Optimism

[drjim]

The Angels without Trout are bad, but if Gibson can be a functioning backend starter that really helps this team going forward. Gives them a legitimate shot every night against most teams.

[jimbo92107]

Gibson showed last night why the Twins don't want to give up on him. His stuff can be dominant, but only if he mixes it up better and pitches inside. His pitching slump had everything to do with nibbling the outside corner and being too passive about making the hitter move his feet and chin away from the plate. For one evening at least, we saw what Gibson can do when he pitches with an assertive attitude. He didn't throw at anybody, but he did pitch inside, and the result was gratifying to watch. 

 

On the other hand, Gibson appeared totally gassed after about 82 pitches. Suddenly his command was practically gone, and he barely made it through 6.2 innings. These guys are supposed to be in physical shape to throw a strong 100 pitches, aren't they? It's not like asking them to compete in an Iron Man competition. We're not asking them to be Roger Clemens and fire high 90's heat for 120+ pitches. Gibson is an excellent athlete, but it looks like he needs to build up more stamina. 

 

Back to optimism. Randy Rosario, y'all! That's a hot young hurler with a very live arm. Looks like he can spot his 93mph heat low and outside to righties, and his slider has a wonderful down and in tilt that will get tons of whiffs. In the lineup, Grossman looks like he's blossoming into a real pro, Kepler looks like der uberphenom, Sano continues to crush balls and make plays at third, Mauer appears to be finally symptom free, swinging a deadly bat and playing gold glove 1B, while Polanco and Eddie Rosario are scratching out key hits and making plays on defense. 

[KirbyDome89]

 

On the other hand, Gibson appeared totally gassed after about 82 pitches. 

He isn't used to lasting longer than a couple innings. Give the guy a break...

[DaveW]

He isn't used to lasting longer than a couple innings. Give the guy a break...

IALTO

 

It was also against a terrible lineup. I would pump the breaks when it comes to Gibson imo.

[drjim]

IALTO

 

It was also against a terrible lineup. I would pump the breaks when it comes to Gibson imo.

If you go from park to 5mph, no need to pump the brakes too hard.

[jimbo92107]

 

IALTO

It was also against a terrible lineup. I would pump the breaks when it comes to Gibson imo.

If Gibson can pitch 5 innings like that per outing, he's a very valuable pitcher. I was just observing that he seems to lack the stamina for today's standard of starting pitchers. It's not like he's throwing high 90's gas, either.

[yarnivek1972]

He was better, but let's keep in mind who he was pitching against. The angels are a mediocre offense with Trout and now have very little with Trout hurt. Gibson was better last night, but he benefited from his own smart play to gun down a runner at third and really benefited from Pujols' lack of speed that lead to two double plays. He has very little chance of success against a deep lineup like Houston , Boston or New York. I'd love to see him pitch 5 innings like that every time out but the chances of that actually happening appear to still be pretty slim.

This, exactly. The Angels without Trout are barely better than a AAA offense. Gibson still couldn't get out of the 6th despite a 7-0 lead. 8 baseruners in less than 6 IP against THAT offense is nothing to be impressed with IMO.

[bird]

 

Optimistic, yes! I had no illusions of a playoff team however it is certainly possible. I see a team that is growing before our eyes. I think that is what most of us wanted this year. The comparison of the '15 Astro seems appropriate, but with different warts. While there's disappointment with the offseason bullpen moves it seems they are at least sifting through the chaff in the system. I'll give them a bit more time sorting that out, but that's my nature. This team reminds of watching.my grandchildren grow up. Exacting!

 

 

Despite the obvious pitching challenges, I find it impossible not to feel extremely grateful as I watch this team come together. This may sound odd, but for me, a lot of baseball is about esthetics, and for the most part, this team can be beautiful to watch. We had a long drought of ugliness. Last year was often literally unwatchable. Especially rewarding is the outfield defense, but we get to see some beautiful swings and some decent artistry on the mound. Give me some more strikeouts from our pitching and a few less strikeouts from our hitters and I'll be ecstatic.

[bird]

 

The Angels without Trout are bad, but if Gibson can be a functioning backend starter that really helps this team going forward. Gives them a legitimate shot every night against most teams.

 

 

And if not Gibson, maybe Hughes. Or Gonsalves. Romero? Even Slegers? 

 

Not a great list, I know...

[Guest]

This season has gone better than just about anyone could have optimistically predicted in spring training. I would stay on the long-term plan, like the Yankees and the Brewers, and seek to grow the base of young, cost-controlled talent, to build toward sustainable years of success, instead of spending chips to strive for a first round playoff loss. I'd even see if Mauer wants to spend his last two years chasing a World Series in Houston, which needs a first baseman and another starter, and offer Santana and him in exchange for a big return.

[kab21]

The Astros series was disappointing but they are one of the best teams in baseball.

 

The reason for optimism right now is that the Twins have a young offensive core that is asserting themselves in Sano, Kepler, Polanco, Grossman, Rosario and Buxton. Some of these need to show more improvement but this kind of core has big potential. I wouldn't say that it's the same as last year due to the advancement of this group. Sano for MVP, Polanco's defense at SS, Kepler OPS >.800 are some big ones.

The pitching after Berrios is the reason to reign in optimism. So much more is needed.

[Mike Sixel]

It certainly is better than last year. And to me, Buxton giving us hope is the key to long term success.