Game Recap: White Sox 4, Twins 1

[Jamie Cameron]

A sloppy fielding display and a lack of timely hitting spoiled a gem by José Berríos, who was dominant as the Twins fell 4-1 to the White Sox.

Box Score

Berríos: 7.0 IP 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 SO

Home Runs: None

Bottom 3 WPA: Celestino -.172, Colomé -.169, Jeffers -.149

Win Probability Chart (via Fangraphs)

Night two of Welcome Back Week was Pride Night at Target Field. A blustery, rainy Minneapolis day set the scene for a drab and dreary Twins performance Tuesday night, as the team dropped the second game of their three game series against the White Sox 4-1.

Nelson Cruz returned to the Twins lineup Tuesday from a stiff neck and chest cold while Josh Donaldson was still absent with hamstring tightness.

José Berríos started for the Twins Tuesday, in his penultimate start before the All-Star game in an outing sure to whet the appetite of pitching needy teams ahead of the trade deadline. Similarly to Bailey Ober on Monday, Berríos came out dealing on Tuesday night.

Berríos struck out the side on three different pitches in the first, and looked like a pitcher with something to prove through the rest of his outing. His lone issue came in the second inning, where back to back walks to Leury Garcia and Brian Goodwin came around to score on a Zack Collins single to give the White Sox a 2-0 lead with notable assists to Ryan Jeffers and Miguel Sano, who both contributed errors.

Collins’ single was the lone hit Berríos gave up in seven dominant innings. The Twins ace walked three and struck out ten in an impressive start which included ten swings and misses with contending teams looking on.

Unfortunately for the Twins, White Sox ace Carlos Rodón was on the mound for Chicago. The former number 3 overall pick may be the most surprising factor in the White Sox dominance in 2021, with few predicting the monumental breakout he would have in a rotation which was strong with Lynn, Keuchel, and Giolito but has become formidable with the addition of the triple digit throwing lefty.

Through five innings, the Twins scattered five hits but didn’t manage to cash in. In the sixth inning, with Rodón approaching 100 pitches, they finally broke through. Luis Arraez, Nelson Cruz, and Alex Kirilloff all singled to trim the lead to 2-1, before Rodón struck out Ryan Jeffers and Max Kepler (who has previously hit a double) to end the threat and preserve the White Sox slim lead.

Berríos was clearly in the mood Tuesday, as he emerged approaching 100 pitches to continue the game in the seventh. After two quick ground outs, Berrios struck out Andrew Vaughn on a breaking pitch for his 10th strikeout of the night, slamming his fist into his glove three times as he walked off the mound after a dominant outing.

Michael Kopech came in to relieve Rodón in the seventh. After a Miguel Sano single and a Trevor Larnach groundout, Sano made a baserunning error to get caught in a rundown between second and third on an Andrelton Simmons groundout. A Luis Arraez flyout to center field ended the inning.  

Alexander Colomé entered in the top of the eighth for the Twins and immediately served up a center cut meatball which Zack Collins deposited for a double off the right center field wall. Collins scored on an Adam Eaton single, before Simmons botched a routine ground ball from Yoan Moncada. At the end of the eighth, the Twins had outhit the White Sox 8-3 but had three errors to their name, and trailed 4-1. Liam Hendriks came in and threw two scoreless innings to close the game for the White Sox, wasting an outstanding start from Berrios. Enjoy them while you can Twins fans.

Bullpen Usage Chart

	FRI	SAT	SUN	MON	TUE	TOT
Jax	0	88	0	0	0	88
Rogers	22	0	20	31	0	73
Coulombe	16	7	0	0	12	35
Law	0	34	0	0	0	34
Robles	0	0	19	12	0	31
Colomé	17	0	0	0	14	31
Duffey	13	0	0	17	0	30
Thielbar	0	0	0	29	0	29
Alcala	0	0	18	0	0	18

What’s Next?

