It's on Gardy

by Old Twins Cap on Aug 31, 2008 9:40 AM EDT

I know that the Twins were not supposed to contend this year, and that I should be happy that we are even in the race, gaining experience, the thrill of a pennant chase--all that.

But, at a certain point, you want to win games. We are now entering September and we are at that point. Who knows if we ever get this close again for a decade?

This road trip, 14 games in 15 days, has been billed as the be all and the end all of the Twins season, and to the extent that it is, things are not looking good.

Joe Nathan has blown two saves against teams that are less than solid offensively. Jesse Crain has been battered in the late innings and come back to the hotel with a pair of losses. The offense has come up punchless in three, make it four games, leaving decent pitching performances on the table.

But, last night, WTF? Can anyone explain to me why Harris was in the game, in the 9th inning with a one-run lead? Isn't the manager's job to put his best defenders on the field and maximize the chance of winning?

Harris is not a defensive whiz, to say the least. And, if you watch the losing play carefully you can see that Nathan had the guy at third, made a decent throw, not even all that hard. But, Harris does not move his glove into backhand position, but rather, tries to scoop it down low moving across his body. And, he misses it.

I know. Nathan gets the error. A throw right at Harris's chest and the Twins are likely in 1st place this morning.

But, still, Gardy has got to bring Everett in to play SS and move Punto to third late in games when they are winning. Even if the game goes into extras, he still can pinch hit Buscher for Everett and move Punto back to short.

It's the kind of managerial oversight that you don't often see anymore. And, I wonder if Gardy will acknowledge his mistake on the radio show this morning.

Sure, baseball takes a million turns, and I am the first one to admit that a change like that changes what would have happened on the field. But, could it get any worse than it did? Giving up two runs on a single hit in the bottom of the ninth? And just why did they bring in Everett as a free-agent if they are not going to use him--one of the best shortstops of his generation?

The Twins are finding ways to lose games. And last night's, while there were accessories, has got to be laid at Gardy's feet.

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Comments

It's always Gardy's fault

Come on, it can’t always be Gardy’s fault.

How about blaming the offense who couldn’t score more than 2 runs on the A’s? Last I checked it wasn’t Hudson, Zito, Haren, or anyone else who you could say is shut down pitcher on the hill. Why was it 2-1 in the 9th?

Here’s an idea, how about blaming Nathan for blowing the save? He’s the one that allowed the runners on base after all.

The way I see it there is plenty of blame to go around. The Twins want to be a playoff team and they go on the road and play 2 bad teams and turn into a bad little league team. Gardy gets plenty of blame on many nights and I don’t have a problem w/ that but last night, and going forward I put alot more blame on the guys on the field actually playing the game.

by caluofmn on Aug 31, 2008 10:53 AM EDT reply actions

Fine

But why not put your best fielders out there in the 9th with the game on the line?

It’s all about maximizing the team’s chances to win.

He did not do that, and, as far as I can tell, didn’t even think about improving his defense for the final inning.

And it’s not like Harris was tearing it up offensively. Didn’t Kubel and Young get on, back to back, three times in a row only to run into the Harris offensive roadblock?

If I’m the manager, I make that move.

by Old Twins Cap on Aug 31, 2008 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

I make the move as well

given Harris’ struggles at the plate.

However, this one’s on Nathan and the offense.

by Adam Peterson on Aug 31, 2008 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Sounds like we should at least

blame Harris more than Gardy then?

by caluofmn on Aug 31, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I blame

Nathan. He was trying to overpower everybody, and I question the throw to third (although had we gotten the out at first, a fly would have tied it and a hit would still get them the win).

by Twins Territory on Aug 31, 2008 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I can't really agree

that this is on Gardenhire. He could have put Everett in the game, but ultimately, Nathan has to be better than he was.

What’s disappointing about this trip is that they have gotten consistent starting pitching, but are still 4-6. On the other hand, they also haven’t lost ground, so that’s good.

Here’s what the starters have done on this trip (each with 2 starts):

Baker: 14.7 innings, 4R, 2.45 ERA
Blackburn 10.3 innings, 8R, 4.45 ERA
Perkins 15 innings, 4R, 2.40 ERA
Slowey 12.3 innings, 4R, 2,93 ERA
Liriano 13 innings 2R, 1.38 ERA

Only Blackburn has had poor results; his ERA is a little misleading as he had the unearned runs against the Angels. Otherwise, they’ve been excellent.

by Eric in Madison on Aug 31, 2008 12:10 PM EDT reply actions

+1

Can’t really put this one on Gardy. When I watched the 9th inning this morning (thanks DVR), I wondered for a moment why we didn’t insert Everett, but then again some defensive substitutions drive me crazy when we end up with Everett at the plate later in the game in a key situation.

This one’s on:
1. Nathan (wasn’t sharp, threw the game away)
2. Offense (we’re not going to win many games by scoring 2 runs)
3. Harris (got to at least get a glove on the ball, horrid at the plate)
4. Gardy (lack of defensive substitution in the 9th)

by Adam Peterson on Aug 31, 2008 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions