Twins 2, Blue Jays 0: Minnesota Wins First Playoff Series in 20 Years Behind Dominant Pitching

[DocBauer]

The 2nd half Twins is what I hoped for when the year began. While I would have loved to see the ENTIRE season play out in equal halves, it doesn't always work that way. How you finish is more important than how you begin.

This is a good baseball team!

Please don't misunderstand me, but if we don't advance to the next round, I will remain very happy with how this season has unfolded and the win this series. BUT, just like '87 and '91, I don't want the winning to end!

Great SP, a bullpen deeper than anything I can remember previously, and a great mix of veterans and young talent, this is an exciting team poised and capable to make some noise. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ober start Sunday Oct 1st? First game against Houston should have Ryan, Maeda, and Ober ALL available. Guess it depends what matchup makes the most sense in the Twin's view. But if we assume Maeda stays in the pen, Ryan and Ober are both well rested and ready to go. And Lopez should be ready for game 2 on Sunday with normal rest. Gray to potentially follow. Right? Some good choices to be made.

[wsnydes]

I mentioned this in the game thread too, but it bears repeating.  Correa had a rough season, but he was huge in this series.  Absolutely huge!  

 

I'll take the mediocre by his standards season if that's what I'm getting in the playoffs.  That was an absolute pleasure to watch.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

2 minutes ago, snotboogie said:

God bless C4.

He's a huge reason we are where we are!

[Squirrel]

9 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

He's a huge reason we are where we are!

So you’re a fan of the signing now?

[lukeduke1980]

Houston is a buzz saw but now our boys are playing with house money.  No fear.  Let's do it

[Hashim]

1 hour ago, Sean.h said:

I wonder who will pitch games 1,2 in houston? Will it be lopez/gray on 3-day rest? So glad the Twins took care of business in two games

I hope it’s not Ryan because I’m absolutely not confident. I hope it’s Maeda and I hope Ober makes the roster for the next round. 

[jkcarew]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

For me any debate about about whether the pitching pipeline has arrived is over.

I’m not following. The pitching was without question absolutely fantastic…but I’m not seeing the connection to the ‘pipeline’…unless you are referring to the relievers? Jax and Duran were almost flawless. Varland and Thielbar a little shakey in their inning today, but survived thanks to the bases loaded line drive going inches foul.

[JoshDungan1]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

That was some good coaching and execution on the pickoff play at 2B. Jeffers said on the radio that it was his call to make.

Edit: Gray now talking postgame. Correa told Jeffers and Gray after the 1st inning that the runners on 2B can't hear the third base coach and that the pickoff play could work at some point in the game. Great leader, smart.

Benefits of having fans fully involved in the game. True home-field advantage there.

[Rik19753]

12 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

I’m not following. The pitching was without question absolutely fantastic…but I’m not seeing the connection to the ‘pipeline’…unless you are referring to the relievers? Jax and Duran were almost flawless. Varland and Thielbar a little shakey in their inning today, but survived.

It probably depends on the definition of "pipeline". If it means coming from within our own system, I guess we really haven't see it yet. If it includes trades, FA pickups, etc., then I think the FO has done a fantastic job.

To me, the most important aspect of the term "pipeline" is sustainability. As long as we can sustain this level of productivity from our pitchers it doesn't really matter where the talent is coming from IMO. The FO has shown a tremendous ability to trade for quality pitchers with the addition of Gray, Lopez, Ryan, Maeda and Paddack, and even though that might not be what we initially imagined, they have shown that they can make it work. Even with the departures of Gray and Maeda, I'm confident that they can and will pull off another shrewd trade to replenish the lost depth.

[darwin22]

56 minutes ago, snotboogie said:

I was in college in '87 when we beat Detroit in the ALCS.  There was a vibe.  I walked downtown and got into the Dome with thousands of others when the team came home  from beating the Tigers to celebrate. The sense of relief/excitement for the state of Minnesota is hard to describe. That was so special.

In the end, I ended up being able to go to game 7 of the '87 series.  Gaetti to Herby for the 3rd out in the 9th is etched in my brain.

I'm getting the same vibe this year.  What a special team.  With deeper starting pitching.

As most fans of our era remember----THAT night in the Dome after defeating a highly favored Tigers team-----was one of my most vivid and enjoyable days as a Twins fan!  I was just out of college and was home in northwest Iowa volunteering as a high school school football coach as I was trying to find a teaching job.  Still remember G-Man shedding tears of joy when he and the team walked into the Dome to see 55,000+ fans roaring for the TWINS!!  

Like the makeup of this team.  The BEST pitching staff--starters through bullpen---this team has EVER had!  Will be interesting to see what, if any changes, are made to the roster.  I can definitely see Ober being added.  Not sure who would get removed.  As much as I'd like to see Buxton play----MAT is doing fine in CF and I don't think Stevenson is an obvious choice to be moved off.

[jkcarew]

1 minute ago, Rik19753 said:

It probably depends on the definition of "pipeline". If it means coming from within our own system, I guess we really haven't see it yet. If it includes trades, FA pickups, etc., then I think the FO has done a fantastic job.

To me, the most important aspect of the term "pipeline" is sustainability. As long as we can sustain this level of productivity from our pitchers it doesn't really matter where the talent is coming from IMO. The FO has shown a tremendous ability to trade for quality pitchers with the addition of Gray, Lopez, Ryan, Maeda and Paddack, and even though that might not be what we initially imagined, they have shown that it works.

Agreed. I was assuming ‘pipeline’ was referring to guys that we developed.

[Melissa]

Attending the game today felt different somehow. Just as tense at times, and without some stellar defense we likely don’t win. So that’s simply fantastic.

Still - yesterday the wonder was whether we could win even one game. With that first game under our belt, the only question in my mind was - do we do it today or wait till tomorrow?

It was quite a shock to see Berríos pulled so early, even though the Blue Jays had telegraphed that move.

I understood switching out Solano for Kiriloff and Farmer for Julien, thus moving Polanco to his better fielding position. But I didn’t like Wallner being yanked so early both games - today Willi hit the run-scoring double play, and I have to believe Matt could hardly have done less well.

[wsnydes]

 

 

[Riverbrian]

The difference between playoff baseball and game 68 of the regular season is like the difference between:

1. A ribeye and ground beef. Nothing wrong with ground beef but... you know. 

2. The Taj Mahal and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. That Art museum will make me stop and look at it but... you know. 

3. Yosemite and Sugar Loaf Bluff. Nothing wrong with Winona, Sugar Loaf is an awesome name but... you know.  

4. A Golden Retriever and a Chihuahua. Nothing wrong with a dog whose eyeballs pop out occasionally but... you know. 

5. The Beatles and Duran Duran... I catch myself singing along to Hungry like the Wolf but... you know. 

6. Saving Private Ryan and We bought a Zoo. I'm glad all those people were able to climb over that tree in the end but... you know.

7. A Porsche and a Toyota Camry... Lots of folks driving around in a Camry but... you know. 

8. Gelato and a Tub O Vanilla. There is nothing wrong with a big tub of ice cream especially if don't plan on leaving the couch for a weekend but... you know. 

9. The many voices of Seth McFarlane and your uncle who does a spot on impersonation of your aunt. You laugh a lot every Thanksgiving but... you know

10. The Mississippi River and the Elk River. Nothing wrong with the Elk River but it's just gonna flow into the Mississippi... so... you know.   

For all of you who didn't care if we made the playoffs because it wasn't going to matter anyway. I didn't understand what you were talking about then and now... well... you know. 

[Rik19753]

5 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

For all of you who didn't care if we made the playoffs because it wasn't going to matter anyway. I didn't understand what you were talking about then and now... well... you know. 

I'll be the first to admit that I was one of those people. I just didn't see any formula for success, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

As a Minnesota sports fan, most times it works to my advantage when I try to be overly pessimistic, and I think this might be the first time I've been proven wrong. I could get used to this.

[Squirrel]

25 minutes ago, Rik19753 said:

It probably depends on the definition of "pipeline". If it means coming from within our own system, I guess we really haven't see it yet. If it includes trades, FA pickups, etc., then I think the FO has done a fantastic job.

To me, the most important aspect of the term "pipeline" is sustainability. As long as we can sustain this level of productivity from our pitchers it doesn't really matter where the talent is coming from IMO. The FO has shown a tremendous ability to trade for quality pitchers with the addition of Gray, Lopez, Ryan, Maeda and Paddack, and even though that might not be what we initially imagined, they have shown that they can make it work. Even with the departures of Gray and Maeda, I'm confident that they can and will pull off another shrewd trade to replenish the lost depth.

I would consider trades a part of it because it took players within our system to get it done, but we each have our own ideas on that.

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, snotboogie said:

I was in college in '87 when we beat Detroit in the ALCS.  There was a vibe.  I walked downtown and got into the Dome with thousands of others when the team came home  from beating the Tigers to celebrate. The sense of relief/excitement for the state of Minnesota is hard to describe. That was so special.

In the end, I ended up being able to go to game 7 of the '87 series.  Gaetti to Herby for the 3rd out in the 9th is etched in my brain.

I'm getting the same vibe this year.  What a special team.  With deeper starting pitching.

I was there, too! That was one amazing, incredible night!

[Vanimal46]

2 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

2-18. What's the big deal, everyone?

Totally joking. I've got chills again and tears in my eyes. Either I've got COVID or Twins playoff fever.

Love this team. Lemme scrub all my 2023 TD posts, and then I can tell you that I knew they had it in them all along.

Keep it up, boys. This is how the magic gets made, a game at a time.

All good my friend! This team wasn’t ready until Lewis, Wallner, and Julien took over in the 2nd half. 

Here’s the beauty of sports in Minnesota… Yes, there is a lot of cynicism about these teams. We have put our belief and undying passion into these teams time and time again. Only to be failed with first round exits. We finally have a team that has moved on in the playoffs, and now every single person is behind them. We’re all STARVING for a championship run. Why not this team? Why not now?!

[Vanimal46]

42 minutes ago, wsnydes said:

 

 

Excellent news about Correa! That did not look good. He’s the type of player to tell a trainer to F off even if he had a broken hand. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Excellent news about Correa! That did not look good. He’s the type of player to tell a trainer to F off even if he had a broken hand. 

Yeah, I was pretty sure he was staying in the game with a smashed finger or something, but I guess not. 

[Aerodeliria]

2 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

"We’ve got a lot more to show...that is what I can tell you about this club, Ok?!"   Rocco's post-game response with some fire in his eyes...  Now THAT has been what I've been waiting to see from him.    It got me even more fired up when I didn't think that I could be anymore fired up!

Agreed! I was pleasantly surprised by how strongly he stated that.

[TopGunn#22]

Good to know the injuries to Correa and Duran are not serious.  I would start Ober in Game one on his standard 5-days rest.  I think Ryan's last 3 starts were unimpressive enough that Ober has EARNED the ball to start the game.  I still think Ryan could be effective in an inning or two of relief, but at this point, based on who is throwing well and who isn't, our 3 SP should be Lopez, gray and OBER.  

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Another big play was Kepler's infield singe in the 4th. That was Kikuchi's first batter after Berrios came out. We've seen Kepler hit that same ground ball to that same spot a thousand times, but Toronto had the second baseman shading towards the middle. 

[David HK]

We said a little prayer listening to the 9th on our morning walk past the temple... 🙏

[Vanimal46]

Also, why can we not be exact in the article title? It has been 21 years since we won a playoff series. 

[IaBeanCounter]

I believe that once Toronto clinched a playoff slot on Saturday they preferred to play the Twins and they called up a minor league pitcher who gave 9 runs in 4 innings to seal a loss and the 6th seed.  If that was the case Karma may have upset their plans.  The Twins played very well and Tampa Bay played poorly.  JMHO

[David HK]

44 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

I was there, too! That was one amazing, incredible night!

Likewise!  I wonder where my photos of that night might be....  

I went to maybe 25-30 games that year, but of course was priced out of the playoffs.  But working at the U of M, so watched that clincher at Stub and Herb's in Dinkytown!  And that Darryl Evans pickoff!  That play with Correa and Sonny reminded me of it today!

It was truly magical.  Let's keep it going, boys!

[Jocko87]

1 hour ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

Also, no surprise at all to find out Correa called that pickoff. Gray said that Correa came up to Jeffers and Gray to say the crowd so loud, the Toronto baserunners couldn't hear the coaches, and to watch for an opportunity to make that play. So actually credit the fans with that one too 🙂

I’ll take my 0.0001 WAR and put it on my mantle. Glad I could contribute.  Seriously, both games the place was electric. I would expect true standing room sellouts next week for Houston, they will need it.

1 hour ago, lukeduke1980 said:

Houston is a buzz saw but now our boys are playing with house money.  No fear.  Let's do it

Speaking of, the AL goes through Houston on way or another, might as well go now,

 

 

[Aerodeliria]

Probably some would give Lewis the MVP for this series, but for me it was Correa for his defense alone. He was just too smooth in the field. Whenever it is hit his way, there is a sigh of relief from me.

I thought Gray looked a bit tired in the 5th, so I was not surprised to see him pulled. He didn't seem upset...at least from his mannerisms. Schneider, on the other hand, pulled Berrios too early. (He wasn't happy as you could see...) He had his good stuff, The Twins were not getting good cuts against him. Despite the matchup thing, I would never like to pull a pitcher who is dealing. Kikuchi wasn't bad, but it changed the whole atmosphere. Kepler's grounder was hit perfectly in the hole and was bobbled, so he likely would have been out if it was cleanly handled and then the second walk was issued. The rest was history.

I have to eat some crow. I have been a critic of Jax. I thought he was overrated, but he proved me wrong--twice.

My favorite play was the perfectly timed pick-off move--very Tom Kellyish.

I do have one small point of contention. Can we end the Polanco at 3rd experiment before it costs us a game? He has yet to record an out there. The ball hit hard to his left is a pretty standard play for most 3rd basemen. He is not getting good movement on plays, and we have confirmed that his throwing arm in not up to the task. Clearly, he is not comfortable at 3rd. If we keep messing around with this experiment, it will end up biting the Twins.

I have been happy to watch the Twins twice in two days. (Thank you management for bringing Maeda to the Twins.)

Go Twins!!

[snotboogie]

1 hour ago, darwin22 said:

As most fans of our era remember----THAT night in the Dome after defeating a highly favored Tigers team-----was one of my most vivid and enjoyable days as a Twins fan!  I was just out of college and was home in northwest Iowa volunteering as a high school school football coach as I was trying to find a teaching job.  Still remember G-Man shedding tears of joy when he and the team walked into the Dome to see 55,000+ fans roaring for the TWINS!!  

Like the makeup of this team.  The BEST pitching staff--starters through bullpen---this team has EVER had!  Will be interesting to see what, if any changes, are made to the roster.  I can definitely see Ober being added.  Not sure who would get removed.  As much as I'd like to see Buxton play----MAT is doing fine in CF and I don't think Stevenson is an obvious choice to be moved off.

This team: Lopez, Lewis, MAT, C4, Byron, how can you not be head over heels for them? You just want these guys to win.