Twins 2, Royals 0: Twins and Pablo Lopez Celebrate the First Win of the Season!

[Puckett34]

 

Got anymore of that Twins baseball?

[TwinsDr2021]

21 minutes ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

Right on, brother. I don't get the complaining about Lopez "only" throwing 85 pitches. It's March. Starters need to ramp up. I've been watching baseball since the 60s and this is very typical in a starter's first 4-5 starts. Start at 70-80 pitches, ramp up to 90, then 100, then 110.  We should all hold our complaining about "short starts" until at least mid-May. 

I am not complaining about Lopez usage, see my comment above.

There were 30 starters yesterday 16 threw more than 85 pitches and and 9 threw over 90, most that didn't didn't pitch well. So I would say the typical 70 - 80 being typical just isn't correct. I think 80 - 90 would be more accurate based on performance. I don't think 1 pitcher came out for the 7th inning.

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, miracleb said:

Agree w/Mike......not sure where "bitter trade" comes from......

There was quite a lot of disagreement with the trade when it happened. It wasn’t the majority, but there was quite a few loud voices proclaiming it was an awful trade, so I get the bitter. But maybe the better word for it should have been bittersweet … sorry to see Arraez go, but welcoming of the pitching.

[Squirrel]

9 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I am not complaining about Lopez usage, see my comment above.

There were 30 starters yesterday 16 threw more than 85 pitches and and 9 threw over 90, most that didn't didn't pitch well. So I would say the typical 70 - 80 being typical just isn't correct. I think 80 - 90 would be more accurate based on performance. I don't think 1 pitcher came out for the 7th inning.

There were two who pitched 6.1, I believe. Dylan Cease of the White Sox was one … I think Cole might have been the other, or it was another well-established pitcher of Cole’s level of ‘veteran-ness’.

And I think Baldelli’s pitcher mgmt yesterday was perfect for opening day. No complaints at all.

[weitz41]

Burnes 87 pitches over 5 innings

McClanahan 87 over 6

Scherzer 91 over 6

Valdez 85 over 5

Cease 86 over 6.1

Pablo Lopez 85 pitches over 5.1..

Hmmm...

Seems inline with the vast majority of baseball on a season opening game.

I think we need for forget about Archer and Bundy starts for 2022.   It's 2023 folks. 

 

[Squirrel]

3 hours ago, Trov said:

Yes we won, but I was still annoyed with the move to pull Lopez in the 6th.  He was at 85 pitches and could have finished the 6th.  There was all this talk about maybe letting starters go deeper, and in the game the broadcast team even said it would be dictated by the performances, then we get same old move.  Then the broadcasters say, well the Twins want to get everyone in the games early and with the off day we want to make sure guys do not miss too many days blah blah blah.  Why not just say, that is what Rocco going to do.  I am more complaining about the fact we are told Twins will change up and give starters more depth, only to do exactly back to what we normally do.  

Sure hope we start getting some hits with bases loaded though. 

I’m sorry, but no, this is not the same old move. It was opening day and only two starters across MLB pitched into the 7th, not completing it, and a handful finished the 6th. How López was managed was pretty on par across the games today. The ‘same old move’ would have been to not let him even start the 5th or pulled during the 5th and certainly not let him start the 6th as he did.

[Richard]

Another take away I don't see talked about enough is Rocco's usage of his bench.  The TV broadcast talked about how hard it is to get those bench players involved, especially early on in the season.  After Buxton chased Greinke out of the game, Kyle Farmer came in to replace the lefty Nick Gordon and Dolano In to replace Joey Gallo.  Rocco used his back to back lefties in the lineup and his bench to lure the royals into sending out a left in Amir Garrett.  

I think it is a wonderful sign of how Rocco will try to add little contingencies into this lineup.  Through one game, I'm bullish on our skipper.

[stringer bell]

12 minutes ago, Richard said:

Another take away I don't see talked about enough is Rocco's usage of his bench.  The TV broadcast talked about how hard it is to get those bench players involved, especially early on in the season.  After Buxton chased Greinke out of the game, Kyle Farmer came in to replace the lefty Nick Gordon and Dolano In to replace Joey Gallo.  Rocco used his back to back lefties in the lineup and his bench to lure the royals into sending out a left in Amir Garrett.  

I think it is a wonderful sign of how Rocco will try to add little contingencies into this lineup.  Through one game, I'm bullish on our skipper.

