Nick Punto Comes Up Big, Twins Continue Matching Tigers Win-for-Win
by Jesse on Sep 24, 2009 8:39 AM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintTwins 8, White Sox 6
I LOVE SEPTEMBER BASEBALL. Nick Punto? Nick friggin' PUNTO? Are you kidding me? This is AWESOME!
Just when it seemed the White Sox were about to make their comeback, already closing a 5-0 lead to 5-4, the Twins offense found a way to load the bases. With two out, with the reality of scoring zero runs staring Minnesota in the face as the Tigers bombarded the Indians, and with Chicago refusing to go quietly...it could have been a very bad inning for confidence's sake. And who wants the game on the line with Nick Punto at the dish?
Nick Punto. That's who.
With the count full, two outs and the bases loaded, Punto laced a hard line drive into the heart of center field. It landed mere feet in front of Alex Rios, scoring two and giving the Twins a little bit of breathing room. It was glorious.
Brian Duensing's night went well early before falling apart a bit at the end, but for the most part he did his job. Jermaine Dye had a big game, rallying his team twice with sterotypical daggers for home runs, of which he blasted two.
But it wasn't enough.
It was another spectacular win, as far as Twins fans are concerned. I'm not sure how Chicago fans are feeling today. Unfortunately the Tigers are surging at the same moment in time as our Twins, and their absolute destruction of the Indians keeps them a firm 2.5 games ahead of Minnesota. They play today while the Twins are idle for the final time in regulation this season, so here's hoping Cleveland can snatch one back.
I have to say, the title of this article is absolutely ridiculous. The only way Detroit can send a message to the Twins at this point in the season is to beat them, head-to-head. And it looks like that's exactly what it will take, for either of these teams.
Stars
#3: Michael Cuddyer: He continues to provide for this team, adding two hits and an RBI.
#2: Brendan Harris: A pair of doubles and an RBI, a great day for a guy who probably doesn't play enough.
#1: Nick Punto: 3 RBI and a double--it was a big day for the tiniest Punto of them all.
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Cuddyer's D
I’ve been impressed by Cuddyer’s defense. He hasn’t been making any big mistakes, that I’ve noticed, and been scooping Cabrera and Punto’s skip throws pretty well.
He deserves some credit for playing well out of position. Anyone else wonder if this guy can hit while playing 3B now?
Not to knock it, but...
1B is pretty easy to play defensively. That’s why all the sluggers end up moving there as they get older.
I thought Cuddy’s problems at 3B stemmed mainly from his hearing. If I recall correctly, he’s almost deaf in his left ear so plays better on the right side of the field. Not sure why that was never an issue in HS or the minors… maybe its something that has gotten worse as he got older.
He plays a better 1B than RF
Which shouldn’t be surprising since he’s played a ton of infield and to be a better RF he’d just have to run faster.
Gomez provides more WTF moments
Was he really going to try to tag from 1B on a shallow fly to LF?
I still don't know what he's thinking sometimes.
It’s almost like he’s feeling everything out still, but he’s in video game mode. “If my speed is 100 and outfielder’s arm accuracy is a 92 but arm strength is only 77, can I make it?”
The answer is no, Carlos. The answer is no.
Whew!
Sox look lackluster, have no closer, shutting down starters. Can they beat the Tigers?
Twins have to face Greinke twice, with their starter-by-committee.
The 4-games against the Tigers are quite big, Big, BIG!
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
I'm a little worried about this, too.
If we can come in a sweep the Sox, who’s to say they won’t lose to Detroit, too? I hope they play better baseball this weekend….
That said, I hope the Twins continue this nice little streak and show Detroit that they’re a serious competitor!
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
Sox win the series against Detroit
you heard it here first!
and TBA for the Sox on Sunday is going to pitch a gem…
Wait a second here...
I thought the METERODOME was the only reason the Sox ever lost to us!? All the funny bounces, and lighting…This last sweep at thier park makes no sense to me…
I always loved that one.
I know, it's almost like...the Twins can beat them outside too.
It’s weird. They must have found a way to cheat at the Cell, too!
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
cheating
The Twins secretly sneaked into the Cell in the middle of the night and replaced the grass with turf.
That's the only explanation for a Twins sweep.
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Sep 24, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought they snuck in and positioned air conditioner fans around the stadium that were remotely controlled by special ops unit leader Terry Ryan?
by montanatwinsfan on Sep 24, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I saw they were using black baseballs when the twins were up...
Made it harder for Tiger OF-ers to pick it up against the night sky.
Just got back from SSS
last night’s gamethread…not that funny…they must have been off their game much like their team on the field…
Can't be on the ball all the time.
Besides, here isn’t much to be cocky about once your team is out of it.
they are normally great with the gallows humor...
or just sheer nonsense…I think they are all just moving on now…
I'd guess Bears...
too soon for the Bulls
not enough fans for the Blackhawks
college sports in Chicago… I don’t think so but could be wrong
NorthWestern will feel the Gopher's wrath
You hear that AOF? Your Wildcats are going down!
