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GAME THREAD: 4/25/21 Minnesota Twins vs Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:10 PM CDT


Mill1634

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Posted

Roster Move

The Twins recalled RHP Cody Stashak prior to the game today. Today is the first day that Stashak was eligible to return as he was sent down 10 days ago. To make room on the 26 man roster, the Twins sent LHP Devin Smeltzer to the alternate site. Devin pitched 4.2 innings yesterday, and looking very good in doing so. This move was made to give the Twins a fresh bullpen arm, as Devin would've been unavailable for at least 2 days

 

The Pitchers

RHP Matt Shoemaker (1-1, 6.28 ERA, 12 K's, 14.1 IP) vs RHP Wil Crowe (0-2, 12.00 ERA, 10 K's, 9 IP CAREER #'s)

 

The Twins turn to Matt Shoemaker for the 4th time this season. We last saw Matt pitch in game one of the doubleheader against Oakland where he went only 3.1 innings and gave up 5 runs. Control was an issue last time out, as he walked 4 hitters and was constantly falling behind. Shoemaker typically does a nice job at limiting walks, only giving up 2.2 per 9 innings pitched, so look for him to be more aggressive against a bad Pittsburgh lineup. Will Crowe is making his first start of the season, as he only appeared in 2/3 of an inning against the Cubs, where he allowed one run. Crowe is a journeymen type pitcher, and has only 9 innings at the MLB level. Much like Cahill yesterday, Crowe won't light up the radar gun. He throws his 4 seam 33 percent of the time, but it will sit around 92 MPH. He also relies on a sinker and slider, with the sinker being the better pitch. He occasionally mixes in a changeup and curveball.

 

The Lineups

 

Twins

 

2B Luis Arraez L

3B J. Donaldson R
DH Nelson Cruz R
CF Byron Buxton R
LF A. Kirilloff L
SS J. Polanco S
C Mitch Garver R
RF Jake Cave L

1B W. Astudillo R

 

Pirates

 

NOT POSTED YET, WILL POST WHEN UP

 

The Twins return the heavy hitters in the 2-4 spots for the 3rd game in a row which is very encouraging. However, yesterday the 1-5 spots struggled to get anything going. I'm expecting a big day today against a pitcher who doesn't have swing and miss stuff, and will give up the longball. Alex Kirilloff is in the lineup for the 3rd straight day. Despite not having a hit yet, he has driven the ball well and has a decent approach. It is clear that the Pirates are throwing a bunch of offspeed pitches to AK to test his willingness to hold off. So far, it has worked out. Garver gets the duties behind the plate, and last time we saw him call a game in which the Pirates only had one hit off JA Happ. Cave and Astudillo round out the order. One notable ommission from the lineup is MIF Nick Gordon, who I assumed would get at least one start this series. I expect him to be sent to the alternate site whenever Andrelton Simmons is back in playing shape, which could be as early as tomorrow. 

 

This Day in History - 1970: Earl Wilson nearly scores after he strikes out when Minnesota catcher Paul Ratliff, trapping a third strike, inadvertently rolls the ball to the mound instead of tagging the batter or throwing to first base. With the Twins heading towards the dugout, the Detroit hurler runs around the bases and is heading home when outfielder Brant Alyea retrieves the ball and throws it to shortstop Leo Cardenas covering the plate, resulting in a unique 7-6-7 run-down play.

 

Vegas Odds: Twins -200, Pirates +170, O/U 8

 

Shameless Plug: I published part one of a three part blog earlier this week about some early trade candidates that the Twins should target, and it features an old friend that I think many would be excited about. You can check it out here, and share some of your own ideas :)

 

Pick to Click: Alex Kiriloff connects for his first hit, a homer, in todays game.

 

Go Twins!!!

 

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Posted

 

I hope the Twins eat Crowe today.

Oscar Wilde supports the formulation:

 

"Either the Twins eat Crowe today, or i do."

 

On reconsideration, i think i like that you don't give them a choice...

Community Moderator
Posted

This is a very capable team that has been playing BAD ball. That needs to change. Starting today. We can still win 100 games. We need to win at least 93 of our next 143. That's doable.

Posted

Every one of the Twins and its coaching staff need to take a deep breath.  It's the first day of the week, we're wrapping up a mini home stand, and then off to Cleveland for a mini road trip.

Let's just relax and play ball.  Rocco needs to manage a little more efficiently, using a little more consistent line up and really re-thinking his bullpen management.  Good luck guys!

Posted

This is a very capable team that has been playing BAD ball. That needs to change. Starting today. We can still win 100 games. We need to win at least 93 of our next 143. That's doable.

That sounds very difficult... that’s 93-50! I can’t realistically expect them to go 43 games over .500.
Community Moderator
Posted

 

That sounds very difficult... that’s 93-50! I can’t realistically expect them to go 43 games over .500.

 

That's a 105-win pace. It's possible.

Posted

Twins won't win 100 this season. They are broken right now. Individually they have a ton of talent. Collectively, it isn't working for them for some reason. While the hitting has been way off, the bullpen IMO needs to be fixed first, and fast.  Starting with not having Colome be a closer. Is it too soon to pull the plug on him? Based on his career arc, no.

Community Moderator
Posted

 

Twins won't win 100 this season. They are broken right now. Individually they have a ton of talent. Collectively, it isn't working for them for some reason. While the hitting has been way off, the bullpen IMO needs to be fixed first, and fast.  Starting with not having Colome be a closer. Is it too soon to pull the plug on him? Based on his career arc, no.

 

After the Ravens lost the Cleveland in 2019, nobody thought they would win 14.

 

I think the Twins are capable of winning close to 95-100. I do acknowledge that many things need to break right.

Posted

The other guys:

 

1. Adam Frazier (L) 2B
2. Phillip Evans ( R) LF
3. Bryan Reynolds (S) CF
4. Colin Moran (L) 1B
5. Erik Gonzalez ( R) 3B
6. Todd Frazier ( R) DH
7. Gregory Polanco (L) RF
8. Jacob Stallings (R ) C
9. Kevin Newman ( R) SS

Posted

In his pregame, Rocco said there's no consistency in the lineup. How about a consistent lineup?

Rocco used to give a good interview.  Now, he's double talking, contradicting himself, and generally spreading a fair amount of bs.

Posted

 

In his pregame, Rocco said there's no consistency in the lineup. How about a consistent lineup?

Rocco used to give a good interview.  Now, he's double talking, contradicting himself, and generally spreading a fair amount of bs.

Except for catcher, the Twins have sent out the same guys three straight games. I really don't think lineups are a big problem. Right now, it seems like if it's not one thing, it's another. Here we go in the first, three consecutive hits. 

Twins Daily Contributor
Posted

I have to say, it’s much better to find out you stink in April. Makes the summer more enjoyable

Boy, I couldn't disagree more.

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