stringer bell

Six games is only the first step in a marathon, but the Twins have been more entertaining than I though they would be. I don't think any of the question marks have been answered, but they have managed to be in every game and managed to squeak out three one-run wins out of the first six games. I am not getting my hopes up, but there are a lot of things that make this club worth watching. In no particular order, here are some observations I have after one week of baseball. JJ Hardy--Is there something wrong with his arm? His throwing motion looks awkward and all of his throws looked like changeups. Also, is he that slow or was he not running out of the box on the slow roller to Florimon? Brian Dozier--He made the perfect sacrifice bunt with runners on first and second, forcing Manny Machado to field the ball and guaranteeing the advance of both runners. Dozier's turns at second have been outstanding. He's played a tremendous second base. He needs a couple of multiple hit games to get the BA up. Pedro Hernandez--He is lefthanded and breathing. Actually, I think he has a chance to be okay. Too many walks today, but his minor league history suggests that shouldn't be a problem. His three strikeouts in five innings is the best of the starters, I believe. The Twins have allowed only two homers in six games. If that keeps up, they have a chance to win a lot more games. KC looks like they're swinging well, so the club will have to make a great effort to keep the HR number low. Maybe Aaron Hicks will warm up after getting a meaningful RBI single to help win the game today.

I noticed Christian at spring training. He is taller and whiter than almost all of the other middle infielders. He seems to have a pretty nice lefthanded stroke and runs pretty well. He picked the right organization if he wants to have a chance to move up.

Another topic for DickBert on Thursday was relievers throwing huge numbers of innings. Both Dick and Bert remembered Bill Campbell who threw over 162 innings for the Twins. Neither mentioned an ex-Twin who should have certainly been mentioned when talking about relievers pitching high numbers of innings--Mike Marshall. Marshall threw over 200 innings out of the bullpen in 1974 for the Dodgers and won the Cy Young award. He pitched two or three years for the Twins and threw over 140 innings in one season. I remember him as surly, opinionated and a freak of nature. He threw every day whether he got in the game or not and seemed to have a bionic arm. Campbell, OTOH, seemed to have his effectiveness diminished due to the heavy workload he endured while a member of the Twins and later with the Red Sox.

Yes, I heard the postgame show which pointed out the Twins were above .500 for the first time since 2010. I have seen the positive comments about the starting pitchers and their success so far this season. I do believe this team is improved and I think they are due for better luck after two disastrous seasons where any luck they had was bad luck. This is a club that will be hard-pressed to exceed 70 wins without more than one positive surprise. Three full games have yielded 17 strikeouts in 27 innings. That is the opposite of a collection of "power arms". The three games were played in cold conditions, with tough lighting (sun and shadows) and with a strong breeze. The conditions helped the pitchers on both sides, without a doubt. Of course, those same conditions hurt the Twins hitters. It would figure that they will do better with higher temperatures, lighter winds and more normal lighting. There are positive developments. The team has gotten production from their bench players. Justin Morneau appears to be healthy and should put up good numbers. There are other veterans who should again be productive. However, the team has many, many question marks and it is doubtful that each question will be answered positively. Some observations: 1) Spring training doesn't matter much at all. Worley, Correia, and Pelfrey all looked like they were pitching batting practice, but now that the games count we see they are big leaguers. 2) I do like a few "scrap heap" players that the Twins have picked up--last year Burton established himself, this year perhaps Pressly might prove that he can be a bullpen arm for this year and the future. Casey Fien did well last year and has pitched well in a couple of game situations. 3) Maybe it is the weather, but the defense needs to improve. Mauer let too many balls get by him and made a couple of tailing throws to second, Florimon booted a ball and made several poor throws. Several balls eluded Plouffe at third, and their range on the corners of the outfield is going to be limited. 4) This season still is going to be about players establishing themselves in the field--Plouffe, Parmelee, Hicks, Dozier, and Florimon (or maybe Escobar)--or on the mound (Hendriks, perhaps De Vries, Gibson, Meyer, May). Winning two out of three against the AL champs is nice, but the glow will fade quickly if the team plays poorly on the road. I am happy to see wins and competitive games.

Yes, I heard the postgame show which pointed out the Twins were above .500 for the first time since 2010. I have seen the positive comments about the starting pitchers and their success so far this season. I do believe this team is improved and I think they are due for better luck after two disastrous seasons where any luck they had was bad luck. This is a club that will be hard-pressed to exceed 70 wins without more than one positive surprise. Three full games have yielded 17 strikeouts in 27 innings. That is the opposite of a collection of "power arms". The three games were played in cold conditions, with tough lighting (sun and shadows) and with a strong breeze. The conditions helped the pitchers on both sides, without a doubt. Of course, those same conditions hurt the Twins hitters. It would figure that they will do better with higher temperatures, lighter winds and more normal lighting. There are positive developments. The team has gotten production from their bench players. Justin Morneau appears to be healthy and should put up good numbers. There are other veterans who should again be productive. However, the team has many, many question marks and it is doubtful that each question will be answered positively. Some observations: 1) Spring training doesn't matter much at all. Worley, Correia, and Pelfrey all looked like they were pitching batting practice, but now that the games count we see they are big leaguers. 2) I do like a few "scrap heap" players that the Twins have picked up--last year Burton established himself, this year perhaps Pressly might prove that he can be a bullpen arm for this year and the future. Casey Fien did well last year and has pitched well in a couple of game situations. 3) Maybe it is the weather, but the defense needs to improve. Mauer let too many balls get by him and made a couple of tailing throws to second, Florimon booted a ball and made several poor throws. Several balls eluded Plouffe at third, and their range on the corners of the outfield is going to be limited. 4) This season still is going to be about players establishing themselves in the field--Plouffe, Parmelee, Hicks, Dozier, and Florimon (or maybe Escobar)--or on the mound (Hendriks, perhaps De Vries, Gibson, Meyer, May). Winning two out of three against the AL champs is nice, but the glow will fade quickly if the team plays poorly on the road. I am happy to see wins and competitive games.

Or maybe Escobar is as good offensively as Carroll. Jamey is a sure thing, but what we're sure of is that he'll take good at-bats and hit for no power.

Mauer misplayed the pitch, no question. It cost the club a run as it turned out. The earlier wild pitch also cost the team a run. A couple of weakly hit balls also cost the team runs. Meanwhile, Mauer and Florimon combined to allow Jhonny Peralta to steal a key base, followed by a not-well-hit double by Prince. Of course, the Twins also had opportunities to score and failed. The most notable failure came from Plouffe and Parmelee with the bases loaded in the 7th.

I DVRed the game yesterday and watched most of it last night. While I didn't see some key events, I heard about them on the radio. The Twins had a chance to beat the Tigers but came up short in key at-bats. They also were hurt by bases advanced by the plodding Tigers. What went right: 1) Worley outlasted Verlander. Even though he was the losing pitcher he managed to go six innings and reached the threshold for a "Quality Start". 2) Fien struck out the side in the seventh and it was the top of the order. 3) The offensive approach allowed the Twins to only face Verlander for five innings. 4) Worley had the Tigers hitting the ball on the ground recording something like 15 ground ball outs, including one outstanding play from Florimon. What went wrong: 1) Four Twins came up in a game situation and only one (Doumit) brought in a run. Plouffe and Parmelee had a great chance to knot the game or put the Twins ahead in the 7th inning and failed. 2) Duensing and Roenicke combined to yield a key insurance run in the 8th, after the Twins had closed to within one run. 3) Defensive misplays and failure to make plays cost the Twins dearly--a) Peralta was a dead duck with a good throw and tag, Mauer's throw tailed and Florimon failed to catch the ball. Two wild pitches allowed runners to advanced and each scored as a result of that. Mauer blocked a low pitch, but couldn't locate it and Roenicke's went between the wickets. c) Florimon booted a fairly routine grounder and Dozier might have left too early on Torii's hit and run roller in the first inning. d) Worley allowed too many baserunners, which put pressure on the defense and it never allowed Vanimal to get in rhythm.

