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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. darwin22
    Nolasco has to rank #1 for me.........signed offseason 2013......produced a 15-22 record across 56 games started with a 5.44 ERA....for a 4-year $48mill contract. Literally did a dance the day we unloaded him to Angels for Hector Santiago, who I thought would be an upgrade...he wasn't. My #2 would be Mike Pelfrey........don't remember the contract details......it was way too much.......across 3 injury riddled seasons he produced a 11-27 record with a 4.94 ERA over 64 games started. My #3---which could be higher, but I rank him here because I don't think the financial investment was that much....the ballyhooed one and only-----Sidney "Pontoon Boat" Ponson. Signed as free agent Jan 2007........started 7 only 7 game before being DFA'ed in May, but only after a 2-5 record, 6.93 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP. He was beyond horrible.
  2. darwin22
    Agreed......they both should as Falvey/Levine have produced ZERO SPs since taking over the reigns from the Terry Ryan/Bill Smith era. A lot of discussion in other threads on TD about the makeup of our rotation for 2022. Considering the likelihood of contending for the division is pretty low, count me in the camp advocating for Ryan and Ober to be SP regulars. See no upside to signing the likes of Happ and Shoemaker. That recipe has been proven to be a s**t sandwich for far too many years. I advocated spending $$ on re-signing Buxton to an extension and making a serious run at one of the top (Corey Seager) FA shortstops that will be available.
  3. darwin22
    Might be a tad early to declare the Twins the "winner" in the Happ-Gant trade, but it appears to be trending in the right direction after Happ a not so wonderful start, albeit versus the Dodgers tonight. I have to tread carefully around the house on this one as my spouse of 28 years is a lifelong STL fan. At the time of the trade----she was, to put it mildly---not happy that STL would trade for Happ. Then to my chagrin Happ pitches like the guy Twins fans at the start of the season hoped for in his first 5 starts. Now that he's got rocked his last 2 starts, I feel much better. With so many spots available in our rotation next year, Gant, could make a strong claim for a slot if he can string together several solid starts over the last 4 weeks of the season. I'd personally prefer him in a bullpen role, but at this point I'd be happy if we can get through April 2022 with being buried in last place.
  4. darwin22
    Another in whats become an excellent season for Polanco. Great to see his bat continue to produce. Also nice to see Buxton start to come around over the last couple of days. Frustrating to see Ober pulled after only 4 IP, but that appears to be "the plan" for him the remainder of the season. Not to end on a "downer," but can anyone verify that Colome's $5.6 million contract for 2022 is a MUTUAL option? I can't believe our FO/Pohlads would approve of that expenditure after his inconsistent to poor season.
  5. darwin22
    Good one....if Ober can anywhere close to producing as Berrios did for multiple years, I'll be very happy.
  6. darwin22
    Wishful thinking on my part. Still waiting for our supposed gurus to develop and produce effective SPs from within this organization. Its been far too long of a wait as the only successful & productive SP developed in our farm system was traded in July.
  7. darwin22
    Not specific to last nights games, but does anyone know "the status" of Josh Winder for the remainder of the season. He's been on the DL for a long period with a shoulder impingement. For what its worth, I view Winder as a legit SP to fill in our rotation next year. I know he doesn't get the push that Balazovic does, but his 2021 numbers have been quite impressive: 4-0 W-L record with a 2,63 ERA in 14 starts. This combined with 80K's in 72.0 IP and an outstanding 0.94 WHIP indicate the consistency that;s been lacking with Balazovic.
  8. darwin22
    I can't disagree that Strotman has been bad at AAA (7.39 ERA with Saint Paul), but he is 10 years younger than Albers. To me, that's enough of a reason to give him a start or two. If not Strotman, bring Barnes back. Zero reason to have Albers start another game. As for Burrows, I guess we can agree to disagree. Although Burrows is a rotation filler at best, he's been absolutely brutal all season. He should've been released weeks ago.
  9. darwin22
    I know we're less than a month away from the end of this horrendous season, but after today's putrid performance by Albers, what is the downside of giving Strotman a couple of starts this season? I know Strotman hasn't been very effective at Saint Paul, but at least, imo, he's got the potential to help this pitching staff moving forward. Albers--clearly doesn't offer that option. PS: Can the front office finally cut bait with Beau Burrows after another in a long string of awful outings? 6.20 ERA on the season after serving up 3 more jacks in his start today. Yes, I know AAA teams across the league need SPs to fill out their rotations, but enough is enough.
