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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. darwin22
    Offered these 6 RP's up in a different thread on TD. IMO, each has a higher upside than those previously mentioned. LH- RP's 1. Joe Mantiply- AZ 2. Steven Okert- MIA 3. AJ Puk-OAK 4. Brock Burke- TX RH-RP's 1. David Bednar-PIT 2. Jorge Lopez- BAL The common thread that all 6 of these have is that they all currently pitch for teams with basically ZERO chance of making the playoffs this season and beyond. After seeing Thielbar's 6th inning implosion today----adding at least 1 LHRP is imperative. Either Bednar or Lopez would immediately strengthen our pen in late innings especially considering the likelihood that Alcala will not pitch this season.
  2. darwin22
    Agreed! Hour is getting late, but a few---imo---realistic options that our FO should be considering to acquire. David Bednar (RH-RP)-PIT. 2-1 with 11 SV and 4 HLD. 1.14 ERA/ 0.79 WHIP. K-BB rate: 42-7. Dillon Peters (LH-RP)- PIT. Currently on 15-day IL---so health issues are a concern. 4-2 W-L record with 3 HLD. 3.86 ERA. 1.17 WHIP PIT is 10.5 games out in NL Central. For sure building to future. Joe Mantiply (LH-RP)- AZ. 1-0 with 1 SV and 6 HLD. 0.37 ERA/ 0.90 WHIP Will see him this weekend. AZ is only 5 games under .500 but, like PIT, is a non-contender in AL west. Steven Okert (LH-RP)- MIA. 3-0/ 2.75 ERA/ 1.12 WHIP. 9 HLD with a good K-BB rate: 28-10 MIA is already 11.5 games back in tough NL East. Like others, building for future. Brock Burke (LH-RP)- TX. 4-1 with a 0.83 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. 38-10 K to BB rate Although only 4 games under .500 (29-33), TX is 10 games out in AL West. Another team desperate to add prospects. AJ Puk (LH-RP)-OAK. 1-0; 6 HLD/ 1.69 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with a 24-5 K to BB rate OAK is stuck in AL West cellar---18.5 games out. Would like to see Puk with 1 of their top C prospects also being acquired. Would take multiple prospects but a package of Martin, Sands, Enlow and another high or low A hitting prospect (CES- from Cedar Rapids) might get OAK to make a deal. I know this list is LH "heavy"---but I believe adding at least 1..... WITH.... Bednar would significantly help this team as this current group is currently running on fumes as their being asked to cover at least 4 innings every night.
  3. darwin22
    Best way to get Cave back to Target Field is to give him $5 for the light rail fee on an off day.....then he can buy a bleacher ticket to watch the game.
  4. darwin22
    Although a rough day (and our 8th time being shutout this season), I expected it with Sands pitching. Changing my negative tune...at least for today....I will instead focus on the POSITIVE (not my style): #1 With all the warts and continued issues with this team--------lets not forget their in 1st place with a 3-game lead over CLE with a 35-27 record. Last year, through 62 games---------10 games worse: 25-37 #2 Although an offensive stinker today, lets not ignore the fact that this offense scored 54 runs/ 6 per game over their last 9 against the BEST teams in the AL East. #3 This team actually had a WINNING record against the 'Beasts of the East' with a 5-4 record. How many of us actually predicted "that" after losing 4 of 5 in DET? #4 Correa's bat is looking its getting hot. AVG up to .303---------2-3 today. #5 Ryan and Gray are set to return to the rotation this week! Hopefully, they won't be on a strict pitch count. With the emergence of Smeltzer as a viable SP combined with the recent improvement of Archer----this at least for now gives our rotation a semblance of stability and quality. I got to think if Ober can get healthy soon, the days of seeing Dylan Bundy starting are becoming fewer and fewer. That is not a bad thing. #6 Tyler Thornburg----yes in mop up duty, actually impressed me throwing 2.33 shutout innings. #7 Duffey: Throwing him a bone here.......he got the last 5 outs without giving up a run. Not sure what others think, but I'd be satisfied with a 3-3 split on the road this week at SEA and AZ.
  5. darwin22
    A couple of questions and a few observations after today's "W": 1. Did I miss the corresponding roster move with Gonzalez being DFA'ed after the game? I'm guessing (hoping) Ryan will be added back to active roster to start this week in Seattle. 2. Is Cano the next demotion with Gray (seemingly) ready to return to the rotation this week. 3. Does anyone else hate/question putting the "contact play" into motion with Jeffers at the plate? I just don't understand doing so with Arraez on deck. Yes, it ended up working out later in the inning as Polanco came up with a huge RBI single, but it took 2 hits to do so. 4. Considering the rough rehab outing by Winder the other night---assuming he's healthy, how much longer does he remain at SP? Want him back, but with injury issues the last 2 seasons-----what role does he best serve in if brought back to active roster. Moving on: Tyler Megill: I realize a small sample size, but with continued success, can you make an argument that he's surpassed Joe Smith in the pecking order? Caleb Thielbar: Like what he's contributed, but I'd prefer to see Moran get more opportunities over him. Arraez: Is there any doubt that he's 1 of the Twins (not sure how many more) headed to LA for the AS Game? Considering how much importance Rocco places on REST, I hope he can find a little time to give him 1 day off weekly. Duffey: Is a DFA coming in the near future? If not, I got to believe he won't be called to pitch in any game unless a SP is getting shelled or has to be removed due to injury. Sanchez: With his bat slumping since June 1st (4-32/ .125 avg/ 3 RBI), settle in to see Jeffers--even worse ---1-18 this month-----still continue to get multiple starts each week. Ugh. Sure makes me wish for the old days. I bet Brian Harper, now 62, could still hit .250 today! and finally: Pagan: Nice to see him close out the game today---especially dominating Margot to end the game---where did that 97mph gas come from? Saying that, it sure would be nice to see him avoid going to a 3-2 count on the first two batters.
  6. darwin22
    Not arguing your point, but a review of Duran's game logs this season shows that prior to today: 18 appearances Only 7 games (less than 40% of games pitched) has Duran pitched more than 1 inning. 4 of those came in April. With his outstanding ERA (2.13), WHIP (0.71) and impressive K to BB rate (36-4), I'm hoping its only a matter of time until we see Duran as our 9th inning closer. Saying that---pending today's removal doesn't require an IL stint------I seriously doubt that Baldelli/ Johnson/ Falvey & Levine will make that move this season.
  7. darwin22
    A few observations after a BIG "W" today: 1. Considering the Twins have consistently failed to add on runs after scoring early---------the 2-out HRs by Larnach (solo) and Sanchez (2 run bomb) proved to be the cushion needed after the implosion of Duffey. 2. A question: Which hitter--------Arraez or Sanchez---------would get your vote for "most valuable" over the last several weeks with Correa's absence and Buxton's prolonged slump? Hard for me to choose. 3. Related to above-------Has Rocco FINALLY figured out that Sanchez needs to be our regular (5-6 games per week) catcher? It might appear so. Saying that, Jeffers, imo, needs to be relegated to the bench with possibly 1-2 starts per week if Twins have zero "off days". For those keeping track---------Jeffers, who I'm sure is nice to dogs and old ladies---is stuck in a 3-35 (.086 avg) slump since May 21st. Sanchez--now with 6 jacks and 27 RBI-----has earned full time status behind the plate. With upcoming roster moves before Tuesday, there is ZERO reason this team should EVER have Jeffers in the lineup as DH. 4. Yes, I know Twins won the game, but a few questions for Rocco. Sorry, I can't help myself: A. Why was Smeltzer pulled after 4 IP when he'd only thrown 62 pitches? Yes, I know he labored somewhat in that inning, but the FACT is he did have the 8-9 hitters coming up in the 5th that he had retired on ground balls in their only other AB? B. Why was Jax pulled after his dominant--only 9 pitches---6th inning with an "off day" tomorrow? Jax buzzed through the heart of the Jays order (2-3-4) with ZERO issues. C. Related to above: What does Jax have to do to earn more late inning/high pressure innings (7th or 8th) with the recent struggles of Joe Smith? D. Rocco---------Why do you refuse to get pitchers warmed up when the current RP is imploding? This is a troublesome and re-occurring theme. Rocco: Have you forgotten that you can REMOVE a pitcher after facing 3 batters? I'm serious in asking that question! I believe I'm correct on this having watched the game, but Baldelli didn't even get a pitcher warming up until AFTER Duffey served up his 3-run gopher ball. Why? This makes zero sense. E. Does anyone know if Duffey has a minor league option remaining? I doubt it, but have to ask as he continues to fail in situations that demand he just pitch average. He looks totally lost with ZERO confidence. He rates a whisker behind Pagan in my level of confidence to protect a lead.
