Game 80: Minnesota Twins @ Kansas City Royals
by Jesse on Jul 1, 2009 11:30 AM EDT
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PrintMinnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals, Jul 1, 2009 2:10 PM EDT
Starting Pitchers
Meche's been knocked around a bit his last two times out, and he's had a hard time during day games this year, so if you want to buy into splits a little bit we can hope the Twins are getting him at the right time. On the other hand, Meche is also a better pitcher against left-handed hitters, so take what it all means with a grain of salt. Before these last two outings, Meche was looking a bit more like the pitcher he's capable of being, throwing 16 shutout innings while striking out 17 and scattering just four hits per contest. This is the Meche we need to expect today.
Perkins is going to have to put up another solid performance if he wants to distance himself from the fans who believe it should be Anthony Swarzak taking the mound every fifth day, and not him. Still, he's been reliable since his return from the disabled list, and the Royals offense may not be the most accurate judge of how effective Perk can really be. If he can limit the walks again today and keep the ball in the park, he should be able to put up six or seven quality innings.
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Looks like it
.345/.412/.621 with 2 HR and 2 2B in 34 PA.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
thank you sir
I thought I remembered him doing very well vs Meche. I guess I thought that Morny had more homers vs Meche. Didnt he have a two homer game vs Meche in 2008? I just thought he had hit more homers against Meche before the two homer game.
Cuddy & Tolbert too
Smaller samples, but Cuddy is 6-11 with a double and two walks while Tolbert is 4-6 with a walk.
Most of the rest of the team struggles (small sample caveats of course). Delmon is the worst at 2-23
I'm hoping for another series win today...
I believe the Twins are a winning team, but I want them to do more than that. I want them to make a legitimate push for October. To do that there are a few parts that need to show up, but winning two out of three will do the trick until that happens.
In '87 and '91
I went with family on our yearly trip to BWCA only to find on our arrival home the Twins had gone on an impressive win streak during our absence from civilization. Since I am leaving in about 2 minutes for another family vacation (Idaho nowadays) and will be in the wilderness again for the next 6 days, I am hoping today’s win will combine with last night’s to start a streak this year and I will return to my computer next week to discover the Twins went on a 6-7 game winning streak during my absence… good luck all.
From the game thread yesterday in a discussion on batting second.
But knowing Gardy, if Harris gets a day off it will be Punto or Tolbert.
It sucks, but I’m not surpised.
Harris
I’ve been saying for a week that he should get a day off. I’m glad he got one. BUT, how in the heck can you hit Tolbert 2nd?
Honestly, this is just stupid. You can’t hit Tolbert 2nd in the order. He’s not good enough to be a starter on the team. If he can’t beat out Punto for the 2B job, how can you hit him 2nd and Punto 9th? It’s not logical.
Twins Lineup
1. Span, LF
2. Tolbert, 2B
3. Mauer, DH
4. Morneau, 1B
5. Cuddyer, RF
6. Crede, 3B
7. Redmond, C
8. Gomez, CF
9. Punto, SS
when will Morales get a start?
I really like Reddog and really trust him, but Morales has the better bat which I think will be really important in this game against Meche. (and considering Perk is pitching and we never know how he is going to do).
And someone please tell me why
we have Jose Morales taking up a roster spot if he’s never going to play? Have him catch and hit 2nd. I have much more confidence in him at the plate than I do Redmond, Tolbert, Punto and Gomez. I know it’s a small sample size, but c’mon, the guy’s hitting .368 for us this year. I don’t care if it’s a good or bad .368 peripherally, .368 >>> .200
Is Meche ambidextrous?
There’s no other logical explanation for Kubel riding the pine and Redmond starting over Morales. I know, Mauer needs a day off from catching every once in a while, and it’s nice for Gomez to get the start in center, but then why don’t you give Cuddyer the day off instead of Kubel, with a righty on the mound?
These combined with Mario Mendoza Matt Tolbert batting second is not making me happy with Gardy right now.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Gardy has perpetually had issues
with the 2 hole in the batting order, probably since he started managing. He can’t fathom putting Mauer there every day. So, one advantage of trading for Sanchez would be that he could be penciled in that spot every day.
We really need to make a move for a 2B and an arm in the pen. We’re in this race. Let’s do something for once.
Yeah. It's sad
when the other team is batting Willie Bloomquist in the 2 hole, and have an advantage at that spot in the order.
anyone know where we could find detailed stats
of year by year who is getting how many games in the 2 hole? I’m looking thru baseball reference but don’t see anything…
This what you're looking for?
2009 Minnesota Twins Batting Orders
There are totals at the bottom for how many games each player has started in each lineup spot.
I got there by going to the Twins’ team page then selecting “Batting Orders” on the “Other [+]” tab.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Nice...
The commercial break on the radio lasted too long, and Gordo had to tell us about Cuddyer’s homer after Crede was already at the plate.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I agree...
He pounded the ball 3 times last night. Unfortunately, 2 of them were right at people.
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Jul 1, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
why does span swing at the first pitch there
after meche has walked two consecutive below average batters?
