Riverbrian

How many more horrible starts would you keep him? 6... However... I want to be clear that I just made a number. Most of those teams, though not all, are NOT playoff contendors, or if they are, are so good elsewhere they can take chances. My point was that with the exception of the Dark Knight, Nobody is just tossing them away. I suspect that the Mets may have been fed up with something about Matt Harvey beyond his performance and I only suspect that because... nobody is just tossing these guys away. As bad as Harvey has been... the Mets were still able to get a Catcher with a little track record in return. There are contenders on the list and there are non-contenders. Teams do not willingly reduce depth especially multi-million dollar depth. Waiting for the Twins to do something nobody else is doing will probably be a little bit of a wait. Tossing Lynn instead of working with him to get back to past form is an over-reaction in my opinion and a waste of a lot of money especially if he signs with the Pirates and starts pitching like he used to. Also, do those teams have Slegers and Gonsalves in AAA right now? To my knowledge... the Minnesota Twins are the only team that has Slegers and Gonsalves in AAA Right now. The other teams have other guys with different names.

I get the desire to just to toss him aside. Lynn hasn't been good. However... it happens and like Dantes said a few posts ago. It could be something mechanical. All in All, this type of stuff happens. Toronto is probably a little concerned about Marcus Stroman right now. Kansas City is bummed about Danny Duffy right now. The Dodgers are wondering about Rich Hill right now. The Giants are not in love with what Jeff Samardzija is doing right now. The Yankees were expecting a lot more out of Sonny Gray. Matt Moore in Texas, Lucas Giolito in Chicago, Mike Leake and King Felix in Seattle, Matt Harvey and Luis Castillo in Cincinnati, David Price in Boston and Jordan Zimmerman ever since he landed in Detroit. Plus a couple of guys that I would have loved to see the Twins acquire this off-season... Chris Archer and Yu Darvish. All of these above names had much higher expectations. It happens and it's happening to Lance Lynn Right now. The only one on the above list that was released was Matt Harvey and the Reds were quick to step up and trade for him. The Majority of above guys... if they were released based on current performance. We'd have some Twins Daily members saying "Pick Them Up" but because Lance Lynn is melting in front of our eyes and melting while competing for our team, we tend to get pissed and then we have some who want to release him pronto. It happens... Patience, keep working with him. There is a difference between fixable and broken beyond repair. If he is broken beyond repair... the Twins will say goodbye.

I'm pretty sure they have formed an opinion about those 8 starts.

I'm not worried about losing Magill. I just have a thing against removing players who are actually performing at the MLB level from the 40 man. However... when you get to the point where that is necessary. You can file it under "Good Problem to Have.".

Don't trade for a Catcher... The Price will be too high and the return will be underwhelming because you will be paying for position scarcity. The typical catcher typically produces low batting stats so don't over pay for it with a guy who could potentially produce real numbers that could help a team. Like Aaron Hicks for Murphy, let's not make that mistake again. Keep working with Garver defensively behind the plate and enjoy the bonus of what I assume will be better offensive numbers. It's Garver's turn.

The question was: “What should happen to Fernando Romero when Ervin Santana returns? Well... The latest estimates are Mid-June for Ervin. This makes it an extremely easy can to kick down that road. But if you want an answer? Based on what is going on right now on May 16: It's pretty easy... 4 guys are locked and ain't going anywhere. Romero, Berrios, Odorizzi and Gibson are pitching well. So the choice comes down to Lynn and Santana and the way Lynn is pitching... it isn't much of a choice. May hasn't pitched in awhile and he has an option so you can extend your look at him in the minors to gauge how helpful he might be later when we need him. Santana is the guy that gets the last spot because Lynn is struggling hard. So... you drop Lynn into the pen and you cut loose Magill even though he would not deserve it. You would certainly be obligated to cut Magill with a sincere apology note and a strong letter of recommendation. Everyone is focused on the rotation but I think the 40 Man Roster space is going to be the bigger issue. You can move an arm into the bullpen to relieve the rotation pressure but who do you cut to make room May and Santana. Castro can go on the 60 day and this will allow May to be rostered. For Santana to be moved off the 60 and reinstated, someone has to go and there isn't an easy cut right now. Magill is the only guy you would consider setting free and that is real tough break for him because he is pitching like he wants to stay. Now... If you want the question answered with predictions of what the landscape will look like a month from now: What do you do between Santana and Romero based on the predicted landscape? I predict that someone will be placed on the D.L and both Santana and Romero will be in the rotation.

