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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. darwin22
    Huge series win for the hometown team today! A few observations/thoughts with now only 61 games left: 1. What happens with Brooks Lee when Miranda is activated? After an excellent start, Lee has regressed over his last 10 games. Since July 10th, Lee is now in a 5-41 slump (.122 avg) with only 1 EBH. IMO, Lee could benefit from a SHORT reset in SP. 2. How long of a leash does Julien have? Very small sample size, I know, but since his recall he's 2-12 with 8K's. Moreover, his defense leaves a lot to be desired. Not advocating for Kyle Farmer when he's ready to come off IL, but Julien is not the answer--at least at this point in the season. 3. With recent IL of Funderburk, Thielbar's continued struggles (season ERA at 6.20) and Okert being less than desirable, I would think that a LHRP has GOT TO BE at the top of the list at the trade deadline. Now for some more positive comments: 1. SP upgrade at deadline: Still think is a priority but not as much as acquiring a good LHRP. Festa showed some significant improvement today. Unsure what happens next time that slot in rotation comes up, but Festa, imo earned another start based on what he did today. Adding on, in case anyone has missed it: Varland has put together 2 back to back impressive start for SP. 11.67 IP/ 0 ER/ 4 hits/ 4 BB with 13K's. Still like him as a bullpen option as its very uncertain to count on Stewart to remain healthy or hoping Topa progresses to the point he can contribute down the stretch. 2. Don't want to jinx him, but Wallner looks VERY good at the plate recently. If he can contribute anywhere close to what he did in the second half of 2023--thinks look much better. 3. Carlos Santana: Beyond his recent clutch hitting is his stellar play defensively at 1B. Is it reasonable to start to consider re-signing him for next season? I say "yes" 4. Cole Sands: Like comment on Wallner, I don't want to jinx him, but he's gone from..."OMG they're putting Sands in a close game," to now expecting him to thrive. In case anyone has missed it--Sands in July has now pitched 10 scoreless IP in July with 13 Ks and 0 walks. Very impressive and happy for him. Time to rest tomorrow and minds right to win a series this weekend against an improved DET team!
  2. darwin22
    No----he did NOT get rocked in his last start as I was in Springfield last Tuesday to see him pitch. Matthews allowed 1 ER in 3 IP with 4 K's and 2 walks over that span. Yes, his shortest outing of the season, but that was dictated by Springfield extending him to a 37-pitch 3rd inning. Matthews was dominant in his first 2 IP striking out three on only 23 pitches. The only ER he allowed was on a seeing eye ground ball single to Tommy Edman (on rehab) on a 0-2 count. The other 2 runs were unearned as a 2-out ground ball was butchered for an error. Matthews has easily leapfrogged Raya, imo, in our SP ranks.
  3. darwin22
    Steve; Thanks for the analysis for our minor league affiliates. Attended the game in person last night and getting ready to head out for Game #2, which I hope has a better result. Would absolutely agree with your point that Hammons Field is as good a AA ballpark in the country. Although others have commented on last nights game, I will offer a few observations: #1 Zebby Matthews is the real deal. Yes, he had his shortest start of the season, which was a huge bummer for me, for he was extremely unlucky with his 37-pitch 3rd inning. As noted, he dominated the 1st two innings- striking out 3 on only 23 pitches. If not for a 2-out little dribbler ground ball single by Tommy Edman (on a 0-2 count), Matthews would've escaped the inning with under 20 pitches. I will give Springfield hitters credit for pushing up his pitch count as they hit numerous foul balls and didn't chase borderline pitches. If Matthews can get back on track over the next 6 weeks, I'd expect a promotion to SP in September. 'Would be interested to hear your (and others) take on that possibility. 2. Luke Keaschall: Looking forward to seeing his progress as he's been the best hitter for this team over the last 2 months. His lead off HR was impressive as he pulled a 2-strike heater off the fair pole in LF. Although given credit for three hits---he really only had 2 as the Springfield official scorer was very generous giving him a hit on a routine groundball their 2B misplayed. 3. Aaron Sabato: Maybe a better game coming tonight, but Sabato continues, imo, to be one of the biggest BUSTS as a 1st round pick in Twins history. Having seen Sabato now for 3 straight years (2022 in CR and last 2 years with Wichita), his bat is slow and his propensity to whiff reminds me of Sano. Box score shows he had a hit, but again that really was an error (groundball in 7th that SF 3B butchered). Another 2 K's last night. 4. Carson McCusker: May be not well known by many (26 year-old drafted by MIL in 2017 in 26th round), but he's having a good year for Wichita. A big dude (6'6/ 250 lbs), McCusker moves well and had 2 hits last night. Finishing up, what is the status of E-Rod? I know he's been on IL and think he's been on a rehab assignment with Fort Myers. His presence in the lineup would be a big upgrade. Hopefully a better report coming tomorrow after tonights game.
