Twins 8, Orioles 3: Juan Portes Continues to Rake

by Jesse on Mar 12, 2010 7:35 AM EST in Game Recaps

Good stuff. Good stuff indeed. Twins winning is great, and solid performances from the guys we need them from.

Hi-fives given:
Denard Span (2-for-3, R, RBI, SB)
Joe Mauer (2-for-2, RBI)
Michael Cuddyer (2-for-3, HR, R, RBI)
Juan Portes (2-for-2, HR, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI)
Nick Punto (1-for-2, 3B, BB, R, 2 RBI)
Scott Baker (3 IP, 5 H, 4 K, 0 BB, 1 R)
Francisco Liriano (2 IP, 1 H, 3 K)

Early struggles continue:
Chris Parmelee (0-for-2, 2 K)
Matt Tolbert (0-for-1, 1 K)
Mike Maroth (1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 K, 0 BB)

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Comments

Could add O-dog to the strugglers

I suppose you don’t worry about the spring training stats of a veteren like him, especially this early. Just like you don’t figure 4 guys on the team will hit over 500.

by Luke in MN on Mar 12, 2010 9:14 AM EST reply actions

I like that Justin Morneau only has one single

5 Hits, 3 doubles, and 1 HR

I’m not so worried about his back now.

by Twins4Life on Mar 12, 2010 10:36 AM EST reply actions

And remember...

he is “taking it easy” this spring training.

by dctwin on Mar 12, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

I also like this line from Punto

.222/.417/.444

Think he can maintain that? ;)

by Twins4Life on Mar 12, 2010 10:38 AM EST reply actions

No

Not when all the pitchers are major leaguers and thus throw strikes.

I also don’t expect him to maintain his two misplays a week pace.

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

by cmathewson on Mar 12, 2010 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Portes

What do you think will happen to our best hitter so far in camp this year? Obviously it will take more than one good spring for a player who was barely on the radar likely to make the club, but where do you think he starts out the year?

by Neil34 on Mar 12, 2010 11:08 AM EST reply actions

Depends on the rest of the rosters

but he seems likely to fill an outfield spot in Rochester. Could wind up back in NB, but with Revere and Benson ready to move up, it seems like more of an opening at AAA.

by Eric in Madison on Mar 12, 2010 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

I think Rochester

Portes was the best right handed hitter in New Britain last year. He deserves a promotion. And he sure is earning it this spring.

My guess is, he’ll be the everyday left fielder, with Tosoni in right and Roberts and Martin sharing center.

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

by cmathewson on Mar 12, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Unless Jacque Jones takes some of his at bats

but yes, that sounds right to me as well.

by Eric in Madison on Mar 12, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget he has a .930 fielding pct at 3B

Not sure if he will get any time, but maybe he should. I started a separate thread about 3B options a few minutes ago.

by Span Man on Mar 12, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

also

Jimerson and Dinkelman, someone getting cut.

by b1 on Mar 12, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

With this team

It’s all about the young starting pitching. They will score runs, their bullpen will be good. If the young starters, or even just a couple of them, take a step forward, there will be no heading these guys. To me, it’s about Slowey and Liriano. Can they bounce back, maybe take a step forward. If so, this could be as fun as ’87, ’91, and though people forget about it, ’92. ’92 they were a very good team.

by Old Twins Cap on Mar 12, 2010 11:23 AM EST reply actions

+1 on Slowey and Liriano

I’m pretty excited to see what those two do this year. Like you said, if they step up this will be a very strong (and very under-rated) rotation.

by Jesse on Mar 12, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

'06 was pretty fun, too

I have high hopes for 2010. But also +1 on our pitchers. I’d like to see Baker take a step forward this season, too, and put together a solid complete season. I think he is eminently capable.

by dctwin on Mar 12, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

True

But the Twins were dismissed as contenders prior to the 1987 and 1991 seasons for one simple reason, they finished near the bottom of the AL West in 1986 and 1990.

The team was also good in 1992, but that team, and this one, face expectations. In addition, both teams faced the possible loss of one of their star players. In 1992, it was Kirby Puckett, this year it is Joe Mauer. The only thing that is different from the 1987, 91, and 92 teams is that the Twins had to struggle to force the one game playoff in 2008 and 09.

by Jessy S on Mar 12, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions