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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. darwin22
    A few observations after today's 2nd straight shutout win: 1. Totally non sustainable, but a 0.78 team WHIP is beyond impressive---mostly due to 7.2 shutout IP from our bullpen. 2. Great seeing Jorge Alcala back. I'm guessing Alcala will be eased back into high leverage (after 6 innings) situations. IMO, a healthy and effective Alcala is the "X" factor in our bullpen. 3. Sonny Gray needs to back up his words with his actions. Gray was VERY fortunate to escape situations with RISP. His command was poor. Far too many walks (4) and inability (other than the 1st inning) to put batters away with 2 strikes. 4. Absolutely need a strong 6+ IP start from Joe Ryan tomorrow. Even with yesterday's off day, I would be shocked to see Rocco use Thielbar or Jax and to a lesser extent Lopez tomorrow. I base that on no "off day" on Monday with road series looming in MIA. That leaves 4 to cover tomorrow. Sands: ugh Pagan: no comment. But if forced to, it would be along the lines of: "Unless its a blowout (6+ runs) no #$%%^#$ way! Moran: I'm good with. Would love to get 2 IP from him. Duran: Of course----that would be a good. Now for (offensive) offense: 1. Would be interesting to know the last time a MLB team started 2-0 with a team slugging % of .324? 2. If we're forced into having to watch Kepler hit---can it at least being in lower third of lineup? In case you weren't aware-------Kepler is a goosegg for 9. Not good. 3. Joey Gallo: 6 ABs---4 whiffs. His big defensive play TH (starting 3-2-4) DP saves him (for now) from further criticism. 4. Buxton: Realize his time in CF isn't coming any day soon even with Taylor not hitting (1-7), but can our training staff get some bubblewrap for him on the bases? Will be interesting to see lineup tomorrow. I would like to see the following changes: Gordon to LF with Larnach moving over to RF. Kepler riding pine. Farmer getting start at 3B with Miranda moving to 1B. Gallo to bench Jeffers getting start at C giving Vasquez a break. I know Vasquez is hitting well, but at some point I see Rocco wanting to give Jeffers a start.
  2. darwin22
    2 games in: 0-6 with 4 whiffs against a KC pitching staff that is NOT good.
  3. darwin22
    Nice to see the Saints bats come alive today with a big power display! Impressive because it proved to me that IT REALLY IS ALLOWED to hit the ball out of the park. Forgot that after watching the Twins flail away the last 2 games in KC. Will be interesting to see how long management commits to Kepler (now a goose egg for 9) if Wallner's bat has a hot start at SP. A rough day for Julien (maybe he borrowed a few of Gallo's bats), but his performance in AZ fall league, WBC and ST warrants a possible callup in May. That assumes he hits and Buxton can return to CF duty at least 3-4 games per week. Finally, count me in the camp of rooting for Dobnak to have a strong start tomorrow. Dude is due for good fortune after the last 2 years of misery. Twins are going to need a long man in bullpen as the season progresses. IMO, Dobnak can be that guy if he pitches well at SP. Not much confidence in Maeda holding down the 5th SP slot for long. Ober, assuming he can pitch better than yesterday, will need a handoff if he takes over for Maeda.
  4. darwin22
    Agree with your assessment 100%. IMO (and possibly others), Celestino desperately needs a full year at AAA to prove he can hit-----which he never has done because he basically bypassed SP in 2021. Not overwhelmed with addition of Taylor, but his defensive attributes far outweigh what Garlick offered with his waffle iron of a glove.
  5. darwin22
    If Hrbek is unavailable for this (ice fishing), I'm sure Matt "cheeseburger" LuCroy could fill in.
  6. darwin22
    Uh, not to be snarky, but my post was being sarcastic-------No way do the Halos trade Drury now------I was maintaining that our "braintrust" (using that term lightly) should've signed Drury before the Angels did.
  7. darwin22
    Like Brandon Drury? Of course not. That would've made too much sense.
  8. darwin22
    I don't disagree with your assessment, but would offer the following argument in favor of accelerating Julien's progression. If, assuming he can duplicate offensive numbers at AAA next year (OBP, slug %) and Polanco's can remain off the IL---by July 1st the front office needs to give SERIOUS CONSIDERATION to trading Polanco. IMO, Polanco has regressed to the point there's zero reason to let his $10.5 m salary vest for 2024.
  9. darwin22
    Considering the plethora of injuries to OFers late in the season, Cave did an adequate job. To quote Denny Green-----"he is what we thought he is"---a player with a ton of hustle with a great attitude that gives outstanding effort. The problem is------his overall skill set is that of a AAAA player. A MLB team aspiring for playoff baseball should NEVER be in the position of having to give regular playing time/ABs to a player of Cave's caliber. This is not meant as a slam on Cave. It IS an indictment of our front office/player development staff that continues to fail to bring up younger more talented players or trade for guys that can produce at a higher rate.
