Game Thread: Twins vs. Cleveland 7/31 @ 7:10 PM CT

[Vanimal46]

ANND Welcome! To Minnesota Twins Whine Line: Reflection Edition! Typically on this day we have a funny-ish bit to sell off the Twins' spare parts. 2 years ago we opened up a Used Car Lot and found someone to take the Nissan Nolasco 4x4 off our hands. Last year we had GMs across the league figure out if their 'Price Was Right' to acquire Brian Dozier.

 

This year is different, in a lot of ways. The Twins did their selling prior to this day, and all we have left to talk about potentially moving are Dozier and Rodney. There are approximately 18 different threads to talk about that.

 

So instead, let's take some time to reflect... I legitimately spent a good 2 hours last night figuring out a theme for today. The beauty of Minnesota Twins Whine over the years is no two posts are the same. 30+ threads and so many themes... But I'm at a loss this year.

 

Maybe it's just me having writer's block. Maybe I'm just tired of this 2018 team and need some hope. There's just something different this year, and it may be impossible to capture the game thread magic of past years.

 

There's 4 threads left of Minnesota Twins Whine Line this season. And I promise the mods to deliver on my word. In the mean time, this host is tired, and maybe some reflection time will be good.

 

Thanks for the opportunity to host the trade deadline again, and let's get a win Twins!

[ashbury]

Hello. First time caller, last time listener. Any thoughts on the state of the Twins franchise? I'll hang up and ignore.

[Blake]

Van, you've captured my thoughts exactly.

 

This team and FO has worn me out.

 

But, like you, I'll get the job done.

[Mike Sixel]

Question for the intern. What is like to work with vanimal?

[Vanimal46]

Question for the intern. What is like to work with vanimal?

It's different! He's not drunk nearly as much as he was in 2016, and in 2017 he was drunk on playoff contention!

 

What do we have to look forward to this year now?

[Craig Arko]

 

What do we have to look forward to this year now?

 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Dear Van, do you think the front office will use "peripherals" or "analytics" to win the game tonight?

[Vanimal46]

Dear Van, do you think the front office will use "peripherals" or "analytics" to win the game tonight?

Definitely analytics and help from the weather gods. There's a 7 MPH breeze from the WSW today. So every batter will use their 27.5 degree launch angle today!

[Squirrel]

 

It's different! He's not drunk nearly as much as he was in 2016, and in 2017 he was drunk on playoff contention!

What do we have to look forward to this year now?

If you changed it to 'Wine Line' you might have plenty to look forward to.

[Squirrel]

 

 

Definitely analytics and help from the weather gods. There's a 7 MPH breeze from the WSW today. So every batter will use their 27.5 degree launch angle today!

But only the Twins will use that, right?

[Squirrel]

 

 

Omg!!! I am both excited and horrified for this! I mean ... how can you 'remake' that without Julie Andrews???? And Dick Van Dyke????? I mean ... HOW? Or more importantly ... WHY???? For God's sake ... why???? Probably in my top 5-10 movies of all time. I can sing every song. It will NOT live up to the original.

[Vanimal46]

But only the Twins will use that, right?

According to the Whine Line projection system, Cleveland is not expected to make contact with the ball tonight. Especially when Gibson is on the mound.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Hi Van,

 

As always, I'm looking for some hawt taeks. Just curious if you have the inside scoop on why Belisle is on the roster

[Vanimal46]

Hi Van,

 

As always, I'm looking for some hawt taeks. Just curious if you have the inside scoop on why Belisle is on the roster

That taek is so hot I'm afraid your laptop will combust into flames. For your safety, I'm withholding that information.

[Mike Sixel]

I'm currently on a job for my wife's small business. Should I be getting paid?

[Craig Arko]

Omg!!! I am both excited and horrified for this! I mean ... how can you 'remake' that without Julie Andrews???? And Dick Van Dyke????? I mean ... HOW? Or more importantly ... WHY???? For God's sake ... why???? Probably in my top 5-10 movies of all time. I can sing every song. It will NOT live up to the original.

Dick van Dyke is in it. I’d guess Julie Andrews declined so they also have Angela Lansbury.

[Blake]

 

It's different! He's not drunk nearly as much as he was in 2016, and in 2017 he was drunk on playoff contention!

What do we have to look forward to this year now?

