Minnesota Twins Discussion

[Vikes99ej]

I'm hoping that a lot of you Vikings fans are Twins fans too, so I thought I'd start a thread. Let's start the season off on the the right foot by beating the O's!!!

[DHVF]

Aside from the starting pitching, I really think it'll be interesting to see if Morneau can repeat what he did last year. I mean, he started out like absolute crap last year and for the most part (for lack of a better term) struggled to find that same swing during spring training. So will he be able to continue that? Without that same kind of production this year, we'd be doomed to a sub .500 year without question IMO. Yes the starting pitching is a major question, but so is he.

[The Dynasty]

Im a yankees fan being from NY but I do like to see Minnesota Teams do well.

[Vikes99ej]

Yeah, we'll see if Morneau can regain his old swing from last year. Mauer and Morneau were definitely our most consistent hitters last year. We'll need Torii Hunter to hit over .250 too.

[Severe Punishment]

End of the year division results.

1-Detroit
2-Chicago
3-Minnesota
4-Cleveland
5-Kansas City

We'll win 19-21 with Santana and 40 games with the castoffs and minor leaguers we're pretending are legit starting pitchers.
Morneau will end with fewere than 40 Hr's...Mauer's average still above
.300

[DHVF]

Wow back to back hrs by Hunter and Morneau. Too bad they were both solo shots.

[Vikes99ej]

I'm hoping that's all we need. With Santana, it should be.

[DHVF]

Damn, I guess not.

[thule]

It's early in the year...pitchers aren't in their groove no matter how good Santana is I wouldn't say thats all we need.

[Vikes99ej]

C'mon, Johan, let's get outta this.

[DHVF]

Damn that was an ugly inning.

[sweetness34]

Damn that was an ugly inning.

You mean the great Johan is struggling? No way Jose'.

[Vikes99ej]

You mean the great Johan is struggling? No way Jose'.

He always has one inning like that.

[DHVF]

You mean the great Johan is struggling? No way Jose'.No, it was more of the orioles getting lucky with some of their hits. Johan has actually looked very good for the most part IMO and has done a very good job of hitting his corners.

[Vikes99ej]

That was a scrumtrulescent catch.

[DHVF]

Got the lead back!

[DHVF]

Dammit, Morneau got thrown out again...Although he looked to have gotten in there safely.

[Crazy_Chris]

1-0 Baby!!! we are tied with the Indians and the Royals at the top Al Central lol

[Crazy_Chris]

End of the year division results.

1-Detroit
2-Chicago
3-Minnesota
4-Cleveland
5-Detroit

We'll win 19-21 with Santana and 40 games with the castoffs and minor leaguers we're pretending are legit starting pitchers.
Morneau will end with fewere than 40 Hr's...Mauer's average still above
.300

got detrioit on there twice by mistake...

heres how i think the AL Central ends up

1-Twins
2-Tigers
3-Indians
4-White Sox
5-Royals

Even with our Questionable Starting pitching we always seem to find a way to get the job done and win the Division like we have what 4 out of the past 5 seasons? We will just rely on our offense to support the pitchers more this year... Johan will have a 20+ win season leading to his 3rd Cy Young. Mauer will have a Batting Avg of .320+ Morneau has 30-40 HR's. and bats .300+ and Torii hunter gets another Golden Glove and has a .300+ batting avg with 30 HR's.

[Severe Punishment]

got detrioit on there twice by mistake...

heres how i think the AL Central ends up

1-Twins
2-Tigers
3-Indians
4-White Sox
5-Royals

Even with our Questionable Starting pitching we always seem to find a way to get the job done and win the Division like we have what 4 out of the past 5 seasons? We will just rely on our offense to support the pitchers more this year... Johan will have a 20+ win season leading to his 3rd Cy Young. Mauer will have a Batting Avg of .320+ Morneau has 30-40 HR's. and bats .300+ and Torii hunter gets another Golden Glove and has a .300+ batting avg with 30 HR's.
Last year was a fluke. This year the Tigers added Sheffield and kept all of their young arms on the squad and healthy. They're bullpen is alright and their a much better lineup from top to bottom. Losing Rogers hurt, I just think his 260-290 innings can get picked up much easier than what we needed to get from Fr. Liriano...and are now counting on 2 castoffs to get.
You vastly underestimate the Chisox and overvalue Cleveland.
Cleveland is in the same position we're in (roughly) having Siezmore to our Morneau and Hafner to our Mauer....we have Santana and they have Sabathia...our B.P. should keep us in 20-30 more games and should keep Cleveland behind us for another year.
Chicago / Detroit will battle most of the year for top dawg with the Twins and their crappy 2-4th pitchers looking up from behind.
....and if Torii Hunter has 30+HR's and a .300+ average I'll officially change my name on here to "Crazy_Chris_Is_God"....(it isn't happening)

[swagger]

It does no good to compare the Twins talent to other teams. They have made a living lately by beating teams with more talent. Last year their rotation was in shambles for much of the year and they still made an amazing comeback.

[Severe Punishment]

Last year they had Radke/ Santana and Liriano and went though
a few #4's including Bonser (who then was a virtual unknown)
To say they lacked talent is absurdly wrong and incorrect.
They got lucky, and benefited from being the underdog.
This year they're rellying on Santana (who I said would win and be successful) Boof Bonser / Russ Ortiz / Carlos Silva and Sidney Ponson
as their "rotation" this group would have trouble against state high school
competition. They won't find gold in their asses twice in 2 years.


I'll make a deal with ANYONE or EVERYONE on here who thinks the Twins will win the division.
They do win the division and I'll put whatever you want to as my sig line for an entire year.
However if the Twins don't come close (I'll even give ya 7 games) then
you put whatever I want in your sig for the same amount of time.

...this is just another case of the typical minnesota sports fan WANTING something so much they think they can will it to happen.

[Vikes99ej]

I think Bonser is better than people give him credit for. Silva is just bad, though, and Ponson is a disaster waiting to happen.

[DHVF]

Last year they had Radke/ Santana and Liriano and went though
a few #4's including Bonser (who then was a virtual unknown)
To say they lacked talent is absurdly wrong and incorrect.
They got lucky, and benefited from being the underdog.
This year they're rellying on Santana (who I said would win and be successful) Boof Bonser / Russ Ortiz / Carlos Silva and Sidney Ponson
as their "rotation" this group would have trouble against state high school
competition. They won't find gold in their asses twice in 2 years.


I'll make a deal with ANYONE or EVERYONE on here who thinks the Twins will win the division.
They do win the division and I'll put whatever you want to as my sig line for an entire year.
However if the Twins don't come close (I'll even give ya 7 games) then
you put whatever I want in your sig for the same amount of time.

...this is just another case of the typical minnesota sports fan WANTING something so much they think they can will it to happen.You know what, I'll take that, although I think we are moreof in a position for the wildcard.

[Crazy_Chris]

chalk up another win for the twins... Boof actually looked pretty good tonight other than the inning he gave up 2 i was actually surprised that they took him out of the game so soon

[Crazy_Chris]

...this is just another case of the typical minnesota sports fan WANTING something so much they think they can will it to happen.

Whats wrong about being excited about the only Minneasota team that seems to be consistently good year after year anymore?? dont be such a buzz kill lol... I think the twins have just as good a shot as anyone else we have a fairly young talented lineup, we have the arguably the best bullpen in the league, we have the best starting pitcher in baseball Johan Santana, and we also have one of the best closer's in the league Joe Nathan, and on top of all that we are one of the best at playing fundementally sound baseball... only knock is depth at starting pitching i think we have a very decent shot at winning the division... ill take your bet

....and if Torii Hunter has 30+HR's and a .300+ average I'll officially change my name on here to "Crazy_Chris_Is_God"....(it isn't happening)

Im holding you to that aswell :D

[Severe Punishment]

Whats wrong about being excited about the only Minneasota team that seems to be consistently good year after year anymore?? dont be such a buzz kill lol... I think the twins have just as good a shot as anyone else we have a fairly young talented lineup, we have the arguably the best bullpen in the league, we have the best starting pitcher in baseball Johan Santana, and we also have one of the best closer's in the league Joe Nathan, and on top of all that we are one of the best at playing fundementally sound baseball... only knock is depth at starting pitching i think we have a very decent shot at winning the division... ill take your bet

Im holding you to that aswell :D
QFT.

I'm not opposed to having faith and believing good things can happen, But there has to be some logic behind that as well. Last year we had 2 pitchers who'd proven they could throw 270 + innings and Liriano
who , was probably better than Santana was at the same age...being called up at the perfect time. Chicago peaked to early and fell off
Right now we're a team with 1 quality starting pitcher and not much else. I think Boof could be a solid #4 or a decent long relief pitcher.
Our bullpen is probably the best in the A.L. But if your starters don't make it to the 5th or longer....they'll burn up quick.
It would be nothing short of a miracle if we even finished 2nd this year.
Not saying impossible as much as I'm saying extremely improbabale.
either way , we have a bet :D

[Vikes99ej]

Hopefully we can get the sweep today. Time to see what Ramon Ortiz can bring to the table.

[DHVF]

Although I didn't see the game, the boxscore doesn't lie. Impressive 7-2 win for the Twins and extremely impressive start for Ortiz who went 7 and only gave up 2 runs for the W. 3-0!

[Vikes99ej]

That's what I'm talking about!!! Let's win this White Sox series next. They're not nearly as threatening as they have been the last few years.

[DHVF]

That's what I'm talking about!!! Let's win this White Sox series next. They're not nearly as threatening as they have been the last few years.
Yeah, there starting rotation really does not scare me at all. Also, Thome and Dye are over the hill and will not come close to repeating their numbers from last year.

[jag]

Just got back from the game, damn we destroyed them.

[Crazy_Chris]

yea that was a good game, sweep of the O's to start the season i would be estatic if we go to chicago and sweep them but i doubt that will happen... Also like what i saw from Ramon Ortiz to an extent it looked like he pitched a great game but it lie a bit because he threw A LOT of balls rather than strikes seems that he was behind in the count on pretty much every batter but other than that i was impressed

[Vikes99ej]

No game for today, too cold for baseball.

[Severe Punishment]

I was just hearing the other day that "no game had ever been called on the account of the cold"...I wonder if this really is the first time that's ever happened.

[Vikes99ej]

I was just hearing the other day that "no game had ever been called on the account of the cold"...I wonder if this really is the first time that's ever happened.

It sure is a strange reason to cancel a baseball game.

[Crazy_Chris]

Another win for us today went 1-1 against the sox Johan looked like his normal nasty self today ... next the Yanks come to town for a series of 3 their starting pitching so far hasnt even got out of the 5th inning this year i think we might actually have a good chance of sweeping them

[yodapoop]

Ponson goes against the Yankees tomorrow......

OMG! LOL! 14-2!

[The Dynasty]

Ponson goes against the Yankees tomorrow......

OMG! LOL! 14-2!

Yes, Go Yankees ;), God for the next 3-4 games I might be the most hated Vikings fan in this sub forum discussion lol. Pavano Better do good.

[yodapoop]

Yes, Go Yankees ;), God for the next 3-4 games I might be the most hated Vikings fan in this sub forum discussion lol. Pavano Better do good.

Well, tomorrow will prolly be more like 18-16 Yankees then. Sidney Ponson.....YIKES!

[Crazy_Chris]

Ponson goes against the Yankees tomorrow......

OMG! LOL! 14-2!

lol never mind ok 2-1... and give the twins lineup a lil bit more credit especially against the yanks starting pitching so far the game will end up being more like 15-10 lol

[Crazy_Chris]

they will be calling matt Garza back up here soon I imagine... and dynasty for the next three days you are my mortal enemy lol just kidding but the yanks are going down

[yodapoop]

they will be calling matt Garza back up here soon I imagine... and dynasty for the next three days you are my mortal enemy lol just kidding but the yanks are going down

They better call him up tomorrow. PONSON SUCKS! I am a Cardinals fan, take my advice. He'll prolly shut out the Yankees now that I said that, but hey.

[fischbowl]

I'm related in some crazy way to Scott Ullger.


Best of luck with Ponson, he was my favorite player and kinda still is.

[DHVF]

They better call him up tomorrow. PONSON SUCKS! I am a Cardinals fan, take my advice. He'll prolly shut out the Yankees now that I said that, but hey.

Take your advice? Nah, I think I'll take my chances with the lake of fire.

[Crazy_Chris]

They better call him up tomorrow. PONSON SUCKS! I am a Cardinals fan, take my advice. He'll prolly shut out the Yankees now that I said that, but hey.

I would be very very very thankful if you now caused him to shut the yankees out... can you help him with the rest of the season though?? lol

[DHVF]

I'm related in some crazy way to Scott Ullger.


Best of luck with Ponson, he was my favorite player and kinda still is.
Tell him to send Brad Paulson some memorabilia.

[yodapoop]

Take your advice? Nah, I think I'll take my chances with the lake of fire.

Good luck, don't come crying back to me when Ponson gives up 8 runs in his first 7 starts. Does that work Crazy Chris?

[Crazy_Chris]

lol we will just have to see... i still think they we will be seeing matt garza before ponson even gets 4 starts

[DHVF]

lol we will just have to see... i still think they we will be seeing matt garza before ponson even gets 4 starts
Eh, not if Garza continues pitching like he did today. I mean, 5 walks in 3.1 innings!?!?

[Crazy_Chris]

wow i didnt know that ... yikes

[Vikes99ej]

Let's go Boof!!!

[Crazy_Chris]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooffffffffffffff!!!!!!!!!!

[Vikes99ej]

Oh wait... Ponson is pitching today. ****.

[kmart]

Ponson couldn't of done much worse than he did..... hopefully this means Garza will be called up

[Vikes99ej]

Yeah, Ponson was a joke.

[DHVF]

I actually think Perkins might have a better chance of getting called up than Garza...though this is just based on each of their opening starts. 6 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 2Ks and a ND.

[Crazy_Chris]

yea ponson didnt do well today... but it wasnt as bad as it seemed that was just a sloppy game for the twins overall a lot of plays were missed that usually would be easy for the twins any day

[Vikes99ej]

Let's just forget about this series with the Yanks...

[The Dynasty]

Can A-rod get another Home Run?

[Crazy_Chris]

Ramon ortiz pitching today??.... i think a-rod hits 2 more

[DHVF]

Ortiz has been absolutely amazing. Anyone still doubt that he can be a good pitcher for us?

[Vikes99ej]

Ortiz has been absolutely amazing. Anyone still doubt that he can be a good pitcher for us?

I never doubted him. It was Ponson that I had my reservations about. Ortiz did a good job today.

[Crazy_Chris]

well we finally took one from the yanks yesterday thank god they didnt sweep us now we got the Devil Rays coming to town for a series of 4

[Crazy_Chris]

Ortiz has been absolutely amazing. Anyone still doubt that he can be a good pitcher for us?

i doubted Ramon Ortiz kinda still do but he is starting to impress me

[Vikes99ej]

Silva did a good job tonite against the D-Rays.

[DHVF]

Ha, the Rays baserunning is awful. lol

[DHVF]

Twins win off of a walk off homer by my friend Justin Morneau. Can you say clutch?

[Vikes99ej]

Twins win off of a walk off homer by my friend Justin Morneau. Can you say clutch?

Clutch! Great game. D-Rays basically handed it to us.

[Crazy_Chris]

clutch? ... can you say repeat MVP?? :D

[Vikes99ej]

Good pitching matchup today... Kazmir vs. Santana.

[Crazy_Chris]

johan will dominate... he will soon be 3-0

[Vikes99ej]

We need to switch Bonser and Ortiz.

[Crazy_Chris]

I agree Bonser looked pretty good his first start but since than hes gotten weak im starting to Like ortiz though

[Vikes99ej]

Bonser is so inconsistent. His control was terrible yesterday.

[Crazy_Chris]

i just wish we would of had Fransisco Liriano this year

[Vikes99ej]

i just wish we would of had Fransisco Liriano this year

No kidding.

[Crazy_Chris]

Carlos Silva Vs Felix Hernandez... looks like its gonna be a long night

[Vikes99ej]

Carlos Silva Vs Felix Hernandez... looks like its gonna be a long night

Long for the Mariners.

[Crazy_Chris]

yea actually turned out good for us... horrible for mariners seeing as to what happened to Hernandez tightness in the elbow doesnt sound too good

[Vikes99ej]

Neshek almost lost the game for us.

[Crazy_Chris]

yea close one... thank god for good ole joe nathan although he almost screwed up too but in the end he almost always comes through for us

[Vikes99ej]

I don't like Sidney Ponson.

[Crazy_Chris]

i dont think anybody likes him anymore but i see that they called up glenn perkins im intrigued to see if he gets ponsons next start now

[Crazy_Chris]

got the win today thank god we didnt allow the royals to take two in a row from us

[kgformvp21]

obviously viking ej dosnt know anything about baseball

[Vikes99ej]

obviously viking ej dosnt know anything about baseball

What the **** are you talking about?

[DHVF]

obviously viking ej dosnt know anything about baseball
Well of course. vikes99ej is a complete moron who generally sucks at life.

[Vikes99ej]

Well of course. vikes99ej is a complete moron who generally sucks at life.

I'll take that as a compliment?

[DHVF]

I'll take that as a compliment?
don't make me neg. rep you, you son of a gun.

[Vikes99ej]

don't make me neg. rep you, you son of a gun.

I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry.

[Severe Punishment]

How bout them Royals ? ....yuck. I will say that, although I knew
Sidney Ponson would be horrible, I have been impressed by
Ramon Ortiz.

I still don't think the likes of Jason Bartlet and Nick Punto can get on
enough to score and keep the Twins near the top.
I predict a 10 game stretch where they win 1 or 2 ...coming up real soon.

[kgformvp21]

ya your right punto and bartlett cant do anything good,its not like we finished first in the central divison last year.jeez

[Severe Punishment]

Last year the starters included Radke (250 innings) Santana (250 innings) and rookie phenom Fransisco Liriano.

If you for one second think it was a 3B who hit fewer than 10 HR's and
a 9 hitting SS were the main contributors for that team that won the division (which is a meaningless "reward" btw) then I have no further
use for discussing sports with you.

[kgformvp21]

well u should look at there defense bud.im not saying there why we won it im just saying if we had not won the american league central they wouldnt of been the reason why.

[kgformvp21]

defense wins games bud

[Severe Punishment]

hahahaha....you can't be any older than 10.

[TitleTown088]

I don't like Sidney Ponson.

I don't think you're alone on that one.

Man I'm going to cry when Torii leaves after this season.

[secondeye]

hahahaha....you can't be any older than 10.

What a shock, Severe Punishment is throwing around his close-minded opinions and insults again.

[Vikes99ej]

What a shock, Severe Punishment is throwing around his close-minded opinions and insults again.

No, this time it's for a good reason.

[kgformvp21]

hey vikings ej. you walk like a penguin. go watch wrestling or somthing.isnt that for ten year olds?

[Severe Punishment]

Let me clue you in on what it takes to win in baseball.

A:) Dominant starting pitching.
Take any W.S. champion and look at how their 2 aces "faired" over that season, then in the playoffs. It's no coinsidence that the most dominant
pitchers in the playoffs have teams that succeed
Last year the team had Liriano, Radke and Santana ....pretty sweet, and when they were healthy (after Liriano's call up) they were pretty dominant wouldn't ya say ? something like 28 and 5.
After Liriano got hurt...the team still had momentum AND (my next point)

B:) Good to great relievers.
After Liriano got hurt something called "Boof" was called upon to eat up innnings. Which he did. A successful series of 5 and 6 innings stints helped Gardenhire to a point where Pat Nechek and Matt Guirrier (sp) who
teams had limited or NO major league info on....were tossing an inning here and there setting things up for Nathan.

and to be successful you finally need

C:) Clutch hitting.
going 3 for 4 every 5th game helps the stat line up (after 4 days with 1 hit)...but give me a guy who goes 1 for 4 or 2 for 5 everyday and who makes those hits count (drives guys in , moves guys over..ect, ect)

The bottom line is, if your pitching is dominant you don't need anything more than an average player like Bartlett or Punto to contend.
You make it sound as if those 2 are really something special,...they're not.
There's hundreds of guys in the minors that could do exactly what they're doing ..and for the same low pay.

If the Twins were serious about winning (which they're not) they'd at least TRY to bring in a few legitimate players to fill the roster out.
As it is Pohlad is content with the 1 out of every 9 seasons of success
with "youthful unheardofs". and cast offs.

[kgformvp21]

if its not broken dont fix it

[Vikes99ej]

hey vikings ej. you walk like a penguin. go watch wrestling or somthing.isnt that for ten year olds?

You're ass is gonna get banned. Why don't you come up to me in real life?

[kgformvp21]

Stone Cold Steve Austin Ahhh. Wrestling Is For Losers Buddy Get A Life.,u Have Made Way To Many Posts.u Have No Life.

[Vikes99ej]

I hope we can get at least game out of this series.

[Severe Punishment]

If it ain't broke ???? Holy crap have you WATCHED the team since Liriano got hurt ?

This team has 1 legit starter....he's eventually going to break down (his last 2 dome starts are a mere glimpse of what's possible) and unless
Boof Bonzer / Ramon Ortiz and Sid Ponson magically turn into 3 great pitchers overnight , then this season will be a wash before the all star berak.

When you have a slew of superstars, then sure the guy or 2 that really aren't major league talents can be hidden. But you can't put out
a lineup like the 3 in the infiled last night (who the hell was that guy at 2nd base ? that guy is garbage) and Kubel in left and expect to win.
Seriously we got jobbed by the Royals and now the INDIANS are spanking us. This team just doesn't have enough talent to remain competitive in this division. reality is , is that unless, Mauer and Morneau carry this
team offensively AND the starters make it to the 6th inning every day
then this season was over before it started.

Let's have recap of how we've "replaced" the talent lost.
LF - Shannon Stewart / Lew Ford - Jason Kubel / Jason Tyner
Stewart was a legit .300 hitter with moderate gap power.
Ford had great range as a defender...good speed and was a very smart baserunner......
now Kubel and Tyner have "potential" to hit 15+ HR's...but they ground out way to often, swing at alot of bad pitches and aren't GREAT at anything...they are what they are. AVERAGE minor leaguers.
..but hey as Pohlad says "they don't cost as much"

and now the main reason why we'll be trash.

Starting Pitchers - Radke/Liriano - /Ortiz/Ponson
Radke was at one point a top 10 SP in the league....last year he was hurt (but managed to battle through it) and still gave us 250+ innings of QUALITY...Liriano, what more has to be said about the kid..prior to his injury he was THE most dominant starter in the league. And on the fast track to superstardom. They both logged solid innings ...keeping the bullpen fresh, and more often than not kept us close or kept us ahead.
We won alot of games last year with these 2 starting..by a single run or 2.

Now Ortiz and Ponson.
What else do I have to say ???? Ponson is absolute garbage...the guy belongs in Triple A. there's no reason Glen Perkins or Scott Baker aren't up here. Ortiz has been a pleasant suprise....but to say he's an adequate
replacement for Liriano is obsured. Ortiz will likely hit a wall and then these 2 will send the Twins straight to the cellar.

So the "if it ain't broke" only applies if your comparing apples to apples not apples to a pile of turds.

[Crazy_Chris]

If the Twins were serious about winning (which they're not) they'd at least TRY to bring in a few legitimate players to fill the roster out.

I hear what your saying but the Twins just dont have the money the Twins are already going to have a hard enough time keeping Hunter/Morneau/Santana we dont really have room to go get more legit playmakers.

[Crazy_Chris]

Ortiz has been a pleasant suprise....but to say he's an adequate replacement for Liriano is obsured.

pretty much no one is going to be an adequte replacment for liriano he is a phenom... But I'd be comfortable saying he is an adequate replacement for Radke atleast from what he has shown for now

[TitleTown088]

Another loss no KC, that's pitiful.

[Crazy_Chris]

well ponson started tonight so i was expecting another loss

[TitleTown088]

well ponson started tonight so i was expecting another loss

Dosen't help when the bats don't get going either.

[Crazy_Chris]

Thats true but ponson just plain sucks....

After seeing what happened today against the royals i hope torii is alright

[Vikes99ej]

Thats true but ponson just plain sucks....

After seeing what happened today against the royals i hope torii is alright

I think he's fine. He was joking about it later.

[Severe Punishment]

11 innings before they scored on the PITIFUL Royals ?
hahhahhahaha....My sig bet looks more and more like a lock to pay out
every series.

[Crazy_Chris]

11 innings before they scored on the PITIFUL Royals ?
hahhahhahaha....My sig bet looks more and more like a lock to pay out
every series.

Its still only april

[DHVF]

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site569/2007/0426/20070426__APTOPIX_Royals_Twins_Hunter_Injured_Base ball_MNJM10_612383926042007.jpg

Happy Halloween!

[Crazy_Chris]

Yay!! Ponson actually pitched a decent game today lol

[crazyisme]

i love how severe continues to show his lack of knowledge. Johan has always pitched average in April. His last two starts (where he did lose) consisted of a 4 runs in 7 innings and 3 runs in 6 innings, one of which was a quality start. If you consider that breaking down, I wonder what you think about 75% of the other pitchers in baseball who do worse than that an a regular basis....

[Vikes99ej]

i love how severe continues to show his lack of knowledge. Johan has always pitched average in April. His last two starts (where he did lose) consisted of a 4 runs in 7 innings and 3 runs in 6 innings, one of which was a quality start. If you consider that breaking down, I wonder what you think about 75% of the other pitchers in baseball who do worse than that an a regular basis....

I just ignore him. Johan always progresses throughout the season.

[Severe Punishment]

Exactly where did I say Santana is anything but "the 1 legit starter on this team" ?????

The Twins beat up the Devil Ray's...yippie...break out the champagne.

[Vikes99ej]

We need a win today. This little bad stretch is bummin me out.

[TitleTown088]

Justin Morneau, I want to have your babies.

[Severe Punishment]

Just poppin in to see how you're .500 team is treatin ya...yup, 17-16 right on course for a 75 win season. Keep soakin it in.... I won't say I told ya so.

[DHVF]

Just poppin in to see how you're .500 team is treatin ya...yup, 17-16 right on course for a 75 win season. Keep soakin it in.... I won't say I told ya so.There's 162 games in a season, half of which would be 81 and I'm pretty sure we're above .500.

[Severe Punishment]

SOMEONE QUICK GET THE DEVIL RAY'S BACK IN HERE...hahahaha.

I'm sensing a long stretch of losses here. I'm gonna say 2-9 in the next 11.

[TitleTown088]

**** Sidney!!

[Severe Punishment]

Where are the ubber homers who actually believe Jason Tyner , Jason Bartlett , Kubel, Punto and the other minor leaguers on this team are good
enough to compete with the White Sox, Indians and the East.

This team would lose to most high school teams right now.

I'm not worried though, during the offseason is when TRUE "minnesota fans" win their championships.

[TitleTown088]

Where are the ubber homers who actually believe Jason Tyner , Jason Bartlett , Kubel, Punto and the other minor leaguers on this team are good
enough to compete with the White Sox, Indians and the East.

This team would lose to most high school teams right now.

I'm not worried though, during the offseason is when TRUE "minnesota fans" win their championships.



I love how you say that those guys are minor leaguers when they were such a crucial parth of the Twins success last year. Now, I'm not implying these cats are all stars, but they compliment eachother nicely when they arn't in such a terrible slump like this. The problem is the Twins may simply have too many of these guys on the feild and batting at one time. However, the Twins are masters of small ball and this is how they have won games. Why abandon that philosophy after a slump like this? Nah, That slump last April destroyed the season..... time to abandon ship, right?
Wait wait wait, you know more about baseball than Ron gardenhire and Ryan.I mean, all these two guys have done is win the Central 4 out of the last 5 years with very limited resources.
You know how you always call everyone else idots and homers? Perhaps everyone else arn't the homers, rather you are.

[TitleTown088]

Damn the Twins finially got the bats going tonight.

[DHVF]

Damn the Twins finially got the bats going tonight.

Hopefully this breaks the batting slump we were in.

[Severe Punishment]

I love how you say that those guys are minor leaguers when they were such a crucial parth of the Twins success last year. Now, I'm not implying these cats are all stars, but they compliment eachother nicely when they arn't in such a terrible slump like this. The problem is the Twins may simply have too many of these guys on the feild and batting at one time. However, the Twins are masters of small ball and this is how they have won games. Why abandon that philosophy after a slump like this? Nah, That slump last April destroyed the season..... time to abandon ship, right?
Wait wait wait, you know more about baseball than Ron gardenhire and Ryan.I mean, all these two guys have done is win the Central 4 out of the last 5 years with very limited resources.
You know how you always call everyone else idots and homers? Perhaps everyone else arn't the homers, rather you are.
I'm sorry ...did the Twins win something last year ?

[Vikes99ej]

I'm sorry ...did the Twins win something last year ?

Ummmm.... just the Division.

[Severe Punishment]

That's my entire point. The Twins will always strive for "as little as it takes to keep the "true fans" coming back.

The division banners are like putting your kids pictures on the wall at home. They're cute for a while...but really have no value to anyone other
than the proud parents. It's like striving to mediocrity....when all they really need is for Pohlad to pry open the wallet and bring in some upper tier talent to support the farm kids. There's no question that this team is able to take good prospects and turn them into stars...but it has to be elite talent to begin with. Until the fans demand more..the team seems very content on having one of the 3 lowest payrolls while turning the turnstiles to the tune of 2 million people or more.

[Vikes99ej]

Well yesterday was a disaster.

[Severe Punishment]

SOMEONE QUICK GET THE DEVIL RAY'S BACK IN HERE...hahahaha.

