Saturday, August 6, 2011

Up, down, when we need just up...

Not a good road trip for the Twins unless you focus on the couple of good moments. Such as Jim Thome knocking his 598th home run and the amazing game Cuddyer had smashing a grand slam and a solo. As much as I want to stay on the silver lining tip and just focus on the positive...it is hard. I don't know how those guys keep their chins up after such tough losses. That has to be attributed to their skipper Gardy at least a little bit. He does do a good job keeping them even keeled.
We can hook our hopes on Justin Morneau returning to the line up. He began playing at Triple A Friday night though going 0 for 4. Lets hope we are still within reach when he gets back up in about another week.

As I said I said in my last post Michael Cuddyer has never been on my list of Twins I love. This season he has continued to be consistent and wheedled his way into my baseball heart. His always positive yet feisty disposition mixed with his ability to play any position makes him Mr baseball. If I had a kid I would totally want them to look to him as a roll model. He makes me think of the former Royals Second basemen Frank White.

For me as a kid going to the ball park, Frank White was my hero. He was key in branding baseball on my heart. He was a smooth fielding second basemen with a steady bat. He is now a commentator for the Royals telecasts. I can remember going to Kaufman Stadium and watching batting and fielding practice. Frank always came over and took time to say hello and sign autographs always with a big smile. He threw a ball to me once and some guy snagged it, White ran over and yelled at the guy to give it to me! That made a huge impression on me, that he would bother to take that extra time to make sure I got the ball. I imagine Cuddy would also take the time to reward a young fan.

Second game against the white soxs just ended...ick! I can not handle losing to the White Sox!!! Please Please do not allow a sweep fellas!!!!

GO TWINS!!!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Roller Coaster!

This season has been a lot like the modern day roller coasters...up down snapping your head around making you a bit nauseous but also a lot of fun!
This last week has been gosh I don't even know the right word for it. After the loss Sunday I found myself getting down. I was sad after listening to the local sports guys talk about how tough the road trip was going to be starting in Texas. But I gave myself a little pep talk and said "it will be alright!"
The first game Monday night in Texas was brutal. I wasn't able to turn it on until the 3rd inning and we were already down 9! I had lots of chores to do so I turned it off but peeked in a while later....ugh. Needless to say I got really bummed and felt pretty discouraged. I began to hear all the "its over" talk with the "we're sellers not buyers" for the upcoming trade period...ugh again.
Then I got to watch the last half of the Tuesday night game. My MN Twins did not quit. It would have been so easy to come into this game with their heads hung down. Getting tromped by 14 runs sucks, playing in Texas heat sucks I would not have blamed them much if they packed it in...but that's not my MN Twins! They fought those last innings got some breaks and pulled out a one run win! It was fun to see Gardy at the top step yelling and bouncing around, think he must be feeling better after that infection.
After watching Joe Nathan come in and close the door on the Rangers I decided I will not quit on this team. I will continue my wishing and hoping that they catch up to the division leaders but more importantly I will just enjoy the baseball! I will appreciate the little things like Michael Cuddyer pitching a less then perfect scoreless inning! This would be the very thin silver lining from that game.

Cuddy wrote about his trip to the mound on FSN...

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/07/26/11/Cuddyer-My-trip-to-the-mound-took-years/landing_twins.html?blockID=541711&feedID=3546

Before this last two years I haven't thought much about Cuddy. I mean by that he has always just been that regular guy on the team. he never really shined enough on the field or personality wise to get my attention. Not that I didn't like him I could take him or leave him. But after the way he has stepped up consistently in times of injury and severe need the last two years I can't help but love the guy. He can play every position, only two he hasn't are catcher and shortstop, which is weird since he was drafted as a shortstop. He has a future after Baseball writing or on air though he could also do photography! He shares his photography on Flicker...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fivebball/
He is a big part of the community relations that the Twins do. Hard not to like the guy. Of course there is talk of trading him since he has been our most consistent player this year and what team wouldn't want him. He's a ballplayer!
I don't think the Twins would trade him he just seems like the kinda guy they will keep forever. If they do I feel pretty confident he would come back next year in free agency. I really don't know who we have of interest to trade right now. I know who I would like them to ship out but I shall keep my promise and not elaborate! I think it would be fun if they let him play every position in one game. In 1968 Twin Cesar Tovar did it striking out Reggie Jackson in the process!


I know its wrong to take any pleasure in this but I am sure he is fine....

http://www.1500espn.com/link/Watch_Ozzie_Guillen_get_a_foul_ball_to_the_face

GO TWINS

Sunday, July 24, 2011

28


Congrats Bert!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Verlander love fest

First game of the Tiger series and Justin Verlander pitched for the Tigers. Kicked our butts! Verlander can really throw that ball not just fast but also hits his spots. That being said I can't stand the guy after listening to Roy Smalley(who is taking Berts place on FSN) wax on and on about him. Every inning he gushed over his pitching. I think he has a bit of a man crush on him. I found myself disliking the guy more and more, though I will concede he really can pitch. Just all that love from one of our own was making me cringe. I think the Tigers are a close second to the White Sox in terms of having lots of players who I think are jerks. I did reflect that I use to dislike Thome when he was with the Sox and hes actually a really great guy. So maybe I am wrong when I think negative things about Ordonoz, Guillen and Cabrera. What can I say I am a homer and prejudice against other teams and their players.
We just couldn't string together a few hits tonight. Though I will say I felt like we had a chance until the very last out. Especially after Verlander was pulled, their bullpen is not very strong. Hopefully tomorrow we will get on the ball more and pick up the next three games. I think Verlander is their one and only great pitcher and I like our chances against average pitchers. So opportunity lost tonight but more to come, lets keep our heads up and stay positive.
GO TWINS!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Splitsville...

After Mondays double header I am really happy with a split. The last two games were exciting and fun to watch. They also reinforce how strong this team is mentally. They played two tough games Monday in stifling heat, lost, and came back in even hotter weather to even the series! That is heart! This team has it!
Nice to see Revere and Casilla -The SPEEDBOYS!-get back on the bases, they started the game wed off on the right foot. Also loved when Casilla made a great play and bad throw to first. He showed Joe his appreciation for the awesome dig. Speaking of Joe he once again did a great job at first. He actually was given the choice to catch or play first. Can't blame him for not wanting to put on all the gear in this heat, but more importantly in "your face" everyone who was badmouthing him as unwilling to play first! He was funny in his after game interview joking he closed his eyes when the ball was hit to him and in the dugout accepting Casilla thank you hug!
Another highlight today was seeing Nishioka get a two run scoring double to put us ahead. Wish it had been in the 9th so he could have gotten the team mate melee like Valencia did the night before.
The Tigers come in tomorrow for another important series. Lets hope our guys start out hot and get at least 3 of 4!

GO TWINS!!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

#596!


Every time Jim Thome comes to bat you just have to pay attention! The ball he hit today was almost 500 feet! I was there last year when he hit the flag pole and I thought that was amazing, todays was even further!! Makes me wonder what it looked like when Harmon Killebrew smacked them literally out of the ball park!
Twins sent Matt Tolbert down today and put Scott Baker on the DL with sore elbow. Bummer in both cases. I really like Matt Tolbert ever since he first came up. I remember watching him fly around the bases doing a head first slide which unfortunately tore up his thumb. Never really stuck after that. I think the twins wanted him to be the replacement for Nicky Punto. He is good defensively but like Punto was inconsistent at the plate. I see him being future coach or manager material. I think they like him, I know Gardy does because hes a feisty fundamental guy. I am sure he will be back by this fall and contribute in his little ways!
I hope Thome gets his 600th during this home stand!

GO TWINS!!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

BERT DAY!

Run Bennie Run!



Best thing about last night was watching Ben Revere run. Getting to first on a short liner, stealing second and impressively reaching 3rd after doing a somersault after the turn at 2nd! The guy can fly! Sucks that nobody could get him home after such a great effort.
Blackburn did a great job pitching too bad we couldn't score more runs for him. Tough spot for the closer Capps having only a one run lead. Heartbreaker home run.
Didn't see that Plouffe bat last night and cringed every time the ball was hit to left field. Too bad we didn't do a defensive replacement there too!

Everyone have a Bert day! Celebrate the retiring of #28! Well deserved enjoy your day Bert!


GO TWINS!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

After All Star review

The Twins sit 6 1/2 games back after the break. Now who expected that after such a horrible start. Well I for one knew they would come back and not dwell at the bottom. Question is can they keep climbing, catch those pesky Indians and Tigers. Both of which we play in the last two weeks of July!
Aside from needing the Indians to play like themselves, in other words LOSE. The Tigers are notoriously lame in the last half. We got Ozzies number so i am not even worried about the White Sox who we will pass soon being only 1 1/2 games behind. Yes I know our team will have to continue to play at a very high level. As the Tigers fold we have had the habit of blooming in the second half. We have not been in first at the break but once. The following stat is from FSN Norths website

Central Championship Seasons
Twins at break in winning campaigns

2002 1st +7 1/2
2003 3rd - 7 1/2
2004 2nd - 1/2
2006 3rd -11
2009 3rd -4
2010 3rd -3 1/2

This tradition of coming back supports them doing it this year. This year has been different with the injuries and there are a lot of new guys. Its these new guys that have kept us in it, provided a bit of a spark.
Consistently minor leaguers have been called up and preformed admirably and at times brilliantly! I love Bennie Revere!! Not only his quick defense, timely hitting and base running But that SMILE! Love it! He seems like he's having a blast and he plays hard. For me Trevor Plouffe is the complete opposite, they did just call him back up. He tore it up in the minor after he got sent down but that doesn't erase how horrible he was when he was here. He cost us a couple games and played defense like he was in slow motion. I hope he bring his bat with him this time, it wont out weigh the mistakes he'll make defensively, but just maybe it will make him good trade fodder. He will never be good defensively. It will be hard for him to win me over again.
The turn around was helped by All-Star Cuddy staying steady as always as well as Alexi Casilla getting into a groove. He hit .286 in July! His speed and Reveres have proven beneficial -SPEEDBOYS! He seems more comfortable at second and already has more steals then in an entire season. Tsuyoshi Nishioka is finally back and starting to adjust. If you consider that he's playing in a completely new league in a foreign language he is doing pretty good. His arm seems strong enough for short and he is fast there. Now that we will be playing just AL teams he will see Pitchers again and I think he will do better against them. Heck he hit .290 in July!!
Of course we need somethings to go our way in the second half. Our pitchers need to stay steady, they don't need to be all stars just not fall apart. Joe has to stay healthy and Morneau get healthy. Imagine having Morneau healthy for the last two months!! I cant even remember what it was like to have him in Sept it was so long ago. (He began non baseball activities today!) Delmon needs to hit like last year. Cuddy and Kubel just need to stay steady as always. The schedule is in our favor with 12 straight home games to start after the break. Total of 41 of the final 72 are at home!!
I think we can do it! At the very least I will enjoy watching us beat the White Sox up a bit more. I will say the games have been exciting this last month even when we have lost.

GO TWINS!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Got your number Ozzie!

I am so loving watching the Twins play the White socks. Our guys just do not quit! The first game we just looked crisp against the sluggish soxs. This second game which is only half way through is a street fight.
The sox have a little snap tonight but our boys are workin'. Some amazing at bats working that count being really patient. Coming back from a 5-1 deficit is so FUN! Ozzie tries to stick with his pitcher and gives up a grand slam, Gardy sticks with Blackie in the fourth and he strikes out Dunn!!
I tell you this team is coming back from the all star break on fire!! We should get Denard Span, Delmon Young and Jason Kubel back. It will curious to see who stays up and who gets sent down. I think Justin Morneau will be back sooner then expected and feeling better will get him going! Imagine a run for the playoffs with a healthy Morneau!!!