  10. darwin22
    Nice post. Can't disagree with your comments about Strotman, but I doubt his outings since being acquired will warrant a promotion over the next few weeks. Saying that, after what Dobnak delivered last night----what's the downside of getting Strotman at least 1-2 starts before the season is over. Furthermore, I cannot understand why Moran and Hamilton have been passed over for a promotion over the last 6 weeks for the likes of those that you mentioned. I can see Hamilton being DFA'ed in the offseason, which I don't agree with------and then seeing him sign with KC, DET or CLE----only to stick it to us next season. Just boggles my mind to see those 4A RPs being given opportunities over Hamilton and Moran. Although a rough streak lately for Saint Paul---count me in the (possibly small) camp behind the promotion of Drew Maggi!! 2-4 last night with a grand slam and hit .300 in August (18-60) with a .432 OBP. With over 3400 minor league ABs this type of professional grinder deserves a promotion! I'd much rather see Maggi in the lineup at SS than the daily floundering ABs of Simmons.
  11. darwin22
    As utterly horrific as our pitching staff has been all season------20 of 75 losses (27%) by 5+ runs, our supposed strong lineup has also contributed as tonights loss was the 10th game in which the Twins lost when the pitching staff gave up 3 runs or less. Only 3 of those losses have occurred since Cruz was traded. I k I understand injuries have been a major factor to our offensive inconsistencies sidelining Buxton, Kirilloff and Garver--just to name a few for a bunch of games, but for those that feel our 2022 lineup is "just fine"-----think again. Not exactly a rosy picture moving forward.
  12. darwin22
    Another inept performance from our hitters tonight in what has become far too common in this train wreck of a season. Despite that, I actually tuned as I'm sure many others did to watch the MLB debut of Joe Ryan. I offer the following observations over his 5.0 IP 1. Albeit facing an offense almost as challenged as ours, Ryan looked excellent over his first 2 shutout innings. Didn't allow a hit and needed only 21 pitches. His 3/4 delivery and lower release point sure looked (at least early) that it will play at this level. 2. Then came the 3rd inning-------I think walked the first guy then proceeded to struggle with his command going to multiple 3 ball counts on hitters that followed. Got within 1 batter of getting out of that inning unscathed, but left a fastball middle in to Schwindel who didn't miss it. 3. Add on to previous struggles in 3rd inning and I know I'm reaching here, but I place 90% of Ryan's 3rd inning struggles--34 pitches on 1 person------FSN media employee Audra Martin. Why did Martin/FSN choose to interrupt Ryan's "mojo" by deciding to interview his mom live as Ryan started the inning?? I'm a big believer in KARMA. I have no issue with the live interview of Ryan's mom, but why not do it in the bottom of the 2nd inning when the Twins were hitting??? Not like viewers of FSN would be distracted by the machine gun fire of our bats. How about letting Ryan's mom ENJOY THE MOMENT and watch her son pitch??? Stressful enough for mom watching Joe pitch without having to be interrupted doing a live interview. 4. Considering the complete horrible performances we've gotten far too many times from SPs this year (Cardinals got the "real" JA Happ tonight), I came away feeling hopeful that Ryan will be a viable, reliable and productive SP in our 2022 rotation.
  13. darwin22
    Seth: Believe what you responded was true, but wondering why------if Burrows was DFA'ed/ off 40 man roster--------why is he showing still on Twins 40-man roster on Saints official website?
  14. darwin22
    Seth: Thanks for the clarification. Saying that, I still wonder and question why Burrows is still pitching in any capacity for this organization. Anyone can point to his age and high draft status for this, but his performance since joining the Twins organization has been abysmal.
  15. darwin22
    Nash: Despite the rough results across our affiliates today---appreciate the update. Very nice to see the bats for Wind Surge come back to life after losing Wed thr Friday scoring only 5 runs. Maintaining their 5-game lead over Tulsa was good to see. Disappointing to see Saint Paul have such a rough week against Toledo. Pitching again was the downfall. Not too surprised to see result today as Burrows got lit up AGAIN. HIs consistency (of being terrible) since thankfully being demoted comes as no surprise. Why he hasn't been DFA'ed, which would open up a slot on our 40 man roster, is no longer just an annoyance.
