Was anyone else bummed out when Mauer came up to bat? I know he went 2 for 4 tonight but I just didn't think he would be the guy to get it done.

Yes and honestly I spent Sano's entire AB wondering why they weren't giving him an IBB to load the bases for Mauer

 

Exactly. You can't lose too many home extra inning games. And there have just been so many squandered opportunities. I'm glad we've been competitive in virtually every game, but you have to find a way to win the close ones.

I'm trying very hard not to get irritated at losses like the last two. Yes, it would have been nice to have someone come through, but, for now, fielding has been better and so has pitching. Unfortunately, it's a process to get a team ready to take the next step. So far, it looks like the team is moving the right direction. But, as fans, we want to see more than what we've received this year.

 

I always have to temper my expectations with what happened last year. The franchise was in a deep hole and looks to be climbing out of it. It's hard to be patient but we're going to have to be because the new executives are still finding their way while dealing with system wide issues. All of these things take time to address.