Twins 5, Tigers 1: Kevin Slowey Strong, Justin Morneau Goes Boom
by Jesse on Jun 30, 2010 5:01 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintTwins finish June just 12-15, but solid back-to-back wins wrap the month up on a high note.
Oh, man. Isn't that better? Kevin Slowey looked good this afternoon, striking out four and allowing four hits over six innings. He allowed a leadoff single before picking up a double play, and ended up facing the minimum until Magglio Ordonez singled with two outs in the fourth inning. Miguel Cabrera followed it up with a double into left that gave Detroit a momentary 1-0 lead, but Slowey finished strongly by retiring the final five batters he faced.
Offensively, Justin Morneau was the star today. He kicked off the scoring with a big double in the bottom of the fourth, answering the Tiger run in the top of the inning by plating Orlando Hudson from first. He then kicked off the sixth by waiting back on Andrew Oliver's hanging slider and jacking it into the seats in right field for his 16th home run.
Speaking of Oliver, he avoided trouble and kept the Twins off balance enough (with the exception of the Morneau double) even into the fifth inning...before his own throwing error on a Drew Butera bunt gave the Twins an extra out to work with. It could have been a massive inning, but Delmon Young tried to turn an RBI single into a double and was thrown out.
The win gives the Twins a minimal cusion again tonight, stretching their lead back to a game and a half. Keep an eye on the Royals tonight as they try to take down the White Sox.
- Jim Thome struck out in all three of his plate appearances tonight, after looking good the last two days. This is why he doesn't get more starts: he has trouble catching up to a good fastball, and it can put him behind in counts. He was also susceptible to Oliver's slider today.
- Hitting third, Young went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a strikeout. Not bad for a first go.
- Brian Duensing, Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares and Jon Rauch combined for three scoreless innings of relief, combining for three hits, two strikeouts and no walks.
- Morneau's two RBI today to Delmon's solo gives Justin the team lead in runs batted in once again, 52 to 51.
- Michael Cuddyer was 2-for-3 with a walk and a double--definitely good to see him have a good game.
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how is slowey?
after getting hit by that line drive?
by eau claire twins fan on Jun 30, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions
I'm almost happier to see Cuddyer driving the ball than the starters finally getting it together
Hopefully we’re going to see one of those tears from him like we saw last season. Maybe he and Mauer could step up and carry the team in July for a while.
I'm surprised he's struggled
He got so hot last year I just expected him to carry it over this year like he picked up where he left off. Same with Kubel.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jun 30, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Thome
should not start against a LHP. He’s no better than replacement level vs LHP. I’d rather see Valencia at 3B or Repko manning RF to get more RH bats in the lineup.
Go even further (or is it farther)
He should pretty much be treated like a catcher on top of it. No day games after night games. Rarely three in a row, never four. I’m being a little exaggerated, but you get my meaning. The dude is old and his bones can no longer take that abuse…especially after hitting a triple.
by PinkiePinkerton on Jun 30, 2010 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions
the abuse of...playing DH?
I know, I know, he has back problems. But still—the body part most in danger of getting sore while playing DH is your seat.
Legging out all those tripples
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
This
It’s funny that this poster would take a start of Thome vs. a LHP and then declare: “This is why he doesn’t get more starts: he has trouble catching up to a good fastball, and it can put him behind in counts. He was also susceptible to Oliver’s slider today.”
Thome shouldn’t start against left-handed pitchers—that’s obvious. Taking a rough start he has against a left-handed pitcher to try and argue that he shouldn’t get starts period is really grossly overgeneralizing the lesson from this game (a single game mind you—even Morneau has had two O-fers with all strikeouts twice this season).
The fact that Gardy doesn’t understand platoon splits shouldn’t be used to argue that Thome shouldn’t get more starts. Let’s look at the Twins quartet of corner OFs/DHs vs. RHPs this year:
Thome: .275/.438/.650/1.088
Kubel: .272/.347/.473/.820
Young: .299/.330/.482/.812
Cuddyer: .241/.280/.362/.642
It hasn’t even been close this year, nor has it been close over the careers of these four players (Thome has a 1.050 career OPS against right-handers.) Nobody is saying Thome should start everyday, but he should be starting a large chunk of the games against right-handed pitchers, preferably at Cuddyer’s expense.
Not so easy to start Thome
Especially given his struggles vs. lefthanders and that fact that he will need to be run for in any game situation. An occasional start (1 to 2 X per week) and a key pinch hitting shot are more his niche.
Yes, my man Cuddy has been substandard and probably has earned some pine time when Thome is the DH.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Jun 30, 2010 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
This is what I'd like to see.
Even if they alternate starts against RHP, it gets Thome the plate appearances he’s earned.
You're right.
Making a specific comment about Thome’s troubles VS a specific southpaw as opposed to making a general comment about left handers is just silly.
The rest of your points are good ones. Cuddyer’s had a surprisingly tough time vs RHP, and with Kubel hitting them typically well it would make sense to give Thome a few more starts.
I've done a split regression for Thome
based on the Zips projections at fangraphs and his career numbers I’ve got Thome as
.309 wOBA vs LHP
.372 wOBA vs RHP
Having him start at DH against a LHP is only slightly better than DHing Jason Tyner, but 0.370 is what Cuddyer put up in 2009.
YES!
This series is just what we needed, and that nightmare on Monday makes it all the better. It’s really all we need in most games: A good enough start for at least six or seven from our starter, a likewise showing from the offense, and the bullpen does its job like always.
Now…go Royals!
by MarshalltheIrish on Jun 30, 2010 6:05 PM EDT reply actions
Peavy Grienke battling it out this evening in a bit of a pitcher's duel.
1-1 in the fifth. Each has given up 5 hits so far.
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2010 9:31 PM EDT reply actions
From the BYB game recap
A list of things I hate:
1. The Minnesota Twins
There is no number 2. Nothing else comes close.
Regardless, I have a game recap to write, as the Tigers’ 9 game road trip came to a fitful end this afternoon with a 5-1 loss to the Twins. Though I think the above admission of HATEHATEHATE pretty much says it all about any Tigers trip into the wilds of Minneapolis.
Today’s loss gives me even more reason to despise the team that always has the Tigers’ number at home. Always, be it in the late, unlamented Baqggiedome or in brand spanking new Target Field.
I think it’s safe to say that the Twins are to BYB as the hated yanquis are to TT. Their game thread looked fairly similiar to some of our threads against the evil empire. I can empathize on that level a little, I guess, but it’s the Twins fer cryin’ out loud, not a bunch of high-priced, soulless mercenaries!
Anyway, Morneau launched that thing! Holy crap!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Now I am become Mod, the destroyer of bad words." -fischean
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jun 30, 2010 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
yeah geez
they’re the ones who have johnny damon
Do you want to know the terrifying truth, or do you want to see me sock a few dingers?
by natetheskate on Jun 30, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
lol well I hate them right back.
$5 says that they wouldn’t hate the Twins nearly as much if they hadn’t thrown their season away in the final week and game 163 last season…
Just a thought.
I'm still a Minnesotan at heart...
They also hate Nick Punto, strangely enough
The immortal Nick Punto playing like a freaking ALL-STAR
Good luck fischean of Junebug, wherever you are! - less cowbell, more 'neau
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jun 30, 2010 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
There seem to be quite a few other teams
who think Nick is really good. It always surprises me considering how he’s sometimes treated around here.
I think you misinterpeted the Punto "love"
The Tigers and White Sox (and their fans) have had a superiority complex regarding the Twins for at least the past six or seven years when the Twins statred winning the AL Central. During many of those years the Twins continued to win while trotting out lightweights such as Jason Tyner, Adam Everett, Denny Hocking, Luis Rivas, Lew Ford, Doug Mientkavuch, Terry Tiffee, Luis Rodriguez, etc….
The Tigers and the White Sox were continuously frustrated by the twins’ ability to beat them despite a smaller payroll and (at least in thier eyes) overall inferior talent.
The one person who has been a consistent face of that frustration over the past five or six years is Nick Punto. The other teams don’t think he is really good, the other teams think he is the poster child for all of their pent up frustration about losing to the Twins year after year.
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 1, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Except they don't hate Tolbert or Harris
They don’t slide safely into 1st base or throw backhanded in midair to get an out, this after seeing him run through a stop sign to end a rally, or popup a bunt. They ask, “How can this guy beat us like that? He’s not that good! Look at his stats! It’s Nick Punto for crying out loud!”
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Now I am become Mod, the destroyer of bad words." -fischean
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jul 1, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
exactly.
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jul 1, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Yawn
Hate is the default attitude for the the stupid and uninitiated. Think of a reason why your team always loses to the Twins and write about it. It shouldn’t be that hard. Here’s two: Tiger pitching and defense have always struggled against the Twins. Is that the Twins’ fault? You want to hate something? Look in the mirror.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
but the Twins only win because of the Dome!
Those turtles that were climbing turtles couldn't climb over the turtle fence...
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 1, 2010 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice...
It seems kinda lazy to hate a team just because they beat you. Hate them because they’re arrogant bastards and/or criminals; hate them because their fans are jerks; hate them because of a regional rivalry – all those seem at least somewhat defensible to me, although I personally am not big on the whole hatred thing (I’m not even that strongly anti-Packer, although maybe that’s because I didn’t grow up in Minnesota). But to hate a team of generally good guys with mostly well-behaved fans, in a location known mostly for being full of lakes and friendly Scandinavians, just because they beat your team? Weak sauce.
"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 Jul 1, 2010 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, though I believe a lot of their 'hatred' stems from jealousy.
“If they weren’t in our division, I’d be a fan”, etc. It’s hard to find players on this team to hate, really.
The Pavstache will own you.
Except for Matt Tolbert.
Matt Tolbert’s really easy to hate.
Let 'em hate
There’s definitely plenty of vitriol left over from last year, and if so, tough sh*t: They only engineered a collapse unprecedented in MLB history to let it happen in the first place. They had plenty of opportunities to put us away for good (or at least others presented by Twins’ opponents down the stretch) and failed to capitalize. Hopefully we’ll put them behind us quickly this summer.
Also agree with some of the comments below: I definitely have that true blue hatred for the Yankees and White Sox for those kinds of legitimate reasons, but it seems odd that they hate us this much simply for beating them. The Twins have always had class and respectability as a franchise, not exactly what you’d call arrogant and disdainful. Oh well.
And thanks AGAIN, Royals!!!
by MarshalltheIrish on Jul 1, 2010 2:52 AM EDT up reply actions
That Morneau homer
gave me a smile I really needed this morning (even on the rewatch). It’s just so pretty.
Royals up 3-1 in the seventh.
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2010 9:58 PM EDT reply actions
uh oh grienke falling apart here in the 8th.
7-4
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
now 7-6!
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2010 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
phew, they held on for the win.
My life's goal: to force fischean itno using her moderator powers
by montanatwinsfan on Jun 30, 2010 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's go Roy-als! *clap clap clapclapclap*
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Now I am become Mod, the destroyer of bad words." -fischean
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jun 30, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Much more satisfying to see Slowey doing well
Cuddyer too. I was getting worried about both of them.
Good luck fischean of Junebug, wherever you are! - less cowbell, more 'neau
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jul 1, 2010 12:27 AM EDT reply actions
Cuddles should be fine
But I want to see Blackie and Slowey really prove themselves for the rest of the seasons. Doesn’t mean every start has to be mind-blowing, but they’ve got to hold up their end of the rotation if we want to go far.
by MarshalltheIrish on Jul 1, 2010 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Blackburn
He was hardly dominant. Hopefully things will tick upward (except his ERA), but I think Nick should have a short leash.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Jul 1, 2010 5:31 AM EDT reply actions
MVP - Morneau or Yankee Infielder - part II
It’s Cano and Morneau for MVP this year.
Of course Cabrera would be a candidate...
I guess that means the vote won’t be unanimous.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Easy to eliminate Cabrera from MVP talk:
Keep the Tigers out of the playoffs.
Hrbek territory
In his top years, which, as I recall, were around the same age as Justin.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Hrbek's best year was 5.4
I’ve always taken Hrbek’s side in the Morneau vs. Hrbek debates. Part of that was because I think Hrbek has been underrated as a player, but also because Morneau has never really ever put all of it together in a full season before. Even in his MVP season, Justin slumped badly in the first couple of months.
But this year, Justin’s first half has been so awesome that even mediocre play from here on out would project him way past Hrbek’s best season.
If he keeps it up, he has an outside chance of matching Carew 1977.
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