OAK 7, MIN 1: Puckett 2,304, Mauer 2,086, Carew 2,085

We all love Joe, but the strip is leading a 7-1 loss glorifying hit 2086?  Let the blogs glorify him, but the twins took a beating...the lead should say, twins get destroyed, Joe hits milestone.

It's just words but maybe I still hate losing.

Mauer’s player name nickname is “Mauer”

Mauer’s player name nickname is “Mauer”

Well played, Mauer.

If we could see more 7 inning outings from Odorizzi, then I'd be on board bringing him back next season. Still, the bullpen found a way to implode in his longest start of the year. Time for Addison to hit the DL and see if he can come back for next season at full strength.

He's arbitration eligible, but there's no reason not to bring him back. He's a solid back of the rotation guy who gives up a few too many hits and walks to be great. If he dropped 1 walk per 9 and 1 hit per 9 while keeping the K/9 where they're at this year (nearly a career high) he'd be a very nice pitcher. As it is, he's useful but not someone you give a multiyear deal to. But having a guy like him while you develop your younger guys with more upside is a good idea. I'm baffled by the idea he wouldn't be considered for the rotation next year.

Dirty shame that they lost on a night when Odorizzi pitched his best game of the year.  

And congrats to Mauer.  Hopefully, he will sign on for two more years (or two one year contracts) so that he can have the most hits of any Minnesota Twin.  Got to expect 2400-2500 hits would also give him a much better chance for the Hall.

Carew left because of racist things Calvin said and money. It took Joe nearly 600 more at bats to get those hits compared to Carew. Carew had a .334 ave with the Twins (12 years) compared to Joe's .306 (15 years). 

A career .306 is not too shabby. 

A career .306 is not too shabby. 

Not shabby at all.   Pre concussion it was about .320.    As far as HOF goes it might be one of those rare cases where longevity hurts his chances.

Yuck, brush this one under the rug.

Gonsalves has another chance tonight, let's see if he makes this count. I've been hearing "wait 'til Gonsalves gets here" and "Gonsalves should be the Twins' #3 starter" all year long...I think many of us are eager to see this much-hyped prospect do the thing he's supposed to do. How about 7 shut-out innings tonight, no walks and 8 K's?