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
True
Plus WSox fans had high hopes of repeating as AL Central winners. They went from eyes on 1st place to 3rd and the edge of elimination in a short time. Then getting swept by a division rival at home on top of that. Gotta sting.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is!" -John "Bluto" Blutarsky
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Sep 24, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
But they're not out of it!
I checked the standings and attempted some math, and the Sox are still mathematically alive to make the playoffs. Here’s what they need:
1) Sox win all nine remaining games – this includes six games against the Tigers
2) Royals win all six games against the Twins
3) Twins take three of four from the Tigers
Assuming I did my math correctly, that leaves all three teams at 82-80, which would require a ridiculous three-way playoff for the Central Division crown.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
That sounds so cool, I almost hope it happens…this weekend the AL Central Tournament!
As long as it’s all played at the Dome of course…
Think about it.
Twins vs Tigers vs Sox vs Vikings vs Packers! 4 Qtrs of 9 innings of Bootball! Vegas would go crazy!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is!" -John "Bluto" Blutarsky
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Sep 24, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
at least two MN teams being represented gives us a better chance of winning!
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
this actually does sound kind of awesome
a battle royale for the worst division in baseball. :)
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
Twinkies Will Lose
No way the twinkies can continue this pace. They got lucky when the Tigers played their last series at the dome. Twinkies luck will run out next week when they come to Motown. Time for Mauer and Cuddyear to book their Norwegian Cruise for early october. We will let you know how it feels to be in the playoffs. Wait til next year.
haha
even if the Twins don’t take the division, do you honestly believe the Tigers will beat the Yankees in the first round? Delusion, much?
And yeah, get cocky because the Tigers have been playing the Indians…
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
Anything can happen in the playoffs.
Especially in a short series. Especially if 4 of 5 games are started by JV/E-Jax. I seem to have recurring nightmares about some AWFUL team winning the World Series in 2006.
That said, I’ll be rooting for whichever AL Central team is playing the Yankees.
Look! Trash talk!
Can someone bookmark this post so it can be brought up after next week’s series?
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
By the way...
If I find out that anyone from TwinkieTown is making similar posts on Bless You Boys, I will be horribly ashamed.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
bah, nothing wrong with coming here and creating a friendly ruvalry, as long as its friendly and hopefully humorous.
I ‘think’ Tigertown meant it in that spirit. The Norwegian cruise line is almost funny.
by montanatwinsfan on Sep 24, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
almost
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is!" -John "Bluto" Blutarsky
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Sep 24, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Um, yeah, sure.
Mauer, Cuddyer, Norwegian Cruise…..say no more.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Over? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is!" -John "Bluto" Blutarsky
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Sep 24, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
plus, oct is still hurricane season...
adds a little adventure to your usual run-of-the-mill carribbean cruise
Jesse,
twould be nice if a moderator could stick around occassionally (not you as we know it’s 1 or 2 am there) during the games to break the long game threads up. We’ve been averaging 5-600 lately and it starts to bog down after awhile.
by montanatwinsfan on Sep 24, 2009 2:16 PM EDT reply actions
Actually, Im surprised about the Twins
Truth be told and all trash-talking aside, I actually thought the Twins would have run away with this division. No doubt about the level of talent on the Twins….great team. Sorry about Morneau….what a great player and I am jealous that him and Mauer aren’t on the Tigers. Congrats on a very good season….it will come down to the series here in Detroit and its going to be a good one. If the Twins win, I hope they kick the dog-crap out of the Yankees – anything can happen in a short series. Just ask the Yankees about 2006
Thanks bud.
I think we all hope the same for the Tigers. Barring those few flung Tiger haters out there.
I agree
can’t we all just come together and dislike the Dirty Sox? :)
"But seriously, the banana guy is just sitting there now quietly taking in the game. You can’t do that. You’re either the banana guy or you’re the businessman." -Daniel Louden
Yes
It’s nice that there is something that brings us together.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
AJ was a jackass the last two nights
He doesn’t seem to get it that being a jackass affects the umpires.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
to be fair to AJ
that was an awful awful awful call on that second strike. No excuse for striking out at a fastball at the eyes though,
by Milt on Tilt on Sep 24, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
If Mauer were at the plate, that would have been a ball
But what AJ doesn’t want to own is he didn’t get the call because he had been jawing at the ump all night and shaking his head every time his pitcher didn’t get a close call. Umps hate that.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Am I stupid?
Or should it be Blackburn going against Greinke on Sunday? He pitched before Man(sunken)ship so it should be Pavano, Baker, Blackburn…what did I miss? Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be pulling for the Liriano of old to come through a la the Clemens match up, but I thought it’d be Blackburn.
Not sure, but I do know they reschuffled some things in the rotation
so our best 4 would go against Detroilet.
I always loved that one.
Well
I suppose that makes sense. Besides, I could go up there and throw my famous knuckleball and beat that Greinke slouch!
by Daniel Louden on Sep 24, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
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