Twins 5, Pirates 4

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 4:36 PM EDT in Game Recaps Comment 20 comments

BIG JIMMER MASHES FIRST TATER FOR TWINS.

We all knew it would come eventually. It's nice to get it out of the way. His solo jack in the bottom of the fourth put the Twins up 2-1, but it was a seventh-inning blast by Brendan Harris that set the Twins on the path to a few late-inning runs and a comeback victory.

Carl Pavano went five innings, striking out two and walking none. In fact, it was a perfect five innings for him...with the exception of Jason Jaramillo's third-inning home run. Pavano was in control throughout, recording nine of his fifteen outs on the ground.

Trevor Plouffe and Luke Hughes doubled to complete the extra-base extravaganza for the Twins, but the highlight of the night was one Anthony Slama. Slama came in for the top of the ninth with the game tied at four, and proceeded to mow down the side.

There's supposed to be one more pitcher who will be optioned to triple-A today, so stay tuned for that. Who else deserves to be left off the roster at this date? How do you feel about Matt Tolbert?

Ups
Jim Thome (2-for-2, HR, RBI, 2 R)
Trevor Plouffe (1-for-1)
Michael Cuddyer (2-for-2)
Juan Portes (1-for-2)
Brendan Harris (1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, R)
Luke Hughes (1-for-1, 2B, RBI)
Carl Pavano (5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 K)
Anthony Slama (1 IP, 3 K, 1 BB)

Downs
Ben Revere (0-for-4, 2 K)
Danny Valencia (0-for-2, K)
Jacque Jones (0-for-3, K)
Matt Tolbert (0-for-3)
Clay Condrey (1 IP, 2 HR, 3 R)

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Comments

Burnett gets optioned

Burnett and Delaney to Rochester. Where does Slama go?

by b1 on Mar 18, 2010 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

I doubt he makes the team in the end.

I’m sure the undecided RP spots will go to Duensing or Perk. But Slama’s been almost perfect so far. I like him.

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Tolbert

should be optioned at the end of the week in my opinion.

When does Minor League camp open up? Because Singleton, Dinkleman, and Lehmann (along with Manship and Maroth) should be over there in my opinion.

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett

by 33MorneauMVP on Mar 18, 2010 4:52 PM EDT reply actions

Good question, I'm not sure...

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Minor League Camp

The minor league camp started last Saturday 3/13. They have games going on there now. Singleton has already been sent over. Lehman will be moved later as they need lots of catchers for the pitchers to get thier work in.

by bballfan on Mar 18, 2010 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent...thanks.

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Portes might be soon too

He’s gone cold. Hughes, will be one of the last to go with one of the Pitchers (Slama or Waldrop) and a catcher ( Ramos). Right now I see Hughes,Waldrop and Slama as long shots, with Casilla and Condrey needing to step it up to hold their spot.

by b1 on Mar 18, 2010 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I see Ramos beating out Butera

He’s taken the lion’s share of the starts when Mauer hasn’t started. Butera has been a late-inning replacement. There really isn’t much comparison between the two. Ramos is better in every phase of the game.

People say he needs to play everyday. How important is that in April? He’ll get seven starts with the Twins until Morales gets back. He’d get 15 starts if he got sent down to Rochester. Over the course of the season, that’s nothing.

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

by cmathewson on Mar 18, 2010 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't disagree

I’m just betting that for a back-up they take Butera. Ramos had limited at-bats last year and has never been to AAA. The Twins don’t move player up that fast if the don’t have to and they don’t have to. The same with Rever, I doubt the Twins will jump him up to AAA, even though he could be Spans back-up

by b1 on Mar 18, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I forgot my other prediction

Tobby will be the back-up catcher at Rochester, behind Lehman, Ramos will stay at AA so he can come up with Rever.

by b1 on Mar 18, 2010 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Pirate Fans

Congrats on almost giving us a six game losing streak. Jason Jaramillo will likely be one of your stars this year, and if you lose a close game to a team as good as the Twins, you should be able to win some games against mid-line NL teams.

by Jessy S on Mar 18, 2010 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

I feel like the Pirates at have a direction now.

I’d love to see them competetive again. They deserve it.

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

And

Might I say the Royals too though that might be much of a stretch. However given how the Pirates played the last few seasons, I clicked on Jason Jaramillo’s name and read a post that argues that the Pirates will not lose 110 games this year. I honestly believe that the NL Wild Card will be up for grabs and Pittsburgh could contend.

by Jessy S on Mar 18, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Assuming the Phillies, Cardinals, and Rockies/Dodgers

are the division winners, that still leaves Rockies/Dodgers, Cubs, Marlins, Braves, Giants, and even the Mets as more serious contenders for the Wild Card than the Pirates. They are at least 3-4 years away. Beyond McCutcheon and Maholm, there’s not much on that roster right now.

But they are moving in a good direction.

by deacs on Mar 18, 2010 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd be pretty surprised if they turned it that far around.

There are a lot of good teams in the NL. As much as I’d love for the Pirates to be able to contend for it this year, I dont see it. I’d love to be proven wrong.

by Jesse on Mar 18, 2010 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm glad you called him JIMMER

On a day Jimmer Fredette scored 37 points leading BYU to victory.

"Pinch-bunters don't have a ton of value, even with the Twins"

by Steven Ellingson on Mar 18, 2010 6:46 PM EDT reply actions

Two pitchers

There are two bullpen spots. Hopefully one a long lefty…Duensing or Perkins. The othres a temporary righty if the Twins start Neshek in a warmer climate for April (Ft. Myers)…Swarzak…and the darkhorse Slama (not on the 40-man).

Assuming Nathan is disabled, then the Twins have one spot open (Slama or Jones). But, yes, if they keep Jones, probably means Casilla is written off.

Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!

by rosterman on Mar 18, 2010 6:59 PM EDT reply actions

Slama would have to be added to the 40 man

It’s not out of the question, especially if when Nathan goes on the 60-day DL. But he would have to clearly be the best pitcher left. I don’t see it. Swarzak is on par with Slama at this stage and Waldrop is not far behind.

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

by cmathewson on Mar 18, 2010 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions