Twins Off Season Commentary

[buckamania]

Well said, PC! I'm hoping to be at the Twins-Phillies game next week. Phillies could be tough this year.

 

[powerchord86]

Well said, PC! I'm hoping to be at the Twins-Phillies game next week. Phillies could be tough this year.

That's cool. Yeah, the Phillies had a lot of injuries that slowed them down last year and a lot of people seem to have written them off. If they can get something going they could be a big sleeper team this year.

I saw the Phils are also coming back to Minneapolis this season again. I might try to make it out for one of those again. We'll see how the wife feels with the little one. Not sure if baby will be ready for something like that or if she might need to stay behind with Grandma. We'll see!

 

[buckamania]

PC - Can't promise anything but I might be up there this myself. Don't know when just now.

 

[powerchord86]

Sounds like I will be heading to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in mid June for a friends wedding. Might have to try to hit up TF while we are there.

 

[powerchord86]

Looks like Joe's cousin just ran into some trouble.

Prostitution Sting Nabs Joe Mauer?s Cousin | Wis U.P. North

 

[powerchord86]

Mourneau seems to have a knack for hitting two baggers. I noticed this last year and then it's the first thing I see from him in ST this year. Morny banged a bases clearing three run double yesterday. Nice shot to split the gap out in left/center. I guess that's his thing.

 

[powerchord86]

Two scoreless innings from new coming starter Vance Worley yesterday.

Up today is another new coming starter (as will be everyday), Mike Pelfrey who is coming off TJ surgery.

 

[powerchord86]

And on a final note in this early off season, I heard mention of Glen Perkins being a candidate for the closer's role should Nathan not be back, and I must say that if he does get it, it would have to be by default, as I realize the Twins options (unless they go full bore into free agency) are quite limited. I like Perkins as a 7th or 8th inning guy....I do NOT however have full confidence in him as a full time closer.

You are correct Sandy, Glenn Perkins is not the closing answer for this team. Even if we went younger, I wouldnt want this guy closing games. Start losing close ones and morale will take a header. Best to leave Perk in the 7th and 8th and go after a real life closer to be. Yes, I know Nathan was a middle reliever when we grabbed him up, but that was a one in a million conversion. Nathan's attitude and Perkins's attitude are not similar. Use some free money to get a reliable guy not named Matt Capps.

While nobody can be sure how Perk would respond to the closer role he is probably at least worth a look. With the uncertainty of where Nathan may land he might be the next most reliable arm in the pen. Last season he was usually good to put a few down in an inning.

PC - No doubt about it. The way things look now the Twins are in no position to dismiss anyone as a pitcher. I'm not sold on Perkins but I understand your take on this and sincerely hope you are right. Pitching is in a shambles on the Twins.Lets' not forget what a pancake Slowey became last year also. He was counted on as a starter and he went to pieces instead. How about Liriano? Is he done? I'm never sure who we will see when he takes the mound.

 

[buckamania]

Swear to God, PC....you are a computer genius! How did you find those old posts? I don't remember writing that one. Where did you get my college graduation picture??

For sure, I liked Morny's big hit yesterday! That's a great sign, but he's still way too skinny. He should go to a few buffets with Gardy & Coomer.

I have a sneaky suspicion that the Twins may score some runs this year. I mean, based on what we saw last year and the fact that they are all healthy this year..... you gotta like it, don't you? It boils down to the pitchers, plain & simple. The hitting should be there.

 

[powerchord86]

Swear to God, PC....you are a computer genius! How did you find those old posts? I don't remember writing that one. Where did you get my college graduation picture??

For sure, I liked Morny's big hit yesterday! That's a great sign, but he's still way too skinny. He should go to a few buffets with Gardy & Coomer.

I have a sneaky suspicion that the Twins may score some runs this year. I mean, based on what we saw last year and the fact that they are all healthy this year..... you gotta like it, don't you? It boils down to the pitchers, plain & simple. The hitting should be there.

I think you're right on that. The pitching has been suspect for what seems like an eternity. At least like I said before, new guys = new hope. If the starting rotation can shape up into something good the Twins might be a pleasant surprise. Tigers still own the division for now imo but it would be nice to see the Twins sneak into 2nd or more realistically 3rd place.

 

[buckamania]

The hell with 2nd or 3rd! Let's win the darned thing!! Yippee!!!! Ouch! Who just pinched me? I was having a nice dream.

 

[powerchord86]

Benson and Rosario swinging the big bats today. Another two hits for Morny.

 

[powerchord86]

Hendriks threw three scoreless innings today.

And another bases clearing double for two bag Morny. Willingham also had an RBI double and then Morny drove him in with a single.

Next up is the Marlins and Vance Worley is up to start again.

 

[powerchord86]

Hicks hit three homers today. Dayum!

 

[buckamania]

Hey PC - I replied to you on Fox about Hicks earlier. Hicks sure seems to have all the talent, especially speed. When you see this guy in person he looks like a basketball player. Tall & lanky, and good grief can he fly on the base paths. He could make us forget Span & Revere easily if he plays to his potential.....buttttt......this is Spring Training and he's not seeing true MLB pitching yet. All I can say is I want so badly for this guy to be the real deal. I keep thinking that the Twins have some true offensive ability this year, enough at least to make up a little bit for the expected bad pitching.

 

[powerchord86]

I guess the Twins better give Deduno a spot in that rotation!

 

[buckamania]

I think he's already penciled-in, considering the lack of talent so far. He kind of reminds me of Francisco before the T.J. surgery in that he is so wild sometimes.

 

[powerchord86]

He's a bit shaky but has some filthy pitches.

 

[powerchord86]

Perkins got hit around a bit in the WBC. Hope that's not a sign of things to come for him.

I always thought he would be a good fit for closer even though nobody agreed with me. lol

He did a nice job with it last year but if he struggles, then who gets the job? Burton?

 

[powerchord86]

Bummed that USA didn't make it deeper in the WBC but at least Maurer and Perkins can get back to work at ST and prepare for the season.