers will turn you into a losing team. On Monday, both of those things were on display for the Vikings.
Biggest concern? We are putting our running game in the hands of an aging/ over-the-hill runner. I've already said that I don't like Adrian Peterson the person. His never-ending string of excuses blaming everyone but himself last season for his legal problems grew old quickly. But what about Peterson the former all-pro running back? I don't like his chances either. Very few running backs in football history are great after they turn 30. That seems to be the shelf life of an effective NFL runner. The difference between great and washed-up, is reaction speed. Even two seasons ago, the year AFTER his great 2,000 yard season, it was obvious his evasive feet in the backfield were no longer quite as evasive. Getting trapped in the backfield time and time again while attempting to make a good escape move became more of the norm than break-away runs. We should see that trend get worse this season. And if our makeshift line is supposedly worse than expected, we'll not see Peterson have a successful season.
Emmitt Smith was basically the only runner in NFL history to have a great later career. He was not the same type of runner. He didn't dally in the backfield. He wasn't known for dancing to get away. He knew where the hole was supposed to be, he went there, and he squeaked through it as quickly as he could. And he just kept on running until someone tackled him. He didn't over-power. He didn't evade. He just hit the expected hole quickly. Once through, he just followed his blockers. He was the smartest running back who ever lived. There was a reason he has the all-time rushing record.
Football is different in another way. It will take just 14 days for the Vikings to play (not quite but close enough) 20% of their season. Those first 14 days, those first three games, mean more in football than any other sport. I can't say the Vikings are going to be bad this year just yet. But in about 10 days or so, we'll all know. We don't have to win all our games to be good. But we have to look good even in our losses. The good teams look good even in their losses.
In other words, we can't look like Monday night again. Good teams don't have that luxury.
Hughes Shaky in Return
Like most fans, I was afraid the returning Hughes wouldn't be in good form last night, and those concerns were realized early. Texas is now in first place after beating the Astros again last night, and the Twins now trail Houston for the last playoff spot. Time is starting to run out and I hope either Hughes gets a lot better OR the Twins not use him any more this year. It's a tough time to put him back into games. Molitor is thinking of getting Nolasco back in there as well.
I fear that move as well.
I fear that move as well.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
NFL Boxscore of the Week
Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, the much hyped rookie Heisman Trophy Winners squared off against each other in week one. This box score line speak for itself in the Titans big win:
Twins Win, Peterson Flops in Return
I watched the first quarter of the Vikings game last night and then simply went to bed. The Vikings blocked a field goal AND recovered a muffed punt but still could do nothing on offense. Bridgewater looked lost and Adrian Peterson had clearly lost a step. Media folks were blaming the makeshift offensive line, and I can't disagree with that assessment either. Basically the Vikings looked much worse last night than anytime last season. I'm just glad I can watch the Patriots, The Packers, and the Broncos most weeks because I see no real joy developing in watching the Vikes.
I know that it's only week one, but you can tell a lot about a team and its coach by how you play that first real game. At best you can say we were unprepared. That is not what you want to say just coming out of the preseason. You can play WELL and still lose but The Vikes did not play well. They failed miserably.
Tyler Duffy for the Twins, on the other hand, was brilliant. He shut Detroit down for 6 innings as the The Twins offense once again shined. They are STILL one game behind Texas, but it's the middle of September and they are still battling for that last elusive playoff spot. They are a team worth my attention.
Go Twins!
I know that it's only week one, but you can tell a lot about a team and its coach by how you play that first real game. At best you can say we were unprepared. That is not what you want to say just coming out of the preseason. You can play WELL and still lose but The Vikes did not play well. They failed miserably.
Tyler Duffy for the Twins, on the other hand, was brilliant. He shut Detroit down for 6 innings as the The Twins offense once again shined. They are STILL one game behind Texas, but it's the middle of September and they are still battling for that last elusive playoff spot. They are a team worth my attention.
Go Twins!
Monday, September 14, 2015
Baseball
I really didn't watch much football yesterday. I saw parts of the Bronco's and Packer's games. And I'm glad both teams won, but I'm still more focused on the Twins and what their doing.