I'm sensing a long stretch of losses here. I'm gonna say 2-9 in the next 11.
1-3 Since my prediction....2 More games with Cleveland and 3 against
the hottest team in the NL and then a series in Texas. Santana's been hit, Ponson has (for some odd reason) been demoted and Ortiz still looks like garabage. Unless Silva manages to dazzle over his next 3 starts...it looks like my prediction will turn into fact.

[Severe Punishment]

Make it 1-4....and your prideful hometown heroes are stinking up the diamond. Perhaps they should refer to their record as a crap-o-meter.

[Crazy_Chris]

And im sure you were saying the same at this time last season... were not even two months into the season relax... and Joe Mauer being on the DL sure isnt helping us get out of the slump, Redmond has played pretty well but hes nothing compared to having Mauer back

[Severe Punishment]

hahaha.... yeah , everything is okay. Rock yourself to sleep with that one

[Vikes99ej]

Yep, Severe, we're not even a third of the way through the season, but it looks like it is going to be a CRAP season. It's not like we had any stretches like this last year.

[Severe Punishment]

Start that hokey 60's Twins anthem for us EJ
"we're gonna win Twins , we're gonna score...."

Boy it sure would've sucked to have made that trade this offseason
for Dontelle Willis. I tell ya having Scott Baker in AAA "safe and sound"
is SOOOO much better for this team.

[Crazy_Chris]

Scott Baker's Not in Tripe A anymore, and he pitched Quite well in his first start

[Severe Punishment]

lol, 1 game. and the run of luck seemed to have worn out today....another loss.

[Vikes99ej]

I'm getting sick of these crappy, old veteran pitchers. We'd be better off just starting a bucnh of young guys like Baker.

[Crazy_Chris]

I'm getting sick of these crappy, old veteran pitchers. We'd be better off just starting a bucnh of young guys like Baker.

Well your wish has been fufilled... Kevin Slowey is to make his Major League Debut tomorrow against the A's

Minnesota Twins pitching phenom Kevin Slowey will take the ball for the big league club on Friday, as the team will play the Oakland Athletics...This season, Slowey has used his trademark control to become the top pitcher in a very pitcher heavy International League, posting a 1.54 earned run average in his nine starts. In those starts, Slowey tossed three complete games, walking only five batters in 64.1 innings of work. The young right-hander struck out 57 in that span, holding the opposition to a .200 batting average.

For some, the promotion of Slowey was a long time coming, as many believed he should have been in the rotation a month ago. His promotion also could signal the start of the Twins move to the youth in the rotation, as Matt Garza should follow him to Minnesota very soon.

- http://twins.scout.com/2/647939.html

[Vikes99ej]

God we got killed yesterday. We need Mauer.

[Crazy_Chris]

Yea Mauer will be a huge boost for this team when he returns....

The MLB draft was today, we Picked at #28 and we selected Ben Revere CF Lexington(KY) Catholic HS. He's only 5'9 152lbs small guy but its not like we haven't had luck with other short stature CF's.

[Vikes99ej]

Yea Mauer will be a huge boost for this team when he returns....

The MLB draft was today, we Picked at #28 and we selected Ben Revere CF Lexington(KY) Catholic HS. He's only 5'9 152lbs small guy but its not like we haven't had luck with other short stature CF's.

That must be Jason Tyner's cousin. So glad that we're trying to satisfy that power void that our team has by going after more quick, weak players.

[Crazy_Chris]

There are still many more rounds to the MLB draft that we can look to fill our power hitting needs... i don't know who else we selected because i didn't follow after the first round but im sure they will be searching for some more power

[Vikes99ej]

I have no idea who we have selected the last three years or so. The MLB Draft is not really something I pay attention to.

[TitleTown088]

The freaking nationals?

[Severe Punishment]

That must be Jason Tyner's cousin. So glad that we're trying to satisfy that power void that our team has by going after more quick, weak players.
Other than Mauer, I don't remember the last first round pick (that we actually signed) that made a significant contribution to this team.

[Severe Punishment]

The freaking nationals?
Dude, we have Boof Bonser as a top 2 starter...what did you expect ?

[DHVF]

Anyone like this:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f92/brad_663/mauer.png

[Severe Punishment]

Both very nice....would be ummmm nicer to have a certain Wild player that a certain someone told me they were making for me ;)

[Severe Punishment]

On the Twins, I actually went to the Carlos Silva 9 inning gem 2 days ago.
He still got in a ton of trouble (guys were on every inning but 2) but
he didn't lose his composure and just relly on throwing fastballs like he had
been. ...which is encouraging.

If he can manage 10 more games with at least 6 strong innings...this team
would be a much different one than it is.
I still don't think there's enough consistent starting pitching to make this squad a legit wild card team yet.....but I've been wrong before.

[DHVF]

Both very nice....would be ummmm nicer to have a certain Wild player that a certain someone told me they were making for me ;)
Ha, totally forgot about that. What exactly was the request again?

[Crazy_Chris]

On the Twins, I actually went to the Carlos Silva 9 inning gem 2 days ago.
He still got in a ton of trouble (guys were on every inning but 2) but
he didn't lose his composure and just relly on throwing fastballs like he had
been. ...which is encouraging.

If he can manage 10 more games with at least 6 strong innings...this team
would be a much different one than it is.
I still don't think there's enough consistent starting pitching to make this squad a legit wild card team yet.....but I've been wrong before.

thats the second Complete game that silva has pitched this year i like silva but he is just so inconsistent in his starts that it drives me nuts

[Crazy_Chris]

The freaking nationals?

don't be so surprised the Nationals have been playing excellent baseball lately... Today i heard an interesting note about the Nats since Alcohol was banned from their clubhouse they have gone 20-12 before it was banned they were 9-25

[Severe Punishment]

thats the second Complete game that silva has pitched this year i like silva but he is just so inconsistent in his starts that it drives me nuts
Now that his kid is born...I sort of expect him to be more consistent.
He needs to stop this nonsense belief that he's some dominant 1 pitch pitcher with "outstanding stuff" and do what he does best. And that's
use his sinker to get batters to hit he ball on the ground.
If he can get that mentality in his head, he could win another 6-9 games
easily.

[Vikes99ej]

I can't watch the Twins on TV until July 9th, so I'm depending on the local news highlights. Looks like we handled the Braves all right.

[Severe Punishment]

Erratic Silva strikes again.

[Vikes99ej]

Silva sucks. He has sucked for us the last three years or so that we have had him.

[Severe Punishment]

I'm not overly impressed with Slowey either....
Trying to come up with a 4 man rotation that would actually do well
in the playoffs.

So far it's
1) Santana
2)
3) Bonser
4) Baker / Slowey

Silva needs a new scene..either triple A for a while or a new team.
And we desperately need a solid #2. I'd love to think we'd trade for one
but knowing Pohlad I think theres a better chance that Silva wins the Cy Young this year than Pohlad / Ryan going and trading for a guy (ahem, Dontrelle Willis) who could potentially put us over the top.

[Tobzilla]

I think we need to go in another direction with Scott Baker...maybe start exploring some trade routes. He's had several opportunities and never sustained exceptional form.

SP - Give Slowey a break, his minor league stats are amazing and he's shown great control.

[yo123]

I think we need to go in another direction with Scott Baker...maybe start exploring some trade routes. He's had several opportunities and never sustained exceptional form.

SP - Give Slowey a break, his minor league stats are amazing and he's shown great control.



spoke too soon on Baker

[yo123]

Why is everyone hating on Carlos Silva? Hes pitching pretty good he has an ERA under 4. Hes only 5-8 but who wouldnt be with the kind of run support he gets. I think people are just remembering how bad he was last year when he has obviously improved.

