Game 127: Baltimore Orioles @ Minnesota Twins
by Jesse on Aug 26, 2009 6:00 PM EDT
in Game Threads
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PrintBaltimore Orioles at Minnesota Twins, Aug 26, 2009 8:10 PM EDT
First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FS-N
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Camden Chat
My pick to click tonight: Cuddles
- Cuddyer was gushing about Delmon after the game last night. Let's hope a little public confidence from a team leader can lay a little ground work and help him boost his game long-term.
- Cuddyer, in his last 94 plate appearances, is hitting .303/.340/.562 with give homers and eight doubles.
- Cuddyer's nickname is Cuddles. It should make you feel warm inside.
- The Twins are currently riding a season-best five-game winning streak, and are now tied for second place in the Central. It can't stop now--it's time to rack up number six.
Starting Pitchers
Since lowering his ERA to sub-3.00 when he tossed a complete game against the Tigers, Blackburn's last eight starts have seen him boast an ERA of over 8.00. Hitters have shelacked him, with a triple slash of .375/.399/.625. That's just ridiculous. Hopefully he's getting back on his game, since his last time out he pulled seven innings and just three runs against. Nick isn't an ace, we know this, but don't forget that he was the stopper in the rotation for a long time earlier this season. When he pitches to his ability, inducing contact and keeping the ball in the park, he can be an efficient out machine. That's what the Twins need him to be tonight.
A 15th-round pick by the Mets in 1997. A 3rd-round pick by the Pirates in 2001. A 1st-round pick by the Indians in 2002, after being high on Billy Beane's draft board as noted in Moneyball. He was 23 when he was drafted, so it should be no surprise that the Indians tried to move him quickly in spite of underwhelming numbers in the minors. Brief appearances in a Cleveland uniform in '04, '05 and '06 didn't show anything better, and when the Orioles claimed him off waivers in January of 2007 it was a relatively quiet maneuver. A good slider and fastball helped him to consecutive seasons with ERA's in the 3's, but this season he's fought a viral infection for much of the season. Whether that's had a direct affect on how he pitches, his slider and fastball haven't been anywhere near as good as they were in '07 and '08. He's averaging less than six innings per start for the first time as an Oriole. He's a talented pitcher, but he's having a down season. Opposing batters are making more contact this season, so look for Guthrie to succeed the same way Blackburn does--by inducing contact and letting the defense take care of the rest.
Lineups
Orioles
Brian Roberts, 2B
Cesar Izturis, SS
Luke Scott, 1B
Nick Markakis, RF
Nolan Reimold, LF
Michael Aubrey, DH
Ty Wigginton, 3B
Felix Pie, CF
Chad Moeller, C
Twins
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Nick Punto, 3B
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Big game tonight, WIN TWINS!!
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Nothing like starting Punto at third to halt a five game winning streak.
If I were to pen my own thesaurus Punto would be a synonym to puke.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
Go Twins!
Time for another sweep!
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 6:08 PM EDT reply actions
I promise I'm not scoreboard watching...
But in checking my fantasy team’s stats so far today, I couldn’t help but notice that the Tiggers are losing in the 8th. IMO, it is always appropriate to root for a division rival to lose, even when you are TOTALLY not scoreboard watching because that would be silly and irrational and jumping the gun.
Punto's back in the lineup...
I suppose it had to happen at some point, but does anyone else find it interesting that we’ve gone on a five game winning streak, and the last time Punto started a game was our last loss, 11-1 at Texas. I’m just saying…
I do find it sort of encouraging that it took five games to get him in, and he didn’t take Casilla’s spot in the lineup. Seems pretty clear he’s been demoted, and I fully approve. I’m sure (hopefully) Harris will be back at 3B for the next start (or, fingers crossed, Crede).
That's the problem
I don’t think Gardy will be able to help himself. I’ve seen it too often, just when I think Punto is back in his rightful backup role, Gardy ends up playing him 10 games in a row.
by Adam Peterson on Aug 26, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Punto
We all love to hate good ol’ #8. He’s a good utility player and giving him a start with a groundball pitcher starting for the Twins isn’t a bad idea. I wouldn’t mind seeing LNP start a game at short in one of the games vs. Texas or maybe at second. Keep him on the bench most of the time and keep the other guys fresh.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 26, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions
Utility
I always had a soft spot for Punto as our utility guy. He seems to do much better in short spurts. It was the whole starting shortstop thing that soured me on him. Hard to forget the pain of that little adventure this quickly. Agreed that he has a role on this team, though.
You guys and your soft spots for LNP.
He sucks. Utility, short, second, third, he sucks wherever he plays. He can’t hit it out of the infield.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
+1
He has two hot streaks a yea when he seems like a very good ball player. But he has four cold streaks a year when he seems like he doesn’t belong in the majors. The fact that he’s the fourth highest paid guy on this team, and we’re stuck with his contract through 2010 is pathetic.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Oh my soft spot ABSOLUTELY does not extend to his contract. The terms of that thing are a travesty of epic proportions. I kind of want to hire his agent to do my contract negotiations for me, though.
GROSS
GROSS
GROSS
GROSS
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
What’s gross? Dick Jauron, tattoos, Megan Fox, or Punto playing baseball.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
all four I believe
thats why FoulJack listed it four times.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
No way
I’m not her biggest fan, but Id be the Lewis and Clark to her Louisiana Territory if you get what I’m saying
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www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
It was the "soft/hard spot' comment.
