Pitching and defense

[glunn]

I just noticed that the Twins have allowed their opponents the lowest number of runs of any team -- 30 runs allowed.

 

The Twins are also tied with the Dodgers for best run differential at 23.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/standings

 

Small sample size, but the pitching and defense seem promising so far.

 

[stringer bell]

Agreed, even though the Twins lost 2 of 3, the pitching held up well. Defense? I know it's kind of beating a dead horse, but the two non-starting outfielders are both suspect in the field. Ideally, the fourth OF is someone who can improve the corner outfield defense and hold his own in center, that is not DanSan or Grossman.

 

Sano and Polanco have been pretty good on the infield so far. Their backup (Escobar ) would likely be as good or better on defense long-term.

 

The bullpen has been surprisingly effective, but the two RH setup guys gave up the runs to the Sox. Belisle is a 36 year-old who has played for a different team each of the last four years and Pressly is an enigma--looking elite one day and then totally hittable the next outing.

[drjim]

It does seem that Stubbs would have been the guy to keep as a 4th OF. Not sure if they have a great option to fill that role at the moment.

 

I was in favor of giving DSan another chance early this year, but he has brought nothing to the table so far. No need to keep waiting.

[Vanimal46]

Dark Star used to say, "If you can pitch and play defense, you've got a chance to win the ballgame." 

 

As we move forward in the season, the pitching is going to regress and the offense is going to improve. It sure would be nice to win a few more close games while they're still at the top in run differential.  

 

[gunnarthor]

 

Dark Star used to say, "If you can pitch and play defense, you've got a chance to win the ballgame." 

 

As we move forward in the season, the pitching is going to regress and the offense is going to improve. It sure would be nice to win a few more close games while they're still at the top in run differential.  

 

Yeah, yesterday's loss was pretty painful.

[The_Phantom]

Defense and pitching go hand in hand and are a humongous priority. Since we have a great fielding team and a good defensive catcher this year we are going to be in position to win far more games.  

 

Twins have to stop losing these close games though. 

[bluechipper]

Yeah, yesterday's loss was pretty painful.

What was the logic in not walking Garcia? It seemed pretty obvious to me.

[gunnarthor]

 

What was the logic in not walking Garcia? It seemed pretty obvious to me.

Yeah, I'm not sure what Molitor is thinking so I'm not sure what moves are right or not.  I've given up on thinking Molitor can out manage the other team but I'm not sure if walking Garcia was the right move or not although I wanted him to do it at the time.

[TheLeviathan]

 

What was the logic in not walking Garcia? It seemed pretty obvious to me.

 

Pressley is arguably our best reliever.  With two outs are we going to walk every dude who we fear might get a hit?

 

At some point the problem then is the reliever, not the manager.