Twins 6, White Sox 1: Kubel Homers, Liriano Escapes Trouble to Secure Series Victory in Chicago
by Jesse on Aug 13, 2010 6:45 AM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintThe silence you hear...is Lambeau Field US AT&T Blackberry New Comisky Park.
For as often as the Twins shot themselves in the foot on Wednesday, the White Sox topped it on Thursday. They came away with one fewer error than Minnesota the previous night, but they squandered more (and better) scoring opportunities.
Bottom of the 1st: After starting the game with two outs, Francisco Liriano got himself into trouble. Two singles, a walk and a hit-by-pitch (if I were Carlos Quentin, I'd seriously consider it was being done on purpose...even knowing it wasn't) led to a run before Liriano escaped.
Bottom of the 4th: A one-out double ended up with a runner being stranded on third, no runs.
Bottom of the 5th: A walk and back-to-back singles loaded the bases with nobody out. NOBODY OUT. Alex Rios grounded one back to Liriano, who picked up a force out at home. Paul Konerko and Quentin then went down swinging. No runs.
Bottom of the 6th: A single, double and ANOTHER hit-by-pitch (Gordon Beckham this time, Quentin simply flinched in empathy) loaded the bases with one out. Liriano induced a shallow pop-up into center before Matt Guerrier entered to get the final out of the inning. No runs. AGAIN.
Of course, the Twins gave Liriano leads to work with. Orlando Hudson's solo shot in the top of the first (his fifth of the year) put Minnesota up 1-0 before Chicago tied it in the bottom of the inning. Michael Cuddyer singled to lead off the second inning, stole second, took third on an errant throw and scored on Jim Thome's sac fly. Hudson scored on a balk in the third. So most of those big scoring chances for the Sox occurred while the Twins were leading 3-1.
And then, with the crowd a little pissed off but still very much in the game, came the top of the seventh.
Alexi Casilla, playing at short for J.J. Hardy, led off the inning by bouncing one off Omar Vizquel's glove at third base, pulling up at second for his fifth double of the year. Gavid Floyd pitched well for most of the night, sometimes making a mistake pitch and sometimes just being unlucky, but he bounced back here to strike out both Denard Span and Hudson. You can't fault him for walking Joe Mauer, either.
Unless you're Jason Kubel.
Kubel watched a fastball and fouled off one of Floyd's infamous curveballs before taking the next one deep. It was a curveball that brushed the outer half of the plate, but it landed over the center field fence. The three-run shot silenced the crowd, and the Minnesota bullpen shut the door to ensure a series victory.
This was a huge win for the Twins. It's not just about the series and it's not just about first place right now, it's about showing the White Sox that we can beat them in their house. We have six more to play against the South Siders before the end of the year, including three more at Target Field just around the corner and then three more in Chicago in the middle of September.
Well done, boys. Time for a nice, long home stand. Notes, studs and duds after the jump.
- Last night I mentioned Floyd didn't like to throw his curve in two situations: on first pitch, and when he was behind. On first pitch, Floyd threw just two curves (6% overall), both to left-handed hitters (9% overall).
- I also mentioned he doesn't like to use his changeup on first pitch. He threw two first pitch changeups to nine right-handed hitters.
- Only 13 of Floyd's first pitch selections were fastballs.
- Where Floyd struggled: turning two-strike counts into outs, turning hitter's counts into outs, no 1-2-3 innings, long pitch-counts per plate appearance and a .419 on-base average against.
- Chicago was 1-for-7 on sliders in play against Liriano. Right-handers were 0-for-6.
- As I also mentioned last night, Liriano doesn't like throwing changeups to lefties. He didn't throw one last night: 23 pitches to LHB, 18 fastballs and five sliders.
- Liriano did very well working ahead and had a good number of whiffs, but what really got him through the game was keeping base runners from scoring.
- Span, Hudson, Mauer, Kubel, Thome and Young all reached base multiple times last night.
- The Twins were still just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position. The one hit...was Kubel's three-run homer.
Studs
Orlando Hudson: .213 WPA
Joe Mauer: .031 WPA
Jason Kubel: .034 WPA
Francisco Liriano: .150 WPA
Matt Guerrier: .140 WPA
Michael Cuddyer: .043 WPA
Jim Thome: .032 WPA
Duds
Danny Valencia: -.103 WPA
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Regression
All of the Twins’ failures with the bases loaded (with no one out) from earlier in the season came back to haunt Chicago last night.
by AM. on Aug 13, 2010 7:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Last 20 games
17 of those games on the road, record?
15-5 bitches! woohooo! Now time for a long home stand.