  8. darwin22
    Mentioned this earlier, but the continued futility of Polanco and Buxton are a major reason for the drop of offensive production since the middle of May. It is true that the Twins have a winning record (10-8) from May 16th through today, but as many of you know this team has lost 7 of their last 10--with all of those losses coming against DET and KC. Polanco's stats--last 15 GP (5-16 thr 6-2) .AVG: .190 (11-58) Extra base hits: 1 (HR) Slug Pct: .241 RBI: 6* (none over his last 7 games---hitting in 4 hole) BB: 8 K: 16 SB: 2 Buxton's Stats---last 14 GPs/ 1 game PH/ 13 starts AVG: .127 (7-55) Extra base hits: 1 (1 double) Slug Pct: .145 RBI: 2--------yes 2. Zero RBI since May 21st covering his last 39 ABs BB: 6 K: 12 SB: 0 When you factor these miserable numbers in with the sporadic starts by Correa, IL stint of Lewis, Covid IL of Celestino, continued no production from Jeffers-----its no surprise this team is in a free fall. Without the production of Sanchez, Arraez, Larnach, Gordon and Urshea over the last 2 weeks----this team could be doing worse. If this team has any aspirations of playing meaningful games in September and into October, Buxton and Polanco have got to lead the way.
  9. darwin22
    Pagan evokes nightmares of the immortal "RD"---(1982-86). Still have the emotional scars 40 years later.
  10. darwin22
    This is what happens when you continue to FAIL to score RUNS! I know that comment is pretty "old school" in today's world of analytics, but I'd still make the (to me an obvious) argument that outscoring your opponent is what makes a team successful. Yes, you can call me Capt. Obvious. The FACT is the Twins score 3 runs or less way too often! Today's awful loss, which can rightfully be pinned on Pagan, (more on that later) could've been avoided if our hitters hadn't gone 5-32 (only 1 extra base hit) and 0-8 with RISP. After 53 games the Twins have scored 3 runs or less 29 times----54.7% of games played. Won-Loss record is 8-21. Moreover, in those 53 games the Twins have scored 2 or LESS RUNS---22 times (41.5% of games played. Win-loss record is 6-16. Our pitching staff can be credited for those 6 wins as they allowed a combined 3 runs. In those 6 wins, our collection of challenged hitters produced a paltry total of 10 runs. On the other side of things, when this offense gets key hits with RISP and slugs the ball, they WIN-----to the tune of 22 wins and 2 losses to date. As much as injuries can be attributed to this problem, this team far too often has players---namely, Buxton and Polanco--over the last 3+ weeks that are contributing next to nothing. To finish my rant, I do have to ask AGAIN------how much longer do we have to wait for Baldelli (and upper mgmt) to figure out that Duran is our BEST late inning option? Count me in the "surprised camp" to see Duran enter the game in the 6th inning today. I realize Smith has struggled recently, but he hadn't pitched (in bad luck) since Monday throwing 16 pitches. Jax did throw Tuesday (33 pitches) in relief of Smeltzer, but had a full day of rest yesterday. IMO, either(and both) of them were better options for the 6th and 7th inning. Can't say I was surprised to see Pagan serve up the go-ahead HR to Cameron as the previous 2 hitters both smoked line drives off him, I would've just preferred to see Duran in the 8th. Wondering now, since Duran threw 28 (dominating) pitches today if he's not available to pitch all weekend in TOR?
  11. darwin22
    I'd really like to know what our TEAM BATTING stats are against LH pitching this season. They've got to be absolutely horrible. I'd guess Twins rank in the bottom 10 in batting average, slug %, and OPS--as well as many other categories. With Skubal going tomorrow night------it wouldn't shock me that that our hitters have a worse---that is possible--- performance.
  12. darwin22
    Would like to insert my Harry Doyle comment here (from film 'Major League') but don't want to get banned by the TD censors. 3 hits....really? 3 ----------- hits? Other than Chafin and Fulmer------has anyone heard or known much of anything from the 3 DET pitchers that shut the door on our pathetic hitters? Yes, I realize we're in a long stretch of games. Yes, I realize that both Kepler and Sanchez are only a few days removed from nursing injuries. Saying that, was it really NECESSARY for Rocco to bench BOTH after that duo combined for 6 RBI in Game 1? Also, have to ask if Sands was the ONLY OPTION at SP to get the call to start tonight? Very obvious that Sands is NOT READY (will he ever be) to pitch at this level. Posted on earlier Game 1 thread.......but when will Baldelli move Polanco down in the lineup? Over last 10 games---primarily in 4-hole, Polanco is 8-40 (.200 avg) with 1 extra basehit. Need his defense at 2B with all the injuries, but he needs to get dropped down to at least the 6 or 7 hole.
  13. darwin22
    Without intentionally restating comments already posted....a few observations: 1. As much as Rocco insists on alternating Sanchez and Jeffers, can that trend shift to Sanchez getting the majority of starts--at least 4x each week? The numbers justify this as Sanchez has a .457 slug% with 6 jacks and 25 RBI. Jeffers continues to scuffle------.321 slug/ 3 HRs/ 14 RBI. 2. Good to see Kepler return with a solid game. His performance over the course of the season, imo, has been a key part in our success. He needs to be hitting in the middle of this lineup. 3. The continued struggles of Polanco. I realize Baldelli's options are limited at this time, but if he insists on playing Polanco daily can he at least drop him down in the lineup? Over last 9 games, Polanco is 8-36 (.222) with only 1 extra basehit. His defense at 2B continues to be excellent. A move down to the 6/7 hole might be a benefit. 4. Smeltzer: This dude just continues to impress. I credit his composure and maturity by taking his demotion to AAA to start the season like a professional. Finally healthy this season, Smeltzer is pitching with confidence. Great to see his production as he shows he is a real pitcher. Our left-handed Brad Radke! 5. Larnach: Also showing he's determined to stick in this lineup after his IL stint. His production and solid defense have been critical in dealing with the plethora of injuries. 6. Griffin Jax: Very solid outing today! When Jax's command is "on"---he's demonstrated he can be a trusted late inning (I think he's moved ahead of Duffey in the pecking order) option. 7. Rooting for Cole Sands tonight, but his AAA numbers suggest Rocco better have a clear plan to get him out early if he struggles. Majority of pen is rested. Would be nice to get Duran some work as he hasn't pitched since Friday.
  14. darwin22
    Frustrating loss. Count me in the camp of patience wearing very thin with Bundy. Yes, there was some weak contact, but several poorly located pitches in the 3 batter sequence when DET scored 2 runs to tie game at 3-3 after Miranda's HR gave Twins the lead. I'm still a believer in Smith's ability to be a solid contributor in our pen. If Sanchez had made a quicker tag on Schoop, Candelario never advances to second base. Moreover, if Miranda makes an accurate throw (on a tough play) or holds onto the ball, imo, there's a decent chance Smith gets out of the inning unscathed. I realize games like this will happen, but with a DH tomorrow and Kepler still unavailable, I have to ask the question to Rocco? Why are BOTH Buxton and Correa out of the lineup today?? I will be shocked to see both play both games of the DH tomorrow. 1 more question: Any injury update on Winder? Since Rocco hung him out to dry in OAK two weeks ago, I know he's been on IL with a shoulder impingement.
  15. darwin22
    As much as the lack of offense is to blame for this loss--------2nd straight game leaving the bases loaded without scoring a run with zero out-------I have to take issue with Baldelli leaving Duffey in to face Merrifeld with 2 outs in the 8th when he had 2 better options (Smith and Duran) in the pen. Go ahead and call me out for this, but the the following FACTS cannot be ignored: 1. Duffey's pitch count was already at 17. His command was not good as evidenced by falling behind Rivera (sub. 230 avg) 3-1 and O'Hearn (.171 avg) 2-0. Gave up singles to both. 2. Merrifeld---before his game tying double------was a career .385 hitter (5-13)vs. Duffey with a .846 OPS. Why leave him in at that point Rocco?? 3. Joe Smith was available---throwing only 3 pitches yesterday------and was a much better option to face Merrifeld: 1-6 career vs. Smith. 4. As bad as that non-decision was by Baldelli------why after walking Benintendi, after being ahead 0-2, was Duffey allowed to stay in to pitch to Witt, Jr. with his pitch count now at 25? No shock to me that Duffey's implosion continued, again after getting ahead 0-2 of Witt. Baldelli's failure to hook Duffey is just mind boggling to me. It sure conjured up images of Rocco hanging Josh Winder out to dry (now on IL and his last game pitched) vs. Oakland on May 17th. As much as Duffey (and a bunch of hitters) owe an apology to Smeltzer, Baldelli should be first in line.
  16. darwin22
    An ugly win considering how this game stood after Kepler's slam in the first inning. Saying that, a few observations: 1. As much as you do have to give credit to Urshela for putting the ball in play-----it easily could've (and maybe should've been) a rally killing DP. Way too many situations last year that just putting the ball in play would've resulted in a win. Good things happen when you force the defense to make a play. 2. No jinx intended here, but Max Kepler is starting to make me a believer again! Tempting fate, I know, but his confidence level right now appears to sky high. Taking some great ABs and showing he can hit LH pitching. 3. Garlick: We don't win the last 2 games without his bat. Huge 2-run bomb yesterday in 8th and his key line drive single in 9th set Urshela up to be the hero. He can absolutely punish the ball. Hope he can remain healthy! 4. Buxton: Anyone going to complain tomorrow when he sits? His slump....at last glance 1-19...is becoming a concern. 5. Pagan: See #2 comment. Not saying more. 6. Note to Falvey/Levine: If you're insistent on keeping Archer and Bundy in this rotation, you better be looking for bullpen help NOW and not waiting till the ASB. Adding at least 1 quality bullpen arm is a must! Would like to see Moran recalled, but he needs to show more consistency with his command at SP. Not sure of the current number, but the last I saw, Twins BP---as good as its been most of the year--------was top 5 in MLB in innings pitched. Got to find a way to beef up this pen as key arms like Duffey and Jax continue to have some mediocre outings.
  17. darwin22
    Thanks for the update. Was unaware that Vallimont was dfa'ed, which is a good thing. I "think" he was on 40 man, if so, do you (or others) know if Twins filled his slot? As for CES, I was unaware of his defensive issues. That absolutely needs to improve before getting a promotion.
  18. darwin22
    Theo: Very nice summary of games throughout our system today. A few questions-------for you or others closely following our prospects: 1. I know only a few games for Lewis back in SP--------but am I correct that Lewis has played 2 of 3 at SS with the other being a start in LF on Saturday? 2. Has Coulombe already been re-activated to Twins? If so, has Megill been demoted back to SP? 3. My main question: Is is time for Twins mgmt. to DFA Drew Strotman? After another poor outing today...1 IP....3 hits...3 ER......his ERA has ballooned to 9.72. Ugh! Don't have a strong candidate to add at this time, but with Cano's awful performance in KC, which deserves a demotion, an argument can be made to promote Ian Hamilton. Albeit a small sample size----8 games------Hamilton does have a tidy 1,08 ERA with a K/BB rate of 13-4. 4. With another outstanding performance today for Wichita----4 shutout IP/ 6 K's by Canterino-----I'm hoping mgmt is taking a cautious approach with him. IMO, he needs to stay pitching in Wichita late into the summer with a possible callup to SP. 5. Is there any talk of moving/promoting Christian Encarnacion-Strand in near future to AA? He continues to rake and impress at High A Cedar Rapids. How much more does he have to prove there?
  19. darwin22
    Very fair and legit question. Having seen Celestino very early last season with Wichita when he struggled mightily at the plate, I was shocked to see him promoted. Although his struggles continued, it appears that Celestino made some serious adjustments--------focusing on contact-------in the offseason and in ST. His power is very limited, but as he's shown all season-------he takes good ABs working the count and looks to shoot the ball to RF. His athleticism and glove in the OF is MLB quality. Making me a big believer. Keep it going Gilberto!
  20. darwin22
    Dman: Got to give you credit for hanging in down 6-0 as I bailed in the midst of Cano's meltdown (he needs to be demoted) as I had a late afternoon tee time. Like you, I was beyond shocked when my wife informed me of Twins miraculous comeback win. Other than a 2 game sweep (not sure that really counts) in April 2019, playing in KC has proved to be a difficult place to win. Not counting this 3-game sweep-------in the 8 series' in KC from 2019-2021 and the 1st series this season, the Twins split two 4 game series, lost 3 and won 3. Without the bats of Correa and Buxton today (I guess I'll just have to get used to that moving forward), this comeback is even more impressive. Although KC's bullpen has been mediocre this season, the ability to string quality ABs together shows a degree of resiliency that's been severely lacking from this collection of hitters for a long period of time. It appeared from looking at Duran's 9th inning performance---17 pitches with 14 being strikes---he was dominant. Was that the case? Just wondering as I'm hoping Johnson and Baldelli are approaching the decision to go to Duran instead of Pagan. Hopefully this team will not take for granted playing DET and KC over the next 12 games. Sure would be a good time for the following to happen: 1. Buxton gets his bat recalibrated. 2. Until Kiriloff proves he's healthy at productive at SP, I hope Rocco leaves Arraez alone---playing at 1B and keeps him in 2-hole between Buxton and Correa. 3. Find someone----maybe its Sanchez------ to move into cleanup slot as Polanco (despite his 2-3 performance today) is struggling at the plate. 4. Get Larnach regular playing time in LF and consistent ABs. Gordon is best utilized in utility role. 5. Find someway to get Archer to go deeper in games. His continued 4 inning starts--though mostly solid--continues to put too much pressure on bullpen. Moreso, now with Stashak on IL and Cano getting lit up today.
  21. darwin22
    What part of the metro area do you live in? I'm on MO side, 20 minutes east of the ballpark in Blue Springs. Good to know other fans reside in area as in previous years when I attended games it seemed that over 90% of Twins fans were from the metro Minneapolis/SP area. This was before Target Field came into existence in 2010.
  22. darwin22
    Excellent summary Sherry on tonight's game Sherry. As one of very few Twins fans living in the KC area ( I assume), its a very good thing to secure a series win over KC after losing 2 of 3 here last month. Will be tough completing a sweep tomorrow as I'm sure Ober will be on a limited pitch count. Also, Twins haven't swept a road series in KC--if you can call a 2 wins a sweep--since April 2019. Saying that, the last 2 games demonstrate how this team can and needs to win games the remainder of the season. Timely hitting with RISP is the key. True, I know for all teams, but with the continued solid defense, good starting pitching and an effective bullpen we've recently gotten-----winning games without the long ball by bunching basehits will be a crucial factor for this team to play meaningful games after the All Star break. As many are aware---the next 13 games---------5 vs. KC and 8 vs. DET---------are very important for this team as the schedule gets significantly more difficult in early to mid June with 12 games against TOR, NY, TB and SEA.
  23. darwin22
    Being selfish here, but would enjoy seeing Steer, SWR and Varland remain with Wichita at least until the end of June as I have a road trip to Springfield, Mo planned to see the Wind Surge for 2 games. A day late posting here, but after another rough outing by Balazovic tonight (5-19), he may need a re-set back to AA.
  24. darwin22
    Nick: I really wonder if you watched the game because if you had you'd have to agree that Winder labored heavily through his 3 IP throwing right at 60 pitches. My argument with Baldelli is that he failed to relieve Winder when it was VERY OBVIOUS that he was running on fumes. Why did he wait so long to get Thielbar even started warming up until the games was pretty much over? I can see your point to an extent (other RPs not being available) but imo, its a pretty thin argument as Stashak was another option having only 13 pitches on Monday and hadn't been used the previous 2 days. I guess we can agree to disagree.
  25. darwin22
    What's happened to Josh Winder? Pretty simple answer. He got hung out to dry by his manager last night. The same guy that was christened on this site only 1 day ago as quietly "becoming the best bullpen manager in baseball." For anyone who watched the game last night it was very evident that Winder's command/stuff was off. Faced 6 batters in the 4th giving up a 2-run HR. Faced another 6, I think in the 5th before escaping a bases loaded jam. Had a solid 6th inning, albeit on several hard hit balls. So, going to bottom of 7th in a TIE game with Winder's pitch count approaching 60 (over 3 IP), Baldelli leaves him in with ZERO ACTIVITY in bullpen. It was clearly evident after walking Lowrie and hitting Laureano to start the inning that Winder was gassed and needed to come out. Well, obviously not evident to the "best bullpen manager in baseball," as he let Winder twist in the wind by refusing to get a RP warmed up. By this time, Winder's pitch count was at 62--------the same number that Archer was at Monday night--after 4 IP--when he got pulled. So, no shock what happened after that as Winder (running on fumes) allowed a solid RBI double to out OAK up 3-2. What was shocking to me---------was that now with runners on 2nd and 3rd---Rocco was still sitting on his laptop as evidenced by the fact that there was STILL NO ACTIVITY in the bullpen. Murphy followed with a doinked 2-run single to push the deficit to 5-2. Then and only then did Rocco find the time to make a call to get Thielbar warming up. After a DP followed by two more singles did Rocco FINALLY take Winder out---after 78 pitches. Winder has got to pitch better. I get that. Baldelli's performance managing a promising pitcher last night was inexcusable.
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