darwin22

Baseball is a funny game. Guessing like many fans---my blood pressure/anxiety level was skyrocketing after Gomez's 1st nine pitches in the 9th inning. To recap for those who missed it: 1st pitch: HR by Taveras to cut the lead to 7-5 My reaction: After long sigh..."ok--we still have a 2-run lead with O's 8-hole rookie hitter---Christian Franklin, who I've never heard of, up next. Note: Franklin just got picked up by Orioles from Nats and was 1-12 in his short MLB career going into today's game. Pitches 2-5: Gomez gets to a 2-2 count. Me: Ok---Gomez---go after him here! Making him swing the ^$%# bat! Pitch 6: Ball 3 on 85mph sweeper Me: Are you kidding me! Challen ge this kid! Pitch 7: 95mph 4-seam fastball for.....BALL FOUR. Me: String of multiple cuss words. Pinch hiitter Cowser for 9-hole hitter. Pitch: 8: Sinker....not close--Ball 1 Pitch 9: Sweeper low------Ball 2 Me: Has Ron Davis invaded Gomez's body/arm? And this is the point where a game/result can suddenly turn on one pitch. Pitch 10: Cowser rips a 97mph heater destined for a basehit to CF----but by the luck/ good graces of the baseball gods---his sceaming liner is snared by Gomez, who turns to double off Franking for an easy DP!! Me: Holy s***----did that just happen??? Wow--we still have a 2-run lead, but now with the bases empty and 2 outs.....and before my thinking can turn back to the negative with Henderson coming up.......need that elusive 27th out......................... Pitch 11: Henderson hits a feeble little groundball to Gomez---over to Lewis----GAME OVER! I cannot remember a 9th inning that started off so horribly----Gomez's first 9 pitches----to two pitches later to be walking off with a W shaking hands. Felt like actor Danny Glover's character-- Sgt. Murtaugh (Lethal Weapon movies)......."I'm getting to old for this s----!"

Allowing Kriedler to hit in the 7th inning with 2 runners on base instead of pinch-hitting Culpepper was worth of a major 2nd guess on Shelton's part. Dont understand it. Austin Martin is NOT worthy of a bench spot. Rodon is on thin ice also.

Note to Zoll/Twins Management: How many more listless offensive nights does our fanbase need to endure before action is taken? With Buxton out--he wasn't contributing much before he landed on IL---this lineup has performed miserably over the last 2 series. Mentioned in other threads, but what is THE REASON to keep Culpepper, Jenkins and to a lesser extent Wallner in SP? Not that management will ever admit it, but, if its service time manipulation--that just shows how inept and non-serious this franchise is. Gray needs to be demoted NOW! Roden should be on thin ice with his lackluster performance with the bat and Martin has proved (at least to me) he's not worthy of a roster spot. Seems that several playoff contending clubs--BST and CLE-just to name 2 are NOT scared of promoting their highly regarded prospects to energize their offense. Why are we?

Just another scissor kick to the cajones which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone supporting this team,

Your last sentence rings true especially for me as a lifelong fan dating back to the early 70s. Making matters worse is living in the KC suburbs surrounded by listless bandwagon Royal fans who are taking winning 3 of 4 as a sign their ready to get back in the division race. Knew going into this season it would be miserable, but this last series seriously ticks me off as I see VERY LITTLE energy, life and fight from this group. Too old to invest any of my time to an ownership group that doesn't care. Also, pretty fed up with far too many players that accept losing with nonchalant demeanor.

Excellent point! I honestly--as most fans want for Lewis to be successful. Saying that, until he truly has the guts to admit "his approach/ attitude" needs to change, I'm not to optimistic much will change. A heavy DOSE of HUMILITY is what Lewis needs to integrate into his game.

Both Wallner and Lewis have (at least 1) minor league option.

You definitely are 1 of many longtime Twins fans that still have emotional scars 40+ years after "RD experience"-- I still seem to remember, cant remember the year, but I think it was 1984 that RD, with his family in tow, at the home opener with a full house at the Dome getting booed mercilessly by the capacity crowd as he had blown at least a couple of games on a west coast road trip to start the season. That was classic! Who knows how things will turn out with Gomez moving forward. You'd think that possibly the "baseball gods" will throw us fans a bone that he at least can be serviceable.

Absolutely agree that Lewis should be demoted. His reaction will be a telling sign of his commitment to his teammates and this organization. I don't know the answer to that, but wonder IF this should happen does Lewis have the maturity and professionalism to handle it? His persona...the infamous quote..": I don't do slumps" has sure seemed to boomerang on him. In no way shape or form should management give up on him and grant him his release should he and his agent call for it. He needs to take a step back and show some humility, which I doubt he's ever done. Time to get to work Royce and take responsbility for your words and actions.

After today's bullpen implosion--Garcia and Banda---getting rocked---is there any reason why further moves aren't coming? Not to say there's much in SP (Brebbia and Drew Smith), but would like to see Rojas recalled tomorrow with Garcia and Banda getting released.

Agree with your position to a large extent. Only exception would be Lewis as ownership is too stubborn to admit Lewis has regressed and mistakenly believe a Lewis demotion would hurt attendance. Outman be DFA'ed immediately when Fedko getting a promotion as his RH bat could help and he does offer position versatility at 1B and in OF. Wallner: What do you say? Not ready to give up on him, but his future a starting RF and LH bat is on very thin ice. He does have an option left. No reason to cite stats as he's done NOTHING! Resulting move: Promote E-Rod today!! After 2 bombs last night, his bat is MLB ready. Lets get him up here as our new starting RF.

A few thoughts after anemic loss: 1. Spring Training results don't mean squat. Case in point: The performance of Mick Abel I realize only a small same size, but his two outings indicate to me a reset in AAA is around the corner. Like his stuff, but his command is mediocre along with his inability to put hitters away with 2 strikes. Saying that, Abel should get another few starts to turn things around as Zebby Matthews outing tonight (3 HRs allowed---one of which to the immortal Mickey Gasper) for SP was putrid. 2. Caratini has severe limitations in his ability to control another teams running game. His bat, like far too many others, is as cold as the weather in Minneapolis today. 3. Is there ANY OTHER MLB team that is challenged against LH pitchers as this group? Pathetic! 3 hits on the day. Brutal. 4. When will management admit that trading for and keeping Outman on this team is a joke? Sure would like to see Outman DFA'ed with Roden promoted.

Can it get worse than this? Simple answer: YES Even with W today---this team on pace for 54 wins......which will necessitate Ryan, Jeffers and possibly Buxton being traded before the trade deadline.

Very good analysis Cody of the continued ineptitude of this front office. Plain and simple, Rodon earned the right to make this roster and you could make a very strong argument he should be the starting LF in Baltimore on Opening Day. Instead we're stuck with Outman for at least the next few weeks. This organization appears intent on finishing in LAST place. It sure seems today like light years since we won a playoff series in October of 2023.

This might have been a "typo error," but to state Tait is the "most likely of top TD prospects to never register an MLB plate appearance," is either completely foolish or clearly misinformed. A consensus top 100 prospect at age 19 is, imo, on a clear path either in this organization or another to have a productive MLB career.