A Thin, Baseball-ish Gruel

by RandBall's Stu on Feb 3, 2012 10:37 AM EST in Quick Hits

Pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks, which means in two Fridays, there will be something to write about. Until then, you're going to get your thin, baseball-ish gruel and you're going to like it. LINKS, PLEASE:

While everyone has given the Tigers the 2012 AL Central title already, another Central team that's sorta kinda going all-in for this year is..the Indians? SB Nation's Grant Brisbee looks at their acquisition of Derek Lowe and Casey Kotchman and says it sorta kinda makes sense. Casseroles are used as a metaphor.
TwinsCentric's Parker Hageman and his precious GIFs break down the hitch in Danny Valencia's giddyup. WARNING: he compares Valencia's swing to that of dearly departed Twin Michael Cuddyer, so if you're still smarting from his exit, maybe consider setting this aside until you're ready to confront your emotions? Until then, we're here for you.
I enjoyed Jonah Keri's Grantland piece on Edwin Jackson and the acronym TINSTAAPP. I think you will, too. 2014 Twins middle-of-the-rotation guy Bruce Chen gets mentioned, if that floats your boat.
I feel bad for Josh Hamilton.
Former Twin Matt Garza has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Cubs. Remember when we traded him and Jason Bartlett for Delmon Young and Brendan Harris? I do.
Speaking of the Twins' starting pitching, Hardball Talk's Matthew Pouliot ranked all 30 MLB rotations as they head into 2012. The Twins are ahead of Royals! And that's about it!

So, there you have it. Feel free to discuss these or any other topics as you so desire.

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Comments

Ouch - the rotation sucks

The bullpen isn’t very good either. This team could win if they get some pitching. I guess we just have to hope Gibson, Hendriks and Wimmers turn into useful pitchers. Even then they still need an ace. I see a pitching-heavy draft for Terry Ryan this summer.

by DJL44 on Feb 3, 2012 10:48 AM EST reply actions

But What are you going to do about it?

The defense sucked as well. The underlying thread on that was Nishi and the errors he caused. If he played like that over in Japan, scouting sure dropped the ball.

I'm a proud fan of the Minnesota Twins and Dallas Cowboys!
"Life is precious and time is a key element. Let’s make every moment count and help those who have a greater need than our own." – Harmon Killebrew
I would like to see Dallas vs the Giants on Thanksgiving, Make it happen NFL!

by Jessy S on Feb 3, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Plouffe made more errors than Nishi in many fewer games

Just saying.

"It happened in the moment, and it happened." - Carlos Gomez

by myjah on Feb 3, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

This is largely the same rotation as in 2010

Maybe a little better. I believe that rotation finished fourth in the league in some key stats.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Feb 3, 2012 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

And Like i said above

It all goes back to defense. Had our defense just been average, we maybe could have won 10 to 15 more games. Granted, injuries to our team played a big part in us losing 99 games as well as the bullpen blowing those games.

by Jessy S on Feb 3, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

It's all on Liriano and Baker's shoulders (pun intended)

If Liriano and Baker are healthy and hitting their spots, they’ll compete. If not they have no chance.

by DJL44 on Feb 3, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

I’m more optimistic for those two than you are. They were hurt last year. When healthy, they’re a pretty good 1-2 punch.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Feb 3, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

Relying on oft injured players is a terrible plan if you want to contend

The projections are going to use the middle of the road estimate on both players and it looks terrible.

by DJL44 on Feb 3, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

Happy Friday!

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Feb 3, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

The trade

Remember when we traded him and Jason Bartlett for Delmon Young and Brendan Harris?

Remember that? That was so NOTawesome.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Feb 3, 2012 10:56 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

two sweetest sentences uttered in February

1) The Steelers lose the Superbowl
2) Pitchers and catchers report

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos!
Contributor for Winnipeg Jets Blog, Arctic Ice Hockey. Follow me on Twitter @TJCAPS.

by TJCAPS on Feb 3, 2012 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Coffey to Dodgers for $1.3M

damn

by archie2227 on Feb 3, 2012 4:59 PM EST reply actions

Wuertz is still out there

He’d pay for the extra salary over the minimum in ticket sales to friends and family. I went to a Cubs game a few years ago and saw 100+ Wuertz fans there.

by DJL44 on Feb 3, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

I hope this means The Twins Way™ is back.

“We brought him in to catch the ball and do all the little things out there to solidify the middle of our infield,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We have to get the outs. That’s the reason we went after a guy like Carroll.”

Let’s see if he can bunt too.

"Don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised to any one of us." -Kirby Puckett
"Tell Gardy there's nobody around to protect him now." Ozzie Guillen

by less cowbell, more 'neau on Feb 3, 2012 5:18 PM EST reply actions