I threw up a little in my mouth.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
I don't understand why they don't DL Crede
at this point. Why play with a 24 man roster for the rest of the week when you don’t have to?
by Eric in Madison on Aug 26, 2009 6:39 PM EDT reply actions
Boras is looking over their shoulder
If they DL him before they get the doctor’s opinion, he could file a grievance and claim the Twins are trying to save incentive payouts.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
It would be an absurd grievance
And for all of Boras’ bluster, ultimately, he isn’t absurd.
by Eric in Madison on Aug 26, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Career vs. Guthrie
Span: N/A
Cabrera: 1-10
Mauer: 1-3, 1 BB
Morneau: 2-6, 1 HR
Kubel: 4-7, 3 2B, 1 HR
Cuddyer: 2-4
Young: 1-9, 1 BB
Punto: 0-5
Casilla: 1-4
….
Harris: 2-6, 1 2B, 3 BB
Gomez: N/A
Redmond: N/A
Here we gooooooooooooooooooooooo.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Nice quick out ground ball.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Base hit over Punto's head.
If he were 7 feet tall, that would have been an out.
This is just one of the reasons why I do like LNP.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
or if he were
Crede’s height, he could have just put up his arm and it would have gone in the glove.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
Where have you been, by the way?
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
oh just busy
plus the Twins seem to have been winning just fine without me around…here is hoping that wont change!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
On vacation
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Attaberry is a big drop in quality.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
I know, but its one of those wierd association things. When I think Twins, I think of Gordon.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
* sigh *
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
2-0 Balt.
Bad throw from O-Cab to Morneausie.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Blackburn 1-4 with 8.17 ERA since July 10th
… that’s not counting today either. I knew he would regress a bit after the strong first half, but he’s done more than regress, he’s tanked.
Yaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
3 strikeouts for Guthrie
Morneau, Punto, Casilla
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
Guthrie for Cy Young!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
no Guthrie for 2009 Cy Young Award Winner.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
ahh, Blackie.
why do you do this to us? Opportunity for a sweep and gaining a game in the division on the line here…
he's just like LNP
he sucks to bring the Twins community together
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I see Blackburn
hasnt changed…still gives up homers to the scruffy men. If Punto faced him each day, he would finish with 47 homers!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
Speaking of giving up homers to crappy players...
Scott Podsednik homers to tie the Sox game in the 8th :(
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I had the same reaction to that play as takersd does to seeing Megan Fox
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www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
I don't even think she is that hot...
I was just sure I could spell her name right as apposed to Marisa Tomei or Jizelle Budlakjsdfldsjfken.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
I can't get excited about Megan Fox because of the movie "Transformers."
What an ADHD driven 2 hour mess of a movie.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
C'mon Twins!
Surprise me and start the rally before the 6th inning
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:13 PM EDT reply actions
'Meh'
they’re alright. I just really like the red home jerseys.
The green ones are kind of plain, nothing too spectacular.
Let's see who shows up today
Demon or Delmon
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:31 PM EDT reply actions
I think Blackie is hanging in there okay.
If he can get through 6 with only 3 runs on the board, I consider that a success for him.
(and it would mean 2 solid starts in a row)
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
definitely a success
Quality start is a quality start, no matter how rough around the edges
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Have you been hanging out with Captin Morgan?
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Jose Quervo?
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
I didn't get much sleep last night,
so I’ve been loading up on caffeine.
I’ll probably be passing out soon.
C'mon Blackie.
Yeah! Pickoff! .2 of the inning down!
Aww, that pickoff reminded me of Cuddles. Oh Cuddles.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Blackburn's 3rd Pickoff this season.
Teams are 10-12 in stolen base attempts against Blackburn this season.
FAIL.
4-1.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
ditto
Top of the order coming up in the rally inning!
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions
it explains Blackburn's success early in the season
No one could look him in the eye when he pitched. But then they got used to his eyes…
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Mauer 2-11 this series?
Good thing there are still 5 days until the trade deadline
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www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
I don't think Manship is terrible
which is about the biggest compliment you can give to one of our pitchers this year
www.twinkietalk.com
www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
fair enough.
I don’t think Pavano is terrible, either. Baker had a few terrible games, but overall, he’s not bad.
You know what I miss in a game like this one?
Dickey time :(
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:06 PM EDT reply actions
Cuddles and Demon!
Go Twins! Not too late for a rally
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions
is it bad that Gardy PHing for Punto surprised me so much
that I wasn’t sure if it was Punto he was PHing for?
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
*PHing Harris for Punto
though Gardy PHing for Punto would be quite a sight
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Blackburn and Manship, the ultimate team!
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:25 PM EDT reply actions
not only his fault this time
Two of those pitches were arguably strikes, and only giving up one run in the situation he came into is pretty good
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know about you guys
but I’m going to enjoy being in 2nd for the next 2 innings
www.twinkietalk.com
www.olympicsportsblog.wordpress.com
I think we'll still be in second even if we lose since the Whities lost too.
But yeah, this game blows.
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
gladden and attebury
said they Redmond practices at third.
by montanatwinsfan on Aug 26, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
erm wrong!
Cuddyer – 2B
Harris – 3B
Casilla – SS
Gomez – CF
Span – RF
Young – LF
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
Too bad Mauer isn't our closer
so that we could say Baby Jesus saves
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:49 PM EDT reply actions
About that walk off win last night...
The Twins could have another one tonight… It could happen.
by mauerwalkoffhr on Aug 26, 2009 10:52 PM EDT reply actions
Let's hit 5 consecutive home runs.
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions
I think we should do that too
Hit 5 consecutive home runs.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
there's always next game
Next game, let’s hit 5 consecutive home runs.
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
yes we really should have
hit 5 consecutive home runs cause the Twins didnt do it…lol! :)
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
You know what Punto's problem is?
He doesn’t hit 5 consecutive home runs.
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Aug 26, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
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