On Wednesday, the Twins will conclude their three game set against the White Sox. Michael Pineda will return from the IL to take on Lance Lynn. First pitch is at 12:10 CST.

 

View full article

[USAFChief]

That second inning was a real gem. 

And Berríos played his role, walking 2 to start the inning.

 

[Alex Wilde]

I don’t want to hear anything about Berrios walking two guys to start the 2nd. He ended the day with one ER through 7 giving up one hit and striking out 10! We can’t have a lineup who strands 8 plus runners every single game. We had 8 hits off of one of the best pitchers in the game right now and only scored a run. That’s the real killer. 

[Vanimal46]

5 minutes ago, Alex Wilde said:

I don’t want to hear anything about Berrios walking two guys to start the 2nd. He ended the day with one ER through 7 giving up one hit and striking out 10! We can’t have a lineup who strands 8 plus runners every single game. We had 8 hits off of one of the best pitchers in the game right now and only scored a run. That’s the real killer. 

Concur. Berrios was good today. It was 2 terrible throws from our fielders that caused 2 White Sox runners moving 90 feet. Until that point in time CWS put 2 balls in play. Then he shut down a high contact lineup to deserve a win. 

 

 

[USAFChief]

15 minutes ago, Alex Wilde said:

I don’t want to hear anything about Berrios walking two guys to start the 2nd. He ended the day with one ER through 7 giving up one hit and striking out 10! We can’t have a lineup who strands 8 plus runners every single game. We had 8 hits off of one of the best pitchers in the game right now and only scored a run. That’s the real killer. 

Certainly the defense that inning was a huge factor. 

 

As was walking the first 2 hitters of the inning.

 

He pitched really well...but also had a hand in losing the game. As did the offense, yet again. But I'm not going to pretend there's not some blame to go around. 

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

Certainly the defense that inning was a huge factor. 

 

As was walking the first 2 hitters of the inning.

 

He pitched really well...but also had a hand in losing the game. As did the offense, yet again. But I'm not going to pretend there's not some blame to go around. 

You're quite right. Berrios didn't pitch 9 full innings and strike out all 27 batters on 81 pitches while also batting instead of a DH and hitting 4 solo homers to score the only runs during the game. Clearly, lots of blame for Berrios here as any Twins pitcher would know the defense behind him all wear concrete mittens in the field. He should probably just retire if the Twins don't DFA the bum by tomorrow. It's not like anybody would give the guy even an MiLB contract when he's pitching 7 inning games with 1.29 ERAs and 1.59 FIPs.

Honestly... starts like Berrios' effort today win Cy Young awards. Do you think maybe you're just a little annoyed with the Twins and taking it out on a guy? LOL

[TwinsChupacabra]

Can we get rid of Simmons yet?  He's just so bad.

[RickOShea]

5 minutes ago, TwinsChupacabra said:

Can we get rid of Simmons yet?  He's just so bad.

Simmons is a difficult player to analyze.  There's no question he has a 'knowledge' of the game.  If you watch him play, you would see a high baseball IQ.  He's always thinking ahead of the opposition and his own team.  Unfortunately, that is forgotten when he makes an error on an easy play.  We've seen him drop a throw to second.  Do you really think he's not capable of catching a throw to second base?  I think he's guilty of losing concentration, getting bored while watching our pitchers, and generally just angry at this whole season.  So to say he's bad, is not really a fair statement.  He needs to tighten up his game and concentration.  but he's certainly not a bad player.

[h2oface]

I guess since deGrom got rained out tonight, someone had to get "deGrom'ed" instead of deGrom. Two walks with a wet ball and a slippery mound in the light rain, and a plate umpire that takes his sweet time to call the third strike so the catcher has to throw to second just in case. Simmons should have had that throw from Jeffers, anyway - and he even had another error in the game. Sano is not getting any smarter.

