Frustration Roundup
by RandBall's Stu on May 27, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
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- "To give up four runs in two games, that's pretty good,'' Gardenhire said. "You should win a ballgame. We didn't win one.'' Lavelle E. Neal, Strib.
- The Twins media seems to perpetuate this sense that the Yankees are a far better team and organization than the Twins. I have the utmost respect for the Yankees organization and most of their players, but I also believe that the Twins starting nine is just as good. I’m tired of hearing that the team "has to play perfect ball" to beat the Yankees...(i)t’s just frustrating to keep losing close games, especially against a Yankees team that frankly, isn’t that terribly great. Seth Stohs, sethspeaks.net.
- People sure turned on Jon Rauch in a hurry. Still has 3.00 ERA, 13/3 K/BB ratio, 10-of-12 saves. Gotta score some runs. Aaron Gleeman
- If the main frustration is that the ball isn't flying as well as it did in the static-air Dome, well, toughen up boys and live with it. Or: hit the ball harder. You see, opponents haven't had nearly the same problem hitting home runs at Target Field as the Twins have. They have 21 in 23 games now -- including both game winners yesterday. Michael Rand, Strib.
- "We're losing games against this team, but not by a lot," Twins center fielder Denard Span said. "We just have to find a way when we play this team to take advantage of the opportunities that we do get." Kelly Thesier, MLB.com.
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The Twins can't beat the Yankees. A game here and there, sure, but it's gotten to the point there's every reason to expect that, one way or another, they'll fail in the clutch more often than not.
This isn't a reach for the panic switch (nor the adult undergarments). We haven't even hit Memorial Day.
But a 4-8 skid that has the Twins only six games over .500 for the first time since May 1 -- and a 1-4 record against their longtime playoff nemesis -- is reason to wonder whether all the early-season hype raised expectations way too high, way too fast. Tom Pelissero, 1500ESPN.
- Closed-circuit to Gardy:You ain't losing to Yanks cuz they cheat. Losing cuz can't hit, turn double play or finish game. Dan Barreiro, KFAN.
- I used to like baseball. Jon Marthaler, www.marththoughts.edu.
Vent your frustrations, or share your reasons for optimism (thanks, Detroit bullpen!), in the comments.
Needless to say, a win today would be nice.
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The Yankees can score from first on two-out doubles.
If the Twins could do that, things would look different today.
Ullger is gun shy
Ever since he almost got Kubel killed.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I'm pretty sure
That Ullger tried to stop Cuddy from going home to score the tying run yesterday. I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that he needs to be replaced as third base coach. He can’t seem to read outfielders and relay throws correctly anymore.
Yeah
I was shocked he held Morneau on Kubel’s double. Swisher has a weak arm and Morneau was off with the crack of the bat with two outs.
I was at a game the other day when he held Kubel and it was just obvious that Kubel could have scored standing up. Fortunately, we didn’t need that run ’cause we won 15-3.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
This was exactly what I'm thinking
Twins fans booed Ullger on opening day too. I think he’s being a little over conservative now.
"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez
Thw Twins......
Walking like a team Billy beane would love to supervise.
Not stroking out, considering they have some free swingers (Delmon Young, what happened!)
Hitting into double plays and erasing baserunners…
Yet after making duo-outs, they still leave many, many more runners on base than their opponents.
Is it line-up construction? Would you flip Justin/Cuddyer…bat Kubel 8 or 9, get anotehr third baseman who might minutely strengthen the lone weak spot (when no one is injured) of the lineup?
Do the Twins need speed. Steal second, Make the turn at third and actually go home, presurring the defensive to make a mistake on their throw/catches?
The LOB boggles me. It really does. How can you NOT consistently get a runner home from third with only 1 out. Well, the Twins have become masters of such an enterprise.
Counting the twi Yakee games, I can rattle off another half-dozen should’ves.
The joy is that the Tigers aren’t making the msot of their opportunities, and the other teams in the division continue to struggle. The Twins SHOULD be running away with the division, rather than slowly tilting towards .500 ball.
Would the Twins be betetr served with giving Valencia a shot and sending Brendan Harris to Mike Lamb land, eat the contract and hope that you can get a utility infielder (no, don’t extend Punto) from the likes of Tolbert, Hughes, Plouffe next season. Can you run consistently with the better two of the three of Young, Kubel and Thome, especially giving Thome at bats before interleague play.
Is it wise to have a bench of Casilla, Harris, Butera (and Thome). Is Punto better off the bench. Is Alexi an okay option, or should you go for another bat (Jones, martin, Repko, maybe Hughes r Plouffe). Is Morales ready to come up and add his potential hitting in a situation to the Twins instead of Drew (bases loaded, should we take the chance).
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
I get Gleeman’s point about scoring runs. 2 runs in 13 innings won’t win a ton of games, so any discussion beyond scoring more runs is window dressing.
Re: Rauch I don’t think anyone is turning on him so much as people who were enamoured by his twins performance last year are starting to realize more of what he actually is. An above average bullpen arm who’s slightly above average at inducing ground balls and strikeouts.
At the game
Frustrations were high. A couple Twins fans almost got to dukes after the one guy would not sit down in the 9th.
Never really seen every single break go one team’s way like that. Two two-out extra base hits score runs for the Yanks, while the Twins couldn’t deal with Andy Pettite. FWIW, Pettite threw 4 strikes for every ball pitch last night, and made a great reaction play on Hudson’s semi-line drive.
For the Twins, Harris is really an anchor right now. Along with Drew Butera, the bottom of the lineup is completely punchless. Span is coming around, but it seems like when he goes up, Hudson goes down. Same with Mauer and Morneau. Cuddyer leads the universe in DPs, Young is inconsistent, and so is Kubel.
Nothing to say but… just not getting it done with RISP. Hardy looks solid on defense. Liriano and Baker showing strides toward solidity. As the season goes on, I bet the bullpen becomes more of an issue than SP.
Still, every season has some down times, and this is the biggest one of the season. Playing just well enough to keep everyone frustrated with their mediocre results.
I would like to propose a rule change to MLB
If a pitcher warms up on the mound to start an inning, he has to throw at least one pitch to the first batter before being pulled. The time-wasting, stalling stuff from last night’s 9th inning isn’t “good managing” as some have suggested. A “good manager” would have had his bullpen arm warmed up in time to start the ninth. It’s not like the Yankees half of the inning was over in three pitches or anything ridiculous like that. Pace of play needs to be a punitive rule. If you try to pull that kind of a stunt, like last night, the first batter takes a base. I’ll bet even those Yankees/Red Sox 4 hour marathon games will speed up if there are consequences to the foot dragging.
That is the rule
Why the umpires let the Yanks get away with it is the question. They should have just awarded the hitter with a ball, as though Pettite threw the pitch.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Pettitte was the starter
He already threw a bunch of pitches that game.
He came out to warm up and didn't throw a pitch in the ninth
That’s what this is about.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
After Swisher hit the HR
The inning was over in three pitches. Tex hit a 1-1 pitch to RF and was throw out at 2nd.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on May 27, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
*thrown
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on May 27, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
yes,
Before the HR, Girardi was going to send Pettite out b/c it was still a tie game. Then the HR and a bang, bang play to end the inning. Girardi got Rivera up for the save but even Rivera as fast a warm-up guy as he is couldn’t get warmed up THAT fast. Girardi did the right thing he sent Pettite out, told his catcher to stall, went out to the mound to stall some more. It was the ump’s responsibility to move the game along. They didn’t.
Then Girardi, knowing Rivera had enough time called for the pitching change. He knew it was a rule violation, but why shouldn’t he try it? That is good managing. The ump blew it by letting him get away with it, and Gardenhire blew it by not complaining RIGHT THEN AND THERE to the umps. Complaining to the media after the game is over is bush league.
Girardi outclassed Gardenhire last night and the Yankees beat us last night. End of story.
They don’t own us anymore and they aren’t the better team this year. But they have won and all the teeth gnashing in the world isn’t going to change that. Finding a way to win, which this team is capable of will.
by montanatwinsfan on May 27, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I definitely did think it was suspect.
Especially since we protested a recent game vs BOS regarding a shady pitcher subsitution. However, i don’t think it violated the letter of any rules. Definitely violated the spirit of the rules, but not an official rule per se. IMO the only thing the ump could have done to penalize the Yanks would be to rule they were intentionally slowing the pace of the game. IIRC that’s a judgement call and i don’t think I;ve ever seen it actually called.
Strikeouts are boring- Besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls - it's more democratic.
by CasanovaWong on May 27, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes the Yankees protest...
…is so laughable based on what they pulled last night. Maybe not against the rules but still, wow…
Last year they were leading in every game except I think one against the Yankees. They gave up atleast 3 last minute walk-off wins.
I think the bullpen just is terrible against the Yankees.
We can compete with them for 8 innings, but not 9.
I think the problem is that the Twins lack clutch hitters. Also we are very scrappy, and try to slap hits around, but the Yankees are good at stopping rallies.
Plus a change from the past Yankees:
Last I checked, Twins were number 1 in Fielding percentage, and Yankees were number 2. I don’t know where they are now, but that one was after 25-30 games.
Oh well… 3-29 versus the yankees under Gardy since 2002? (or something like that)
But also 4 or 5 AL central titles….
I think the twins need more power, or people living up to potential…
In an ideal world these would be the Home run totals (these aren’t unreasonable):
Denard Span 8-10
Michael Cuddyer: 25-30
Justin Morneau: 35-40 (He has never hit that many, but considering where he is now, it seems that Morneau could hit in that range for the next 5 years)
Joe Mauer: 20-25 (28 was surprising, considering he never hit 10 (or i dont think he did) but this seems logical)
Jason Kubel: 20-25
Delmon Young: His potential and original hype would make him appear to be one that would hit 30+ every year. I’ll settle for 15-20.
J.J. Hardy: 20-25
If everyone did that, (especially the high end of those), and if we had a bit more speed, we could compete with the Yankees. Our bullpen needs more experience with pressure and postseason stuff. It isn’t a bad bullpen, but needs more experience. The yankees bullpen has lots of experience in those situations, so when a tight ballgame comes around, they don’t just suck.
These are just some of my opinions… feel free to disagree.
The pitching has been
good or not to bad. Rauch has been great as a fill in closer. RBI’s are Key. Nothing against Delmond but if your going to start in the outfield in the Biggs you’d better hit for AVG and steal bases or Hit HR’s and drive in RBI’s. I’m still waiting for Delmond’s HR’s (like Swishers). same goes for Kubel. By now everyone should know Punto isn’t a starter ( tell Gardy) nor Harris.
Barreiro
It’s people like Barreiro who piss me off. Nobody is saying that the Twins lost because of that bush league BS the yankees pulled in the bottom of the ninth, but just because you lose the game doesn’t mean you can’t call somebody on a bush league move like that. That ranks right up there with stealing second when you’re up by 10 for me.
by Run Delmon Run on May 27, 2010 12:59 PM EDT reply actions
I think Barriero's point is valid, however
Many people are always saying things like, “I’ve never seen one team get so many breaks” when in reality they just don’t want to admit that maybe the Yankees are a better team than the Twins with a better manager and coaching staff. Clearly, I think we all agree that Ullger needs to go. I don’t think he will be fired as long as Gardy is manager. I think Gardy needs to go because I think he gets outmanaged against good teams. Look at his playoff record and his record the past several years against the elite teams in the league, particularly the Yankees. It’s beyond terrible. I hate to say it because I think Gardenhire seems like a really nice guy, but I don’t think the Twins will ever win a WS with him at the helm.
Sheldon
You say that because we can’t beat the Yankees Gardenhire should be fired. The only support you provide is the Teams’ past record.
Based on the Teams’ record, I suggest we fire the starting 9 players and the pitching staff and replace them all. Maybe then we will beat the Yankees in the playoffs.
by montanatwinsfan on May 27, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Consider this,
The Twins have had a good history of winning the Wild Card and Division, however, when we got into the playoffs, we had one winning postseason series under Gardy and that was vs Oakland in 2002. Ron Gardenhire is clearly the Dennis Green of MLB. while Tom Kelly was clearly the Bud Grant of MLB. I think it is time to give somebody else a chance to manage the Twins.
Seriously Jesse.
I mean, I know we are passionate, but seriously.
He is very popular among MLB managers as being a great manager. And those guys actually KNOW what they are talking about. Firing him would be absolute lunacy.
I know, he frustrates me too somtimes, but hgonest to GOD do you want to start a coaching carosel like in Kansas City? I like the consistency we have, it is part of our success.
I always loved that one.
Popularity doesn't make a great manager
You know why he’s popular? Because he is a down-to-earth normal guy. He has good people skills, but it’s fair to question his managerial skills. If all it takes to be a good manager is to have a good personality, I’m sure many of us fans could do the job.
Sheldon
You totally got me. Because everything I said up there concluded that he should not be fired because he is a NICE GUY.
Bravo and well played.
I always loved that one.
by FoulJack on May 28, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I guess I don't understand your point
You compared the Twins’ managerial situation to KC, saying you do not want to start a coaching carousel. The fundamental flaw with that argument is that managers in KC don’t have the talent to work with that Gardenhire does. In this weak division, it’s not incredibly difficult to win the division. My issue with Gardy is his record against the good teams, especially in the playoffs.
We can agree that firing him in-season would probably not be wise. But the idea that firing him is lunacy is hogwash. He is in his 9th year as manager with one playoff series win while managing a team that has made the playoffs 5 times, not counting losing in a one-game playoff to the Sox in 2008. If the Twins don’t get out of the first round this year, he should be fired. He has already been given a longer leash than many other managers/coaches get in pro sports.
Gardy's plusses and minuses
Pluses:
- He’s one of the best at getting his team prepared and ready to play
*He’s one of the best at managing a bullpen
*He lightens things up in the clubhouse/
Minuses
*He favors veterans to a fault
*He favors guys who work hard over guys with talent
*He has a large doghouse for guys with less than three years of experience (Cuddyer, Bartlett, Garza)
*He’s loyal to a fault to his coaches (Ullger) and his favorites (Punto)
All things considered, he’s a good manager. He’s not the best strategist, but his team is more intense and ready to play than most of the teams it plays. That’s why it has won more games than it has had a right to(given talent levels) on his watch.
Now that he’s got more talent to work with, I’m not sure he’s the guy to lead them to a championship, though.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I totally disagree with the plus:
one of the best at managing a bullpen!
On the other hand I think you missed a plus:
He generally knows when to argue with the umps and he is pretty skillful at picking his battles, and knowing when to keep the argument going long enough to get thrown out. A large part of successful management is knowing when to pick your battles (with employees, bosses, or even umps) and Gardy seems pretty darned good at that.
by montanatwinsfan on May 28, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
tom kelly 2, bud grant 0
your comment is an insult to tom kelly.
We've already discussed his bullpen blunders enough
Do we have to go down that road again? I figured wins and losses were the most important stat and we did not need to rehash all the stuff that has already been discussed.
As for firing the players, I think we all know where the team is weak. June is usually the time player changes start being made.
I read that: Ullger is Gardy's Dick.......................................................................................Such
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
First, I see this as a test
Let’s be honest with ourselves: We want to win the World Series this year. No “going deep in the playoffs” crap, it’s win it all or bust. With only two possible exceptions in my mind (the ‘27 Yankees and the ’84 Tigers, who made it look easy), every WS winner has faced some great test both in the regular and/or postseasons. For the 2010 Twins, this is one of those tests. They’re in a skid in May, perpetuated by their playoff nemesis, and are struggling with RISP. After two tough losses in a single day like that, the frustration is felt by all (as evidenced by Span’s quote and the picture of Joe and Jon above). A win today and subsequently solid play (especially against the Rangers) should right the ship. If anything we’ve proven we can hang with the Yankees, and as long as we avoid the sweep and solve the RISP problem for good thereafter, we should be fine.
To vent whatever frustration is left (my mood was mostly improved by Gleeman’s inclusion of a Van Morrison song in his post yesterday), all I can say is this has gotten to the point where Yanks-Twins games are like an overplayed television rerun. You’ve seen it so many times you know exactly, on cue, what bad break is going to happen and how it will go the Yankees’ way at the worst possible time. What more can be said?
And if we’re swept, then my Memorial Day vacation couldn’t have been better timed. And I’ll pray more than ever that the Yanks don’t make the playoffs.
by MarshalltheIrish on May 27, 2010 1:27 PM EDT reply actions
I can't take it
I can’t even read this thread. It’s too depressing.
I hate to say this gang, but you KNOW were are going to be swept tonight. I’m hoping for a win, of course, but deep down, at the deepest, darkest depth of human emotion, you KNOW we are about to be swept at home.
This is the way it is. I wish I was wrong.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on May 27, 2010 2:33 PM EDT reply actions
Speak for yourself.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
99% mental, 1% physical
Dress the Yankees up in any other team’s uniform and we’d beat them. Stop putting them on a pedestal already.
yeah
the problem is clearly between the team’s ears
The problem is they keep
hitting HOMERS in the 9th
by b1 on May 27, 2010 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Span always has the same comments regarding the Yankees
“We’re losing games against this team, but not by a lot,” Twins center fielder Denard Span said
The last time I checked it really doesn’t matter how much you lose by. If you want my opinion, this team lacks emotion, there doesn’t seem to be any fire out there. I miss the day’s of “smelling ribby’s” and fist pumps. It’s all, “the ball doesn’t carry well” or “are energy is just low”. Where’s the naked guy when you need him?
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
by Michael in N.Cali on May 27, 2010 3:20 PM EDT reply actions
Where’s the naked guy when you need him?
I might just make that my signature line.
by montanatwinsfan on May 27, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Where photos ever leaked?
I’m sure naked batting practice was a riot!
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
by Michael in N.Cali on May 27, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Shades of August 2009
And it’s still May. Place your bets, guess which TTer announces the season over 1st. There are already “Fire Gardy” comments. We’re in 1st place and 26-20. This is sad, not because I think the Twins are bad, but because of the “Let’s just give up” attitude I’m seeing here. Cheer the F___ up.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 3:21 PM EDT reply actions
It's not sad to have high hopes, give me a break, May games count
We have had to play back to back 1 game playoffs after all.
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
by Michael in N.Cali on May 27, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Who said "May games don't count?"
But if your “high hopes” are dashed already they weren’t very strong to begin with.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Its hard to find a nice place
between the ’Tough Love" side and the “Duckies and Bunnies” side of things.
I always loved that one.
My high hopes are certainly not crushed
You obviously have no problem losing every game and that is perfectly fine, but for you to get on others because they have issues with the Twins performance to date is absurd. Who died and made you forum nazi?
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
by Michael in N.Cali on May 27, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
And this is not just in response to right now, you're always negative
and you always have to be right
"You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth." ~Mickey Mantle
by Michael in N.Cali on May 27, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
he is right in this case
Beadlemaniacs - Award winning* college basketball blog (new and improved!)
College Hockey!
You've got to be kidding.
I’M always negative? Look in the mirror, you go into fits even when the Twins are winning. “Losing every game” and I’M the negative one? Hahahaha! Just because you gave up doesn’t mean everyone else has. I was one of the few here saying the Twins still had a shot last year when we were 6 games back and in 3rd place! If anything, some would say I’m too positive.
I’m not a mod here, I don’t see how I control anything, much less deserve to be called a “nazi” just because I still believe. Get real.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions
For the record, "Less Cow More 'Neau"
is one of the myrthiest posters we have.
If you have the understanding that he is always negative, then someone in your life began teaching you at a very young age that “negative=light and fun with a touch of seriousness.”
Example:
Michael in Cali: Boy mom and dad, this Cosby show is SO FUNNY!
Mom or Dad: Yes son, it is. Its always been a very negative show.
I always loved that one.
or
For the record, “Less Cow More ’Neau” is one of the myrthiest most delusional posters we have
; )
by montanatwinsfan on May 27, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey now.
Positivity=/=delusion.
The world’s just a nicer place when things aren’t so miserable all the time :)
"A-Rod has that arrogance about him. I’d drill him." -Bert Blyleven
Thank you everybody
Since we beat the hated yanquis, I plan on being more myrthier, more positive and more delusional than ever!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
It has nothing to do with losing or with the standings
It has to do with the fact that the Twins are completely inept against a team that is only marginally better then them. A team that has ended their season 3 of the 5 times they’ve made the playoffs. A team that the Twins are very likely going to meet again in the playoffs this season. I’m optimistic about the Twins in every way this season, except when they play the Yankees.
And that makes no sense. There is no reason why the Twins shouldn’t be able to at least play like a .400 team against the Yankees but even that is way above the level the Twins have played the Yankees recently. If the Twins had to play the Rays, Red Sox, Phillies, Cardinals, Rangers, Tigers, Giants etc… in the playoffs I would give them a very good chance against every single one of those teams.
But it looks like the Twins are going to need someone else to take care of the Yankees because they just can’t do it themselves.
I agree it has nothing to do with the standings
But reading some of the comments here and elsewhere, you’d think the season was over. But I disagree that the Twins “just can’t do it themselves.” Many of the games we lost were by one point, it’s not like we were getting blown out of the water every time. Keep the faith.
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 27, 2010 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
It's about lossing to the Fing Yankees
not the other games. We need to beat the Yankees.
by b1 on May 27, 2010 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd like to see them actually do it then
It’s hard to be optimistic after seeing the same thing happen over and over again
but I agree with you
they are just barely losing. It can’t keep happening. I expect it to even out sooner or later. It’s just frustrating because so far it has always been later and later and later.
re: turning on rauch
don’t forget, all, that nathan couldn’t get the yankees out.
Good point
The Yankees are Twins bullpen kryptonite
We have done pretty well against Joba the Chamberlain lately, and
Rivera, so we should have a little swagger against those two as well. [but we do not]
I always loved that one.
The yankees are notorious for clutch hitting in the playoffs,
but if we put up our normal 5 runs a game, we don’t have to worry about nursing a one-run lead every game.
we may have lost by one
but come on…does anybody else feel like if we had scored three runs last night the yankees would have just scored four? and if we scored four they would have scored five? i just don’t believe we can score more than them, and i don’t think the team believes it either.
Not me. I think they played well (other than the constant RISP fail).
I’m not trying to minimize their problems with RISP. They obviously need to figure that out, but they played the Yankees the same way they have been playing other teams which I think is a positive sign. They weren’t playing sloppy or stupid, so I don’t think the Yankees are in their heads. If they can improve their situational hitting, they can beat the Yankees.
Yes...
…I feel exactly that. As soon as we take a lead vs. the Yankees, my first thought is, “I wonder how the Yankess will take the lead? And will it be this inning, or the next one?”
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
You'r right
now I feel better. It’s not us its a Curse.
by b1 on May 27, 2010 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The last two years make me say yes. As soon as we do something, or try to do something, the Yankees one up us.
It’s pretty annoying and I only feel this way when they get to our bullpen. The bullpen constantly throws one right down the middle at 90 mph.
Baseball reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again.-Terence Mann/James Earl Jones in FoD
For us to win the World Series (or even get there)
A lot of things have to fall in place. And if we do get there, it’ll be a storybook type situation.
The Rangers (or whoever wins the West) will need to have a better record than we do so we get the Rays in round 1.
We need to beat the Rays.
Texas needs to beat the Yankees.
We beat Texas.
Is this likely? Not at all. We will either have to get through the Yankees, or the Rays, or both. I was hoping to be a bit more optimistic this time around, but we may be looking at a Ricky Vaughn type situation. Get tormented by the Yankees all year and then finally beat them when it counts.
Storybook ending. It’s the best we can hope for.
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on May 27, 2010 4:50 PM EDT reply actions
I actually think there are a ton of scenarios in which we don't face the Yankees in the postseason
Mainly, I think people overestimate the chances the Yankees have of making the playoffs at all. The Rays and Red Sox are purely, 100%, iron-clad legit and at least as good as the Yankees (and less injured). I don’t think the Blue Jays are legit, but then there’s off-chance the Tigers/Twins or maybe the As/Rangers fight for the wild-card, and all of a sudden you’re facing a real crowd.
We more Yankee-specific we make are worries, the more inside our heads they will be
Lots of baseball left. If we finish strong and win 90-95 games, then we’ll be ready for a team like the Yankees. In a short series, anything can happen.
But if October comes and we regress back to May… then we’re sunk.
Sometimes the cliches have merit. We just have to take things one game at a time and trust our talent.
yeah, here's one
detroit beats the yankees. we lose to an inferior oakland team. say hello to 2006.
I think there are tons of senarios where the Twins don't even make the post season
Seriously, people are already getting depressed because they think we will never be able to beat the Yankees in the post season. It’s flippin’ May!
"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez
by myjah on May 27, 2010 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Stop the Pessimism!
I swear to god. The Yankees beat us 4 times (in close games), now everyone is convinced we won’t ever be able to beat the Yankees this year, meaning we’ll never get to (much less win) the World Series, and the whole season is in the trash. Jesus! What are we now?? Yankee fans? The team is a failure unless we win the World Series?
Nothing says we can’t beat the Yankees. Yeah, they have beaten us in the past. But that’s the past, and we are talking about the future. Same as with the RISP stuff. Baseball is unpredictable. That’s what I like about it. We have a good team, they are just unlucky right now.
I’d seriously rather be optimistic all season about winning the next game and then lose in the end than be pessimistic all season and end up winning in the end. What a depressing way to spend a summer. I just want to enjoy baseball. I think Twins fans have plenty to be happy about so far this season. People are just focusing on the negatives.
Besides, if we all think positive thoughts the universe will give us a World Series (and even if it doesn’t, we’d feel a lot better).
"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez
by myjah on May 27, 2010 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
It was a pessimism picture.
It supported Myjah’s comments above.
by montanatwinsfan on May 28, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Forgot the @'s
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 28, 2010 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
All I want to say is
f—- you, f—-you, f—- you, I’m out!
"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez
Remember when we were by far the best hitting team with RISP?
Good times
"Baseball is the only major sport that appears backward in a mirror" ~George Carlin
by thewild_viking_twins on May 27, 2010 6:36 PM EDT reply actions
Can't help but wonder...
Was the early season run the real Twins or is this them? Which one is the apparition and which is reality?
Sorry I'm late fellas...
Good to see the Twins doin’ work thus far! Let’s go!
I'm still a Minnesotan at heart...
Wrong section AND you were late too.
Tsk, tsk…
/slowly shakes head
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Kubel smashed it." -Jesse
by less cowbell, more 'neau on May 28, 2010 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
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