Game 113: Twins @ Mariners
Minnesota @ Seattle
Pregame
With Livan Hernandez on the verge of heading to Colorado, it will be interesting to see what the Twins get back in return. I'm not expecting much, but it will be something. Maybe a pizza. Godspeed, Rockies fans. Turn up that humidor. Or down. Whatever. For Seattle, their news today included Jose Vidro getting his papers stamped DFA.
Onto tonight's action...this is from the Mariners' Series Preview:
R.A. Dickey: I have a friend, we'll call him "bobomojo", who's a big fan of Dickey, and would have liked for the Twins to have kept their paws on him. He throws a knuckleball about 70% of the time, which is neat, but apart from that he isn't very effective. Because in spite of the knuckler, he doesn't get a lot of ground balls, and traditionally he's been prone to streaks of missing his spots. I know, that's normal for a knuckle-ball pitcher, but the problem with Dickey is that he doesn't have anything else to offer. Still, over his last seven starts five of them have been "quality", so he is riding some success. Hopefully he won't buck his long-term trends on Tuesday, and he'll walk four if he goes six, and he'll probably allow 8-10 hits and a homer as well. Patience, as always, is the key!
For the AL Central-leading Twins it's right-hander Scott Baker. In spite of striking out eight in his last start, it wasn't his finest appearance. Still, he allowed four runs through six innings for a no-decision, and it was just the third time all year that he'd been charged with more than three runs. Baker's success this season is due to his control, the highest strikeout rate of his career, and his ability to mix speed and location. He's become incredibly reliable this season, and has established himself as the guy we all hoped he could be. Hopefully after the Seattle run-purge last night they're completely out of offense for the series, meaning Baker can re-establish his groove.
Over at Lookout Landing (also, check out their comparison of each team's starters, as well as the picture of Perkinsville from their game recap of last night...good stuff), here's what Matthew had to say about Scotty B.:
Scott Baker is in his third year in the Twins rotation and has seen some improvement and regression from 2007. He has been steadily missing more bats each year and his strikeout rate reflects that, now up to a very healthy 21.4% and he continues to pound the zone, offering up strikes on nearly 70% of his pitches and keeping his walk rate around 5%. His problem has been with the long ball. Never one to keep the ball on hte ground, Baker has been bit this year with more of those many fly balls landing over the fence. Nevertheless, his tRA is settling in the 4.4 range.
It's hard to say what Seattle's lineup will look like tonight sans Vidro, but I'm going with: Ichiro (RF), Reed (CF), Ibanez (LF), Beltre (3B), Lopez (2B), Cairo (1B), LaHair (DH), Johjima (C), Betancourt (SS)
For the Twins I'll wager the new standard: Span (RF), Punto (2B), Mauer (C), Morneau (1B), Kubel (DH), Young (LF), Buscher (3B), Harris (SS), Gomez (CF)
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Comments
Saves/Closer article
Since the loss of Neshek we’ve all been talking a lot about the under use or misuse of our remaining most effective reliever: Joe Nathan. Anyways it’s nice to see somebody on the national stage right about the current overrated state of closers and the hallowed “Save” stat.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=caple/080805
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 Aug 5, 2008 9:14 PM EDT 0 recs
Gotta Wipe the Taste of Last night out of our mouths
Tonight Boys!
by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 9:16 PM EDT 0 recs
Tigers 5, White Sox 1
Hopefully we can pull back ahead tonight…
by Twins Territory on Aug 5, 2008 9:47 PM EDT 0 recs
White Sox
They don’t play nice so they give other division opponents reason to hate and work harder to beat them (not sure if you caught any of the White Sox vs Kansas City games this weekend…). As much as I wish our guys played with a little more fire you have to admit the way we play with such class bodes well for us in the long run.
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 Aug 5, 2008 9:50 PM EDT 0 recs
Word is...
...that the Cardinals, Rockies and Mets all put in claims, but the Rockies get to make the deal since they have the worst record.
The Rockies have reportedly offered to pay $1.5 million, but word is that the Twins want a player…
by Twins Territory on Aug 5, 2008 10:10 PM EDT 0 recs
Diamond in the rough?
Perhaps a reliever Colorado doesn’t know they could be relying on right now?