The same way they kept putting Morrison out there. He has a track record and they think he will get back on track.

They help him pick up the bus and throw it back down.

Dear Logan Morrison, Thank You for trying. I appreciate the attempt. Keep working on it and just push it past the pitcher if you can. Don't give up. Sincerely, Riverbrian.

Nice opener Mill... Thank You. Of course... I'm gonna counter your points. Disclaimer: I've stated multiple times that I'm not a starting 9 guy. My point of view will always be driven by my desire to have a roster full of players who can be counted on every day. Whenever a player on the 25 man roster is labelled as a back up, only play in case of emergency type guy... I'm going to disagree with that approach. WIth the disclaimer in place. 1. I agree that Mauer should start at 1B nearly every day. However... I have a suspicion that occasional starts at 1B for Morrison was probably agreed to in order to entice him to sign here. If the occasional start at 1B is something that Morrison asked for in consideration of signing the contract. It may be why he chose Minnesota over whoever. Falvey and Lavine are probably going to say OK if that's all it takes to get a FA for a decent price and once they say OK... They are not going ignore a hand shake agreement after one month of play. If I'm right... I could be wrong but if I'm right... Morrison will probably get starts every third game or so. Until he proves completely inept or doesn't cooperate with the club on other matters. 2.I'm still waiting for a return to past Lynn form from Lynn and I do believe he will straighten out eventually. He probably has more rope to work with but we are deep with starting pitching that rope will exhaust itself eventually. Study the film... work with the catcher... fine tune those mechanics Lance. 3. After you read my disclaimer... my thoughts on Adrianaza will be pretty clear. I continue to assume that the Twins personnel see something in him. I will give the front office the benefit of the doubt and assume that he has something of value. I will assume that they believe he could hold down a starting job for a stretch and not hurt the team. If they kept him on the roster for a backup job once a week type role... then I'm going to have a serious issue with the roster construction. To prove my point... Who is starting at SS right now.? It's Adrianaza. No you can't predict injuries and suspensions other than safely predict that that there will be injuries and suspensions. I will always believe that if a player is on the roster... that player should play. I am not a starting 9 guy. If So... I'm OK with Adrianaza getting playing time since I assume that the front office gave him a roster spot in anticipation of the eventual need for him to play. This is his moment and It's up to Adrianaza to prove the front office right.

The Berrios big breaking pitch is back.

That song is a hit.

Sorry I'm late everyone but I had to stop a moment and write the Kolten Wong Song. Here it is... Sung to the Tune of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". When are you gonna perform? When will your stats expand? There’s prospects down on the farm to replace me for just six hundred grand. I know I can’t stay here forever. Hitting one ninety two. Can’t keep my stride from flying open. And swinging right out of… my Shu-oo-oes. Ahh Ah-Ah Ah Ah. Ahh Ah Ahh Ah-Ah Ahhh. So Goodbye to Kolten Wong The Kolten Wong Gone Song. I’ve spent my years in the dog house. Metheny has made me move on. Tossed in the scrap heat of players no good. Who stayed in the game way too long. Oh they tell me it’s over my future died. The end of the Kolten Wong Saw-onn-ong. Ahh Ah-Ah Ah Ah. I haven't copyrighted this yet so I'll have to trust everyone here that they won't steal it and make a million.

Yeah... it's in his own best interest to not have a 7.34 ERA this year. If the contract is getting to him this year and making an impact on his performance. His contract next year is really going to bug him.

I think most pitchers will go through a stretch of average to below averageness. I think it is possible that Lance is just going through that part early and will balance it all out with some above averageness down the road. Berrios is going through a stretch like that right now. I think he will find it again.

That's how often she takes me out.

Last week the Twins were in St. Louis for a two-game series, and this week the Cardinals are in Minneapolis for another two-game series. These two teams have not played a 3 game series since June of 2009, or since Target Field was built. The reason? It is because of specific negotiated prerequisites in order to secure 392 million dollars of public financing to build Target Field. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Minnesota State Legislature, Hennepin County and Governor Tim Pawlenty, were insistent that the Cardinals only be allowed in for a couple of games at a time in order to protect the brand new, shiny facility. It is a well-known fact that after three days of exposure, people from St. Louis lower the value of EVERYTHING they come in contact with. Therefore, the Cardinals are only allowed in for a maximum 2 games in a row. Further protection against St. Louis people was the insistence of no roof at Target Field. This was done so the place could be easily aired out and fumigated afterwards. Yes… the Cardinals are Uncle Bob. The guy who ruins your chairs by sitting in them and forces you to open the windows after he leaves. Here are some things to think about: Image courtesy of © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Last week the Twins were in St. Louis for a two-game series, and this week the Cardinals are in Minneapolis for another two-game series. These two teams have not played a 3 game series since June of 2009, or since Target Field was built. The reason? It is because of specific negotiated prerequisites in order to secure 392 million dollars of public financing to build Target Field. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Minnesota State Legislature, Hennepin County and Governor Tim Pawlenty, were insistent that the Cardinals only be allowed in for a couple of games at a time in order to protect the brand new, shiny facility. It is a well-known fact that after three days of exposure, people from St. Louis lower the value of EVERYTHING they come in contact with. Therefore, the Cardinals are only allowed in for a maximum 2 games in a row. Further protection against St. Louis people was the insistence of no roof at Target Field. This was done so the place could be easily aired out and fumigated afterwards. Yes… the Cardinals are Uncle Bob. The guy who ruins your chairs by sitting in them and forces you to open the windows after he leaves. Here are some things to think about: 1. Top (Non Trump) News Story of the Day: Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that a 1992 federal law banning commercial sports betting in most states was unconstitutional. The 6-3 decision may very well pave the way for legalization of sports betting across the United States. Justice Diana Ross wrote the one sentence majority opinion saying, “I’m sick of going to Vegas. It’s too hot.” Justice Mary Wells wrote the dissenting opinion saying that she was concerned because she had a $1,000 bet that the ruling would be upheld. 2. Our Twins: As many of you noticed… Byron Buxton is back. After nearly a month out of action due to migraine headaches and a hairline fracture in his left big toe, Buxton returned on Thursday without a rehab stint to ramp him back up to game speed. Placed on the Disabled List on April 12th. Buxton spent the down time in California staying at Glunn’s house in Beverly Hills. No trip to Ft. Myers for rehab was scheduled when it was determined by the travelling secretary that it would be more cost efficient to have him just wait for the team to come nearby and pick him up. BTW… if you were wondering where Miguel Sano is? He’s in Seattle. We should see him back to action on the 25th when the team swings by. 3. The Cardinals: I got nothing to add since it was only a week ago that we played the Cards. I’m going to re-cycle and ask the question once again. Why hasn’t anyone written the “Kolten Wong Song”? 4. Today’s Joe M Conversation: Maddon: Hey, Montana… can you help me with the dishes? Montana: No… I’m sorry I can’t. Mauer: What ya got going on? Montana: Nothing planned. McCarty: Are you going to lie in that hammock all day? Montana: Yep Morgan: Isn’t that what you did yesterday? Montana: Yep… I wasn’t finished yet. 5. Mother’s Day: The Kids and I took my wife out to dinner for Mother’s Day. Every time we go out to eat, she declines dessert and eventually grabs a spoon and takes bites out of mine. Now she is upset with me because I had her sign a binding agreement stating that if she declined her own dessert she gives up any claims to mine. ____________________ Lineups: CARDINALS Tommy Pham(R ) CF Matt Carpenter(L) 1B Jose Martinez(R ) DH Marcell Ozuna(R ) LF Jedd Gyorko(R ) 3B Paul DeJong(R ) SS Harrison Bader(R ) RF Kolten Wong(L) 2B Carson Kelly(R ) C Jack Flaherty (R ) P TWINS Joe Mauer(L) 1B Brian Dozier(R ) 2B Eddie Rosario(L) LF Eduardo Escobar(S) 3B Max Kepler(L) RF Logan Morrison(L) DH Byron Buxton(R ) CF Ehire Adrianza(S) SS Bobby Wilson(R ) C Jose Berrios (R ) P View full article

I have watched enough baseball games that I can usually tell if it's a hit immediately after it leaves the bat. My kids even tested me one game by pausing the action immediately after contact and before they switch cameras to follow the ball. I was right every time. With this ability... I'm comfortable that I know what happens before I see it actually happen. Extreme Shifts and the Bremergasm have both made me less comfortable.

Wade LeBlanc shutting you down for seven innings is either: A. A sign that we don't have enough above average Right Handed hitters. B. An Indication that 2018 is the year for pitchers named LeBlanc, Schwimmer, Perry, Kudrow, Cox or Anniston.

In consideration of the result. That seems a little optimistic. Not blaming him but...

It was a tough turn on a big hop to 3B with Upton speed from home to first. It was turnable but it was not easily turnable. IMO... The double play wasn't the defining moment of the 5th inning. Two batters before was the moment. With nobody out and Maldonado on 2nd base. Petit at SS tried to make an impossible throw to get Cozart on a ground ball deep in the hole. He had no chance... he wasn't even close and the impossible throw attempt allowed Maldanado to advance to third on the throw. If he puts the ball in his pocket. Maldanado has to freeze at 2nd and there isn't a runner on third when Upton is up. On the Adrianaza (I assume you meant) play at the plate. He was off with the pitch so I assume that he didn't see the ball leave the bat. The ball was also hit behind him so he stopped to find the ball and this cost him momentum while the ball bounced directly off the wall to Trout, who cleanly hit the cut, and a strike was delivered home and he was out by a fairly large margin. Adrianaza probably wasn't perfect on his base running but I am really curious if the 3rd base coach waived him around. He would have had enough data to put up a stop sign. I have not seen video to say for sure. Hindsight... He should have stopped at third. All in All... It was a great game. I enjoyed every pitch.

Yes... you try to pick up whatever/whoever you can but you probably can't hear him with a loud crowd and it probably won't prevent the pause because you are looking for movement and he had to look behind him because the movement was behind him. Looking at the replay... it looked like he found the ball himself but momentum was gone by that time. I'd like to see the replay again to be sure. Then a series of things happened. The ball bounced cleanly off the wall to (Trout I believe). Trout then hit the cut clean so Kinsler could catch turn and throw efficiently and then Kinsler fired a strike. Just like it is supposed to happen. That's why my curiosity is going hang around the 3rd base coach and if a stop or go sign was put up.

Adrianaza was off with the pitch. He wouldn't have seen the ball leave the bat. He would have heard it. At that point he has to find the ball because if it is caught he could get doubled off. Until he locates the ball which could be anywhere... the only clue he has is the direction the fielders are running. To make matters worse... the ball was hit behind him. If it was in front of him to left field he could have kept running and made it with ease. This is what caused the pause and once paused it takes a bit of time to regain momentum. It wasn't a clear case of get the noose out. The question I have is... did the 3B Coach give him a green light or red light? A green light would be a bit optimistic in my opinion. And BTW... Credit to the Angels for executing perfectly.