And what their doing is pretty amazing. Take Hunter and Gibson yesterday. Great performances and because of that, we're still in the race.
Go Twins! Go Vikings tonight!
And what their doing is pretty amazing. Take Hunter and Gibson yesterday. Great performances and because of that, we're still in the race.
Go Twins! Go Vikings tonight!
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Sports
There was a lot going on yesterday.
David Ortiz hit two home runs to attain 500 for his career. It doesn't seem like that long a go he was a Twin. Boston used him much better than we did.
Floyd Mayweather had his last fight and he finished his career 49-0. There may never be another fighter to generate that much interest and money. That's why they called him Money. Boxing will really miss him.
TCU, which barely squeaked by the Gophers last week, scored 70 points yesterday. That makes the Gophers look even better,
Michican State beat the Ducks of Oregon yesterday. Number ONE, Ohio State, rolled over Hawaii, too. And Michican, under coach Harbasugh, won their home opener. The Big Ten is looking pretty fierce again.
Today? The NFL is back with a full slate!!
Whoo!!!!
David Ortiz hit two home runs to attain 500 for his career. It doesn't seem like that long a go he was a Twin. Boston used him much better than we did.
Floyd Mayweather had his last fight and he finished his career 49-0. There may never be another fighter to generate that much interest and money. That's why they called him Money. Boxing will really miss him.
TCU, which barely squeaked by the Gophers last week, scored 70 points yesterday. That makes the Gophers look even better,
Michican State beat the Ducks of Oregon yesterday. Number ONE, Ohio State, rolled over Hawaii, too. And Michican, under coach Harbasugh, won their home opener. The Big Ten is looking pretty fierce again.
Today? The NFL is back with a full slate!!
Whoo!!!!
Gophers Win!
Over the last year or so, our local cable provider has been adding more and more sports channels. We originally had ESPN and ESPN2, along with Fox Sports North.
Since then they have added Fox Sports North 2, The Big Ten Network, NBC Sports, Fox Sports One, and CBS Sports, all in glorious high definition. I don't mind having all of those extra sports channels but they come with a price. Our cable bill went up because of them. And I really don't watch any of them...
...until yesterday. The Gophers football game was on CBS Sports, and because of that, I got to see them play, and ultimately win, in OT. It was nice seeing that, but watching one game every year or two, on these extra networks seems kind of expensive.
At least they won. If they had lost, I'd be even more bummed about the cost.
Since then they have added Fox Sports North 2, The Big Ten Network, NBC Sports, Fox Sports One, and CBS Sports, all in glorious high definition. I don't mind having all of those extra sports channels but they come with a price. Our cable bill went up because of them. And I really don't watch any of them...
...until yesterday. The Gophers football game was on CBS Sports, and because of that, I got to see them play, and ultimately win, in OT. It was nice seeing that, but watching one game every year or two, on these extra networks seems kind of expensive.
At least they won. If they had lost, I'd be even more bummed about the cost.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Pressure Gets to Serena
I was just as shocked as anyone when I saw that Serena lost the last two sets yesterday. It was just assumed that she'd win the Grand Slam this year in tennis. Folks are calling it the greatest upset in tennis history. I wouldn't go that far. Vinci played very well and it was already late in the tournament. Those first round upsets are always larger. But this was big. It probably cost Serena millions of additional dollars in endorsement deals.
I'm hoping to play a little tennis myself today.
I'm hoping to play a little tennis myself today.
Santana, Plouffe...BOOOOM!
Very nice game, but Texas won again as well. Still one back for that remaining playoff spot. September baseball is all about the chase.
Go Twins!
