Twins 5, Angels 3: The Bats Wake Up
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 8:55 AM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintLast night in Anaheim, the Twins lineup hit Angels starter Joe Saunders early and often, as Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and J.J. Hardy all hit home runs to lead the Twins to a 5-3 victory and even their record at 1-1. But the story of last night was new Twins closer Jon Rauch. With perennial All Star closer Joe Nathan out for the season, the burning question for this team is whether the Twins can recover. In his first save opportunity of the season, Rauch was asked to close out a two run lead against a pesky Angels lineup. About 30 seconds later, Rauch went strikeout - popup - strikeout for a perfect 9th. A very good start.
The Twins bats made it clear from the top of the first that tonight was a different ballgame. Where it seemed leadoff hitter Denard Span was down 0-2 before stepping into the batter's box Monday night, he started the game with a five pitch walk. After Orlando Hudson bunted an ugly line drive to first, Joe Mauer nailed a Joe Saunders fastball over the center field fence to put the Twins up 2-0. Singles by Morneau and Michael Cuddyer along with a Jason Kubel walk loaded the bases for Delmon Young, who drove in Morneau with a sacrifice fly to right field. 3-0 Twins. After the first, the Twins bats didn't hit the Angels too hard, going 6 for their last 27 at bats. But a high Justin Morneau home run to right field in the third and a J.J. Hardy blast to center in the fourth was all the Twins would need.
Twins starter Nick Blackburn wasn't sharp coming out of the gate last night, but he battled. He started off the bottom of the first by walking Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu. But a Torii Hunter double play and Hideki Matsui strikeout got Blackburn out of the inning. At the end of the day, Blackburn's line was about where you would expect, except for the walks: 6.2 IP, 8 H, 1 HR, 4 BB, 4 SO. He gave up a bunch of hits, got out of a few jams, and got hit hard once in the fifth when Torii Hunter hit a long two run home run to right center. Aside from the control issues, Blackburn really had the sinker working last night, as he gave up more ground balls than fly balls (11 to 4) to limit the damage. It just seemed like he didn't know where the ball was going out of his hand.
In addition to Rauch, the Twins bullpen was solid last night. A Torii Hunter double chased Blackburn in the 7th, but Brian Duensing shut the door, getting Hideki Matsui to ground out to end the threat. Matt Guerrier pitched a perfect 8th (popup and two fly balls), then it was Rauch time. All in all, a good game.
Stars:
- Jon Rauch: 1 IP, 2 SO, SV. And most importantly, he pounded the strike zone.
- Joe Mauer: 1-4, HR, 3 RBI. The two run home run in the first was key.
- Duensing / Guerrier: 1.1 perfect innings got us to Rauch.
- Justin Morneau: 2-3, HR, RBI, BB
Duds:
- Orlando Hudson: 0-5, R, SO. One of the ugliest bunts you'll ever see.
- Nick Punto: 0-3, BB. Surprised a few of us when he started. Clearly not a platoon with Brendan Harris.
- Bobby Abreu: Ever since Mike Everitt called a high strike (correct, according to the pitch tracker) in the first, Abreu was whining. Then, Abreu argued after a swinging third strike in the 7th.
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Not a Punto defender
But he was very solid in the field (at least until I fell asleep). Started an inning ending double play that was very nice.
Maroon and Gold Headquarters: The Daily Gopher
C'mon people
Not another year of Punto bashing. Jesse, do not encourage this. Whatever the merits of his overall portfolio, Punto is a major league player and contributes to a winning baseball team.
Spending all these electrons working through commenters’ own inferiority/small man/white man issues is just a waste of time, makes this site predictable and keeps the community from discussing more important and interesting issues.
I hope site administrators will take a firm stand against cliche Punto vitriol so we can get back to talking about baseball.
by Old Twins Cap on Apr 7, 2010 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Just curious
Are there any other players whose baseball performance I should not discuss as it would not qualify as “talking about baseball”? Just trying to play by the rules here…
LNP=/=baseball.
I think we’ve all learned today. Probably shouldn’t cut down Keppel, either. Though he provided the entertaining “Akeppelypse” moniker, it takes away from the game.
Bingo bango.
LNP is not a baseball topic, he is an experience
"Justin Morneau already has a Snuggie-like blanket - and his name is Jim Thome." - Jim Souhan (who else would it be)
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Apr 7, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
Including the ad hominem attacks at all others who mention Nick Punto?:
Spending all these electrons working through commenters’ own inferiority/small man/white man issues is just a waste of time, makes this site predictable and keeps the community from discussing more important and interesting issues.
You plus million that?
Or how about the nonsense pleading to the editors/moderators to crack down on fan comments that are critical of a player, any player? If that type of discussion isn’t fair game for this site what is?
The next thing you know we’ll have people asking Jesse to remove any mention of Mijares’ physical disabilities regarding mass and gravity; to stop our Rauch stigma just because he is a reformed felon; or call Fox News because someone said Gardenhire’s use of the bullpen is just ‘retarded.’
Next thing you know we’ll have people threatening to leave if we don’t stop cracking jokes because it “keeps the community from discussing more important and interesting issues.”
by montanatwinsfan on Apr 7, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"All we like sheep, have gone astray..."
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
My mother always taught me
not to discuss religion, politics, or Nick Punto in polite company.
Yeah......
If Nick Punto wasn’t in the lineup how would I know when to grab a beer, go to the bathroom, or finish my taxes? ;)
by MinnesotaRage on Apr 8, 2010 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
The opposite of love is indifference
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
One play should have been E5
He made a nice play in the hole, but he dropped the ball in the exchange.
Otherwise, am I the only one concerned about his arm. His lolly-pop throws are worrisome. He nearly got Hudson killed on the DP.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
No error...
because of his arm. There is no way he would have been able to get up and rainbow a throw over to get the runner. So, no, you’re not the only one worried about it.
I'm right there with you
Punto hasn’t made many good, hard throws since Labor Day last year. I am old enough to remember Mike Cubbage at third for the Twins where his throws were measured by “hang time”. I really think Nicky is no longer cut out to be a 3B, despite good hands and range.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Apr 7, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep, the arm concerns me
I suspect we’re going to see fewer obvious cases where the throw simply doesn’t get there in time. Instead, I suspect Punto may play shallower to accommodate, and get to fewer balls as a result. We’ll see.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
SS is a longer throw than 3B
If his arm can’t handle 3B, then he’s a 2B only and has no place on the team. Not only is SS a longer throw (long leg of the triangle), the SS is often moving away from 1B while 3B is most often moving toward 1B.
Wasn't it a diving play?
Then in the process of getting up and exchanging the ball he lost control. I wouldn’t call it an error because it wasn’t a routine play to even get to the ball.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
On the replay it was clear he didn't need to dive
He dove and caught the ball around his chest area. When he got up, his free hand was so far from his glove hand, he couldn’t make the exchange. He could have easily caught the ball without diving, spun and fired. I would have given him an error on the play. That was a “should have” play.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Fair enough
Punto had a few good plays in the field, but on a day where most of the lineup hit the ball he didn’t do anything. Fortunately it was one of those games where it’s difficult to come up with three “duds”, hence Abreu.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd add Hardy as a star
Defense looked really nice, including one of the strongest throws to first I’ve seen. Also, I’m fine with Hudson butchering bunts early in the year if it prevents Gardy from having him bunt in general (although if it means moving Punto into the 2 hole, well…).
I’m sort of angry about Punto starting, despite the win. Me not hating Punto has a lot to do with whether he’s overused, and starting games over Harris against lefties is clearly overuse. Ok, I got that off my chest, thanks.
Punto starting
I’m pretty sure the decision was made to start Punto because Blackburn was on the mound. Presumably Harris would start against lefties with any other Twins starter.
And if Punto doesn’t do anything at the plate, he will hopefully be benched more often.
Good point.
I’m not convinced Punto is so much better than Harris at 3rd, but this at least explains Gardy’s thinking a bit.
That was before Punto hurt his shoulder
Punto used to have a decent arm. Last year, he hurt it playing short and started throwing rainbows. Shortly after that, he was moved to second. Last night I saw the rainbows again and I cringed every time he did, especially when he threw one low and outside to Hudson on the DP.
One of the things FanGraphs does not do is project defensive regression. Torii Hunter, for example, is a shell of his former self in center. He has regressed a ton. I’m saying Punto has regressed, not so much on range but on throwing. I saw it in spring training (when he led the team in errors) and we’re seeing it now. He should have had one error last night, and he could have had two if Hudson hadn’t made a fantastic play to catch his errant throw.
Harris does not have good range. But he is sure handed and has a very strong, accurate arm. At third base that will get as many outs as an error-prone guy with good range.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I'll take the guy with better range.
I know Punto doesn’t throw as hard as Harris, but for the most part he has been pretty accurate in my opinion.
I don’t think he should have had an error last night. He made a tough play to even get to that ball and just lost it in the exchange. It happens from time to time. And not very often with Punto. Harris wouldn’t have even got there, though.
The throw to Hudson on the DP was definitely low, but you want to throw it on the outfield side in that situation. Hudson made a good play to get there, and that’s what good players do. They cover for their teammates. How many errors has Morneau prevented at first from everyone in the infield over the last few years? Blackburn prevented a Delmon Young error by backing up third base last night.
I dunno man. I hate when people scream ‘look at the numbers! the numbers don’t lie!’ until the numbers don’t say what you want them to say, and then you come up with other numbers or talk about the limitations of the statistics available. I mean really… Are we going to put that much stock into 3 errors in ST? He made a total of 7 errors all of last year in the field.
By the numbers, Punto is better
I just worry that he won’t put up those numbers this year, if allowed to start for a meaningful number of games.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I agree with you there
I still think Punto is a better option than Harris, but if he keeps having arm concerns I’d keep a close eye on him. Then it might be better for Harris to start.
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Apr 7, 2010 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the links
You’re right about the numbers, though there is some concern about not playing a lot of 3b lately.
I’ll just add that the difference in offense is equally clear. Punto 3-year average against LHP: .598 OPS. Harris: .785.
True
I think you’re probably right here, with all the ground balls you’re going to get from Blackburn. Like playing Carlos Gomez last year when Baker pitched.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Hardy as a star
The solo home run was good, but it was pretty much canceled out by grounding into two double plays.
I wasn’t quite able to get it done for this week, but next week I plan to incorporate my “total run accounting” metrics to account for these types of assessments. How much did Hardy’s GIDP cancel out the HR? What about Cuddyer’s baserunning gaffe? Etc.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The replay showed he got to the base first
but it looked like he slid (bounced) off the bag. I wasn’t listening to Dick & Bert, so I don’t know what they thought, but it appeared to me that he was out because he didn’t stay on the bag.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
He never left the bag. It was one of the worst calls I've seen
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Poor Cuddy
He seems to get the short end of those calls a lot. Wonder how he got on the bad side of the MLB umpires…
Dick & Bert said it was a horrible call from the moment the ump made the call
Then the replay showed it even more clearly that he was safe.
Hudson bunting
Watching that play, it didn’t look to me like it was a sacrifice bunt. Looked like Hudson was trying to push it past the pitcher and get a hit. He ended up lining a high pitch to Morales’ feet.
Not a bad strategy, as long as Hudson doesn’t try it every game. Most of the time that’s going to end up a sacrifice, and with the element of surprise he could get a few hits.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder why other teams don't play off the bag like Morales does
If he’s holding Span on in the traditional way (with a foot on the bag), I doubt he makes that play. But because he plays three steps off the bag, he has more range in and to his right.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Need some momentum
Good idea by Rosen on KFAN this morning – Jon Rauch temporary tattoo night.
Jon Rauch Stilt Night!
By the way, any word on what Rauch’s entrance music is going to be for home games? I’m thinking just to throw everyone off, it should be easy listening, maybe something by Perry Como.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Perry Como
Goodbye Sue? Surrender? The Rose Tattoo? Oowee, Oowee? Just Out of Rauch Reach?
(Thx, Wikipedia.)
It's Raining Men?
That would stump them.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Apr 7, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Winner
I’m not sure this suggestion can be defeated, even by “Macho Man”.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Punto has to go
We need someone at third base who will produce something. It’s time to send Punto back to the minors.
I have predicted an epic slump to start the season
Simultaneously, Danny Valencia rips up AAA. Harris starts to get more starts for Punto as the slump continues and his arm leads to more missed outs. Eventually, Harris is the everyday third baseman until June, when Valencia comes up. At that point, Casilla goes away and Punto takes his place on the bench.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
That would be logical
Intead, we have Gardenhire. What will happen is that after batting .117 through the first 127 games, Punto will begin starting every other day, with Harris finally getting a chance every other day. Harris will hit .398 with 15 home runs in limited chances, but will make one error that leads to an unearned run during a 7-1 Twins victory. After that, Harris will sit on the bench for the rest of the year as Punto stinks it up all the way to the end. Meanwhile, Valencia will be named minor leaguer of the year or whatever. After the season, Gardenhire will heap praise on Punto in an interview and trade Harris and Valencia for far-off minor league pitching prospects. Punto will be named starter effective until 2013.
But I am Sure Gardy is a bit sick at what he is seeing at Third
Which is why he might have decided to start Punto at third last night. However I think Danny Valencia will be called up before the end of April to platoon third with Brendan Harris with Nick Punto being cut.
But Valencia doesn't platoon with Harris, right?
They’re both righties. He’d platoon with….wait for it…Punto!
well
Valencia is not even being called up, so I have no idea why we are having this discussion. And I dont think Harris will ever go back to 2B.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
It will be a couple of months
But Valencia will get the call in June or July. If not, I’ll buy you a root beer. (I was going to say beer, but then I remembered you’re underage.)
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
haha
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any of us." - Kirby Puckett
Like an RBI or something
in the first two games.
Rauch was sweet
I dozed off around the 7th inning and woke up to John Gordon announcing the bottom of the ninth. So I sat up to listen to John Rauch. 5 minutes later it was over. I was surprised at how fast he worked and on on-the-money he was. Watched the video highlights this morning and loved what I saw.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Apr 7, 2010 10:07 AM EDT reply actions
He’s got some potential in this role. I want to see how he responds when someone gets on base though. I’d be a little worried if I were nathan though, he’s getting up there in years and hasn’t been as unflappable as in the past lately. Anyone think the Twins might be looking to replace Nathan for good with someone more affordable to cut the payroll a little??
The Twins will probably stick with Nathan next season since he's under contract.
But I think this pretty much puts the nail in the coffin for his extension though…I doubt that will get picked up for 2012.
performance
I’m sure it will depend on how Nathan plays next year. If he plays well, they’ll pick up the option.
Rauch is an FA after this year
If he keeps pitching like he did last night (please please please), he’ll be a hot commodity and a Type A. If he fails in the closer role, he can’t stay with RD disease. So he’s not long for this team in any event. The only hope is that Nathan is ready to start 2011. But this is major getting-ahead-of-ourselves talk.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Nathan has no value until he comes back and proves it
His contract is guaranteed. The only way you get rid of it is by trading him, which won’t happen until after 2011.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
"More affordable"
If Rauch succeeds, he’ll cease to be affordable – a 40-save, sub-3.00 ERA season will probably entice a not-so-smart organization to pay him free agent closer money.