It worked out and the trend is for managers to pinch hit in the middle innings to break open a game. I don't like using up half of the bench with a small lead, especially when not improving the defense. It could be argued that Farmer/Solano is as good or better than Gordon/Gallo, but having Farmer and Solano face a tough righty in the 8th or 9th in a tie game is the scenario I fear. 

As far as Lopez' usage, it sure appears to be a midline for Opening Day starters. While Pablo may or may not be the best pitcher for the Twins, he currently doesn't rate among the elite of Opening Day starters, who might be allowed an extra inning or dozen pitches.

[Mike Sixel]

27 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

It worked out and the trend is for managers to pinch hit in the middle innings to break open a game. I don't like using up half of the bench with a small lead, especially when not improving the defense. It could be argued that Farmer/Solano is as good or better than Gordon/Gallo, but having Farmer and Solano face a tough righty in the 8th or 9th in a tie game is the scenario I fear. 

As far as Lopez' usage, it sure appears to be a midline for Opening Day starters. While Pablo may or may not be the best pitcher for the Twins, he currently doesn't rate among the elite of Opening Day starters, who might be allowed an extra inning or dozen pitches.

Better to be ahead than behind. I liked the PH a lot. They have an off day. Using the bullpen made a ton of sense to me.

[USNMCPO]

15 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Nitpic, I suppose, but also the DP induced by Lopez was of the  3-2-4 variety, not 6-3-4. 

Once a Chief always a Chief.....

[rv78]

It worked out and the trend is for managers to pinch hit in the middle innings to break open a game. I don't like using up half of the bench with a small lead, especially when not improving the defense. It could be argued that Farmer/Solano is as good or better than Gordon/Gallo, but having Farmer and Solano face a tough righty in the 8th or 9th in a tie game is the scenario I fear. 

Totally agree with this. It worked out because the Twins scored 1 more run using this strategy, (which really isn't breaking the game open), and luckily he didn't need the left-handed hitters later in the game. The need for those hitters that he pulls in the middle innings, in a late game situation, will eventually happen and then, when Rocco makes the same move, it will be a mistake. 

[Jocko87]

2 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

The “bitter trade” stems from the fact with a little more info or insight re Maeda and Mahle’s readiness for the season, the need for an additional starter might have been solved earlier via free agency rather than later via a trade (of, arguably, our best hitter, biggest spark plug, and many fans’ favorite player). Lopez looked great yesterday at the top of the rotation, no doubt.  Let’s hope that continues.

For my fellow TDers who will wonder where the $’s might have come from, I offer you two words: Joey Gallo.

They had a chance to retain a pitcher for $11m but Dylan Bundy wanted the year off.  What pitcher was available for near that money?

[Jocko87]

4 minutes ago, rv78 said:

It worked out and the trend is for managers to pinch hit in the middle innings to break open a game. I don't like using up half of the bench with a small lead, especially when not improving the defense. It could be argued that Farmer/Solano is as good or better than Gordon/Gallo, but having Farmer and Solano face a tough righty in the 8th or 9th in a tie game is the scenario I fear. 

Totally agree with this. It worked out because the Twins scored 1 more run using this strategy, (which really isn't breaking the game open), and luckily he didn't need the left-handed hitters later in the game. The need for those hitters that he pulls in the middle innings, in a late game situation, will eventually happen and then, when Rocco makes the same move, it will be a mistake. 

I think the way the lineup was set for this strategy this typically would happen in the 7th given average game at bats or 8th in a really tight game.  It came up in the 6th because the bases were loaded multiple times, 21 LOB.  Normally that wouldn't matter as you would expect a bunch of runs with that many base runners.  They will come.

I like the setup and its a perfect example of what Rocco can do with the better personnel.  With the minimum batter rule he can stack a lineup to flip the L/R to his advantage either way, by making the move or leaving them in.  I questioned the initial lineup but now that I see the execution I'm a fan.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

There was quite a lot of disagreement with the trade when it happened. It wasn’t the majority, but there was quite a few loud voices proclaiming it was an awful trade, so I get the bitter. But maybe the better word for it should have been bittersweet … sorry to see Arraez go, but welcoming of the pitching.

'Bitter' suits me very well, thankyouverymuch 🙂

[Mike Sixel]

18 minutes ago, rv78 said:

It worked out and the trend is for managers to pinch hit in the middle innings to break open a game. I don't like using up half of the bench with a small lead, especially when not improving the defense. It could be argued that Farmer/Solano is as good or better than Gordon/Gallo, but having Farmer and Solano face a tough righty in the 8th or 9th in a tie game is the scenario I fear. 

