MN_ExPat

Ok, I've officially stepped into the zone of "I'm not even remotely hungry, but... I going to keep looking in the fridge 37, no 38, 39... oh the heck with it, I am NOT keeping track anymore!" I keep looking at MLB.com and TD like somehow, something will magically appear that will sate or relieve my (most likely neurotic) nerves, adrenaline, etc. I think I officially need a beer (is it socially acceptable to drink before 5 or even leaving work?) AAAARRRRGH! It's only Monday afternoon! I think I need a hug. Scratch that... I'll settle for a beer.

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I feel your pain Vanimal. It hits 70 or below here and you'd think the next ice age was setting in. Then again I can't talk too much myself either. I was in Alaska this summer and it was a cool and overcast 58 when I landed in Anchorage, and I was like "wow, it's actually pretty freakin' cold out!". I have gotten SO soft... I feel shame

Sorry, that sounded a little harsh. Ok, nope, not really sorry. But if I had feelings, deep in that little pit in the center of our person where most folks keep them... I might feel something akin to sorrow. Zod is not amused.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Ugh...lol. HATE those things. They are a complete menace down here in South Georgia, and more than a few have been sent to an Armadillo "farm" for destroying our lawn (in case you were wondering, a single one can tear apart a lawn in less than an hour digging for insects). You guys can have all you want; we'll even pay for the postage and shipping.

I concur as well. I think we also have to factor in that he's finally been truly healthy and much better rested for the first time in a long time and we are all seeing the results. Joe can still play

Well, clearly I'm a much better writer in my head than I actually am on paper and my thoughts don't often translate well. You are correct Sir. I fully agree that the vast majority of Twins fans, and just about everyone here, truly wants to see him succeed. As you and others have stated, it probably is mostly frustration at his lack of ability to "get right in the head" and translate all that God given ability into consistent production on the field. Like others, I've been a huge Gibson fan since the day they drafted him (probably too much so, but a fan nonetheless). Given that the next wave of pitching talent may not be quite "there" yet, there stands a good chance he comes back for one more year, if the current run extends through the end of the year. But like you and others have said, as much as it pains me to say, we do need to see a larger body of work for my hopes and faith to be fully restored.

Sorry, should have said "some". Didn't mean to imply all. And yes, I'd have to agree. I was very disheartened to see the first half of this year. Just hoping something finally clicks in his head, and we see the pitcher he truly could be.

I'll bring this point up for anyone who shoots on a regular basis as reference. Anyone who has ever professionally instructed someone on the range can tell you almost to a point, it is far easier to teach/instruct a neophyte than a seasoned veteran. The neophyte has no bad or ingrained habits, and thus is moldable, more teachable and open to suggestion. The experienced shooter... not so much. Not that most are unwilling to listen or learn (those folks who aren't are REALLY fun), but they often have years of (sometimes cringe worthy bad) habits to undo. This takes time and often hundreds or even thousands of repetitions to learn new muscular and neural pathways. This also assumes that they are repeating the new and proper methods well... properly. Note: Practice does not make perfect. If you practice what you are trying to do wrong, or practice the wrong thing... you only get good at doing it the wrong way. Perfect practice makes perfect. So after my wandering diatribe has hopefully focused enough to allow me to get to the point, I have to agree with Nick. Hopefully Gibson is finally comfortable with and trusts his new mechanics. This month's results seem to indicate that might be the case. Does it stick? I hope so, as I for one just can't understand why people (especially Twins fans) are actively rooting for him to fail. Gibson's stuff has never been in question, it's MLB quality and that is beyond question. I just really hope that he truly trusts it, and himself enough now to believe that.

ZOD is DH!!!

General Zod is offended by your improper use of the wormhole joke and will presently be down to gather your offering plate... and steal your lunch money.

What like Jose Bautista rates?

Has anyone heard anything on how Kirriloff's rehab is progressing?

Very true. Yes, the bullpen failed to hold the lead, but then again this is baseball. Even the Dodgers might have failed to hold a lead this season. The bats really didn't help out a whole lot on the evening... tough to win with only 3 hits and 3 runs.

Ahh, I see... well played then Good Sir.

Bombo Fett????? Are you sure you aren't a Trekkie?

Hey Seth... Jose Rosenstein?

I'm sure by now most folks have seen that Garver (#CallupGarver) has finally been promoted.

Did you just quote yourself? Nice, I like it.

A ... And that's precisely why he SHOULD be calling (screaming it actually) him off. That's Little League stuff, these guys are supposed to be pros. You ESPECIALLY need to be vocal at this level when even club footed outfielders (other TD readers words, not mine) can cover large amounts of ground. You see the results otherwise. That could be Buck on the DL, not the backup.

I concur, very surprised to see him back as I was not truly expecting him to be able to pitch again this year. Just hoping he can stay healthy now.

Thanks for the write up Stew... Not to sure about that Cap. While it isn't a perfect system, to say it lacks validity is a wee bit harsh. Subjectivity is a large part of baseball, however, an experienced scorer who knows the players and their abilities and is skilled at reading the nuances of the game can usually make a pretty accurate read of the situation. Does that mean we are always going to agree with that decision, just like blue's decisions behind the plate? Not even remotely close. Like Stew said in the article, most decisions about scoring are fairly straightforward. Those tough or even bizarre instances though... the ones that make you turn your head to the side like your dog does when he is confused (happens a lot to mine) and you say to your self "WHAT.THE.*****!?!? WHAT THE.... WHAT WAS HE THINKING???" Those are what make baseball what it is. I've score my son's games, and even that is a thankless job (If you've never actually scored a game, it's way tougher than it looks). I for one am thankful that folks like Stew here can do it and do it well.

True. But at the time wasn't Nolasco the highest priced FA signed to date by the Twins?

I'd agree with you, but more from the standpoint of I really don't want to see him get hurt again. I think he could come back and if he's healthy, be at least competitive and maybe actually help out some. My biggest worry (and I get it, it sounds silly... My son pitches, so I have a soft spot for pitchers) is that he gets himself hurt worse again. That type of arm injury can be pretty serious, just hope it's worth the risk.