Good hit by Mauer.
Right back up the middle. One out already but let’s see if we can get another run here…
Morneau should have been sprinting that one out.
Routine grounder, sure, but it takes a funny hop, no play at second on Mauer and they still manage to get Justin by a step. Not a fan of the effort on that play.
Almost looks like Meche is pitching around Cuddyer here.
Fastballs outside, trying to draw a swing at a pitch Cuddyer couldn’t hit.
Just glad to see Cuddyer laying off.
HA!
Routine grounder to Collaspo, lifts his glove too early and Crede’s easy third out turns into a run….2-0, Twins!
Phrases that never get old
“Splits his wickets”
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I've been here long enough to know what that means,
but I still have no idea what it means. And I’m okay with that.
Although the wind might
have taken it or something, it looked like Bloomquist didn’t have a good bead on the ball.
I do want him to
get a hit here to drive in a run, but I dont want him to get a hit because I want BS to trade him.
But who would take him?
How much value does he have? Unless a team is desperate for a short-term stop gap, I’m not sure what his value is. It can’t be much.
Redmond looks like he's trying to go the other way with it,
get Mauer a chance to score from second. Gotta hit it straight tho…
what happened to him
i was hoping we could put him on the DL with anxiety disorder or something lame to get Jose some games.
Is he hurt bad?
They took him out, Morales is in.
Took a shot off his upper arm. Or his wrist. It looked like it hurt.
Must be bad
It takes a lot to get Redmond out of a game.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
details?
anyone actually watching? or just gameday like me?
that's not a nice looking whack
looks like it got him at / just above the right wrist. Hopefully only a bruise – but there’s bone right there.
Nice 2B for Gomez!
I think it took him about 2.3 seconds to get from home to second base.
That sucker just barely bounced fair down the left field line.
oh for...
span with the first pitch swing again! they must look reaaally good to him today.
This is like me playing slow-pitch softball
“Hey, that one looks good!”
(pops out to shortstop)
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
lol Gladden talking on radio
about how Kubel almost ate himself out of the league when he first came up, with the clubhouse chef and all the food he wants at the ballpark.
I asked a question
oer at MLBtraderumors on their chat:
what second baseman are available and at what price?
Ben replied:
Carroll, Sanchez, Uggla, Blake DeWitt, and Adam Kennedy.
Thoughts?
I still want Freddy Sanchez.
Although I know people who might choose DeWitt. Carroll I don’t see happening, Uggla I’m not a fan of and I’d rather stay away from Kennedy too.
yeah I would rather have Sanchez too
give up Ayala and Casilla and take his contract.
Trade Delmon for Relief help.
Bring up Tolleson in mid 2010.
I saw Tolleson's numbers at Rochester the other day
and thought to myself that I needed to look into him more. I still haven’t done it.
you should really
and then present a post. I think many would benefit from getting to know the future 2B.
and you know how long it takes the Twins
once they tag a player, for them to see the big picture.
Case in point, guys tagged MLB players by the Twins:
1. Punto
2. Jason Tyner
3.
Sanchez
Is a former batting champ who would not be cheap
DeWitt is cheaper and probally easier to get
The batting champ
bit won’t raise his current price. The Pirates need prospects, and paying Sanchez over the next year plus an option year is just throwing their money away. DeWitt might still be cheaper and easier to get, but I don’t think Sanchez would be as pricey as you might think.
I think you are
undervalue Sanchez.
If he had no contract for next year, maybe
But it would cost us one of our good AAA or AA pitchers
Fox or Mulvey + Casilla
I'd do that trade in a heartbeat for Sanchez.
Mulvey looks like a decent middle of the rotation guy, but we already have fists full of those anyway. And Casilla might need a change of scenery to get his head straight, because he’s screwing up his chances here. That’s a done deal for me.
I like Fox too,
but I need to see him get promoted and succeed. He’s getting a little old for his level.
i feel like we should be out of contention with the way we've been playing
but we aren’t at all. i know it’s not a novel thought, but i can’t help but think that one little upgrade at 2B or in the pen might make all the difference. i like sanchez, personally. seems like a good fit both in the lineup and on the field….plus if we take his contract, i think the pirates would be reasonable.
Slacker
He’s still only at .392. WHERE’S THE OTHER .608, JOE?
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Nice line drive by DeJesus.
I’ve always liked him. He could have had a better career somewhere besides KC.
the more he hits
The more appealing he will be at the deadline. I could see him going somewhere.
But the Pirates have now become the whipping boy even more than the Royals ever were.
haven't you heard?
KC is the trendy pick to win the AL Central this year…. Goes to show how accurate pre-season predictions in the AL Central can be.
really?
BP had KC finishing last… they polled 12 staff members and KC was four votes away from a perfect all-last-place score.
BP had 10 of 12 picking Cleveland to take the central with the other two picking them to finish second. They had a toss-up for 2-3-4 between MIN-DET-CWS
well, i don’t feel like doing an internet search to find the ones i read, but analysts were all over the place (BP tends to be little more informed than most) and kc got a lot of love esp once they had their hot start (not technically preseason, but still wildly inaccurate). cleveland picks look just as foolish in hindsight… you just never know with this division, but i believe it was stark who made the rule last season that he would “never count the twins out”. i’ll buy into that idea.
