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Game 138: Twins @ Blue Jays

Twinkietown_tiny by Jesse on in Game Threads

Minnesota Twins @ Toronto Blue Jays


Pregame

In Glen Perkins' last four starts he's logged 29 innings, including six quality starts in his last 10 and 12 total on the season.  Just like every other starter in the rotation, he boasts a sub-4.00 ERA, and whether he's actually pitching as well as that implies or not that's a pretty astounding feat.  The perma-optimist that I am, he hasn't been hit as hard in recent starts, and if he can start getting an additional couple strikeouts per game he can drastically improve his long-term prospects.  Perkins has had a very good year, so hopefully he can continue to pitch well tonight.  With any luck, he'll have an offense with him.

For David Purcey, here's my take from yesterday's series preview:

In eight starts and just over 42 innings, this 26-year old left hander's middle name is "Luck Sack".  Sure, his ERA is a blossoming 5.53 and he's walking 4.46 batters per nine innings and more than 16% of the fly-balls he gives up are homers, but yes...he's still lucky.  Opponents are scorching him, scathing line drives around the diamond on 28.2% of balls in play, yet his BABIP is a fantastic .258.  Their line reflects a bit of that luck, but still is far from comforting for Blue Jays fans:  .239/.337/.439.  Purcey throws a fastball (low 90's), curve, slider and changeup.

For the Twins against their seventh consecutive southpaw:  Span (RF), Punto (SS), Mauer (C), Morneau (1B), Kubel (DH), Young (LF), Harris (3B), Casilla (2B), Gomez (CF)

And for the scratch-n-sniff Jays I wager:  Scutaro (2B), Bautista (3B), Rios (RF), Wells (CF), Barajas (C), Lind (LF), Rolen (3B), Mench (DH), McDonald (SS)

W-LGGSCGSHOSVBSIPHRERHRBBKERAWHIP
2008 - Glen Perkins 12-3 21 21 0 0 0 0 131.2 150 60 58 18 33 63 3.96 1.39
W-LGGSCGSHOSVBSIPHRERHRBBKERAWHIP
2008 - David Purcey 2-5 8 8 1 0 0 0 42.1 37 26 26 8 21 36 5.53 1.37

Lineup

Minnesota Twins @ Toronto Blue Jays

09/02/08 7:07 PM EDT

Minnesota TwinsToronto Blue Jays
Denard Span - CF Marco Scutaro - 2B
Alexi Casilla - 2B Jose Bautista - DH
Joe Mauer - C Alex Rios - RF
Justin Morneau - 1B Vernon Wells - CF
Jason Kubel - RF Rod Barajas - C
Randy Ruiz - DH Adam Lind - LF
Delmon Young - LF Scott Rolen - 3B
Brian Buscher - 3B Lyle Overbay - 1B
Nick Punto - SS John McDonald - SS

0 recs | Comment 222 comments

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looks like a run

scoring lineup!!! Lets make that come true Twins…..

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 6:27 PM EDT   0 recs

I predict a struggle

the first time through the lineup. Purcel is coming off an excellent outing against the Rays in Tampa, an 8-inning complete game where he allowed one run.

I doubt he will be as effective this time, but he might have a good game left in him.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 6:32 PM EDT   0 recs

Mauer singles

and Casilla moves to third

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 7:11 PM EDT   0 recs

Too bad

that Morneau couldn’t get it a little deeper. Decent at-bat for Kubel, but just hit a bouncer that Rolen made the play on.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 7:19 PM EDT   0 recs

yeah it was

he only would have hit it about 50 ft deeper and it would have scored Casilla…..

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 7:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Bautista

I thought the Twins should have looked at this guy. Not very good stats, though.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 7:21 PM EDT   0 recs

Rios singles....

Wells (Twin killer) is up.

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 7:22 PM EDT   0 recs

nice walk there by Ruiz

worked the count after starting Ruiz off with a 0-2 count…way to work!

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 7:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Delmon Ks

but he had a good AB…fouling off a bunch of tough pitches.

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 7:31 PM EDT   0 recs

Lets Go Guys

Punto with a pop up to second, Span at the Plate, 2 on, 2 out

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:36 PM EDT   0 recs

Purcey Strikes out Span

End of the Inning. No Damage Done.

Cleveland Leads Chicago 2-0 Bottom 2

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Good news

From Lake Erie. Carmona is on the hill for the Tribe.

Purcey at 44 pitches despite only one hit through 2. My prediction was that the Twins would struggle the first time through the order. That is done with, so now they score and score some more!

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 7:40 PM EDT   0 recs

Single to Right

Runners on first and 3rd, 2 out for the Jays

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:44 PM EDT   0 recs

Tribe lead 2-0 End of two

over those Pesky White Sucks

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Perkins Strikes him out

to End the Inning.

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:47 PM EDT   0 recs

The ump is really inconsistent on

the inside corner. Perkins looks like he got one to get out of the second.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 7:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Morneau singles to Center

Mauer Scores Twins Lead 1-0

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:54 PM EDT   0 recs

C'mon guys

burn them hard, ’nough of this singles crap

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 Sep 2, 2008 7:55 PM EDT   0 recs

just don't DP Kubes

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 Sep 2, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Alright good "bunt"

Major points there for Kubes, Gardy loves when guys do the small things like that. Even more it seems then if Kubes would’ve gone yard there.