Go Twins!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Everybody Cheats
I came across a website yesterday documenting how all the NFL teams cheat regularly, so those that somehow still have hard feelings against the Patriots can stop feeling "holier than thou" about inflation gate. The one I noticed? Aaron Rodgers regularly OVER INFLATES the balls before every game and hopes the refs don't check as closely as they should. It's an interesting website:
http://yourteamcheats.com
Speaking of which, the leagues has established new guidelines on the proper handing of the balls now. I've always said since the beginning of this under inflated "scandal", that's ALL they really should have done in the first place. It would have saved them the embarrassment of "convicting" without evidence:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/178359/ensuring-properly-inflated-nfl-footballs-in-23-simple-steps
Oh, and even with the new rules in place, Brady threw for for four touchdowns last night as the Patriots dumped the Steelers in the season opener. It's not the ball and the lack of air in it that matters. It's the man throwing the thing.
And even though the league insists that they had NOTHING to do with the suspending of the two Patriot equipment guys, they still haven't given their approval to removing their suspensions. The Patriots say they want them back. The league is considering it. Sure sounds like it's the league determining their suspensions to me...
I'm just glad football is back. The Vikings don't play until late Monday night with the double-header games for Monday Night football. I'll probably watch a quarter before going to bed.
http://yourteamcheats.com
Speaking of which, the leagues has established new guidelines on the proper handing of the balls now. I've always said since the beginning of this under inflated "scandal", that's ALL they really should have done in the first place. It would have saved them the embarrassment of "convicting" without evidence:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/178359/ensuring-properly-inflated-nfl-footballs-in-23-simple-steps
Oh, and even with the new rules in place, Brady threw for for four touchdowns last night as the Patriots dumped the Steelers in the season opener. It's not the ball and the lack of air in it that matters. It's the man throwing the thing.
And even though the league insists that they had NOTHING to do with the suspending of the two Patriot equipment guys, they still haven't given their approval to removing their suspensions. The Patriots say they want them back. The league is considering it. Sure sounds like it's the league determining their suspensions to me...
I'm just glad football is back. The Vikings don't play until late Monday night with the double-header games for Monday Night football. I'll probably watch a quarter before going to bed.
Mankato to Get Professional Indoor Football Team
The Havock will begin play in the spring of 2016. The owners are from nearby Cleveland and they just signed a recent MSU grad, defensive tackle Bryan Keyes. Tryouts for the team will be held at Vogel Arena in New Ulm on October 3rd!
I might have to check those games out.
I might have to check those games out.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Struggling Twins Lose to Red-Hot Royals
This headline will (possibly) be more amusing if you read yesterday's blog.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Struggling Royals
I was reading the Twins recap on ESPN this morning and just had to smile. They used the word "struggling" when describing the division leading Royals.
The Twins have been doing well as of late, considering who their opponents are, and are FIVE games over .500. The Royals with all their recent "struggles" are currently 27 games above .500 running away with the division. Last 10 for both? 6-4 Twins. 4-6 Royals.
That's a statistical anomaly. Not a struggle.
IF the Twins sweep the Royals, I'll agree with the writer in a few days. In the meantime, I'll just see if the Twins over-powering surge continues.
I can use incorrect words too.
How's Sano doing as of late? He has now struck out in 13 of his last 15 at-bats. I'd say he's struggling.
The Twins have been doing well as of late, considering who their opponents are, and are FIVE games over .500. The Royals with all their recent "struggles" are currently 27 games above .500 running away with the division. Last 10 for both? 6-4 Twins. 4-6 Royals.
That's a statistical anomaly. Not a struggle.
IF the Twins sweep the Royals, I'll agree with the writer in a few days. In the meantime, I'll just see if the Twins over-powering surge continues.
I can use incorrect words too.
How's Sano doing as of late? He has now struck out in 13 of his last 15 at-bats. I'd say he's struggling.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Play of the Day
Bartolo Colon looks fat because he is. But the man is an athlete as well. Besides pitching a shutout on Saturday, he turned in this defensive gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXcucKyEqwM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXcucKyEqwM
Trevor May Great Through Six
Kind've got to feel sorry for Trevor May. He was a reliable starter for the Twins most of the season, but that last month in the bullpen has messed with his endurance. He lost it in the seventh yesterday-- as a good game for the Twins became a disaster late.
The Astros are leading their division for a reason though. Their last two series with the Twins? They were just better.
sigh
The Astros are leading their division for a reason though. Their last two series with the Twins? They were just better.
sigh
Sunday, September 6, 2015
What. A. Game.
