Twins 8, Blue Jays 2: G4 Ignites a Twins Onslaught

[stringer bell]

56 minutes ago, Werbellik said:

There were 2 plays. The first one was a right handed batter hitting a 4 bouncer about 30 ft to the left of second base and Lee didnt get within 20 ft of it. The second was a blooper behind second base that he took a step in before retreating that he totally misread and should have caught. Very shallow.

I think you’re ready to jump on Lee for every soft hit to the left side. Vladdy’s single was a turf hit and I’d say less than 10% of shortstops would get a glove on it. The pop fly over Lee’s head was a tough play. I didn’t see him misstep, but it is possible that he did. If that is the case a direct route would might have allowed him to catch the ball.

I’d agree that Lee hasn’t distinguished himself on defense and I would guess he has made zero “out of zone” plays, but infields can’t stop every 10 hop bleeder from getting through. While the Twins defense hasn’t graded out well, we’ve seen a few soft hits find grass (turf) for the Twins. 

[tony&rodney]

Good win for the Twins. Those big innings with a few added on are huge. The Twins have been playing about as good as they can and I'm pleased to see the run of action cutting way down on mental mistakes.

Too much focus on Outman. No he has not looked worthy at the plate. I have watched most of the Saints games and while Roden has drawn a number of walks and is fighting at the plate he isn't hitting that well and he has looked lost in the field. None of the other outfielders are ready yet either. So .... suffer a little with Outman.

Hard to get too down on Lee or others when they are going full out. Athletes have physical limits too. In addition to a few plays that we want Lee to make (he can't) there were a few balls that Martin catches in left field. However, Larnach also is playing hard in the field and working at the plate. We might like Ozzie Smith playing shortstop (in his prime, not now) and Kwan in left field but those guys are not a part of the Twins team. I'm shaking my head and wanting those plays made but also realistic about the odds. 

The Twins have three games versus Boston before a day off. There isn't anyone in the Saints pen worth calling up. .... really. Seven relief pitchers, all well rested, should be more than enough to cover the starting pitching. Morris would be ready to go next Saturday and maybe Friday night in support of Ryan and Bradley. I won't be surprised if the Twins call up a pitcher but four of the guys in AAA on the 40 person roster pitched yesterday or today. Maybe Klein but he is struggling a bit. Kent? I hope not. The best bet looking at the schedule is to keep Morris on the roster.

[bunsen82]

2 hours ago, Werbellik said:

Why is Outman still here?

My guess is will be dfa'd if he can't hit a ball in the time that Buxton is gone.  

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

they should bring up Prielip

Prielipp puts quite a few pitches right down the middle. He has a good slider and changeup but his fastball has been getting hit. He has had good luck on balls hit hard at fielders. Prielipp has a bright future but has missed a ton of time and just needs innings. I think he might get eaten alive at the MLB level. He may come on quick though, especially as it warms up. If you watch the Saints, the bullpen is not pretty. Even though Matthews is starting he could be the next guy, but he pitched yesterday. Brebbia is not on the 40 person.

[Nshore]

Bradley seems to lose his release point or something and loses his grip on the strike zone.  In his last tune up at Fort Myers they had to take him out, get him recalibrated and put him in later in the game or he might not have made it out of the first inning.  Pete Maki is doing a good job so far keeping Bradley glued together.

 

[tony&rodney]

Tristan Gray needs to get some playing time even after Royce Lewis returns unless he turns into a pumpkin from now to when Lewis comes off the IL.

[stringer bell]

The Saints are 5-9. Culpepper is hitting .250, Jenkins, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez have lower averages. Marco Raya gave up six runs today when he entered the game with an 8-4 lead. Altavilla gave up a walkoff grand slam to lose the game. Brebbia, Smith and Matt Bowman have been the most effective relievers. None of the veteran relievers I mentioned are on the 40-man. Kent can’t be recalled unless someone goes on the IL.

Fedko hit three homers and a triple today and that raised his BA above .200 and his OPS above .700. I’d suggest Fedko in a part-time role to replace Outman, but he too isn’t on the 40-man. 

[arby58]

2 hours ago, Werbellik said:

Yes. And Erod and Jenkins and Gonzalez and so on. 

Gonzalez is not a CF, and Jenkins still hasn't shown much against AAA pitching. I'm pretty sure Emma would be called up if Buxton goes on the IL (but definitely not interested in that happening). Same with Roden if/when a corner outfielder hits the IL. In the meantime, getting them everyday ABs is more important than bringing them up to play a couple times a week.

[Western SD Fan]

11 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

If you watch the Saints, the bullpen is not pretty.

Today, the Saints burned 8 pitchers today in what appears to be a pseud bullpen game.  I'm not sure there is currently a pitcher in St. Paul that they could recall to replace Morris.  

[Werbellik]

1 minute ago, arby58 said:

Gonzalez is not a CF, and Jenkins still hasn't shown much against AAA pitching. I'm pretty sure Emma would be called up if Buxton goes on the IL (but definitely not interested in that happening). Same with Roden if/when a corner outfielder hits the IL. In the meantime, getting them everyday ABs is more important than bringing them up to play a couple times a week.

Do you honestly think they are not better than OUTman?

[tony&rodney]

2 minutes ago, Werbellik said:

Calvin didn't think that way Tony and Rodney. Notice the capitilization. They were brought up right away. Not defending Calvin. But his regime created two world series champions and the 1965 World Series....

.

 

Oh I'm a big fan of putting players who are ready right in The Show. I just have watched a ton of Prielipp and he is raw. Of course one cannot know but it also isn't a good idea to put a sheep in the pasture with wolves.

FWIW, I never disliked Calvin. At a party during the 1987 World Series I has a nice little 45 minute visit with Mr. Griffith. I talked with him a couple of others times as well. He was as pure of a baseball guy as ever existed. It was all he knew. He was awkward as hell talking to people about anything else.

It was Calvin who insisted that Rod Carew be in the lineup. 

[Peter]

Great series win!!! 9-7 after 16 games and If Cleveland loses our twins will be tied for first place!!! As always let’s go twins!!!

[arby58]

3 minutes ago, Werbellik said:

Do you honestly think they are not better than OUTman?

That isn't the point. Did you even read my rationale?

[Doctor Gast]

38 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I was one of the few optimistic fan around, & their performance has impressed me. Bradley has been phenomenal, Ryan has been Ryan. Abel is promising. Nice steady performances from Gray, Bell, Jeffers, Caratini, and Martin. Larkin has been good, Lee is showing good life now. Buxton, Lewis & Wallner have had some good games but are still due for a tear. If SWR was managed right, we'd have a 7-game winning streak, which could be extended to 10 now, coming to face a slumping BOS.

Concerns: A young rotation & a shaky BP which needs some high-leverage RPs.  They've been doing OK if you keep the pressure down. Again, they should bring up Prielip & see what he can do, along with having some long relief. Morris is a good start. Also, we need to improve our INF defense. 

Just to add. Twins have a lot of new young & veteran players. New Pohlad. new FO, new manager, & a lot of new coaches. I was in favor of the management shake-up, but IMO, it'll take a while for everyone to gel. IMO, that gelling is starting.

Clutch hitting is crucial. We were out-hit 12-8, yet we won 8-2. 

[Werbellik]

3 minutes ago, arby58 said:

That isn't the point. Did you even read my rationale?

Do you not know the history of Twins baseball? Hrbek and Gaetti and and Kirby and Frank and Gagne etc were were called up from AA ball? Talent is talent. Talent is not algorithms. 

[Dman]

Man the Twins really needed to start hot with the fanbase on the sour side.  Now if Atlanta can do us a favor and help us get into a tie for first place in the division that would be even better.  Then at least we can say the Twins were in first place at some point this season.  It has been a ton of fun watching this team the last week, but it seems like the baseball gods are giving this team a lift.  I'm not complaining, but I'm still not a believer just yet.  

The way Morris came out in his first inning I could see him being a good bullpen arm.  We'll see how he does as teams get more info on him, but he has to happy with his debut.

Hoping for just as many wins next week.

[jkcarew]

3 hours ago, Werbellik said:

Buxton didn't play and made the same contribution to the game as OUTman did.

Buxton today also made the same contribution he himself has in about 95% of his starts this season. You and I have more bWAR than Buxton through 2-and-a-half weeks. Though, I see Buck pulling away from us eventually. If he stays healthy. Not as sure about Outman.

[jkcarew]

It’s a rope-a-dope pitching staff we have. Tiring them out running between home plate and 3rd base. Ali would be proud. Working so far.

[stringer bell]

Cautionary tale. In both 2024 and 2025, the Twins had big early winning streaks after slow starts that convinced many that they were legitimate contenders. Complaints about Rocco even slowed down.

It seems there aren’t any really good teams in the AL, but I don’t think the Twins are contenders even without any dominant teams. I’m glad they’ve shown some spark and maybe there will be some decent crowds  

Calvin knew baseball and he had a number of great players, but drove three Hall of Famers (Kaat, Carew, Blyleven) out of town in their primes  

This is a different era. The Twins should have enough resources and talent to be contenders most of the time.  I still think this is a transition year and we’ll see a lot of turnover whenever baseball starts after the 2026 World Series. 

[Werbellik]

6 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Cautionary tale. In both 2024 and 2025, the Twins had big early winning streaks after slow starts that convinced many that they were legitimate contenders. Complaints about Rocco even slowed down.

It seems there aren’t any really good teams in the AL, but I don’t think the Twins are contenders even without any dominant teams. I’m glad they’ve shown some spark and maybe there will be some decent crowds  

Calvin knew baseball and he had a number of great players, but drove three Hall of Famers (Kaat, Carew, Blyleven) out of town in their primes  

This is a different era. The Twins should have enough resources and talent to be contenders most of the time.  I still think this is a transition year and we’ll see a lot of turnover whenever baseball starts after the 2026 World Series. 

You are young. He drove out Harmon too.

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Calvin knew baseball and he had a number of great players, but drove three Hall of Famers (Kaat, Carew, Blyleven) out of town in their primes  

Kaat, Carew, and Blyleven were moved for the same reason that Calvin sold the team. Also why Judge isn't a Twin. CG made more than his share of mistakes to be sure.

[jorgenswest]

Shelton shows tremendous trust in his players. Bradley and Morris were allowed to work out of multiple innings. I think that can only make them better. They combined for 173 pitches. How many pitchers would we have seen today with Rocco? As a result the bullpen has several arms available tomorrow. 

[tony&rodney]

5 minutes ago, Werbellik said:

You are young. He drove out Harmon too.

Calvin stated that not keeping Killebrew was his single biggest regret. The Killer was done but wanted to play one more year. They both moved past it.

[AceWrigley]

10 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Calvin knew baseball and he had a number of great players, but drove three Hall of Famers (Kaat, Carew, Blyleven) out of town in their primes 

Jim Kaat was 34 when the Twins released him and Rod Carew was 32 when traded to the Angels, not exactly in their prime. Blyleven was traded after refusing to sign his contract. Heck, even the fans booed him in his last start as a Twin. I don't think they were driven out.

[Werbellik]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

Kaat, Carew, and Blyleven were moved for the same reason that Calvin sold the team. Also why Judge isn't a Twin. CG made more than his share of mistakes to be sure.

In 72 Harmon wanted $110,000.  Calvin sad no. Harmon left.

[Werbellik]

3 minutes ago, AceWrigley said:

Jim Kaat was 34 when the Twins released him and Rod Carew was 32 when traded to the Angels, not exactly in their prime. Blyleven was traded after refusing to sign his contract. Heck, even the fans booed him in his last start as a Twin. I don't think they were driven out.

Wow. So much to unload here. I'll try later.

 

[stringer bell]

2 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Kaat, Carew, and Blyleven were moved for the same reason that Calvin sold the team. Also why Judge isn't a Twin. CG made more than his share of mistakes to be sure.

The Waseca stuff was the last straw for Rodney, so it wasn't all about money. it was about money with Bert and Kitty.. We'll probably never see another owner who is truly his own GM.  

[jkcarew]

22 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Cautionary tale. In both 2024 and 2025, the Twins had big early winning streaks after slow starts that convinced many that they were legitimate contenders. Complaints about Rocco even slowed down.

It seems there aren’t any really good teams in the AL, but I don’t think the Twins are contenders even without any dominant teams. I’m glad they’ve shown some spark

I agree with this. Still, I’d be conflicted watching these over-achieving veterans if any of the prospects were pounding at the door at St Paul. But, they aren’t. It’s still very early. Hopefully when (sadly in all likelihood) some of these guys run out of steam, one or two of the prospects will have heated up and carry some momentum with them to the big club.

[stringer bell]

8 minutes ago, AceWrigley said:

Jim Kaat was 34 when the Twins released him and Rod Carew was 32 when traded to the Angels, not exactly in their prime. Blyleven was traded after refusing to sign his contract. Heck, even the fans booed him in his last start as a Twin. I don't think they were driven out.

Kaat won 93 games after he left the Twins and pitched for ten more years. He won 20 games twice for the White Sox and had two 7 WAR seasons. Maybe a typical player would be on the downside, but when Kaat was released he had a lot in the tank. 

I am convinced that Carew would have won more batting championships if he had stayed with the Twins. He was a great player for the Twins, not so much for the Angels.

Calvin was a throwback. The Twins didn't win as often as they should have because he wouldn't pay the freight and he was slow to get into free agency. We all know baseball was his livelihood, but he needed to spend more to stay competitive.

[Western SD Fan]

1 hour ago, arby58 said:

Gonzalez is not a CF, and Jenkins still hasn't shown much against AAA pitching. I'm pretty sure Emma would be called up if Buxton goes on the IL (but definitely not interested in that happening). Same with Roden if/when a corner outfielder hits the IL. In the meantime, getting them everyday ABs is more important than bringing them up to play a couple times a week.

For reference, the Twins left Keirsey Jr in a similar roster spot until May 30th.  We likely won't see any of Emma, Jenkins, or Gonzales unless there is a trade or someone is put on the IL.  Out of any of them, I would say Roden is the best of the bunch that could handle being a bench player.  As much as I like Roden, I also see him as a stop-gap player between the players currently on the roster and the Jenkins, Gonzalez, and ERod coming up.  One of our biggest complaints during the Falvey era was lack of development of our high round draft picks (Lewis, Wallner, Larnach, Lee, etc.).  Yet, we all want them to play now without really knowing where their development currently is at with an entire new coaching staff at St. Paul. 

Another factor in all of this is the upcoming CBA negotiations.  One item on the table is revamping the arbitration rules.  I don't want to start the service time clock on the next group of prospects if the rules are going to change after 2026.  Someone made the comment that this is likely a transition year and I couldn't agree more.  A transition year makes it more imperative that we do not jump start our next round of upcoming prospects until it looks like they can handle the rigors of a major league season. 

My guess is that we are currently seeing the top end that this team can perform at so let's ride this out while it still looks good.