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 Sep 2, 2008 7:58 PM EDT   0 recs

I don't know

Maybe if Kubel had dived head-first into 1st.

by PhoenixV on Sep 2, 2008 8:00 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Mauer Scores on a Wild Pitch

2-0 Twins, Morneau Drove in Punto, i think

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 7:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Delmon Singles

Morneau Scores…3-0 Twins

Tribe Lead the White Sux, 3-0 after 3

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:02 PM EDT   0 recs

Delmon with a base hit after Ruiz Ks

Ruiz had another excellent AB! 3-0 Good guys…;)

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:02 PM EDT   0 recs

Where did you go bro?

Missed the Live Play by Play

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

had to eat man

sorry to deprive you of my play by play

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Blooper reel material

On Ruiz’s swing. He made Purcey work, for sure. Delmon with an RBI single—3-0.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:02 PM EDT   0 recs

Purcey gets the K

to end the Inning, Twins Lead 3-0 after 2 1/2 innings.

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Buscher Ks and HE had a good AB

although he swung at a ball out of the zone

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Purcey well into the 70s

for a pitch count. I go back often and think about the team that was trying to score runs in April and early May. Really different.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Rios singles...

come on Perk, you have done well thus far, but you need to get Wells…..preferably a GIDP

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:08 PM EDT   0 recs

Uh oh

 Two on and one out for Wells.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Wells singles

Bautista scores but Rios is thrown out at third base……

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:10 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice Throw by Span

This is What was Sitting at Triple A for half the Season.

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:11 PM EDT   0 recs

we could say the same about

Casilla and Buscher and Ruiz….it makes no difference. Whatever is being taught down in AAA works at the Major League level

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Span

His arm isn’t as much of a liability as was led on by scouting reports. It’s not a cannon but he has real good accuracy.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Perkins

Very hittable tonight… Toronto historically does well versus lefties too. I remember they always hit Santana pretty hard.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:11 PM EDT   0 recs

Blue Jay announcers

said that the Jays were 12-20 vs. lefthanders.

Of course, they also said that Casilla doesn’t have much speed and that Span has a terrific arm.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

well

Casilla does have speed and while Spans arm might not be terrific it is accurate. Not really powerful but accurate…….

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Guess not...

Couple years ago they had Rios, Wells and Thomas all together and just remember them pounding lefties I guess. Not so much this year…

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

C'mon Perk

Still don’t know why he’s shelved the curveball, gives the hitters a completely different look. He can fall into patters where everything is on the same plane.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:12 PM EDT   0 recs

and as you can see

there isn’t that much of a speed differential between the fastball, curve and change.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Actually

The speed differential seems decent:
http://baseball.bornbybits.com/2008/Glen_Perkins.html
Fastball: 92 MPH
Curve: 78 MPH
Change: 84 MPH

by PhoenixV on Sep 2, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

oops

I meant slider, not curve. That’s why I want him to use that curve because that slider comes in at the same speed as the change pretty much.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Only one ball (or maybe two)

that wasn’t hard hit. Perkins was lucky to get away with one runs allowed.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Still

7 hits in 3 innings is a bit concerning.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Glad to see Punto back in the 9 hole

He’s much better using his “underdog” style of play when he’s in the bottom part of the lineup.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:16 PM EDT   0 recs

Span takes a strike

and Punto steals second (#10)

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Anybody else think

Morneau can catch Hamilton for RBI lead by the end of the year?

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:20 PM EDT   0 recs

I think he will

Hamilton has dropped off the table since the HR derby…he is cooked. Morneau will have the RBI lead!

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Span singles

and Punto is JUST safe at homeplate

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:21 PM EDT   0 recs

Nice Job by Punto

Getting in under that tag.

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wells

Very good centerfielder, obviously with a good arm there. But with Punto running wasn’t surprised Ulger sent him. Ulger tends to make decisions more based on who’s running compared to who’s in the field. Just more fuel on him being a homer and not knowing much about other players in baseball.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah

And a good call buy the ump.

by PhoenixV on Sep 2, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Good, good, good

But I am worried about Perkins tonight. So far, 7 hits in three innings. Woo!

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:23 PM EDT   0 recs

Purcey

is done for the night, Something Called Brian Tallet is now pitching

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:23 PM EDT   0 recs

Tallet can be nasty

if his control is on

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Then again Toronto has a great bullpen

Good thing we got to their starter, best we stick to that formula 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 Sep 2, 2008 8:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Span

Steals Third Easily

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Mauer's probably going to have a tougher time

Keeping up with Pedroia for the batting title. That kid is hot, and obviously in a great lineup.

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Mauer sac fly

Span scores and Twins lead 5-1

by 33MorneauMVP on Sep 2, 2008 8:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Mauer

Makes it 5-1 with a Nice Sac Fly

by Tony_O on Sep 2, 2008 8:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Crucial steals to set up those runs

When we’re actually using our speed, we’re winning games

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:28 PM EDT   0 recs

Textbook small ball

Span singles, advances on his hit, steals third and scores on a sacrifice fly.

by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Sep 2, 2008 8:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Alright Perk

put up a quick 0 on the board

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 Sep 2, 2008 8:29 PM EDT</