GO TWINS!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Dad and Baseball...

Happy fathers day to all those dads out there.
My Father was a fan of baseball. I love baseball because of him. I wanted to be a catcher because of him. The sound of baseball on the radio brings back memories of the dark backseat of a woody station wagon. The muffled crackle of baseball and the rhythmic lupdup of the wheels lulling me to sleep. Summer nights at the Sioux falls canary games, my Dads voice booming out to razz the ump.



Going to watch baseball today think of my day and yell at the umps!
love you Dad miss you very much!
GoTWINS!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Speedboys...

There is a town in upper Michigan "the U P" called Bessemer, the local high school teams are called the Speedboys. I have decided that this should be the new nickname for Alexi Casilla and Ben Revere! I believe you could add Tsyoshi Nishioka to this mix as well but I don't want to put any pressure on him. Maybe after he plays a couple weeks he can join the Speedboys.
It was so fun to watch the Twins steal 5 bases against AJ in one game. Even Michael Cuddyer looked like a Speedboy! I love that we played such fun small ball against the White Sox, you can just see it eating Ozzie up!!
The starting pitching is really setting the tone for games. Hard to lose when your starters go 7 plus innings! Such a turn around for this team it is refreshing to watch such good baseball.

Those little Speedboys at the front on the order are setting the table and pushing each other. Joe Mauer must have been delighted to come to bat and see those two on base! I hope Casilla can keep up this awesomeness at the plate and in the field. He is so fun to watch when he plays with confidence.
I know Gardenhire has to make big decisions as players come back from the DL but I hope he keeps Revere! That big smile and speediness is a great boost for this team. Don't tell my niece but I hope Delmon Young gets really hot in the next month so he becomes trade bait for a good pitcher opening up left for little Bennie!
Lets all keep cheering on the fellas and hope they continue the difficult climb to the top of the standings!
GO TWINS!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Baseball and family...

My brother Greg gave me tickets to the game Friday night against the Rangers. Not just any tickets but 3rd base line 8 rows up tickets. This section not only is super close to the field but also has its own bar and food service! You can't help but feel like a big shot sitting in these seats. So needless to say I was super excited to go to the game. The weather was chilly and rain seemed likely but I was not worried, I would sit in a downpour and watch my Twins.
As I was getting my outfit together, Yes I was coordinating my gear, I got a call from my sister. My nephew Calvin was being taken to children's hospital to have a CT scan. He has a shunt and has not been feeling well so it was precautionary. Having been through this before I know it is a scary proposition and my sister needed her husband with her. I volunteered to go take over watching her other kids so her hubby could join her.
I love my sisters kids and feel really lucky that I get to spend so much time with them. At the time I was suppose to be heading downtown I was sitting in my sisters front yard with my niece Frankie and Nephew Jack as well as 4 of the neighborhood kids climbing on me. The buzz of activity and laughter helped me from fretting about what was happening with Calvin. As I made dinner we turned on the game and I showed Jack where my seats were "Those are nice seats!" he declared. It had begun to rain at the game and he wondered if I would still be there in that downpour, Of course I would but I am glad I'm here with you. "yeah family is more important then baseball." I agreed.
Calvin was diagnosed with Diabetes and it was fortunate he was at the hospital at the time. This diagnosis is frightening for us having watched our Mother suffer from the affects of the same disease. But we have learned so much this weekend and once again I am lifted up by the unity of my family, the strength of my sisterand her husband Patrick and the courage of Calvin. I explained to Jack what was happening and loved that he volunteered to make Cal salads to help with his diet.
The Twins got trounced and I didn't care I was happy to know Calvin was under good care and be tucked on the couch between Jack and Frankie. The weekend was long and filled with lots of information and slow progression of Calvin recovering. This morning my sister called and put Cal on the phone, my worries flew out the window as I listened to him chatter on sounding like his old self. While the next few weeks will be full of challenges we all go forward with positive mindsets happy to know Cal is OK. The Twins won sat and Sunday and they will be alright too. My family grew a little more this weekend and will be fine too!
LOVE YOU CALVIN!

and yea GO TWINS!

Friday, June 10, 2011

keep em coming....

I know it has been a while since I wrote but please know it wasn't because I gave up on my Twins. It has been agonizing the way this season has started! So hard to watch Gardy deal with a minor league line up and mistake after mistake followed by sheer bad luck. I didn't write because I wanted to rant about a few of the young guys. Funny enough my fellow fans (my brother) actually were defending a few of them. I usually try to be positive and give the benefit of doubt especially when they are young guys coming up in this situation but when you keep doing the same thing over and over costing us games as Cee Lo sings "forget you!" I avoided my blog not sure what to say or how to defend my team. I guess I was following the old "if you can't say anything nice" thing.
Despite losing another starter in Denard Span the Twins are rolling. The last week the young guys have been carrying the team. My favorite Bennie Revere is so fun to watch and How about my little Alexi Casilla! Love the speed and effort! Seems like the team has a good groove going not only on the field but mostly in the clubhouse. Th bullpen seems to be having fun, they have begun a new ritual as they go to the bull pen and it seems to be working. (they have video on FSN north of their routines)
Maybe next week we will get back Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Joe Mauer but seems like no one is counting on it. I don't even know what to say about Mauer. Wish we had more information but I have to believe the guy is hurting he just doesn't strike me as one who would not want to play. My brother Greg is convinced he is depressed and I won't even go into why because it is purely speculation. Aside to Joe: It gets better! I think Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer are playing with lots of pain but are gutting it out.
The baseball has at least been exciting especially when we win. I am going to one of the games with the Rangers. Again stellar seats, thank you GREG!!! I am excited and nervous. Deep in my heart I still believe this team can pull off the biggest come back in baseball history. The next 41 games will include 31 at home and if we can win all of those it will be very helpful! I know winning all of them is unlikely but its baseball, anything can happen.

Lets all stay positive and keep cheering the guys on. Lets welcome Joe back with open arms not boos. Lets keep hoping the young guys reveal their star talent and the old guys heal up!
GO TWINS!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Liriano NoNo!

Liriano NoNo!



I think Francisco shall here to fore be known as Frankie NoNo!!
WOW! It wasn't a pretty no hitter but it was a NO HITTER! No better team to do it against then fellow cellar dwellers the WHite Sox! I have to admit I watched the last inning biting my lip just waiting for the tide to turn against us. I don't think I would have been too surprised to see them hit a walk off home run. Very nice to see the bounces going our way such as the phantom tag by Morneau in the 8th. Thank you to Jason Kubel for the dinger and to Valencia for the deep fielding and bullet throw in the 7th!
I watched ESPN and it was fun to have them talking about the Twins so much(in a positive way!) They played the radio call of the final inning, very cool to hear John Gordon call it(ESPN called him Bob Gordon). Happy that he got to call a no-hitter for his Twins in his last season as the voice of the Twins!
Let us hope this win kicks start a long run of wins!! Though we still need to get the bats going. Defense worked like it was suppose to today but we really need more then one run. Infielder Trevor Plouffe is coming up with a hot bat and shaky defense. Jim Thome will head to the DL with a strained oblique. Who knows whats happening with Delmon?
Keep the Faith!
GO TWINS!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May Day May Day!!

I am sure Ron Gardenhire is calling MayDAy after the series ender with Kansas City. Use to be you could count on great defense from the Twins but not today. They looked flat footed making some unlike them plays. Never seen such a poorly executed pick off play. And no that was not all Alexi's fault, Morneau started it off.
They have Monday off I bet Gardy will be putting them through some infield drills. You can bet the airplane ride will not be comfortable with a steaming Gardy in the front of the plane.
Let us hope the White Sox are the boost we need to get back on track. Hard to play up to expectations with half your roster injured and the other half under preforming. But I know this team is better then this and will show it soon!
Keep the faith!
GO TWINS!!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Royal Pain

I am fully aware that the Twins have been horrible. Lost the first game with the Royals because of little mistakes on the base paths and a few fielding flaws. It sucks to lose these close games because of our own mistakes. It has to be frustrating for the players to, they need to do a better job picking each other up!
There were some good plays like Jason Kubel's throw to home and Scotty Baker actually pitched pretty good.
Gardenhire must be losing his mind with so many injured players and then those little mistakes. Ordinarily he might be pulling a few of those guys but with such a short bench he really has little choice. If Alexi Casilla doesn't get his fielding together he will be gone as soon as they are full strength, Who knows maybe they will make the move sooner but those AA and AAA teams are going to run out of pitchers and players!
I still believe this team will be leading the division in August. I would rather have this craziness happening now then in August. As I said before this team will crawl out of the basement as they have in years past. They will make fans forget the month of April!
Keep the faith!
GO TWINS!!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Stung by the Rays

Went to the last game of the series hoping to see the Twins rebound from a horrible afternoon game. I got wonderful dugout box seats on the third base line. Amazingly close to the action! Unfortunatly the game was not so good.
I went to the game with my brother Greg who is a great fan of the Twins. He cheered loudly with me and kept the faith until the last out. We were really hoping they could make a comeback but those bats were silent.
I can't wait for April to be over! Hopefully April showers will be bring us May WINS!!
Keep the faith!
GO TWINS!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

clickclackcliktyclack...

The sound of the Twins train picking up speed. Still time for all of you bandwagon fans to jump on. I know we are still below .500 but theres still a week left in April and 5 games which could push us over.
The team seems to be coming out of its quiet bat funk. Case in point Alexi Casilla got two hits for the second game in a row! Jason Kubel, Justin Morneau and Jim Thome also have hot bats!

I have been told that Gardenhire doesn't get on the players enough doesn't have enough fire. Often these same people (my brothers) bring up Ozzie Guillen as a supposedly better manager. Well the White Sox are also starting off slow too, lets see which team gets out of the hole. Manager who criticizes his players in the press or the one who talks to his players in the clubhouse. I prefer Gardy's style and feel like he gets the best out of his players.

Go Twins!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Gettin on a roll...

After playing several games missing three of our biggest hitters the Twins seem to be getting on a roll. Having Justin Morneau back in the line up was definitely a boost. The other guys having doing their best to warm up and score some runs. Saturday against the Indians Alexi Casilla not only shined in the field defensively, he gets things going in two innings with singles.
Love the base running today with Denard Span stealing second in the 6th as well as Repko running through the stop sign by Steve Liddle. Looked almost like Liddle was signaling it to slow up the outfielder rather then Repko.
Though I love to see Thome knock it out of the park him getting singles and doubles is a beautiful thing! Now all we need is Delmon Young to get healthy followed by Joe Mauer and Tsuyoshi Nishioka and this team will cruise. Better to get all this sickness and injury out of the way early in the season.
Brian Duensing was great getting them to hit into outs, going 7 innings. Seeing Joe Nathan Throw some accurate fast moving pitches was a relief. He really looked good and the ball seemed to be snapping out of his hand. Not such a great outing for Dusty Hughes, makes me wonder how long he'll stay up with so many options in the minors. We have had many more roster moves this spring then usual, seems likely they will keep doing that with pitchers. Especially as Kevin Slowey heals up.
Keep the faith and enjoy the games!
Go Twins!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Barf....

So it has not been a good start to the season and this virus that seems to be decimating the team is doing us no favors. I missed several games last week working in the deep wilds of South Dakota unable to find an AM radio(seriously who doesn't have a AM radio especially if they have no TV) so I missed several games. Perhaps I can take some blame because they won on Sunday when I watched and Monday I saw the game Tues after they were up 4 runs already so I wasn't much help.

Seriously though it has to be frustrating for the whole team to not tie together a string of wins. I know I would not want to be on the road fighting this flu bug. It will take even longer to get back to HEALTHY with all the travel and such. I know they stay in posh places but there is nothing like your own bed and toilet when you are sick!

Lets hope everyone starts to get on the mend and that the freakin snow is gone when they get back home! Also send good thoughts to Joe for his legs, I am seriously worried that this is a sign of something far more complicated!

C'mon everyone say it loud to boost the boys...

GO TWINS!

Monday, April 11, 2011

sunnyside, silver lining or count our blessings...

I am choosing to focus on the positives, this is my right as a fan!
The best thing in the last couple games is how well Delmon Young has played! Especially in the outfield, I have been super impressed by his defense. If he keeps that up and hits close to how he was at the end of last year he will be an All Star!
Just as spring is beginning to pop in the Twins Cities so are the Twins bats.
The Twins had 10 hits Sunday. They were kinda spread out so they did not result in runs until the 8th. Lets hope the possible coming snow does not freeze their swings.

Justin Morneau is starting to get the bat on the ball. Going 3 of 4 Sunday. Wish one of those hits was in the 8th, (though he did sacrifice in a run) we could of used another runner on base and an extra out.

Jim Thome getting his first homer of the season at home. He made the game exciting at least. It is really nice to finally have a homer kinda guy on our team instead of watching him come up to bat for the other team.

Lets hope the weather holds out and we do not return to snow cover. Our boys of summer are starting to warm up and I want to see dominate the Royals and git the road HOT!!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

(sound of deflating balloon)

The last game in New York was disappointing. Not only losing the game but also losing Tsuyoshi Nishioka. I don't think the slide was dirty but maybe a little excessive he was pretty wide of the bag. I was surprised that it happened didn't the coaching staff prepare Nishioka for this? Japanese baseball is different then MLB, they rarely intentionally slide into second to break up a double play. The coaching staff should have stressed that with Nishi, they had to have seen that in spring ball. That slide wouldn't have hurt him if he had jumped like any other second basemen would have. Hopefully the break isn't too severe and he can return soon. Of course this will put him back at square one just when he was getting into a rhythm. His parents have come over from Japan for the home opener, perhaps they can keep his spirits up.

Wednesday before the game was called I heard a lot of rumbling about Joe Mauer not being in the line up. Today I read an article by Bob Sansevere complaining that he should at least DH. Its not rest for his legs if he has to run the bases. Sansevere thinks Joe should play a different position to save his legs. I get that people want to see Joe play and he is an amazing player and not having him in the lineup is a blessing for the other teams pitchers, but he is a catcher. Not a first basemen, not a left fielder, a catcher! Having been a catcher I would contend it is the best position in baseball. It is fun to be catcher, everything happens out in front of you, your the field general. Joe doesn't want to be anything but the catcher. If he played another position he would lose a huge part of himself, the joy would be gone and so would a lot of what makes Joe so special. I trust Gardy is doing the right thing and late in the season it will mean Joe is in the lineup not the training room. Just saw that Nishi is going on 15 DL...promising! GO TWINS!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

No New York New York tonight!

Really fun game tonight! I only got to watch from the 7th inninng on so I think maybe my cheering was what got them going! Sounds like Duensing had the rough first two innings I said not to have but he got into his groove and did great! CC of course was dominant off the mound for the Yanks but our suspect bullpen did way better then their all star bullpen. Seriously Rafael Soriano looked like he was going to cry when he went to the dugout. We were due to get some lucky bounces which usually go to the Yanks. My nephew and I chanted Tsuyoshi Tsuyoshi Nishioka! KA-TOE-BA-SAY! Hit it Hard!(find more Japanese phrases here http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/pages/nishioka ) After two failed bunts he comes up with an amazing hit! Think he has shaken off the jitters and will continue to blossom.

Carl Pavano will pitch better then he did in Toronto. The whole team is going to be feeling good and carry it into the game. Winning the next two games would be so sweet and a great way to come home for the opener.

Nemesis!!!

Tonight we face CC Sabathia and Brian Duensing hits the mound. I think Duensing is going to be our rock this year! Hopefully he wont have any innings like the Baker last night and just settle down into a groove.

We looked more like the Twins last night, once Baker settled down he pitched much better and our hitters seem to be waking up. Th 4th inning was fun with Morneau getting a double with two outs and Delmon getting on to all be brought in by Jim Thome. I love watching Thome get doubles I think its good for him to run a little. Of course the next hitter would need to hit a home run to ensure Thome scores. Jason Kubels next at bat was a good one, he made the pitcher throw a lot of balls to get him out.

Catch of the year was that dive by Delmon in the 4th, this kept us in the game! Love to see Delly do that in the field! I tend to close my eyes and cringe when I see the ball going his way. Also love seeing Alexi Casilla hit the ball for a double(his second I might add(are you paying attention Reusse?))! Nishioka looked good at the plate for his double in the 5th maybe he is starting to settle down.

I look for the Twins to keep improving with every game. Morneau is getting his swing back and the rest will keep falling into place. Keep the faith!

GO TWINS!!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sweet!

Alright got the first win under our belt! Welcome back Joe Nathan thanks for making it exciting!

GO TWINS!

Ouch - 0-2

Well not a good start but hopefully we will turn it around before we head to New York. As I stated our starting pitching needs to keep games close and go into at least the 6th inning. Our bats have not woken up yet this will change.

