Game Thread: Angels vs Twins, 4/17 @ 1:10 CT

[jimbo92107]

Kepler is going back to Rochester. Arcia's insurgence is a death knell for Buxton or Rosario. I hope it is not true, but I have made my peace with that scenario.

Very good point. When Oswaldo Arcia arrived in camp he looked lean, mean and determined to act like a professional. Even his defense suddenly looked pretty good. He's still got his macho air, but he's toned it down to a manageable level. Arcia's game-winning hit today was a perfect example of his new attitude. He wants to show that he can play like a team guy, not just a raging ego looking to pull every ball over the fence. The team didn't need a home run, so Arcia just put the bat on the ball for an oppo hit. If Arcia is ready to act like a professional, he could be a really good player. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

2015:

Alex Gordon removed for PR 8 times

Jose Bautista removed for PR 15 times

David Ortiz removed for PR or DEF 33 times

Albert Pujols removed for PR or DEF 20 times

 

These are just a few sluggers I decided to look up, so what is being done with Sano is not as uncommon as TD posters think.

Nice work.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Took awhile to read all these posts, but I'll say this, watching the game I thought Mollie made all the right moves. And all moves worked out. Great job by the pen, great recovery by Gibson, and the guys hung it there and pulled it out. What's really encouraging is guys going with the pitch once in awhile.

Yep. As critical as I've been in recent games, I thought today's moves (mostly) made sense.

[jimmer]

I think we can applaud Arcia for some offensive improvement without making things up like his defense is looking good :-)

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

It's a moniker that leads to a whole new hair style!

I looked online for funny images, and getting tasered in the head is actually a very gruesome, gruesome experience.

[stringer bell]

Can't find the post now, but Brock was talking about speedy guys and (I think) put Dozier on a par with Mauer while calling Escobar speedy. I think Dozier is speedier than Escobar and a better base runner. Mauer isn't that slow, but he's very conservative on the bases, sometimes to the point that he costs the team.  Behind Buxton and the DLed Santana, Nuñez is the next fastest runner IMHO, with Rosario close.

 

Moves made and not made:   I think I run for Sano. If that inning fizzles, he probably doesn't hit again and if the Twins score, they get a superior defensive outfield with a tie or late lead. I thought they should have considered running for Plouffe when he reached leading off whatever inning that was. Sticking with Gibson for seven was good. The bullpen usage was right on and O'Rourke was used in the role he should be used in. I presume Rodgers was next after Tonkin's nice outing.

 

I also wondered about hitting for Murphy. He had only a walk and a sacrifice. It worked out OK and I believe Murphy is superior to Suzuki as a thrower and his equal blocking pitches.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Dozier is a fringe case. He's not fast but he's smart... Hard to say what I would have done with him in that situation.

 

He's also not slow. He's just kinda... Medium speed, I guess.

[adorduan]

 

Right, so because it worked out this time that means it's the correct decision to take your best hitter out of every game that is late and close?
It kinda feels like you are being a bit results orientated. I'll hold you to that opinion just to make sure you aren't.

Sano sure as hell isn't the best hitter on the team at this point.

[SwainZag]

I saw this on Reddit today, and just had to share.

 

http://i.imgur.com/fc5rXDV.gif

[twinssouth]

First name Trevor, bats right handed, plays third base. 29 years old.

 

 

 

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant

[twinsnorth49]

So how about that Tonkin......pretty good eh?!!

[Brock Beauchamp]

So how about that Tonkin......pretty good eh?!!

I was down with giving Tonkin one more shot to see what he has in him.

 

Fien, not so much. You can put one of those guys in a pen to start the season but not two of them.