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Game 113: Twins @ Mariners

Twinkietown_tiny by Jesse on in Game Threads

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)

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - R.A. Dickey 3-6 19 10 0 0 0 0 81.2 88 40 40 9 36 45 4.41 1.52

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Scott Baker 7-3 17 17 0 0 0 0 102.0 94 40 40 16 21 89 3.53 1.13

0 recs | Comment 156 comments

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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

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 to parent up   0 recs

who would that be

Brian Fuentes?, Fat Chance that happens,

by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 10:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Kubel

what a blast!!!

by 33MorneauMVP on Aug 5, 2008 10:28 PM EDT   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Alright

2-0, i hope we dont pull a last night again.

by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 10:34 PM EDT   0 recs

+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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

E on Buscher

the inning continues

by caluofmn on Aug 5, 2008 11:04 PM EDT   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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

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 to parent up   0 recs

Well that Worked.

Stagnant Offense Strikes Again

by Tony_O on Aug 5, 2008 11:38 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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

Well..

Here goes something. Not sure what though.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:00 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

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

If that’s a bad night for Baker…I’ll take it.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:01 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Dude...

It’s Ibanez again. Damnit.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:02 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 to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

This is weak. Mad weak.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:06 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Come on Bres!

Get the K on ‘em!

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:05 AM EDT   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Livan, Bass and i dont know, Maybe Brian Dinkelman or another prospect.

by Tony_O on Aug 6, 2008 12:18 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

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

GOMEZ!

WHAT A CATCH!

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:28 AM EDT   0 recs

Maybe this will light a fire under this team.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:28 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

KUBEL HR

Only down by 1 run

by .mnqwerd on Aug 6, 2008 12:35 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 to parent up   0 recs

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

Rally Time?

Looking doable right now.

by rroan28 on Aug 6, 2008 12:44 AM EDT to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

uh nevermind

going by the posts coming in now

by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 1:09 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

Polanco HR

8-6 Detroit

by .mnqwerd on Aug 6, 2008 12:49 AM EDT   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

'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 to parent up   0 recs

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 to parent up   0 recs

He's

been a lot better this past week. I’ll give him that…