MLB: How 'bout them Twins
- Thread starter mj4cy
- Start date
Just got back from the Dome!
I called the Morales pinch hit, man I hope they hold on to him since Redmond is a free agent after this year. This team has had absolutely no bench presence all year and the kid will learn under the best catcher in the biz
I called the Morales pinch hit, man I hope they hold on to him since Redmond is a free agent after this year. This team has had absolutely no bench presence all year and the kid will learn under the best catcher in the biz
The Tigers schedule is a little bit tougher than the Twins, but not much. Twins have a shot, because they have 6 or 7 more games head to head against Tigers. I think the Twins will lose the division because I don't trust their pitching. But, I love it that they have put themselves in a position to win it. I had all but given up on them about a month ago. No Liriano, Slowey and Perkisn??? Shocked that they are still in it. Come on Twinkies!!!!
I don't know if they can win it or not. The schedule gives a slight edge to the Twins. They will play Detroit 4 times in Detroit, and then 3 times in the Dome. Both clubs face Toronto 4 times, but Tigers get them at home, Twins on the road. Both have 6 against KC. Detroit has 6 with White Sox, Twins only 3 after tomorrow. Twins get Oakland for 3 at home, and Detroit has 3 with Tampa Bay on the road.
I'm amazed that pitchers like Duensing and Manship are stepping up. Next Spring will be interesting to see which 5 starters will emerge. Liriano, Slowey, Perkins, and Bosner will all be back plus Pavano, Baker, Blackman, Manship, Duensing.......hopefully Neshek in the pen. They may trade someone, but who would you trade? Will be interesting to watch. I really thought this team was dead when they lost home series to Cleveland and KC recently, but it is fun to watch them keep trying. Not sure they can overtake Detroit, but at least they are not giving up, even with 3/5 of their starting rotation on the DL.
I'm amazed that pitchers like Duensing and Manship are stepping up. Next Spring will be interesting to see which 5 starters will emerge. Liriano, Slowey, Perkins, and Bosner will all be back plus Pavano, Baker, Blackman, Manship, Duensing.......hopefully Neshek in the pen. They may trade someone, but who would you trade? Will be interesting to watch. I really thought this team was dead when they lost home series to Cleveland and KC recently, but it is fun to watch them keep trying. Not sure they can overtake Detroit, but at least they are not giving up, even with 3/5 of their starting rotation on the DL.
Pavano is only signed for this year so counting on him being around next year is shaky. I truly doubt Bonser will get another chance to start but before his injury I've read the Twins liked what he was doing in the pen. My guess is next years rotation looks something like: Baker, Slowey, Blackburn, Liriano, Duensing. With the injury issues Perkins has had(he's had some sort of injury almost every year since signing with the Twins) I'm speculating that perhaps a move to bull pen is in order to see if he might hold up better there. What would really make me happy though is if the Twins went out and sign a Rich Harden/Erik Bedard/Kelvim Escobar type pitcher, guys who can be top of the line starters but should at least be somewhat reasonable due to durability concerns.
The Twins chances will depend on the 2 rookie replacement starters - Duensing and Manship. Duensing came through over the weekend and Manship delivered tonight. Prevailing wisdom raises doubts about a rookie's response to the pressure of a pennant race, but who knows how they will react?
They both have something in common that allows me to be somewhat optimistic. They both have had to battle back from adversity, arm injury, surgery and rehab while in college. If they can stay focused, both they and the Twins have a chance.
The Twins still control their own destiny with 7 games remaining against the Tigers. It would be a huge help if the White Sox can regroup (after Wed's game) and help derail the Tigers down the stretch. I think that Ozzie can keep them focused and they do still have 3 decent starters. The Sox really hurt their own chances by including Clayton Richard in the head scratcher Peavy trade.
Gotta love the ChiSox GM immediately dealing Thome and Contreras as soon as the game wrapped up...always a good sign.
As for the Twinkies, I just hope that the Mijares/Guerrier flop tonight was a fluke. With what everyone's brought up about the starters, that last thing the Twins need is to have their 2 best middle relievers start struggling.
As for the Twinkies, I just hope that the Mijares/Guerrier flop tonight was a fluke. With what everyone's brought up about the starters, that last thing the Twins need is to have their 2 best middle relievers start struggling.
It was one walk (with a questionable non strike call) and a first pitch fastball that was down in the zone hit for a HR. Nothing to see here... it happens to the best of them.
I agree about not getting too worried about the 8th inning. It wasn't a meltdown by any means. The worst part was that it kept Manship from getting a well-deserved W.
Any concern about the 8th is at least balanced out by getting another solid outing from Crain. He continues to show the benefits of working with Bobby Cuellar during his time spent at Rochester.
Rausch showed again that he was a very valuable addition.
Actually, it was the HR that Manship gave up that prevented him from getting the win. Cuddyer's HR tied the game and made it a no decision for Manship's first outing. Mijares/Gurrier blew Crain's win. But I digress. It was a very promising outing for Manship, and if he keeps pitching like that, it will make pitching decisions next season interesting.
Wow, Duensing is continuing his great pitching, giving up 3 hits and no runs through 6 today. He's seemingly the best starter the twins have right now.
I watched the whole game last night and wasn't too impressed with Manship's stuff. Fastball was around 89 and he wasn't locating his pitches really well. I think he's best known for his curveball, but he didn't locate it very well last night. That said, the outcome was great for his first start.
I watched the whole game last night and wasn't too impressed with Manship's stuff. Fastball was around 89 and he wasn't locating his pitches really well. I think he's best known for his curveball, but he didn't locate it very well last night. That said, the outcome was great for his first start.
Yea he's doing well, struck out 7 so far
However, Baker has been the best starter since the break, hands down
I think Scott Baker would disagree. But yeah, it seems like Duensing has stepped up his game since they pulled him out of the bullpen.
Did you see him get drilled in his first appearance with the Twins? Both Redmond and the umpire threw him a ball at the same time.
How about the horrible call today on Cuddyer's catch that could have been costly if Duensing wasn't on fire?