And what an ending!!!
Santana was money.
Rosario had the two-run triple in the ninth to take the lead.
And Buxton made a nice catch WITH THE BASES LOADED with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
WHOOO!
Go Twins!
It sure feels like September/playoff baseball.
Santana was money.
Rosario had the two-run triple in the ninth to take the lead.
And Buxton made a nice catch WITH THE BASES LOADED with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
WHOOO!
Go Twins!
It sure feels like September/playoff baseball.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Twins Lose So Let's Talk About Brady
It seems there is a vocal minority of uninformed fans out there who still think Tom Brady did something wrong in the Deflate Gate scandal. None of the known facts are on their side. Here are the known facts right now. IF I've inadvertently said something wrong, please point it out to me with proper documentation. Unlike the NFL, I'll gladly admit to mistakes in my handling of the information. I've established these facts in previous posts, you're free to read them as they are still on this blog:
1) Deflation was never proven to have occurred.
That's right, through all of this, no ball tampering was ever proven. It's been established that Tom Brady likes his footballs on the low end of the acceptable inflation scale. Since he's entered the league he has worked with the commissioner's office trying to change the standard stating that the QB should determine the proper inflation rate of balls. Fellow QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck would rather have balls on the over-inflated side of the scale. They prefer a firmer ball.
All Patriot game balls submitted to officials before the game are going to have lower (but acceptable levels) of inflation. Both Brady and the Patriot coaching staff are always aware of that. The league is, too. Andrew Luck and the Colts in the AFC championship game submitted balls on the HIGHER end of the acceptable inflation scale. Those different groups of balls could have varied by as much as 1 PSI at the start of the game. That's normal and acceptable.
There were TWO gauges used by officials before and during the game, a generic one and a brand name one. The officials who did the measuring were not sure which gauge was used for each group of balls, though the OFFICIAL report was REWRITTEN by the league to make it seem like the officials were sure they used the brand name one. It was discovered later that the gauges varied by 1/2 PSI. According to manufacturers, that's normal and common. That means that the two groups of balls could have been off by as much as 1 1/2 psi at the start of the game! At this point, there is no way to confirm the what actual psi of the game balls really was.
That should have ended the investigation right there. If no real evidence of tampering occurred, there should have been no investigation.
But there's more:
2) Expert physicists testified that both the wet and cold game time conditions could have easily deflated the balls. Original reports, leaked by the league immediately following the game, were FALSE. The physicists they consulted did some basic math errors to come up with the wrong numbers. THE LEAGUE NEVER CORRECTED THIS MISTAKE PUBLICLY and that is the primary reason most fans still think Brady did something. This was a deliberate act by the league to manipulate public opinion. If it was not deliberate, they would have corrected their mistake.
3) These same expert physicists confirmed that heavy play with the balls would deflate them further. Every time you catch or land on a ball it deflates a little bit more. The Patriot offense was on the field running roughshod over the Colts the entire first half, while the Colts barely got to use their balls. In effect, that possible 1 1/2 PSI gap at the beginning of the game most likely widened.
4) Though the Patriot balls were inspected at halftime and found to no longer meet the league standard, the league could not prove that this was not in any way anything but normal. Nor could they say, with any certainty, WHICH gauge was used to check the balls. We were told after the game in information once more LEAKED by the league that all the Colts balls were fine. When, in point of fact, they never had time to check all the Colts balls! The league never publicly corrected that statement either.
Once more the investigation should have ended right there.
It didn't
3) The Welles' team was HIRED by the league to find something since the only facts in the case showed New England's innocence in the matter. The entire report was conjecture and speculation on what may have happened. The league then took the report and rewrote it as if to say this IS what happened. The NFL refused to testify as to why they did this. Welles was paid even more money to stand by "his" report.
4) A real judge saw the real evidence and chastised the NFL and their cronies.
5) The NFL says they'll appeal.
1) Deflation was never proven to have occurred.
