Twins win

Yeap. Convincingly 11-1 over Detroit. Great pitching, great hitting, what is there to say, other than Gomez getting hit on the head by Pudge during his second steal of the game and Gardy's brother dying. Hope all is good for Gardy. Yes, I do think that he is not the sharpest knife on the block as far as managers go, but this is a game and no matter how the game goes and how things turn out losing one's brother sucks. Wishing the best for Gardy and hope that he takes all the time needed to heal.

Twins MVP: Gomez

Early Wed game notes

• Early game today @ mlb.tv with White Sox announcers. The Twins' lineup is the same with last night, which is a good thing. 4 pitch walk to start the game by Blackburn. Young robs the second sox batter from a double. A run scores on a double but Gomez get an assist as he is thrown out at third. Pop up inning over. Sox 1-0.
  Gomez has a single to the left to start the 1st inning for the Twins. Moves to second on a balk. Harris sacrifices him to third with a bunt. Mauer walks in 4 pitches. Morneau strikes out. Cuddyer ties the game with a single. Kubel strikesout. End of 1, 1-1.


• Blackburn strikes out Quentin, pops up Crede, a single and a ground out. 25 pitches for 2 innings of work. Young flies out to deep right center, Lamb grounds out to the 1st base, Punto walks, Gomez strikes out. Gardy gave the hit and run sign with 2 strikes on Gomez. Duh. Bloop single, double play, 2 Sox out in 3 pitches.
  Fly out. 6 pitch inning for Blackburn, 31 total through 3. Morneau has a 2 out hit, Cuddyer gets hit by a pitch on the back. 2 on, 2 out. Kubel strikes out. 1-1 after 3.


• Ground out to Harris, strikeout, Quentin hits a solo HR, fly out. 2-1 Sox. Young walks. Lamb flies out. Punto gets an infield single off the pitcher's foot. Gomez doubles in Young, men on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. Harris brings in Punto with a sacrifice. Gomez on second, 2 out. Mauer up. Gomez steals third and then thrown out at home when tried to score on a bad throw. Gardy up and argues the play. Replay shows Gomez safe. The Sox return the run on top of 5th. 3-3. 1-2-3 5th for the Twins. End of 5th, 3-3.


• No runs for the Sox on the 6th, 4k and 74 pitches for Blackburn. Kubel and Young both strike out. Lamb strikes out on a wild pitch and reaches 1st. Punto is the 4th man who strikes out in this inning for the Twins. It would have been a perfect situation to pinch hit Monroe for him and use Tolbert on the field... End of 6. 3-3. Blackburn i for the 7th to face the bottom of the Sox order. No score for the Sox.
  Gomez bunts for his third hit for the day. Harris sac bunts him to second. Mauer grounds out to second, Gomez to 3rd. Morneau brings him home with a ground rule double. Cuddyer is intentionally walked. Kubel strikes out for the 3rd time in the game. End of 7. Twins 4-3


• Reyes in to face Thome. Strike out. Neshek in. Strikes out Dye in 3 pitches, strikes out Quentin in 4. Twins' pitchers strike out the side. Yound strikes out. Lamb strikes out on a questionable called third stike. Punto grounds out. Nathan in. Fly ball. Single (Lamb saves a double by knocking the ball down). Walk. Fly out. Strike out. Twins win. Second win for Blackburn. 9th save for Nathan.

Twins MVP: Gomez

Tuesday night game notes

• White Sox vs the Twins in the dome. Punto starts again at SS and batting 9th. Good to see Gomez back again and on the top of the lineup. I really do not understand the complaints about Gomez. At worse he projects like a Vince Coleman with more power and at best he projects like a Rickie Henderson; I'd take any place in between. He is the fastest player in the majors and he can make plays in the CF no other outfielder can make, included the (not so) dearly departed Torii Hunter.


• This team needs to score some runs for Boof soon. They scored a total of 7 runs in his 5 starts, a stat bad enough to make Boof run for the border for fourthmeal after each game. He looks like he gained back at least half of the 25 lbs he lost during the offseason. Regardless, he has 2 strikeouts, a semi-intentional walk and an inconsequential single in the 1st inning. His fastball touches 93 mph with decent movement and his cutter has a bite.


• Mauer has a 2 out triple in the first. The Morneau flies out. Boof cruises through the second. A couple of encouraging signs: Mauers triple in the first and Young's single on the second were hit in the gaps instead of the opposite hit. Young steals second. Lamb strikes out. Boof faces only 3 men in the 3rd, thanks to a great DP started by Morneau. I think that Morneau should be a serious candidate for a gold glove this season. Punto almost makes an error in the 4th but Boof gets out. 4 IP 4 H 4 Ks, 54 pitchers. So far so good


• Cuddyer leads off the bottom of the 4th with a double. Kubel hits a 2 run homer. Young has his second hit and second stolen base then goes to third on a throw error by AJP. Lamb brings him in with a sacrifice fly to deep center. Gomez has a couple of quality at bats fouling balls close to the zone and letting go breaking balls on the dirt. He had a 3-2 count, working it up from 0-2, in the fourth, resulting in a fly out to the center. Bonser has an 1-2-3 5th with a couple of strike outs (6 for the day). Unfortunately an 1-2-3 inning for the other side too. Floyd has thrown 88 pitches to Boof's 72. Another scoreless inning for Boof, another strike out. 7 total. 88 total pitches through 6.


• Homer to Crede and another strikeout for Boof. Top of 7th 3-1 Twins. Neshek has a hit and a strike out on top of the 8th; Reyes in to face Thomas. Reyes gets Thomas to fly out to left and Young doubles up the runner on the first base. Double play. Reyes retires 2 batters with 3 pitches. Great defensive plays by Harris and Gomez in the 9th, 1-2-3 inning for Nathan's 8th save. Twins win 3-1.


• Rochester came back from 3-0 to beat Pawtucket 9-3 at home, in a game where Humber was used as a reliever and was credited with the win.

Twins MVP: Bonser

Thoughts...

• Did not want to mention Sunday's 10-0 loss to Texas, hoping it would go away. It didn't. Bad performance from the batters and starting pitching. Twins MVP for the game was Harris. It was hopefully an one-off and the Twins will regroup hosting the White Sox tonight. Bonser vs Floyd. Livan Hernandez is 3 for 3 against Floyd with 2 doubles and a home run.


• In addition to cheating on baseball, Roger Clemens reportedly cheated on his wife with a 15 year old when he was 28, a relationship that lasted more than 10 years... Methinks that statutory rape is more serious than steroid use...



• Randy Ruiz watch:
  
  

  
  G   AB  H   R  2B  3B  HR   RBI  BB  K    BA   OBP   SLG  OPS
  23  82  23  8  7   2   1    14   5   24  .280 .318  .431 .769
  

  
  

Saturday game notes

• Sindey Ponson is starting for the Rangers tonight. Huge gaffe from Gardy last night, not to use Nathan in the 10th, instead of Rincon, cost the game for the Twins. Baker is pitching today for the Twins. Not many news about Gomez (the local beat reporters seem to get scooped by AP), but it seems that he will be out for a couple of days. Tolbert is leading off and playing SS instead of Punto and Monroe is at CF batting in the 9th hole. Also Mauer and Morneau are batting 3rd and 4th with Harris second... Not sure that this is a good move...


• Two early double plays turned by the Rangers. Mauer and Cuddyer are the culprits. Baker pitches 2 strong scoreless innings with 3 strike outs and only 1 hit. Young and Lamb get back to back hits in the 3rd. Monroe hits a double, one run in, runners on 2nd and 3rd no outs. Tolbert strikes out in 3 pitches. Where is the bunt sign? Lamb scores on a passed ball. 2-0 Twins. Monroe to 3rd. Harris strikes out. Mauer lines out to 3rd. Twins out. Baker gives up 3 consecutive hits in the 3rd. Nobody out bases loaded. That last hit was a blooper in the center that Gomez would have easily catch it. Baker strikes out the next hitter. 0 and 2 double to left. 2 runs in. Game tied. Strikeout. Single, 2 runs in. 4-2 Texas. Strikeout. Baker strikes out the side in the bottom of the 3rd, but the damage is done. 6 Ks for Baker.


• Futile fourth for the Twins. 1-2-3 inning for Baker. Pitching changes. Twins tied the game in the 6th. Mauer gets a bunt hit in the 7th. Twins score 3 on top of the 7th. Delmon knocks in 2. Twins 8-5. Reyes still in; a walk and a hit. Crain in. He strikes out 2. End of inning. Tolbert looks overmatched tonight. He walks, steels second and Mauer brings him in with a single. Morneau singles. Cuddy hits a 3-run homer 12-5 Twins. Kubel out, Delmon out. Bottom of the 8th. Neshek in for some reason in the 8th with a 7 run lead. Where is Korecky?