[nbarnett56]

Leslie Parker, of Minnesota.Twins.MLB.com, reports the Minnesota Twins called up SP Matt Garza Thursday, June 28, and he will be available out of the bullpen Friday, June 29. Garza will also make a spot start for the Twins when they have a doubleheader Friday, July 6.

[Crazy_Chris]

Pohlad / Ryan going and trading for a guy (ahem, Dontrelle Willis) who could potentially put us over the top

The marlins GM said he would not even think of trading Dontrelle Willis... I really dont know anyone else on the market right now that is what we need

[Tobzilla]

spoke too soon on Baker

He's too up and down, you never know what you're going to get. I still stick to my words.

[yo123]

He's too up and down, you never know what you're going to get. I still stick to my words.



still sticking to your words?

[Crazy_Chris]

I am now predicting that Justin Morneau will win the Home Run Derby tonight

[princefielder28]

Twins fan interested???
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11220

[Vikes99ej]

I wish we could somehow keep Torii Hunter.

[Crazy_Chris]

Don't we all wish that....... We got traded luis castillo today to the mets for 2prospects a pitcher and an outfeilder. Whos going to be the leadoff man now?

[Vikes99ej]

Don't we all wish that....... We got traded luis castillo today to the mets for 2prospects a pitcher and an outfeilder. Whos going to be the leadoff man now?

Jason Tyner maybe?

[Crazy_Chris]

yea i guess so... i didn't know castillo was to be a f/a agent till i heard them talk about the trade so i guess this makes the trade an alright one

[Crazy_Chris]

very very very very bad news :( Johan is infuriated with the how the twins orginization did buisness at the trade deadline this doesn't sound good at all

These were Johan Santana's words Tuesday after the non-waiver trade deadline passed without another trade: "I'm not surprised. That's exactly how they are. That's why we're never going to go beyond where we've gone."..."It's not just about hope," Santana said. "In a realistic world, you have to really make it happen and go for it.

"You always talk about future, future. ... But if you only worry about the future, then I guess a lot of us won't be part of it," Santana said.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner wasn't smiling.

http://www.startribune.com/179/story/1336318.html

it's a big article and it sounds very bad.

[TitleTown088]

very very very very bad news :( Johan is infuriated with the how the twins orginization did buisness at the trade deadline this doesn't sound good at all



http://www.startribune.com/179/story/1336318.html

it's a big article and it sounds very bad.

He's as good as gone after his contract is up if you ask me. He'll requirebe too much scrilla.

[Crazy_Chris]

Might not even be that long. if we're not in the race next year i expect a big trade involving him...I just hope Fransico Liriano comes back at full strength and is still the Phenom that he was last year cuz if not we are in trouble.

[Cunningham]

just wanted to note that Johan got his first gold glove today, here's hoping for a good off season

http://rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=226029

[Crazy_Chris]

The offseason isn't going to be fun knowing the chances are severely slim chance we sign Torii Hunter.

[DHVF]

just wanted to note that Johan got his first gold glove today, here's hoping for a good off season

http://rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=MLB&hl=226029
Eh, I doubt anything positive happens. I mean, we are almost certainly losing Hunter and Silva (not bothered by losing Silva at all) and could very well see Johan get traded. I dunno what Bill Smith has brewing, but I have a feeling it won't be well received.

BTW, on the gold gloves, how in the hell did Ivan win it this year when he was near the stop in stolen bases allowed? God, that type of **** pisses me off.

[Cunningham]

if this boston deal goes through, i'm going to bust a nut if we dont get Ellsbury in return

[swagger]

The Twins piss me off. There is just no rhyme or reason to what this team does. First they dump Castillo mid-season for next to nothing, seemingly to put some of the profit towards a long term deal. But then we let Torii go for nothing. And now we are trading Johan.

There is just no end in sight to this team's cheapness. The Tigers just got a lot better today, acquiring Cabrera and Dontrelle.

[Cunningham]

The Twins piss me off. There is just no rhyme or reason to what this team does. First they dump Castillo mid-season for next to nothing, seemingly to put some of the profit towards a long term deal. But then we let Torii go for nothing. And now we are trading Johan.

There is just no end in sight to this team's cheapness. The Tigers just got a lot better today, acquiring Cabrera and Dontrelle.
pohlad can make it frustrating no doubt but there is a reason for it. he never puts more money into the twins than the revenue he gets back in return, which is how he became rich in the first place. if the twins are able to maintain revenues up until the new ballpark opens, and add to that the money freed up by losing Santana and Hunter, we'll be able to bring in big names and sign our current ones to long term deals.

[Crazy_Chris]

The one move the frustrated me the most is just letting TorIi Hunter leave. If we had sign Torri Hunter i would like our chances this year considering Francisco Liriano will be coming back. But now that he let hunter go i think we need to rebuild and ship Santana for some good players however im not really crazy about the offer the redsox have on the table i would be upset if we accepted it without both Lester & Ellsbury.

[Vikes99ej]

Like I said in the MLB Thread, the Royals will finish higher than the Twins.

[crazyisme]

The Twins piss me off. There is just no rhyme or reason to what this team does. First they dump Castillo mid-season for next to nothing, seemingly to put some of the profit towards a long term deal. But then we let Torii go for nothing. And now we are trading Johan.

There is just no end in sight to this team's cheapness. The Tigers just got a lot better today, acquiring Cabrera and Dontrelle.

Castillo is old and below average at best and his contract was up. No one in hell would i want the Twins to spend a freaking nickel on him this offseason, so whether you like it or not, getting those 2 prospects is much better than just letting him walk this offseason, that was an excellent move by the Twins.

Well, we do get 2 draft picks for Hunter, and im sorry, but the Twins offer was reasonable, if he was as loyal to minny as he claimed he was, he would have taken it. The angels vastly over paid, 5 years for a 32 year old CF who is coming off a career year? not to mention 18+ mil per year? The angels are going to be kicking themselves and stuck a major contract in 2/3 years when hunter will fade into nothingness...im glad as hell the twins didnt offer anything close to that to keep hunter

as for johan, trading him isn't a guarantee as of now, the Twins are still gonna make an attempt to sign him, however, if the Twins get an extraordinary deal (nothing thats been offered as of now) the Twins would be dumb not to take it.

Pohlad isn't as evil as most Twins fans would lead you to believe, the Twins are 28th in the MLB in yearly revenue according to Forbes, and Pohlad spends more of his revenue than George does! Problem is, the Twins have a natural handicap, their small market. The Twins dont get the same type of media contracts as New York, Boston, LA, places like those. Spending 25 million on a pitcher which would be more than a quarter of our payroll, would be nuts.

if the Twins can get a good package of some nice young, cheap controllable players, they will honestly be much better off....but ill admit i still am holding out hope that we find a way to keep johan, it always sucks seeing a stud like him leave

[crazyisme]

pohlad can make it frustrating no doubt but there is a reason for it. he never puts more money into the twins than the revenue he gets back in return, which is how he became rich in the first place. if the twins are able to maintain revenues up until the new ballpark opens, and add to that the money freed up by losing Santana and Hunter, we'll be able to bring in big names and sign our current ones to long term deals.


Pohlad got rich by forclosing on peoples farms during the great depression.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Twins fans. AIM me at RunninVick7. ASAP.

[thule]

Why?......

[DHVF]

Why?......
Prolly something to do with Santana getting traded to the Mets.

[Xiomera]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-01-29-twins-mets-santana_N.htm

Thank you for trading Santana to the NL. I love the Twins!

[ATLDirtyBirds]

Prolly something to do with Santana getting traded to the Mets.



Maybe. Someone talk to me!

