Make It Official! Twins 5, Phillies 4: Walkoff Win Finishes Homestand in Wild Style

[Parfigliano]

26 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

We were calling you names. 

Oh.  Ok.  Carry on.

[Craig Arko]

 

[tony&rodney]

Many of us looked to the first five games after the All Star Game as a barometer of the Twins team. I commented on this in late May. 

The Twins have a good team and look better than they did last season. Although many might disagree, I believe the Twins top four starters are superior to the top four from a year ago.

IMHO, the Twins only need a LH RP. Correa's health and a hot hitting Miranda should settle the offense. Lewis may help as well.

I'm not seeing a reason to give up any good prospects for a nominal rental starting pitcher. I also cannot see why a team within 8 games of a playoff position would deplete their team unless they received a return that is way out of balance.

What would Miami want for any of their lefties? Anyone have any guesses?

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Sands pitches today. Need to update the bullpen usage chart.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

39 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm flabbergasted at Julien. He was the most likely (in my mind) player to play about the same as last year.....Jeffers is also in a slump, but he's still one of the better overall catchers for the year. 

Lee? Bummer of a slump, but when Lewis comes back, I put Lee at SS or 2B. If they want to send someone down, it's got to be Julien. the delta between AAA and MLB is (according to what you read on line) bigger now than ever. I'd just give Lee time right now....

Julien might be the biggest surprise this year, in a bad way of course.  

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Julien might be the biggest surprise this year, in a bad way of course.  

With SWR (who I never doubted could pitch, but come on!) on the plus side. 

[mnfireman]

1 hour ago, Randy Griffith said:

All the Hit by Pitches absorbed by Twins hitters, especially from the hands of National League pitchers year after year, need to be addressed by MLB.  Otherwise, the unwritten rules of baseball dictate that we "protect our hitters" by plunking (unintentionally, of course) some of the opposing team's best hitters.  Our marquee players are spending too much time on the Injured List because of opposing pitcher egos.  That said, it was a great series win for the Twins.    

Don't open this bag of worms again, some people have very strong opinions about some of baseball's "unwritten" rules...

[Peter]

Huge huge huge comeback walk off to win game and take series!!! This is best most important win of season yet!!! Go Twins!!! 

[IaBeanCounter]

2 hours ago, CharlieDee said:

Love the bunt by Martin in the 9th.  I was shocked Rocco had him do it.

Are you sure Rocco called it?  Martin may have bunted on his own.

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Great job by Rocco and the players! In all five of these games w/o their three best hitters......

Wallner has the highest OPS of any currently playing player, btw.....Tied with Buxton of the healthy players in wrc+....

Credit to him for making the best of the option down and working to come back strong. Credit to the Twins staff for helping him get back here. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

10 minutes ago, IaBeanCounter said:

Are you sure Rocco called it?  Martin may have bunted on his own.

I suspect that was a called bunt. It was one of the few situations where bunting for an out makes sense: you need one run and only one run.

[USAFChief]

7 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

I suspect that was a called bunt. It was one of the few situations where bunting for an out makes sense: you need one run and only one run.

Concur.

Like the 10th Tuesday. When he didn't.

I 

 

[Parfigliano]

57 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Julien might be the biggest surprise this year, in a bad way of course.  

He honestly seems afraid to swing when he gets 2 strikes.  Its weird.

[Patzky]

More good news today as several draft picks were signed including Jaime Ferrer and Billy Amick!

[mikelink45]

Is Rocco obligated to use Margot as a PH?  I just cannot stand this any more.  Okert and Theilbar matched their season records tonight - left handed or not - stop using them in key situations.

So glad we won, but there are still lessons to be learned.

[NotAboutWinning]

Was at the game this afternoon... One of those where you walk away wondering what the heck just happened 🤨

[IaBeanCounter]

1 hour ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

I suspect that was a called bunt. It was one of the few situations where bunting for an out makes sense: you need one run and only one run.

On Saturday Martin was on 2nd in the 10th, Castro lined out instead of bunting.  

[jimbo92107]

The book on Lee appears to be something like, work him low, then outside, then finish him off with high heat. Probably he's never faced pitchers that could execute that strategy. Time to adjust...

[stringer bell]

I was at the game today. It was nice to see a nice crowd on a getaway day. The Twins played Philly at the right time and they held their big hitters in check. They also faced three quality starters and managed to win two of three.

The Twins need their best hitters to get back in the lineup! There are plenty of candidates for demotion—Julien, Lee, Martin and Camargo—and they have need for bullpen arms—particularly left handers.

There, of course, is also a need for a starter and Festa and Varland are questionable to fill that role.

On to Detroit. It seems they are playing better so winning a series won’t be easy. 
 

 

[darwin22]

4 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm flabbergasted at Julien. He was the most likely (in my mind) player to play about the same as last year.....Jeffers is also in a slump, but he's still one of the better overall catchers for the year. 

