insagt1

Kuechel was pretty bad. Winder isn't ready for prime time unless he's in there to mop up a mess. Twins get to 6 over .500 and they just can't sustain it. Other than Maeda's nice outing, the team has looked pretty helpless the last 4 games, especially the pen, and most the starters, and several of the hitters....and well...guess the team has looked pretty helpless.....

I'm sorry I brought this up..seriously. My head is exploding with all the percentages, stats etc. None of the 'clutch hitter' stuff would have been debated like this before the metrics march to madness arrived on the scene and turned baseball from a game to a study project. (here is where I get blasted to high heaven...old man get with the program!😄) I guess watching the way the Astros handled their AB's intrigued me because nobody else this season was that good at it. Altuve's hit was a bloop...so I wont count that as 'pulled' in the sense that we think of it. The hit to the wall in center was straight up the middle. The HR came after Tucker worked his behind off, fouling I believe 4 straight after an 0-2 count. Perhaps we often exaggerate that 'all' the Twins are swinging for the fences instead of trying to go with a pitch or shorten a swing or even lay one down. But some of the players that were listed as never doing it, do actually do it from time to time don't they? Anyway, if you aren't hitting it over the fence...and you are trying to stay in 1st place, you have to get those runners in from 3rd and 2nd. Probably we aren't that good. Our lineup is flawed. And the guys we were depending on are having poor seasons. All of them. no one is picking the other guy up consistently enough to stay 6 games over .500 when they get there. And even the almighty stats can't always tell the whole story. A guy can go 1-5 a lot...but if that 1 is a 9th inning game winning HR, is anyone complaining. A guy can fail to bring home the runner from 3rd twice in a game, but if he succeeds once and its a game winning RBI who cares about the stats. A guy could hit 3 HR's in a game...but if they are all solo shots in a blowout, either way, how valuable is it? Thats why this game is so great. The human element can confound or elate. And its unpredictable from game to game. If you help your team win, I guess thats all that ultimately matters. Anyway I won't bring up clutch hitting again. its not worth it.

Remember the day when Earl Weaver used to fine guys for not bringing home a runner at 3rd with less than 2 outs! For years there has been debates about 'clutch hitting' and how there really statistically is no such thing. The reality though is that hitting under pressure is difficult. Some can do it and others crumble more often than not. Its not reasonable to assume that you can just plug anyone into a situation where runners are in scoring position and say that given enough chances they will all produce about the same number of RBI. Twins have an entire team of players this year that struggle under the pressure of delivering runners, especially with bases loaded. Do they try too hard? Are they all swinging for the fences? Why do they rack up so many k's? Do they fail to adjust? You don't succeed all the time, but you should get the job done more than they are doing, if you want to win a division, or a playoff series. Was watching how the hated Astros adjusted to the near unhittable Felix Bautista this week. Up to this series he had allowed only 5 earned runs...all season! In two outings they nicked him for 5 runs! They didn't try to do too much. So many of their hits were to the opposite field...rather than trying to pull his nasty stuff. They beat him once, and nearly did it again yesterday. It was frustrating to watch and I keep wondering when Twins hitters will adjust their approach to score runs in games that they clearly could win.

I don't think either guy has any real future with the Twins. They have been up and down a lot and neither one of them can sustain any momentum. Might be off base here, but Twins may need to move on from both. Like Celestino before this season where he has been injured, Twins kept running him out there but he isn't a major league hitter and they need to do better than these guys. (but probably not this season)

getting runners in scoring position with no outs and then striking out with reckless abandon seems to be what the Twins have perfected this season. And everyone is guilty. Even when a guy like Correa starts to heat up, he still has an awful AB to end the game with sacks juiced on Wednesday, with a chance to really be a hero. Kepler and Jeffers fanning at the worst possible times isn't helping either. Getting swept by KC and shortly after losing 3 of 4 to Detroit is not inspiring confidence. But this is a broken record this season.

said earlier..Twins don't exactly shine against the Tigers. Bullpen awful tonite. Had a glimmer in the 9th but Correa had a miserable AB to end it. But won't win many with this awful pitching. At least we lost no ground with the Guardians losing too. ( I had similar frustrations as Houston beat up the O's pen again..they were terrible, but TB lost also.) Funny thing: when do you know how many runs is enough? Tonite Lehigh Valley was leading Rochester 14-8 late (it was 13-4 at one point) The 14th run came in the 8th inning. Rochester needed to 6 to tie and they got 5. Who knew how crucial that 14th run would be.

its tough to watch a can't miss multi-talented athlete be unable to play. Bobby Orr's career was cut so short because of his knees, that couldn't be fixed to allow him to be Bobby Orr. Buxton may be sliding down that same hill. Maybe he's just not fixable. The number and variety of his injuries sure seems to bear that out.

well hasn't he gone 3 straight AB's without a 'k'?(oops, just noticed he did 'k' once last night along with a walk...easy come easy go) Is that a second half record!😁 Twins have been plagued by serious injuries all season, so yeah, he is a sort of insurance policy. Definitely should no longer be an everyday player, unless it can't be avoided. On to forgetting about last night and starting up a new streak. I went to bed miserable. The 6-0 loss was depressing...but what went on in Baltimore just made me ill. We know that even the best closers can't do it everytime, but who could have guessed Bautista would give up a grand slam trying to protect a 3 run lead!! And to Houston...a team that still seems to be public enemy #1 for most. (I, of course, always have the Yankees on that list) Twins haven't exactly overwhelmed Detroit this season, but winning this series is very important.

This is a great thread! So, many here may know my story, but I feel I am sort of a 'unique' Twins fan. I live in Rochester, NY. I am 75 years old and have been a baseball fan since the late 50's. The Red Wings were affiliated with the Cardinals back then (1929-1960) and many stars filed thru Red Wing Stadium. I watched Bob Gibson pitch here...too young to see Stan Musial do his short stint as a Wing!) The relationship strained and in 1961 the Wings changed affiliates to the Baltimore Orioles, and stayed with them until 2002. Thru those years the O's gave us many all-stars, and some HOFers. Cal Ripken won rookie of the year award in 1981 and also played in the longest professional game on record...a 33 inning affair against Pawtucket. (Wade Boggs played in that one too, for the Pawsox). We watched Don Baylor, Bobby Grich, Al Bumbry, Paul Blair, 'Blade' Belanger, Jim Palmer, Moby Mike Epstein, and a host of others. I was a tried and true O's fan as were many in Rochester over those 4 decades. But by 2002, the organization was in shambles and it was Rochester who asked for the divorce! And it was Minnesota who answered the call. An agreement was finalized and in 2003 the Twins became our daddy! Yes, it was very hard breaking away from the Orioles, but it was time. While Minnesota never developed the following the Orioles had here, they did win over many, including myself. They provided us with some pretty decent talent along the way and the relationship was a good one. Little by little I started following the Twins more because I was interested in seeing our young talent graduate. I didn't like that I now had two 'favorite' teams in the American League and when they played each other, I didn't know who to cheer for. All I knew is one of my favorites would win (and one would lose) I grew to like the Twins. And in 2004 I lost my most favorite team, the Expos. I lived in Montreal, as a student when they were born and they became my favorite National League team. When the season was cancelled in 1994, the Expos were the best team in baseball. I will never forgive Bud Selig for being such a pansy, and it killed baseball in Montreal. In fact as many will recall, there was talk of contracting both the Expos and Twins. Selig should NOT be in the HOF. In fact he should head up the Hall of Shame as a charter member. As cable became a thing, eventually I was able to watch more Twins games. After COVID, MLB put the hammer down on minor league baseball. And high on the list of 'you shoulds' is that every major league team should aggressively strive to get their top affiliates close to home. So while it was sad for me to part ways with the Twins, it made sense for them to move their AAA affiliate to St. Paul. Still, today I watch both Twins and O's nightly, often switching back and forth. (crazy that both lead their divisions!) As for the Red Wings new parent, the only team left was Washington. On principle, since they should still be the Expos, I can't stand them. I don't cheer for them. Our city couldn't care less about them. this year they have given us some talent...decent hitting and zero pitching..and I still have season tix for their games, because I love baseball. I have no favorite team in the NL anymore. In the meantime, I will continue to hope both my AL teams win their divisions. If they face each other in post season, may the best team win. Neither team has won it all in many years. So they are certainly due! Thats my story

I love Trey Mancini. A huge favorite in Baltimore. But despite his gallant return from cancer, the O's recognized that his skills had been eroding and they made the tough decision to cut the very popular player last year. I can't think the Twins should have a similar 'problem' with the fans if they cut Gallo ASAP. But grabbing Trey is probably not a good alternative anymore. They did go get Luplow from the DFA pile. How that will work out is anyone's guess. Injuries still plague the Twins. Key guys continue to be out for long stretches. They have to be pretty vigilant as to what moves they make. One move I'm surprised they haven't made is giving Stevenson a shot. He seems to have earned it. Why not call him up for a look-see?

Kepler looks much more engaged these days...looks more passionate...watched his reaction to the game tying HR yesterday. Thats a Kepler we hadn't seen much this season. But a hot Kepler in August-September can't hurt! Now if Polo and Correa could follow suit...as both are not up to par at all. With Kirilloff hurt, and Larnach up and down, and Buxton unable to play CF, and Twins suddenly 4 1/2 games ahead of Cleveland, its nice to see some of the guys stepping up. Kepler could go back into the dumper again but for now, its nice to see him really contributing. (unlike Gallo, who is not contributing much of anything at the plate and that has been going on for a long time now)

concerns...Polanco has not provided the offense he needs to provide during this oft-injured season. this is very disappointing because hitting is his 'strength' for this team. Kirilloff's injury may be more serious than anyone has hoped...he may not be able to perform to his maximum the rest of this season. Very disappointing. Buxton is always hurt. And he is never fully able to play for long stretches, be it DH or CF. How much he can contribute going forward is anyone's guess. But what has become clear is the poor guys body is constantly betraying him at every corner. It isn't just one area, its everywhere. This is a major disappointment. So, Gallo. Everyone is trying SO hard to prop up his 'd' to justify keeping him around. When you hit .170; when you are whiffing more than once every 2 AB's; and when the HR's have pretty much disappeared, isn't there anyone, anywhere that can offer more?? Seriously, his last 2 months have been an embarrassment. Its unlikely to improve. If Twins were the Royals or the A's, yeah keep experimenting. But they are actually trying to win a playoff GAME for the first time since WWI. Please move on from him.

We all know Kepler is a streaky hitter...and right now he is hot. Ride him as long as possible! Gallo on the bench. Absolutely. Giving Bux a long rest. Also a good idea. Is it remotely possible that all his ailments will heal? And if so, for how long? Disappointing that Pagan blew a save and Thielbar gave up a crucial 9th inning HR. 4 1/2 lead over scuffling Cleveland is a good look! Twins have lived a charmed life so far in 2023. But this is also a great time to get hot. Would like to see Jeffers become an everyday player down the stretch (as catcher and DH) O's are doing this daily with their 2 catchers.

sending Moran down clearly the right move. He was awful last night. You come in leading 12-1 and everyone in the universe just wants to go home asap. Your job is basically to essentially lob the ball over the plate and let them hit it. They aren't going to come back from 11 down. Instead we were 'treated' to unnecessary minutes and minutes of Moran missing the strike zone by a mile. Finally even the ump had mercy and called a couple of pitches that weren't strikes, normally. How he managed to get out of the inning without giving up a run was probably more the D-Backs just wanting it over too. It was a pathetic performance given the circumstances. Yes, yes yes...go down and learn the strike zone. And don't come back until you do. sheesh.

If/when Gordon returns I believe he will still be a utility player this season. However I think he is far more valuable to the team than Gallo, who definitely should be only a utility player going forward. Gordon may be useful down the stretch. He isn't as bad as some here feel he is. Not any everyday player..and barring other injuries I don't think Rocco will turn him into one. Could be wrong. Buxton back on the IL. Well thats like saying hey the sun came up again this morning, in the east no less. Pick a part of his body, any part, and it will likely be injured. Like waiting for Godot (got that all you English majors!!) we keep waiting for that magical season when Buck plays without injury. It hasn't happened. Probably never will. Even as a DH he still finds a way to get hurt.

Think the Guardians decided to do a mini houseclean at the deadline because they felt they could still take the Twins out...and sort of appease their fans? So they sort of 'went for it'? There will aways remain the debate whether you always plan 'for the future' (and sometimes it never comes) or try to win 'now' while the chance exists? Another reason why baseball is a great game...you play everyday. Stuff happens.

Gordon is a decent utility player and maybe insurance against more injuries, if he can play. AK started to look pretty bad at the plate prior to his IL stint. He started to k a lot more, which meant perhaps there was something wrong with his mechanics due to some type of injury. Wasn't looking forward to that. Gallo is adding virtually nothing. Decent 'd' but not decent enough to compensate for his terrible hitting. This has been a wasted season for Miranda. Maybe Solano should be playing more now? Noted that Bremer was pretty critical of Correa's weak AB's last night. Wonder if something is up with him too that he's trying to play through?

Its ok to have opinions here I thought? My 'opinion' is that if they can't beat Cleveland, no matter when, they won't win the division. Injuries...won't mean a thing if after 9 innings its not a 'W'. Just my feelings. We'll have to see how it plays out. You certainly don't have to agree or analyze my words. Until they can demonstrate that they can beat their closest competitor, they probably won't succeed. But you and I don't have crystal balls. Maybe they will win, maybe they won't. Based on what I have seen so far, I lean towards they won't, and really hope I'm wrong.

Ballgame...never any doubt.....😊 So team Teflon manages to go home with a 2 1/2 lead despite going 2-6 over the last 8 games!

one out to get. Nothing comes easy . 9th inning nerves. Duran not real sharp again.

whats weird about it? Last year Twins had their own fate in their hands in September but couldn't beat the team that was challenging them....hardly at all and that was that. So If the same opportunity arises again, can Twins beat the guardians with the season on the line (when it matters most) Its the situation, and yeah because they lost to them last year doesn't mean they will repeat that scenario. But if it comes down to head to head...what will they do? Close games don't mean a thing unless you get the 'W'. You want to be able to beat your closest competitor, right?

quite often when a team starts going bad you can blame it either the pitching isn't working or the hitters aren't producing. In the Twins case, its a total team misfire. Pitching and hitting are letting them down routinely. Some nights they can hit but the pitchers can't get the outs and other nights its the opposite. How can you deal with this? Right now, this isn't a full functioning team but the division is there for the taking. However once they play go head to head with Cleveland its all over. Twins can't beat the Guardians when it matters, and like last September, that will be our undoing. (unless something drastically changes)

Props to Matt for putting it out there. Clearly some here really aren't buying most, if not all the reasons. But thats the reason for this forum. After frustrating loss after loss, a place to vent for the diehard fan is very therapeutic. Its especially important for those of us who can only follow the Twins from afar (either here, on radio or MLB.com). Twins were Rochester's parent team for almost 2 decades, so I became a fan. I won't become a fan of our current parent Washington EVER. Move them back to Montreal and I would change my mind. Unfortunately for us, MLB now has pretty much mandated that their top affiliates be as close geographically as possible so it made sense that St.Paul became the landing place for the Twins. Washington wanted to go to Richmond (currently not in the IL) but Rochester was only option. Rochester is the oldest baseball franchise in the history of the game so MLB did not dare eliminate us. But Washington has zero footprint here and there is zero interest in them. I wish we were still with the Twins as they were gathering some steam here. I hope the Twins win the Central. My other favorite (and former parent) the Orioles could win the AL East. Both can't win it all (right now the O's are a much better team) but I'd be happy if one of them did! So no matter how it shakes out...go Twins....somehow.....

So, as the song goes, 'there has to be a morning after'. What we learned is that the results after the no-moves Twins at the deadline: a shaky win against another last place team which ended our 5 game losing streak. And the gods of baseball continue to watch over the Twins as Cleveland was no-hit and now our lead is 2 games incredibly. A guy who has lately disappeared from the radar comes off the bench to drive in the ultimate winning runs. Our boy Gallo is still among us, striking out like nothing has changed. Twins just CAN'T keep running him out there. (I remember O's fans asking similar questions when O's kept playing Chris Davis...all boils down to $$$..they HAD to justify the contract) Thats Gallo today. Duran got the save, but only because he had a two run cushion. He isn't engendering a ton of confidence. But here we are. Can this team manage to figure things out? Two months to go,

Dont you just love the moves the TWins made today........wait.....