Congratulations, Commander Riker: You've Been Promoted to the Bullpen
by Jesse on Jul 10, 2008 7:49 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
58 comments
July 10, 2008: Open Thread Recap, Minnesota @ Detroit
Riker: Thank you, sir. I also hit right handed, and for power.
The strange thing about Riker's promotion is that the bullpen was rock solid on Thursday afternoon, and Justin Morneau provided exactly enough power to fuel the offense.
Kevin Slowey was knocked around early and hard by the Tiger offense. His final line was better only than his June 8th outing against the White Sox, but only marginally so. He was knocked out before completing the fourth inning, getting charged with all six runs off of nine hits and a pair of walks. No matter what he threw in that disasterous fourth inning, Detroit had the answer.
But tonight it was the Twins mounting the late rallies. In the seventh, Nick Punto, Denard Span, Carlos Gomez and Alexi Casilla played roles in what would be a one-run inning. Casilla's sac-fly to plate Punto brought the Twins within striking distance at 6-3.
In the eighth, Justin Morneau blasted a deep shot that bounced off the top of the wall just to the right side of center field. The umpires converged and called it a double, but I'm not too sure. It looked like a home run to me. But it's a moot point now, and Justin wasn't done anyway. He advanced to third before scoring on a Delmon Young ground out.
The ninth inning was a thing of beauty, and returned some of the bounces that had been working against the Twins the last few days. Consecutive singles by Punto and Span ended up scoring a run thanks to the futility of Tiger outfielder Matt Joyce, and Joe Mauer immediately followed that up with a sacrifice fly to plate Span and tie the game at six.
Things were quiet until the top of the eleventh, thanks to a bullpen that combined for seven and a third scoreless innings by the end of the afternoon. Following a Jason Kubel fly-out and a nice catch by Clete Thomas, Tiger reliever Freddy Dolsi had logged 2.1 innings and 32 pitches. On Dolsi's second offering and 34th pitch, Justin Morneau turned and made dead red contact with the fat part of the lumber. Dolsi's fastball was history the moment it left the bat, and this time they couldn't take Justin's home run away. Matt Guerrier threw his second scoreless inning to end the game, joining Craig Breslow, Jesse Crain, Dennys Reyes and Joe Nathan in the relief effort.
There was only one point in the game where I truly felt the Twins were working against themselves. In the bottom of the ninth with the game tied at six, Morneau had just walked to put runners on first and second with two away. Detroit removed southpaw Bobby Seay for right-hander Freddy Dolsi. Craig Monroe, who's absolutely destroyed right-handed pitchers this season to the tune of .284/.338/.622, was removed in lieu of Mike Lamb.
Mike Lamb grounded out.
Of course it isn't a big deal, because the Twins did manage to come back and tie the game prior to the plate appearance. And ultimately, the Twins did win, and that's what matters. (That, and Morneau going 5-for-5 with a homer, pair of doubles and a walk.) But this move was completely incomprehensible and, in my mind, without any defense. Lamb has had a rough year, and I feel for him and I still want him to succeed, but he hasn't hit this year. It doesn't matter what hand the pitcher throws with, Lamb's been horrible. Gardenhire, who uses Monroe versus southpaws in spite of his miserable numbers, then lifts him from an at-bat versus a right-hander, who he's destroyed. Color me baffled.
Still, like I said, the Twins won. Confusion is easily quelled when the long-term goal is met. But hopefully, if this situation arrises again, Gardenhire can just turn to Riker. He mashes righties AND lefties.
Also, the barriers of Deanna Troi's heart.
[Note by Jesse, 07/10/08 7:18 PM CDT ] I almost forgot! Mad props to Andersklasen, montanatwinsfan, caseintheface, cmathewson, TMW, Neil, DedicatedFlowerOfFastion, PhoenixV, neide, cooldude, .mnqwerd and Tony_O for keeping the game thread jumping!
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Deanna Troi
Ah, spandex.
This win means more than just one win in the standings. There was a feeling in the fourth inning that this game could be another one like yesterday and we’d be in for a repeat of the White Sox series. But the bullpen stopped the bleeding, the bats kept chipping away, and Morneau put this team on his back and would not let them lose.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
by cmathewson on Jul 10, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I
I shouldnt get credit for contributing. I come around well after that game was over
8D
that was a roller coaster of a game. Detroit had thier chance in the 9th to win but could not. Mad props to the local nine for keep plugging away.
Justin Morneau’s bat is crazy hot. 11 hits in his last 19 at bats (.611) and HR’s in 2 straight games
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Liriano Update
So Far for Rochester Tonight.
6 innings pitched, 2 Hits, 7 K, 1 Walk, 0 Runs. Hes returning to his former self as Rochester is just destroying Durham in the top of the 7th 10-0.
by Tony_O on Jul 10, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh man. After all the “fail” pictures that have been in the last couple game threads, I really wanted to put this in when Lamb pinch hit in the game, but my connection was on the fritz. Crazy that I come to another ST:TNG pic.
by matty_b on Jul 10, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha!
