Article: Game Thread: Twins @ Angels, 5/10 9:07pm CT

[Riverbrian]

The (5-wins-in-a-row) Twins got a day off to get ready for a 4-game series against the Angels. That series starts tonight in Southern California.

Every year, I rarely waste an opportunity to complain about games on the West Coast and this year will be no different. I fully understand the concept of time zones. They have something to do with the sun and Californians demanding more sunlight so the earth stops for a while every day to feed them more sun while the rest of the world contributes even more to Californians by going to the movie theater in total darkness just to stay warm and because they have nothing better to do. So, obviously I have a firm grasp on the concept of time zones. Regardless of my understanding, it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Three games will start at 9:07PM central time; that means that I will be sleeping by the time Tim Laudner arrives in the Fox Sports North parking lot to prep for the upcoming broadcast.

It might be easier to just rest up for the Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday: Romero vs. Ohtani.

Here are some things to think about:

 

1. Top Non-Trump News Story (Or Stories):

Tourists in Australia are being warned by the “Australian Department of Tourist Warnings” (or the A.D.T.W. for short) to not feed the wildlife after a series of attacks on people by wild kangaroos who have developed a taste for McDonald's French fries and corn chips. It’s easy to understand the temptation of experiencing hand feeding a Kangaroo a French fry, however, once the kangaroos start relating people to food and lose that natural respect or fear of humans, they can become aggressive if they are fed something healthy like broccoli or carrots.

2. Our Twins:

There were many of us who were hoping for a mere split with the Cardinals and now they don’t know what to do with the extra win. Just ask for a doggie bag and take it home with you so you can save it for later. About 30 seconds in the microwave and it’s good to go.

3. The Angels:

The Angels have some obvious big name talent. We all know about Trout, Pujols and Upton because we have been watching them for years. However, we all know that this year somebody special came to town, ignited the fan base and stole the spot light from all the legends that dot the Angels' roster. Baseball fans across America spent the off season hoping and praying that he would choose their team but, in the end, he came in with his own set of rules and he selected the Angels to display his multi-positional talents. Yeah… Zack Cozart is now an Angel and we must contend with that.

4. Today’s Joe M Conversation:

McCarthy: Just had my yearly physical and my blood sugar was a little high.

Maddon: Yeah… we Americans… we have to watch that.

Morgan: You had labs?

McCarthy: Sure, right away in the morning. Had to skip breakfast and everything.

Morgan: You’re a ghost… I can poke my finger right through you… watch… see how my hand goes right out the other side. How did they get a sample?

McCarthy: Stop that… it tickles.

Montana: What did the Doctor tell you?

McCarthy: No more bread, pasta, cereals. I eat that stuff every single day. I might as well just hit the reset button on what I eat.

Morgan: Do you even have blood?

Mauer: Yeah, carbs turn to sugars. That’s why you can’t have it anymore.

McCarthy: I’ll be OK… I can give up the bread and the pasta as long as I can keep my Kit Kats and Mountain Dew.

5. Big Week:

Here is my schedule this week: Wednesday – wife’s birthday; Thursday – dad’s birthday; Friday – son’s hooding ceremony; Saturday – son’s graduation; Sunday – Mother’s Day. I have no earthly idea how I’m going to keep the attention where it belongs… on me?
____________________

Lineups:

TWINS
1. Joe Mauer (L) 1B
2. Brian Dozier (R ) 2B
3. Max Kepler (L) RF
4. Eduardo Escobar (S) 3B
5. Eddie Rosario (L) LF
6. Logan Morrison (L) DH
7. Mitch Garver (R ) C
8. Ehire Adrianza (S) SS
9. Byron Buxton (R ) CF

Jose Berrios (R ) P

ANGELS
1. Zack Cozart (R ) 3B
2. Mike Trout (R ) CF
3. Justin Upton (R ) LF
4. Albert Pujols (R ) 1B
5. Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
6. Andrelton Simmons (R ) SS
7. Ian Kinsler (R ) 2B
8. Kole Calhoun (L) RF
9. Martin Maldonado (R ) C

Garrett Richards (R ) P

Gametime forecast: It's California. It'll be fine. (Clear, sunny until nightfall, 67 deg F, winds from the S at 9mph)

Click here to view the article

[Blake]

Another great job, sir!

 

Just so you know, even though I live in CA, I like games that start at 5:30pm. But, that probably has to do with the fact I'm out of bed by 4:30 am..

[wsnydes]

 

I fully understand the concept of time zones, they have something to do with the sun and Californians demanding more sunlight so the earth stops for a while every day to feed them more sun while the rest of the world contributes even more to Californians by going to the movie theater in total darkness, just to stay warm and because they have nothing better to do. So, obviously I have a firm grasp on the concept of time zones.
 

 

Anyone that says that this site isn't educational has no idea what they're talking about.  I learn so much from RB's game thread intros!

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Anyone that says that this site isn't educational has no idea what they're talking about. I learn so much from RB's game thread intros!

Just wait until he gets to shifts. The blue shift will expand your universe...

 

(I think it has to do with bunting... but maybe that's how you beat a red shifted infield...)

[USAFChief]

(kangaroos) can become aggressive if they are fed something healthy like broccoli or carrots.

 

Something I have in common with kangaroos.

[ThejacKmp]

Any news on Buxton's availability?

[Winston Smith]

I would think sleeping would be a much better way to spend time instead of listening to "All Star" Tim Laudner.

[Dantes929]

 

Anyone that says that this site isn't educational has no idea what they're talking about.  I learn so much from RB's game thread intros!

I must be more educated than you because I learn nothing new from RB's intro's.    I do like them though because all his facts confirm what I already knew.

