Game 95: Minnesota Twins @ Oakland Athletics
by Jesse on Jul 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT
in Game Threads
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PrintMinnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics, Jul 22, 2009 3:35 PM EDT
First Pitch: 2:35pm CDT
TV: MLB.tv
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Athletics Nation
Starting Pitchers
Cahill's been pounded lately, which means one of two things: either the Twins will continue to pound him (preferable) or he'll rebound and shut the Twins down (not so preferable). Minnesota faced him on June 11, the infamous "start Michael Cuddyer in center field and see what happens" day. Of course nothing bad happened while Cuddles was in center, it was the muffed play once he shifted back to right that was costly. Cahill was bailed out by Minnesota's defense, with a dash of Sean Henn and Matt Guerrier. Hopefully today will be different, because it sure would be nice to escape the Coliseum being able to say we finished with a win. For a guy whose curveball was supposed to be the best in the organization, according to Baseball America anyway, the only pitch that's been a "plus" so far this season has been his off-speed pitch. Almost three of every four deliveries has been the fastball, so if I'm the Twins, I'm just waiting on fastballs. Also, the Twins better stack the lineup with left-handed batters, who have put up a .997 OPS against Cahill this year (versus .672 for right-handers).
Perk is due for a good start, although with a sometimes hack-tastic Oakland offense it's too bad he doesn't have better stuff. If he's not afraid to go inside and can keep the ball in the park, he should be fine. He doesn't really walk or strike anyone out, but here's something strange: Perk has been a ground ball pitcher this season overall. That's a radical shift. The flies have been steadily decreasing each year with the Twins, with this season (38.5%) coming in just a shade under last year's rate (39.7%). It's the dramatic drop in line drive rates that's shocking this year, with opponents hitting just 13.7% of their balls-in-play off Perk for line drives. Grounders make up nearly 50% of Perkins' game. If he can keep that up, a relatively slow A's lineup could be held in check.
Lineups
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Not being televised.
Booo.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Twins
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Justin Morneau, DH
4. Jason Kubel, LF
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Brendan Harris, 3B
7. Brian Buscher, 1B
8. Nick Punto, SS
9. Alexi Casilla, 2B
Pitching: Glen Perkins, LHP
A's
1. Adam Kennedy, 3B
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Scott Hairston, CF
4. Matt Holliday, LF
5. Jack Cust, DH
6. Daric Barton, 1B
7. Landon Powell, C
8. Rajai Davis, RF
9. Mark Ellis, 2B
Pitching: Trevor Cahill, RHP
7 - 9 for the Twins could be painful
It would be nice to see Buscher get hot, especially if Crede is going to have shoulder issues now.
Actually, I'd rather see Valencia than Buscher.
But I’m never opposed to seeing a player get hot. ;-)
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by Andersklasen on Jul 22, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Still less than a month in AAA
Hard to complain with .362/.371/.617, though. We’ll see him in September for sure, but Crede going to the DL could force the issue.
He's never had an off-year in the minors and is not too young.
He’s ready for major-league pitching.
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by Andersklasen on Jul 22, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
1B?
assuming crede doesn’t go on the DL, can valencia play 1B at all? or would cuddy have to be the backup if we demoted buscher? i’m anxious for a bench player change, at the very least….
Anyone can play 1B
That’s a bit on the glib side, but 1B is on the far end of the defensive spectrum. For a day a month, we could spot-start anyone there.
not entirely true...
but i understand your point. i guess my question was more whether cuddy would be getting the spot starts at first or if valencia could cover. i’m just trying to understand when the switch from buscher to valencia could happen. of course, if crede goes on the DL, the question is probably moot. we’ll likely have either to choose from when morneau needs a breather.
Cuddy's had four starts this year.
This is Buscher’s sixth. Not sure if that’s entirely by platoon or not. Morneau’s getting a bit more DH-breaks this season which is good because I think he was really worn out the last week of last season.
I’m sure Valencia could play 1B in a pinch. Mauer or Kubel could do it without too much loss of offense as well. If we’re really in a pinch, then Punto or Casilla or Harris could play there until the next flight from Rochester arrives with reinforcements.
Speaking of AAA members
What’s the deal with Tolleson? Did the Twins seriously move him off of 2B?
by Milt on Tilt on Jul 22, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
mauer in the 2 hole
does anyone else get just a little giddy when mauer gets up to bat with a man on and none out? some days it’s really just the little things…
1-0, Twins
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Haha
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
It would be funny...
… but that’s my favorite place to get pancakes!
I hope the firefighters were able to save the pancakes.
Twins down 2-1
C’mon Perkkkkkk.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
My friend
Perkins is her cousin. I better get his number and leave him a message.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
So early? Have some faith. :)
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
5-1
Only 4 more Morneau HRs and we’re back in this, guys.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
Nice timing
My 2:00 meeting ran long, and I turned on the radio just in time to hear Perkins walk in a run, followed by the double.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Whatever...
It sucked.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Suddenly
I’m glad I have to go to a meeting
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions
on the bright side...
a four run lead is NOTHING in this series. morneau can wipe that out in his next at bat.
Disorienting
Chris the Studio Guy is apparently serving as color man today, which was really confusing the first time I heard him – I thought they were randomly cutting to the studio in the middle of innings, which seemed really odd. On the plus side, this saves us from three innings of Gladden play-by-play.
Where is the ol’ Dazzle Man today?
"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 Grudz
Can be as good for us as Kennedy has been for the A’s.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
Perk...wtf.
Is a 1-2-3 inning that much to ask for after giving up 5 runs?
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Here we go
Perkins, Blackburn, Delmon, Harris, Mulvey, Swarzak for Halladay.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
Harris?
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
no really??
Gardy!!! Now that is what I call some confidence in the guy who only has pitched 1/3 of an inning.
Turning out to be a lame day game....
I like procrastinating at work and it was fun for a half inning.. but…
Wooooow. Let’s see how far ahead they can get before we pull Perkins!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
That escalated quickly
Yeah… Perkins killed a guy. Was that a trident?
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Ugh.
Scott Hairston is good.
8-1
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
On the plus side...
We know that it’s possible for a team to blow a lead as large as 10.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Perkins
3 of first 4 starts after the injury were solid… now three straight bad ones…
I wonder if he’ll have to go back to the DL.
When is Slowey due back?
I really think
that Perkins may be done for good as a Twin.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
I love the optimism here.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I want to be
But he has been roughed up in the 1st inning more than Brad Radke
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
At least
Radke would get a grip on himself for the rest of the game
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Its just three bad starts in a row...
He needs fixing, but he’s not a total loss yet. We just need to understand what’s wrong.
Former Twin Update
Garrett Jones just hit his 9th home run for the Pirates.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Just?
This game has been over for a good 45 minutes!
McCutchen though, kid’s a stud.
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
In my defense...
I was not paying attention to that game, and at the time, they’d just mentioned it on the Twins’ broadcast.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Does anyone have faith that this will continue? Or is it going to be a Chris Sheldon-type situation, and he’ll be DFA’d before the end of the year?
er Shelton I think. The guy for the Tigers that hit like 10 homers in 16 games and then went down the crapper.
McCutchen or Jones?
Jones will go down the crapper.
McCutchen is the real deal.
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Jul 22, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Mulvey's MLB picture...
Yikes.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
I'm interested
In seeing how bad this game gets. We may get outscored 56-14 in the series…but at least we got 1!
Favorite Comedians: Mike Birbiglia, Doug Benson, Daniel Tosh, Delmon Young in Left Field.
We can come back
It’s not even a 10-run lead yet.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Pretty close.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
One more now, that’s all!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Wow
Now THAT"S Twins optimism!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that THE MN Twins out there?
Or the GCL Twins by mistake? I can’t tell
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:29 PM EDT reply actions
It is hard to tell.
But judging by the presence of Mauer/Morneau…i’m going with the MN Twins. Maybe.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Punto
Is there a rule that he has to be in the line-up? I thought when Casilla came up that meant less of Punto, not more! I’m starting to think he is Gardy’s hetero life-mate.
Whoa there
Punto’s been awful, but Casilla has been making him look like Ryne Sandberg out there so far this year.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Exactly
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously...
What the hell is going on here? How are we not out of this inning yet??
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Mulvey is sawing em off inside
and they are just dropping the shallow singles…nothing hit hard yet off Mulvey
Um....
Batting around again? When was the last time the Twins got beat up this badly?
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions
oh, that's right
Thanks
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm laughing on the outside
but crying on the inside.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
I'm crying on every side
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
poor cmath
it will be alright… when the Twins stumble upon another pitcher of Johan’s ability…
nevermind keep crying
12...
