Yesterday I mentioned how the acquisition of Logan Morrison would affect our current roster. Today I'll talk about one specific Twin it will affect: Kennys Vargas.
The Twins now have three first basemen who can DH. Joe Mauer, Kennys Varga, and Logan Morrison.
Does anyone else see the problem?
Vargas is younger than Morrison. He hits home runs with more frequency than Morrison, and costs less. The thing is Morrison was great last season. The handwriting is on the wall. Vargas could very well become as good (or better) than Morrison, but he's not going to do it as a Twin.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Logan Morrison
The Twins finally got the DH they wanted, but now we have an awful lot of left-handed hitters that don't do so well against left-handed pitchers.
I'm interested in who the Twins now keep on their major league roster. Both Grossman and Granite can get on base, but Grossman isn't much good on defense. That hurts his chances with the acquisition of Morrison.
I'm interested in who the Twins now keep on their major league roster. Both Grossman and Granite can get on base, but Grossman isn't much good on defense. That hurts his chances with the acquisition of Morrison.
Monday, February 26, 2018
U.S. Takes Fourth
You know that if we take that place overall, there really isn't much to the "sports" in the Winter Games...
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Curling Report
The U.S. shocked the world last night by taking gold. They have never done that before and no one expected them to even compete with the best this year.
I'm not surprised. Sports that aren't really sports always have big upsets.
I'm not surprised. Sports that aren't really sports always have big upsets.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Still Waiting
I decided to skip the Twins first exhibition game yesterday. I probably wouldn't have recognized anyone any way.
And the Wolves haven't played in a week.
Olympics?
eh
And the Wolves haven't played in a week.
Olympics?
eh
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
No Pitch Clock This Year
Instead baseball will be implementing the Gary Sanchez rule. Named after Yankee's catcher Gary Sanchez, the rule will now limit the number of times a game can be stalled by someone taking the time to walk to the mound and talk to a pitcher while he's in there. SIX has been determined the perfect number. No pitcher can have more than six visits without being removed from the game. That means catchers, shortstops, managers and coaches, anyone.
No more pitching coaches going out once an inning to see if everything is alright.
Sanchez wasn't really the problem with his frequent visits. Joe Girardi, Yankees manager, was the real problem. And that's why Yankees games always lasted so long with him there.
Of course, if a manager switches pitchers, they'll get six more visits with every switch.
I like this rule. The catcher getting up and taking a stroll to the mound after a couple wild and high always seemed a bit much to me.
Baseball does have to move faster. Now, stop rewarding a hitter who can foul off ten pitches in a row. If he swings and the ball isn't fair after the 5th strike (2 regular and 3 fouls) he should be oughta' there.
Fair is fair.
No more pitching coaches going out once an inning to see if everything is alright.
Sanchez wasn't really the problem with his frequent visits. Joe Girardi, Yankees manager, was the real problem. And that's why Yankees games always lasted so long with him there.
Of course, if a manager switches pitchers, they'll get six more visits with every switch.
I like this rule. The catcher getting up and taking a stroll to the mound after a couple wild and high always seemed a bit much to me.
Baseball does have to move faster. Now, stop rewarding a hitter who can foul off ten pitches in a row. If he swings and the ball isn't fair after the 5th strike (2 regular and 3 fouls) he should be oughta' there.
Fair is fair.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Twins Pick Up Another Starter
Jake Odorizzi, another career .500 pitcher with an ERA hovering around 4.00, has joined the Twins starting staff.
It looks like they are happy with the idea of having reasonably priced starters that can pitch some innings.
I kind of like that.
It looks like they are happy with the idea of having reasonably priced starters that can pitch some innings.
I kind of like that.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Winter Olympics Vs NBA All-Stars
Who won?
I don't know. I was watching the Grimm marathon waiting for baseball to begin.
I don't know. I was watching the Grimm marathon waiting for baseball to begin.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
NBA Thinking
The NBA has finally acknowledged that their play-off scenario may not give you the two best teams in the league facing each other in the finals.
They are now talking about taking the 8 best teams in each conference and then seeding them all to give a top 16. In other words, when the smoke clears, you may see 3 or 4 teams in the semi-finals from the WESTERN conference, instead of two each from both conferences.
I like it. The same 16 teams will make the play-offs, but those who make it to the finals will have to earn it instead of coasting because they are in a weaker conference.
Bring it on!
They are now talking about taking the 8 best teams in each conference and then seeding them all to give a top 16. In other words, when the smoke clears, you may see 3 or 4 teams in the semi-finals from the WESTERN conference, instead of two each from both conferences.
I like it. The same 16 teams will make the play-offs, but those who make it to the finals will have to earn it instead of coasting because they are in a weaker conference.
Bring it on!
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Twins Sign Average Starter
Anibal Sanchez signed a 1-year deal with the Twins worth up to $2.5 million. A lifetime .500 pitcher he has a 4.09 ERA over 12 seasons.
At this point, the Twins are looking for guys that fill a rotation spot without being embarrassing. Sanchez should have an average year doing that.
