Twins 7, White Sox 6: Minnesota Tops Chicago in Extra-Base Hit Extravaganza
by Jesse on Aug 19, 2010 7:54 AM EDT
in Game Recaps
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PrintAnother great game. Another Twins win. They're not synonymous, but I'm glad they're coinciding this week.
Neither Francisco Liriano nor Gavid Floyd had their best stuff on Wednesday night. They combined for 16 hits (including two homers and six doubles), 12 runs and eight walks in just 10.1 innings. Neither could hold a lead, and it turned into another game where you didn't really know who would be able to pull it out.
At least, until the bottom of the fifth. Entering the bottom half of the inning the Twins were trailing 5-3, and while Floyd hadn't been particularly sharp, Liriano's long fifth inning (two runs off just 24 pitches, thanks to A.J. Pierzynski getting picked off/caught stealing to end the top half) had momentarily taken the buzz out of the stadium.
And then Joe Mauer homered to left.
Mauer took the first pitch he saw from Floyd, predictably a fastball, and dropped it into the left field seats. Target Field went nuts. Not Jimmers-smashing-a-game-winning-two-run-homer-in-the-tenth-when-the-Twins-were-down-by-one nuts, but pretty crazy all the same. It was all the Twins would get in the fifth, entering the sixth still in a one-run deficit, but the fortunes of the game had seemed to shift.
Jeff Manship relieved Liriano, and fought through a 19-pitch, three-batter top of the sixth, and turned it back over to a re-energized offense. The Twins finally took Floyd out of the game.
Michael Cuddyer started quickly, picking up where Mauer left off by dropping a hit into left field. A fan there interfered, I'm assuming because they thought it was a foul ball, and Cuddles pulled up with a ground-rule double. Floyd was careful with Jim Thome and walked him. Delmon Young was next, and threw up the second double of the inning to tie the game. A Danny Valencia single and a J.J. Hardy sacrifice fly added two more runs, and when the dust cleared the Twins had chased Floyd and the Twins led 7-5.
Manship and Jesse Crain would combine for three scoreless innings before turning it over to Matt Capps, who allowed a one-out double and single to give the White Sox hope before shutting the door to preserve the win.
It wasn't as dramatic as Tuesday's walk-off, but it's a win and it seals another series victory. Your Minnesota Twins are now five games up, and at 70-50 are on the way to compiling one of the best Twins records in the last few years.
Notes, studs and duds after the jump.
- True to form, Floyd didn't throw a single changeup to a right-handed hitter last night.
- Of his 28 first pitches, 18 of them were fastballs (64%).
- 27 of his 58 pitches to left-handed hitters were breaking balls (47%), compared to just 14 of 38 to righties (37%).
- The Twins were 3-for-6 on balls in play off Floyd's infamous curveball.
- The White Sox were 1-for-8 on balls in play off Lirirano's infamous slider.
- Like Floyd, Liriano didn't throw a single changeup to same-sided hitters.
- Joe Mauer collected four hits last night, including his 39th (39th!) double in addition to his eighth home run. He's now batting .335/.407/.496.
- Denard Span continues to rock at home. In five games he's 7-for-19 with two walks, raising his home splits to .335/.407/.426 (or Joe Mauer without the power). On the road he's still struggling: .216/.276/.300.
- Cuddyer also picked up a multi-hit game, with two singles and a double. The power is still a bit low, but a .277 average and .344 on-base percentage are right around his career norms.
- Jesse Crain's line since June 10:
Studs
Almost everyone. Mauer, Cuddyer, Young, Span, Manship, Crain, Hardy, Valencia...
Duds
Capps, and I should probably give one to Liriano.
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Well, yes, but...
…I’m sure that somehow, last night’s Sox loss can be blamed on the Metrodome.
http://www.realityfish.com
They've finally figured out how to shut the vents at Target Field on and off.
"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 19, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Season Series
Let us not forget that last night’s win clinched the season series vs. Chicago, as we are now 10-4 against them. Thus, if Game 163 were to occur (and I’d like to hope not at this point), it would be right here.
Listening to the game
It seemed all rather anti-climactic. Several plays weren’t made, especially by the Sox, and most of the pitchers weren’t sharp. Even though he didn’t give up any runs, Manship had long counts and allowed some hard-hit balls. One team is hot, the other is not, so a majority of the breaks went to the Twins and they won a game and gained another game in the standings.
by Alexi Casilla All-Star on Aug 19, 2010 9:12 AM EDT reply actions
Yeah
Not a sharp game to watch. Liriano is viewer pain when he is off. 50 pitches through three innings.
K I was gonna say 50 pitches through 3 isn't all that bad.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Yeah, I was at the game
I call it: “Death by Liriano” in terms of the pace of the game. Man, does he get deliberate. He couldn’t locate his fast ball at all last night, especially early in the count.
by Old Twins Cap on Aug 19, 2010 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Pavano
Just for the sake of hoping we have a credible playoff rotation, I would really like to see Pavs throw a solid game tonite. Baker and Liriano were less than inspiring, even if the team won.
I feel like ol' Pavstache is due for an ace performance.
It’s been a few outings since his last impressive start.
One thing in Pavano's favor
is that he didn’t just pitch against the White Sox last week – last night’s ineffectiveness by both Liriano and Floyd was somewhat predictable, given they both saw the same lineup their last time out. The Sox haven’t seen Pavano in a while.
Re: the playoff rotation issue you raise, would Baker be starting a playoff Game 3 for this team right now? I think he’s been our 5th best starter this season. I’d be tempted to elevate Slowey or possibly even Duensing (who does have starting experience in the playoff, after all) over Baker at the moment. I’d even consider, although it’s something too outside the box for Gardy to even entertain, having two of the three of them “co-start” a game, going no more than 4-5 innings (unless they just really look sharp) so as to avoid a third time through the order, in a playoff situation.
I'd almost be tempted to move Duensing back to the pen for the playoffs.
Hopefully we don’t have to sprint across the finish line this year, so we can establish our playoff rotation and make sure everybody is rested and in their proper roll.
Bucky's 5th Quarter The best site for Badger news on the web!
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On, Wisconsin!
by John Veldhuis on Aug 19, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Jealously breeds discrimination
;)
Bucky's 5th Quarter The best site for Badger news on the web!
Follow me on Twitter for the latest Badger Bits @veldyhoosey
On, Wisconsin!
by John Veldhuis on Aug 19, 2010 12:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Catt Mapps
Is anyone else worried about Capps’ performances lately? I thought we traded for Capps to rid ourselves of the hits Rauch was giving up. So what up?
Capps
is a very hittable guy. Always has been. To me it looks like his ball is moving horizontally but it doesn’t have much sink.
He's a right-handed Eddie G.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
by cmathewson on Aug 19, 2010 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
"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 19, 2010 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
He is who we thought he was
This IS Matt Capps. He’s not Joe Nathan and never will be.
If that was the plan, it wasn't a very good one
Capps and Rauch have very similar WHIP – Rauch’s is a little higher right now (about a hit/walk every 10 innings), but his BABIP is higher, too, so it might just be that. Capps’ advantages are better strikeout rate and walk rate than Rauch, but he still gives up a lot of hits.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Capps>>Rauch
At least right now, Rauch is not getting anybody out. Capps is at least getting enough guys out to do the job 80% of the time, which is the industry standard.
If it was up to me, I’d put Crain in the closer role. Capps can go back to a set-up role. That’s better in the short and long term. Crain is the closest thing to lights out that we have out there. Plus every save Capps completes, even by the skin of his teeth, means more dollars in arbitration.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
That's why I want to keep Crain where he is.
Most of the time the highest-leverage situations are before save situations. Keep Crain available for those times.
Capps for next year
Trading for Capps might also be looking towards next year. Rauch will not be back as we can’t afford to pay him the money he’ll expect. We have enough young relief guys in the minors that’ll need a shot to compete for a big league spot. Capps is an “established” closer (not saying he is dominate but) in case Nathan isn’t ready to come back. If Nathan is, he becomes a very solid set up man.
Smith said as much
He said he would not have traded Ramos for a two+ month rental. But he needed an insurance policy for next year. His top three relievers are all free agents next year, not counting Nathan. And Nathan’s elbow is a question mark.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
The problem here...
… and it was said often after the Capps trade: Capps is going to earn himself a possible albatross arb deal next season. Maybe 6-7 mil/yr.. If there is no one else then that is good insurance, sure, but the Twins have been paying too much money to average or worse players (Punto, Brendon Harris) and this is going to really handcuff them when Mauer starts earning 23 mil/year (um, next season).
by Buddy Grant on Aug 19, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not worried about that
Right now, the Twins are paying $12 million to four relievers: Crain, Rauch, Guerrier and Capps (prorated). If Rauch and Guerrier become free agents, that $12 million can be split between Capps and Crain. My guess is, it will cost a little more than $10 million for those two.
Rauch and Guerrier will need to be back-filled from within. Nathan takes one of their spots. The other spot can be taken from among Burnett, Neshek, Slama, Waldrop and Delaney.
We would need to pay for Mauer’s raise through other players leaving. Hudson, Punto, and Pavano represent $18.5 million in savings.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
I think the Twins are making even more cheese than anticipated with the new stadium.
I see a payroll increase a’comin’.
[citation needed]
Not that I completely doubt the claim, but I’m curious what makes you think that revenues are up. About the only thing I can think of that wouldn’t have been assumed going into the season is the decision to sell standing-room-only tickets, although I don’t know how much those sell for or how many they sell per game. Have you heard anything about concession and/or merchandise revenue being better than anticipated? What else is potentially there that I’m missing?
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Standing room, concessions, events
The stadium is booked almost every day for events such as reunions. That was not in their projections.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
He didn't have a citation, either
I found the post that you’re referring to, and although one person asked about it in the comments, he didn’t mention what that comment was based on.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Yeah, one was me.
The other was CapitalBabs. I assume TG wouldn’t just say it and that he’d have something to back that up with…I’d like to see the numbers vs the expectations, regardless.
Also ratings have been excellent and that drives media revenue which is a pretty big slice of the pie
Although as you point out this is pretty hackish speculation on my part (I have no cites and don’t really care to find them:).
Burnett, Neshek, Slama, Waldrop and Delaney
Manship, Perkins, Bromberg, Matt Fox, Gutierrez, Ryan Mullins
Even better...
Closer by committee!
Uh oh, Ron Gardenhire’s head just exploded.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Very true
Rauch has been absolutely awful lately, so Capps has been an upgrade, mediocre as he’s been. I was trying to go somewhat “big picture” (on a whole-season or career level for what to expect in terms of hits allowed), but the “little picture” is what’s important at the moment, and the choice between the mediocrity of Matt Capps and the awfulness of Jon Rauch is pretty clear.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
Need I remind you...
…that Capps had 27 saves in Pittsburgh last season. TWENTY SEVEN! I don’t think that team even won 27 games so that is an impressive feat (expecially with a 5.80 ERA).
by Buddy Grant on Aug 19, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally agree...
Anyone have any idea what’s going on with Capps? It’s almost like he’s the same exact person as Rauch, minus the fact that he’s not 6’11". He very rarely juices it up past 94 (which is about 3 mph faster than Rauch) and it doesn’t seem to move much. So what was the reason for getting him if he’s a mirror image of Rauch? The last two games have been horrifying to watch when Capps comes into the game. I actually feel 100 times better watching Crain pitch, which isn’t usually the case. I’d like to see him in the closers role once.
High leverage
Bring Crain in whenever the most high leverage situation presents itself. For instance, his five outs last night were huge. Avoid the trap of the best pitcher having to pitch the last three outs.
Good thinking
Of course, that means that when the highest-leverage inning happens to be the ninth, it’s Capps over Crain.
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
That's the thing
as a former player, the last three outs always seemed to be the “highest leverage” for me. That last out is often just a bitch.
Crain
He would be absolutely ridiculous if he didn’t throw a straight as an arrow 96-97 mph fastball. Just imagine that with movement…unhittable!
Rick Anderson
Well he has finally started to listen to Rick who has told him all along to stop trying to burn guys on the fastball and start being a smart pitcher out there. Hitters were just waiting for him to throw the fastball. I’m loving Crain this season.
Remember when everyone was ready to DFA him?
Yeah, that seems like a long time ago, but where would the bullpen be without him…
Fuck tOSU
Or when everyone said Delmon was the weakest part of the lineup?
Now he is probably our best outfielder overall. (fielding+batting)
Crain
According to Crain one of the other pitchers (Rauch, maybe?) told him to stay back and not rush his body forward and ever since then he has been getting better movement.
It was Pavano
from what I remember who said that to him.
by Old Twins Cap on Aug 19, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Time to go for the jugular...
For the Sox, tonight’s game is about as close to a “must win” as you can get in mid-August. A sweep would be disasterous. It would not be out of the question for KW to think about dumping payroll if the Sox find themselves 6-7 games back in late August. On the other hand, the White Sox could leave town with some salvaged confidence if they should steal the final game this evening. 4 games back is not the end of the world.
For that reason, I think that tonight’s game is the most important so far this season. Yes, the Twins will be in a good position either way. -But tonight represents an opportunity to deliver a knockout blow.
-Flip
True that...
That’s one thing, recently, that I have liked about the Twins. They have responded well and haven’t gotten lethargic because they have won the first two games of the series. I think with the veteran presence that’s on the team this year (Thome, Hudson) it has really instilled a quiet confidence on the team and hasn’t let them get lazy when going for a sweep. In the past and even in the beginning of the year it was great to win a series rather than sweeping it. Now, I think all of the Twins’ players know that there’s more to it than just taking 2 of 3.
Joe Mauer Since July 1st
.392 .456 / .608 / 1.064
I realize this has been pointed out but I just love to keep on showing it. He’s bAAAaaaaack.
Peyton's good but have you ever heard of Jeff George?
Yay.
Let’s hope Hamilton/Cabrera fall into a little slump so Baby Jesus has a shot at another batting title. :)
JIMJAM: TATER MASHER EXTRAORDINAIRE
You mean
batting title/MVP/triple-slash triple crown
Yeah, that's exactly what I meant.
Hank Aaron award too. Probably win the Nobel and Pulitzer as well.
JIMJAM: TATER MASHER EXTRAORDINAIRE
by fischean on Aug 19, 2010 11:17 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Might as well throw in
the record for most home runs in a player’s home ballpark….ever.
JIMJAM: TATER MASHER EXTRAORDINAIRE
That is a good signature. Yes. Yes it is.
I always loved that one.
Haha, thanks.
JIMJAM: TATER MASHER EXTRAORDINAIRE
by fischean on Aug 19, 2010 11:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Cabrera isn't slumping anytime soon
4 HRs in the past three games, .340/.433/.649 stat line and right at his career BABIP. Absolute monster.
Though...
cbssports.com just informed me that at this time last year, the Twins were 4 games back, so anything can happen. (Note: I’m far too lazy to confirm this is true). Regardless, it FEELS like this is a team that wants to win and can keep it up. The Sox haven’t played the AL Central well (or the AL for that matter), and the Twins have a lot of swagger right now. So fun to watch. I’d love to see a solid start from C-Pav tonight. Our offense is good, but we can’t expect this many hits/runs every night!
"this time last year, the Twins were 4 games back, so anything can happen."
This just means the Twins can catch the Yankees and Rays.
I'm pretty sure...
…that at the start of September, the Twins were 7 games behind the Tigers. So anything is possible. As far as the Twins blowing this like the Tigers did last year, not going to happen. The Twins are a far better this year, than the Tigers were last year. The Twins are already 12-13 games ahead of where they were last year and they ain’t slowing down!
Time to go get the proverbial fork?
Sounds like someone is not being very hopeful…
http://www.southsidesox.com/2010/8/18/1630871/no-dome-excuses-white-sox-just-not
That sounds like one strange proverb!
But I also love the tone over at SSS right now.
If the Twins go 24-18 for the rest of the schedule, they will equal the record of the ’91 team. Hopefully with the same result at the end of the playoffs…
"'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 19, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Read the whole thread (yes i did)
and it was very depressing, even as a twins fan. I want badly to go cheer them up.
All of this & no Morneau.
It sure would be nice to get him back coming down the stretch.
Is it just me or
does team play better without Morneau?
Ewing Theory
"There are only two things that are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein
It's a coincidence
Gardenhire seems to get more out of his teams down the stretch. Morneau always seems to be hurt down the stretch. They’ll need Morneau in the playoffs.
Prediction: Kubel and Cuddyer hot streaks
Wednesday night, I was pleased to notice that Jason Kubel appears to have found his power stance. He now looks very dangerous at the plate. Also I noticed that Cuddyer has found his compact power swing.
Get ready for some fireworks off the bats of Kubel and Cuddyer. That’s my call.
Get Kubes back to full time DH, where he belongs,
and I bet his numbers get back toward where they were last year. RF has not been good to him.
Not to mention I really like having Repko in there for our flyball prone pitchers
I mean, I love JIMMERJAMMER, but there are times and places for Kubel to DH instead of JIMMERJAMMER.
Another awesome win
God this week has been fantastic…I guess my only complaint is the starting pitching hasn’t been excellent these past two games, but at least the bullpen flexed its muscles last night (Memo to Capps: stop making it interesting). Let’s get that sweep today!
by MarshalltheIrish on Aug 19, 2010 4:26 PM EDT reply actions
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