stringer bell

Dozier has certainly been a viable leadoff guy this year. He was riding a .380 OBP early with all the walks he received, but it was down to .333 at the nadir of his slump. Dozier would be fine at every place in the lineup and I think the need is greatest at leadoff long term. Even though he hasn't played much this year, all conversation of center field has to include the best prospect the Twins have had (maybe I should put that in bold), at least since Joe Mauer. I like Buxton a lot, and I think Terry Ryan likes him more. I still believe, if he gets on the field this month, that he will be starting in Minnesota next year, probably before the All-Star break. I believe the headline in the paper strib read something like "Santana in Center is better than no Santana" or something like that. Patrick makes the point that converting to center for a shortstop shouldn't be too tough. I agree, but it is a questionable strategy for Santana.

Will the Twins beat the Brewers in four sets? The first three: 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, so a 7-5 or 7-6 win would do the trick. I read the dead tree strib while having breakfast this morning and Reusse had an article about Santana--worth a read. Three points he made--it was an embarrassment to all for Hicks to profess no confidence as a LH hitter and abandon switch hitting. He made a Santana comparison to Cesar Tovar who I believe is in the Twins Hall of Fame. Third, he said that Santana in center is better than no Santana at all. Fuld is going on rehab to New Britain? Well, Danny Ortiz just got promoted to Rochester, so maybe they didn't want to mess with the Red Wings some more.

Best part of the whole game was watching Fien and Arcia react when something went well.

That was quick.

Has Dozier reached nine straight times?

That will leave a mark.

That is bats right, throws left.

Kinda like three-run homers.

Can't blame the defense for either double. I am guessing that it will take more than one run to win this game.

Ugh. Still couldn't score him.

The Twins have a -21 run differential. There are four teams with a worse number: Tampa (-41), Houston (-40), Texas (-28) and New York (-26). Most would have thought Houston would be bad, but the other three? No team is immune to a plague of injuries.

I want to start with a little Debbie Downer note: the Twins are last in the AL Central. Of course they are only a game out of second and five games behind the suddenly vincible Detroit Tigers. 27-29 is far better than their record last year and according the mlb.com, their RPI is 13th best, testifying to a tough schedule through the first 2+ months. It seems every team has a gaping hole or two. The Twins are no exception. They have gotten short-term productivity from three players (Kubel, Colabello and Parmelee), but none of the three looks like a productive major league hitter right now. The corner OF/DH position has no one unless the Twins use Pinto there. Center field continues to be a huge negative as well. Santana clearly is out of position and Hicks can't crack the Mendoza barrier. The Twins, despite improvement from the rotation, remain last in the AL in team ERA. I continue to fret about a bullpen that is full of veterans who don't overpower hitters, but the bullpen has been pretty effective. Despite the team's weaknesses, they have stayed competitive. With the return of Arcia and Willingham, it looks like we will see more power displayed as was demonstrated on the just-completed road trip. Danny Santana has earned his keep in the majors and isn't in jeopardy of returning to Rochester any time soon. Eduardo Escobar has played credibly at short and although his average is slipping, he's still above .300. Trevor Plouffe has shown great improvement in run producing and defense. Brian Dozier has solidified his status as a good player and is a borderline All-Star despite a just completed ugly slump. Joe Mauer is showing signs of coming out of one of the worst funks of his career. Starting pitching has improved, with Phil Hughes stepping forward as an ace. Finally, there is a lot of pitching help available in the top levels of the minors. When I saw this team in Spring Training, I thought it was a 100-loss team. With the proper reinforcements, they could be a .500 team, maybe a touch better. Maybe they can contend as soon as next year.

That wasn't all. He had Reynolds struck out on strike two in the bottom of the inning. Every outfielder "puts it away", no description at all of exactly what type of catch is made. Also, some "jam shots" go 350 feet and others don't make it out of the infield.

Perk w/ a "c'mon Eddie" save.

Yesterday notwithstanding, Mr. Plouffe is a much improved defensive player. He's always had the arm strength and this year he has been much more accurate and he's getting rid of the ball quicker.

The most recent starts of Nolasco, Correia, and Deduno are the definition of "dancing through a minefield".

Sam-well seems to be having problems finding the strike zone.

Home Runs are fun.

I think the Win Probability graph has a pretty dramatic line for today.

Man, those are some fugly uniforms!

I certainly think Vargas should at least move up to Rochester. I don't see a position for Robinson on the Twins. Despite yesterday's tough game, Plouffe is better at all phases and is nearly the same age. I think Walker would benefit from more time in Ft. Myers, although I think he has a chance to be a decent player.

You have to have Polanco and Berrios at Fort Myers. Vargas and Oliveros at New Britain and a couple of starters at Rochester--the Twins broadcast showed five Rochester pitchers with excellent ERAs. I guess Pino has been the most consistent. Daniel Ortiz and Gilmartin could be candidates at New Britain as well. I think Walker and his power should get some consideration in the FSL.

Maybe higher than his OBP, but not his OPS.

I want to see Gibson's first hit.

I would like to see Gibson put together back-to-back good starts.