stringer bell

What happens if Sanó doesn’t throw the ball there?

I started counting months, then days, then hours. Now I count (golf) strokes and steps, with help from my watch.

I was including the Astros hits.

Five hits in the game and none of them really hard-hit. Cave’s triple was stroked solidly, I guess. The other four were duckpharts.

Typical Pineda start. If his team averages 5+ runs a game, he has done enough. Alas, the Twins don’t look like they will score at all today.

Jonathan Schoop will stay around the AL Central a bit longer. He agreed to a two-year contract extension with an opt-out after 2022. Schoop has had a fine year for the Tigers.

Looking for a series win versus the first place Astros. I haven’t watched much in the last two weeks, but I hope to catch most of the game tonight.

I didn’t see the play live, but while it was a nice play, I wasn’t awestruck. Altuve bunted a bit too hard and a bit closer to the mound allowing Sanó a decent chance to throw him out and giving the big man a good angle. Sanó did everything properly and nipped Altuve at first.

Actually, it's for the win.

That runner on second will be key. If they don't score Simmons, I'm almost sure the Astros will at least tie the score.

What happened to Arraez?

Wilson Ramos has returned to MLB and the AL Central. His contract was selected by the Cleveland (soon to be) Guardians.

Let me start by saying that the Twins kept Refsnyder in St. Paul as long as they could. I don't think they wanted to send Gordon down until they had exhausted all the rehab time. If they didn't recall Refsnyder, they would have to DFA him and most likely lose him. I think Refsnyder has played well enough to compete for a fourth/fifth OF job next year, but they'd have to keep him on a tight 40-man roster. The problem with Gordon as a utility guy is that his utility is two positions--second base and center field--and I'm not sure he's that much of a center fielder. The real problem is that Rocco (and I presume the FO) don't believe he is viable as a shortstop. If Gordon isn't an acceptable backup at short, his value isn't much. If I'm not mistaken, Arraez has played more major league innings at short than Gordon. I'd really like to see if Nick can handle the position, but if the Twins don't even try, I guess I believe that he's really not a viable option at short and with that he's really not a viable option on a healthy Twins team. I would love to see a guy come off the bench with enough speed to draw the other team's attention, but if Gordon is barely on the chart as either a shortstop or center fielder, it just doesn't make much sense to keep him around.

Any word on roster moves?

Martin and Lewis together? Some might remember a comedy team with that name.

Eddie Rosario is on the move again. Now with the team with the second most questionable nickname.

Sounds about right. I do remember that I was in the third base stands with a great view of the play.

I was at a Twins game when Sano made the last out of the game at third base in a game the Twins lost by one run. He doubled to right driving in a couple runs, but the big man tried to make third and was a dead duck.

Garlick will have surgery. He will likely be done for the season.

Nice start! It's time to schedule introductions for August game threads. A Google doc has been composed and there remain several dates to be spoken for on the document. Whether you are experienced at doing the intros or not, here is a chance to put your mark on a game thread. Here is the link to the Google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cQ3ay_qridH_9C0O9RIbb1EcvY-OdGAm8uwqZ4eEz48/edit

And we are on to August! We have a few new volunteers this month, but there are spaces available if someone else wants to jump into the breach and do an introduction. Thanks to all who have contributed up to this point. A special thanks to those doing their first introductions this late into the year. It's a lot less fun when the team isn't competing for postseason play. Here is the link to the Google doc composed for August game thread intoductions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cQ3ay_qridH_9C0O9RIbb1EcvY-OdGAm8uwqZ4eEz48/edit

Jeffers and Sano both bumped their averages above the Mendoza line. Gordon got a couple hits and scored the winning run. This is all good news. The most impressive play in the game last night has to be the aggressive base running by Gordon. No one else on the active roster scores there. There is a lot to find out about Nick Gordon, but he undoubtedly is an asset running the bases.

The Twins host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim tonight in game two of a four-game set. Los Angeles won the first game of the series 3-2 and have won three of the four games played between the teams this year. Scheduled pitchers for tonight's game are JA Happ for the Twins versus Alex Cobb for the Angels. It could be Happ's last start as a Twin, if the Twins can find someone to take him. The news off the field is that the Twins have traded Nelson Cruz to the Rays for two AAA starting pitchers. Trading a 41 year-old DH for two pitchers who could help the club as soon as next year is the right move IMHO. The trick is whether Falvey and Levine identified guys who will perform up to or beyond their expected value. Cruz was a great signing and an unmitigated positive influence in the clubhouse for the Twins. I'm glad he'll get another chance to win a championship ring, but it was time for him to go. I have gotten past anger for the 2021 Twins season and am coming toward acceptance. The team isn't very good and the pitching staff is full of holes. What is a manager to do? Baldelli stayed with his starter in the second game of the doubleheader on Friday and Berrios yielded a game-winning homer. The bullpen turned a one-run lead into a four-run deficit the next day. All of the veterans on expiring contracts should be ready to pack their bags. Sadly, the Twins are unlikely to finish any higher than fourth in a weak division and until their pitching is righted, there can't be much optimism. That is why I am onboard with the Cruz trade despite his still formidable offensive skills. Getting major league (ready) pitchers on the club is the highest priority. The club will probably trade another player or two in the next week. Michael Pineda, Happ, Simmons and Robles all make sense as their contracts are up and they are veterans. There also are several players who could return--Cave, Refsnyder, Farrell, Law and eventually Byron Buxton. It seems the Twins are in no hurry to bring back either Refsnyder or Cave. There should be room on the roster to get a look at a few current minor leaguers as well. If you have nothing better to do, sit back and enjoy a warm summer evening watching Twins baseball. As a fan, I always have interest, but it is a lot easier to find other things to do. Enjoy! I have followed the Twins since Calvin brought the team here from Washington. I've always loved baseball, but I loved it more when the game was more brisk and more balls were put in play.

Maeda with a pretty nice outing with the exception of allowing the #9 hitter to hit a three-run bomb.

They traded for the right thing--near ready starting pitching--now I hope they chose the right players.