We crack on Gardy (b'cause it's easy)
But, I’m starting to feel his pain. The roster has been all over the place of late. I’em happy to see him move Delmon (7-42=.166) down to 7th and he comes thru with 2 hits. Early in the week some were saying a couple of at bat shouldn’t get him moved. 7-42 should! Problem is Danny is having the same problem (5-41=.122). The two hottest hitters have colded off. Good Luck Gardy finding the right mix with relief pitchers and who should be starting and the batting order. I’m now going to look at the 25 man roster b’cause I’m not sure who’s on it, Perk,Casillia,Punto,Slowey,Manship,Plouffe,Slama???
On Quentin
He should get no pity on being hit by pitches. He’s been right around the league lead in hit by pitches each of last three years, including last year, when he didn’t even have 400 PA. I don’t think he tried to get out of the way once when the Twins hit him.
Another thing on him: Have we seen a worse defender against us this year? I love it when we hit the ball his way! The numbers back it up: worst UZR in the league this year and one of the worst last year, again despite only playing about 2/3rds of a season.
This was the first series of the year that felt important to me. Pretty nice to take 2 of 3 against your division rival on the road. Just a really nice extended road trip all around.
The Whities don't move when you throw inside
They just stand there and watch the ball hit them. Quentin didn’t even try to move out of the way. Same with Beckham.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I was screaming at the TV about this last night.
Not an ounce of effort to move from either one of them.
From the official rulebook:
6.08(b)“The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (1) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (2) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball;
If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if he makes no attempt to avoid being touched.”
I know I've seen an umpire deny first base with that rule before, but it doesn't happen very often
"'Over'? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell, no!"
by rubberbiscuit on Aug 13, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
It needs to happen.
They need to call it every so often just to remind the batters that they DO actually have a responsibility to try to get out of the way. Between Wednesday night and last night, it seems the WSox (especially Q) need a reminder.
That gets a warning to both dugouts
“Everything for the hitters”—Bert Blyleven
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Mauer/Posada rule
I hate to say that I agree with Hawk Harrelson, but I agree with Hawk Harrelson. Something needs to be done about catcher visits to the mound. Mauer and Posada are abusing the privilege. What should be allowed? One per innning? Three times and you have to take the pitcher out? It seems that Mauer needs to visit every time a runner gets to second lately.
Watch Hawk say the same thing if it's the other way around
Would never happen. Hawk just like to complain when things don’t go his way. Am I right? Yyyyyy-es!
The beard abides.
by Jason Kubel's Beard on Aug 13, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes and No
Hawk LOVES Mauer. He gushes about him so much it makes me blush. But he rightfully says that Mauer visits the mound too often and slows down the game.
I think the third visit should count as a coaching visit
And you should only be allowed three visits. Most of the time, if the catcher needs to go out there three times in an inning, the coach comes out anyway. But there’s not technical limit
It’s funny because Pudge (the first pudge) used to go out there five or six times in some innings. I’m sure Hawk has forgotton that, even though he was the broadcaster.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
During an inning
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I'm fine with this.
I don’t get all the complaints about “slowing the game down” though. In my opinion, some people just always need to have something to complain about, and when they run out of legitimate complaints, they think up something about how the game needs to be sped up.
Mauer is completely within his rights to visit the pitcher. Sometimes it’s a communication thing, sometimes he’s just going out there to give the pitcher time to take a breath and relax. It’s up to the home plate ump to break it up if it’s “slowing the game down” too much.
+1. And not all game slowing is equal IMHO
Here you’re drawing out the high pressure situations more, which = drama!
And relieving pressure in certain moments
That’s always good.
by MarshalltheIrish on Aug 13, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Alexi Casilla
I think he enjoys being a utility infielder, he’s been playing much better this year. I hope they re-sign Hudson next year but Casilla has done very well as a backup.
Well, yes, yes I have
I agree that Casilla is doing well. I do not agree that the Twins should sign Hudson to another contract.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 13, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I would really like to see Casilla get more playing time - I think he's going to develop
into a better player. At this point, I wonder if the Twins should try him at short next year. I like Hardy, but he seems extremely fragile…
"'Over'? Did you say 'over'? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell, no!"
by rubberbiscuit on Aug 13, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Biased nickname?
Hudson is 3rd among position players in WAR and has done as well as can be expected. Why wouldn’t you want him back?
Hardy has been bitten by the injury bug but he’s played 150 games a few years now and there’s no reason to believe this year is the start of a trend. I’m hoping the Twins use his past 2 down years and negotiate a 3 year extension at his current value. I don’t think he’s had his career year yet.
+2
Hudson’s been quietly awesome. And I have a total man-crush on Hardy and his defense. That said, Casilla’s looked better this year than he has in a while.