It is now 12 to 1. I am bordering on giving up and leaving the house.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Nooooooo way.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
they deserve no less for beating up the Twins so badly
no offense to the fine people of South Dakota of course
this economy is kicking my ass
or else I’d be planning one last trip to the Dome, we’ll see there’s still time
Casilla out
but he was closer to being safe
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:41 PM EDT reply actions
I smell a comeback...
er to the mound for a double play.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Mulvey
is he still the savior in the pen?
2 on, 2 outs.
Come on Kubes.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Perkins: 1.0 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 3 BB
Mulvey: 1.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, all softly hit singles
pick your poison…Ill go with Mulvey
I'm so glad
I have get to leave now
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 22, 2009 4:46 PM EDT reply actions
Basically a spring training game now...
Barring a miracle, of course.
If its still a huge lead after five, we should pull Mauer. He’s catching on short rest and we should keep him rested.
Is Morales still here?
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Heh. Even an A’s fan. Not like it’s going to matter.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Then we lose the DH...
Double nightmare for Gardy.
I love stressing about things that will never happen. :-)
I say just throw the damn book out the window
new line up starting next half inning
Mauer – 3B
Morneau – C
Cuddyer – 1B
Span – CF
Kubel – LF
Punto – RF
Casilla – 2B
Harris – SS
cats lay with dogs, up is down, black is white…
Replace Punto with Gomez...
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Yay!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Do we even need a catcher
there dont seem to be too many balls missing oakland’s bats
by guinness junky on Jul 22, 2009 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Dickey...hmmm.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
I'm sorry, I can't help it.
But that’s what she said. :)
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
they must have needed it
for whatever they are spelling on the score board…
maybe the total population of CA or something?
Yay Dickey time!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Hate to say it, but I'm sort of glad we are getting kicked around today.
It doesn’t happen very often, and I hope Bill Smith is watching. Yo quiero un reliever de Blue Jays. Por favor.
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Plus games like this improve our performance vs. Pythag!
We’ll look better versus “expected”
:-)
Cynical mood today…
Well...
it’s about that time, guys. Off to the safety of no-Twins zone. :) Have fun with the rest of the game!
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. -Bull Durham
Woah...
Anyone else watching the Comcast broadcast? Did Bert really just say that the comeback a few days ago was “a good game for both teams”???
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Nice job, Denard!
"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.
Lets see if Mauer can knock in a run or two.
"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.
Mauer needs to be more aggressive at the plate.
"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.
lets signing him right now.
let’s give him the extension while he is slumping. Maybe the asking price will be lower.
by NYCisTwinsTerritory on Jul 22, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I am sad.
So very sad, by all of this.
Remember when Perkins was throwing 8 innings every time out? I saw him dismantle the Angels in an awesome game at the dome earlier this year. I remember that. I remember when we had good mop up guys too. Guys who could stop the bleeding, at the very least. I remember these things and then I am sad. So very sad. 15-1 is PATHETIC.
Baseball is the soundtrack to my summer.
Zip Code Box Score Winner! - 57003
Baltic, SD
Minnehaha County.
Population 811.
Two exits north of Sioux Falls on I-29.
My brother lives right near there
There is not much to it.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Suggestion
I would like to propose that the burning Perkins picture be used for the game recap post.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Well done
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Speaking of pictures
and seeing as this game completly BLOWS I ask this;
After the Dome is retired, what shall our Blog logo be?
Ideas? Mauer in a toga riding on clouds holding a triton?
Morneau riding a moose? Gardy literally screwing the Bullpen?
Baseball is the soundtrack to my summer.
How about a target, in honor of Target Field?
We can debate whose forehead it should be on.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
not as good an angle of the skyline, though...
The bland grey building (multifoods?) obscures the view of Wells Fargo and the Thermos Cup.
This does not look like a world championship caliber team
"I don't care about feelings." - Lou Piniella
they got the cream filling beaten out of them
I know, I know not the first time that line has been used.
just checked into mlb.com to see the starting time of tonight's game,
and saw that we are already down by a gazillion. So I thought I’d stop by and wonder why you’all are still here?
question 2: do you think Oakland likes the Minnesota pitching staff?
Gotta go back to work, but I’ll read through later for all of the nailbiting analysis.
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 22, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions
I really hate our west coast road trips...
Son, when you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get. ~Homer Simpson
by thewild_viking_twins on Jul 22, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions
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