Game 114: Twins @ Mariners
by Jesse on Aug 6, 2008 4:20 PM EDT
in Game Threads
71 comments
Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners, Aug 6, 2008 4:40 PM EDT
Pregame
There's not much to say, other than the first two games of this series have gone nothing like what I thought they would. A win tonight would be nice before an off day tomorrow, and then three in Kansas City. Time to get back on the horse!
Seattle's starting Jarrod Washburn tonight:
Jarrod Washburn: Washburn, clearly, didn't get traded at the deadline. Poor Yankees! Still, he's not worth what the Mariners are paying him. His only saving grace this season is that he's been able to keep the ball in the park, allowing just 14 bombs in 122.2 innings of work. But he does get hit hard: 23.1 LD%, .295 opponent average and a few walks which tends to result in about one-and-a-half base runners per inning. But here's the rub--he's pitched much better the last two months. Between May 25 and July 27 he made 11 starts, eight of which were quality starts and another two which were just one out away from a quality start. His ERA dropped in that run from 6.99 to 4.50. Now, his first August start was forgettable, but it's hard to ignore how effective Washburn has been the second half of his season. Plus, he's a southpaw. And we all know what that means.
Looking to salvage one game from this miserable series will be Nick Blackburn. Nick needs to log exactly six innings to surpass Livan Hernandez as the Twins' leader in innings pitched. He's fresh off a pair of consecutive seven-inning, one-run starts, giving him five quality starts in his last six (and seven in his last nine). While he's not a "ground ball pitcher" per say, he does get more grounders than fly balls or line drives, so here's hoping he'll be able to keep the Mariners from putting up crooked numbers.
And once more, from Matthew at Lookout Landing:
Like Perkins above, this is Nick Blackburn's first year in the rotation but he's taken to it better. Again, he throws strikes, 68.6%, and misses around an average number of bats, 7.3%. But Blackburn also has a an average groundball rate, something not usually seen in Minnesota. The whole package comes in at a touch worse than Scott Baker above, but he's more than quality at a 4.43 tRA and at the low cost of basically nothing. The Twins just have a clone farm for these guys.
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Nice to see Young get a breather
from time to time. It also means Randy Ruiz gets another shot, which he’s earned after nine years.
by Jesse on Aug 6, 2008 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Also...
...Washburn’s a southpaw, and Gardy’s giving Kubel the start in left. That’s interesting.
by Jesse on Aug 6, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think
he kinda has to after his terrific performance last night.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kubel
did homer against a lefty last night. Hopefully he continues to smash the ball.
BTW, I agree that Mauer needed a day off. His fatigue seems to show on defense.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 6, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully..
..the Twins can salvage something here in Seattle and then go to Kansas City where it should be somewhat of a home-atmosphere.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 4:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm..
looking for Blackburn to have another good outing, Ruiz to have a big hit, and Morneau to add one to the homerun column (he always does after Kubel catches him).
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow...
..Seattle hasn’t swept anybody this season and their longest winning streak is three games.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Span with a three-run triple, Twins lead 4-0
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aaaaahhh that feels good
PILE IT ON BOYS! Our bullpen needs the lead.
by Neil on Aug 6, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
continues to ravage left-handed pitching
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 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looked..
..overmatched on that second pitch. How one pitch can change a whole at-bat.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon guys
don’t swing at the first pitch and bail the guy out of the inning
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 5:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Usually,
I would feel really good about a 4-0 lead in the 2nd… but lately…
by Daymonster on Aug 6, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We've
Really made their offense believe in themselves again
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 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Blackburn hung a slider to Beltre
And he knocks in Reed. 4-1.
by Neil on Aug 6, 2008 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
....
So much for getting some mileage from Blackburn today. Looks like he’s going to battle is way through 5 or 6 innings.
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 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Gameday is any indicator
He is not getting the calls on the corner.
by Neil on Aug 6, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Figured as much
He can get a bit frazzled when things aren’t going his way
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 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harris
Too bad he doesn’t play better defense, he’s been really on the ball lately
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 5:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
Harris has become the equivalent of a national league pitcher at the plate. He’s suppose to be able to handle lefties and they make him bunt…
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 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
*Excuse me
I meant Everrett not Harris
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 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting Span splits
Not arguing with him leading off of course, but this would suggest he’s better in other roles
Bases empty: .263/.366/.438
Runners on: .389/.459/.500
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 5:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are those
his Major League numbers or career numbers including minors?
by Neil on Aug 6, 2008 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Answer
They’re his Major League numbers:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=29087
So we probably can’t derive much about Span’s true “clutch” ability (should such a thing exist) from those.
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even with the bases empty
those are still good numbers for Span. It’s an .804 OPS…not great power, but definitely a good OBP. If that were his overall line on the year, I’d be happy.
by Jesse on Aug 6, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Open letter to Mr. Blackburn
PLEASE do not melt down!
Please!
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But
he already has 89 pitchers and who’s going to come out of the bullpen? This is looking like another terrible game for the Twins.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Idea
Maybe one of the hitters on the bench has a junk pitch just waiting to be shown to the world?
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Twins needed a run in that last half
I just can’t watch what happens next
by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bass
is likely going to have to pitch at some point here
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 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Darn, Morneau!
This team is so bad with RISP!!!!!!!!!
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Since when?
Answer: Just this series
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 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reyes
I guess they pumped his stomach last night to make sure he could pitch today
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 6:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Morneau
He’s been carrying this team offensively for about 2 months, I imagine he’s kind of worn out
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 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No Gardy!
Don’t micromanage. Make these guys pitch some innings. Now we’re destined to go into extra innings.
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 6:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Span - An American Hero
THAT was a crucial play.
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
SPAN!
Span! Span! Span! Span! Lovely span! Wonderful span!
by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 6:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh my god!
Why didn’t I think of that Python reference? Why? [sobbing loudly]
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been saving that one all season!
by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was an awesome occasion to let it out
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's how bad I want them to get this W
leave it all on the field… or msg board as the case may be
by caluofmn on Aug 6, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Beltre..
..hit that all of the life was sucked out of me. THANKS YOU DENARD!
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 6:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man
This pitching staff has been playing with fire all series
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 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good at bat Ruiz
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 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If I were pitching
I would have try to get him in on the hands instead of everything away
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 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
Buscher or Mauer hit for Everett.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lamb
He’s been clutch lately
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 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd take
him, Mauer or Buscher here.
by Twins Territory on Aug 6, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll need him
if we find a way to the postseason
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 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
sweet
harris!!!!!
double machine
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 6:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
caseintheface
had it right earlier this game
lol Everett has become the equivalent of a national league pitcher at the plate. He’s suppose to be able to handle lefties and they make him bunt…
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
3
3 runs is good. Would of loved more that inning
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 7:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
AND
and Nathan coming in for the 9th
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice
nice game to wrap up that series
onto KC
by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on Aug 6, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice work, boys
Bullpen ERA today: 0.00. (Although they never made it look easy.)
by PhoenixV on Aug 6, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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