  10. darwin22
    Away from TD site for awhile as Twins play has been more than depressing. Can't say I watched tonight, but after seeing the impressive performance by Ober my mind wandered off into"what could have been mode. So many problems with this team to fix before next year, but at least for tonight---a good feeling, especially beating the Sox. Sure would be nice to see Winder complement Ober's performance with a strong outing tomorrow night.
  11. darwin22
    Your comments are 100% accurate and reflect my current feelings. Yes, I realize this team has been ravaged by injuries...moreso than most teams. Saying that, it is beyond disappointing to see an entire team QUIT in this past series. Its one thing to lose to CLE, but it is utterly unforgiveable to subject your fan base to such a blatant lack of effort and execution. I honestly believe this group mentally packed up their bags after losing 4 of 5 to CLE having zero thought, desire or interest in even playing these last 3 games. A total embarrassment that Falvey, Levine & Baldelli should be held accountable for.
  12. darwin22
    A few observations after a much needed W today: Correa: Nice to see our $35m player come through clutch today! Only his 4th 2-hit and 2RBI (should've been 3 RBI) game since July 1st. Hamilton: Yes, I realize his impersonation of Lonnie "skates" Smith proved to be a moot point after Miranda's double scored him, but how many Twins fans were thinking the following after that play: "Correa finally gets a KEY hit late in the game and Hamilton spins out rounding 3rd base---Now we're going to waste this scoring opportunity leaving runners stranded and out bullpen will find someway to blow this game?" Miranda: If not for Julio Rodriguez, is there a more deserving candidate (other than Duran) to win ROY? and finally... Dylan Bundy: Count me in the VERY SKEPTICAL department when Bundy was signed just before the lockout. He has exceeded my expecations not only by his OVERALL performance, but by staying healthy being a consistent member of the starting rotation. By no means do I think management should pick up his $11m option for 2023, but I would support a 2 yr/ 16m offer. Would be interested to hear others opinion on this. Looking forward to 2023 who are LOCKS for this rotation? I would venture 3 fall in that category: Ryan, Gray and Mahle (assuming his shoulder is healthy by ST). That leaves 2 open slots. I would argue that very few teams would be willing to offer Bundy a 2yr/$16m deal. I know there are more "sexy" candidates" for those 2 other rotation slots-----but all of them----Maeda, Paddack, Ober and Winder----come with serious health concerns. Wish I could say I was looking forward to the next 4 games before we face CLE next weekend. I'd be lying if I made that claim..
  13. darwin22
    Putting things in perspective how miserable Correa has been with his bat: Correa: Age: 27, ABs on season: 357 RBI Total= 39 OPS post ASB break: .710 Albert Pujols: age 42, ABs on season: 197 RBI Total= 37 OPS post ASB break: 1.428
  14. darwin22
    Kept tabs on game tonight as I (most others) were unable to view it with game being broadcast on Apple TV. Probably a good thing as my blood pressure wouldn't have been good seeing ANOTHER poor night from our hitters not named Arraez & Miranda. Not to veer too far off into negativity, but I'm really getting sick of seeing Correa do NOTHING to contribute at the dish. Another 0-4 with 2K's tonight. I believe he's now done to hitting .216 since July 1st with a measly 11 RBI over 134 ABs. Anyway, nice to see Bundy pitch well. He's far surpassed the production I thought we'd get out of him when he signed before the lockout. Saying that, I can't see ANY scenario that Falvey brings him back at $11m next year. Wondering if he'd consider a 2-year deal in the $12-$14m range as I don't see a bunch of teams clamoring for his services next year. At this point in his career, Bundy knows who he is as a SP. He's a veteran guy who knows pitches to his strengths and tries to limit his mistakes. Other than Ryan, Gray and Mahle (I hope)---is there another SP in the system RIGHT NOW that is a major upgrade over Bundy. IMO, its not Ober or Archer. Nobody in minors. I guess you could claim Maeda, but no certainty there either. Hopefully the bats wake up tomorrow night.
  15. darwin22
    No, not being a jerk with comment on Pagan. He should be thankful he's still getting ANY opportunity to pitch for this team. Is it just me, but am I wrong that it seems to take an ETERNITY for Pagan to deliver a pitch. I know there's something to being 'deliberate," but it appears to me he's over-analyzing EVERY pitch he's about to throw. Paralysis by analysis. Hopefully, Falvey will recognize and admit his error and release him early in the offseason as I think the reason he's reluctant is he doesn't want to see DET or KC pick him up for remaining games vs. Twins this year. I'm sure our hitters---maybe even Correa, would love to dig in against him.
  16. darwin22
    After this uninspired and lackluster road trip this team deserved boarding the "old propeller airplane" used in the movie "Major League"---back to Minneapolis. Unless a not to be expected strong homestand follows---at minimum 5-2 against KC and TX-------these players should be packing to board a couple of 1980 version Grayhound busses for their trip to Houston,-
  17. darwin22
    FYI----I know its preseason game 1 for Vikings, but what I've seen so far is ugly. Stupid penalties, breakdown in coverage, not being to convert in red zone. Yes, I know this is TD site and am tracking---from a distance--our collection of nimrods-----getting shutdown by a rookie SP with nearly an 8 ERA and cant hit the immortal Jaime Barria. Just another great day in the life of a Minnesota sports fan.
  18. darwin22
    Last night was it for me. In spite of paying for MLB Extra Inning package to get Bally Sports North here in the KC area, I'm DONE investing any more time and energy into this team. Will devote my interest--yes a glutton for punishment---to other endeavors, which include the Vikings. As a loyal fan for 40+ years, I will move on and hope ( a very dangerous thing) for better results next year. My life would be so much calmer if I didn't like sports.
  19. darwin22
    Absolutely nothing positive to feel about chances of making playoffs at this point. Starting pitching is--at best---average. RPs--are running on fumes. Hitters---When only 2 hitters (Arraez and Miranda) are producing, you're not going to produce runs. As much as I continue to question the decisions of Baldelli-------the horses needed to win this division--are either hurt (Buxton, Larnach, Lewis, Jeffers) or ineffective/ not producing (Gray, Jax, CORREA, Kepler). I can hear the voice/pipes of the immortal Dean Vernon Wormer--------"It's Over"
  20. darwin22
    Agree with your assessment. Don't know if you or others know the answer to this? What is the SS FA agent market for 2023? I'm fairly certain there are a number of SS that will be free agents in the off season. If Correa's bat doesn't significantly improve over the next 7-8 weeks, I would be surprised if he opts out as I can't see ANY team willing to give him $30-35mill over an 8-10 years.
  21. darwin22
    Absolutely agree! I know my age is showing but I still think RBI is a relevant stat. Right now, Correa has a meager 37 on the season, which ranks deep in the bottom of everyday SS across the league. When you trail 5'10 180 lb Tommy Edman (who has 38 and a very good player with a ton more speed) in RBI your argument to be paid top $$ rings very hollow.
  22. darwin22
    Agreed 100% with your remarks! Not only proud to see Rocco's tirade on the field, but even more impressed that he "doubled down" in post-game comments. Posted this in game day thread, but for Rocco to call out MLB (in New York) using words as "one of the worst" calls ever in this situation and that it was "pathetic." I may be reaching here, but I think Rocco's postgame rant was intentional by calling out MLB that the Twins are HIS TEAM and he will not idly by when an egregious call is made in such a critical situation. I truly think Rocco is sick and tired.....as he SHOULD BE....with the prevailing attitude of MLB hierarchy as well as other teams that the Twins are a pushover. Time to step up, stand your ground and stop being 'Minnesota Nice'---------nothing wrong with being nice and respectful to your opponent (the league, opposing team and players) but that can be accomplished AFTER you beat them.
  23. darwin22
    Nice article Cody with a good analysis, which for the most part I agree with. As manager, my hierarchy would be the following: Closer: Mix and match Lopez and Duran depending on previous game usage, opponent and lineup. 8th inning/ Set Up: Fulmer with either Duran or Lopez in the mix. 7th inning: Still like Jax despite some recent hiccups. Thielbar, still keeps proving he belongs. The 3-batter minimum doesn't help him. 6th inning: Megill has showed some success in this slot. I would instruct/tell my catcher to call for Megill to bring his 98mph gas much more frequently. 5th inning (or earllier) due to 3+ run deficit: Sands, but would prefer Smeltzer should he get called up. Pre-Game Shagging Fly balls/ In game Gopher getting water for other RPs: Pagan. Not bad duties for the salary he's earning. He sure hasn't earned it on the mound.
  24. darwin22
    As much as I wanted another insurance run in the bottom of the 8th, I just about puked when I saw the "Pagan Sacrifice" warming up with Lopez. Thankfully, Rocco listened to Tingler and his other coaches and brought Lopez in for the 9th.
  25. darwin22
    Is there ANYONE in the Twins City media that has the cajones to confront Falvey to ask the following question: What justifies keeping Pagan and Duffey as members of this bullpen at this point in the season? I fully understand this is only 1 game and games like this happen. Saying that, if your stated goal is to win the AL Central----------then why are Pagan AND Duffey still getting opportunities when better (Moran) and more deserving candidates (Smith, Cotton and Evan Sisk) have been released , demoted or failed to be called up?
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