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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. darwin22
    Although I was one of the first to respond to this article last night---stating that christening Baldelli as MOY was a very hyperbolic comment to make, I was wondering if the author of this story is STILL standing by the following comment: "Baldelli is quietly making an argument as the best bullpen manager in baseball" Asking this tonight as Baldelli just totally hung Josh Winder out to dry in the 7th inning. For those who watched the game------Winder's command was "at best" average to below average. Starting his 4th inning of relief in the 7th in a TIE game, you'd think Baldelli would at least have a RP warming up. Nothing. Ok, lets see how Winder does. 1st batter, walk. Still no activity in pen. Next batter, Laureano----HBP. Now with pitch count at 62 (same pitch count that Archer was taken out last night), Baldelli leaves Winder in and STILL has no RP warming up. RBI double gives A's 3-2 lead. Pitch count for Winder at 65. And guess what? STILL NO ACTIVITY in bullpen. Of course, Murphy follows with a doink 2- RBI single to put game at 5-2. Pitch count at 68. And now.....just now---our supposed "best bullpen manager in baseball" finally decides to make the call to get Thielbar warmed up. 10 pitches later----which produced 2 more singles-------Rocco FINALLY figures out that Winder needs to come out and brings in Thielbar. Totally inexcusable.
  8. darwin22
    Uh.......not buying what your selling Nick......really....Manager of the Year? This has to rank in the higher stages of hyperbolic statements ever authored on TD.
  9. darwin22
    I'm fully aware the following comment is "old school," but since I'm old (57) having followed this team since the early 70s, I'm still of the belief that scoring 4+ runs is a recipe for winning baseball. I'm sure this is true for the vast majority of MLB teams for many years, but for those interested-----the 2022 Twins are 14-1 when scoring 4+ runs. Yes, 14-1. Saying that, turning to the "cup half empty" axiom, the Twins have played 35 games this season-----meaning they've scored 3 runs or less 20 times (57.1% of games played). Not surprisingly their record in those 20 games is 6-14. On the pitching side, I did find it interesting through 35 games-----that when our pitching staff allows 4 runs or less, which has happened in 25 games, the Twins record is 19-6.....760 win %. ( My apologies to those younger fans who don't subscribe to such outdated facts. Finally, for anyone wondering------at this point in 2021......the Twins record was 12-23. This after a 5-2 start to the season. With all the warts and deficiencies of this team to this point, an 8 game improvement (20-15) is significant. Only 127 games to go. Remain calm. All is well. (at least for today).
  10. darwin22
    If our lilliputian 1B Arraez can handle this position (0 career GP played at 1B before this season), then certainly a younger and more agile athlete like Lewis can play there when Correa returns. Lewis, imo, has earned the opportunity to continue to get regular ABs. Although its a small sample size, my "eye test" of Lewis indicates his confidence, maturity and talent show he's not only capable, but worthy of staying on the active roster. I know there's a viable argument to him getting more daily ABs leading off at SP, but with the inconsistency of this offense (3 runs scored or less in 20 of 35 games), Lewis' bat is needed now! Where does Lewis play and get regular AB's by staying on active roster? Option 1- 1B-- which allows Arraez to DH or spell Urshela at 3B. Option 2: 3B- which allows Arraez to play 1B while Lewis can DH or spell Urshela at 3B. I know those 2 options are similar, but I'm tired of seeing Jeffers or Sanchez in DH role. I believe Arraez or Lewis are better options. Option 3: SS-spelling Correa for a needed day off or allowing Correa to DH. Option 4: DH; already covered, but Lewis' speed and more consistent contact rate offer more upside than the very occasional power that Jeffers or Sanchez offer.
  11. darwin22
    Thanks for the update as I wasn't aware that Garlick was on verge of being activated. I would agree that Contreras is the likely demotion. Now, if both Correa and Larnach are activated this week, I agree that Miranda should be demoted, but I'm in the camp of keeping Lewis on active roster. I say this for several reasons, but my main argument is why we have to remain at 14 pitchers? I'd make the argument that having 4 bench players, which may result in Lewis being in that group, is preferential. Saying that, I'd argue that Lewis' bat, overall speed and solid defense helps this team to WIN games moreso than what Cano, Cotton and even Stashak, bring to the table.
  12. darwin22
    A few observations, along with upcoming roster questions after a WINNING (5-4) homestand: 1. Considering how horrible our hitters performed with RISP over the last 9 games (12-65 for a .185 avg), winning this homestand is something to feel good about. Winning 3 of those 5 games while scoring 3 or less runs is a credit to our rotation, but namely our improving bullpen. 2. Not sure how long the next homestand is, but I will bet that averaging only 3 runs per game ( 27runs over 9 games), will NOT result in a winning record. 3. Maybe something others have mentioned, but IMO, a big reason why this team is sitting in 1st place tonight is due to its defense. We don't win the game today without those 2 excellent plays by Urshela! Not sure how this compares with other teams, but over this homestand, our defense committed only 5 errors. Total of only 1 error in sweep vs. OAK and only 2 vs. CLE---both coming in 12-8 win on Friday. Moving on with upcoming roster issues: 1. As much as I love Miranda and believe he's a big part of our future-----how long can his sub . 120 avg and sub. 400 OPS be ignored? He needs a re-set at SP. 2. When is Larnach expected back from IL? Would strongly prefer to see him in LF on a daily basis so Gordon can go back to super utility role. 3. How much longer does Contreras last on active roster? He hasn't got really any opportunity to this point. 4. Is it accurate that Ober is projected to be activated this week? If so, what happens with Smeltzer? Cotton? I'd prefer to keep Smeltzer as 2nd LH bullpen option or in long relief role. 5. How much longer does mgmt stick with Archer in rotation? His barely 4+ IP starts are putting much pressure on BP.
  13. darwin22
    LOL.....nice and accurate comparison of Pagan to our ol buddy Kyle "meow mix" Gibson. Gibson was the epitome of "nibbling"--drove me crazy. Wish him well, but very glad he's gone!!
  14. darwin22
    Maybe......just maybe a small hint of improvement tonight. Struck out Miller on 5 pitches after falling behind 2-1. Relied on his 4 seam fastball to get called 2nd strike and stayed with fastball to get a swinging strike 3. Stayed with fastball to get ahead of Rosario 1-2 then went with a splitter to get a groundball that Lewis butchered for an error. Got ahead of Reyes 0-2 with 2 cutters then went back to fastball--finally getting a ground ball (5-3) for 2nd out. Sitting at 16 pitches with 2 outs I was actually encouraged until Gimenez turned on a 4-seam fastball on 1st pitch for a no doubt bomb to RF. Ugh! Now 12-8 with Mercado up---who homered off Jax---who should've been out of the game---in his last AB, Pagan AGAIN got ahead 0-2 with 2 splitters. Got final out 3 pitches later on a 83 mph cutter. Positives for Pagan's outing: 22 pitches.........much better than his 28 pitch average over his last 5 appearances. Zero walks!!!! Again zero walks! 5 batters faced--------Zero 3-ball counts. Big improvement Got ahead (2 strikes) on 3 of last 4 batters faced. Saying that-----imo, its time to push Pagan back into some lower leverage situations. Cannot forget that Pagan entered with a 6-run lead, which may explain why CLE hitters were taking several hittable pitches. I know others may argue this, but its TIME to alter late inning/ high leverage situations. My 2 cents 7th inning: With less than 3-run lead or game tied: Jax*- has pitched well recently. Should've never been asked to pitch deep into 7th inning after rescuing Gray in the 5th inning and giving up 2 runs in the 6th. Pagan--With a RP warming up in bullpen before he delivers 1st pitch. Thielbar---not my favorite by any means. Would rather see Moran called back up. 8th inning---save situation Joe Smith: Continues to be outstanding----0.00 ERA for season. Has earned opportunity for higher leverage set up role. Duffey: Since early season struggles, Duffey has allowed only 1 ER over his last 8 appearances spanning 9.67 IP with 10 K's and only 2 walks. 9th inning: The Kid---Duran. Its time. He can handle it. His stuff is elite. Will have his struggles, I'm sure, but his temperament and CONFIDENCE will reap benefits. Just needs to work on PFP....that throw to Arraez in the 8th was B-A-D!
  15. darwin22
    Regarding Pagan.......let the FACTS speak for themselves over his last 5 appearances: 3 saves 1 hold 1 blown save IP: 4.67 K's: 7 BB: 8 Total pitches thrown: 140/ 28 pitches per outing. Summation: NOT the answer as closer. Not the answer in"closer by committee." Time to get him into some lower leverage situations. Hate to mention it, but back many years ago "RD" had some success in closer role until the wheels totally came off. Pagan is riding on 2 wheels right now....barely.
  16. darwin22
    Considering how the "baseball gods" treated the Twins in the 2019 playoffs and all of last season, this team was absolutely due for some good luck.
  17. darwin22
    Your not alone in the camp as I (last year and earlier this year) cringed every time Jax was called upon with the game close. The change I see in Jax is purely mental. He's pitching with confidence/hitting his spots and attacking hitters. Keep it up Griffin!
  18. darwin22
    Quick follow up to last post: Last 4 appearances by Pagan: 3.2 IP 112 pitches thrown. Not a misprint. 112 pitches to record 11 outs. 7 walks over those 3.2 IP.
  19. darwin22
    Pagan is NOT the answer at closer. Watching him muddle through those 28 pitches in the 9th was painful. So who is the answer? Count me in the camp (70%) of supporting Duran in that role. He offers a lot of upside with his stuff, but as he demonstrated last night, he is susceptible to the long ball when he strays away from his heat. Is there a worthy alternative in this bullpen right now? Call me crazy, but for right now---at this point in the season--------what is the downside of giving Joe Smith an opportunity? Yes, he's old....(38), has a funky delivery and won't overpower anyone. What he WILL do is produce outs on weak contact. 6 pitches tonight---5 strikes....3 outs. His ERA is 0.00......10.1 IP over 11 games this year with only 2 walks. Smith could be a viable short term alternative in the 9th until Duran is ready to take over.
  20. darwin22
    And now......the news that Correa has a non-displaced fracture on his right middle finger. I know cuss words aren't allowed on this site, but...%#$#@***!!! Really? Assuming CT scan confirms this injury------its time--------to promote Royce Lewis to play SS everyday as I have no interest in seeing Gordon there. Lewis has played very well at SP. Not the circumstances anyone wants, but time to let Lewis take his shot. For those younger Twins fans out there.........Yes........this is why hope is a dangerous thing.
  21. darwin22
    I know its early in season, but getting very tired of seeing runners thrown out at homeplate. Two more tonight. Got to be leading MLB in this dubious stat. Kepler's head first slide reminded me of Willie Mays Hayes from the flick "Major League"---he came up at least 2 feet short of the plate as he started his headfirst dive (at least from what I saw on replay) at least 6 feet away from the dish. Not good. Far too many BAD ABs tonight with runners on base. Urshela was brutal.
  22. darwin22
    I should know this answer, but I believe if Sano is moved to the 60day IL, Twins could put Smeltzer on the 40 man roster. Other than a poor start the other night, Smeltzer has pitched very well for the Saints and was fantastic in ST. As for the hittter, I'm not sold on Kirilloff getting the promotion as I think mgmt may want to see more ABs and production at SP. Saying that, it seems to me Lewis would be the call. Will be interesting to see what happens.
  23. darwin22
    I was saying exactly the same thing. I sure don't understand Rocco's thinking as it was quite evident that Bundy was spent after allowing those 6 runs. You could make the argument Bundy deserved better as Miranda should've caught that line drive that for the 3rd out and made a poor throw behind Bundy the following inning. Saying that, Bundy's lack of command---back to back walks, imo, should've resulted in getting hooked, but Rocco did nothing. Nothing. Team was, I guess, due for a clunker, but this 2nd consecutive BAD start by Bundy is making my thinking flashback to the quick (predictable) regression Martin Perez had a few years ago. Hopefully, Gray will be back very soon as well as Ober.
  24. darwin22
    Also interested/concerned to hear of the reason why Kepler exited tonight? Due to a variety of reasons, tonight was Ryan's first start that I was able to view. Although his command was a tad off earlier starts, I thought he battled well after a 25 pitch 1st inning. I'm very impressed with his composure. He carries himself with a demeanor of confidence, which I haven't seen from such a young SP since the days of Brad Radke. Although the Twins have rebounded from a dismal 4-8 start with their 11-1 streak, albeit winning 2 games courtesy of little league errors (thanks Sox and Tigers), I would argue that IF....IF......this team can continue to play tight defense, get effective starts from their rotation and get quality production from their bullpen, they just might be in the mix to being playing very meaningful games late into the season. Yes, I do realize the recipe described above is very simplistic as its true for all teams that play winning baseball. I'm just hopeful (a dangerous thing) that this group stays humble and continues to play for each other. Keeping Buxton and Correa healthy would also help.
  25. darwin22
    Outstanding performance by Winder today. I've been very high on Winder as a future stalwart in this rotation as I saw him dominate in 2 starts last season while pitching for Wichita. With Ober's recent IL stint, its pretty obvious Winder earned another start with his gem today. Will be interesting to see what move will be made when Sonny Gray comes off IL soon. For those not aware, Gray had an excellent rehab start today for Fort Myers: 3 shutout IP while allowing only 1 hit with 5 K's and zero walks. Threw 43 pitches/ 28 for strikes. Likely will see Gray move up to make 1 more rehab start at SP later this week. Nice to finally see Polanco's bat come alive (2- 2-run RBI doubles) as well as Buxton crush his 7th HR.
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