Twins 9, Rangers 7: Keuchel Stumbles, but Donovan Solano and the Offense Fight Back in Key 10-Inning Win

[rwilfong86]

4 hours ago, Johnny Ringo said:

That was a truly gritty performance and an inspiring win by the local nine.

But Rocco, good golly. His use of the pen was inexplicable. He managed it like game 7 of the World Series, burning every arm despite the grace of easy innings.  His removal of Julien for Gallo as a pinch runner in the eighth in a one run game is maddening. Gallo is not a gifted base runner at this point in his career.  The defensive improvement is marginal if it exists at all as it forces Barrels to play second base. Of course, that spot came back up to bat and Joey (naturally) whiffs. Additionally, Rocco feels the need to torch his challenge defending Gallo even though he was very clearly out in a clumsy steal attempt . The replay was explicit. Not to get into the math weeds too much but you don't sell expiring options with some remaining life for nothing. I am generally pretty neutral when it comes to Rocco but last night was a Masterclass in things not to do.  

Rocco's fascination with Gallo is a complete headscratcher to me. Last night, it nearly cost them the game. 

Hopefully Maeda can go 6+ innings today the bullpen doesn't get cooked going into the Cleveland series. 

[David Maro]

Rocco should of known that Kuechel would only go a few innings. Let's face it he is a LF hand Bundy. When you miss with 87 it ends up in the seats. Gallo is a injury replacement only and may be a second or third choice. Duran needs to learn to pitch,he is a thrower. He believes he can throw past the hitters. That only works if you hit your spots. Every team has pitchers throwing 100 now,so you need to pitch. These next 4 games will probably be division. Cleveland is not going away.

[rwilfong86]

5 hours ago, Karbo said:

Yep, bullpen is going to be pretty thin at the top Sunday. It sure would be nice if the Twins could get a big lead early, and have Kenta go 6 or 7.

So far not so good lol

[Wizard11]

9 hours ago, Johnny Ringo said:

That was a truly gritty performance and an inspiring win by the local nine.

But Rocco, good golly. His use of the pen was inexplicable. He managed it like game 7 of the World Series, burning every arm despite the grace of easy innings.  His removal of Julien for Gallo as a pinch runner in the eighth in a one run game is maddening. Gallo is not a gifted base runner at this point in his career.  The defensive improvement is marginal if it exists at all as it forces Barrels to play second base. Of course, that spot came back up to bat and Joey (naturally) whiffs. Additionally, Rocco feels the need to torch his challenge defending Gallo even though he was very clearly out in a clumsy steal attempt . The replay was explicit. Not to get into the math weeds too much but you don't sell expiring options with some remaining life for nothing. I am generally pretty neutral when it comes to Rocco but last night was a Masterclass in things not to do.  

Rocco's fascination with Gallo is a complete headscratcher to me. Last night, it nearly cost them the game. 

The spin to find Rocco hate is mind boggling at times.  Gallo and Vasquez were the only 2 pinch runners available for a hobbled Julien.  Which one should he have chose?  What would your imaginary ideal manager have done?

Use of the pen?  Look at the recent bullpen usage and availability.  Please do get in to the math… on days used and pitch counts.  The only master class here is the stunning narrative of Rocco’s perceived inadequacies after another good victory.