[Vikes99ej]

Twins fans. AIM me at RunninVick7. ASAP.

Just go on IRC.

[The Dynasty]

Wrong NY Team...But Im happy the Yankees get to keep Melky. Anyways...Its probably a good thing for him to get traded before the spring training.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

I'm going to need CONSTANT Carlos Gomez updates. I mean everything. The kid is going to be a star. I want to know when he has a bowel movement.

[yodapoop]

I'm going to need CONSTANT Carlos Gomez updates. I mean everything. The kid is going to be a star. I want to know when he has a bowel movement.

I am alerting the police.....

[DHVF]

I'm going to need CONSTANT Carlos Gomez updates. I mean everything. The kid is going to be a star. I want to know when he has a bowel movement.Roger, we have movement!

[Cunningham]

can't wait for the game tomorrow night despite livan hernandez being our opening day starter. on the plus side, he's chunky and fields groudballs with his feet from time to time.

[Vikes99ej]

I'm looking forward to seeing how Carlos Gomez does. As long as he bats better than, say .275, I'll be content.

[thule]

I heard a rumor a couple of days ago that Nathan was inked has it happened officially yet?

[DHVF]

I heard a rumor a couple of days ago that Nathan was inked has it happened officially yet?Yeah, 4 years, 47 million. And I am amped as well for the season. If Gomez can hit .275, I would b ecstatic, cuz that would mean just a ton of stolen bases.

[Vikes99ej]

Gomez is a studddd

[Cunningham]

so far the season has been what i expected, playing around .500 baseball. some early thoughts....

-it looks like tolbert will take over for everett. everett has the nod defensively of course but tolberts offense and his upside should give him the edge
-i'm still waiting to see some power out of mauer and young, who seems to have fallen into a slump
-livan hernandez has been surprisingly strong and has three wins already. the rest of the rotation still has a lot of question marks. assuming everyone stays healthy, either boof, blackburn, or slowey will be sent down
-liriano didn't have a great return yesterday. it did look like he has decent velocity and his delivery is much more smoother. i'm not too worried about him
-we may not have been fleeced as much as people where initially thinking in the santana trade. gomez has impressed and should improve with playing time. deolis guerra could be very special as well

[Crazy_Chris]

Well I felt we should have got more for Johan but I tried to give them the benefit of the doubt because of the results of some of their past trades that worked out well.

[Cunningham]

somehow we're currently leading the division.

[TitleTown088]

somehow we're currently leading the division. Half game back I thought?

[djp]

Half game back I thought?

Time of post : May 5th

[Vikes99ej]

I <3 Alexi Casilla.

[ATLDirtyBirds]

How's Gomez doing? I know Guerra and Humber haven't done all that well.

[yo123]

How's Gomez doing? I know Guerra and Humber haven't done all that well.



Decent. He hasn't been running much lately for whatever reason, although he had two steals last night. He still is very impatient and tries to do too much at times, but he's very young and the patience will hopefully come around. Batting around .270 with 20 steals.

[The Dynasty]

I found out today that i will be probably seeing the Twins in cleveland this july. Although im a yankee fan i will probably be rooting for the Twins because of being from Minnesota. Which should be cool.

[Crazy_Chris]

Yesterday or the day before I heard Buster Olney talking about the Twins on sportscenter. Buster mentioned that he expects the Twins to call up Francisco Liriano back up pretty soon. I hope thats true if he were to come back at even only 80% of his 2006 form he would be a big boost for us.

[DHVF]

Yesterday or the day before I heard Buster Olney talking about the Twins on sportscenter. Buster mentioned that he expects the Twins to call up Francisco Liriano back up pretty soon. I hope thats true if he were to come back at even only 80% of his 2006 form he would be a big boost for us.
IDK, judging by his last two starts, I still fear that he isn't ready. Although for that matter, I'm not sure what ready is as I don't think he'll ever be near the level of dominance that he was in 06.

[Crazy_Chris]

I don't know what to expect I don't really even know how he is doing in the minors. But if they on the verge of calling him back up I guess they see some improvement they like.

[djp]

Here is the problem with Liriano. Traditionally, pitchers who have TJ surgery come back in two years after the surgery with similar velocity and sometimes even increased velocity.

Because of Liriano's post-injury mechanics (aka no more inverted L and doesn't load on his elbow so much), I don't think he'll ever reach 91 MPH on his slider or 97 on his fastball like he did pre-injury.

I still think, that if he can develop his changeup more (he's at about 20%/20%/60% on his pitch distribution now), he can be a very good pitcher in the majors.

Are we ever going to see Franchise strike out 13 batters in 8 innings again on Felix Hernandez-type stuff? I doubt it, but I don't think he's going to fade away into oblivion either. I see him becoming a Kelvim Escobar kind of guy.

I do think that he will have more arm problems in his career, but not again for another 6-7 years.

[djp]

Aaron Hicks 5-20 in his first 20 pro at-bats.. with 5 strikeouts.

We really need to work on developing patience at the plate with our young hitters. It's crippling Parmelee.

As far as the major league club goes, it's absolutely incredible that we're only a half game out with the team that we have. Incredible that it took this god damn long for Gardy to start playing players not named Mike Lamb and Adam Everett. It's pretty sickening to think of the similarities between 08 and 06. I don't think we have quite the starting pitching we had in '06, but if Delmon can start driving the ball and if Gomez and up that OBP 20 or so points, we're going to be a much better offensive club than we were. It's very important that we're not top heavy because once it starts getting real serious they are just going to pitch around Mauer and Morneau.

Also, vote 25 times for Mauer and Morneau for the All-Star game! Don't let .230 hitting Jason Varitek play over Joe!

[Crazy_Chris]

Ha, ya same here I am shocked we got back in the race for the division so quickly I was very pesimistic after getting our asses kicked by the White Sox a while ago.

It will be a absolute shame if Jason Varitek starts over Joe Mauer, but its hard to compete with the Red Sox Nation in voting. If the Twins weren't a small market team it wouldn't even be a contest.

[Crazy_Chris]

Apparently Francisco Liriano is starting to heat up in Triple-A Rochester his last 2 starts he has pitched 13 scorless innings allowed 6 Hits with 16 Strikeouts.

[Cunningham]

congrats to jason, also known as justin morneau, for winning the home run derby.

[Vikes99ej]

congrats to jason, also known as justin morneau, for winning the home run derby.

Yeah, I love it. Basically a big middle-finger to ESPN. They wanted Hamilton to win.

[The Dynasty]

This past Weekend I went down to cleveland for a vacation and went to the saturday and sunday games of Twins @ Indians. Wow Denard Span is one amazing defensive outfielder. Those two catches yesterday were great. Pitching was good and Offensive was good as well. Very fun to go to a game and not care about the outcome but Glad too see a Minnesota Team win.

Before the game I went down to seek autographs from the players and the first night wasnt as lucky as sunday. I ended up with 7 Autographs. First night i got Denard Span and thats it. The next day it started out slow but quickly picked up. I ended up Scott Baker, Brian Bass, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Kevin Slowey, and Joe Nathan. Justin Morneau signed like 4 things day one and then signed like 10 things day two but he never looked my way.

So If you guys could tell me if any of these guys are good other than Span, Nathan and Baker which I knew about.

[the_Kid]

Matt Guerrier is very good i think he almost made the all star team last year.

[RollingMoss]

Matt Guerrier is very good i think he almost made the all star team last year.


I like Guerrier too, but..uh....no. Maybe he was on that "fan vote for the last player thing" - I think it was Neshek actually, but could be wrong, who knows - but even if he was on that, doesn't mean he was almost an all star. He's a middle reliever. Very good middle reliever, but not an all-star.

