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Around SBN: The Gift Of The 2003 Tigers

Game 79: Twins @ Royals

Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals, Jun 30, 2009 8:10 PM EDT


 

First Pitch:  7:10pm CDT
TV:  Fox Sports North (HD where available)
Radio:  Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Royals Review

 

Starting Pitchers


W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2009 - Scott Baker 5-6 14 14 2 0 0 0 87
82 51 50 17 16 73 5.17 1.13

Baker has pitched five consecutive quality starts since his rough season opening. In that period, his ERA has dropped a full run. But he's got a ways to go to be the pitcher the Twins expected him to be after dominating in the second half last year. His problems have been concentrated in a few innings this year. He'll be cruising along retiring a dozen batters in a row or so and all of a sudden, a walk a hit and a homer later and he's tagged with a loss. Hopefully, he'll continue to get incrementally better and return to the form he displayed in the second half last year. Tonight would be as good a time as any.


W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2009 - Brian Bannister 5-5 13 13 0 0 0 0 77.2 78 44 36 7 25 47 4.17 1.33


Bannister is the kind of pitcher you expect to see in a Twins uniform. He pitches to contact, trying to get a lot of ground balls off of his sinker. Despite that, he's marginally a ground ball pitcher, inducing 51% of his outs on the ground. But the fly balls he does induce tend to stay in the park for whatever reason. Look for Twins hitters to hit enough to beat this guy tonight.

Lineups




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Damn it!

They’re not showing the game. I guess they’d rather show a high school softball game replay.

"He didn’t call me or anything. It was an accident, but a lot of people would have called to see how someone is doing after they got hit in the head. Especially if they had to go on the DL." — Morneau on pitcher Ron Villone after an April 2005 beaning.

by Gonzo2 on Jun 30, 2009 7:58 PM EDT reply actions  

So,

is Harris going to supplant Mauer at #2 from now on?

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 8:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah

Gardy has said that he prefers Mauer 3.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

but what is he going to do when Harris is sitting?

I guess Harris has been playing well enough to remain the starter from here on out?

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'm pretty sure

Harris has earned his playing time. But knowing Gardy, if Harris gets a day off it will be Punto or Tolbert.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Evening, fellas!

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Evening!

Good to see you again.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

ANDREW!

(seems like the thing to do lately)

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Haha, don't start scaring me like (one) others do.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Phil Miller

I can’t believe the Pioneer Press laid him off.

He was a great writer for that paper.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions  

My favorite Twins writer.

Here’s hoping he gets another job soon.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tough news

I was surprised to hear what went down with Phil Miller.

I know PP is struggling with circulation, and times are tough at that paper, but I did not figure Miller would be a victim of the cuts especially since the paper has two beat writers.

He did a good job. I liked him over Kelsie Smith.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Me too

So much for the official beat writer of this site.

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

by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree, but totally understand it.

Twins coverage isn’t as important as the local/national news. Especially for a newspaper not known for their sports section, it makes it all the more important to keep your news team in tact.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

PP

I will say this about the Pioneer Press.

They have more of a pulse with the Ricky Rubio situation than the Strib.

I rarely read that paper for my sports fix anyway.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Make it happen!

Willie Bloomquist almost had it.

Good job by Brendan.

Let’s get a run here.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Funny,

But I tell ya, its a little disappointing to see him return back to earth a little.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

He just set the bar so high the last couple months. It got to the point where I was expecting at least a 2-4 game every night.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

How about a HR!

What do you say, Justin?

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Walk

It’s better than an out.

C’mon, Jason.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

Everyone read Posnanski's latest column?

Very good read and gives some great perspective into the Royal’s franchise.

http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/06/30/2-2/

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:21 PM EDT reply actions  

UGH!

That’s the best way to say it.

Go get em, Scotty!

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Also

I’m glad to see Gomez in CF tonight.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:26 PM EDT reply actions  

if we’re gonna have a free swinging, weak hitting outfielder in the lineup, it should at least be the one that can play D.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

gotta be said

Gomez!

Also, Bannister sucks.

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

Leadoff double

DeJesus starts the Royals inning well.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:26 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm sorry, but Mike Jacobs shouldn't be starting.

He’s just making too much money to ride the pine. But, I’m not complaining! =)

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:30 PM EDT reply actions  

Someday

Mike Jacobs is going to die on the field, when he takes off from the box, and that big wad of crap in his mouth gets lodged in his throat.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Have to dive for that

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions  

One for the bad guys.

That’s a Tolbert kind of hit.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Inning over

This could have been worse.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Cy Banister

What a weak second inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:45 PM EDT reply actions  

Tony Pena, Jr.