Totally agree with this. It worked out because the Twins scored 1 more run using this strategy, (which really isn't breaking the game open), and luckily he didn't need the left-handed hitters later in the game. The need for those hitters that he pulls in the middle innings, in a late game situation, will eventually happen and then, when Rocco makes the same move, it will be a mistake. 

That's not how decisions work.....you make them based on process and likelihood, not second guesses.

[Squirrel]

2 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

'Bitter' suits me very well, thankyouverymuch 🙂

Okay, BitterBomboDisco! 😉

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Couldn't follow the game but did follow the game thread. Great job Twins and great discussion Twins fans!

Like some others, a little nervous about Kepler and Jax in those spots but also happy to see Buxton, Lopez and Larnach in good form off the bat. 

[wabene]

That was a witty throwback game thread! That's how you do it! 

[lake_guy]

17 hours ago, ashbury said:

That was a triple for Buxton as soon as the ball evaded the fielder's grasp, but I wish he could've slid into the base without that right foot banging down on the basepath a good 4 feet away from the destination.

Just saw the reply of the triple, gasped when I saw the foot hit and overall kind of an awkward slide.  At least we're not seeing today that there is any issue.  whew!

[ashbury]

9 minutes ago, heresthething said:

Just saw the reply of the triple, gasped when I saw the foot hit and overall kind of an awkward slide.  At least we're not seeing today that there is any issue.  whew!

I'm holding my breath until official lineups are announced Saturday.

[DJL44]

11 hours ago, MTV said:

 A good leadoff hitter would help

Polanco would be a better choice than Kepler.

Julien is on the 40 man roster. We'll see if he forces his way onto the 26 man roster.

[farmerguychris]

18 hours ago, cHawk said:

I was unfortunately unable to catch this game live but I kept track of the score on the MLB app.

For starters, Pablo Lopez looked great. I’m not going make any declarations after one game (trust me, I know better than that) but I think he’ll be a solid component of our rotation this year. My only critique is not directed at Lopez but rather Baldelli. Lopez was dealing and had thrown only 85 pitches. Why yank him in that situation? I love the potential this pitching staff has but it will struggle if the starting pitchers cannot consistently pitch six innings.

On the other hand, the offense scored 2 runs on 9 hits. That is a trend that has been constant throughout the Baldelli-era, and it annoys me to hell and back. If this team is to score more than 3 runs per game in the postseason, they must improve in this regard.

Will this team get better or worse as the season plays out? We all hope the former.

I understand your gripe about not wanting to have Lopez pulled after 85, but he's still working up to a full load.  I'm not going to complain about that on opening day. 

I gotta also say however - I don't give 2 turds about how many innings pitchers go if we get wins.  Starters go only 2 innings and we win - I'll be happy, Starters go 9 innings I'll be happy.  The days of full game shut outs however are basically almost over.  However- gotta have a good pen if they're going to be asked to pitch much, something we didn't have last  year.

[Minny505]

19 hours ago, cHawk said:

My only critique is not directed at Lopez but rather Baldelli. Lopez was dealing and had thrown only 85 pitches. Why yank him in that situation?

@GKuehl Answered this well with a lot of detail.

In baseball speak, Baldelli didn't want to dry hump Theilbar after warming him up due to the traffic jam Lopez created in the 5th.

[Nine of twelve]

3 hours ago, wabene said:

Good on you, gotta have the head of hair to pull off a visor. For me it would have to be a Twins yamaka. 

This a yarmulke on the head of a guy I happened to see at Costco 4 years ago, so there is such a thing. (FYI he did give me permission to take the photo.)

[chpettit19]

18 hours ago, cHawk said:

I was unfortunately unable to catch this game live but I kept track of the score on the MLB app.

For starters, Pablo Lopez looked great. I’m not going make any declarations after one game (trust me, I know better than that) but I think he’ll be a solid component of our rotation this year. My only critique is not directed at Lopez but rather Baldelli. Lopez was dealing and had thrown only 85 pitches. Why yank him in that situation? I love the potential this pitching staff has but it will struggle if the starting pitchers cannot consistently pitch six innings.