That's right, through all of this, no ball tampering was ever proven. It's been established that Tom Brady likes his footballs on the low end of the acceptable inflation scale. Since he's entered the league he has worked with the commissioner's office trying to change the standard stating that the QB should determine the proper inflation rate of balls. Fellow QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck would rather have balls on the over-inflated side of the scale. They prefer a firmer ball.
All Patriot game balls submitted to officials before the game are going to have lower (but acceptable levels) of inflation. Both Brady and the Patriot coaching staff are always aware of that. The league is, too. Andrew Luck and the Colts in the AFC championship game submitted balls on the HIGHER end of the acceptable inflation scale. Those different groups of balls could have varied by as much as 1 PSI at the start of the game. That's normal and acceptable.
There were TWO gauges used by officials before and during the game, a generic one and a brand name one. The officials who did the measuring were not sure which gauge was used for each group of balls, though the OFFICIAL report was REWRITTEN by the league to make it seem like the officials were sure they used the brand name one. It was discovered later that the gauges varied by 1/2 PSI. According to manufacturers, that's normal and common. That means that the two groups of balls could have been off by as much as 1 1/2 psi at the start of the game! At this point, there is no way to confirm the what actual psi of the game balls really was.
That should have ended the investigation right there. If no real evidence of tampering occurred, there should have been no investigation.
But there's more:
2) Expert physicists testified that both the wet and cold game time conditions could have easily deflated the balls. Original reports, leaked by the league immediately following the game, were FALSE. The physicists they consulted did some basic math errors to come up with the wrong numbers. THE LEAGUE NEVER CORRECTED THIS MISTAKE PUBLICLY and that is the primary reason most fans still think Brady did something. This was a deliberate act by the league to manipulate public opinion. If it was not deliberate, they would have corrected their mistake.
3) These same expert physicists confirmed that heavy play with the balls would deflate them further. Every time you catch or land on a ball it deflates a little bit more. The Patriot offense was on the field running roughshod over the Colts the entire first half, while the Colts barely got to use their balls. In effect, that possible 1 1/2 PSI gap at the beginning of the game most likely widened.
4) Though the Patriot balls were inspected at halftime and found to no longer meet the league standard, the league could not prove that this was not in any way anything but normal. Nor could they say, with any certainty, WHICH gauge was used to check the balls. We were told after the game in information once more LEAKED by the league that all the Colts balls were fine. When, in point of fact, they never had time to check all the Colts balls! The league never publicly corrected that statement either.
Once more the investigation should have ended right there.
It didn't
3) The Welles' team was HIRED by the league to find something since the only facts in the case showed New England's innocence in the matter. The entire report was conjecture and speculation on what may have happened. The league then took the report and rewrote it as if to say this IS what happened. The NFL refused to testify as to why they did this. Welles was paid even more money to stand by "his" report.
4) A real judge saw the real evidence and chastised the NFL and their cronies.
5) The NFL says they'll appeal.
Friday, September 4, 2015
Justice Is a Dish Best Served By REAL Courts
Tom Brady has been cleared of any real wrong doing by a real judge in a real court of law.
The judge thought it was terrible precedence to suspend a player for something he may or may not have been aware of another person doing.
Exactly.
That the NFL EDITED the final report done by the appointed investigators (and refused to testify as to WHY they did that) did not sit well with him either. In effect, Brady could not confront his accusers, and the judge ruled that they could not suspend him.
As it stands now, Brady will not be suspended for perhaps knowing about the possible actions of someone else who may have not done anything wrong in the first place.
The NFL, in all its "wisdom" is thinking about filing an appeal.
Of course they are.
Haters gotta hate.
By the way, the current rule is that if a player is caught tampering with equipment he is subject to a $2,500 fine. That's quite a difference from the 4 game suspension the league unjustly tried to levy.
The judge noted that as well.
Twins, Vikings, Gophers All Lose
sigh
If it's any consolation, the Gophers lost to the number TWO ranked team in the entire country, AND if they did not have a couple of very stupid fumbles in the first half, I think most people would say the Gophers outplayed the Horn Frogs. It was their chance to shine and they simply didn't.