I DVRed the game yesterday and watched most of it last night. While I didn't see some key events, I heard about them on the radio. The Twins had a chance to beat the Tigers but came up short in key at-bats. They also were hurt by bases advanced by the plodding Tigers. What went right: 1) Worley outlasted Verlander. Even though he was the losing pitcher he managed to go six innings and reached the threshold for a "Quality Start". 2) Fien struck out the side in the seventh and it was the top of the order. 3) The offensive approach allowed the Twins to only face Verlander for five innings. 4) Worley had the Tigers hitting the ball on the ground recording something like 15 ground ball outs, including one outstanding play from Florimon. What went wrong: 1) Four Twins came up in a game situation and only one (Doumit) brought in a run. Plouffe and Parmelee had a great chance to knot the game or put the Twins ahead in the 7th inning and failed. 2) Duensing and Roenicke combined to yield a key insurance run in the 8th, after the Twins had closed to within one run. 3) Defensive misplays and failure to make plays cost the Twins dearly--a) Peralta was a dead duck with a good throw and tag, Mauer's throw tailed and Florimon failed to catch the ball. Two wild pitches allowed runners to advanced and each scored as a result of that. Mauer blocked a low pitch, but couldn't locate it and Roenicke's went between the wickets. c) Florimon booted a fairly routine grounder and Dozier might have left too early on Torii's hit and run roller in the first inning. d) Worley allowed too many baserunners, which put pressure on the defense and it never allowed Vanimal to get in rhythm.

Add Brendan Harris to the list. He is on the Dodger team listed as a third baseman, no doubt as a result of Hanley Ramirez' injury. Harris is on the Angel team, and with injuries to Aybar and Callaspo, he is seeing some playing time at short and third.

Here's my record breaker: stolen base percentage record holder is none other than Alexi Casilla, 21 for 22 last year with his only CS either being a pickoff or an overslide, I can't remember which.

Here is a list of ex-Twins who have made Opening Day rosters in the major leagues. Long on pitchers and outfielders, short on infielders and starting pitching quality. Sound familiar? Denard Span--Nationals Ben Revere--Phillies Jason Kubel--Diamondbacks Carlos Gomez--Brewers Torii Hunter--Tigers Michael Cuddyer--Rockies Garrett Jones--Pirates Alexi Casilla--Orioles JJ Hardy--Orioles Nick Punto--Dodgers Henry Blanco--Blue Jays AJ Pierzynski--Rangers Wilson Ramos--Nationals Jason Marquis--Padres RA Dickey--Blue Jays Kyle Lohse--Brewers Philip Humber--Astros Kevin Slowey--Marlins Grant Balfour--A's Pat Neshek--A's Luis Ayala--Orioles Jesse Crain--White Sox Jose Mijares--Giants Jon Rauch--Marlins Matt Guerrier--Dodgers Joe Nathan--Rangers LaTroy Hawkins--Mets Notable DLs--Santana, Ortiz, Young, Liriano, Breslow

Here is a list of ex-Twins who have made Opening Day rosters in the major leagues. Long on pitchers and outfielders, short on infielders and starting pitching quality. Sound familiar? Denard Span--Nationals Ben Revere--Phillies Jason Kubel--Diamondbacks Carlos Gomez--Brewers Torii Hunter--Tigers Michael Cuddyer--Rockies Garrett Jones--Pirates Alexi Casilla--Orioles JJ Hardy--Orioles Nick Punto--Dodgers Henry Blanco--Blue Jays AJ Pierzynski--Rangers Wilson Ramos--Nationals Jason Marquis--Padres RA Dickey--Blue Jays Kyle Lohse--Brewers Philip Humber--Astros Kevin Slowey--Marlins Grant Balfour--A's Pat Neshek--A's Luis Ayala--Orioles Jesse Crain--White Sox Jose Mijares--Giants Jon Rauch--Marlins Matt Guerrier--Dodgers Joe Nathan--Rangers LaTroy Hawkins--Mets Notable DLs--Santana, Ortiz, Young, Liriano, Breslow

My favorite record from the 2012 season: Who is the Twins all-time single season leader in stolen base percentage (min 20 attempts)?

