A few thoughts so far (and maybe some predictions) after 5 whole games

by mutleyil on Apr 10, 2010 3:16 AM EDT

- We're going to win this division handily

- I think I know why Orlando Hudson is always looking for a job in Spring Training. I've never used the word "airhead" for a baseball player before, but it might apply

- Kevin Slowey will emerge as the Pseudo-Ace of our staff this year, and elicit the term “Greg Maddux-Lite” or “Better Brad Radke” several times. Secondary prediction: I will be the one saying most of these things.

- Our starting rotation will be much better than expected due to natural improvement through experience, and regression to the mean (except for Blackburn…man that cat is consistent)

- JJ Hardy has been an extremely streaky player in his career. Don't get carried away with a good month or two. And BTW, he usually takes his bad bat into the field when he slumps.

- Justin Morneau will hit at least 40 this year…he got rid of his bad at-bats in Spring Training.

- Jason Kubel really shouldn't play against lefties (cue a stat that proves I'm wrong, but God he looks bad)

- The Tigers are our only competition this year. We got into Ozzie & Kenny's head so bad that they actually destroyed their fairly successful existing roster. They traded for suck-tastic Juan Pierre in a hilariously misguided attempt to play "Twins Baseball," and thus reinforced that they have no concept of what "Twins Baseball" is all about.

- Delmon Young's approach is as bad as ever, yet he is seeing excellent early results this year. I will bet my first child that by the end of the season, he is the same terrible 2-way player we have seen over the last 2 seasons. That being said...I have no children, so it's not exactly a gamble on my part

What say you, my fellow Twins fans? What are your bold predictions for this year?

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I like the Morneau call....

Although it is only 5 games into the season, Morneau looks awesome thus far. 40 dingers for him isn’t that far fetched at all, before he got hurt last year it looked like he was well on his way to that same feat.

by Span's the Man!!! on Apr 10, 2010 5:01 AM EDT reply actions

"We're going to win this division handily"

You really want to go here? Baseball isn’t easy, and the baseball gods don’t take well to arrogance.

If the Twins don’t win the division, I’m blaming you.

We Are the Washington Generals

by Eric in Madison on Apr 10, 2010 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

I take the blame...

However, unless Commisioner Magoo allows the Tigers to only play the Royals and Indians for the rest of the season, I stand by it.

"I'm gonna make you cry...I'm gonna make you cry and dip my cookie in your tears!!!"

by mutleyil on Apr 10, 2010 12:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'd like to hear more about your OHud observation.

Throughout the years, I’ve developed a very irrational dislike for him. Nowadays, I have to root for him but it feels forced. Please explain why you call him an “airhead” so I may compare it to my own thoughts. Thanks.

by chilango2 on Apr 10, 2010 4:40 PM EDT reply actions

A handful of little things I've already seen that made me scratch my head...

The play on Friday night where Span missed the catch and threw to Hudson @ 2nd. He was taking his foot off the bag as the throw was coming in. For no reason. The throw was right there.
There have been 2 plays where a tailor-made DP ball is hit right to 2nd, and he’s nowhere near it. He’s playing way over in the hole…like so far over he would never make it to 2nd in time to take a throw from Hardy. This might be on the staff, but he should be cheating just a little towards 2nd there, and he’s cheating the other way.

"I'm gonna make you cry...I'm gonna make you cry and dip my cookie in your tears!!!"

by mutleyil on Apr 11, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions