In September it seems like the Twins relievers allow the first batter to reach base 50% of the time. Maybe it is a lot lower, but it cause angst every time they have have lead off walk or hit.
100% agree with you. Per Gameday, Jax pitch was hit 91.3 mph, 36 degree angle and 330 ft, Earlier Larnach hit a pitch with a runner on at 103.9 mph, 44 degree and 337 ft. Missing the barrel of the bat is the objective of pitching.
Polanco has looked bad this game, he came with 2 RISP and took a called strike. Jeffers has been one our best hitters so I wasn't surprised that he was walked.
The only reason I can think of is after leaving Lewis last night he didn't want to take a chance on Julien coming up lame attempting to score on a singe.
Was Taylor bunting for a hit or a sacrifice in the 3rd. Both are defensible with the top of order due up. Can't have both Julien and Polanco striking out with 2 RISP.
I don't think the Twins will face Seattle in the WC round as after today they have 7 games vs Tex and 3 vs Hou. If they play well they will be the West Div winner. If they play poorly they won't make the playoffs. Of the WC contenders they have the best record after the all star break (38-24), however against playoff contending teams the are 14-15. The Twins have the second best record after the AS break at 35-26 and are 15-12 against playoff contenders.
Your comparison to thoroughbreds is a good analogy. Today's players solely trained to maximize speed. Whether its exit velocity or pitching at 100+ mph. Bert Blyleven often commented on how today's players have been mostly one sport athletes. Player 50-60 years ago were multi sport athletes that trained their other muscles so there wasn't as much strain on the body.
So many Twins swing so violently, I'm surprised they don't have more oblique injuries. JMHO