Sign him up for MY team. 4 for 39 this year.

by y2jayjk on Jun 30, 2009 8:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Voyageours National Park

Now that’s the park I would like to do camping one day.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Cy Banister

He is looking too comfortable out there.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Roy Smalley

He will be doing the Tigers series this weekend.

Talk about a telecast being dull.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 8:58 PM EDT reply actions  

His father lives in my town.

I know, very random.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Roy Smalley the elder?

He was a ballplayer, too. Played in the 40s and 50s for the Cubs, Braves and Phillies

by DavidRF on Jun 30, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

You make him sound like a Dwarven warrior.

“Roy Smalley the Elder, son of Fredo the Feebleminded”

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Well....

The older one is Roy Smaller Jr and the younger one is Roy Smalley III. I started to type Roy Smalley Jr and then figured that might sound ambiguous… normally the younger one is Junior… so I switched to another random adjective…

by DavidRF on Jun 30, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yup....

Means “King”. How much more distinguished can you get? :-)

The older Roy was married to Gene Mauch’s sister.

Slow game today…

by DavidRF on Jun 30, 2009 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hah.

Is there a Roy IV out there?

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

BBQ

Now I feel like to go out and get some Barbecue after Dick and Bert are munching on some.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions  

Baker

Scotty is settling down after the first inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Teahen

I am more than sure it was him.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

The answer

Yes, it was Mark Teahen that was the answer to Aflac’s trivia question.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Morneau!

Who cares who your teammate was, all I care about is you and your home runs!

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:13 PM EDT reply actions  

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

JUSTIN'S ON FIRE

That was what the doctor ordered.

The Twins needed that one.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:13 PM EDT reply actions  

It's ridiculous how drastic the quality change is between the 3rd and 4th bars on MLB.tv.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions  

MLB.TV

It seems every year MLB.tv gets worse and worse.

At least, now we can watch the Twins feed for every game it’s on Fox Sports North or Fox 29 instead of just home games.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Inning over

But that home run was huge.

I hope this becomes the momentum changer.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Seriously, Mike Jacobs is simply not good enough to have that big a wad in his mouth.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Mike Jacobs

I am guessing you are not a fan of his, eh. lol

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

I set you up, and you didn't capitalize.

Very disappointed.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

Very nice, very nice.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

C'mon

Scott better not give up this tie game.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:21 PM EDT reply actions  

Orange juice > milk

I will go with Bert on that too.

I love drinking orange juice on a hot summer day.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Strongly disagree.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nothing better than chocolate milk after a day in the 110 degree Arizona sun.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Great choice

I can drink to that.

I like drinking Samuel Adams on a hot day.

Alcohol could be good too in the summer.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Really?

Interesting.

I like eating chocolate candy, but I can’t eat chocolate ice cream or drink chocolate drink. There is no taste.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

No taste to chocolate milk?

Did you have an accident as a child that removed 4/5 of your tastebuds?

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nope

It just never agree with me.

Bring me a food from McDonald’s, and I get nauseated easily.

There are certain food or drinks I can’t try at all.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh geez

Two hits to start the inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:23 PM EDT reply actions  

OH MAN!

Geez!

This should have been the final out of the game.

Now, this game can get away with a base hit.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:28 PM EDT reply actions  

My bad

It was actually 1 out when it was bases loaded.

Now it’s 2 outs.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Shameless self promotion:

I’ll be hosting a live blog/game chat at TwinsFix.com on Friday, if you’re interested in joining. Not only does it allow for Twins fans to chat about the game, but it makes me some money as well. ;)

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:29 PM EDT reply actions  

I will be there

Anything for you, Andrew.

This is a big series too.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bitch Sox

They are winning again.

This game becomes important more than ever.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Man

The Indians can’t get anything together.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Their season is over

To think, I pick them to win the division.

Their pitching has been brutal.

I am not sure how Eric Wedge is the blame there.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Most people

were on board with the pick at the beginning of the year. But when Carl Pavano is your 2nd best starter you know you’re doomed.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Carmona

What has happened to that guy?

He was a sensation in the playoffs couple of years ago, and now he is in the Arizona League.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cleveland's starting five

I really like that rotation, but it seems everyone has stunk.

How is it Eric Wedge’s fault?

Cliff Lee has been okay. Carmona has been a bust.

C.C. Sabathia got out of Dodge at the right time.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Managers

are always the scapegoat.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah

I know Twins fans blame Gardenhire often at times, and I am guilty of it myself.