Compare that to
121 from Meche & I think his last start he pitched 130
His arm is going to give out soon if they are not careful
Gordo had my hopes up there
But Crede is out.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
WTF substitutions
The Twins just brought in Harris for Punto and Buscher for Morneau. Sounds like Punto may be hurt, but I have no idea why you would take out Morneau in a 2-run game.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Yeah I just saw that!
Saw Buscher at first with the KC dude, and all i could think was….am I imagining this? Wasn’t Morneau there earlier, he wasn’t DHing right?
I’m glad it wasn’t’ just me.
Redmond out as well....
I searched the thread and couldn’t find a reason. There must be some aches and pains today. Hopefully its just getaway day type of stuff?
Redmond went down a couple of innings ago
after being hit in the forearm/wrist. They took him out right away, hopefully just as a safetly precaution.
Fairness
The Twins have decided to give the Royals a sporting chance.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Perk who?
10 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K? I was pretty sure the Twins had somehow re-acquired Carlos Silva.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
They're catching up to him a little more.
I wouldn’t be afraid to let him start the 8th, but I do think the better option is to send in relief to nail down the final two innings.
7 IP, 10 hits. It's a bit much, but at least it's scattered.
and 92 pitches. He may go for another inning.
for what it's worth
twinsterritory on twitter is reporting that:
Morneau left with an injured groin, Punto with an injured back. This may mean Punto to the DL as Gardy said they couldn’t go back and forth.
Yep
Was just about to post it – Gordo referred to it as a “slight groin pull”, so hopefully it was just a little tweak. It’s not like Morneau needs to get slower.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
If the Twins get one more run here
then send Perk out for the eight, but only with Mijares/Guerrier/Dickey warming up in the pen as a precautionary measure.
Twins do not get a run here, send in the relief.
Anyone keeping up on NHL Free Agency?
Stuff is crazy.
I wish the NBA free agency was as insane.
Or Do I?
that will depend
On how we do in this FA season.
BUT I was happy we replaced both of them. We will no longer be the most boring team in the NHL!
redmond's arm x ray was negative
again from kelly thesier: Diagnosed with bruised forearm after taking foul tip in 5th inn.
Whoa
Tolbert swinging on 3-0 – if he didn’t reach on that, I think he would’ve been beaten to death by his teammates.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Insurance...
Thanks Span/Tolbert…
I hate it when we grab a lead and hang on for dear life… nice to see the pressure still being applied.
C’mon Joe! Make it 4-4!
C'mon, Morneau!
4 consecutive homer games!
"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.
Lots of it.
"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.
Bases loaded for Cuddles!
"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.
Right down the middle!
Where do you live? You don’t get FS Royals?
"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.
The lamest possible RBI
Way to go, Cuddyer!
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Shit!
We could have gotten more runs!
"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.
Buzzkill
Any great pitching minds out there want to predict how Gardy handles the end of this game?
Lets Geau Morno!
Dickey time, everybody! Dickey time!
"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.
What the frick was that Gomez?
"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.
It was short by probably 10 feet.,
"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.
No worries
Dickey just says, “Oh, a double? Ain’t no thang, take this, Teahen.”
And gets out of the inning.
+1
"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.
That's what SHE said!
“So does YOUR MOM” would also have worked there.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I hope Red Dog was okay,
he appeared to be crying when they took him out. =(
Never good to see that stuff.
"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.
What about Span?
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
D'oh!
I forgot that Harris came in for Punto and was batting 9th instead of 2nd.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Mahay now pitching for the Royals
That is among my favorite names to hear John Gordon say.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I have been referring to my phallus as R.A. and my wife is starting to think I am crazy.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
Robert Allen
That’s Dickey’s full name. Not sure about that other thing… :-)
Bert’s initials are also R.A. (Rik Aalbert)
That's fine...
But you should watch out that she doesn’t replace it with Joe Nathan to finish up.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Nice slow-mo replay of that broken-bat hit.
Dickey’s knuckler must have rotated one-and-a-half times on the way to the plate. So much fun to watch.
we need another reliever
the way Gardy uses them up, up and down, up and down, one inning saves, one batter appearances
It's what Nathan is there for.
Besides, if Dickey gives up a bomb people still think Gardy makes the wrong decision.
Sad
It’s always disappointing when your Dickey fails in a key situation.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Yeah...
R.A. Dickey is basically a living excuse to post penis jokes in Twins game threads.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Was it just me
Or was Dickey a little limp today?
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Omen
A bird just flew into my window on that last foul ball. He lived.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Yup... 2 above .500 for the first time this year!
Also Mauer is just 8 PA’s short of qualifying for the leaderboards.
Hope Morneau & Redmond is OK. Punto, too, I suppose because I’m not sure anyone is AAA is ready to come up yet… Valencia just got there.
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