It will be good, though, for management to see that maybe allowing Nathan to leave after next year won’t be the end of the world. The Twins organization has enough good young relievers that I don’t see them re-signing Rauch or having a hole at closer in ‘11-’12.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
I don't think it'd be the end of the world anyway.
We already have a plethora of good relief pitchers on the brink, not to mention anyone who could be ready by 2012.
If He continues to pitch good in April
May might bring a one to two year extension for Jon Rauch. The Twins do have insurance on Joe Nathan. I think I would want to have a situation where most Twins games in 2011 are seven innings in length for the opponents with Jon Rauch pitching the 8th as the set-up man and Joe Nathan pitching the 9th as the closer.
nothing like the first slice of victory cake for the season!
It was nice to see JJ hit a HR and see Rauch get his first save.
It’s weird seeing someone other than Nathan out there in the 9th and Rauch was throwing some soft stuff as a closer. I think his pitches were btwn 79 and 91 mph. I agree w/ another post, we need to see how he responds to someone getting on base.
Best part might be the M&M HR night.
The Santana trade looked pretty good last night
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
RETURN OF THE JEDI
Welcome back Morneau!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Apr 7, 2010 10:48 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
If you strike me out, I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
by BeefMaster on Apr 7, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Hilarious
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Apr 7, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I was pretty content with Blackbeard last night.
He’s probably still getting a feel for his control, and on ESPN game cast at least it seemed like the home plate ump had a variable strike zone. The optimist in me looks at the game and says ‘he gave up one manufactured run and a bad pitch to Torii for two.’
But realistically the walks need to come down.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
He had the same problem as Baker did
He had too much adrenaline to start the game, which made him overthrow and miss his spots. They both walked two guys in the first inning. After that, I thought he had good control.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
OK thats true.
But I’m curious though- did anyone else think that the ump had a varying strike zone? I’m curious as to how accurate ESPN’s game tracker is.
The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. ~ Terence Mann
by John Veldhuis on Apr 7, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
The zone seemed real tight in the first, other than the high strike to Abreu. It was generally tight all night, but there were a number of exceptions.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
The ump was calling the inside corner more than the outside corner
A lot of hitters complained last night. I only saw a couple of looks in from the pitchers.
Blackie was legitimately wild to start the game. He wasn’t just missing by a little.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Bullpen
Just about everybody in the bullpen (except Nathan) is on a one-year deal or entering Free Agency. I think the 2011 Twins bullpen won’t look at all like the this year’s model.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Apr 7, 2010 12:16 PM EDT reply actions
Probably not all three, but two of the three
You don’t lose your three best relievers in one offseason.
The Twins will get payroll off the books when Pavano, Hudson and Punto move on. That’s $16 million right there. They’ll only need a couple of other moves to stay within this year’s number, assuming they want to stay within this year’s number.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Not to mention raises for others
I would expect arbitration raises for Delmon, Liriano, Slowey, Hardy, etc. and contract raises or options for others (Mauer, Kubel, Span, etc.).
I haven’t crunched the numbers, but I suspect we’d have to drop some guys in order to stay within this year’s number.
By the way, Cot’s has a great spreadsheet fr each team. Here’s the Twins.
by Adam Peterson on Apr 7, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought that right away...
…but Neshek would be back, Nathan, and I think trinity of Slama/Delaney/Burnett will all debut and pitch well. I dunno, I suppose it depends on how much certain guys step up this season.
Not sure about Neshek
I sure hope he is effective. From what I’ve seen, he hasn’t been consistently effective. The jury is still out on him. And I sure wouldn’t want the eighth inning given to a rookie, unless it’s a someone who can dominate. Bullock or Tootle, maybe. Possibly Burnett, I guess. Definitely not the crafty guys (Slama and Delaney).
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
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