  4. darwin22
    Have to give props to Vazquez for his game today (minus his baserunning foibles). In the category of who would be the LEAST LIKELY to hit a walk off HR against Hader---CV had to be the top candidate on this roster. Saying that, he has (finally) looked like a serviceable hitting catcher over the last 3 games (6-12). With Jeffers hitting in a rut for a long period we need Vazquez to at minimum be an average hitter. Happy for him and will refrain from bashing him until after the ASB. SWR showed me a lot today. After his rough 2nd inning--2 walks---he looked to me like he told himself, "Ok..enough of the ^#$# nibbling---I'm going to be aggressive and go after these guys".....I honestly think Festa has better overall stuff than SWR, but SWR has shown a great amount of maturity since securing a slot in our rotation. His confidence appears to be growing with every start. Maybe Lopez should pay attention to what he's doing. Absolutely thrilled with the series win! Just hoping C4 is back in the lineup by Tuesday. Can't afford a letdown on upcoming trip to CHI and SF as CLE is still 6 games ahead and faces DET at Comerica for their next 4 games. Sure wish Skubal had pitched yesterday as he won't get a start. Like what Baldelli has done with lineup recently against RHP with Kepler-Buxton and Lee hitting in lower third of lineup. Not sure how sustainable this is as Larnach is in a 2-15 slump over his last 5 games hitting in the 2/3 hole.
  5. darwin22
    Twins haven't made a substantial trade to acquire a hitter at the deadline since the acquisition of Shannon Stewart in 2003------yes--more than 20 years ago. This year will no different.
  6. darwin22
    Very interesting recollection of that day as I also (12 at the time) was at the game with my 2 brothers and my dad. Having attended several Twins games as a youth---we lived in northeast Iowa---this game stands out as the BEST GAME I ever attended at Metropolitan Stadium. Not only was the Met filled to capacity it was an electric atmosphere with the Twins playing well battling for 1st place. Our seats were along the 1B line in the 2nd deck. Not sure how long I held onto the replica Rod Carew jersey, but it was at the top of my list of possessions for years to come. Only thing in error in this write up---was that the fan who delayed the game did so climbing up the LEFT FIELD foul pole---not the one in RF. My 12 year old mind remembers the game was delayed for at least 10 minutes as Thornley (who later became a SABR member) kept security at bay scrambling further up the pole as security tried to coax him down. I'm guessing significant consumption of Grain Belt, Ice cold Oly or Hamms played a contributing factor in Thornley's actions. A final memory was staying (our tradition) at the Howard Johnson's--a stone's throw from the Met along Cedar Avenue. For a young kid, an indoor swimming pool COMBINED with a putting green made for a great time.
  7. darwin22
    Not to damper the mood tonight, but are the recent inconsistent results from Paddack (4+ ER allowed in 3 of last 4 starts) a serious enough concern that may warrant keeping Varland around? May be a moot point as I haven't seen if Varland was optioned back to AAA tonight. If not the case, I will make the argument to keep Varland around as a spot starter/long relief out of the pen. The corresponding move would be the DFA of Jay Jackson. Albeit against weaker lineups, Varland, imo, deserves the opportunity to stay after delivering two quality outings (2 ER in 9.33 IP this week). For those who disagree---that's fine, but I'd welcome the argument/discussion of how Jackson is more beneficial than Varland?
  8. darwin22
    Randy Bush was a MUCH better player than Kirilloff has ever demonstrated. Just my opinion.
  9. darwin22
    Echoing comments of others, but the time has come for Thielbar to be DFA'ed. Absolutely appreciate his grit and solid performance over the last couple of seasons, but the time has come. Its over. Saying that, nothing will change as its "not the Twins way" I sure would've liked to hear Baldelli's postgame explanation (not broadcast) for yanking Varland when he was working on a 1-hit shutout with only 1 walk over 63 pitches through 5 IP.
