SDP 3, MIN 0: Don’t Need a Closer if You Can’t Score

I didn't stay up past the fifth inning, and didn't check the score until I'd been awake for two hours. Maybe they felt a collective subconscious lack of rally caps?

It was disheartening to watch the bats, as they made Chacin look like an All-Star.   At least Berrios pitched a heck of a game.

At least I got to watch a game thanks to FS1. Even if the offense couldn't back a gem by Berrios. Castro needs to take the bat off his shoulder. Especially with the pitcher, who's having a great game, up next and Buxton in scoring position.

As much as the out of zone calls feel like a gut punch, I'm STILL not sold on automated strike zones.   That imperfection is one of the things that make baseball beautiful (albeit tragic and cruel, but beautiful nonetheless).  

our disagreement on the beauty of that is probably not overcomable.....but explains why not every problem is easily solved in the world, because many of us come from different starting points...

Well said.   It was more of a statement on the many imperfections of the game and that most of us appreciate the fact that baseball probably more than any other sport embraces the traditions of the past (sometimes to a fault, but embraces them nonetheless).

But as far as automation goes, if the Twins were winning and in contention right now, would any of us really be barking about those head scratching calls on the balls and strikes?

Helluva catch by Mauer.

He really deserves a gold glove this year. Since its voted on my managers and coaches (not the BBWAA), I have hope.

Berrios was brilliant last night.

As Eric Karros said on FS1, "he does not deserve to be down" in this game (when trailing 1-0). Maybe he'll win a 10-8 game soon to balance this one out.

It was tough to watch the no-no broken up by a dribbler and then Max K. doing his Nelson Cruz impression (circa 2011 WS, almost identical play).

You aren't wrong.  The graph is Chacin last night, look at those called strikes off the outside part of the plate.  

 

http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/cache/numlocation.php-pitchSel=468504&game=gid_2017_08_01_minmlb_sdnmlb_1&batterX=&innings=yyyyyyyyy&sp_type=1&s_type=&league=mlb&pnf=&zlpo=&cache=1.gif

Is there a chart for Berrios?  Just want to see if he got any calls also....