Game Thread: Yankees@Twins 11:10AM PST (1:10PM CST) Strike 1 Edition

[Blake]

I've been trying to come up with a reason why the Twins have had such trouble with the Yankees over the years. I've gone through a dozen theories and each one has been discarded for one reason or another. Finally, I think I hit on the real reason: Broadway.

I think the Big Apple (as opposed to the Minneapple..yes, I lived in MN during that campaign) and Broadway have combined to seduce our starting 9 into thinking their true future lies with the lights on Broadway.

How do I know this? I recently caught this exchange between a couple of players:

(names have been concealed, for obvious reasons)

Player 1: As he smooths his well-coiffed locks, "I've been approached by Axe to be a hair model. But first, I need to do some stage work. It must be karma, because the Yankees are in town and one of the players said he could get me an audition!"

Player 2: Batting helmet falls off as he walks with Player 1, "Wow, that sounds like fun. But we've got practice today. In fact, don't you have to work with Bruno on going opposite field today?" (waits while Davis brings helmet)

Player 1: Again, smoothing his hair, "Practice isn't a problem. Bruno wrote me a note, excusing me from BP today. Besides, a chance like this doesn't come along very often. Also, I don't want to risk messing up my hair before my audition."

Player 2: Puts helmet on head, it promptly falls off again, "Bruno wrote you a note? Really? That seems a bit, ummm, odd, shall we say?"

Player 1: Putting more gel on hair while chatting, "Well, I have a note and Bruno's signature is on it, what more do I need?"

Player 2: "Hand me my helmet, will you?" "Anyway, this whole Broadway thing sounds like a setup or something. How do you know this is legit?"

Player 1: "Look at this note I received from Axe! See, the official Axe logo and everything is on it!"

Player 2: "Wow, I'll bet that's every bit as legitimate as your note from Bruno!"

Player 1: "I know, right? Oh, wait..well, I'm going anyway!"

Player 2: Puts helmet under arm for now, "Okay, we'll see you at the game this evening."

 

 

Some things to think about:

 

1. First, a confession: I was supposed to do the thread yesterday and forgot. 

2. Today is Father's Day. Bring back a win against the Evil Empire, Twins!

3. I'm getting this thread up early so as to not risk the wrath of ChiTown.

4. Sigh. 

5. Go Twins!!

[Blake]

Lineup go here: (I hope)

 

Pitching:

 

Twins: Ervin Santana (RHP)

 

Yankees:

 

Nathan Eovaldi (RHP)

[Craig Arko]

Big George Benson fan; excellent choice.

[Blake]

 

Big George Benson fan; excellent choice.

I was originally going to put up this somewhat obscure band:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIFkILadNnQ

 

But, in the end, Mr. Benson won out.

[ashbury]

Big George Benson fan; excellent choice.

Big George Benson, the obscure blues guitarist who I just made up?

[Vanimal46]

Excellent intro Blake! You painted a perfect picture of Player 1 and Player 2. I've always wondered if Player 2 wears a helmet everywhere he goes, and now it's confirmed that he does!

[ashbury]

I've always wondered if Player 2 wears a helmet everywhere he goes, and now it's confirmed that he does!

Except for brief periods of time when he suddenly doesn't.

[USAFChief]

WTH? I go away for a few days and THIS is what happens? Game threads are missed? The Yankees beat the Twins??

 

Next you'll tell me Arcia has been DFA'd no doubt, or some such impossibly ridiculous story.

[Blake]

 

WTH? I go away for a few days and THIS is what happens? Game threads are missed? The Yankees beat the Twins??

Next you'll tell me Arcia has been DFA'd no doubt, or some such impossibly ridiculous story.

shoot, as a fellow old curmudgeon, I figured you, of all people, would understand. 

[Halsey Hall]

What the Twins need today is a 5 run spot.  Then play the game backwards, with relievers pitching the first 3 innings, and then bring in the starter. 

[Vanimal46]

I'm listening to the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave for the first time in years. Man Sid has slowed down dramatically, but good for him to still be able to do what he's doing.