[TitleTown088]

No posts since July??????

Come on guys let's get Denarded in here. Big game going on right meow.

[princefielder28]

typical minnesota sports fan...

[Vikes99ej]

Telli Hughes is the man.

[yo123]

Carlos Gomez is probably the best interview in sports.

[bearsfan_51]

Carlos Gomez is probably the best interview in sports.
http://www.bossip.com/wp-content/uploads/teeth-mike-tyson-400a071807.jpg

[Cunningham]

tough, tough loss tonight. pitching was great but the offense took the night off. at least mauer came away with his second batting title. that's pretty amazing for a twenty five year old catcher. it's too bad morneau had to end his season on a slump or else he had a good shot at winning his second mvp award.

all in all it's been one helluva season. can't be disappointed with where this team ended up considering how many predictions there were of us finishing last or second to last in the division. to make the strides we did this season despite losing our best pitcher and everyday player from last year is pretty incredible. a lot of good things to look forward to next year. hopefully we can get mauer signed long term and keep everyone healthy during the offseason.

[jimmylishis]

Carl Pohlad just died

http://www.startribune.com/business/37106499.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUHK:uUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

[bearsfan_51]

That sucks, a lot of Twins fans disliked Pohlad, but he spent more % on payroll than the majority of baseball owners, Steinbrenner included.

Plus he seemed to have a great personal story and contributed a lot to charities. Rest in peace old man.

[fischbowl]

That sucks, a lot of Twins fans disliked Pohlad, but he spent more % on payroll than the majority of baseball owners, Steinbrenner included.

Plus he seemed to have a great personal story and contributed a lot to charities. Rest in peace old man.

Don't you mean the least amount of $. 4th richest man in the world who maintained the most frugal of organizations.

The fact that he offered the team up for contraction is the biggest issue however

[Vikes99ej]

I didn't like Pohlad. He was a tight-ass penny pincher. Nevertheless, rest in peace.

[TitleTown088]

At leased he left us with the gift of RA Dickey

[djp]

At leased he left us with the gift of RA Dickey

Dickey was actually real good as a reliever. He'll be a mop-up guy but at least he's not Brian Bass.

It really shocks me how poorly run the Twins are sometimes.

You are telling me we couldn't beat Cleveland's package for DeRosa or offer similar money to sign Burrell and move Kubel for some more bullpen help?

Not to mention Mauer needs a new deal, fast. He needs to be locked up before he sniffs the open market.

[Vikes99ej]

Dickey was actually real good as a reliever. He'll be a mop-up guy but at least he's not Brian Bass.

It really shocks me how poorly run the Twins are sometimes.

You are telling me we couldn't beat Cleveland's package for DeRosa or offer similar money to sign Burrell and move Kubel for some more bullpen help?

Not to mention Mauer needs a new deal, fast. He needs to be locked up before he sniffs the open market.

Are you surprised at all? This team relies on the prospects way too much, and they overvalue them when it comes to the trade market.

[bearsfan_51]

Don't you mean the least amount of $

No, I don't. How much money he's worth? Are you ******* serious? Why would he take the money he's earned in other businesses and lose it by spending it on the Twins. It's unheard of for an owner to continually lose money. If you think one does, you're wrong.

What I said, and what is true, is that if you look at how much money the Twins brought in, and how much they were worth, the Twins organization spent a larger % on payroll than the majority of franchises in baseball, including the Yankees. The idea that Pohlad is cheap is both wrong and stupid quite frankly, unless you expect owners to buy teams so they can lose their money.

If you don't like him for the contraction thing, that's entirely justified, but he's not cheap.

[bearsfan_51]

It really shocks me how poorly run the Twins are sometimes.
The Twins are one of the best run organizations in baseball. I say this as an Indians fan.

[narf029]

I liked Pohlad until the contraction thing. But that's when the Twins rallied together and started winning the division. It was like watching Major League or something the way the garbage players I've been watching started winning games. Overall I'll miss Pohlad and I appreciate all he's done for the franchise. It's a shame he won't be able to see the new stadium.

And yes, if you think a team is poorly run because it consistently brings up pretty good pitchers and continues winning on home grown prospects, start watching the Yankees. I understand the frustration of watching all these guys move around when we could use them, but I trust the Twins front office more than I trust my own opinion.

[djp]

I liked Pohlad until the contraction thing. But that's when the Twins rallied together and started winning the division. It was like watching Major League or something the way the garbage players I've been watching started winning games. Overall I'll miss Pohlad and I appreciate all he's done for the franchise. It's a shame he won't be able to see the new stadium.

And yes, if you think a team is poorly run because it consistently brings up pretty good pitchers and continues winning on home grown prospects, start watching the Yankees. I understand the frustration of watching all these guys move around when we could use them, but I trust the Twins front office more than I trust my own opinion.

We are lucky we have a good scouting department because our upper level management is horrible.

I'm sorry, but there's no way we could have traded for DeRosa/Beltre, signed an at least serviceable set-up man/middle relief guy, re-sign Mauer long term, and figure out what the hell we are doing at third base and shortstop?

If we fail to re-sign Mauer, I will have lost all faith in the Twins.

They use no sabermetric numbers/philosophies and it shows when they put out Carlos Gomez at 20 years old at leadoff and expect the kid to succeed. They also wonder why guys with high home runs allowed rates and no strikeout potential fail in the bullpen and blow games...

He's at least a year away still, and watch, he'll be terrible again this season and we'll get rid of him. Kid needs to be in AAA figuring out what is coming at him at the plate.

I realize it's tough to compete in today's market. But there are still things that can be done that don't cost $20M to fix.

The problem is, the organization is fine with being just average. It's like they say "Well hey, we have a tiny payroll, being a .500 team is good enough. Let's not try to improve our team anymore."

[Vikes99ej]

We signed Mauer to a four-year deal in 2007, which means he should be under contract until after the 2010 season.

[djp]

We signed Mauer to a four-year deal in 2007, which means he should be under contract until after the 2010 season.

So you want Mauer to go into next offseason as a UFA the year after that?

I sure don't.

[Vikes99ej]

So you want Mauer to go into next offseason as a UFA the year after that?

I sure don't.

No, I'm just saying we have a good two years to get something worked out. I guarantee the Twins would never let Joe Mauer get away.

[narf029]

When we signed Mauer we assumed he'd do what he's done the past few years. If we wanted to renegotiate a contract with him when there were 2 years left on his contract, we would have offered him a big money long term deal. Resigning Mauer isn't a big deal this entire season, we can handle that next offseason. It is certainly not rare for superstars to get to the offseason before their free agency. It's actually expected, unless said superstar is unfairly underpaid and performing miles ahead of what is expected of him.

[TitleTown088]

Mauer is playing lights out.

He's such a stud. When he walks into any bar in the twin cities area girls do this.

http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/03/12/south-park-the-jonas-brothers-rock-out/

[djp]

Mauer is playing lights out.

He's such a stud. When he walks into any bar in the twin cities area girls do this.

http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/03/12/south-park-the-jonas-brothers-rock-out/

He is looking at a $20-25M per year salary at this rate...

He's on pace for 219 hits, 37 doubles, 59 home runs, 176 rbi, 95 BB, 73 SO, .417 avg, .500 OBP, .819 SLG, 1.319 OPS

[TitleTown088]

He is looking at a $20-25M per year salary at this rate...

He's on pace for 219 hits, 37 doubles, 59 home runs, 176 rbi, 95 BB, 73 SO, .417 avg, .500 OBP, .819 SLG, 1.319 OPS
He may take a hometown discount... I hope.