My struggle is with the idea that "Lopez was dealing" when you admit you weren't able to watch the game. He wasn't "dealing." He was getting outs. But the 4th and 5th were most definitely not dealing. He was lucky to get Melendez to swing at a 3-1 pitch that should've been ball 4 and walked in a run. Melendez is a patient hitter, and against a better team he won't get away with that. This is one of the situations where the box scores aren't giving enough info to describe what was actually happening. Pablo getting out of the 4th and 5th with no runs scored was great, but it wasn't as if he'd gone 5 innings and only had 2 base runners. He was losing control of his fastball fast.

[TwinsDr2021]

2 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

My struggle is with the idea that "Lopez was dealing" when you admit you weren't able to watch the game. He wasn't "dealing." He was getting outs. But the 4th and 5th were most definitely not dealing. He was lucky to get Melendez to swing at a 3-1 pitch that should've been ball 4 and walked in a run. Melendez is a patient hitter, and against a better team he won't get away with that. This is one of the situations where the box scores aren't giving enough info to describe what was actually happening. Pablo getting out of the 4th and 5th with no runs scored was great, but it wasn't as if he'd gone 5 innings and only had 2 base runners. He was losing control of his fastball fast.

Agreed he wasn't dealing, it took him 85 pitches to get 16 outs which isn't great, he was "pitching" great without his best stuff or tiring, whichever doesn't really matter.  I am pretty sure if he was left in he probably would have gotten though without giving up a run or two at the most, and even giving up with two would have been a good start. But in this case I believe Rocco took him out at the right time. If this was any start after start 2 I would be horribly disappointed taking him out of the game. Also if they didn't have a day off today I would have been disappointed in his bullpen usage. But giving the circumstances I believe Rocco did the right things. (I am not sure I have ever typed or said that)

You know who was dealing L. Castillo of the Mariners, 6 innings, 1 hit no walks, 6 K's all in 76 pitches.

[Doctor Gast]

"Armed with a new slider and tasked with setting the tone for the Twins’ high expectations in his first career Opening Day start, López held the Royals scoreless for 5 1/3 innings as the Minnesota pitching staff twirled a two-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory at Kauffman Stadium. In doing so, López became the first Twins pitcher to earn an Opening Day win on the road since Brad Radke in 2003."

WOW! can that be true? It's been that long, that we've won an opener away! That's a good sign to begin  the season for our pinstripes by breaking that terrible streak. 

Another Venezuelan (Johan Santana) who started the Twins with 2 very good pitches,  found his 3rd pitch (CU) and became an elite SP. It's a lofty idea but maybe Pablo Lopez who has 2 very good pitches which now has found his 3rd pitch (sweeper) can become an elite SP. One can dream.

 

 

[Sherry Cerny]

I can't respond to ALL 84 comments!! wowza!!! Thanks ya'll for tuning and responding! SO many things to be excited about this season!!

[Nashvilletwin]

9 hours ago, Squirrel said:

There was quite a lot of disagreement with the trade when it happened. It wasn’t the majority, but there was quite a few loud voices proclaiming it was an awful trade, so I get the bitter. But maybe the better word for it should have been bittersweet … sorry to see Arraez go, but welcoming of the pitching.

There is no way anyone can say the trade was awful from the perspective of what we received vs. what we gave up.  The success, or lack thereof, of the trade will be determined in the future. So let’s all be patient. And given where we were when the trade was made, coupled with a definite strategy the Twins chose to pursue this year, the rationale for the trade was strong.

My only issue is that trade might not have been necessary if the FO had better understood where Mahle and Maeda were in their healing earlier. The addition of Lopez came pretty late. There were several FAs we could have moved on earlier in the process.  And, I’m sorry, but I’d gladly replace Gallo’s money for a FA pitcher and keeping Arraez. 

[Squirrel]

29 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

There is no way anyone can say the trade was awful from the perspective of what we received vs. what we gave up.  The success, or lack thereof, of the trade will be determined in the future. So let’s all be patient. And given where we were when the trade was made, coupled with a definite strategy the Twins chose to pursue this year, the rationale for the trade was strong.

My only issue is that trade might not have been necessary if the FO had better understood where Mahle and Maeda were in their healing earlier. The addition of Lopez came pretty late. There were several FAs we could have moved on earlier in the process.  And, I’m sorry, but I’d gladly replace Gallo’s money for a FA pitcher and keeping Arraez. 

I don’t disagree. I liked the trade. I applauded it. Merely responding to the question about who’s bitter and pointing out there are a few here who were/are still.