• Bottom of the 9th 12-5 Twins. Korecky in, for his first appearance in the majors. Hit. Walk. Walk. Double play. One run in. Ground out to Morneau. Game over. Twins win 12-6

Twins MVP: Lamb

Friday game notes

• Bobby Korecky has been called up from Rochester, Cuddyer has been activated and Span & Liriano have been optioned to Rochester. This is the first time Bobby, 28, is in the majors making him the 4th Twin to make his MLB debut this season (Bass, Tolbert, Span are the others). Good thing to see Liriano get some time in a less stressful situation to work the kinks out. This year the Twins have 5 other starters, so Fransisco's absence would be ok


• Gomez bunt hits at his first at bat, steals second (10 SB for the year). For some reason hit and run was on and Harris strikes out at the plate. Mauer walks. Morneau hits a single to the opposite field scoring Gomez. Cuddyer pops out in the infield. Kubel grounds out to second. Inning over. Twins up 1-0


• Great double play turned by Blackburn in the first. Quick 9 pitch 1st inning. Gomez makes a great catch in the second inning, then another. Where are the Chicago fan pundits who wanted him demoted now? He has another bunt single in the third. Almost stole second again, but the hit and run was on and Harris fouled it. Twice... What's up with the hit and run, Gardy? Fun to hear the TX announcers appreciate Gomez. They compared him to Rickey Henderson... Harris singles, Mauer walks and Morneau hits a grad slam. Nobody out. Cuddy singles. Millwood is really struggling against the Twins. The Rangers are coming back in the 3rd inning. Young has an error, Blackburn gets hit and its a tie game. Then a great double play, runner out at home (Cuddyer) and at third (Mauer). 9-6-2-5 double play. Game still tied. Blackburn strikes out the last hitter he faces. 47 total pitches for Blackburn vs 64 for Millwood.


• Punto up and strikes out in 3 pitches. Mercy. Gomez looks hurt after trying to bunt for a hit. Harris strikes out. No update about Gomez, but looks like a hamstring or calf cramp. Monroe subs in the field for him. Blackburn settles in for the next inning; still 5-5. Blackburn has an 1-2-3 5th. Harris strikes out for the 3rd time tonight and everyday Eddie is warming up in the Ranger's bullpen. Blackburn gets out of the 6th inning. Hard to play a team with a 7 game losing streak.


• Eddie Guardado in for the Rangers, Mauer singles, Morneau lines out to 3rd, Cuddyer flies out to center with the first pitch he sees, Kubel grounds our to second. Guerrier in for the bottom of the 7th, then Reyes. Monroe a great over the shoulder catch to end the inning. Still 5 up. Lamb reaches again. Punto hits into a double play... The Rangers' TV commentators are the best so far for the away teams. Lamb has a Billy Buckner moment in the bottom of the 8th, then makes a great play for an out. Double play Harris-Punto-Morneau next. Reyes is pitching way above expectations this year. Top of the ninth next with score tied.


• The Rangers bring in their closer C.J. Wilson in. Sidney Ponson will start for the Rangers tomorrow against Baker. Twins out at the ninth, tied game. Neshek in for the Twins. One out. Monroe looks great in the outfield. Rangers retired. Extra innings. Detroit loses, Cleveland wins, ChiSox are rained out, KC is winning big. Pithing change. Benoit in for the rangers, Morneau singles, Cuddyer pops up, Kubel flies out, Young flies out. Rincon in. One out, double, walk, strikeout, double. Game over. Twins lose.
  

Twins MVP: Morneau

Early Thursday game notes

• Gomez starts the game with his first homer of the season. Liriano walks the first batter he faces with 5 pitches. Bases loaded (2 walks, one hit) one out. Punto froze at the hit to the left side that scored 2 runs. Another walk to load the bases. Another single, another run, bases still loaded. A 2 RBI single. Gardy needs to put Liriano out of his misery and send him to the minors for a while. He just is not productive this year and maybe needs a few months to work the kinks without jeopardizing the big club. I bet the phones is Rochester are burning. Since the Twins do not need another starter for a while, it might make sense to bring a reliever like Korecky or Gomez. Unfortunately Gomez is not on the 40 men roster, which would make Korecky a higher probability.


• Redmond looks really pathetic at the plate and cannot throw out runners. It's probably the end of the line for him. Two hits from Bass and an error by Buscher make the second inning precarious but a great play by Morneau leaves the As scoreless. 2 consecutive bunt singles by Punto and Gomez to start the third, but Harris grounds into a double play. Kubel flies out. The 2 bunt singles wasted. Monroe has hit 2 rockets in this game, unfortunately they are both about 500 feet high and 150 feet long. Kubel practically runs into Gomez in a routine play. Wouldn't it be better with Monroe there? Bass gets hit hard and hits a batter, Buscher makes a rookie mistake going for a botched double play instead of tagging the lead run and Crain is warming up. 2 more runs score and Bass has 57 pitches in 3.1 innings. Buscher singles in Redmond who had doubled over the 3B line.


