Game Thread: Twins @ Mets 4:10 PM PT (6:10 PM CT) 4/9/2019

[bighat]

Astudillo coming back to earth!

[DocBauer]

Back!

 

So we're going to bang on the turtle for a shot at 1B he deflected...and Schoop made a very nice play to finish the out...and say he shouldn't ever play 1B again? (Shaking head)

 

I feel really bad for Gibby. Can bang him if you want, but his first 2 starts have been quite good for 4+ before he just seemed to run out of gas. He bad a serious bacterial issue that caused him to lose a ton of weight, and endurance, and has been battling back to full health and strength since. There is no such thing as a moral "W", but if the Twins win tonight, Gibson really has pitched well enough to be considered a "winner" in his starts. I'm not worried or disappointed...except that Gibson couldn't have gotten that one extra out to pad his own numbers.

[PDX Twin]

 

Astudillo coming back to earth!

 

Actually, the pitch was coming back to earth rather quickly ...

[twinssporto]

The way Garver's been hitting I'd like to see him get a few more games over Castro.

[bighat]

 

I feel really bad for Gibby. Can bang him if you want, but his first 2 starts have been quite good for 4+ before he just seemed to run out of gas. He bad a serious bacterial issue that caused him to lose a ton of weight, and endurance, and has been battling back to full health and strength since. There is no such thing as a moral "W", but if the Twins win tonight, Gibson really has pitched well enough to be considered a "winner" in his starts. I'm not worried or disappointed...except that Gibson couldn't have gotten that one extra out to pad his own numbers.

 

Sounds like maybe you weren't watching the game? Gibby did not pitch well. I don't think any of us who watched him feel sorry for him. He was lucky to get through 4.2 innings and put the Twins in a pretty bad position more than once tonight.

 

That said, a win will make everything OK.

[DocBauer]

Is there any option to teach Cruz to play 1B or any other position?

I "liked" even though I disagree with the 1B idea. I just don't recall Winfield playing any OF when with the Twins, but I do remember Chilli Davis playing a little OF during crunch time. Cruz appears to be a guy who is in shape. I get the season is early. But considering he was at least a decent OF early in his career and has played it most of his life, is he capable of playing a game or two here and there if a "crunch" opportunity arises?

[bighat]

Anyone else thinking Mejia seems kinda overused so far this year? Where's Harper, who has only pitched once?

[yarnivek1972]

Kinda looks like the strategy of Baldelli with Hildenberger is to limit his exposure. This is his third outing facing just one batter.

 

Makes sense IMO. He’s a gimic type pitcher. The more he is seen, the more opponent’s will be able to read him and time him.

[Danchat]

 

Anyone else thinking Mejia seems kinda overused so far this year? Where's Harper, who has only pitched once?

Harper's pitched in 3 games thus far.

[DocBauer]

The way Garver's been hitting I'd like to see him get a few more games over Castro.

Agree 100%. I think Garver gets more crap than he deserves. He showed a lot of improvement as 2018 went along and IMO, has continued to improve. I am NOT banging on Castro, who I like, but how much better is he defensively vs Garver and Astudillo compared to their offense and potential?

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Back!

So we're going to bang on the turtle for a shot at 1B he deflected...and Schoop made a very nice play to finish the out...and say he shouldn't ever play 1B again? (Shaking head)

I feel really bad for Gibby. Can bang him if you want, but his first 2 starts have been quite good for 4+ before he just seemed to run out of gas. He bad a serious bacterial issue that caused him to lose a ton of weight, and endurance, and has been battling back to full health and strength since. There is no such thing as a moral "W", but if the Twins win tonight, Gibson really has pitched well enough to be considered a "winner" in his starts. I'm not worried or disappointed...except that Gibson couldn't have gotten that one extra out to pad his own numbers.

Really good point about Gibson.

 

Astudillo also missed a hard grounder earlier, almost as if he had trouble bending over or going to the ground to get to it. I think he’s definitely still a viable option at third base on occasion.

[DocBauer]

Great point on the telecast! Why has it taken so long to have a translater journey out to the mound?

[MMMordabito]

Mejia is pretty unwatchable tonight.

[Danchat]

Mejia doesn't seem up for this, he's struggling out there.

 

This would be a nice time to bring out one of those relievers that I wanted the Twins to sign in free agency but they didn't... get a Nick Vincent/Brad Brach/Bud Norris out there in the "early" late innings of close games.

[DocBauer]

OK, maybe crossed up a bit, but that one was on Garver I admit.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Gamecast had an injury delay, but didn’t explain. Can I get help?

[LaBombo]

 

Harper's pitched in 3 games thus far.

 

The way the Twins' bullpen has been in recent history, it's a good sign for Harper (or any Twins reliever, ftm) when people don't remember him pitching.

 

On a related note, Mejia is starting to become... memorable.

 

 

PS Mejia's sparkling 2.01 ERA last season came with an ominous 5.40 xFIP and K/BB that was barely above sea level.

 

Entering the game tonight his ERA was... 5.40.

[hybridbear]

The 1st baseman hits under .500 once and people are looking to replace him. Sheesh

I just want Cruz to start somewhere in these NL parks so he can hit.  

Gamecast had an injury delay, but didn’t explain. Can I get help?

Umpire got hit by pitch right in the groin.

[big dog]

The bottom of the seventh is finally over. Let's finish this game.

[DocBauer]

Really good point about Gibson.

Astudillo also missed a hard grounder earlier, almost as if he had trouble bending over or going to the ground to get to it. I think he’s definitely still a viable option at third base on occasion.

I missed the play you spoke of, so will easily grant that. I believe 1B defense is important. (Of course, for most of 30yrs we've been pretty spoiled in regard to defense at 1B). Also agree Astudillo is fine at 3B from all I have seen him there. Guess my point is, in the great scheme of things, sometimes being OK/solid is just fine when you bring so much else. Can't have a Good Glover everywhere, much less for a super utility guy.

 

Just saying.

[LaBombo]

 

The bottom of the seventh is finally over. 

 

Adalberto is Spanish for "Friend to beer sellers".

[PDX Twin]

 

OK, maybe crossed up a bit, but that one was on Garver I admit.

 

That looked to me like a passed ball that was a direct result of trying to "frame" a pitch. He tried to keep the glove in the strike zone even though the ball wasn't.

[DocBauer]

I know it's still early, but I am alone feeling "giddy" for how good and different Buxton has looked this season?

[ashbury]

 

Look at how they spell Ehire's name.

[bighat]

Kepler...really dude?

[LaBombo]

 

I know it's still early, but I am alone feeling "giddy" for how good and different Buxton has looked this season?

 

Yes, but that's why we love you.

 

Sorry, couldn't help it. I'm not going all in on Buxxy yet, but I'm happy to see him start the season just not looking overmatched like last year, and if he can build on that... awesome.

[LaBombo]

 

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Look at how they spell Ehire's name.

 

At least they didn't spell his last name "Pennsylvania".

[operation mindcrime]

Hip Hip Jorge!!!!!

[MMMordabito]

Snuff contract FTW!!!

[bighat]

 

 

I know it's still early, but I am alone feeling "giddy" for how good and different Buxton has looked this season?

 

Yep. That 2nd double wasn't exactly a frozen rope...but it just goes to show you that making contact is key for Bux. He's not striking out and seems to simply be making decent contact. With his speed good things happen. I am feeling pretty good about Bux - dare I say, optimistic for the first time in a long time about him!