I'm surprised you didn't have this reaction when the "w" word was mentioned:

[Blake]

 

It's different! He's not drunk nearly as much as he was in 2016, and in 2017 he was drunk on playoff contention!

What do we have to look forward to this year now?

Why are you asking your listeners questions? Isn't that supposed to work the other way around?

[Vanimal46]

I'm currently on a job for my wife's small business. Should I be getting paid?

She did give birth to your children, so I doubt you're done paying HER yet!

[Fritzderkat]

I may be mistaken, and granted, based on my posts, I do seem to miss a lot here or else take tacts that no one else seems to be interested in, but let me pose this, since we're sort of on the subject. 

In the nearly two years that Falvey and Levine have been here, it appears to me they have all but turned this team inside out if not quite upside down..

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Why is it, then, that the team sucks nearly so much, maybe more than before, under their management?

Yeah, yeah, I know--key guys got hurt. Anything else?

https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2016-roster.shtml

 

 

[Vanimal46]

Dozier will no longer be in the lineup and wearing a Twins uniform. After 2 long years he finally heads to the Dodgers.

[yarnivek1972]

Interesting to see who gets that roster spot. With Motter DFA last week, there are no other infielders on the 40 man. Did Motter clear? I guess he could come back. Are their any infielders actually doing well in AAA?

 

Edit: Probably be Austudillo. Are his ten days up?

 

Edit, part 2: No they are not. He was optioned on the 22nd. So, he’s ineligible until Thursday. My guess is they bring up an extra pitcher until then.

[Fritzderkat]

So, trading Dozier knocks my query off the page.

So it goes.

I'll say this for Dozier: He did some good things with the Twins, hit lots of home runs for two years, consistently made some nice plays at second, seemed to be a team guy and a good friend of Eddie Escobar.

Wishing him well wit de Bums. 

[Vanimal46]

Interesting to see who gets that roster spot. With Motter DFA last week, there are no other infielders on the 40 man. Did Motter clear? I guess he could come back. Are their any infielders actually doing well in AAA?

 

Edit: Probably be Austudillo. Are his ten days up?

 

Edit, part 2: No they are not. He was optioned on the 22nd. So, he’s ineligible until Thursday. My guess is they bring up an extra pitcher until then.

The Dodgers took care of that by sending Logan Forsythe back to the Twins. Get excited!

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Omg!!! I am both excited and horrified for this! I mean ... how can you 'remake' that without Julie Andrews???? And Dick Van Dyke????? I mean ... HOW? Or more importantly ... WHY???? For God's sake ... why???? Probably in my top 5-10 movies of all time. I can sing every song. It will NOT live up to the original.

What could possibly go wrong?

[Mike Sixel]

Do the Twins even have enough infielders to play the game today, or are they just going to forfeit?

[Vanimal46]

Do the Twins even have enough infielders to play the game today, or are they just going to forfeit?

Yes

[MangLitch]

Handicapping time. 

 

Which is Greater:

 

- Belisle appearances versus Dozier home runs for the rest of the year 

 

- Sano's slugging percentage versus Twins winning percentage 

 

- Mauer Home Runs versus Rodney Blown Saves 

 

Odds of Success:

 

- Twins winning just enough games to have a middle of the road draft pick powered by guys that have no long term future with the twins

 

- Logan Morrison climbing out of his hole to play baseball just enough so that people on here can talk about why he should be around next year

 

- Molitor giving any large runway to younger players in September. (Had to get my Molitor shot in)

 

 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Rumor has it the Twins will pick up Rodney's option? Interesting.....

[Mike Sixel]

 

 

 

- Belisle appearances versus Dozier home runs for the rest of the year ----Belisle appearances

 

- Sano's slugging percentage versus Twins winning percentage -----Sano slugging, huge breakout coming

 

- Mauer Home Runs versus Rodney Blown Saves ---- Hmmm, he won't have many save opportunities, but he will blow about 1/3 of them, wow, um, Rodney blown saves

 

Odds of Success:

 

- Twins winning just enough games to have a middle of the road draft pick powered by guys that have no long term future with the twins-----magic 8 ball says yes

 

- Logan Morrison climbing out of his hole to play baseball just enough so that people on here can talk about why he should be around next year-----hahahahahahahahahahaha

 

- Molitor giving any large runway to younger players in September. (Had to get my Molitor shot in)----I appreciate the effort!