Lee? Bummer of a slump, but when Lewis comes back, I put Lee at SS or 2B. If they want to send someone down, it's got to be Julien. the delta between AAA and MLB is (according to what you read on line) bigger now than ever. I'd just give Lee time right now....

Agree with you on Lee moving over to SS as long as Correa remains on IL.  Castro would be much better suited to move over to 2B as he's shown, imo, to be lacking with glove and arm at SS.  If both Miranda and Lewis are activated before Friday series in DET, I'm guessing Miranda gets the lion share of starts at 3B with Lewis serving as DH.  If that happens, that would result in Larnach moving into a 4th OF role.  He could also serve as a DH against RH pitching when Lewis or Miranda need a day off.

[Whitey333]

Let's see....   no negative comments allowed apparently.   I really don't have one.  Maybe a minor one.  We sure get excited by going 2-3 on the homestead.  I will say that I never expected them to win on Wednesday or to take the series.  Great job Twins.  Thus weekend the Twins are in Detroit.  They have won like 15 of their last 20.  The Guardians go to Philadelphia to play the Phillies.  Then the Twins play the red hot Mets.  Great challenges for the guys especially if our injured players come back.  Go Twins!!

[darwin22]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

Is Rocco obligated to use Margot as a PH?  I just cannot stand this any more.  Okert and Theilbar matched their season records tonight - left handed or not - stop using them in key situations.

So glad we won, but there are still lessons to be learned.

No---Rocco is not obligated to do so, but we all know he's committed to pinch hitting him in ANY situation in which a LHRP is facing Wallner or Larnach.  I 

Seriously wondering what the MLB record ( a dubious one) is for futility as a pinch hitter.  Margot is now a BIG GOOSE EGG for 25 this season.

[Colbeh]

4 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Huge series win for the hometown team today!  

A few observations/thoughts with now only 61 games left:

1.  What happens with Brooks Lee when Miranda is activated?  After an excellent start, Lee has regressed over his last 10 games. Since July 10th, Lee is now in a 5-41 slump (.122 avg) with only 1 EBH. IMO, Lee could benefit from a SHORT reset in SP.

2.  How long of a leash does Julien have?  Very small sample size, I know, but since his recall he's 2-12 with 8K's.  Moreover, his defense leaves a lot to be desired.  Not advocating for Kyle Farmer when he's ready to come off IL, but Julien is not the answer--at least at this point in the season.

3.  With recent IL of Funderburk, Thielbar's continued struggles (season ERA at 6.20) and Okert being less than desirable, I would think that a LHRP has GOT TO BE at the top of the list at the trade deadline.

Now for some more positive comments:

1.  SP upgrade at deadline:  Still think is a priority but not as much as acquiring a good LHRP.  

Festa showed some significant improvement today.  Unsure what happens next time that slot in rotation comes up, but Festa, imo earned another start based on what he did today.

Adding on, in case anyone has missed it:  Varland has put together 2 back to back impressive start for SP. 11.67 IP/ 0 ER/ 4 hits/ 4 BB with 13K's.  Still like him as a bullpen option as its very uncertain to count on Stewart to remain healthy or hoping Topa progresses to the point he can contribute down the stretch.

2.  Don't want to jinx him, but Wallner looks VERY good at the plate recently.  If he can contribute anywhere close to what he did in the second half of 2023--thinks look much better.

3.  Carlos Santana:  Beyond his recent clutch hitting is his stellar play defensively at 1B.  Is it reasonable to start to consider re-signing him for next season?  I say "yes"

4.  Cole Sands:  Like comment on Wallner, I don't want to jinx him, but he's gone from..."OMG they're putting Sands in a close game," to now expecting him to thrive.  In case anyone has missed it--Sands in July has now pitched 10 scoreless IP in July with 13 Ks and 0 walks.  Very impressive and happy for him.  

Time to rest tomorrow and minds right to win a series this weekend against an improved DET team!

 

 

 

 

 

I like the analysis.

Julien is probably better off spending the rest of the year in AAA. His confidence seems shot and needs a long reset. Lee, it wouldn't hurt at all for a few weeks down as well to work on some of his recent struggles and come back for a playoff run.

Time for the twins to get a big left handed relief pitcher thats controllable for a few years. 

[insagt1]

Taking 2 of 3 against the best team in baseball IS a big deal, no doubt. Especially with so many regulars banged up.

Julien...yeah, he needs to go back down. He strikes out far too much..and that has been something he just can't correct. The guy has talent, but he's not quite up to MLB standards.

Agree, Lee has really cooled off. He plugged the hole that Lewis left for a short while, but not lately. What concerns me a bit is that Lewis was battling a slump when he went down. Hope he comes back hot.

[SotaSports in NM]

The 4-20 record should tell us all we need to know about how ready this team is to win 1 or more playoff series. I know, I know,... injuries in the past and getting healthier. But that stat tells us we are not a marginal improvement away from being more than a wild card team, unfortunately.

[JD-TWINS]

5 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Huge series win for the hometown team today!  

A few observations/thoughts with now only 61 games left:

1.  What happens with Brooks Lee when Miranda is activated?  After an excellent start, Lee has regressed over his last 10 games. Since July 10th, Lee is now in a 5-41 slump (.122 avg) with only 1 EBH. IMO, Lee could benefit from a SHORT reset in SP.

2.  How long of a leash does Julien have?  Very small sample size, I know, but since his recall he's 2-12 with 8K's.  Moreover, his defense leaves a lot to be desired.  Not advocating for Kyle Farmer when he's ready to come off IL, but Julien is not the answer--at least at this point in the season.

3.  With recent IL of Funderburk, Thielbar's continued struggles (season ERA at 6.20) and Okert being less than desirable, I would think that a LHRP has GOT TO BE at the top of the list at the trade deadline.

Now for some more positive comments:

1.  SP upgrade at deadline:  Still think is a priority but not as much as acquiring a good LHRP.  

Festa showed some significant improvement today.  Unsure what happens next time that slot in rotation comes up, but Festa, imo earned another start based on what he did today.

Adding on, in case anyone has missed it:  Varland has put together 2 back to back impressive start for SP. 11.67 IP/ 0 ER/ 4 hits/ 4 BB with 13K's.  Still like him as a bullpen option as its very uncertain to count on Stewart to remain healthy or hoping Topa progresses to the point he can contribute down the stretch.

2.  Don't want to jinx him, but Wallner looks VERY good at the plate recently.  If he can contribute anywhere close to what he did in the second half of 2023--thinks look much better.

3.  Carlos Santana:  Beyond his recent clutch hitting is his stellar play defensively at 1B.  Is it reasonable to start to consider re-signing him for next season?  I say "yes"

4.  Cole Sands:  Like comment on Wallner, I don't want to jinx him, but he's gone from..."OMG they're putting Sands in a close game," to now expecting him to thrive.  In case anyone has missed it--Sands in July has now pitched 10 scoreless IP in July with 13 Ks and 0 walks.  Very impressive and happy for him.  

Time to rest tomorrow and minds right to win a series this weekend against an improved DET team!

 

 

 

 

 

Can’t send both Julien & Lee down. Lee wins out! 

Sounds like Lewis & Miranda are back for Detroit on Friday……..gotta demote Julien and Camargo.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Is Rocco obligated to use Margot as a PH?  I just cannot stand this any more.  Okert and Theilbar matched their season records tonight - left handed or not - stop using them in key situations.

So glad we won, but there are still lessons to be learned.

Okert started the game with the bases empty ……gotta be able to deal with that, he walked the first guy…..I guess any time a guy steps on the mound it’s a key situation?

Thielbar came in to end the 5th to get out of a jam with a strikeout…….seemed to do fine in a pretty key situation. He then gave up two runs when starting an inning in middle innings in a tie ballgame - not an overwhelming situation.

Neither guy can consistently get guys out - they are 25% of the bullpen - he’s got to use them at some point! He doesn’t set the roster, he manages what he’s got. Neither guy was in high pressure situation - they just didn’t perform!!

[UK Twin]

Heck of a win, heck of a series win. We still need a SP but the fact that SWR held the Phillies scoreless through 6 innings in game 2 and Festa pitched well with good stuff in game 3 bodes well for the future. 

I really didn't see us coming back at 4-1 and switched off. I was very pleasantly surprised when I next checked the score and it was 4-4!

Stewart was a little rusty but that was to be expected. Big boost to the bullpen to have him back. Lewis and Miranda will hopefully be in Detroit as well - we'll need both to face Skubal. 

Now can the Guardians and Royals have some injuries please? I think Kwan was injured for a while but really, neither side have had to deal with anywhere near the amount of key players out as the Twins. Royals are toast if anything happens to Witt, Guardians are very top heavy with their batting line up as well. Twins still have a good shot at winning the AL Central, just need a SP (Flaherty would be good) and maybe a LH RP as well. 

[William K Johnson]

13 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm flabbergasted at Julien. He was the most likely (in my mind) player to play about the same as last year.....Jeffers is also in a slump, but he's still one of the better overall catchers for the year. 

Lee? Bummer of a slump, but when Lewis comes back, I put Lee at SS or 2B. If they want to send someone down, it's got to be Julien. the delta between AAA and MLB is (according to what you read on line) bigger now than ever. I'd just give Lee time right now....

I would have sent Julien down yesterday instead of Castillo.   Castillo is a better defender and currently a better hitter.   Plus, he is right-handed.   Just do not understand FO love for Julien.

[TwinsDr2021]

11 hours ago, IaBeanCounter said:

On Saturday Martin was on 2nd in the 10th, Castro lined out instead of bunting.  

I would add as a few days ago Castro had the worst average in the majors with RISP, so a bunt seems even like a better idea.