At this point, the Twins are looking for guys that fill a rotation spot without being embarrassing. Sanchez should have an average year doing that.
Friday, February 16, 2018
Wolves Win At Home
AND...
...they rallied to do it.
Good teams bounce back. Great teams have long streaks.
The Wolves are bordering on great.
...they rallied to do it.
Good teams bounce back. Great teams have long streaks.
The Wolves are bordering on great.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Ski and Shoot a Rifle
The Biathlon.
They say that "sport" originated in Norway.
It seems more like an American sport...
I know of the terrible shooting in Florida yesterday, yet I can't help wonder how putting a rifle in the middle of a cross country skiing event makes it a sport.
No jokes intended.
They say that "sport" originated in Norway.
It seems more like an American sport...
I know of the terrible shooting in Florida yesterday, yet I can't help wonder how putting a rifle in the middle of a cross country skiing event makes it a sport.
No jokes intended.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Wolves Lose At Home
Consolation?
It was to the Rockets.
They hadn't lost at home since December 16th. The longest home-winning streak for the Wolves ever.
It was to the Rockets.
They hadn't lost at home since December 16th. The longest home-winning streak for the Wolves ever.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Sano
The Twins aren't saying it out loud much, but if you read between the lines of some recent interviews and news stories, you might start to think Sano's long-term future withe the Twins may be somewhat in doubt.
The shin injury he had at the end of last season had to be surgically corrected with a steel rod this off-season. There was also a credible allegation of a sexual assault that could very well result in some type of suspension (maybe even jail time.)
And now there are articles coming out questioning Sano's work ethic, with Molitor himself being quoted.
I don't know if this is the beginning of the Twins distancing themselves from Sano before they get rid of him, or if they are merely sending him a wake-up call. He's good and young. He can be molded. He can pay for his crimes. But does the organization wish to go through all of this with him?
I guess that's one of the questions they'll have to answer during spring training.
Which starts today.
I remember when that used to send me to heights of joy. Now, as an adult, the real world gets in the way.
The shin injury he had at the end of last season had to be surgically corrected with a steel rod this off-season. There was also a credible allegation of a sexual assault that could very well result in some type of suspension (maybe even jail time.)
And now there are articles coming out questioning Sano's work ethic, with Molitor himself being quoted.
I don't know if this is the beginning of the Twins distancing themselves from Sano before they get rid of him, or if they are merely sending him a wake-up call. He's good and young. He can be molded. He can pay for his crimes. But does the organization wish to go through all of this with him?
I guess that's one of the questions they'll have to answer during spring training.
Which starts today.
I remember when that used to send me to heights of joy. Now, as an adult, the real world gets in the way.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Olympics
12 years ago I predicted that the X-Games would be more popular than the Winter Olympics.
I was kind of right. The Olympics were smart enough to incorporate many X-Games sports into the Olympics, and they are now showcasing the best snow boarders in the world in primetime everywhere.
The appeal to young people is off the charts. And even old codgers like me prefer it to anything else the Winter Games offer. The U.S. even had a teenage gold medal winner last night.
And I was watching.
I was kind of right. The Olympics were smart enough to incorporate many X-Games sports into the Olympics, and they are now showcasing the best snow boarders in the world in primetime everywhere.
The appeal to young people is off the charts. And even old codgers like me prefer it to anything else the Winter Games offer. The U.S. even had a teenage gold medal winner last night.
And I was watching.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Olympics
What's my beef?
I hate judging events in any sport, but the winter events are the worst.
Example?
Ski jumping. You would think that the guy that jumps the farthest would be the winner right? I mean that would make perfect sense. Form and how you land should have nothing to do with it.
I mean THINK about it. People with the best form and landing would consistently be the best jumpers. That's how you would be able to jump that far in the first place. But leave it to the winter sports to screw up something so easy to determine the winner.
They have judges determine who was BETTER LOOKING jumping a certain distance.
Imagine men's long jump in the Summer Games being determined the same way. "Yeah, Sid, he might have jumped farther than anyone in the history of mankind, but he didn't stick his landing, so that's going to cost him the gold..."
Winter Games? Winter Shame is more like it.
I hate judging events in any sport, but the winter events are the worst.
Example?
Ski jumping. You would think that the guy that jumps the farthest would be the winner right? I mean that would make perfect sense. Form and how you land should have nothing to do with it.
I mean THINK about it. People with the best form and landing would consistently be the best jumpers. That's how you would be able to jump that far in the first place. But leave it to the winter sports to screw up something so easy to determine the winner.
They have judges determine who was BETTER LOOKING jumping a certain distance.
Imagine men's long jump in the Summer Games being determined the same way. "Yeah, Sid, he might have jumped farther than anyone in the history of mankind, but he didn't stick his landing, so that's going to cost him the gold..."
Winter Games? Winter Shame is more like it.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Ervin Santana
The Twins knew Ervin was suffering toward the end of last season. All became aware of it with that horrible playoff start.
Ervin has since had surgery on the middle finger on his pitching hand. He is expected to be out all of April and MAYBE a little into May. It all depends on his response to the surgery and normal recovery time.