 

I just hope to make it to 90+ years old...

[HitInAPinch]

Looks like the Twins will be facing another hit-able pitcher.  I'm hoping they can take advantage today.

[Halsey Hall]

 

I'm listening to the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave for the first time in years. Man Sid has slowed down dramatically, but good for him to still be able to do what he's doing.

I just hope to make it to 90+ years old...

No kidding!  One wonders why he even wants to do this anymore, but that's his life.  He's liable to die on the radio.  Some stuff he hasn't a clue on, but others he's still pretty sharp.  Just asked what the Twins chances of hitting .500 this season he said, "not a chance". 

[CampQ]

A propos of nothing: Sano still leads the team in RBI.

[Halsey Hall]

Supposedly bad weather to hit the northland this afternoon, so tee time is 1pm.  Golf balls before golf ball sized hail.  Not sure the weather forcast down there in the cities. 

[Oldgoat_MN]

 

I was originally going to put up this somewhat obscure band:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIFkILadNnQ

 

But, in the end, Mr. Benson won out.

 

Um, yeah, well thanks for not doing that.

 

George Benson was a great choice.

 

[Blake]

Lineups:

 

Twins:

 

1. Eduardo Nunez 3B
2. Robbie Grossman LF
3. Joe Mauer DH
4. Brian Dozier 2B
5. Trevor Plouffe 1B
6. Eduardo Escobar SS
7. Max Kepler RF
8. Kurt Suzuki C
9. Danny Santana CF

 

Evil Empire:

 

1. Jacoby Ellsbury CF
2. Brett Gardner LF
3. Carlos Beltran RF
4. Alex Rodriguez DH
5. Brian McCann C
6. Starlin Castro 2B
7. Didi Gregorius SS
8. Chase Headley 3B
9. Ike Davis 1B

 

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Plouffe at first huh? Building trade value or sending Park to AAA?

[Vanimal46]

Every time I see D Santana in CF all I can do is shake my head in disappointment.

[Vanimal46]

Plouffe at first huh? Building trade value or sending Park to AAA?

Perhaps a personal showcase for the Yanks? Considering they're on their 5th 1B of the season so far. We can only hope.

[jimbo92107]

Santana looks strong, and his poise looks good. 95 mph at the knees, with sink.

[Craig Arko]

Totally unrelated; just read about the death of Anton Yelchin. Good young talent.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Every time I see D Santana in CF all I can do is shake my head in disappointment.

hes terrible in every facet and yet Arcia gets DFAd and he gets inserted into the lineup immediately.

[Vanimal46]

hes terrible in every facet and yet Arcia gets DFAd and he gets inserted into the lineup immediately.

[Riverbrian]

 

I'm listening to the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave for the first time in years. Man Sid has slowed down dramatically, but good for him to still be able to do what he's doing.

I just hope to make it to 90+ years old...

 

You are a good guy... I also hope you do.

 

More Power to ya

[Riverbrian]

 

Plouffe at first huh? Building trade value or sending Park to AAA?

 

Since I'm the President of the "Baseball Player Positional Flexibility" Club

 

I Approve

 

Theory: Sano will not be playing OF when he comes back. Sano will probably play some 3B and this will require a little flexibility out of Plouffe. 

[spinowner]

 

Plouffe at first huh? Building trade value or sending Park to AAA?

Of course the answer is yes. Chief, are you asleep again?

[Blake]

 

Of course the answer is yes. Chief, are you asleep again?

Hey, be nice to us older guys. We need our morning, mid-morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon and evening naps. How can we sleep properly without being properly prepared?

 

Speaking of which, I see it's time.

[jud6312]

Good to see The Centerpiece back in centerfield today.

 

This is why WAR is such a misleading stat ... DanSan's currently at -0.6, but he's a building block for this franchise. Too bad you can't place a numerical value on hustle, scrappiness and how much someone gets after it.

[Craig Arko]

Hey, be nice to us older guys. We need our morning, mid-morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon and evening naps. How can we sleep properly without being properly prepared?

 

Speaking of which, I see it's time.

You older guys, heh.