Our middle infielders are obviously still working on their communication. This will come with time and patience. Gardy knows they can do it and the problems are obvious but fixable. Seems the entire team is overexcited and needs to just settled in and play ball!

I will finally get to watch a game and am very excited. I am looking for a better game today. Keep the faith!

GO TWINS!!

Friday, April 1, 2011

It Begins...

and here is how I think it will go down...

So I have decided to make my prediction for the Twins season then review this mid way through the season and at end of season. I noticed the fine Patrick Reusse predicted our beloved Twins would only get third in the AL central. And of course he referred to the "likelihood of going through a handful of shortstops before September". I get it he doesn't want to come off as a homer but me I am through and through a HOMER! SO I shall present my optimistic and hopeful prediction for my MN Twins.

Much like last year we will start out steady winning most of our series. I think it will take Justin Mor"yes" a little will to get in the groove with his bat. Joe Mauer will be our steady hitter all year and be complimented by heavy hitting from Jason Kubel and Delmon Young. Young should carry on with his success of last year and maybe even exceed it hitting. He will probably move up in the order. Jim Thome will be used much like last year to pinch hit and sometimes DH and get his 600th by mid season.
Our defense will be strong in the infield and decent in the outfield, perhaps a few speedsters like Ben Revere will come up mid season, at the very least just to give a little rest to Denard Span. My areas of concern are Span and Michael Cuddyer, Span needs to improve on last year, hopefully a little rest will be what he needs. I think we need Cuddy to stay healthy and again be one of the consistent guys in the lineup he doesn't need to carry us. His cannon of an arm in right is a huge plus. We can get by with Alexi Casilla hitting in the mid .200. His defense will outweigh that negative, I believe that he has figured out how to be an everyday player and will put the doubters to rest. Matt Tolbert is going to be like Punto a great utility player but with a little more pop in his bat. If he can stay healthy I can see him racking up doubles and triples whenever he gets into a game. Tsuyoshi Nishioka will find a way to get on base and let the M&M boys bring him round.

Our pitching will be decent not spectacular but as I said before they don't need to be they just have to keep it close. If they can get in 6 to 7 innings it will help the bullpen stay strong. I think some of our minor league pitchers will come up and fill in more then adequately. Brian Duensing will end up being our Ace and Kyle Gibson will be up by the end of the year.
If major injuries can be avoided we should win the AL Central walking away. This team is hungry and knows what it takes to get through a long season and will pace themselves to finish strong. It will be nice to head to the end of the season with both the M&M boys healthy!

I realize I am being idealistic but I know if someone isn't performing that there are young guys who will come up to take their place. This seems likely in the outfield as we would benefit from some of those speedsters in Target Field. I love that we will be playing more small ball stealing bases and setting up the horses for RBIs. Our big guys can hit and now they know at home to take advantage of the outfield space and let the little guys run.

Let me know how you think it will go down.

GO TWINS!

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Review Continued...

Let us continue our review of the Twins 2011 roster...

Starting pitching

Carl Pavano: Let us all rejoice that Carl came back to the Twins this year. He was one of the most consistent pitchers for us last year and more importantly is a good leader in the clubhouse. He will probably not be a dominating force but he will keep us close in games giving our MVPs opportunities to win it!
Francisco Liriano: An underachieving Ace. Not very happy with Frankies off season conditioning or his tendency to get over hyped in big games. Hopefully this year will be the one where everything clicks for him.
Brian Duensing: Pitched great in limited play last year and seems to have the temperament to be a steady contributor.
Nick Blackburn: Looks to improve on his 2010 injury hampered year. Really should be more consistent this year.
Scotty Baker: He too is looking to improve on his 2010 season and return to previous form.
The key to our success is these pitchers keeping games close and pitching deep. Our hitters need to avoid any droughts and score consistently.

Bullpen:
Joe Nathan is back and will share closing duties with Matt Capps. Most likely Capps will setup for him but this will allow Anderson some leeway depending on the situtation.
Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crane are gone but new additions of Dusty Hughes and Kevin Slowey will be helpful. Jeff Manship, Jose Mijares and Glen Perkins round out the pen. This maybe the weakest link for the Twins but every guy has experience and hopefully can continue to improve. Again our hitters have to stay consistent and keep games close.
We do have some experienced help in the minors, who may be called upon through out the season, Scott Diamond and Anthony Slama. Draft pick Kyle Gibson may come up at some point he is just too good to not use! As always Rick Anderson and his minor league coaches will have pitchers prepared to come up and contribute. The Twins always seem to have guys ready to come up and be productive.

Our Batting order:
Denard Span will lead off and no doubt will have a better avg. this year. Gardy will give him more breaks so he doesn't wear down. Hopefully he wont get picked off so much this year and use his speed to get on base and steal a few.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka will follow and his speed is going to get him on and force some errors. I have to say I am most excited to see him play.
Most likely Joe Mauer will hit third and be followed by Justin Morneau. If these two guys are healthy they will have lots of RBI opportunities. Lets hope Justin picks up where he left off when he got hurt last year. Hopefully Joe will not try to be home run hitter and just get the hits!
Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Jim Thome and Delmon Young will probably be interchangeable in the next few spots. Hopefully the changes in the outfield site lines will help these big hitters.(who knows maybe the concrete has dried enough to help the ball get out of the park) Alexi Casilla will be ninth and hopefully use his speed more.

Twins need to avoid slumps and stay healthy, as every team does, and they should contend for the division!

Today baseball officially starts and tomorrow the Twins begin! They will play in Toronto revisiting where Mor"yes" got hurt. Hopefully Mor"yes" takes the opportunity to close the book on this frustrating injury detour with a great first game.

GO TWINS!!

