3rd base
Early reports made it seem that Harris was a lock on playing third. But seems like it will come down to 3 Bredan harris, Nick Punto and Danny Valencia.
It comes down to do we want more bat less defense or defense less bat. All reports indicate Valencia will go to Triple A with hopes he'll be a mid season pull up. I doubt they will bring him up mostly because they wont need him and better to have him playing everyday to improve.
As you may know I am a fan of Punto and I think people whorip on him are ignorant Sure he doesn't light up the batting box. He is a leader in the clubhouse and spark on the field. He can play defense anywhere! With the new additions of Hardy and Hudson we can afford to have Punto batting 9th. We can count on him stopping some runs defensively. He got 60 walks last year! I take that over Harris in the field. Besides Harris has been a pretty good pinch hitter late in games.
I know Gardy loves Punto! Most likely they will split time there but I shall envision Punto having a good year at the plate and gold gloving in the outfield. Its going to be a fun year!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Spring training begins!!!
Today the catchers and pitchers report and begin work. Everybody is there except for Jose Mijares. He also missed the Twins fest because of a "visa problem". Last year he came in overweight much to the disappointment of the club. I don't think Gardy will put up with this for long. Mijares better show up in shape and ready to go. With Neshek back they will need room in the bullpen and Mijares doesn't seem to be doing himself any favors.
"its kinda sexy."
According to Michael Cuddyer the new Twins lineup is "kind of sexy". Well I cant disagree with him! I am so excited to see them get out and play. I am hopeful that Loriano is back to form and Neshek is going to bolster the bullpen. Our new shortstop JJ and second basemen Orlando Hudson will help add some punch to the lineup without any let down in defense!! Its all so exciting I can hardly wait to go to a game!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentines Day!
Who will be my valentine? I would like the whole team to be my Valentine!
Happy Valentines Day!
(especially to my followers Boo! Scooter and Pitter)
Happy Valentines Day!
(especially to my followers Boo! Scooter and Pitter)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Cheering!
If anyone from my family is at a baseball game you'll know it. We all cheer, there's no sitting quietly watching the game. No matter the size of the stadium we yell as if they can hear us. I firmly believe my yelling/cheering at the game helps my team. My Father who exposed all of us kids to baseball was our example of how to act at a game.
My Dad had season tickets from season one of the Sioux Falls Canaries. He sat right behind home plate. He always razed the ump and talked to the players, especially the catcher. In fact one year he went to a spring training game in Arizona and was hollering and the catcher stood up and turned around and said "Jack?" It was the Canary catcher who was trying to make a MLB club! He totally recognized my Dads voice!
Though not all my siblings are die hard fans they all enjoy baseball. They all holler at games while Timmy or Greg would be the loudest even my sisters will belt out during a heated game! I have been told repeatedly they can't hear you! Why do you do that? Like I said even if they can't hear exactly what I say they can feel it. My cheering adds to the atmosphere it sends positive vibes out to my players! I try not to be negative when I yell though if the Twins are playing the White Sox I usually have to razz AJ!
It will be different at the outdoor stadium, we definitely lose some advantage in noise not playing in the dome. But I think back to the days of sitting outside watching the Royals play and I loved it! The cool breeze the shining sun and the constant chatter of the crowd! Lets play ball!
My Dad had season tickets from season one of the Sioux Falls Canaries. He sat right behind home plate. He always razed the ump and talked to the players, especially the catcher. In fact one year he went to a spring training game in Arizona and was hollering and the catcher stood up and turned around and said "Jack?" It was the Canary catcher who was trying to make a MLB club! He totally recognized my Dads voice!
Though not all my siblings are die hard fans they all enjoy baseball. They all holler at games while Timmy or Greg would be the loudest even my sisters will belt out during a heated game! I have been told repeatedly they can't hear you! Why do you do that? Like I said even if they can't hear exactly what I say they can feel it. My cheering adds to the atmosphere it sends positive vibes out to my players! I try not to be negative when I yell though if the Twins are playing the White Sox I usually have to razz AJ!
It will be different at the outdoor stadium, we definitely lose some advantage in noise not playing in the dome. But I think back to the days of sitting outside watching the Royals play and I loved it! The cool breeze the shining sun and the constant chatter of the crowd! Lets play ball!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Double J is back!
The Twins have signed Jacque Jones to a minor league contract so he will be at spring training. It is unlikely he will make it on the team but he said hes willing to go to triple A. Jacque was part of the team that got them back into the play off picture. A hard worker and just good guy. He didn't play in the majors last year but loves baseball enough to keep working at it.
