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
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
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!
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!!
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
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!!
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!
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!
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