Snide note: Disliking that Patrick Reusse(on1500am) has already started the when will Casilla lose his job pool. They did compliment his arm and speed but doubt he will stay focused. My take is that the guy has learned what he needs to do to play everyday and will rise to the occasion. Prove them wrong ALEXI!!!(and me right!)

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A little review...

So lets review our beloved Twins....

Ron Gardenhire finally won AL Manager of 2010! As you may or may not recall my brother has had a love hate relationship with Gardy and like some others probably doesn't think he deserved this award. Perhaps this wasn't his most deserving year as a manager as I believe a couple years in the past he was! If you review all he dealt with in 2010 you have to give him his props:losing Joe Nathan, Losing Morneau, Juggling infielders because of injury, heck juggling the whole roster because of injury, having no Ace starting pitcher, Joe Mauer battling thru injury. Add all this to those past years when he has consistently won the division and continues to develop excellent young players...yes yes I know we haven't won in the post season blah blah blah...At least we are getting into the postseason and have an opportunity!! Personally I think Gardy is a great Manager and really gets the most out of his roster. Seriously look at the teams he has fielded in the last five years: No true ace pitcher, basically two guys who can hit .300 plus, having to start utility players like Nick Punto(I love Nick and will miss him but lets face facts he's a great back up but not who you want as a starter)and losing high quality players like Torii and Johan Santana. Gardy creates a positive atmosphere in the clubhouse and gets players to play up to their potential. He keeps things in house and doesn't trash players in the press.

Kudos to Rick Anderson the pitching coach as well for making average pitchers better and always bringing up pitchers ready to perform. I love that we have had such a great competition for the starting group. Brian Duensing is a great addition his past performances have shown he is ready to be a big time player! I also believe both Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker will be better this year. They had moments of brilliance last year and both fought thru injury, both having surgery in the off season. The quick infield defense will help both pitchers out too.

The 2011 Roster

The infield has been revamped a bit. The addition of Tsuyoshi Nishioka a Japanese golden glover speed demon and moving Alexi Casilla over to shortstop gives the Twins one of the fastest middle defenses in the MLB. The corners are anchored by a hopefully finally healthy Justin Morneau and fresh faced Danny Valencia. Lets hope the sophomore slump doesn't hit Valencia and that Mor"yes" has healed up. These guys are a perfect combo of speed and power. Matt Tolbert a Gardy favorite will be the back up for the infield and a great pinch runner. This kid has lots of grit and speed. Drew Butera will back up for Joe Mauer at catcher, he caught most of Carl Pavano games last year but Mauer will definitely catch the season opener.

The outfield will be much like last year. Delmon Young in left, Denard Span in center and Michael Cuddyer in right. Jason Repko will spell Span in center more often this year to avoid wearing Span down like last year. Jason Kubel will DH and fill in for Young and Cuddyer. It is likely Cuddyer will play first a few times this year to rest Morneau. Jim Thome will DH and pinch hit going for his 600th homerun this year he is currently at 589! My hope is he reaches it at a home game early in the season.

More next time on starting pitchers, bullpen and batting order...

GO TWINS! (TWO DAYS!!!)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Beside Myself

Twins baseball starts in 3 days! My excitement is multiplying each minute! Love the new commercial with Denard Span, Jason Kubel, Coach Jerry White and Danny Valencia! This should take you to it: http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13142579&tcid=tw-min-snipe_ns_03042011 The Twins commercials have always been somewhat entertaining and the Radio ones use to be awesome! Not so into the new voice on them now, trying to be like the voice of Bill Woodson . Woodson did the "Get to Know 'Em", "Every Fan Counts" and "This Twins Territory". He was once the voice of Superfriends "Meanwhile back at the Hall of Justice..." and the voice for the beginning of Odd Couple. He was born in 1917 so he was nearly 90 when he started the Twins Radio commercials. I have to assume he just wasn't up to it anymore and I sure miss his rich voice. I wish the Twins had gone another way and used an entirely different voice rather then try to imitate Woodson. My suggestion is Kevin Kling! Awesome write storyteller and a very folksy voice. He does the Minnesota accent well, The Twins are becoming more popular nationally so lets play up the whole Minnesota thing. We have our hometown boy playing for us and he is a bona fide star but still a Minnesota boy! Ya you betcha! Three days people!! Twins play in Toronto! GO TWINS!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Just over a week...

Just over a week until the first GAME!!! So exciting! It appears everyone will be healthy for the beginning of the season!! I love the decision to put Baker in the 5th starting spot, this gives Slowey a little time to heal up that elbow. Though I wonder how he will do coming out of the bullpen.

I tried to buy tickets on the first day they were available but gave up after sitting for 3 hours plus. Guess I will watch the first home game on TV! I miss hearing Bert and Dick anyway so that will be just fine for me. I can't wait to hear the crack of the bat!!!

Go Twins!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

upon further review...

Ok having viewed several videos of Japanese chanting or songs at games I have to say I am glad American baseball doesn't do that! Sure I am all for cheering at games I am always yelling or clapping. But I pay attention to the game and am cheering for good plays or to give a little boost. It struck me that the Japanese are cheering to cheer or singing to sing....they dont actually seem to be watching the game. For me baseball is a beautiful game full of nuances. One of those is being at the park and hearing the crack of the bat, slap of a ball into a mitt...these followed by cheers or groans from the crowd or Wally the beer man calling out. I dont imagine you hear those things at a japanese game over the constant song/cheer. I love it when the crowd joins together for "KUBE!" or gets to their feet as Jim Thome comes up to bat. Yes I do kinda wish there was more cheering and perhaps less negetive yelling but I am glad we dont have cheer captins and trumpets.

I heard the collective sigh of relief when it was announced Morneau had played in a game. It was definitely a boost to have his second at bat be a 3RBI double. Pretty Sweet! I am sure Justin is chomping at the bit to be in every game but I think its a great plan to ease him into it. As I said before those veterans don't need a lot of spring games to get back into the groove.

