Game 61 - Twins vs Phillies - 6/13/12

[Bark's Lounge]

Yuck - this might be a long game for the Twins.

[SwainZag]

Spotting Hamels 6 runs is about close to get to automatic as you can get.

[thrylos98]

A couple of thoughts:

Walters looks to be not himself since pitch number 1. Something is wrong. Not to take yourself out of the game and staying and pitching BP and killing your team is inexcusable. (Pavano did the same thing too). Hope this is the last day of him in a Twins' uniform.

Jefferson Manship. I know there are a lot of fans here (Boras client and all), but the Twins can do better and there are more deserving arms in the minors.

Tonight really sucks so far

[sbknudson]

It may not have been Walters call - if it was a last minute thing that came up pregame, they might have decided to try it and see if it would be OK. The fact that Gardy came out so quickly tells me he probably had heads up there was a potential problem. The option is to throw Manship out there for an emergency start anyway, so you haven't lost that much (other than the 6-run first inning, of course.)

[glunn]

Yuck - this might be a long game for the Twins.

Let's at least hope that Plouffe stays hot.

[thrylos98]

It may not have been Walters call - if it was a last minute thing that came up pregame, they might have decided to try it and see if it would be OK. The option is to throw Manship out there for an emergency start anyway, so you haven't lost that much (other than the 6-run first inning, of course.)

If it was not Walters' call, the one who made that call while he was throwing mid 80s FB in the pen (because that's was he was throwing in the game) should be run out of town tonight big time.

[glunn]

It may not have been Walters call - if it was a last minute thing that came up pregame, they might have decided to try it and see if it would be OK. The fact that Gardy came out so quickly tells me he probably had heads up there was a potential problem. The option is to throw Manship out there for an emergency start anyway, so you haven't lost that much (other than the 6-run first inning, of course.)

I continue to wonder if the training staff is up to the job.

[sbknudson]

Word just came on the telecast. Walters had right shoulder stiffness, and couldn't get loose during the warmup. He'll have an MRI tomorrow.

[nicksaviking]

Jim Thome his improved his average from .214 to .289 in ten innings so far against the Twins.

[mike wants wins]

And yet they sent him out there. This team boggles the mind at times, really.

[Bark's Lounge]

Let's at least hope that Plouffe stays hot.

That goes without saying My prediction: 2-4, 2b and a single --- Hopefully: 5-6, 2 hr, 9 rbi

[thrylos98]

More dirt came out from Gladden (on the radio broadcast) : Apparently Walters "couldn't get loose" in the pen and "alerted Andy". Andy made the decision to start him. Andy needs to go yesterday for more than this, but this is totally unacceptable. Period.

[sbknudson]

Yeah, I don't know who makes those decisions - the manager, the pitching coach, the training staff. My guess is they were hoping it would loosen up and he might be able to get through the lineup at least once, take a few innings and reduce the workload on the bullpen a little. In hindsight, not a good call.

[Bark's Lounge]

More dirt came out from Gladden (on the radio broadcast) : Apparently Walters "couldn't get loose" in the pen and "alerted Andy". Andy made the decision to start him. Andy needs to go yesterday for more than this, but this is totally unacceptable. Period.

I suppose this situation calls for another "Yuck". Yuck.

[sbknudson]

His last couple of starts haven't been that great either - I'm guessing this is something that's been coming on gradually.

[glunn]

And yet they sent him out there. This team boggles the mind at times, really.

The training staff and coaches do not seem to be on the ball.

[SwainZag]

Plouffe!!! Beast!

[glunn]

That goes without saying My prediction: 2-4, 2b and a single --- Hopefully: 5-6, 2 hr, 9 rbi

You were too pessimistic my friend. He has already "Plouffed" with his first at bat. I am predicting a second "Plouffe" before the night is over.

[Bark's Lounge]

You were too pessimistic my friend. He has already "Plouffed" with his first at bat. I am predicting a second "Plouffe" before the night is over.

These are the times when I like to be wrong. Maybe my hopeful prediction is still sea worthy!

[sbknudson]

Not that I'm trying to defend the decision to send him out, but I'm guessing that the fact they had to use five pitchers from the bullpen last night played a role in rolling the dice and seeing if Walters could do anything.