stringer bell

Too slow, too many strikeouts, not enough action. I think MLB is trying to tweak things, but they really haven't come away with changes that a) speed up the game b) allow fans to see more outstanding plays and base running and c) encourage the younger generations to follow the sport. A work stoppage might greatly wound my favorite professional sport and it seems likely that it will happen. I am not optimistic about the game's immediate future.

Can anyone supply some information about Contreras? It says in BBRef that he is a left handed hitting outfielder first baseman. How did the Twins acquire him? Is he a prospect at all or simply minor league filler?

Glad for Wade. MLB Trade Rumors speculates that he'll be platooning at first base until Belt returns. He's had a fine season so far in about 100 plate appearances.

I made a comment that Terry Francona should be making a place for a Manager of the Year Award on his mantle, given how well the Cleveland team has done so far. I think the same can be said for Gabe Kapler and his job with the Giants in the National League. I haven't paid much attention to the NL West, except to note that the Rockies and Diamondbacks are two miserable teams this year. The supposition was that San Diego and the Dodgers were among the elite, but the Giants are in first place. I checked their roster, in part because of ex-Twins Zack Littell and LaMonte Wade Jr. and saw a team that was ......old! Among the regulars (according to BRef) only one player was under 30. The top four starters by innings are also over 30. I do wonder if somehow the Dodgers and Padres looked past the Giants figuring that they were head and shoulders above them and the other two teams in their division. The Giants are getting solid seasons from almost everyone. Six of the eight starters have OPS over .800 as do two bench players (including Wade). All of the pitchers have ERA+ numbers better than average and Taylor Rogers twin brother has been outstanding. The Giants don't appear to be a team of superstars (Posey was, and is still a fine player), but they have managed to put together a good team without exceeding their budget. It would appear that their pieces fit together very well. The rest of MLB and particularly the Twins should be able to learn something from the success of the 2021 San Francisco Giants.

Rather than talking about positions, how about categorizing the possible trades by contract? a) Expiring contract--Free agent at the conclusion of 2021. Cruz, Simmons, Happ, Shoemaker, Robles, Pineda, Columé b) Free agent in 2023--Expensive to re-sign. Trade if not extended. Buxton, Berríos, Rogers c) Under contract but team has a likely replacement--Sanó, Polanco, Kepler, Arraez I wouldn't expect all of those guys to be traded. In fact, in both b and c, probably no more than one could be dealt. It seems to me that the pieces of the roster have never fit together properly from the position player side and the pitching is simply short on talent. I think factors in trading players include whether they are more valuable to the current team they are on and also what the market is for a player in their position and role. Of course, the return received should be commensurate with the value they provide to the acquiring team.

Well, at least they didn't burn Maeda in a game that didn't count. I hope Cleveland doesn't bypass Hentges.

The team (if healthy) has depth at second base, corner outfield and right handed hitting catcher. Trading Garver, Polanco or Arraez and Kepler would seem to be prudent depending on the return they could get. Sano or Donaldson wouldn't be easy to move. Players with expiring contracts probably all should be on the table.

I didn't realize Sam Hentges was a Minnesota boy. Best wishes to him except against my favorite team . The game is being delayed and I think that is going to end up being postponed IMHO. While I have everyone's attention, another month of baseball is almost over and we will be scheduling game thread introductions. I would like those of you who are regulars in the game threads to consider doing an introduction (or more than one). You can have a chance to set the tone for the thread and perhaps bring up a new perspective for a game. Game threads continue to be popular on Twins Daily and introductions are an important part of each thread. We're always looking for new talent and new views on the day's game.

The Twins face the soon-to-be re-nicknamed Cleveland team in game three of a four game series at Target Field (weather permitting). Last night the Twins prevailed 8-7 despite allowing four home runs and two unearned runs. Winning pitcher Griffin Jax provided 4.1 innings of acceptable relief and some hefty hitting by Luis Arraez and others was just enough. The weather forecast for Minneapolis is for rain to start this afternoon and last through the evening hours. The ground is parched and the rain is needed, but it would be nice for the Twins to get this game in today. Here in southeast Minnesota, the rain has already begun. I think either the game starts on time or it won't be played. Kenta Maeda starts for the home team. He's looked better, but certainly not on the level he performed in the shortened 2020 season. The Twins' bullpen has been used for over half of the innings in the series. It will be interesting to see how many innings Maeda will work if the game is in fact played. Lineup notes: Lefty hitting Trevor Larnach and Luis Arraez start against Sam Hentges, who is making his fourth start for Cleveland. Rookies Nick Gordon and Alex Kirilloff will begin the game on the bench despite good hitting yesterday. Max Kepler also is on the bench after another oh-fer as he continues to find his stroke. There are options for the Twins offensively, but the injuries they have are all to right handed hitters. Lineups: Pitching LAYER W-L ERA WHIP IP H K BB HR S. Hentges 1-1 6.40 1.89 32.1 45 37 16 5 K. Maeda 3-2 4.85 1.44 52.0 60 50 15 11 Cleveland (41-32) hitters HITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG C. HernandezDH 60-278 28 11 0 .216 A. RosarioSS 63-238 23 5 7 .265 J. Ramirez3B 66-256 44 16 6 .258 E. RosarioLF 66-260 42 6 9 .254 B. Bradley1B 14-56 15 6 0 .250 J. NaylorRF 59-231 21 7 1 .255 E. Clement2B 4-13 1 0 0 .308 B. ZimmerCF 15-66 5 0 4 .227 R. RiveraC 12-50 8 1 0 .240 Twins (32-43) hitters ITTERS H-AB RBI HR SB AVG J. Polanco2B 66-260 30 9 6 .254 J. Donaldson3B 49-198 29 10 0 .247 N. CruzDH 69-230 39 16 1 .300 T. LarnachRF 32-129 12 5 0 .248 R. JeffersC 19-93 14 5 0 .204 M. Sano1B 38-197 34 14 0 .193 L. ArraezLF 52-176 20 1 0 .295 G. CelestinoCF 4-34 1 1 0 .118 A. SimmonsSS 48-196 14 2 0 .245

Yes, I am as a matter of fact. Jax got a win, Young guys Gordon, Arraez and Kirilloff had big hits.

Plus one today.

Well, I would advocate giving Mr. Kepler a day off or more.

They are twins, after all. Doesn't his brother throw sidearm/submarine?

One hard-hit ball in four plate appearances and and oh-fer with runners in scoring position and two outs for the entire season (I think) is worthy of criticism.

Nice inning for Colume.

And the streak continues!

Donaldson up with two outs and a runner in scoring position.

5-5, bottom of 4. I wonder how many runs will be needed to win.

Then the 2B is playing too deep.

Well, except for the homers, Coulombe has looked pretty good.

Close game late is not the formula for a Twins victory.

Ugh, hit ém where they ain't.

Franconia should get another Manager of the Year award for keeping his team in both the division and wild card races. Add Reyes to the injured pitchers and I’m astounded they are well above .500.

Knights have some work to do.

A bit surprised that Sanó is riding the pine today. Not that I disagree. I actually was hoping not to see Arraez in the outfield, but as long as Kirilloff and Larnach are in the lineup I’m okay with that.