Revenge of the Washburn

by Jesse on Apr 9, 2009 6:50 PM EDT in Game Recaps

You know what I hate?
Jarrod Washburn and ass bats!
We let him beat us?

I'm into haikus this week.

For the first time in four games, the Twins got a quality pitching performance. Glen Perkins was as good as you can ask a guy to be, throwing eight beautiful innings while keeping the Mariners to a single run. By every stretch of the imagination, the Minnesota offense had their opportunities to get back into the game (including the eighth inning), but Jarrod Washburn and the dark side of the force were more than Mike Redmond and his grittiness could take.

Washburn matched Perkins' eight innings, scattering five hits and a walk while striking out four. I can only describe his dominance in this game as his revenge for my fantic pleas over the winter to the baseball gods to keep him out of a Twins uniform.

I regret nothing.

Brendan Harris managed a pair of hits this afternoon, with Redmond the only other player to reach base twice of his own accord. It's good to have NBP back in the lineup, and hopefully this time he avoids rogue bats with an agenda.

Michael Cuddyer and Joe Crede each added a strikeout to their early season totals; but on the plus side they each reached base as well.

A solid pitching performance by Perkins was wasted today, but there's never anything wrong when your starter can do what he did. Congratulations, southpaw. After four games, you are this club's best pitcher.

Stars of the Game
#3: Brendan Harris (2-for-3)
#2: Mike Redmond (1-for-2, BB, Tough Guy)
#1: Glen Perkins (8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 4 K, 2 BB)

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Two thumbs down...

…for Ayala. That’s twice he let a let the lead expand in the ninth inning in one series—this time starting with the bases empty. That changes the whole complexion of the ninth inning. You can’t expect to get two or three runs off of Morrow more than once or twice during a season, but at home you might be able to manufacture a run and get it into extra innings if the lead had remained one. Perkins got tagged with the loss, but I have to give an assist to Ayala.

"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. See, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it . . ."

by Skippy tastes better than Jiff on Apr 9, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

I agree, so far

Ayala has not impressed me letting the Mariners tack on insurance runs in the 9th. He’s got to hold the lead so we’re within one run against the closer.

by Adam Peterson on Apr 10, 2009 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Pitching.

Judging pitching ability by their performance against the Twins is not a very accurate measure.

Dear Firpo, looks like my stock is fine.

by MNPundit on Apr 10, 2009 5:36 AM EDT reply actions

its no longer firpo

its now Mr. Safron

by montanatwinsfan on Apr 10, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Franklin Gutierrez

Was a big reason we didn’t put any runs on the board. Gutierrez robbed us twice (although one appeared to be a trap, but Chuck Meriwether couldn’t bother himself to run out beyond 2B) and made a few other ranging catches look easy.

Seattle may have improved their team by 40+ runs this year simply through outfield defense. Between Endy Chavez, Gutierrez and Ichiro (when he comes back), that’s all time great range.

by Adam Peterson on Apr 10, 2009 7:38 AM EDT reply actions

+1

With a staff full of fly-ball pitchers and big outfield, they will catch a lot of balls out there that fell last year. I’m also impressed by these kids’ bats. Gutierrez was easily their best hitter. And Chavez looks good too. Put Ichiro in the 3 hole and you’ve got a productive line-up. That team will be the most improved in the West.

What was Cleveland thinking, keeping that kid from playing and letting him go for next to nothing? They easily could have moved Sizemore to right last year and put Gutierrez in center. Outfield defense (outside of center) has never been a Cleveland strong suit, at least not since the Crisp trade.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Apr 10, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

Cleveland got Joe Smith

They got a quality reliever in Joe Smith, but not nearly enough to make up for giving up Gutierrez. Gutierrez has been worth 1.7 to +2.3 value wins in 2007-2008, primarily due to his defense (9.5 and +21.7 runs) over the past two years. His offense has been below average (-10.3) but still above replacement. IMO, Seattle got a steal here. Better, if Gutierrez approaches average hitting or above.

by Adam Peterson on Apr 10, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Patience

Our approach at the plate yesterday stunk. Carlos Gomez is swinging from the heels again. It seemed like once he attempted the bunt on Wednesday, he reverted right back to 2008 form. Maddeningly up and down. In all, there were too many 5-6 pitch innings for Washburn. He was pounding the zone, but we were chasing the ball all over the place.

Cuddyer did a good job drawing another walk from Morrow to lead off the 9th, but Morneau let him off the hook by swinging at a pitch that nearly hit him in the head.

Today is a new day.

by Adam Peterson on Apr 10, 2009 7:41 AM EDT reply actions