Players define what manager is all about as we all know. I think Shapiro has done a good job of being patient with Wedge, but customers are always right as the saying goes and if the fans are unhappy, changes are going to be made.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Full count

Better get that scrub out, Scotty.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Well, hoping for Baker to get out of this and then get three more outs.

Let Henn pitch two innings before going to Nathan.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Baker at 83

Tony Pena Jr is wearing him out.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Whew.

But there’s no reason an at bat to Tony freaking Pena Jr. should go 11 pitches.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions  

FINALLY!

It’s about freaking time.

I could not watch this again.

Talk about drama!

A bad pitch, and then Baker faces DeJesus, and a knockout punch would have been made.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good start!

Carlos with the single.

I like to get some runs.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Good heads-up play

Good job by Carlos getting to second quickly before he was out.

At least, Nick did something meaningful at the plate.

The Twins need a second baseman badly. Get David Eckstein!

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions  

haha

get david eckstein made me laugh.

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Helluva better than Punto

That’s for sure.

At least, Eckstein shows up in the playoffs and gets hits.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

haha

there is no universe where David Eckstein is better than punto

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

This has to be a joke

I guess you missed watching Eckstein beating the Twins up in the ALCS, right?

He was the World Series MVP for the Cardinals too.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

That was 11 total games. If you’re really ready to base player values on 11 games, I think you need to do some reading up on player value

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Who gives a damn!

What’s with sabremetrics feak talking about crap like players value and stuff? I swear that dunce Aaron Gleeman has really blinded some people out there. I don’t give a damn about those type of stats. I got by what I see which is a player stepping up and getting hits when it matters.

Aaron Gleeman has sure made a mockery of how baseball is followed.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’ve never read a word that Aaron Gleeman has written. No offense intended to him.

It’s just common sense that there’s no such thing as “clutch” and it has been proven over and over again.

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

STATS!?

We dont need no stinkin’ stats!

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, Eckstein. The Grit Meister.

He and Punto can slide their way into wins. They can dirty their jerseys so much the umps will not be able to see them pop out into shallow left.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

Station-to-station baseball

So much for that being meaningful.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:44 PM EDT reply actions  

Nice pickoff

Well done in getting Dejesus off!

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions  

John Gordon!

With the actually somewhat thoughtful and actually analytic analysis of whether Slowey deserves to be an all-star selection and Gordon pulls out the hammer: “the only thing he really has going for him is the fact that he is one of four AL pitchers with 10 wins.”

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Really?

That’s pretty awesome.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

104 pitches

I wonder if this is the last inning we see out of Scott Baker.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 9:57 PM EDT reply actions  

15 pitches in one at bat. Ouch

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

by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 9:59 PM EDT reply actions  

I need a nitro after that one

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

by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:00 PM EDT reply actions  

Those at-bats

It has been tough to watch.

Scott has survived at least.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

Cuddy saves it

That was a good catch to end the inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:01 PM EDT reply actions  

OK this pancake guy is the biggest loser ever

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

by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions  

I know!

Those Grand Casino commercials are incredibly lame.

by matty_b on Jun 30, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

So much for that DP

This looked like a DP out there.

Twins get a break on a bad throw by Butler.

What a break!

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Make 'em pay for giving us an extra out or two

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

by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Who is pitching?

I wonder who is pitching for the Twins this next inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:09 PM EDT reply actions  

This should be Mijares

with the 2 lefties leading off the inning

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

Who will setup?

If Mijares is pitching in this inning, who will pitch the eighth?

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Guerrier, or a six-out save from Nathan.

I just hope Henn stays on that bullpen bench.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Eighth inning

For some reason, I don’t trust Matty in the eighth. Matt has had a good year, but I like Mijares in that spot. I like Matt for the seventh inning.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

meh

comes down to matchups which guy gets which inning; but I trust Guerrier more than Mijares. Matty had like 15 straight scoreless appearances snapped the other day. He’s been good.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Matty

I did not think Matty would have a good season. He has surprised me. Good for him after what he went through last summer.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good start

A strikeout to Andrew’s guy.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions  

That was a fantasic non-catch.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Replay! Replay! Replay!

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

It looked like he caught it, but the ball fell down first.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bullpen: The main point being...

using Dickey yesterday for one inning when we are down 3 (low leverage) means he’s unavailable for today’s game. I said in yesterday’s thread it was a subtle mistake and now we see why.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:16 PM EDT reply actions  

And now he gets Mijares up

what the #$@@. Perfect spot for him at the beginning of this inning Ronnie

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

settled

Punto career OPS .645

Eck career OPS .705

Eck is better.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 10:16 PM EDT reply actions  

Throw this in:

Eckstein salary for 2009: $850,000

That looks a lot better than the millions we are throwing at Punto.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

however

We have to evaluate where they are now:

past 4 years: Punto 7.2 WAR

                       Eckstein 6.5 WAR

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

and

a lot of Ecksteins WAR value is simply in the fact that he played shortstop all the time, not that he was good at it.

