Game Thread: Mets (Peterson) v Twins (Maeda), 9/9 @ 1:10pm CT

[stringer bell]

6 minutes ago, RpR said:

Batting Average .222, Gallo without the fielding skills.

Actually, I’ve been waiting to comment on this for some time. This trip to the majors, Wallner has looked much better as an outfielder and he has legitimately good speed. If Gallo is a better outfielder right now, it isn’t by much. 

[Nine of twelve]

That’ll play too. 

[Jocko87]

Was just thinking as Kepler came to the plate that the lineup doesn't need to destroy LH starters to be effective in those games.  They just need to not get destroyed.  If the lineup can make them work and run up a pitch count the advantage really flips in the later innings for pinch hit chances.  With the 3 batter minimum Rocco can really force positive matchups late in games with some very good options off the bench. 

Might also be another reason for Wallner starting rather than Kepler.  3 at bats of experience for Wallner, one prime PH chance for Kep. 

[IndyTwinsFan]

5 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Kepler just missed GS

But a bases clearing triple is almost the next best thing. 

[stringer bell]

Remember all those times the Twins couldn’t score with the bases loaded?Something has changed. 

[RpR]

2 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Actually, I’ve been waiting to comment on this for some time. This trip to the majors, Wallner has looked much better as an outfielder and he has legitimately good speed. If Gallo is a better outfielder right now, it isn’t by much. 

Gallo , for lack of a better word, is smooth, looks like instinct; Wallner is herky-jerky , looks ackward.

Wallner IS better, than he was, but a long way to go.

[Jocko87]

Love Varland here.

[IndyTwinsFan]

1 minute ago, stringer bell said:

Remember all those times the Twins couldn’t score with the bases loaded?Something has changed. 

...and definitely for the better!

[Jocko87]

Just now, Jocko87 said:

Love Varland here.

Oops.  Good experience hopefully.

[IndyTwinsFan]

Just now, Jocko87 said:

Love Varland here.

Would be nice if he could close the game out from here.

[Parfigliano]

Alonso tagged that

[IndyTwinsFan]

Just now, Jocko87 said:

Oops.  Good experience hopefully.

It still can be.

[stringer bell]

2 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Remember all those times the Twins couldn’t score with the bases loaded?Something has changed. 

 

Just now, IndyTwinsFan said:

...and definitely for the better!

A lot is probably regression to the mean, but I do think the at-bats are better, too 

[RpR]

That odd double that Farmer got, my memory, good or not, seems to remember there used to be batters that could deliberately get little stick the bat out there hits in the past.

The little Texas League type hits on purpose.

 

[Parfigliano]

Jeez Varland 

[rwilfong86]

Varland looking like he is still long ball prone

[SwainZag]

4 minutes ago, RpR said:

Gallo , for lack of a better word, is smooth, looks like instinct; Wallner is herky-jerky , looks ackward.

Wallner IS better, than he was, but a long way to go.

Wallner also has to be smarter out there.  He made another mistake last night letting Alonso take 2nd base, which he would score on the next hit.  It's not the first time he has made questionable at best decisions with his arm.  

[RpR]

Twins pitcher is throwing batting practice pitches, or stirke outs.

[Jocko87]

2 minutes ago, RpR said:

That odd double that Farmer got, my memory, good or not, seems to remember there used to be batters that could deliberately get little stick the bat out there hits in the past.

The little Texas League type hits on purpose.

 

That's what Lewis GIDP yesterday reminded me of.  Just in the wrong spot.

[IndyTwinsFan]

We appear to be approaching nail-biting time.

UGH. 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

What i miss?

[Jocko87]

1 minute ago, rwilfong86 said:

Varland looking like he is still long ball prone

He's gotta find out what he can get away with somehow.  He's not pitched with 100 very much.  Good place to work it out.

[stringer bell]

855 ft. of long ball in the eighth. This puts the game in a save situation. 

[rwilfong86]

Castro giving some insurance 

[stringer bell]

Just now, rwilfong86 said:

Castro giving some insurance 

Willi! It’s been a while. Is this his first time in the fishing vest?

[Parfigliano]

1 minute ago, rwilfong86 said:

Castro giving some insurance 

Hopefully Floro can end it

[Parfigliano]

Just now, stringer bell said:

Willi! It’s been a while. Is this his first time in the fishing vest?

6th

[Blyleven2011]

Gotta say , the nine spot in the batting order has been productive  ...

Twins are in good shape  ... 

[RpR]

Listening to the TV announcer, the Mets are suffering from the Bull Pen disease that has hurt the Twins in the past too often.

[PDX Twin]

I find myself disappointed if the guy ahead of Lewis makes the third out, even with the bases empty. I just like watching him hit.