The Twins do not have a deep starting rotation, but Santana's recovery will give the Twins an opportunity to see some of their young prospects get some starts at the major league level. Those kinds of starts are invaluable to the future of the Twins starting rotation.
Maybe one of them will turn out to be another Berrios. Probably not, but at least they can show everybody what they're made of.
Ervin has since had surgery on the middle finger on his pitching hand. He is expected to be out all of April and MAYBE a little into May. It all depends on his response to the surgery and normal recovery time.
The Twins do not have a deep starting rotation, but Santana's recovery will give the Twins an opportunity to see some of their young prospects get some starts at the major league level. Those kinds of starts are invaluable to the future of the Twins starting rotation.
Maybe one of them will turn out to be another Berrios. Probably not, but at least they can show everybody what they're made of.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Sports Hole
The Vikings and NFL are done. The Wolves are better, but don't play often enough to get me into the habit of watching them. And the Twins don't start for a couple of months.
And wrestling?
Let's just say the WWE's current booking (writing staff) bores me and frustrates me to tears,
Time for more TV show marathons. Grimm is going to get a good watching the next few weeks.
And wrestling?
Let's just say the WWE's current booking (writing staff) bores me and frustrates me to tears,
Time for more TV show marathons. Grimm is going to get a good watching the next few weeks.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Eagles Better Than Critics And Experts
The offense was off the charts. Every single offensive record was broken by the end of the third quarter. Brady needed help last night. His defense failed. His kicker failed. His coaching staff failed.
And one of his big-play receivers got knocked loopy.
AND he still almost won, with over 600 yards of offense.
Rotten commercials. Horrible halftime show.
But the food, the game, and the friends were great!
And one of his big-play receivers got knocked loopy.
AND he still almost won, with over 600 yards of offense.
Rotten commercials. Horrible halftime show.
But the food, the game, and the friends were great!
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Wolves Beat Pelicans
Butler and Towns are becoming quite a combo for the Wolves.
AND the Super Bowl is today.
Go food! Go commercials! Go Patriots!
I get the feeling everybody is underestimating the Eagles, though.
AND the Super Bowl is today.
Go food! Go commercials! Go Patriots!
I get the feeling everybody is underestimating the Eagles, though.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Baseball War Brewing
There's lots of free agents this off-season.
Nobody's signing them.
Agents are upset. The union is upset. Free agents are upset. Players with long-term deals are upset.
GMs, owners, and the commissioner say its not collusion.
But there is talk of players having an illegal walkout/boycott in spring training to protest.
With costs skyrocketing and revenues and ratings down and less money coming from cable TV rights in the future, maybe, just maybe teams are finally getting smart.
OR
Maybe the Yankees and Dodgers HAVE everyone they want and no one else can afford those who are left.
You know where I stand. MOST free agent spending is a waste of money. I'd prefer to look for good deals on young players than $200 million contracts on old guys. It seems like modern day GMs now know that, too.
Go baseball!
Nobody's signing them.
Agents are upset. The union is upset. Free agents are upset. Players with long-term deals are upset.
GMs, owners, and the commissioner say its not collusion.
But there is talk of players having an illegal walkout/boycott in spring training to protest.
With costs skyrocketing and revenues and ratings down and less money coming from cable TV rights in the future, maybe, just maybe teams are finally getting smart.
OR
Maybe the Yankees and Dodgers HAVE everyone they want and no one else can afford those who are left.
You know where I stand. MOST free agent spending is a waste of money. I'd prefer to look for good deals on young players than $200 million contracts on old guys. It seems like modern day GMs now know that, too.
Go baseball!
Friday, February 2, 2018
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Alex Smith was traded to the Redskins yesterday.
Why does that matter to Vikings fans? Well, that means Kirk Cousins is going to be the most sought after free-agent quarterback this off-season. Everyone expected Cousins to be made Washington's franchise player. Now that he won't be, the Vikings may have become the front-runners to sign Cousins to a long-term deal.
Almost everyone has Cousins as a better, long-term, franchise QB than Case Keenum, Bradford, or Bridgewater.
That means the Vikings now have an extra, perhaps better choice, that they may very much want to sign.
Keenum, at best, is now an also-ran who can no longer command as much value (read: big contract) as he was expecting. The Vikings may now have NONE of their current free-agent QB's going into next year.
Interesting turn of events. Until Cousins signs, most of the Vikings plans will remain on hold.
Why does that matter to Vikings fans? Well, that means Kirk Cousins is going to be the most sought after free-agent quarterback this off-season. Everyone expected Cousins to be made Washington's franchise player. Now that he won't be, the Vikings may have become the front-runners to sign Cousins to a long-term deal.
Almost everyone has Cousins as a better, long-term, franchise QB than Case Keenum, Bradford, or Bridgewater.
That means the Vikings now have an extra, perhaps better choice, that they may very much want to sign.
Keenum, at best, is now an also-ran who can no longer command as much value (read: big contract) as he was expecting. The Vikings may now have NONE of their current free-agent QB's going into next year.
Interesting turn of events. Until Cousins signs, most of the Vikings plans will remain on hold.
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