I also want to point out that Delmon Young got into his first game and got two walks!! Yes TWO walks. If Delmon can show that kinda plate patience through out the season the fellow is going to have big numbers!! I have no doubt those broad shoulders and thick forearms can muscle some balls out of the park, but if he can layoff bad pitches his work will be a piece of cake.

We need to start the melting and get this winter over with I am ready for some baseball!!!

GO TWINS!!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

This is how you cheer!!!!


This is how you cheer in Japan at least. This is the chant for Tsuyoshi Nishioka every time he comes to bat! Can you imagine doing this at Target Field!?! It would be amazing. Evidently they do this for every batter through out their entire at bat. They have cheer captains and pass out the words to each players chant. Every year the chant changes for each player just like the coming up to bat songs in MLB.

I wonder how Tsuyoshi will feel coming to bat and having it so quiet compared to Japan. It would be amazing if fans here could create a chant for him and make him feel more at home. I think it would be fun to go to a game in Japan and cheer constantly like that, I am often the only person cheering in my section at games. People always are "They can't hear you!" Well if everybody cheered they would hear you! And it does help to have your fans cheering, good examples are: the dome during our last world series and Williams arena when the Gophers don't suck.

I can recall games at Williams where the crowd was chanting M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A and it is AWESOME!!! Lets do it! Lets start our own tradition of chants for our players! Lets back our Twins in a new fun interactive way.

I am going to work on some chants for players and would love to hear your suggestions!

MORNEAU MORNEAU
Watch that Baseball GO!

Hey I think I am onto something(or on something)....

GO TWINS!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Practice, Practice, Practice


Twins had their first spring training game Sunday, beating Boston!

Pavano Started and began with a 1-2-3 inning. Tsuyoshi Nishioka played second and looked very quick! That midfield is going to be really FAST! Also sounds like Alexi Casilla and Nishioka seem to be gelling though neither speaks very good English.
After seeing that Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer were not playing I got to thinking...Gardy is brilliant! Those guys will get their work in at practice hitting and doing fielding drills but not wear themselves out in games. Hopefully this will help them stay healthy...every little bit of rest will benefit those guys. Besides early spring games are a chance for those young guns to make an impression.

I am longing to see them play!!!

GO TWINS!!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Reporting for duty!

Yes Sir!
The pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training!
Its so exciting!
I heard you can see green grass in the outfield of Target Field!
I watched the clip of Joe Mauer on Jimmy Fallon and was struck by how poised Joe appeared. Jimmy seemed genuinely to admire Joe not only for his baseball prowess but also that he stayed with the home team. Frankly I think Mauer is an excellent representation for the MLB. He kinda comes off like the old time ball players.
I am well aware that I have a romanticized memory of baseball history, partly from the idyllic black and white films of players like Gehrig, Mantle and DiMaggio. To say I am idealistic about baseball is putting it mildly, baseball is Field of Dreams, The Natural and Pride of the Yankees. Good guys playing Americas past time.

I really am excited for our"good guys" to start playing again at Target Field!!!

Go Twins!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

pieces coming together...


The Twins have signed Francisco Liriano to a one year contract! Wish it was more then one year, I think he will be very good this year(then be too expensive for the Twins). I of course am still in my very optimistic mode. I believe another year of healing and maturity is going to benefit him as well as our other pitchers. Clean elbows for Blackburn and Baker will make a difference, both could be very strong. I like the new left hand in the bull pen Dusty Hughes, Dusty is such a good baseball name.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Stache is Back...












Twins signed Pavano! I am overexcited to say the least. This team is going to be fun to watch!! I am resisting the urge to make proclamations!! I shall curb my enthusiasm yet relish this latest move!


OH golly I want to go to spring training!!!


GO TWINS!!!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

One more piece please!

Lets hope the phone call from Jim Thome is enough to make Pavano seal the deal!

My guess is that the Twins will announce Pavanos signing Monday!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

GO TWINS

Friday, January 14, 2011

589 and counting...

Who didn't love the image of Jim Thome coming out of the dugout to pinch hit last year! The crowd would roar in anticipation! Well we get to do that again this season the Twins have resigned Thome! They offered him a paltry $3 million plus incentives and he said YES!

I was lucky enough to be at the game he hit the flag pole and it was AMAZING! I love that we get to count him down to the 600 club for home runs. He has 11 to go and hopefully he will hit them at Target field but I will be happy no matter where he hits them!

I think the whole team benefits from having such a classy, experienced, earnest veteran in the clubhouse. He seems to like being here and is a great influence on the young sluggers like Young, Kubel and especially Morneau. Up until he cracked his head Morneau was having a great year which I fully believe was in part because he was listening to tips from Thome!!

OK now everybody send positive thoughts out for the signing of Pavano!

GO TWINS!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

NEW YEAR!

Just a week into the New Year and I have to admit my mind is drifting to baseball. I of course have been keeping tabs on the new additions, trades and options. For the first time ever I am thinking how much fun it would be to go to spring training!! I have gone with my Dad long ago to spring games in Arizona but never was into it...But I think about the chance to see the Twins!! and I get all giddy!

I am excited to see our newest Twin Tsuyoshi Nishioka! Think our midfield will be really fast!! I have faith that Alexi is going to step up and be an asset! I think he did well filling in last year and showed some flashes of greatness. Perhaps I am overly optimistic but didn't you hear 2011 is the year of optimism!!

I must extend my congratulations to Bert Blyleven for making it into the Hall of Fame!! About time!! Loved watching him sign his first baseball with the HOF on FSN, good job Marnie! Can't wait to hear how Bert pronounces Tsuyoshi Nishioka! Better make a good nickname for him.

Have my fingers crossed for the Pavano signing as well as a healthy Morneau!

GO TWINS!!!