How did my Packers do? Let's just say they have a young QB just waiting in the wings:
If it's any consolation, the Gophers lost to the number TWO ranked team in the entire country, AND if they did not have a couple of very stupid fumbles in the first half, I think most people would say the Gophers outplayed the Horn Frogs. It was their chance to shine and they simply didn't.
How did my Packers do? Let's just say they have a young QB just waiting in the wings:
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Sano and Milone
Wow.
About a month ago I had given up hope of a Twins playoff spot. The starting pitching, which had been effective nearly all season was starting to break down. The bullpen, which had been absolutely stellar, was wiped out quickly by the starters sudden early inning failures.
And the hitting tanked.
But, it seems, just like that, the team has found new life. Sano has obviously been a major part of that resurgence, but so have the once slumping staters. Milone looked incredible last night. So did Santana before that. And Gibson, who pitches again today, had his best outing of the season last time time out.
Let's not forget about Jepson. With Perkins ailing he has proven much more than an eighth inning set-up man. He's the new stopper. And until Perkins is truly healthy, he's looking like someone who can do the job until Perkins returns.
Texas won again last night, which of course is a bit of a bummer, but the Twins are matching them now game for game.
I had forgotten how much fun September baseball is. No matter what the final result is this year, it's been a very good season.
Go Twins!
About a month ago I had given up hope of a Twins playoff spot. The starting pitching, which had been effective nearly all season was starting to break down. The bullpen, which had been absolutely stellar, was wiped out quickly by the starters sudden early inning failures.
And the hitting tanked.
But, it seems, just like that, the team has found new life. Sano has obviously been a major part of that resurgence, but so have the once slumping staters. Milone looked incredible last night. So did Santana before that. And Gibson, who pitches again today, had his best outing of the season last time time out.
Let's not forget about Jepson. With Perkins ailing he has proven much more than an eighth inning set-up man. He's the new stopper. And until Perkins is truly healthy, he's looking like someone who can do the job until Perkins returns.
Texas won again last night, which of course is a bit of a bummer, but the Twins are matching them now game for game.
I had forgotten how much fun September baseball is. No matter what the final result is this year, it's been a very good season.
Go Twins!
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Best in the NFL
ESPN recently polled 70 "experts" on who they thought the best players were in the NFL. Their task was to grade them (the really good ones) on a scale of 1-100. The results weren't surprising.
J.J. Watt averaged 98.87 for first
Aaron Rodgers was a close second with 98.34
And Tom Brady came in third with a 95.14
Adrian Peterson is still considered the best running back, even at 30 years of age. He came in eleventh with a 92.58 score.
Like I said, none of these were surprising. Folks know who the best are. And all of the top guys are close.
J.J. Watt averaged 98.87 for first
Aaron Rodgers was a close second with 98.34
And Tom Brady came in third with a 95.14
Adrian Peterson is still considered the best running back, even at 30 years of age. He came in eleventh with a 92.58 score.
Like I said, none of these were surprising. Folks know who the best are. And all of the top guys are close.
What An Ending!
When you're going against the White Sox, this year, you're never really out of it.
Such was the case last night. The Twins got a big early lead, squandered it, then relied on late inning heroics and Chicago mistakes to win.
And SANO!
He can barely move because of his hamstring injury, but that doesn't stop him from driving the ball, including yet another home run.
Perkins with the shaky save and it seemed like old times. The only real bad note was that Texas won as well. The Twins are still a game back in the wildcard chase, but knowing that we're playing meaningful ball in September is an unbelievable plus. It's been five years since we've played meaningful ball in September.
Go Twins!
Such was the case last night. The Twins got a big early lead, squandered it, then relied on late inning heroics and Chicago mistakes to win.
And SANO!
He can barely move because of his hamstring injury, but that doesn't stop him from driving the ball, including yet another home run.
Perkins with the shaky save and it seemed like old times. The only real bad note was that Texas won as well. The Twins are still a game back in the wildcard chase, but knowing that we're playing meaningful ball in September is an unbelievable plus. It's been five years since we've played meaningful ball in September.
