Astros 3, Twins 2: The Season is Over

[MMMordabito]

At least the Wild start tomorrow.

[Aggies7]

4 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

It’s gotta hurt if you are Taylor there, a veteran center fielder who played his guts out for you all season, and at least had half a chance to run into one and go yard. It felt like Buxton was a 100-1 shot to do anything there, like you said. 

100 million to one. Pretty much unanimous opinion amongst hitters that you need to see live pitching consistently. Last real game for him was weeks ago and that was weeks after his injury. And to face abreu? I mean my goodness talk about a big ask. Not that it would have mattered but I think a MAT bunt would have had equal chances of success

[MplsFan]

Echoing a lot of what others have said here: I’m sad it’s over, but not really mad about it.  The better team won.  
 

My 8 year old was crying and I was like “buddy, you got to see the Twins not only win a playoff game but an entire series.  It’s been like 20 years of disappointment like this for me and think of how much fun we had watching them all summer.  Spring is gonna come and we’ll enjoy em again.”

[Aggies7]

Watching Arizona finish off the sweep of LA, the playoffs are such a crapshoot and not really indicative of who the better team is. Arizona finished 16 games behind the dodgers. Are they actually a better team since they swept?

Looking like the Astros will be the only team that had a bye to advance to the LCS. Of course 

[Jocko87]

24 minutes ago, Aggies7 said:

The buxton thing was wild. Expecting to catch lightning in a bottle going against a guy who hadn’t allowed a run since July. I mean what were the odds that was going to work? I guess they figured the odds were better than letting MAT hit, which doesn’t say very much at all for him

Very classy move for the Astros make a mound visit so he could have his ovation.  

As a baseball move, meh, same difference pretty much.  No indication MAT was due for anything better and a spark was needed.

As a non-baseball move, huge.  

Congrats to the Astros, congrats to the Twins as well.  I’m not going to have a lot of patience with people who are anything but delighted with the overall direction of this franchise. There will be many things we will question along the way but something special is being built.  

They did need to see the Death Star up close to learn how to defeat it.  2/3s of this roster has never seen anything like this before and it showed a little bit.  How they react will fun to watch.

[Lasorda_This_Out]

3 Hits in the most important game in Franchise History since 1991?

3 Hits?

3 Hits?

3 Hits?

Thanks TD brotherans and sisterans...

Long Season..emotional rollercoaster..but worth it!

Spring Training is only few Months away!!

💗

Tommy...

 

 

 

[Melissa]

I agree with Jocko about the Buxton move. Yes, unlikely to change the outcome (which seemed less and less likely to be a win, whichever CF batted).

But it brought me and my family such joy to have Buck given a chance and a plate appearance after all he (and we) have gone through.

I thought it was classy and gave fans who care about the players a real lift.

So much fun this year, so much hope for the future!

 

 

[Linus]

I could not watch the game. It was suggested on Twitter that Julien didn’t run hard out of the box and should have had a triple not a double. Of course then he gets doubled off. Can anyone shed light on these two events?

[Aggies7]

5 minutes ago, Linus said:

I could not watch the game. It was suggested on Twitter that Julien didn’t run hard out of the box and should have had a triple not a double. Of course then he gets doubled off. Can anyone shed light on these two events?

He watched it most of the way to first. Hard to say if he could have gotten a triple IMO. The line out DP was not his fault. It was hit in the exact worst spot for a baserunner.

[Linus]

1 minute ago, Aggies7 said:

He watched it most of the way to first. Hard to say if he could have gotten a triple IMO

What about getting doubled off?  Sounded like a blunder on the radio but don’t trust not TD sources. 

[Aggies7]

Just now, Linus said:

What about getting doubled off?  Sounded like a blunder on the radio but don’t trust not TD sources. 

No there was nothing he could really have done about it. The SS was playing behind him and closer to the bag in the exact correct spot for a DP. He was cooked unless he immediately dove back to second in contact 

[Linus]

Just now, Aggies7 said:

No there was nothing he could really have done about it. The SS was playing behind him and closer to the bag in the exact correct spot for a DP. He was cooked unless he immediately dove back to second in contact 

Thanks!

[Aerodeliria]

22 minutes ago, Linus said:

Thanks!

Those lineout plays are often bang-bang. Just one step and your goose is cooked. I don't blame Julien one bit.

[Aerodeliria]

It was an exciting game, but I confess that I was irritated that Baldelli pulled Ryan after two. He made one bad pitch. I am not a fan of the bullpen game--I never was and will never be I guess.

At least the Twins didn't let the game get out of hand, and we finally won a game and a series. (I am not of the mind that the better team necessarily won in Round 2, however.) I also am again disturbed by bad balls and strikes calls. Bring in the Robocops ASAP!

The next big question is, 'Who will be around next year?' I suspect the Twins will not have Gray, Gallo or Maeda (the latter sadly, and in my case, seflishly). I predict they will try to trade Polanco because they are somewhat flush with infielders and Polanco is a good hitter who could bring in some good talent. How about guys like Solano, Farmer and Castro? Who will be DFA'd? It could be a very active and interesting winter and spring...

 

[mikelink45]

Only complaint - why take Ryan out after 2?  

But the season is over, it was fun, there was a lot of controversy for all of us to obsess over and we have a positive outlook for next year.  

Now - who do I root for the rest of the post season?  I guess my choice is Arizona just because they look like the unlikeliest.  

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

Very classy move for the Astros make a mound visit so he could have his ovation.  

As a baseball move, meh, same difference pretty much.  No indication MAT was due for anything better and a spark was needed.

As a non-baseball move, huge.  

Congrats to the Astros, congrats to the Twins as well.  I’m not going to have a lot of patience with people who are anything but delighted with the overall direction of this franchise. There will be many things we will question along the way but something special is being built.  

They did need to see the Death Star up close to learn how to defeat it.  2/3s of this roster has never seen anything like this before and it showed a little bit.  How they react will fun to watch.

You're "not going to have a lot of patience with people who are anything less than delighted with the overall direction of this franchise"??

What direction is that? We don't know what 2024s roster looks like, and they're not likely winning anything with Baldelli anyway.

Also, did Arizona need to see the death star up close?

 

[Bushwackers]

This team only made the playoffs via 76 games against four of the worst teams in major league baseball.  They had little or no chance of beating a seasoned, higher salaried, team with tradition and experience.  For the love of God, the Twins had not won a playoff game in 20+ years.  They won a shortened 3 game series and then people thought they were going to beat the Astros?  Wake up people, its Minnesota!

[Jocko87]

3 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Also, did Arizona need to see the death star up close?

 

They're about to. 

Also, not related to my post.  They are a different team.

[Hashim]

4 hours ago, LewFordLives said:

I saw some earlier comments about how the Twins need more veteran hitters. Today they had only two rookies in the lineup (Julien and Lewis). Those two combined for 3 hits (including 2 hrs) and 2 walks. That was the entirety of the Twins offense. None of the veterans reached base.

We need better veteran hitters ala Abreu. 

[shabbos1]

Hopefully a few of these guys learn the importance of protecting the plate with two strikes this offseason.  Watching Astros hitters spoil good pitches by fouling them off while Twins hitters never take the bat off their shoulders as strike three sails by was infuriating.

[UK Twin]

Ah well. Houston showed their vast play off experience. They delivered more key hits in the big situations. The good news is this Twins roster is only just starting out. Lewis, Julien, Wallner should build on their rookie years. Lewis will become a superstar quickly if he stays on the field. Lopez will anchor the Twins rotation as a legitimate ace for the next 4 years at least. Correa will continue doing what he does, hopefully will do more at the plate in the regular season. Brooks Lee (early favorite for 2024 ROTY)  should make his Twins debut, with the likes of Rodriguez and Jenkins to come further down the line (thank you draft lottery gods). The main question mark, inevitably, is Buxton. Taylor did a sterling job in CF in his absence but a healthy Buxton would be a game changer. sadly, that looks a very long way off. 

All in all though, very much looking forward to next year. Lewis, with a full spring training, could be incredible. Correa should put up better numbers.  We really shouldn't have any trouble winning the AL Central again. 

[UK Twin]

I'd also like to add that while this FO has made mistakes, I think they've been great for the team generally. The very first thing they did was draft Lewis. They could easily have gone for Greene or Gore. Not that they would have been bad options but Lewis looks like he was made for the big stage already. They certainly played a blinder with getting Correa in the first time and it played a big role in him still being here. Obviously what happened with Correa was unprecedented, with first Covid and then the drama of last off season preventing him getting the deal he wanted. But I loved the fact they saw an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. The Lopez trade was aggressive and a risk, given how big a fan favorite Arraez was. But that paid off as well. 

I'll be very interested in what they do this off season. Can I see them fishing in the top tier SP free agent market? Doubtful TBH. But the Twins have never been more sellable to a good SP. Now the likes of Nola and Snell are likely out of our range but someone like Rodriguez (if he opts out) or Giolito could be attainable. 

[Guest]

Off-season:

1. Correa:  one word:  yoga.
2. Kirilloff:  get tougher.
3. Keuchel:  see ya.
4. Gallo:  see ya. 
5. Gordon:  want to see him competing next Spring.  
6. Moran:  world of talent, but has one more chance to improve control.
7. Miranda:  if healthy, then will build on 1H22; if not, see ya.
8. De León: world of talent, would  love to see him return to form in '24.
9. Mahle:  would cost little to bring him back; Falvey has a history here.
10. Jeffers/Vasquez:  Jeffers exceeded expectations; sign him to a long-term deal and our catching is set for awhile.
11. Solano:  exceeded expectations; bring him back.
12. Farmer:  did whatever was needed, a clubhouse positive, bring him back.
13. Julien, Wallner: need to build on controlling the zone; it's one thing to be selective, it's quite another to be successful AND selective.
14. Buck:  three words:  'scope and yoga.
15. CF;  MAT and Castro both exceeded expectations, but here's where our top prospects can have a material effect.
16. SP:  needs at least one more; would like to have Maeda back
17. RP:  Duran, Jax, Stewart, Pagan (never thought I'd include him) and Funderburk.  Caleb?  not so sure.  Sands, Winder, Headrick (LHP), Balasovic and Varland will have even more opportunity in '24 and it's make-or-break time.
18. Have a nice off-season.... 

 

[Fezig]

When I saw the opening lineup I said to myself, "why isn't Correa hitting cleanup?" The one game they one he was hitting cleanup. Rocco has to stop managing like it's fantasy baseball. A future HOF player needs the potential to have as many AB's as possible. His reliance on lefty, righty is the reason the Twins lost. Put the best lineup on the field and let them play and hit! Ryan should have pitched more than two innings as well. I haven't like Baldelli's managerial style since year one and my disdain for it has increased tenfold after last night. I'll take Dusty Baker and his theory of letting his best hitters hit any day.

[wabene]

4 hours ago, USAFChief said:

they're not likely winning anything with Baldelli anyway.

We are going to have another year of Baldelli bashing, eh? The good run at the end of the season and mini playoff run quieted it down and had me thinking I might not have to endure more of it. Now you've got me thinking the only way the guy will ever get some respect from certain fans, or at least some welcome silence, is to win it all. SMH. 

[bighat]

Another well pitched game - the Twins have had plenty of those this year. Hats off to the pitching staff, one of the best in the league. 

The offense sunk the ship once again. Strike one, strike two, strike three. Again and again. An oblivious offensive strategy that has the players closing their eyes and swinging for the fences no matter the situation. 

Polanco's bunt in the Game 2 win was a thing of beauty, it's just a shame this team has taken such a brutalist approach when batting.  There's a chance they'll be better next year but they've got to embrace some change when it comes to the strikeout issue. It's why their season is over. 

[jmlease1]

well, there's always next year!

A disappointing result, mostly because you could see the path to victory after game 2. So it's a bummer to have it go the other way, especially having the offense going silent. But I still like this team a lot and they were very fun to watch this year.

Paddack did great coming in, and it certainly makes me feel a little more confident about him in the rotation for next season. You can certainly see the talent, and after years of needing to bring in 2-4 starters in the offseason just to fill up the rotation it's nice to be in a position where we could sign no one and still have a viable rotation with top-end talent on Opening Day.

Julien really proved himself. No question that he's a big-league hitter, and if he gets a little more respect for his strike zone judgment next season he could actually be even better. It's also impressive that he shows good power going the opposite way. He's exciting.

Royce proved himself as a player as well...he just needs to figure out how to stay on the field consistently. The talent is awesome, but one of the best abilities is availability. This team steps up another level if Lewis and Buxton are healthy and playing 130-140 games in a season.

I can't say I mind going with a bullpen game last night considering the stakes and the situation. You've got all these pitchers, might as well use them. They pitched well enough to win.

Kepler taking that last pitch...tough one. On the one hand it sure looked like a ball, and we certainly weren't happy about the Twins expanding the zone and getting themselves out the previous night. On the other, it really stinks to strike out looking like that. (I will admit to being surprised that the broadcast showed the earlier "strike three" that was clearly off the plate and having the booth comment on it; did they do the same on the last pitch....or did MLB orders come down for them to shut up about it?)

[wabene]

TBar has been really good for this team for a few years now. He did allow some runs in the playoffs and had he been perfect, who knows what would have happened. He did not completely melt down. 

Jax seemed almost unusable what with the 10 losses. He had some bounce back outings towards the end of the year, but was inconsistent. Many were calling for him not to be used in the playoffs, then he comes through with flying colors. In some big spots. 

When you are the manager, in the end you just have to rely on your guys and hope for the best. Pretty tough to take a series when all the other team needs is 3 runs. 

[rv78]

8 hours ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

It’s gotta hurt if you are Taylor there, a veteran center fielder who played his guts out for you all season, and at least had half a chance to run into one and go yard. It felt like Buxton was a 100-1 shot to do anything there, like you said. 

This is a prime example of why this team won't ever win under this regime and Rocco. If MAT isn't good enough to take a crucial at bat then he shouldn't be on the team. Period. You play your best players in the playoffs. Pinch hitting Buxton in that situation was exactly that, A 100-1 shot. They would have had a better chance of scoring a run if MAT would have tried to bunt for a base hit to get on and then steal 2nd. No can do, that's not the way they play. Buxton swinging for the fences is the best option, even if MAT doing the same thing wasn't good enough. The glaring problem with this team has been there all season. They take poor at bats. Well, if the players aren't going to change their approach then you need to change the players. Doubt that is going to happen anytime soon. The FO will probably doubledown on the same stupid approach and sign another poor hitter that strikes out a ton again, just like they did with Gallo last off-season. No, they are NOT the smartest people in the room. And it shows.

[wabene]

16 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

(I will admit to being surprised that the broadcast showed the earlier "strike three" that was clearly off the plate and having the booth comment on it; did they do the same on the last pitch....or did MLB orders come down for them to shut up about it?)

The last pitch was much closer, on the line. I don't think that one was a bad call. Max has to swing there. The first one was egregious.