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Eck would play here til he's 45

He’d be Gardy’s pentultimate love affair.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

NICE STRIKEOUT!

Good job by Keppel.

One more out to go.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Royals

Every at-bats with them is an adventure.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:23 PM EDT reply actions  

That is why I love baseball.

HARRIS with the game-saver!

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions  

BRENDAN SAVES THE DAY!

What a play!

That look like a hit there.

Bert said it best with the game-saver.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions  

Today we see the best 9 position players starting for the Twins

in their right positions. Does anyone know how many times this lineup has been out there this year?

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:25 PM EDT reply actions  

I'll check - give me a few minutes.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I guess zero

I don’t recall one. Esp with Punto, Span, and Mauer all spending time on the DL

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

You're right: zero.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Would you agree this is the best 9

at their rightful positions that we can put out there?

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

Totally.

Not including Tolleson, of course. I still want to try him out.

And obviously Sanchez can make this better, but yes, this is the best lineup possible.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Keppel

I thought Keppel did fine in a tight spot with some help by Brendan.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:27 PM EDT reply actions  

Gomez is looking a lot better

THree hard line drives tonight.

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by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:28 PM EDT reply actions  

adam kennedy

Not gonna spam my stuff again though :)

but seriously, how funny would it be to listen to Bill Smith – Billy Beane trade talks

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Freddy Sanchez

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Tigers

They are leading 2-0.

Might as well give the win to the Bitch Sox.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions  

So much for another run

It’s up to the relievers to hold this game at 2-1.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Just get Nathan the ball with a lead and we can all go home.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

I agree

I would have went with Guerrier in the seventh.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

Keppel looks OK tho

He throws like we thought Ayala should throw

But, HE"S OUR LONG MAN out of the pen

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rightfully so.

Keppel should be a starter, by all rights.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

disagree

He’s been horrible as a starter in his career. He’s probaby best as a reliever where he can just throw these two pitches…

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sure, he's a great long-reliever...

But as a starter with Kansas City in 2006 he showed glimpses of potential.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is Keppel a marothoner?

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:37 PM EDT reply actions  

Good job, Bobby

He stepped up for two innings.

He did his job.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:40 PM EDT reply actions  

agreed

I held my breath for 2 innings.

/exhale

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seventh inning

I thought that inning he pitched was flawless.

The sixth one had me worried.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

Good thing the Twins didn't sign Cruz

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by cmathewson on Jun 30, 2009 10:42 PM EDT reply actions  

You know what

Justin is a very good baserunner

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Mijares for 3, Nathan for 3.

I’m feeling strangely comfortable.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Go get em, Jose

The Twins hit it hard, but they were all for outs.

The Twins have hit the ball hard all night with nothing to show for it.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions  

Bobby Keppel

I hope Bobby gets some attention on Twins Live.

He did a good job of keeping this game at 2-1.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Have you seen this? Pretty interesting, and fun to look at:

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions  

Oops..

Here it is.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

drumroll please.....

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Keppel

Great job by Bobby tonight.

He gets a star for his work.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 10:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Prediction

Jose starts the first hitter 2-0 and walks the first or second hitter

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 10:58 PM EDT reply actions  

he's getting better!

he used to start every first hitter 2-0. Now he’s down to 1-0 every time…

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

wat

why not bring in Matty there. rolls eyes at Gardy.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Why guerrier?

Just bring in Nathan, Gardy.

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 11:03 PM EDT reply actions  

I guess Nathan probably wasn’t warming up, so I’ll give Gardy a pass

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by fetch9 on Jun 30, 2009 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

No he wasn't

but no reason he couldn’t have been, anticipating this scenario.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

two hits in three pitches...

He’s lucky Guerrier was ready…

I know what you mean, though…

by DavidRF on Jun 30, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

another reason to have Nathan

used for a possible 4 out save is in case KC ties it, Matty can go 2 innings for us. Here he just gets one out and if they tie it off Nathan, then it’s the Sean Henn show until midnight.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

as in, matty pitching the 10th and 11th if that wasn’t clear.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

This inning is over

Good job by Matty to get the final out.

