Game Thread "Wolfgang" Twins vs. Royals 6:10 CDT 9/21/2019

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Today is a special day. Not only do our Twins host the Royals on their push for a post season berth, but today is the first day of Oktoberfest.

 

Now you may note that it's not yet October. There is an important distinction. Oktoberfest is the harvest festival held in Munich Germany. It's the largest beer festival in the world.

 

On the east side of the Saint Croix River, we have a great German Heritage. Fantastic German restaurants, festivals, and of course, a hearty few of us Twins Fans! So next time you feel that urge to tease me about my great state, just remember, Wisconsin is as close to a German experience as you can get to from Minnesota without catching as flight, and Germany is pretty freakin' awesome too! Almost as good as Wisconsin!

 

Lineups:

Arraez - 2B

Polanco - SS

Cruz - DH

Rosario - LF

Sano - 3B

Gonzalez - 1B

Cave - RF

Castro - C

Wade - CF

Berrios

 

Merrifield - 2B

Mondesi - SS

Soler - DH

Dozier - 3B

Gordon - LF

McBrom - RF

Ohearn - 1B

Viloria - C

Phillips - CF

Sparkman

 

 

 

Go Twins! Lets get that magic number down to 4, or maybe 3!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I forgot the picture! Man I’m a doofus! Too much of hurry

[Nine of twelve]

 

 

On the west side of the Saint Croix River, we have a great German Heritage.

I understand that's true in Wisconsin as well.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Disclaimer: as the least creative poster here, it’s extra bad when I’m in a rush. Please be kind when i shamelessly rip off your schtick, it’s in admiration.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I understand that's true in Wisconsin as well.

you know I’m rushed when I don’t have command of my cardinal directions!

[Mr. Brooks]

Should we be concerned that Kepler's injury is far worse than the team is implying? Or are they just being extremely cautious because they have a pretty good lead?

[stringer bell]

 

Should we be concerned that Kepler's injury is far worse than the team is implying? Or are they just being extremely cautious because they have a pretty good lead?

Yes. Sorry Chief, I know it's your trademark, but I couldn't resist.

[John Kelsey]

 

Should we be concerned that Kepler's injury is far worse than the team is implying? Or are they just being extremely cautious because they have a pretty good lead?

 

I think if they needed him he'd be playing right now but I'm sure he's a pretty uncomfortable still. He won't be fully healthy again this year but he will play in the playoffs. 

[Vanimal46]

Attending Oktoberfest is Munich is a bucket list item for me... Sigh, one year I'll make it.

[PDX Twin]

 

Fantastic German restaurants

 

Oxymoron? Or are you thinking of "fantastic" in the sense of something that might occur in a fantasy world, for good or bad? 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Oxymoron? Or are you thinking of "fantastic" in the sense of something that might occur in a fantasy world, for good or bad?

I really like German food

[mickeymental]

hmm. craig kimbrell and his 6.53 e.r.a. just coughed back-to-back homers in the ninth. cubs lose 9-8. at least the twins dodged that bullet ...

[PDX Twin]

 

I really like German food

 

I do, too, though it's not very veggie friendly. But I think of it more as brewpub-style comfort food than "fine dining."

[John Kelsey]

I had a meal at a restaurant in Munich that I translated with my phone off the menu to read "Five sausage plate". 

 

It came out and it was literally just five different kinds of sausages on a plate with mustard on the side. I loved every second of it. 

[stringer bell]

I think this is the night that the Tribe loses and the Twins win. My prediction is that many Twins will feel pretty comfortable after this evening.

 

If the reverse happens, there win be much anxiety in Twins Territory.

[mrtwinsfan]

Watchin pre -game Marney asking Schoop about the great 2 out hitting with runners on, -  Had to chuckle

[PDX Twin]

 

I think this is the night that the Tribe loses and the Twins win. My prediction is that many Twins will feel pretty comfortable after this evening.

 

That outcome certainly seems possible, even likely.

 

Win or lose, I hope that Berrios continues his September revival. Any prospect of advancing in the post-season hinges critically on him being an ace.

[IndianaTwin]

Speaking of food...

 

Last night Squirrel asked how we’d be spending our weekend when not following baseball. I said I’d be smoking brisket and promised pictures.

[IndianaTwin]

Not bad for a homemade smoker...

[John Kelsey]

Sharp start for Jose.  

[Brian450]

Well, Berrios looked pretty darned good to open this game... mixing his pitches nicely, command of each and some generousity from the home plate umpire...

[AlwaysinModeration]

Yankees 295 homers, 6 games to play.

Twins 293 homers, 8 games to play.

 

Need a couple of bombas tonight to tie it up.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Should we be concerned that Kepler's injury is far worse than the team is implying? Or are they just being extremely cautious because they have a pretty good lead?

Marney just said Kepler is getting closer to return. Hopefully he gets a few games in Sept to sharpen things up

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Rats...

[PDX Twin]

 

Well, Berrios looked pretty darned good to open this game... mixing his pitches nicely, command of each and some generousity from the home plate umpire...

 

Ummm ... Jinx?

[Brian450]

Sickest of hits by McBoom, followed by a mistake hit hard by O'Hearn....

[stringer bell]

Well, a bit of trouble in inning two.

[sampleSizeOfOne]

Rats...

Rodents of unusual size?

 

I don't believe they exist.

[John Kelsey]

Well, good thing Sparkman sucks. 

[Brian450]

 

 

Ummm ... Jinx?

 

No, I somehow don't believe my typed thoughts have an effect on a baseball game. 

 

I'm trying to be objective, but I outside of the HBP and the one pitch to O'Hearn, I think Berrios has looked very, very good.