twinssouth

Awesome idea. After seeing Meyer last night on limited pitch count, I can definitely see this happening later in the year. My Gosh, he'd be lights out and get his feet wet in majors at same time. Great idea jokin

Thanks for the response. I just wish they played more games down here, so I could post more.

At the game last night, behind home plate so I could see Meyer's pitches. This guy is REALLY good. Two home team fans jotting all the stats for the game in the row in front of me, kept shaking their head at some of his pitches. The stadium radar gun was definitely the center of attention after a Meyer pitch. His mechanics for such a big guy is so clean and repeatable. What a sight to see a 6'9" frame with that long arm of his extend way back and uncoil some serious heat. I love it!!!! Alex started out the first and second inning throwing 93-94, setting up his fastball, with some off speed, by the 3rd inning on, he was at 97-98. He seemed always in control. When he was in his pitchers count (which was most of the time) the batters had NO chance. On 1/1 or 1/2 counts, in came 83 to 87 mph curves or sliders. Bang, it was over, 8 strike outs. Of the 4 hits (all singles) 3 of them were to right field by RH hitters. None were hard hit. It seemed every batter was late getting around on the pitch, trying to square up, fouling off between right field and 1st base. The fans out there were having a field day catching baseballs, all hooping and hollering. In fact, my son in law left me, to join in on the fun, over in that section. I didn't see him until end of 6th inning. Meyer was breezing along great until the 6th inning. Finally, the Braves RH centerfielder was able to hit a ground single past Romero and Florimon. 1st hit all night to left field. The next batter he had his first walk, just missing off the plate with his off speed. That prompted a coach's visit to the mound (catcher and coach looked like midgets next to him). He then squared up to take on Mark Hamilton, the 1st basemen for the Braves, who has had a taste of the majors. I thought this was his most impressive performance of the night. I believe the count went to 2/2 (fastball, slider, curve), then he reared back and fired a chest high 98 mph heater, his 81st pitch. Hamilton tried to uncoil, hesitated a split second, and couldn't get the swing off. Meyer's 8th strike out and the end of the 6th inning. The stat guys in front of me were just shaking their heads. He was done for the night after 6 innings. They didn't send him out for the 7th and I can see why. He seemed to tire some and loss a little control. It appears he needs to build some stamina. That lost time last year due to shoulder soreness seems to have set him back and the Twins appear cautious. He needs to play a full season and build some strength. My son in law, a huge Red Sox fan, said the potential is huge but needs to polish a few things up. Of course, he got all excited when Pressley, ex Red Sox prospect, came in to start the 7th. It's too bad the Redwings only come to Atlanta area once a season, so I can't post more on first hand accounts but this was a fun game to watch. Twinssouth

Longtime diehard Twins fan here, have faithfully followed them since coming to Twin Cities, I think in 61. Born and raised Minnesota, been following them while living all over the country and now in Atlanta. I see where Halsey Hall is on now and then; I still remember like yesterday when Halsey's cigar almost burnt the broadcast booth down, Herb Carneal was having a heart attack trying to put the fire out. Absolutely hysterical listening to those two go at it. Thanks Twins Daily, Seth and all the rest for this awesome site and the great work you do. Seth's What happened to the optimism is so true. I made my annual trip to ST last week, watching the Twins and of course the Minor Leaguers (I love going over there and watching all that talent). The Twins really have an awesome complex, impeccable fields and work out facility, the Dormitory is really taking shape, B Buxton was working out on the agility hill. You mill around, watching 3 games at once, shooting the breeze with the players and coaches. I just don't know of another complex that has that exposure. We are really spoiled. I haven't heard if Jet Blue is set up the same for Minor Leaguers (anybody know?). Now to the Twins; Hammond Stadium improvements are terrific. The walk around is fantastic. Beer rails all over the outfield, great views, see the bullpen and guys working out. This is where it becomes the mixed bag; Defensively, we look good up the middle. Hicks is smooth out there and Dozier and Florimon can really slap the leather. They made some beautiful double plays. I can see why Gardy doesn't want to break them up. Then there's Plouffe, yikes; he had a simple grounder, spunned around to tag a runner, missed, threw to 1st and too late. He should have just thrown to 1st for the 3rd out. Instead, Pirates keep the rally going and win. Gardy stared him down pretty good. Pitching wise, we looked good. I sat behind Home and Nolasco was calm and cool, getting a lot of movement on his pitches. Batters couldn't square him up. Theilbar looked good, threw harder then I thought, with decent movement and Fien was terrific. The heater was leaving his hand great and diving in last minute. struck out the 1st two batters faced. Now the offense. Everybody looked blah except Arcia. He's worth the price of admission. I loved it. He take a big cut, miss, strut out the box with chest out, back in and repeat. Hit a high foul ball the catcher missed, stepped back in to the box, pounded his thigh couple of times, then clobbered a ball for homerun. Next time up, repeated the same, pounded his thigh, blasted a ball to dead center wall for out. His homer was the only run Twins scored. If the rest of these guys would show the same emotion as Arcia, then they might have something. It was the same when I saw them last summer playing the Rays in Tampa. No emotion, all seemed listless and beat, except for Arcia. From what I saw, there will be no margin for error with this team. They need to play tight defense, pitching will keep them in the game because I just can't see them scoring but a few runs a game. Hopefully I'm wrong (I'm worried about Willingham). My next post will be on the minors, now that was fun to watch. Thanks guys

First timer guys; heading down to ST next week to take in Minor Leaguers and see the new, expanded Hammond. My 4th trip and first time going the last week of training. Good timing on the post. Read earlier where Gibson is scheduled to start later in week. I thought it rather odd, since Deduno, Worley, Diamond supposedly fighting it out for 5th. Gibson has options, other's don't. If Gibson proves himself, wouldn't surprise me they trade Correria and May to get a SS or stop gap Center fielder which sounds like a mess right now, as Pressley and Hicks aren't setting the world on fire.