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
Aug 5, 2008 10:18 PM EDT
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who would that be
Brian Fuentes?, Fat Chance that happens,
by Tony_O on
Aug 5, 2008 10:30 PM EDT
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Was thinking of minor leaguers
no chance they give us anything in the majors
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
Aug 5, 2008 10:32 PM EDT
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This team
doesn’t need the money. Hence the willingness to be have already dumped 3 salaries (Livo, Craigers, Juan B12 Rincon)
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
Aug 5, 2008 10:30 PM EDT
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Nice Wild Pitch by Dickey
Twins Lead 1-0, Just think, This guy was almost a Twin
by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 10:32 PM EDT 0 recs
Would've been interesting
Might have been better than Livo over the course of the entire season
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
Aug 5, 2008 10:34 PM EDT
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+1
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
Aug 5, 2008 10:56 PM EDT
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Somebody better steal tonight
Knuckler on the mound for pete sake
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 Aug 5, 2008 10:36 PM EDT 0 recs
Harris Conversation
Overall this season he’s been pretty streaky with the bat. Not as much pop as we might have been hoping although he’s been real clutch as of late. Defensively he wasn’t too bad at 2nd although Gardy didn’t like him turning the double play there. Third he’s been pretty good but obviously is offensive numbers become a liability there. At shortstop he makes most of the routine plays but has pretty much no range.
Anyways I thought I’d ask you guys whether he should come back next year. Personally I think we’ll have enough options for utility infielders. I also think though that the organization is too nice to just ditch the guy after one average season. It’s not like he’s severely underperformed or anything.
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 Aug 5, 2008 10:45 PM EDT 0 recs
I would bring him back next year, a Platoon of Harris and Punto at Shortstop sounds pretty good.
by Tony_O on
Aug 5, 2008 10:57 PM EDT
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I'd like to see him back next season
He has been servicable in the field and at the plate.
I like that he plays 3B, SS, 2B and if Punto isn’t back next season he can just fall into that roll assuming 2B next season is Casilla and SS is ???
by caluofmn on
Aug 5, 2008 10:58 PM EDT
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My view is that they STILL have to solve 3B and SS
and I don’t think Harris is the answer full time at either spot. He’s a useful utility guy who I wouldn’t mind having around. Punto’s contract is up, and I really would rather they didn’t resign him.
Presuming that Casilla has earned the second base job, they still have to go out and find some players.
by Eric in Madison on
Aug 5, 2008 11:00 PM EDT
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I Think Come September
Luke Hughes Better Be a call up, Give the Kid a Shot to see if hes our Everyday Third Baseman Next year.
by Tony_O on
Aug 5, 2008 11:02 PM EDT
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he has 9 RBI's in his last 4 at bats!
just walk him!
kidding… sort of
by caluofmn on
Aug 5, 2008 11:11 PM EDT
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now a hit
any you guys see the Replacements?
the scene where Reeves is talking about quicksand, the harder you try to play well the quicker things got out of hand…
by caluofmn on
Aug 5, 2008 11:05 PM EDT
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Looks like
Seattle got sick of sucking
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 Aug 5, 2008 11:06 PM EDT 0 recs
Learning to outscore your oponents
Can’t always play Twins baseball, sometimes you just have to go in and be prepared to out mash your opponent. Yet another trait that separates our Twins from real champions.
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 Aug 5, 2008 11:19 PM EDT 0 recs
Got Somethin Started here in the 6th, two straight Singles
by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 11:27 PM EDT 0 recs
5th
But I agree, come on Punto. It’s crazy how up and down that guy has been the last 3 years. Let’s hope he can keep this up and maybe next year we’ll actually be excited if the Twins keep him.
Damnit, never mind
.
Let’s go Joe!!!
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on
Aug 5, 2008 11:29 PM EDT
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September 27, 1984
This series so far is looking a lot like that series. I wonder if Jamie Quirk is scoreboard watching – and thinking back to his one at-bat as a Cleveland Indian?
by Johnny Safron on Aug 5, 2008 11:38 PM EDT 0 recs
Sox v Tigers in extra innings
Come on Twins, you gotta play better than this on the road
by caluofmn on Aug 5, 2008 11:45 PM EDT 0 recs
Ruiz
Give him an at bat with that big swing of his vs Dickey.
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 Aug 5, 2008 11:49 PM EDT 0 recs
Pressure?
You think the pressure of being in the lead is getting to these kids?
by rroan28 on Aug 5, 2008 11:51 PM EDT 0 recs
I do tonight
Last night I think they didn’t have 1st place in mind but tonight, yeah b/c they know if they lose they can lose 1st place
by caluofmn on
Aug 5, 2008 11:59 PM EDT
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Oh my...
Who’s coming in out of the pen?