Best wishes to Joe Benson, one of my favorites. I agree with Seth that this spring hasn't been a failure for Benson. He seemed a certainty for Rochester almost from the first exhibition game. He needs to thrive at Rochester in his last chance as a prospect. If he doesn't thrive, I think he goes from "prospect" to "suspect" and might bounce around the fringes of MLB.

Thanks for the report Thry. I do agree with Seth about Parmelee and I think he will hit. Ramirez over Butera? I don't think so, but it would be good news. I can't see Clement making the club mostly because he just hasn't hit that well, but also because he's a LH hitting 1B. We already have two with a third (Mauer) playing there at least occasionally. Correia, Pelfrey, and Worley haven't exactly improved my confidence that the pitching will be better, but the same story is there--they are getting ready for the regular season--they don't have to wins jobs.

Quite the optimistic write up. I think health is a big issue as Plouffe has suffered injuries almost every year. I do believe it will help him to prepare to play just one position. I think that by the end of the season he will be regarded as a better ballplayer and more valuable that his buddy Delmon.

He's still relatively young. He got a chance to stay at one position and he thrived until he was injured. I expect that Plouffe will be better in 2013, particularly on defense.

Carroll is a utility guy and shouldn't be a regular. Period, end of sentence. While defense is certainly important, I don't think any metrics are foolproof and further, I don't think any defender should be judged by a partial season on things as UZR etc.

Callaspo had a brush or two with the law IIRC. Besides that, though, he could supply a little pressure to Plouffe since 3B seems to be his best defensive position and he is a switch hitter, much better as a lefty again IIRC.

Yes, the question is apt. Dozier could have locked up SS with solid play at the plate and in the field, but on balance he did neither. I have watched about half of the Twins' games and I see a guy with the tools to be OK to good. He's made all the plays, but he has made far more errors than is acceptable. He has shown a little pop and some speed on the bases, but hasn't been consistent and has had far too many poor ABs and given away too many outs. However, I don't believe Dozier's rookie campaign has been a disaster. Nishioka is a disaster, Marquis was a disaster. Dozier is a disappointment. Dozier can and should do well at Rochester for the next 15 days. I hope it is a springboard to a strong September with the big club.

Let's face it, Diamond will be the de facto "ace" going into 2013. Any free agent starter the Twiins sign will be coming off either an injury or ineffectiveness. They really do have to sign a starter though. I've seen Jeremy Guthrei's name mentioned and he is probably exactly the type, although I doubt it will be him. But just as a placeholder, I'll use his name: 1) Diamond 2) Guthrie 3) Duensing 4) Hendriks 5) Blackburn/Deduno. I am also hoping that Gibson blows them out of the water in the spring and I am far more optimistic about that than seeing Scott Baker toe the rubber next year for the Twins.

Your comparison of starting position players and the starting rotation kind of fails. The starting rotation has been bad for two years and a return to health won't do anything for 4/5s of this year's proposed rotation. Baker has an option that won't be picked up. Pavano's contract is up, as is Liriano's and Marquis is already out of the Twins' organization. Blackburn has struggled mightily and can't be counted to fill a rotation sport either. What we are seeing this year is the second five starting rotation and Ryan has to know that this group needs to be augmented from outside the organization.

Waldrop is a reliever so he won't figure in any rebuilding of the rotation. I think Ryan will be pretty aggressive going after pitching, starting with the trading deadline and continuing through free agency. It would help their cause considerably if another arm emerged as Diamond has.

Why would a 31 year old catcher want to play for a rebuilding team? I think the Twins market Doumit and they trade him at the deadline. I doubt he will be back if he is any kind of productive and stays healthy. Liriano and Pavano are both free agents--unless they sign for dirt, they aren't returning to the Twins. Liriano, with a couple more good starts, just might have some trade value. If so, pull the trigger TR! I think Span is a goner as well. Both he and Capps should be able to bring back talent that can contribute in 2013.