  10. darwin22
    Very good article Matt despite a rough day with our affiliates. Most impressed with the pitching line by Zebby Matthews----very impressive outing! With a road trip (from KC area) planned to Springfield in early July to see a couple of games, I'm hoping to see Matthews get a start. Will hopefully see Rodriguez back in action by then.
  11. darwin22
    Ok.....if that seems rash (last 10 games for Kepler), lets look at what he's done since 2019 (.252/ 36/90/ .855 OPS) 2020: .228/9/23/.760*-----Covid 60-game season 2021: .211/19/54/.719 OPS 2022: .227/ 9/43/.666 2023: March thr June 30th .203 avg/ 11 HR/ 25 RBI/ .692 OPS Yes, Kep had an excellent 2nd half last season, but that doesn't discount his dismal offensive output for almost 3 full seasons before that.
  12. darwin22
    I know many other hitters to place blame on, but the last 10 games for Kepler should put to rest ANY TALK of bringing him back next year: AB: 37 H: 4 AVG: .108 SLG PCT: .135 K: 13 BB: 1 At 1/10 the cost, Wallner can put up those numbers. This team is what it is. Not good and not getting better anytime in the near future.
  13. darwin22
    Absolutely embarrassing and pathetic.
  14. darwin22
    Missed the entire game as I was on the golf course. Appears my inconsistent game full of shanks, blades and assorted duffs pretty much mirrored the offensive (putrid) performance of our hitters,
  15. darwin22
    Considering Duran has pitched in 5 of last 7 games, his velo may be down a tad, but looking at ESPN box score/ pitch tracker, Duran averaged 99.4mph on 8 four-seam fastballs he threw out of his 20 pitches. Not 102+, but still pretty darn good considering his high usage rate recently.
  16. darwin22
    Considering the FACT that Santana has been unproductive for the last several years against RHP pitching and especially brutal this season (.183 avg/.599 OPS)--I absolutely agree the time has arrived for Miranda to be a daily fixture in the lineup at 1B against a RH when Lewis returns.
  17. darwin22
    I realize its only late May, but a huge W considering the SP matchups. My guess is that 90+% of neutral fans would've strongly favored KC in this matchup with arguably their most talented SP (Ragans) taking on a rookie (SWR). Both pitched 5 innings, but SWR clearly outpitched Ragans allowing only 3 hits and 2ER. Ragans had to labor through his 5 IP. Twins hitters put up good ABs with 9 hits while running his pitch count up to 95. Very impressive night for Alcala and Staumont! 2 clean IP with only 24 pitches combined to record 6 crucial outs. The defense of Correa continues to impress while Vazquez continues his steady work behind the plate. Question for the night for others to respond to: What position player gets demoted when Lewis is deemed healthy and ready to return to the lineup? I'm pretty certain it WILL be a hitter as I seriously doubt Rocco/front office would be willing to drop down to 12 pitchers. Based solely on "defense/positioning," one could make the argument (not me) that Farmer could get DFA'ed. I seriously doubt that will be the case for 2 main reasons: His salary ($6.5m) and his veteran presence/past production as a quality bat.
  18. darwin22
    Great performance by Ryan today along with key HRs from Miranda and Larnach. Saying that, how much longer do we have to endure the shaky to terrible work of Sands? There was absolutely zero reason Duran should've been forced into pitching today Yes, he pitched well the other day (with a deficit), but I'm beyond his inability to shut a game down when needed. His ERA in May has now ballooned to 10.56 (9 ER in 7.2 IP). Demoting him to SP is unlikely as it would require a move on the 40 man roster. As a result, I'd strongly suggest Baldelli flip the roles of Sands and Josh Staumont. IMO, Staumont has earned the opportunity for higher leverage situations by throwing 6.1 shutout IP this month over 6 games. Sands needs to be strictly as the LONG MAN out of the pen or in late innings facing a deficit.
  19. darwin22
    Got to admit I (and many others) have been spoiled by the performance of Duran over the last year+, but is sure was nice to see Duran dominate in the 9th to secure the victory. This was his 1st clean outing since May 12th vs. Toronto. Moreover, Duran did so on 8 pitches. Although a tad winded after getting consecutive 3-1 putouts to start the inning, it was IMPRESSIVE to see Duran reach back with pure GAS---100-100-101 to set Heim down to end the game. I know Duran has very good offspeed pitches, but then you can locate 100 heat----just bring the GAS young man.
  20. darwin22
    Another day with another loss. Diverting my time and emotional investment to other things. I will ask again: Who are the leaders on this team? Where is the fire? Where are the guts?
  21. darwin22
    Not an unexpected result as this "offense" is truly OFFENSIVE. Just pathetic. 9 runs scored this week in 6 games. Boy, SWR and Paddack deserved so much better. I know many to blame for this recent offensive funk, but here are 4 that have been brutal in May: Vazquez: 1-30 (.033) with 2 RBI/ 8 K's-0 BB---------I understand his defense is good, but how much longer must we endure him as an AUTOMATIC out? Kirilloff: 3 for his last 38 (.079), 2 HRs, 3 RBI with 12 whiffs and 4 BB. Looks totally LOST at plate. Does he have an option remaining? Larnach: Hit 2 balls hard today, but the numbers don't lie: 8-44 this month (.182), 1 HR, 4 RBI with 12 K's and only 3 BB. Julien: What has happened to his stroke? Now in 9-49 stretch his month (.184) with ZERO pop--0 HRs & only 3 RBI. Bigger concern is his 21 whiffs vs. only 7 BB. Yes---there are others doing next to nothing (Buxton, Castro and Correa) that are daily starters, but these four have been especially awful. Unless things turn around soon---settle in for a 4th place finish with a struggle to reach .500 by end of season.
  22. darwin22
    Time to face reality with this club. When facing good to above average teams, this group is poor. W-L record against teams at or above .500: 10-19/ win pct= .345 W-L record against teams below .500: 14-2/ win pct= .875 21st game this season (out of 45) in which this offense has generated 3 runs or less. When your offensively inept nearly 50% of the time (46.7%), its pretty simple: You're NOT going to challenge for a dvision title. Now 24-21 with an ugly 5-game losing streak in which the bats have gone back into hibernation and the pitching has been, at best, mediocre. Where are the leaders on this team? Where is the fire? Where are the guts?
  23. darwin22
    Very true! What is the status of (perpetually injured) Conner Prelip? Assuming he's in the same boat of Matt Canterino.
  24. darwin22
    A much needed W this afternoon after yesterday's bullpen meltdown. Adding on to the "GOOD" and "BAD" report. Good: Ober was outstanding! Other than a 23 pitch 1st inning---he was in total command all day. Santana: Shutting up a lot of people (myself included) with ANOTHER huge HR. Will need the occasional time off as the season progresses, especially against RH pitching, but is becoming a key hitter in a lineup that is still missing pieces and has others (Kirilloff, Margot, Vazquez, Farmer) struggling. Kepler: Has been on a "heater" since returning from IL stint. Best hitter in lineup, hands down over the last 2 weeks. Now for the BAD: 1. Kirilloff: Since 4-29, he's in a 2-29 funk which includes a LOT weak contact. 9 K's vs. only 1 BB over that span. Is he hurt?? As bad as Margot has been, Kirilloff has been worse over the last 2 weeks. Solution: If Kirilloff has an option remaining (??) is a demotion to SP possible? If so, does management consider bringing Wallner back? Wallner's bat at SP has improved to a point, but still way too many whiffs. 2. Cole Sands: After watching Sands today---who wants to make the argument he should remain as a viable member of this bullpen? Over his last 7 appearances his numbers show a trip to SP should be imminent: IP: 6/ ERA: 12.00/ WHIP: 1.67 Short term solution: Bring up Caleb Boushley from SP. Boushely's last 2 starts at SP have been solid: 9.67 IP/ only 3 ER allowed for a tidy 2.79 ERA. Boushley is on 40-man roster--so a Sands demotion, would work. Jay Jackson: I'm sure a nice guy, but he should be DFA'ed tomorrow! Season ERA has ballooned to 6.87. Over his last 3 appearances covering only 2.33 IP he's allowed 7 earned runs. Solution: Promote Diego Castillo from SP. Castillo over 14 games with the Saints, he has a 1.29 ERA; 1.93 WHIP with a good (15/6) K/BB rate. Winning 17 of last 20 has been tremendous. Keep it going this week boys!
  25. darwin22
    An absolutely atrocious loss. I'm 100% DONE with Jackson. Needs to be DFA'ed the second Topa is activated. Okert is close behind. Sands coming back to earth after a great start. Praying Stewart can come off IL as soon as possible.
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