Blake

By the way, it was a tough week of not commenting, as I wanted the game thread to be post 7001. Yeah, I'm odd that way. But, that's probably been obvious for a while.

No worries, it just means you took the time to actually read what I wrote! Well, and RiverBrian.

Disclaimer: No actual financial remuneration took place during the creation of this post. Yes, the key word is "during" however, we shall leave that for another time. Thank you and remember to support your Twins! -Blake

A few years ago, when the Twins inadvertently made a playoff appearance, I was notified, that, should the Twins progress, I would have the honor of introducing a play-off game thread. Then, the Twins bombed in the Bronx, following up that loss by then limping to a dreadful conclusion of the 2018 campaign. During a busy, yet head-scratching, off-season, the FO signed new players, coaches and a manager, trying to bolster a team that clearly wasn’t getting the job done. Amazingly enough, the FO put together an excellent team, a team that set both team and MLB records, setting the stage for one of the best seasons I can remember since the 1987 Squad won it all. Which bring us to today, a day in which I hope to see the Twins bomb the Bronx and show those darn Yankees the Twins are all out of chewing gum. With that, we go to some thoughts about the Days of Future Passed: The Past: 1987: Bert Blyleven: Cagey veteran leader of the 87 pitching squad. The Future: 2019: Who will step into the role this year? The Past: 1987: Frankie "Sweet Music" Viola: Future Cy Young winner. The Future: 2019: Is Jose Berrios or Brusdar Graterol the equivalent on the current staff? The Past: 1987: Mount Crushmore, consisting of Kent "Buy a Vowel" Hrbek, Tom "Bruno" Brunanski and Gary "The Rat" Gaetti. The Future 2019: Lead by Nelson Cruz, Mount Crushmore was reborn in "The Bomba Squad." The Past 1987: The relief core, embodied in Juan "Senior Smoke" Berenguer, helped nail down the Series win. The Future: 2019: The relief core, lead by the likes of Trevor May, Taylor Rogers and Tyler Duffey have come into their own. The Past: 1987:Manager Tom Kelly, man of few, but sometimes pungent, words. The Future: 2019:Manager Rocco Baldelli, man of more than few words May the Twins, in the immortal words of Captain Kirk, "Fire!" and exact their revenge on the Yankees! And now, a word from our very special guest, RiverBrian! Mauer: Guys I am pumped... Tonight the Twins open the playoffs against the Yankees. I am so proud of those guys. Morgan: Why do you always play the Yankees in the playoffs? There are 13 other teams in the American League... Why is it always the Yankees? McCarthy: They have really good hotels in New York. They don't want to play Oakland or Cleveland. No mints on the pillow. Mauer: Listen, Umm, I don't know what team you guys are cheering for but we could really use your support. what do you say... Can you guys join me and be Twins Fans? Montana: Umm... Well... Sure, why not. Mauer: Thanks Joe... (Turns to look at Maddon) How bout' you? Maddon: How much will you pay me? Mauer: What? Maddon: Pay me... You know... I'm out of work right now and I'm telling you that my loyalty can be purchased. Morgan: Yeah... Money will do the trick for me as well. Mauer: Hey... I'm also out of work now. I still pay the rent for this meeting spot. I pay for all of your daily airline flights here to hang out. I buy the beer and the food. This is even my grill. I pay for everything. Maddon: It's gonna take cash. McCarthy: I spent a long time in politics Joe... that's how it works... Money buys influence. Mauer: Fine... How much? Morgan: (Looks at Maddon) Umm... 100 bucks (Maddon nods his head). Yeah... 100 Bucks. Mauer: I can't believe this... Here ya go. Montana: Where's mine? Mauer: You already agreed. Montana: I didn't know you were handing out cash. (Mauer gives him $100). Perfect... We are Twins fans tonight! Mauer: Tonight? Maddon: Yeah... It's a hundred bucks a game. You'll need at least two hundred more for a series win. Mauer: Well, that was 900 dollars I wasn't expecting to spend, I only have 74 thousand dollars left in my wallet. Morgan: There's an ATM around the corner. Maddon: We should have asked for more. Mauer: (Looks at McCarthy). What about you... Do you need 300 dollars? McCarthy: No... I'm a ghost... I don't have pockets. Play Ball!

First time for everything!

Twins got the bomba title!

It's not about the wins today, it's about the bombas.

Sounds like a train wreck of a tattoo, in that one doesn't want to look, yet, cannot help it.

I think Bremer, yeah yeah, consider the source, said something about 4pm next Thursday. How weird is it we're actually discussing the playoff roster this year?

Bears? Vikings? These words I know not....

Yeah, my starters for the playoffs: Dobnak, Berrios and Odorizzi. Perez, at best, bullpen arm. Realistically, only need 3 starters for the playoffs. Heck, the Diamondbacks won the series with basically just two starters: Schilling and Johnson.

How about these home runs?

I have to give Cleveland a lot of credit. They really tried to retain the Central title.

By the way, I find this to be a very sneaky post by Chitow, I mean, Caro, I mean, SQUIRREL, because following instructions means we actually read what was posted.

Because I want to prove that I can follow instruction, sort of:

I see I have my answer. MLB.com is showing one of the CWS/Det games as cancelled.

Yankees can hit 20 zillion home runs for all I care, as long as the Twins beat them in the playoffs.

Does the 7th need to be completed or can the game be called?

Interesting, looks like the players were eager to make sure they get in enough innings to qualify for an official game. I guess making up a game isn't something anyone is eager to do this late in the year.

A 93 win team and they don't make the playoffs. Wow.

3 innings.

I doubt he has the career Pierzynski did, though.

Excellent player but has jackass written all over him.

I wonder how long KC allows Skoglund to be beat around the ballpark?

LaMarre, extends the Bomba lead. As expected.