Article: Royals vs. Twins, 07/01/2012, 1:10pm

[jeffk]

Fun fact: as of that home run, Plouffe is hitting home runs at a higher rate per plate appearance than Jose Bautista. 11th in the AL in home runs even though he doesn't have enough PAs to qualify.

[Ultima Ratio]

You were indeed close. Now please predict whether Liriano can get out of this inning without any runs.

It doesn't look good, does it?

[sbknudson]

OK, time for the Twins to get 3-4 runs so the pressure won't all be on Liriano.

[glunn]

It doesn't look good, does it?

At least he limited the damage to one run. But 73 pitches in 4 innings suggests that he will not make it past the 5th or 6th inning. I am glad that the bullpen has had some rest.

[glunn]

Fun fact: as of that home run, Plouffe is hitting home runs at a higher rate per plate appearance than Jose Bautista. 11th in the AL in home runs even though he doesn't have enough PAs to qualify.

That is a very fun fact. I just wish Plouffe would hit more home runs against righties and with men on base.

[glunn]

According to pitchtrax that 3rd called strike on Span was a definite ball. Liriano has had several closer pitches all be called balls.

And Mauer strikes out looking on a pitch that pitchtrax shows was slightly outside. This ump hurting us.

[sbknudson]

Boy, we could have used that last inning - I'll take it now, though!

[Jocko87]

And Mauer strikes out looking on a pitch that pitchtrax shows was slightly outside. This ump hurting us.

The lollipop curve ball right down the middle that he took for the first pitch was the problem with that AB.

[glunn]

Nice double play, but Carroll is lucky that it was not Swisher coming at him -- Swisher might have broken Carroll's leg on that one.

[sbknudson]

Looks like Frankie is starting to lose it - c'mon, Drew, work your magic!

[glunn]

Looks like Frankie is starting to lose it - c'mon, Drew, work your magic!

Yes, I was just thinking the same thing. And it would be wise to get a reliever ready.

[sbknudson]

We'll see if Frankie comes out for the sixth. If he does, I bet they have a reliever ready to go, just in case, and pull him at the first sign of trouble. Our experience with Liriano this year is when it goes south, it goes south quickly and badly.

[glunn]

Nice work by Liriano to get the strikeout. Should Gardenhire send him back out for the 6th inning with 92 pitches already, or save his arm?

[glunn]

We'll see if Frankie comes out for the sixth. If he does, I bet they have a reliever ready to go, just in case, and pull him at the first sign of trouble. Our experience with Liriano this year is when it goes south, it goes south quickly and badly.

I would send out someone else and preserve Liriano's arm and era.

[sbknudson]

Wow! Just how big is this guy's strike zone when the Twins are batting?

[glunn]

This ump is killing us. BOOOOOO!

[Ultima Ratio]

Send him out on a short leash.

[glunn]

OK, Butera, make the doubters respect you.

[Ultima Ratio]

If Mastro can steal second, would you rather have Butera up or Dozier?

[Ultima Ratio]

Butera swings at two balls.... that's why we bat him in front of someone else.