Western SD Fan

Update: The Twins didn't use Adams when he was up with the ML club. But don't worry, they just picked up a more experienced Adams off of waivers from the Pirates. They transferred Pablo Lopez to the 60-Day IL for the 40-man spot. The 26-man position won't be addressed until tomorrow but will be interesting. Does SWR get sent back down and they run a bullpen game or use him as a bulk pitcher with an opener? Do they finally pull the plug on the Alcala experience and DFA him? Topa still has options left and, while probably not deserving, has to be considered at this point considering how much they have protected Alcala up to this point. Twins claim lefty reliever, a former first-round pick, off waivers

I believe the IL stint idea was killed in the last CBA negotiations when they also limited the number of times that a pitcher could be sent up and sent down to AAA. This is the exact situation that the PA would file a grievance if suddenly Alcala lands on the IL without showing some reasonable inference that Alcala is actually injured. Alcala will have a right to be released and choose free agency if he is DFA'd. I also believe he will be picked up by another team. That team may be the Rockies, Angels, White Sox, or Marlins, but another team. As with SWR, I believe we are stuck with him for at least another start or two as likely need to see what he can actually deliver, if anything. Festa had a recent worse start than SWR, albeit in a worse situation, but we are not screaming that Festa has to be replaced right now. Another reason I say we are likely stuck with SWR is that we still don't know what kind of a team we have right now. We don't know what SP we may be available to trade for, if any that we can afford with prospects or salary. Finally, we need to look at pitchers in AAA on the 40-man. Adams, who was just sent down, I believe cannot come back for 15 days unless someone goes on the IL. Raya is pitching today trying to lower his 10.46 ERA in St. Paul, so I don't see him as a ready option. Funderburk is the last man on the 40-man, and we have already seen what he can do. I just don't see any logical options right now in replacing SWR.

Just another reason to show why it appears that he has checked out.

I understand they are out of options with him. But at what point do you just have to give up and throw in the towel on him. Alcala can't even get through a mop-up role at this point.

How many runs before we can put Clemens in to pitch?

Likely we will have to see another turn or two through the rotation with SWR. Maybe we will have to consider an Adams or McCaughan call up to use as an opener for a bullpen game.

Damn. Even Cory Provus is checking out of this game.

TV: Plays interview about Royce working on his defense Royce: Let me try to create another error for irony's sake

Bring in Clemens. Need to increase that record of strikeouts by a father/son duo

And we have Festa waiting in the wings to start tomorrow. Here's really hoping that his outing in West Sacramento was a bad combination of events that blew up in his face and he will be better.

I was hoping you got it mixed up with TO-GA! TO-GA!

Sadly enough, it should be worse as it should only be one out in the inning as Sim got a terrible call to go his way for the strikeout.

Even more impressive. Abbot pitches a CG with only 1 run of support. (110 pitches)

SWR really likes playing this game on Extra Difficult Mode

He remembers watching the movie 'Escape from LA' and was ready.

Good pick me up by Lewis. Again, didn't have to be a hero, just keep the line moving along.

Ok France, RISP and not bases loaded. Your perfect situation to contribute!

This seems to be a SWR start. He can't seem to limit damage and focus when things start getting rough. Defense didn't help him at all.

Damn. Defense not doing SWR any favors tonight.

Ok. Lewis does know how to use his arm. Just decided to get cute on the last one.

Absolutely. It's so important for a shaky pitcher to be given a lead so they don't feel like they have to be perfect.

SWR pushing 40 pitches by the end of the 2nd inning. If only we would have had a pitcher here that was anticipated to go multiple innings of relief?

Yes. Missed the /s before I hit send. 🙃

Or you have to be more subtle about it, like Joe Ryan and just play it off.

Clemens is a feel-good story that, when the hard decisions come, the FO makes the correct decision and DFA him and thank him for his contribution. With that being said, I don't see a reason to rush Keashall's recovery or rushing up Eeles provided Clemens can still provide good AB's and good defense. It also doesn't look like Fitzgerald or Julien have really pushed the needle requiring a change with Clemens at the moment.