• Bass serves a homer to the first batter in the 5th inning and a triple (underneath Kubel's glove) to the second batter (batters number 8 and 9 in the As lineup), then a double to the third, before he hits the showers, sparing himself of the "cycle". Crain in. Two pitches, two outs. Then walks Thomas and the next batter is out in one pitch. Nice pattern for Crain, whose fastball reached 95. He retires the first 2 batters he faces in the next inning then serves a homer. Span, in for Kubel in right, lets a ball drop in front of him. Redmond gets the first walk for the Twins this series after a hit by Monroe


• Reyes is in for the 7th and good to see him for more than a batter and facing righties. Retires the first 2 batters he faces, then retires Frank Thomas on a pop up that Harris made it more difficult than it had to be. Rincon in for the 8th. One hit, 1 K, successful inning. Last chance for the Twins. Young gets his second hit of the game, Monroe strikes out, Redmond strikes out, Buscher grounds out to first. Game over. Twins lose 11-2

Twins MVP: Gomez

The dome is expanding, the dome is expanding, take cover...

One of the outcomes of the Gardy era has been the phenomenon of the ever expanding Metrodome. What do I mean? Park factor is a stat that is helpful in assessing how much a specific ballpark contributes to the offensive production of a team or player. If the park factor number above 100 is a park good for hitters and below 100 is a park good for pitchers. The "homerdome" has been traditionally regarded as a hitter's park. Here are the Park factors for the dome to date since its inaugural season. I also include its ranking among all ML parks, since 2001

year park factor PF rank (out of 30 parks)

1982 101
1983 105
1984 105
1985 103
1986 107
1987 95
1988 106
1989 106
1990 108
1991 106
1992 101
1993 102
1994 97
1995 101
1996 104
1997 99
1998 99
1999 105
2000 106
2001 102        12
2002 97          3
2003 101         8
2004 104        10
2005 104        14
2006 99         19
2007 92         28
2008 92         30

It is clear that in the later years of the Gardy era, the Metrodome is regarded as a pitcher's park. Did the Dome change? Did the mysterious air currents of a bygone era stop suddenly? Or simply, did the new hitting philosophy installed by Gardenhire & Co., turned the Dome into Shea stadium by turning the Twins into a light hitting team?

Wednesday notes

• Late game at Oakland tonight. The Twins are riding a 3 game winning streak and Gardy decides to shake things up by changing his lineup and removing his spark plug Centerfielder, Gomez, for Span and the guy with the highest qualifying batting average in the team, Harris, for Tolbert; meanwhile Nick Punto is still starting at short, errors and 3 pitch strikeouts in vein; but, of course "he helps win games" and would you have any grey poupon? but of course. And yes the Twins are wearing their away grays tonight.


• Empty stadium again tonight. Interesting to see Span starting instead of Gomez in CF. Miss the excitement that Gomez can provide for this club. Doubtful that the sac fly run would have scored in the second with Gomez instead of Span there. Kubel misses a 2-run homer to the upper deck by a couple feet in the 6th. Harris pinch hits for Span in the 8th and the genius moved Punto to CF instead of Gomez.


• Bonser's fastball tops at 94 mph and has an 1-2-3 first inning. The weather is colder than expected (51 degrees), which does not bode well for the Twins' bullpen if recent history repeats itself. Boof has a really funky delivery. It's almost like he is pitching from the stretch every time. Not much leg power there. Maybe he is better suited to a reliever role. He goes 6 with 2 earned runs. Guerrier pitches a scoreless inning, then gives up a homer in the 8th


• Twins lose 3-0. Chicago loses and Detroit wins. KC vs Cleveland is rained out

Twins MVP: Kubel

Tuesday notes

• Another gem of sensitivity by Gardy: In an interview with Pat Borzi, he publically rips Liriano (who is the highest regarded pitcher in the organization), calls him "lazy" and suggests that if he does not improve he should be sent to the minors "as a wake up call". Are those the words someone who needs to regain his confidence on his fastball needs to hear? How wonderful to know that Gardy has Punto's back but when it comes to players from other cultures, he is being continuously insensitive. This reminds me of Gardy's behavior towards David Ortiz, in Gardy's first year as a manager. Someone from the front office needs to give Gardy a "wake up call", before it is too late.


• Punto starts ahead of Tolbert at SS again tonight. Makes an error. Detroit beat Texas 10-2. Delmon almost hit a home in the second. The stadium is more empty than the Metrodome. Monroe gets an early RBI, then another and Lamb brings him in. And then a homer. Span who? Lamb gets 3 hits for the night. Punto looks miserable in the plate until the 9th. Gomez has 4 strikeouts.


• Hernandez stuggled a bit, but still kept the team in the game with 4 runs in 6 innings. Good to see Rincon aggressive against lefties with 3 strikeouts. KC lost to the Indians and the White Sox lost to the Yankees. Oakland's outfield is a black hole, everything drops in for hits. Makes appreciating the Twins' outfield so much more. Neshek pitched an 1-2-3 8th with 6 pitches. Nathan strikes out the side, game over Twins win 5-4

Twins MVP: Monroe

Sunday Game Notes

• Gardenhire made the following condescending comment in an interview with La Velle E. Neal III:
  
  When it was mentioned how much Punto gets ripped by fans, Gardy replied: “That’s because he doesn’t help fantasy teams but he can help you win baseball games.”
  