I love this one. Also, is it pathetic or cool that I can tell you exactly what Picard’s doing in this scene?
by Jesse on Jul 10, 2008 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only three words for you for this picture
I love you
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 11, 2008 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha
its great that a lot of people here seem to like ST:TNG
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
stats, sports blogs, computers, and ST:TNG
What do all of these have in common? Nerds who live in their mother’s basements : )
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 10, 2008 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sold
Riker’s response to his promotion has me still chuckling. Well done, Jesse =)
Also, Gardy’s undying infatuation with his (often misguided) lefty-righty policy is going to be the death of me. Even so, I’ve got to confess with being a lot less irritated with him this season as compared to the last few. And he’s probably had more of a challenge managing this squad than the paint-by-numbers lineups we’ve had in the past. So I’ll content myself with not being too upset with him.
formerly known in these parts as adamb
by ravenfly on Jul 10, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was like
he spent a day on the blogsphere reading about all of us ranting about the misuse of Jacque Jones and he hasn’t been on since
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Liriano
Carmen Cali comes into replace Francisco, Final Line, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB,8 K
by Tony_O on Jul 10, 2008 9:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
only 87 pitches thus far
what would be the reason to not have him keep working?
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
who knows, i guess pre caution over the Tommy John Surgery could be a reason.
by Tony_O on Jul 10, 2008 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Usually at that
point in the game the manager would ask the pitcher how he’s feeling anyway. He completed seven innings and is approaching a high pitch count, so maybe Liriano just said he felt like he was out of gas. No need to run him back out there after seven stellar innings.
by Jesse on Jul 10, 2008 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
save his innings too
i guess i’m looking at it through a different perspective where in my mind this is his last start before replacing Livan on a Prayer and we need to see if he can finish it off. but that’s just me in la la land. Here’s to 13 more nights throwing crap at the tv!
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speeking of Livan
Anybody else want to start taking shots every time he gives up a hit?
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh uh
And then do a funnel every time he wiggles out of jam!
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually...
I want to take a swing at one of his fastballs. Hey, I mght not drive it but I think I coudl keep one fair.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Jul 10, 2008 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they
they are up 10-0 also
why keep pitching him
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crap
That was supposed to be in reply to the Livan drinking game. Need to pay more attention to where I’m typing.
by matty_b on Jul 10, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
apparently
you’ve been indulging in that drinking game?
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 10, 2008 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Revere
Ben Revere’s batting average in under .400
he should be traded. what a slouch
:p
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He'll pick up a trio of hits tomorrow night
and be right back on the horse. He can do it!
by Jesse on Jul 10, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you imagine a day with
Gomez, Revere and Hicks patrolling the outfield with Span on then bench?
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Five years from now:
Hicks: 23
Gomez: 27
Revere: 25
Span: 29
They’re still young.
by Jesse on Jul 10, 2008 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it my imagination
or will the 4 of them combin for a slugging percentage of .396?
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 10, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
I think one of them will be traded by then
The Twins will probably draft a player in the same mold next year, and the year after, and so on
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Had to actually get some work done after the 7th
So I’m listening to the archive and Todd Jones just left the game. Gordon thought it a shame as It was Joyce, not Jones who had the two base error.
But I think the Tigers fans have about as much faith in Jones as we had in Eddie Guardado back in 2002-2003. He gets the job done, but sometimes you have a seizure in your armchair before he does.
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 10, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Should read:
So I’m listening to the archive and Todd Jones just left the game. Jones left to a loud chorus of boos. Gordon thought it a shame as It was Joyce, not Jones who had the two base error.
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 10, 2008 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rincon
Back in the bigs, first two batters faced:
Walk
Single
Stay tuned
Gardenhire's major league career: Banjo hitting, futility infielder who couldn't lick it.
Rick Anderson's major league career: Strikethrower who never made it happen with his sub 90's fastball.
Really gives a new definition to living vicariously through other people, don't it?
by caseintheface on Jul 10, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
geesh
what a way to break a long losing streak
Im glad the Twins have avoided long losing streaks in recent years. Just think of the reaction the blogs would have if the Twins went in the tank and lost 10 straight games like the Indians just did
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buerhle
Buerhle been fantastic tonight, sadly
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grienke
Hasnt looked that bad either.
by Tony_O on Jul 10, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Mahay
Ron Mahay has put together one heck of a season
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
FAIR
FAIR BALL
tied up a 1s
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mike
Mike Aviles is like a 10000% upgrade at short over Tony Pena Jr
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW
Who the F voted Corey Hart over Pat Burrell for the final vote?
by Neil on Jul 10, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
drunk
drunk and or high Wisconsinites
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GUILLEN!!
jose Gullien just smoked a ball over the CFers head
2-1!
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the Sox
the Sox have been playing shallow all series long. The RFer was burned last night, and Swisher was burned there. if Swish was playing normal depth, me might of caught that ball (although it was a frozen rope with a lot of spin so it would of been tough)
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Teahen!!
Mark Teahen just hit a gapper for INSIDE THE PARK HR!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
4-1
4-1
WOW that was awesome. he slowed up for a triple, but the 3rd base coach was waving his arms around. The Sox had some trouble getting to the ball
flipping sweet
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
DING!
2 1/2 back
thank you KC!
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Jul 10, 2008 10:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah KC
KC has a good manager and they are playing very fundamentally sound baseball. It took them a bit to get going, and they lack depth of talent, but they will be a good team if they get a few players, IMHO.
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."
by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Jul 10, 2008 11:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
doesnt
Picard sort of look like Terry Ryan and Riker look like Boof Bonser?
by 33MorneauMVP on Jul 11, 2008 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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