Hudson has done as expected
He’s a good hitter and a competent fielder. However, he has made too many mental errors, especially on the bases, for a 32-year old veteran. Also, he has spent two stints on the DL. When non-power guys age sometimes it can get ugly—see Chone Figgins. What will Hudson be looking for in years and dollars? He may price himself out of Twins consideration.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 13, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably another 1 year contract
He’s been through this before. A 1-year extension of his current deal probably gets it done. It is doubtful someone else offers 2 years.
I'd say he's done better than expected
Basically he’s hit at his career rates, which are above average for a second baseman, and combined that with better defense that he’s shown in years. If you look at his career, he’s basically a lock for a 2-win season, and an upside play for 3 or 4 (like this year). I think resigning him for another year at the same price would be a steal; really, I think 2 years would be pretty good too. I just hope other GMs think like you guys.
+1
He has been exactly what we wanted and should be retained, especially after being benched by LA. But Casilla is really coming into his own as well and I’m loving his presence…I think for now our infield issues are resolved. All I could really ask for at this point is another great starting pitcher.
by MarshalltheIrish on Aug 13, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Alexi
Does add one ingredient that the Twins are sorely lacking—speed.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 13, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
The 5th
Innocent questions:
Why did Delmon put his glove in front of his face when trying to catch the ball?
Where was Valencia on the bunt and why did he hold the ball so long?
Why didn’t Mauer throw to first for the double play?
A win is a win, but sharpen the play up a bit so I can sit comfortably in my La-Z-Boy with my watermelon rum cocktail!
I'd actually defend the Mauer play.
The runner was inside the baseline. Mauer certainly had a chance at the double play (either hitting the runner or getting it to 1st), but it also really increases the chances of throwing the ball into right field. If he doesn’t have a clear visual connection with the guy at 1st (can’t remember if it’s Cuddy or Hudson on that play), it’s a really tough throw to make, and if the ball just slides by the runner without hitting him, mayhem ensues: a run or two comes in, the double play is out of order, the crowd goes nuts, etc.
by Luke in MN on Aug 13, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You must not have been paying attention to him during their Baltimore series...
…(special privilege, it is, living in Chicago) when he was actually saying “Trip…Bobble it….Throw it away…” after his favorite pale-hosers would weakly ground balls directly at infielders.
"...and we'll see ya tomorrow night!" - Jack Buck, Game 6, 1991 World Series
by WindyCityTwinsFan on Aug 13, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+2
The White Sox announcers thought it was bone headed but it was the right thing to do for Mauer IMO.
Re; The 5th
Delmon probably lost the ball in the lights and was basically protecting himself.
Valencia was trying to hold third as long as he could for a play at third, then came in late and didn’t make the play.
The Mauer decision is the most defensible as noted below.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 13, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps
but rarely does one see three plays that could have been made not turn into disaster. Count your lucky charms.
Span's Throw
A fourth almost disaster….Span’s throw home that luckily was blocked form going in the dugout.
forgot about that
And Liriano out of position in the backup, which turned out to be fortuitous. A sloppy inning, no doubt.
My $0.02
Why did Delmon put his glove in front of his face when trying to catch the ball?
Misjudged the ball. I guess he thought he had less time, slid, and suddenly the ball was almost over him. He could have had a much easier catch without the slide.
Where was Valencia on the bunt and why did he hold the ball so long?
I think the infield was only partially in on that bunt, Valencia definitely had a long way to go to get the ball anyway. I don’t recall any issue with how long he held the ball, but if I see a replay maybe there was a hesitation there. BTW, it was a great bunt, but on replays it looked like Valencia actually got the guy at 1B. The homer Sox broadcasters thought the same thing. It should also be noted that Valencia had probably the best defensive gem for the Twins last night.
Why didn’t Mauer throw to first for the double play? Because he is smarter than the announcers.
Delmon probably lost it in the lights
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
big series win
that is how you win the division, take 2 of 3 every time from the team in front of you and you stand a good chance.
plus thanks to the O’s for the help last week
by Rickfansince76 on Aug 13, 2010 11:47 AM EDT reply actions
GREAT WIN!
Beat the CWS at the cell, took the series and in first place alone (for now)!
Another great job by The Franchise getting out of three bases loaded jams.
And I hope they haven’t learned their lesson of IBBing Mauer to get to Kubes! Don’t stop now boys!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"I CAN SURE KILLEBREW, BUT I PREFER SODA POP" -WordUpThome
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 13, 2010 12:41 PM EDT reply actions
On second thought...
We’re in first place and it’s August, doesn’t feel right. We should still be 4-5 games back. Maybe we should drop the next series against the CWS so we can stage a daring and exciting September rally in our own particular… (sigh)
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"I CAN SURE KILLEBREW, BUT I PREFER SODA POP" -WordUpThome
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 13, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Idiom!
"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"I CAN SURE KILLEBREW, BUT I PREFER SODA POP" -WordUpThome
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Aug 13, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
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