Harris has been great at SS tonight.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions  

This game

It sure look like a long ballgame.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions  

Three hours and three minutes so far.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

Gomez used to bunt more....

Kinda odd he didn’t sac here and hope to beat one out

by DavidRF on Jun 30, 2009 11:14 PM EDT reply actions  

c'mon gardy

punto’s been crap all night, week, month, season

you got bats on the bench

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Haha, how long did that take you?

I’m feeling strangely good.

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not much faith in Nathan?

by fischean on Jun 30, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

no I love Joe

He’s teh awesome.

Hope I’m wrong. One out.

by ajmargarine on Jun 30, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think you are going to be wrong (at least, I’m having high hopes right now). =)

by fischean on Jun 30, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nathan

Watching him is special.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions  

That's the game.

’Night, folks!

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by Andersklasen on Jun 30, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions  

Stars of the game

1) Keppel
2) Morneau
3) Baker

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:28 PM EDT reply actions  

BAKER!?

100 + pitches in 5 innings! He struggled all night long and was freakin’ lucky that he was facing the Royals’ bats! He got some good defensive help. He couldn’t eek out a quality start. His short outing added stres to our bullpen …

… and you want to give him a star. Then, in 2011 you will look back and remember fondly how well Baker pitched in 2009 especially to those pesky Royals who always play the Twins super tough year after year, but roll over and play dead for all of those other AL Central teams …

just like your memory of David Eckstein is more accurate than any of those F’in! Stats which show he is a below average player who had a couple of good seasons and a couple of good/timely runs and made the most of his marginal talent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, Baker gets a star.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

Quality Start

3 runs or less

5 innings or more

Therefore, Baker gets quality start.

by BCTwins on Jun 30, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aren't you in high school?

Do your homework.

Quality start
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
In baseball statistics, a quality start is awarded to a starting pitcher who completes at least six innings and permits no more than three earned runs.

The quality start was developed by sportswriter John Lowe in 1985 while writing for the Philadelphia Inquirer.1 The statistic is preferred by sabermetricians to that of winning percentage (the number of wins garnered by a pitcher as a fraction of his total decisions) insofar as it acts independently of some factors beyond a pitcher’s control such as fielding errors, blown saves, and poor run support. ESPN.com terms a loss suffered by a pitcher in a quality start as a tough loss and a win earned by a pitcher in a non-quality start a cheap win.2

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sorry,

that was a little sharp. Baker did not pitch well. I am a little fired up. A quality start is 6 innings.

time for me to go to bed.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

He performed

Geez you are being too hard on Scott.

He wasn’t perfect, but he did good enough to give the Twins a chance to tie and take the lead.

I am not sure who you thought was the third star.

by Loon on Jul 1, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Great win

The Royals pitchers did a good job out there so for the Twins to tie the game and take a lead, and then kept the game at 2-1. It was an impressive win in what was a long game.

Bobby Keppel was huge tonight. I am not sure if the Twins win this game without him.

Scott grinded it out tonight, and I thought he did well.

Justin is rolling.

The bullpen has done a darn good job since June.

A win like this can be beautiful.

With the White Sox winning, the Twins needed this game.

They need to get a series win tomorrow afternoon and go home on a good note.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions  

I am really pleased with Kepple,

but I have to give major credit to Baker too. He did NOT have it tonight, was in several jams and gave up just one run. That’s big for him. In late May that would have been a 5 run 4th inning.
I was sitting about 13 rows behind home plate in the MN v. KC game where he took the no hit into the 6th or 7th (memory fails me) and then imploded. He pitched much worse today but saved it. Kudos for that at least.

If Ozzie Guillen likes Punto that much, I vote we send him down to Chicago. Punto and Guillen deserve each other.

by FoulJack on Jun 30, 2009 11:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Epic at-bat

Tony Pena Jr was fouling off Baker’s pitches.

Baker was on 3-2, and the payoff pitches have been fouled off.

Baker could have threw a walk there, but he manned up and got the out.

The Twins got a run after that.

That was your turning point of the game.

by Loon on Jun 30, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

THE Tony Pena Jr.

Epic grit showed by Baker there in that 11 pitch grudge match with a .103BA batter

Give him a STAR!

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Give him a badge and a cookie too,

all little kids need to feel good about themselves even if they are getting paid millions of dollars to actually perform well.

by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

You ought to go pitch

It sure is easy to sit on a computer and criticize someone for getting a light hitter out. It’s not exactly easy no matter how bad that hitter is especially when a hitter is fouling off pitches after pitches. You can throw a bad pitch as a result of it. I guess you did not think about that, right?

by Loon on Jul 1, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions  

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