Big Start for Diamond

[stringer bell]

I imagine we'll hear Dickbert say something like "this is a big start for Diamond" and we'll almost hear the "dum, dum, dum, daah" from the orchestra after the words are uttered. If Diamond doesn't improve tonight, it is likely he'll be getting reacquainted with Rochester, New York. In his favor, he will be facing a team that is crippled by injuries and has shown particular weakness against left handers. However, they are the Yankees and their lesser players have managed to always shine against the Twins. Diamond needs to neutralize the few star players left in the lineup and keep the ball in the park.

 

I imagine the Twins will struggle against Pettitte. I can't remember the last poor game Pettitte had against the Twins, but it has been awhile. I expect that Dozier will lead off, but otherwise the lineup should be similar to what it has been this month. Mauer is due to snap out of his funk and Plouffe has been swinging well. I hope the Twins can scratch out four or five runs.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Who exactly will be replacing Diamond in the rotation, Worley? I'd guess Walters will go down before Diamond does, and I think Worley will get a few more starts in AAA before a callup.

[stringer bell]

Who exactly will be replacing Diamond in the rotation, Worley? I'd guess Walters will go down before Diamond does, and I think Worley will get a few more starts in AAA before a callup.

Pelfrey is making a single rehab start in Cedar Rapids and he'll probably be back in Minnesota by midnight. The Twins could demote Walters and activate Pelfrey, but both Vanimal and Albers are also in line to replace Walters. I am of the opinion that Diamond will find it and again become a quality big league starter, but he has been brutal for most of the last two months.

[beckmt]

Diamond may have to find it in Rochester. Twins need to have starters that go 6 innings up here. Keep the auditions coming, Walters I expect will be the first one out and it may be before his next start on Wednesday. Twins cannot afford 2 short starts in 3 days. Time for Walters to go.

[jorgenswest]

Big start and he has Doumit behind the plate. His k/bb ratio with Doumit is 20-13 in 9 starts this year. With Mauer it is 16-3 in 5 starts.

 

Graphic of his last game with Doumit at catcher. Notice all of the green squares denoting balls at the bottom of the strike zone.

 

http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/cache/location.php-pitchSel=539438&game=gid_2013_06_20_chamlb_minmlb_1&batterX=0&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=3.gif

 

I am guessing Gardy commented after the game that Diamond needs to keep the ball down. It would be nice if he would get strikes on those pitches.

 

Did you know that as a team pitcher k/bb ratio with Mauer is 2.63 and with Doumit is 1.62?

 

It is probably just the umpire.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

5 innings strong, if history repeats, Diamond is about to implode

[TheBigGuy7273]

Diamond's got work to do, but on the positive side he has looked better tonight. I do think that Gardy is starting to get tired of Diamond going short. As evidenced by the little quicker hook tonight, but also woth the twins 'pen being strong it gives Gardy the ability to shorten the game.

[stringer bell]

Gardy was in a pickle with a starter with a trend of struggling in the middle innings and an eighth inning guy who had a very rocky last four weeks. He got Diamond through 6.2 and got the final out of the seventh, but the eighth with the heart of the order coming up doesn't inspire confidence. I think Diamond earned another start and it will be against the power-packed Jays--we shall see.

[mcrow]

Many of us thought Diamond would regress a bit this year but so far he has still been a big disappointment. Same could be said of everyone in the roation minus Correia.