  
  Here is the numbers (btw, Punto starts today instead of Tolbert):
  
  Career Runs Created per Game for the current Twins batters:
  Tolbert: 7.8
  Mauer: 6.6
  Morneau: 5.9
  Cuddyer: 5.3
  Lamb: 5.0
  Kubel: 4.5
  Harris: 4.5
  Monroe: 4.4
  Redmond: 4.4
  Young: 4.3
  Everett: 3.7
  Punto: 3.6
  
  As far as his defense goes, career numbers for all positions are
  
  FP: Punto: .976, league: .972
  RF: Punto: 3.13, league: 3.41
  
  Also his VORP, every year in his career other than 2006 has been negative, meaning that whomever played instead of him in that position was more productive…
  
  I am just tired of Gardenhire’s unsubstantiated and irresponsible comments, especially when they are condescending towards fans like this comment. Most fans do not care about "fantasy stats". All fans care about their team winning. If Punto is last in team in career runs created and his defense is below league average, how does he “help you win games”? Maybe Gardenhire cares less than the Twins' fans about winning every game


• For some reason, Mauer is out of the lineup (with the day off tomorrow) and Morneau is DHing. Also Lamb is playing 1B and Buscher is playing 3B


• Harris hits his 1st home run as a Twin to tie the game in the 3rd. He is the only Twin other than Morneau and Kubel to homer this season. His HR was on the opposite field over the baggie. Punto looked like Billy Butler in the stolen base attempt in the 5th inning. Great 10 inning game with Harris scoring both runs and Morneau driving him in in the bottom of 10th. Redmond and Buscher got their first hits of the season, which means that every hitter on the roster now has a hit. Gomez makes and incredible play in the bottom of the 9th to save the game (look at how the throw to the infield hits Punto on the butt :) ). I hope the fans will see Mr. Bentley for who he really is right now...


• Byrd's stuff is soft (fastball at 87-88 mph max) but has been working several pitches all over the plate. Baker has 8 Ks over the first 7 innings with 100 total pitches, having a streak of 9 batters retired from the 3rd to 6th inning. He currently leads the Twins in strikeouts. The bullpen (Reyes, Neshek and Guerrier) did not allow a run. The Twins lead the AL in team WHIP (1.27)


• Detroit lost in Toronto, KC lost in Oakland and the White Sox won in Tampa, which brings the Twins in a second place tie with KC, 2.5 games off first, and, even more importantly, 2 games ahead of the Indians and 3 ahead of the Tigers


• Frank Thomas was released by the Jays today, the Twins have little power from the right side and Kubel has a .270 OBP as the full-time DH. Thomas has a .326 OBP, 3 HR, 11 RBI and 11 walks (that would put him between Mauer and Kubel in OBP, tied for second in HRs, 3rd in RBI and first in BBs in the Twins' team); it does make sense for the Twins to sign him and installing him as their full time DH in the 3 hole between Mauer and Morneau, since he would be a perfect fit in that lineup and the Jays would be picking the bill. On the other hand, if he has more that 304 ABs this year a $10 mil option for next year matures, which if he produces might not be a bad thing for the Twins [edit: since he was released and not waived, the team that signs him is not responsible for the vesting option. This is a no brainer and the Twins' staff better jump on it]. In that scenario Kubel can come off the bench or play RF and Cuddyer should see some time at 3B.


• On unrelated news, the Pope prays in Yankee stadium. Not sure that even that would be enough to turn their season around with that pitching staff...

Twins MVP: Harris

game notes

• Any questions why Monroe should have been starting instead of Span? Morneau hits another dinger early in the game. Blackburn is putting together a great performance. His fastball was at 93 in the 8th inning. Stikes were the name of the game and the longest performance of any Twins’ starter this season. Nathan is 6/6 in saves and neither him nor Reyes have surrendered a run this season. 3 pitcher shutout, Twins win 3-0


• Really, cannot feel sorry about Torri's latest predicament; here is a quote from him on that: “I tried to treat myself a couple of weeks ago, and look what happened. The air bags didn’t even deploy. You know, I’m kind of disappointed that I got rear-ended in a Bentley, and they didn’t deploy. I won’t feel safe in that no more.” Life is rough.