I say good for the Twins for bringing back a guy who is a class act. Who knows we may need him during the season to cover the outfield he would be good to bring up if god forbid something happened to Span. I like that the Twins bring back veterans. Gardy always has a soft spot for guys like that in example Matt Lecroy. Ok I didn't care for Matt much but can appreciate Gardy rewarding good guys who work hard and love baseball. I can guarantee when we get to the playoffs Jacque will be on the roster.
GO Double J!
I say good for the Twins for bringing back a guy who is a class act. Who knows we may need him during the season to cover the outfield he would be good to bring up if god forbid something happened to Span. I like that the Twins bring back veterans. Gardy always has a soft spot for guys like that in example Matt Lecroy. Ok I didn't care for Matt much but can appreciate Gardy rewarding good guys who work hard and love baseball. I can guarantee when we get to the playoffs Jacque will be on the roster.
GO Double J!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Target Twins Fever!
Stopped at Target today and they have a whole section of Twins items. I was drawn to it even though I don't need more Twins gear and shouldn't be spending money. That's the thing with Target you go there to get one thing and before you know it you have ten things!!! Well I got a pair of socks with the TC logo on them...I know lame but they felt comfy and gosh dang it they will look good when I go running at the gym. Maybe Anthony LaPanta will notice -(he goes to my gym!) and invite me to a game!
I suppose with the new stadium sponsorship that Target will carry lots of swag! I will do my best to resist buying too much. At least until it goes on clearance...hey wonder if they will do a Target Dog baseball player!!
I suppose with the new stadium sponsorship that Target will carry lots of swag! I will do my best to resist buying too much. At least until it goes on clearance...hey wonder if they will do a Target Dog baseball player!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
"O-dog!"
It's official we have a new second basemen! Orlando Hudson age 32 like I said yesterday he is a former all star and gold glove winner. He can switch hit and seems like a good no. 2 hitter.
So that means Harris will be the primary 3rd basemen with Punto and Tolbert filling in for 2nd SS and 3rd as needed. Think Punto does good as a utility player seems to always be a spark! So I shall be optimistic about this new addition and confident that between Harris Punto and Tolbert we will be ok at 3rd. Not sure where this puts Alexi I suppose if he does well in spring training he could knock Tolbert off but wouldn't be surprised if they trade him. (Honestly I think Gardy is sick of him!) Maybe they could send him to Milwaukee too!
66 days until Opening Day at Target Field!!
So that means Harris will be the primary 3rd basemen with Punto and Tolbert filling in for 2nd SS and 3rd as needed. Think Punto does good as a utility player seems to always be a spark! So I shall be optimistic about this new addition and confident that between Harris Punto and Tolbert we will be ok at 3rd. Not sure where this puts Alexi I suppose if he does well in spring training he could knock Tolbert off but wouldn't be surprised if they trade him. (Honestly I think Gardy is sick of him!) Maybe they could send him to Milwaukee too!
66 days until Opening Day at Target Field!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Rumors...
Along with the rumors about Mauers contract the Twins may have a new second basemen. Orlando Hudson played for the LA Dodgers last year, before that Arizona and Toronto. He was an all star last year and won a gold glove. So I guess the Twins are not thinking Alexi...cant say I blame them and cant feel bad for him he has had his chances!
Not really familiar with Hudson just like JJ Hardy so I will wait to see what they do on the field before I say too much. But if you go by what others say they both are good additions.
It is always hard when there are changes to the line up. Especially when players you like get traded or leave. I still haven't totally gotten over losing Tor ii - and unlike the haters out there I don't blame him for going.(think it was the organizations fault!) I still cheer for him! This year it was Gomez, who you couldn't help but love with his big smile and amazing fielding - yes I know you had to turn away sometimes when he was at bat. But his smelling his bat was endearing too!
I just hope the chemistry is right with the new guys. I am doing my best to not get too hopeful and expect to much for the 2010 season but I think they are going to be a good team! As always there lots of unknowns like the pitching and you just never know about injuries.
Not really familiar with Hudson just like JJ Hardy so I will wait to see what they do on the field before I say too much. But if you go by what others say they both are good additions.
It is always hard when there are changes to the line up. Especially when players you like get traded or leave. I still haven't totally gotten over losing Tor ii - and unlike the haters out there I don't blame him for going.(think it was the organizations fault!) I still cheer for him! This year it was Gomez, who you couldn't help but love with his big smile and amazing fielding - yes I know you had to turn away sometimes when he was at bat. But his smelling his bat was endearing too!