Go Twins!
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Power Rankings
ESPN has the Vikes at 23rd in their latest poll. The Packers are number one, the Lions 18th, and the Bears 26th.
I think that's the right order for the division, but like MOST preseason polls, we won't believe how much they got wrong by the end of the season. The Packers and Vikings don't even square off until LATE, LATE in the season. Up until then, I fully expect the Vikes to be above .500.
I'm so sick of preseason games. The real season can't get here soon enough for me.
I think that's the right order for the division, but like MOST preseason polls, we won't believe how much they got wrong by the end of the season. The Packers and Vikings don't even square off until LATE, LATE in the season. Up until then, I fully expect the Vikes to be above .500.
I'm so sick of preseason games. The real season can't get here soon enough for me.
Berrios
The first wave of September callups were notified Monday in Rochester after the Red Wings' game, and they are guys we've seen before. Kenny Vargas. Danny Santana. Michael Tonkin, A.J. Achter. Eric Fryer.
Not included was Jose Berrios, who started Monday for the Wings. This spurred some consternation on Twitter Monday night, but I can't see any reason to be upset about it.
Realistically, they aren't calling up a 21-year-old who is already well above his previous high in innings to displace a (healthy) veteran in the rotation in a playoff push. It doesn't make sense in developing Berrios, and the risk outweighs the rewards. (Tyler Duffey is not a veteran, but the Twins obviously think he's ahead of Berrios.) Nor is there a immediate need for Berrios in the bullpen. The late inning guys are doing well, and there's little immediate payoff in long relief.
And even if the Twins do have a role for Berrios, he's not going to pitch for at least four days anyway.
Two other Rochester players whose absence is notable but not surprising: Oswaldo Arcia and Alex Meyer. Neither earned it.
As for the guys who did get the callup, none (my opinions) should be major pieces in the stretch run. Santana put up good numbers for Rochester as a hitter, but he was also charged with a pair of errors Monday. The Twins were pretty consistent in Santana's previous stints with the big club this year -- if he was here, he was the No. 1 shortstop. I hope they stick with Eduardo Escobar now, but I won't guarantee it.
Vargas and Fryer will make it easier to pinch hit for a catcher. Vargas to pinch hit, Fryer for catching depth. Tonkin and Achter will eat meaningless innings.
The Twins do have a move yet to make, because Fryer is not on the 40-man roster and the roster is full. So somebody has to come off. I wouldn't be surprised if they move J.R. Graham to the 60-day DL and end his season.
Not included was Jose Berrios, who started Monday for the Wings. This spurred some consternation on Twitter Monday night, but I can't see any reason to be upset about it.
Realistically, they aren't calling up a 21-year-old who is already well above his previous high in innings to displace a (healthy) veteran in the rotation in a playoff push. It doesn't make sense in developing Berrios, and the risk outweighs the rewards. (Tyler Duffey is not a veteran, but the Twins obviously think he's ahead of Berrios.) Nor is there a immediate need for Berrios in the bullpen. The late inning guys are doing well, and there's little immediate payoff in long relief.
And even if the Twins do have a role for Berrios, he's not going to pitch for at least four days anyway.
Two other Rochester players whose absence is notable but not surprising: Oswaldo Arcia and Alex Meyer. Neither earned it.
As for the guys who did get the callup, none (my opinions) should be major pieces in the stretch run. Santana put up good numbers for Rochester as a hitter, but he was also charged with a pair of errors Monday. The Twins were pretty consistent in Santana's previous stints with the big club this year -- if he was here, he was the No. 1 shortstop. I hope they stick with Eduardo Escobar now, but I won't guarantee it.
Vargas and Fryer will make it easier to pinch hit for a catcher. Vargas to pinch hit, Fryer for catching depth. Tonkin and Achter will eat meaningless innings.
The Twins do have a move yet to make, because Fryer is not on the 40-man roster and the roster is full. So somebody has to come off. I wouldn't be surprised if they move J.R. Graham to the 60-day DL and end his season.
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