[Puckett34]

 

I must be more educated than you because I learn nothing new from RB's intro's.    I do like them though because all his facts confirm what I already knew.

[big dog]

 

I would think sleeping would be a much better way to spend time instead of listening to "All Star" Tim Laudner.

Here in Chicago if I am feeling a little down, I just have to tune in for the opening of a Cubs broadcast so that I can hear Pat Hughes (who is phenomenal) introduce his radio partner "the All-Star Ron Coomer".  Never fails to get a giggle.

 

 

[Blake]

 

Here in Chicago if I am feeling a little down, I just have to tune in for the opening of a Cubs broadcast so that I can hear Pat Hughes (who is phenomenal) introduce his radio partner "the All-Star Ron Coomer".  Never fails to get a giggle.

Yeah, there are some all stars that weren't much more than a participation trophy.

[Squirrel]

 

 I have no earthly idea how I’m going to keep the attention where it belongs… on me?

Since I know you I can say this with all confidence of knowing I'm right: I don't think you will have to try too hard.

[sampleSizeOfOne]

(kangaroos) can become aggressive if they are fed something healthy like broccoli or carrots.

 

Something I have in common with kangaroos.

Something i have in common with carrots and broccoli.

 

I imagine i would make anyone more aggressive if someone tried

to feed me to something.

 

But bringing up kangaroos and not incorporating them into the Joey M. thought is a missed opportunity... Not as ripe as bases loaded with no outs, but still... ripe.

Edited May 10, 2018 by sampleSizeOfOne

[gocgo]

It's my fault...I'd just like to get that out of the way.

 

Early on, in spring training, I said that the Angels were a train wreck.  I based that on two things - Albert Pujols (if you pay him that much, you gotta play him) and Ohtani (who was struggling and looked overmatched in spring training).

 

Now, I'm afraid, that this declaration of ineptitude will come back to bite me and my Minnesota Twins right in the buttocks.

 

I'd just like to say that I am still not sold on the Angels as they have benefited from a weak schedule, but they have done what they were supposed to do with weaker opponents in contrast to our Twins (remember Tampa Bay?...Cincinatti?...yeah, I know).

 

So, if our Twins do not have a favorable outcome in this series, it is my fault for bad mouthing the Angels early on.

[BoofBonser]

Time for Berrios to have one of those games where you go: "Yep, that's our ace for the next 10 years" 

[RaymondLuxuryYacht]

Friday – son’s hooding ceremony

 

I had to Google this - I thought it was something completely different

[Dantes929]

 

Friday – son’s hooding ceremony

 

I had to Google this - I thought it was something completely different

Me too.   Like a reverse circumcision or something.

[USAFChief]

My prediction (because I'm from Minnesota originally):

 

Cole Calhoun (sitting at .165/.193/.209 for the year) is due for a breakout.

[Puckett34]

 

My prediction (because I'm from Minnesota originally):

 

Cole Calhoun (sitting at .165/.193/.209 for the year) is due for a breakout.

I'm assuming because this is because he slashes .316/.363/.561 in 28 career games vs the Twins.    Including 7 home runs?

[USAFChief]

Because no series at the Big A will ever be the same for me:

 

True story: I was at this game. I was in the upper portion of the uppermost deck, somewhere between home and first...and I could see the emory board float to the grass, without binoculars.

 

 

http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/2b/53/joeniekro-nailfile-mlb-ftr-080317jpg_15ba7al1qkc4y11bt0n6hnobwb.jpg?t=-1473562299&w=960&quality=70

 

and Mr Umpire had no trouble seeing it, either

 

[USAFChief]

 

I'm assuming because this is because he slashes .316/.363/.561 in 28 career games vs the Twins.    Including 7 home runs?

That, and because I'm originally from Minnesota, I always expect the worst.

[Puckett34]

 

That, and because I'm originally from Minnesota, I always expect the worst.

Just in case you've forgotten to speak Minnesotan/Upper Midwestern in your time gone

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm-MrkoJPC8

[Number3]

I think this is a huge game because of 1 word....Berrios. Even if Romero maintains close to his 2 game level, and Odorizzi stays at his workmanlike level, the Twins need Berrios to be dependable somewhere in the middle of the rotation. I probably won't make it through the whole game tonight being in the edt time zone but definitely will watch the first few innings mainly to see how Berrios does.

[glunn]

Another great intro by RB.

 

I threw out my back last night, but with the aid of muscle relaxers I hope to be at the game tonight.

[sthpstm]

 

Another great intro by RB.

 

I threw out my back last night, but with the aid of muscle relaxers I hope to be at the game tonight.

 

I was hoping to go tonight, but I'll settle for Romero v Ohtani on Sunday.

[USAFChief]

 

Another great intro by RB.

 

I threw out my back last night, but with the aid of muscle relaxers I hope to be at the game tonight.

[Riverbrian]

 

(kangaroos) can become aggressive if they are fed something healthy like broccoli or carrots.

 

Something I have in common with kangaroos.

 

That... Along with really long toe nails. 

[Riverbrian]

 

But bringing up kangaroos and not incorporating them into the Joey M. thought is a missed opportunity... Not as ripe as bases loaded with no outs, but still... ripe.

 

Maybe one will hop by someday. 

[TFRazor]

 

OH god. I just died.

[TFRazor]

 

Something i have in common with carrots and broccoli.

I imagine i would make anyone more aggressive if someone tried
to feed me to something.

But bringing up kangaroos and not incorporating them into the Joey M. thought is a missed opportunity... Not as ripe as bases loaded with no outs, but still... ripe.

Who do you think did Joe M's labs? Dr. Kangaroo obviously