I just hope the chemistry is right with the new guys. I am doing my best to not get too hopeful and expect to much for the 2010 season but I think they are going to be a good team! As always there lots of unknowns like the pitching and you just never know about injuries.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
My family and baseball...
I come from a family of nine kids, enough to field a baseball team! Ok we never had a family baseball team but I do recall some great wiffle ball home run derbys when I was little. When I was growing up we always took a trip to Kansas City in the summer. This was highly anticipated by us kids because not only did we go to Worlds of Fun amusement park and Stevenson Apple farm but best of all we would go to a Royals game!
The KC Royals have one of the most beautiful outdoor stadiums with waterfalls in center field! We always went early and watched the batting practice. I got to watch Bo Jackson hit home run after home run in warm ups. That mans thighs were HUGE, like a tree trunk! He was a nervous shy rookie he could barely manage a smile and wave for the crowd cheering madly for him. If he hadn't gotten hurt playing football I think he would have continued to improve as a baseball player.
The Royals were my team because partly because my Dad loved them but also because they were so fun to watch! George Brett, Hal McRae, Amos Otis, Frank White, Jamie Quirk, and Willie Wilson are some of the players I remember. I recall Amos Otis making a throw from center field to get a guy heading home. Cant remember who they were playing or any of those details just remember the excitement of the moment!
Thinking about all those fun game sin the outdoors makes me even more excited for the new season. Not sure how many games I'll actually be able to attend but hoping a few! Also hoping the weather cooperates for home games!
The KC Royals have one of the most beautiful outdoor stadiums with waterfalls in center field! We always went early and watched the batting practice. I got to watch Bo Jackson hit home run after home run in warm ups. That mans thighs were HUGE, like a tree trunk! He was a nervous shy rookie he could barely manage a smile and wave for the crowd cheering madly for him. If he hadn't gotten hurt playing football I think he would have continued to improve as a baseball player.
The Royals were my team because partly because my Dad loved them but also because they were so fun to watch! George Brett, Hal McRae, Amos Otis, Frank White, Jamie Quirk, and Willie Wilson are some of the players I remember. I recall Amos Otis making a throw from center field to get a guy heading home. Cant remember who they were playing or any of those details just remember the excitement of the moment!
Thinking about all those fun game sin the outdoors makes me even more excited for the new season. Not sure how many games I'll actually be able to attend but hoping a few! Also hoping the weather cooperates for home games!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Baseball memories...
One of my earliest memories around baseball was at a Royals game! I remember I was standing next to my sister leaning over the rail watching the players warm up. We always went to the game early enough to watch batting practice and try to talk to players. Frank White the Second basemen was running in and my sister and I were waving and yelling to him so he tossed a ball to us. Some guy near us reached out and grabbed it. My sister and I were crest fallen, but Frank saw it and ran toward us yelling at the guy. "that ball isnt for you!" He made that guy give us the ball! I can still see his face yelling up at that guy and the smile he gave us when we got the ball. What a great guy!
I was thinking how just a moment like that from a sports star can make such an impression on little kids. While I dont think we should look at sport stars as role models or expect them to be any better then any one else I understand the profound effect they can have on a young person. Thing we forget is that anyone can have that effect if they just take the time. Though I have great memories of meeting baseball and basketball players my favorite sports memories revolve around my family. Sharing that time together. I doubt any of my siblings can hear a baseball game on the radio with out thinking of my Dad!
I was thinking how just a moment like that from a sports star can make such an impression on little kids. While I dont think we should look at sport stars as role models or expect them to be any better then any one else I understand the profound effect they can have on a young person. Thing we forget is that anyone can have that effect if they just take the time. Though I have great memories of meeting baseball and basketball players my favorite sports memories revolve around my family. Sharing that time together. I doubt any of my siblings can hear a baseball game on the radio with out thinking of my Dad!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Morneau, Casilla and positive thinking...
So many things to discuss, a little over excited so I have been taking notes to remember everything. Future topics will include discussing the new stadium and the likelihood of freezing your ass off watching a game. Also the new foods at the stadium, the new players and so much more.
First off the word on Justin Morneau and his back.
