Article: Twins vs. Tigers, 07/04/2012, 6:05pm

[asmus_ndsu]

At least if they have fireworks after the game yknow it will be dark enough

[glunn]

I like our lineup tonight. I think we are a better fielding team with Casilla and Carroll for the time being.

Interesting that Gardy has no problem with 3 lefties at the top of the lineup, but insists on going righty, lefty, righty with Josh, Parmelee and Plouffe. I thought this would be a great chance to move plouffe to the 5 spot. Without messing with Justin's head.

You make a good point. Maybe there is a reluctance to do make any change that might affect Plouffe's hot streak.

[asmus_ndsu]

Am i off here or does plouffe remind anyone else of Bautista after he joined toronto? This Hot streak is going on a little longer than just a streak (even though i expect him to cool down just a bit eventually)

[minn55441]

You make a good point. Maybe there is a reluctance to do make any change that might affect Plouffe's hot streak.

I think Plouffe begins to press with men on base, as is indicated by his number of solo homeruns. I think he tends to relax with the bases empty. Just my opinion, but I don't think things would change much in the 5th vs the 6th spot.

[asmus_ndsu]

Looks like the rain may be past within the next hour, too late or wet to still play?

[USAFChief]

Anyone still here?

1-2-3 top of the first.

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

Do the Tigers have a rule that you have to be obese to play for them?

[Shane Wahl]

I still don't understand why Duensing was converted back into a starter. If someone says "out of necessity" they are uttering nonsense. Duensing was great in his role. Even a joker like Swarzak is better as a starter.

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

I still don't understand why Duensing was converted back into a starter. If someone says "out of necessity" they are uttering nonsense. Duensing was great in his role. Even a joker like Swarzak is better as a starter.

I was just thinking the same thing. He is essentially batting practice for right-handed hitters, and he has proven time and again that he is much better suited for the bullpen.

[sbknudson]

I still don't understand why Duensing was converted back into a starter. If someone says "out of necessity" they are uttering nonsense. Duensing was great in his role. Even a joker like Swarzak is better as a starter.

They tried Swarzak at the start of the season. He's ineffective as a starter, when teams know he's going to pitch and can prepare for him. He doesn't make the adjustments necessary to go through a lineup 3 times. He's most effective when he comes in in long relief and pitches 2-3 innings, going through the order once. If you don't want Duensing, fine, but then you need somebody else.

[sbknudson]

WHY isn't this guy playing more? Good shot, Parmelee!

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

Parmalee tattoos one to the next county, and the Twins are on the board. Verlander's reaction was priceless.

[sbknudson]

Oh, that doesn't look good. Duensing down and probably out.

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

That looked painful. Great play by Mauer though.

[sbknudson]

Man, we just can't get a starter past the 5th inning in this series. At least he was pitching well before he went down.

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

Hopefully Butera is ready to pitch an inning or two tonight.

[sbknudson]

Either Waldrop is afraid of the batters or he didn't take enough time warming up. He's nowhere near the strike zone.

[USAFChief]

The long Twins nightmare that is Alexi Casilla cannot end soon enough for my taste.

[NorthwestTwinsFan]

I can't figure out why Cabrera doesn't get plunked more often.

[stringer bell]

I still don't understand why Duensing was converted back into a starter. If someone says "out of necessity" they are uttering nonsense. Duensing was great in his role. Even a joker like Swarzak is better as a starter.

Duensing had pretty good success as a starter until last year, when he was brutal against RH batters. He was better vs. RHers out of the 'pen this year and it really is too soon to tell if that will carry over as a starter.

Certainly tonight, he well could have held the Tigers scoreless if either they had turned the easy DP or if Span had not misplayed Prince's Texas Leaguer.

Let's hope he isn't out longterm with the leg injury.