• Every other team in AL Central lost yesterday, so the Twins gained a game on everyone. DLIE number = 5


• On other unrelated news, the Vikings seem ready to spend their first round pick very successfully this year

Twins MVP: Blackburn

• Liriano's velocity has been at the 90s (93 the highest) and the slider is working pretty well so far. His control seems better too. 1-2-3 inning with 2 strikeouts. Cliff Lee looks very composed in the mount this year, compared to last year. So far, he has carried his team with Sabathia struggling and Carmona landing back to earth. 2 walks for Liriano in the second inning and his control is missing. 2 runs in. Gomez makes a great throw to the plate making an easy run close. Liriano has been very hesitant and he cannot have a continuation in his game. Maybe a Liriano/Mulvey swap should happen until Slowey is ready to come back


• this is a pretty scary stat…and what’s that stuff on Cliff Lee’s hat bill? Doesn’t look like resin and he never used a resin bag in the mount in this game. Think that it might be that? What was wrong with Casey Blake to make to Twins give up on him? Rincon is pitching well enough to be adequate trade bait. Crain is back, and more than back. His location is great and his off speed stuff is working, too. I think that the cold outdoor games really affected the Twins' relievers last week.


• Another loss for the Twins. But, there are several more games against Cleveland and last year the Twins were 4-14 against the Indians...

Twins MVP: Tolbert

Game Notes

• Span makes a lead-gloved 2B error in RF and costs a run. It is amazing that Gardy is continuing to start him instead of Monroe... It would have been an 1-2-3 inning for Bonser.


• Bonser is staying in the game too long. He should have been out after the 1st 2 hits on the 5th inning. A hit, a walk and a run later, Bass comes in. Span has another error by overrunning the ball. At least Guerrier has a well needed excellent outing. Gardy starts Span to begin the 7th against a lefty pitcher. Neshek has a great outing; 1-2-3 ninth with 1 K

Twins MVP: Tolbert

Games notes from tonight

• I am trying a different format. Much less play by play and more commentary.
• Here is an interesting (albeit technical) tidbit about Neshek, which might explain some things. From Josh Kalk’s excellent site, here are Neshek’s pitch graphs in 2008 and here are those of 2007.
  If you compare the vertical movement and the release points in the 2 years, his 4 seamer (indicated as a “sinker” and “fastball” in the graphs) has been consistent. However, his 2 seamer (indicated as “slider” in the graphs) has been thrown at a lower release point this year compared to last and has much more downward movement that than of last years, which usually results in a ball


• Good to see a home forecast for a change on mlb.tv. Of course, the anticipated Evan Longoria and Eva Longoria comparison by the announcers happen on the 1st inning. Hernandez' slow curve isn't that slow tonight and he's a bit further away from the strike zone as usual. Mauer has a great throw to get a runner out. Detroit is spanking Cleveland. Sabathia had another bad outing. I called it a month ago about his effectiveness if his contract is not resolved....


• Kubel is very slow running the bases, for every other Twins' hitter that would have been an infield hit in the second inning. I write that down and then he gets a triple...


• Good to hear Scott Erickson on the broadcast. How about Bartlett in that 5th?


• Reyes has a great 11 pitch inning with a K against a righty. Then starts the next inning. Great to see Reyes there for more than 1 batter. Rincon in. Rincon does ok. How sweet was that Crawford boneheaded play with Delmon scoring? Game over Twins win 6-5

Twins MVP: Mauer

Pitching, defence and fundamentals win games?

here is the data for the Twins' teams of the Gardenhire ERA:

year SLG ERA Record place OBP

2001: .433 4.51 85-77 2nd .337
2002: .437 4.12 94-67 1st .332
2003: .431 4.41 90-72 1st .341
2004: .431 4.03 92-70 1st .332
2005: .391 3.71 83-79 3rd .323
2006: .425 3.95 96-66 1st .347
2007: .391 4.15 79-83 3rd .330

Clearly, the biggest differential of the non-competitive teams of 2005 and 2007 is slugging percentage.

Notes from tonite's game

Interesting decision for the Caesar, to have Kubel in RF and Monroe DHing, instead of the opposite, since Monroe's career range factor in RF is 1.82 where that of Kubel is 1.00. In addition Monroe knows the park. I hope that it is not another mistake... From the current Tiger's lineup only Ordonez (1.121) has a career OPS higher than .788 against Baker, and as far as the Twins go, only Harris (1.500) surpasses that mark against Robertson

Random thought of the day: The team is about $10mil under in payroll. With Everett/Punto/Rincon/Monroe off the books for next year, does a serious run for Manny Ramirez (3 years @ $15-17 mil per year) to be the everyday DH make sense?

Unrelated thought of the day: 1st Monday Night Football: Vikings at Packers. Tough schedule, though...

Issues with mlb.tv. Gomez doubles, steals 3rd, Harris walks, Mauers FC, Harris out, Gomez scores. Twins 1-0. Morneau strikes out. Young flies out to Thomas. Twins 1-0. Fly out to Young, strikeout, home run to left by Sheffield. 1-1. Strikeout. End of 1. 1-1. 16 pitches for Baker.

Kubel strikes out. Monroe grounds out to the shortstop. Lamb grounds out to 1st. 1-2-3 inning. Walk, fly out to Kubel, double play Lamb to Harris to Morneau. End of 2, 1-1. 29 pitches for Baker.

Tolbert gets a bat single to Cabrera. Gomez pops up a bunt to the catcher. Tolbert steals second. Harris pops up to right. Mauer singles to left, Tolbert scores. Morneau flies out to left. Twins 2-1. Walk, pop up foul to Mauer, stolen base (ball knocked out of Tolbert's glove), fly out to Gomez, ground out to Lamb. End of 3, 2-1 Twins. 45 pitches for Baker.

Young flies out to right center. Kubel strikes out in 3 pitches. Monroe singles to left. Lamb flies out to left in a great at bat where he fouled out 8 pitches or so. Bottom of 4. Fly out to Gomez, ground out to Tolbert, ground out to Morneau. Short order of Sheffield, Ordonez and Cabrera. 1-2-3 inning, 8 pitches for Baker. End of 4, Twins 2-1

Tolbert grounds out to 3rd. Robertson way inside to Gomez, then 3-2. Foul, strikeout on a questionable pitch (on further review gameday shows that it was indeed a strike inside). Harris flies out to the warning track at right. Twins out. Single to right, single to right, men on 1st and 2nd. Ground out to Tolbert, runners advance. Fly out to Gomez strong throw, runner stays at 3rd. 2 out. 0-2. Strikeout. End of 5. Twins 2-1. Great job by the Twins.

Mauer doubles to left. Morneau homers to left. 4-1 Twins. Young grounds out to short. One out. Kubel strikes out (third one tonight). Monroe lines out to short. Fly out to Kubel, ground out to third (great catch by Lamb and super play by Morneau on the other end) 2 out. Ordonez homers to left. Ground out to Lamb. End of 6. Twins 4-2.

Lamb flies out to short right. Visit to the mount. Pitching change. Lopez in for the Tigers. Tolbert flies out to right. Gomez strikes out on a slider way low and way away. Home run by Guillen to the right. 4-3. Fly out to Kubel, ground out to Tolbert, pop up to Harris. End of 7. Twins 4-3. 84 pitches for Baker

Harris flies out to center. Pitching change, sidearmer Rapada in. Mauer grounds out to 2nd. A couple of questionable pitches to Morneau called strikes (gameday shows them as balls) and he strikes out. Bottom of 8. Crain in. 94 mph fastball for a strike; then a great 74 mph curve for a strike... strikeout on a 95 mph fastball. Walk. Bad throw on a pick up play. Runner to 3rd. Foul pop to Mauer. Double to right. 4-4. 2-run homer by Cabrerra. 6-4 Tigers. Ground out to Morneau. 6-4 Tigers

Todd Jones in for Detroit & a couple of defensive changes. Young gets a triple to the right, almost out of the park. Kubel grounds out to the pitcher. Monroe singles Young home to left. Span pinch running. Lamb flies out to right. Tolbert strikes out. Twins lose 6-5

Twins MVP: Mauer

Giving Caesar what belongs to Caesar

A big reason that the Twins lost last night's game, was the managing of Gardenhire. Specific managing mistakes:

1. Starting Span in RF instead on Monroe
   
2. Keeping Span in the game after the home run
   
3. Subing Punto for Lamb in the 8th. In the 9th Punto was the winning run on the plate with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. Who do you want in this situation, Punto or Lamb
   
4. Not pinch-hitting for Punto with Tolbert or Monroe in the above situation
   
5. Over utilizing Guerrier and underutilizing Crain in the pen. Crain last pitched 1 inning on 4/11, Guerrier on 4/12.
   
6. He kept both Guerrier and Neshek in too long. With Reyes and Crain rested it, there is no excuse. Also is there a written rule in Gardy’s book that the closer cannot come in before the 9th?
   

For most of his career, "Gardy" has given a free ride by the press and Twins' management (like not being held accountable for the sub par season this year). It's about time that changes, before this season is lost. He is not swinging the bat and making pitches, but he decides who swings the bat and who makes those pitches. I will be keeping track of his mistakes that cost games for the Twins throughout the season. This archive can be found here

Today's game notes

• Back watching the game from mlb.tv... For some reason Gardenhire decided to leave Monroe out again, in favor of Span. I hope he does not regret the move. Also, with Guillen on 1st having hamstring issues and Cabrera on 3rd being Cabrera, I expect Gomez to bunt in every AB


• Gomez fouls off the 1st pitch. Bunt to 3rd, foul. Bunts fouls with 2 strikes. Strikeout. Span infield hit to short with broken bat flying over the pitcher. Mauer bunts foul towards 3rd. Mauer grounds to pitcher for a double play. 0-0. Ground out to Morneau, fly out to Span, pop out to Everett, 1-2-3 inning for Blackburn, 0-0