  16. darwin22
    Considering that I (and many older Twins fans) still remember the utter awfulness of RD, thats a bold statement. Saying that, I don't disagree with you.
  17. darwin22
    Seth: I've been calling for Boyd's promotion for the last month. Great to see him move up to AAA. I'm likely in the minority on this, but would love to see Boyd as well as Drew Maggi, get a September promotion to the Twins. I realize neither have a long term future with the Twins, but with a combined 6000 minor league ABs, these 2 guys exemplify the grit and professionalism that I admire. Are there 40-man roster implications that would prevent this from happening?
  18. darwin22
    Your last comment-----"dfa'ing BOTH Simmons and Cave"-----is at the top of my immediate wish list. Saying that it won't happen as our supposed "braintrust" doesn't have the cajones to take this action. Don't understand that thinking as neither have any logical upside of being on this team next year.
  19. darwin22
    With the plethora of problems confronting this team, I can't say Kepler is at the top of the list, but in no way shape or form should he be hitting in the lead off slot the rest of the year. Saying that, the future of Kepler beyond next season is highly questionable. My "eye test" of Kepler shows a VERY inconsistent hitter who's 2019 season looks like a complete aberration.
  20. darwin22
    Matt: Another informative and detailed report from our affiliates tonight. A few observations: 1. What are you (or others) hearing about Miranda? With another outstanding game in a year of excellent production-----is it just a matter of waiting till Sept. 1st before he's called up? Wouldn't shock me to see our FO not want to start the clock on his service time. 2. Another question? With Ryan's impressive outing last night coupled with Maeda's apparent injury today-------will we be seeing Ryan in our starting rotation next week? 3. Any update--you or others have on the health situation of Josh Winder? Is his injury--shoulder impingement going to shut him down for the rest of the year? 4. Nice to see Balazovic pitch a strong game tonight albeit against a bad hitting Springfield team. Just my opinion, but with his recent struggles (command/walks), I seriously doubt he's promoted either to SP or Twins before end of season. 5. Although I'm sure I'm missing implications with 40 man roster and/or limited rosters after Sept. 1st, I will continue to bang my drum for the front office to promote Drew Maggi and BJ Boyd in September. With 6000+ combined minor league ABs and both, especially Boyd, having strong seasons with the bat-----these guys deserve a call up to 'the Show' 6. Call me a downer, but is getting to early to call Matt Canterino a bust? Another IL stint with an elbow strain is a precursor to him being another prospect who won't ever make it. and finally Trying to reverse my last comment with a hopeful "atta boy" for the nice performance turned in tonight by Dobnak in his rehab outing with Fort Myers. Count me in the camp of not only rooting for Dobnak, but also believing he can be a viable and productive pitcher on the active roster next season.
  21. darwin22
    Label me an optimist, but Ryan's outstanding pitching line coupled with Buxton making it through (paritial) a game without an injury, gives me a ray of hope (a dangerous thing I know) that 2022 and beyond won't be the absolute s-show this season has been.
  22. darwin22
    Assuming that Larnach, Buxton and Kepler are all 3 starting OFers next year---------who is our 4th OFer going into 2022 with both Cave and Refsnyder gone? Just asking.
  23. darwin22
    Great to see Polanco pick the team up with his walk-off hit after the deflating GIDP from Refsnyder. Can't see I watched the entire game---I haven't watched much since the April 21st fiasco in Oakland--but nice to see the improved play over the last 2 weeks after a miserable start after the ASB. Jax didn't have his best command and defense was atrocious, but he along with bullpen was able to keep the deficit to less than multiple runs. Not sure how others feel about Gant as a viable bullpen option next season, but he turned in his 5th scoreless outing (of 7 games) since being acquired from STL. Also a strong outing from Minaya---his 5th straight shutout game this month. With so many upcoming decisions about who is and isn't protected on the 40-man roster going into next season, its been nice to see Gant and Minaya with these recent strong performances.
  24. darwin22
    Would be interesting to hear what response Baldelli would have to both of those questions. Kaat did mention Rooker's absence, but in a non-critical manner. Saying that he did state that that would never have happened during his playing days. Im sure our "Minnesota nice media" wouldnt have the cajones to ask that question directly to Baldelli.
  25. darwin22
    Very true, but when you combine some timely hitting with RISP with decent outings from your SPs and then add in some effective relief outings---the opportunities to come out with W's---increase dramatically. Only downer of the day would be JIm Kaat's last day as an analyst.
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