Don Walcott

Nice start, Kep!

Yeah, I don’t think scratching out one run is going to do it for them . . . and they got nothing out of it anyway.

I have a Fernando Valenzuela bobblehead still in its box, somewhere in my basement. Will probably give it to a Dodgers fan some day.

I like Jack. And I’m interested to hear what he has to say about Berrios tonight. (Plus he does it in a Minnesota accent).

Twins fans.

Reno is at 4500 feet. And they play games in Albuquerque and Salt Lake, which are at even higher elevation. So Kevin's home run numbers have been helped by altitude.

Isn't Mauer retired? Maybe Souhan should go after John McCain now.

No Giolito is definitely good, considering how he shut down the Astros. So the Sox pen should be well rested. They're gonna need it.

Batting 9th is Buxton's 4th best spot in the order by OPS, about equivalent to when he bats 1st. His best spots in the order by OPS are 5th, 7th and 6th. So should we bat him 5th, because that's been his best spot historically? Probably not. I don't think this "history" makes much of a difference one way or another. But if you want to base your decision on history or data, he should not be batting 9th. And I don't know where this idea that Buxton can't handle pressure is coming from (that's assuming batting higher in the order would put additional pressure on him at all). I would bet that the vast majority of any "pressure" on Buxton has come from him being a #1 pick, being a #1 prospect, and being over-hyped his whole career. Has that affected his performance? i don't know, but I would be very doubtful that it has. He looks to me like a very strong personality who can handle expectations and pressure. He does not look to me like a guy who'll fall apart as soon as we put him in the #1 spot in the order. I'm hoping that this year has proven to all of his doubters on this web site that last year was a lost year due to injuries -- bad luck. He's back on course as if 2018 didn't happen, and he's following up on an excellent 2017 season. I think Kepler's doing just fine in the leadoff spot vs. right-handers. I'm not anxious to replace Kepler there because of anything Kepler has done wrong. I want to see Buxton bat leadoff because he is one of the most exciting players in baseball, his skill set would work very well leading off, and he'll get to bat more by leading off. I don't think he's mentally weak or fragile, and I'm not worried about the effect of moving him up on the order on his psyche. I'm excited for him in what looks to be a huge breakout year, and I'm rooting for more success for him (and more ABs).

Arraez!! Great play! Game over!!

Buxton has that.

Buxton has that.

What, the Spanish Inquisition?

Cody Allen. Bullet well dodged Levine and Falvey.

No more close games, please.

No-hitter for Rogers.

Great try by Schoop.

Is Buxton allowed to steal here? I wish Mollie and Dozier were around to inform us.

I hope this is Schoop’s way of making it a surprise tomorrow when he hits a couple of homers.

No silent treatment. I love it!!

Arraez?!?!?!?!

So the Angels are only going to give him a 10-year extension? Do I have my math right?

I would have gone with the little engine . . . .

Let’s crush their spirit.

Don’t be silly. Obviously, he was giving the commencement speech.