A recent CT scan reveals his back is healed! He evidently has developed a plan not only to avoid hurting his back again but also to not wear himself out. The past couple years it seems Morneau has run out of steam at the end of the year. Hopefully having a stronger team all around will help but also Gardy plans to give him more days off. We can count on Cuddy to cover 1B well and if really needed Thome can too. Also Joe has been in Justins ear telling him to back off his work load. He is going to cut down the number of swings he takes outside of the games. Justin is known for the time he spends in the batting cage usually taking around a 100 swings, He has cut down to around 25. Jim Thome has also offered to show Justin a great routine for strengthening his back. On top of all that Justin is just plain excited for the upcoming season. He is happy with the new additions like Thome, Hardy and Clay Condrey.
Alexi Casilla is ready to go!
Alexi is feeling confident about his chances this year. Now I have never pegged Alexi as under confident more as unfocused. But he is just coming of a strong showing in the Dominican finals. He batted .344 in the series and according to Loriano would have been voted MVP if his team had won. Unfortunately for Alexi they had to go up against Loriano in the decisive 9th game. Loriano held them to one hit and 10 strikeouts in 5 innings! All good signs for Twins fans!!
Lets hope that Alexi comes in focused and sharp because he is out of minor league options so if he doesnt make it in spring training we will probably lose him. His future is bright - he's fast agile and young!
Misc:
Slowey had wrist surgery in Aug and says he is feeling good. His conditioning and pitching is right on track for the new season.
Delmon Young has lost 30lbs! Hey maybe he will be able to run! oops sorry that was mean. I meant to say Cool Del good job!
State of MN other sports:
I just need to vent a little after watching the Gopher men play Ohio State in basketball. Aaaaarrrgggggghhhh! looked terrible! Could careless about Royce White leaving seems like more trouble then the team needs. Hope the team can just get thru the season without embarrassing themselves too much.(sadly dont think we have a chance to get into tourney now) Keep your chin up Tubby! Unfortunately it seems the womens team is in the same hole.
Seems there is a tiny chance(very tiny!) that Seantral Henderson of Cretin Derham Hall will sign with the gophers. Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part. He probably will go to Ohio State but miracles could happen. If he does choose the U they better turn it into a huge rah rah session to get people pumped not only about gopher football but the whole university! They really could use some positive hype!
First off the word on Justin Morneau and his back.
A recent CT scan reveals his back is healed! He evidently has developed a plan not only to avoid hurting his back again but also to not wear himself out. The past couple years it seems Morneau has run out of steam at the end of the year. Hopefully having a stronger team all around will help but also Gardy plans to give him more days off. We can count on Cuddy to cover 1B well and if really needed Thome can too. Also Joe has been in Justins ear telling him to back off his work load. He is going to cut down the number of swings he takes outside of the games. Justin is known for the time he spends in the batting cage usually taking around a 100 swings, He has cut down to around 25. Jim Thome has also offered to show Justin a great routine for strengthening his back. On top of all that Justin is just plain excited for the upcoming season. He is happy with the new additions like Thome, Hardy and Clay Condrey.
Alexi Casilla is ready to go!
Alexi is feeling confident about his chances this year. Now I have never pegged Alexi as under confident more as unfocused. But he is just coming of a strong showing in the Dominican finals. He batted .344 in the series and according to Loriano would have been voted MVP if his team had won. Unfortunately for Alexi they had to go up against Loriano in the decisive 9th game. Loriano held them to one hit and 10 strikeouts in 5 innings! All good signs for Twins fans!!
Lets hope that Alexi comes in focused and sharp because he is out of minor league options so if he doesnt make it in spring training we will probably lose him. His future is bright - he's fast agile and young!
Misc:
Slowey had wrist surgery in Aug and says he is feeling good. His conditioning and pitching is right on track for the new season.
Delmon Young has lost 30lbs! Hey maybe he will be able to run! oops sorry that was mean. I meant to say Cool Del good job!
State of MN other sports:
I just need to vent a little after watching the Gopher men play Ohio State in basketball. Aaaaarrrgggggghhhh! looked terrible! Could careless about Royce White leaving seems like more trouble then the team needs. Hope the team can just get thru the season without embarrassing themselves too much.(sadly dont think we have a chance to get into tourney now) Keep your chin up Tubby! Unfortunately it seems the womens team is in the same hole.
Seems there is a tiny chance(very tiny!) that Seantral Henderson of Cretin Derham Hall will sign with the gophers. Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part. He probably will go to Ohio State but miracles could happen. If he does choose the U they better turn it into a huge rah rah session to get people pumped not only about gopher football but the whole university! They really could use some positive hype!
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