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 Aug 5, 2008 11:57 PM EDT 0 recs
bases loaded and here comes the pen
if they are going to put last night behind them it has to happen right now.
by caluofmn on Aug 5, 2008 11:57 PM EDT 0 recs
Phew, its Not Bass
The Guy who actually got an out last night Breslow
by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 11:59 PM EDT 0 recs
smart play by Breslow to get the out at home
come on, just get one more out
by caluofmn on
Aug 6, 2008 12:02 AM EDT
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Gritty performance by Baker
Just not happening…
passed ball on the strikeout
bad play by left-side of the infield
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:00 AM EDT 0 recs
yup the last guy I want to see up there
but if they get him out! that would be huge for the pen and maybe we can see the team get some confidence
by caluofmn on
Aug 6, 2008 12:04 AM EDT
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I'm going to bed
Twins offense likely to shut down again. This team as serious moment swings. Like living with a freakin pregnant wife.
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:06 AM EDT 0 recs
*momemtum
see so pissed off i can’t even spell
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
Aug 6, 2008 12:07 AM EDT
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that was funny for all of us have lived w/ a pregnant wife
I need to see how the offense response, but if it’s a 1-2-3 then they are done.
Geez to the freakin’ Mariners
by caluofmn on
Aug 6, 2008 12:09 AM EDT
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maybe the Twins should have traded for Fuentes
Could have given them Boof, Bass, and Everett or something like that
by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 12:12 AM EDT 0 recs
actually I have no idea what they wanted for Fuentes
but I just thought it was a MLB ready starter
by caluofmn on
Aug 6, 2008 12:12 AM EDT
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since he didn't get traded
I’m assuming they wanted too much for him. With as many teams that were supposed to have interest in him I would think if he could be had for Boof, Bass, and Everett someone would’ve got him. I think we would have had to give up at least one solid prospect + maybe one of Livan or Boof since they need a starter. Depending on who the prospect was it would’ve maybe been a smart move. We just need someone to put out fires for us. I can’t even say Breslow or Crain have been that bad they just don’t seem to have the ability to come out and consistently strand runners.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on
Aug 6, 2008 12:17 AM EDT
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Livan, Bass and i dont know, Maybe Brian Dinkelman or another prospect.
by Tony_O on
Aug 6, 2008 12:18 AM EDT
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One good thing about this evening
The Tigers and White Sox are wearing each others bullpens out. Hopefully they have a marathon game and both teams come out of the series exhausted.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on Aug 6, 2008 12:20 AM EDT 0 recs
Kubes!
He’s at it again. Single-handedly keeping the Twins in it.
by rroan28 on
Aug 6, 2008 12:36 AM EDT
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Time to show your colors boys
Gotta learn how to outscore your opponents, some nights that’s the only way to win
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:37 AM EDT 0 recs
Me thinks
we’ll be calling Ruiz’s number sometime tonight
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:40 AM EDT 0 recs
a manager
a manager who goes for the 4 out save
I hope the theory backfires
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 12:43 AM EDT 0 recs
That's why this is probably one of my favorite Twins teams of the last decade
I miss some of our guys like Hunter, Santana, and Radke but it’s been a long time since we’ve had a team where you felt like we have a decent chance to come back most games.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on
Aug 6, 2008 12:45 AM EDT
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Gardy
Pulling out all the stops, everyones getting in on this one.
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:47 AM EDT 0 recs
Amazing
I’m glad we didn’t cut that guy :) . . . yet.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on Aug 6, 2008 12:47 AM EDT 0 recs
I feel
i feel sorry for all those who gave up on this game
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 12:47 AM EDT 0 recs
i thought i'd check the final score
but i get this :)
thank god for DVR, time to fire it up!
by caluofmn on
Aug 6, 2008 1:03 AM EDT
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I almost did
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 Aug 6, 2008 12:48 AM EDT 0 recs
Tigers
Tigers just got a 2 run homer in the top of the 14th.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on Aug 6, 2008 12:49 AM EDT 0 recs
haha
for those not watching the game on TV.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
by halfchest on
Aug 6, 2008 12:49 AM EDT
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Lamb
I take back about 35% of the bad things I’ve said about Lamb. That was the balls.
by Jon Marthaler on Aug 6, 2008 12:49 AM EDT 0 recs
35%?
you must have sad a lot of bad things
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
Aug 6, 2008 12:50 AM EDT
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'Tis true.
That “waste of oxygen” comment was probably over the top, for example. :-)
by Jon Marthaler on
Aug 6, 2008 12:53 AM EDT
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lol
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
Aug 6, 2008 12:55 AM EDT
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