Forecast: 81 degrees and mostly cloudly

 

Lineups:

 

Yankees:

 

Ellsbury CF

Gardner LF

Texeira DH

McCann C

Beltran RF

Jones 1B

Headley 3B

Gregorius SS

Drew 2B

 

 

vs. Kyle Gibson (RH)

 

Twins:

 

Dozier 2B

Hunter RF

Mauer 1B

Sano DH

Plouffe 3B

Rosario LF

Nunez SS

Suzuki C

Hicks CF

 

 

vs. Nathan Eovaldi

 

 

Things to think about:

 

1. Kyle Gibson. I am pretty confident in Phil Hughes as a playoff pitcher. I would be of Ervin Santana if he were allowed to pitch in the playoffs. I am pretty confident about Kyle Gibson, but I really want to see it happen. Two strong pitchers can carry a playoff team (as long as they get one other win somehow--either a great performance from a third pitcher or an offensive explosion). The Yankees are a good test for Gibson right now.

 

2. Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi is a good pitcher, much better than his 4.43 ERA would suggest. He has been getting better and better this year, but is still a nice target for left-handed hitters. This is precisely the game that a bat like Oswaldo Arcia's could mean the difference in, and it is a shame that the Twins roster is so constructed to prevent this possibility.

 

3. Joe Mauer. This the game that Joe Mauer gets four hits in a game. I am calling it now. Might be four singles, or three singles and a double, but he is going to have that kind of Mauer game we used to know. He is rested and ready.

 

4. Bounceback. Last night's game was a killer. Perkins might be wearing down again this year and this is going to be a major problem. Today they need to get it together.

 

5. Player of the game. See No. 3 above. Mauer is going to be key today, but I will give an honorable mention to Eddie Rosario, who is going to get a couple of extra base hits today. It will also show what a day off once in awhile can do for someone!

 

6. Prediction. Twins win 6-3. Gibson is solid and the bullpen falters again, further reiterating that the Twins need to add gas throwers to the bullpen

Sorry, can someone post the lineups when they come out. I am called away this morning and might not get to it! Thank you!

Hope you're right about the win, and as a result there are fewer chaff threads.

Doesn't Perkins always run down this time of year?  Maybe the Twins should spend less time in building up his number of saves and save him for the more important time of the year, the 2nd half.

Another day, another opportunity.

 

That's what I love about baseball -- you don't have to wait long to redeem yourself.

Doesn't Perkins always run down this time of year?  Maybe the Twins should spend less time in building up his number of saves and save him for the more important time of the year, the 2nd half.

You mean, save him for high leverage games? Interesting concept...

Perkins was overused early in the season but not really in the past six weeks. He should be well rested.

 

My hope is that he not turn into Joe Nathan Jr. every time he faces the Yankees.

I am definitely headed to the beach (Lake Michigan) so I can't get the lineups posted. Thanks for the help!

I think a victory today is in the hands of the offense. I think we need to hit today.

I am definitely headed to the beach (Lake Michigan) so I can't get the lineups posted. Thanks for the help!

We'll cover you. Enjoy!

 

Edit: and done.

How about a 12-4 win today boys?

 

I think a victory today is in the hands of the offense. I think we need to hit today.

It is possible, but very rare, to win a game without any hits but it has happened. However, I think you are correct today Brian!

A Rod gets 3 dingers and then a day off. 

 

A Rod gets 3 dingers and then a day off. 

Guess old guys need more rest, but the timing of that is curious. Maybe the day off was planned out a while back and last night's performance was just a coincidence.

@SethTweets: On #InsideTwins, @CoryProvus asked Terry Ryan if we should expect new faces in clubhouse next week. Ryan, "I would expect it." (paraphrase)

9 lefties for the Yanks today.  That's why no A rod.

 

@SethTweets: On #InsideTwins, @CoryProvus asked Terry Ryan if we should expect new faces in clubhouse next week. Ryan, "I would expect it." (paraphrase)

 

It's been awhile and it's fun to be in this position.

 

Although... A little scary at the same time. Because I don't want any Capps for Ramos deals anymore. 

 

 

 

3. Joe Mauer. This the game that Joe Mauer gets four hits in a game. I am calling it now. Might be four singles, or three singles and a double, but he is going to have that kind of Mauer game we used to know. He is rested and ready.

 

 

That's 1

Uff Da... Mauer with a single in his first AB. Shane is looking like he's right on Mauer so far. 

Yankees pitcher looks to be on his game today

 

Yankees pitcher looks to be on his game today

 

Eovaldi throws serious gas... But a lot of times... The Hitters know he's going to throw some gas and they get around on it. 

 

 

 

Eovaldi throws serious gas... But a lot of times... The Hitters know he's going to throw some gas and they get around on it. 

from the pitch tracker i'm watching, looks like sano never saw a fastball.

Eovaldi throws serious gas... But a lot of times... The Hitters know he's going to throw some gas and they get around on it.

Can't we just bunt?

 

It seemed to work on Friday...

Quite a few strike outs...

We'll catch up with that heat, but it might take 4 or 5 innings. 

Nunez helmet came off enroute to first, but it was for naught...

 

Wonder if he's excited for the game?

 

 

from the pitch tracker i'm watching, looks like sano never saw a fastball.

He didn't get a fastball, and probably won't. 

Oh yeah...

 

CBU speaketh.

 

Hear the words of CBU.

 

No score after 2.

I'd take Didi to play SS for the Twins. 

 

I think his bat will get better but I rank him top 5 defensively at the position. 

 

Simmons, Iglasias, Correa, Segura and Gregarious are my top 5.

 

Haven't seen the Lindor kid yet with Cleveland. 

 

from the pitch tracker i'm watching, looks like sano never saw a fastball.

 

Yeah... He's been working on his off speed stuff... Hasn't figured it out yet but if he does... Look out.  

 

I love how pitchers are being careful with Sano. It's good for Sano's development.