• Morneau pops to 3rd. Delmon singles down he middle. Young steals second, Kubel strikes out. Harris pops foul behind home plate Pudge can't get it gets an error, single to left, Delmon scores. Lamb singles off the right field wall (that ball looked like it was out), Harris in, 2-0. Everett strikes out. Twins 3-0. Ordonez singles, Cabrera flies out to Span, single to right, runners on 1st and second 1 out. Pop foul to Morneau. Ground out to Morneau, end of 2, 2-0 Twins. 29 Pitches for Blackburn


• Gomez grounds out to 3rd. Span flies out to center. Mauer walks. Morneau flies out to left. Ground out to Morneau, ground out to Harris, fly out to Span (great play). End of 3. Twins 2-0. 42 pitches for Blackburn.


• Young grounds out to the pitcher. Lamb grounds out to the pitcher. Harris strikes out, Twins down 1-2-3. Ground out to Lamb, fly out to Span, double to left, ground out to Harris. End of 4, Twins 2-0. 57 pitches for Blackburn.


• Lamb reaches to 1st on a Cabrera error. DLIE:4. Everett flies out to center. Gomez forces Lamb with a grounder to 3rd. Gomez steals second. Span grounds out to short (close play at 1st). Single to right, fly out to right (great play by Span), double play 1-6-3. End of 5, Twins 2-0.


• Mauer walks in 5 pitches. Morneau strikes out on a questionable called 3rd strike. Delmon doubles Mauer in off the left field fence. Kubel singles Young in to center, Thomas over runs in, Kubel to 3rd. Third error for the Tigers. Harris sacrifices Kubel in to deep center. Lamb grounds out to second. Twins 5-0. Ground out to Blackburn, ground out to Harris, infield hit to 3rd, single through the middle; 1st and 2nd, 2 outs. Guerrier up in the pen. Hit to the left. Tigers score a run. Two run double to the left. 5-3. Blackburn out Guerrier in. Single to left, batter out on a run down, but the lead runner scores. End of 6. 5-4 Twins


• Bonderman still in. Everett singles to left. Gomez forces Everett to short. Gomez really disrupting Bonderman, 2-0 to Span. 3-0. Hit and run. Single to center, Gomez to 3rd, 1 out. Pitching change. Lefty Seay in. Mauer walks, bases loaded. one out. Ball to Morneau, single to left, 2 runs in. Young singles to left, Mauer in, Morneau out in a rundown, Younf to second. Kubel up. Single to right, Young in. 9-4. Harris strikes out. Span kicks a long fly ball from Pudge over the fence. Assisted home run. That ball was not going out if Span did not push it... Ground out to Guerrier, ground out to Morneau, ground out to Harris. End of 7, 9-5 Twins.


• Lamb out to second. Everett doubles to left. Gomez strikes out. Span walks. Mauer grounds out to 1st. Punto in at 3rd. Double to left. Double to center, one run in. Error by Everett, men on 1st and 2nd. Hit to left another run in. No outs. Neshek in. Force out to Everett, runners 1st and 3rd, 1 out. Triple. 2 runs in, tied game. One out. Sacrifice fly. Tigers up 10-9. Triple. Hit down the middle, 11-9. Sheffield fouls a long out to the left and then strikes out. End of 8. Tigers 11-9.


• Todd Jones in. Morneau flies out to right. Young grounds out to 3rd. Kubel walks. Harris hits to right. Punto flies out to left. Game over. Twins lose 11-9.


• I can't believe that Gardenhire did not pinch hit for Punto at that spot...


• If Blackburn stays in the bigs all year, he should be a serious candidate for a gold glove

Twins MVP: Young

Thoughts from today's game

The Twins lost 5-1 in Liriano's return to the majors. I did not watch the game, just followed it on the mobile version of mlb's gameday. Here are some thoughts for the game, the next series and the season:

• Liriano had a rough outing, but he can work the kinks out. He is already pitching better than Buherle and Sabathia and it was very cold. It has been reported that the problem was fastball location.


• Batting is an issue. I hope that in the Detroit series, Mornoe is in every game replacing Span, because he needs at bats and he has a bone to pick with them. Gomez would be very successful bunting against this defense so I hope he is there every day


• The Twins are in a good place. They are a game ahead of Cleveland and 4 ahead of Detroit with an overall .500 record. Last year they were 9-9 against both KC and CHW and this year they are 4-2 and 1-1 against them, respectively


• Redmond, Span & Punto do not belong in the bigs, neither does Rincon. Smith should be on the phone to bring in a bat, and one of Korecky, Mulvey & Swarzak to the bullpen

Twins MVP: Bass