I don't know what to say to those that think Berrios is not the best we have. A team does not get better to trade the best they have. We are not a better team with Alcala and Celestino instead ofAll-Star Pressly right now, and we won't be without Berrios. What do you want? More prospects you can call up and have play sloppy, and pitchers that are already 25 and older and still aren't ready? - because that is what our minor league system seems to culture. And our MLB staff now, too. Hell, bring in free agents and they get worse! All those prospect hope and dreams will do is get immersed in the system, and we see how ready they are when they get here. They make mistakes that should be figured out by that time they are in high school or college. 

May as well blame Garver, too, just for good measure. He had to have been doing something wrong even if he is on the IL. ?

And Colome. Seriously Baldelli? Colome?

[theBOMisthebomb]

4 hours ago, h2oface said:

I guess since deGrom got rained out tonight, someone had to get "deGrom'ed" instead of deGrom. Two walks with a wet ball and a slippery mound in the light rain, and a plate umpire that takes his sweet time to call the third strike so the catcher has to throw to second just in case. Simmons should have had that throw from Jeffers, anyway - and he even had another error in the game. Sano is not getting any smarter.

I don't know what to say to those that think Berrios is not the best we have. A team does not get better to trade the best they have. We are not a better team with Alcala and Celestino instead ofAll-Star Pressly right now, and we won't be without Berrios. What do you want? More prospects you can call up and have play sloppy, and pitchers that are already 25 and older and still aren't ready? - because that is what our minor league system seems to culture. And our MLB staff now, too. Hell, bring in free agents and they get worse! All those prospect hope and dreams will do is get immersed in the system, and we see how ready they are when they get here. They make mistakes that should be figured out by that time they are in high school or college. 

May as well blame Garver, too, just for good measure. He had to have been doing something wrong even if he is on the IL. ?

And Colome. Seriously Baldelli? Colome?

I don't understand trading Berrios and I don't understand why Alexander Colome is on the mound ever in a 2-1 game. Why is Colome still on the roster and when has flipping for prospects or trading away a talented player ever worked for the Twins? This frustrating season keeps rolling along.

[wsnydes]

7 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Certainly the defense that inning was a huge factor. 

 

As was walking the first 2 hitters of the inning.

 

He pitched really well...but also had a hand in losing the game. As did the offense, yet again. But I'm not going to pretend there's not some blame to go around. 

The big thing with that inning is that both of the walks scored, albeit aided by the defensive blunders.  But they scored nonetheless.  Those two runs alone beat the Twins.  Berrios had a very good game, but the box score doesn't tell you everything.  Those walks were huge.

Going against Rodon, there's no guarantee that a team will score much.  Especially true when that team is the Twins.  

[bighat]

I love how the Twins score 1 run  and the first comment here is complaining about Berrios. Twins fans, we're an ungrateful bunch when it comes to the few guys that can play. From Buxton, Berrios, Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer, the list goes on.....

Anyhoo, I watched one inning only, where the Twins had runners on 2nd and 3rd, and just 1 out. With the Sox defense back and essentially GIVING UP THE RUN, Sano grounded out weakly to the pitcher, and Celestino flew out to right.  Instead of answering and cutting the lead to 2-1, the lead stayed 2-0 and it was downhill from there. The Twins fail to capitalize, fail again later in the game, end up with 1 run and lose the game....stop me if you've seen this movie before.

The FO and coaching staff have stopped teaching fundamentals. They've done the math. With a man on 3rd base and less than two outs, the computers say it's better for a batter hit a HR (or at least try) as opposed to hitting a groundout or sac fly to score a run. It's ruined many players on this team.  Unwatchable baseball.

Sad for Berrios, and sad for Twins fans who likely won't get to watch this guy pitch much longer. No way he stays here, he's leaving on his own next year or via trade this year. The Twins will be lucky to ever have a guy like that come through their own system again, it may be 20 years before the next La Makina shows up.

[Whitey333]

I agree with the comments concerning Berrios.  What do you people want?  He pitched a great game.  He only gave up 1 hit and struck out 10 in 7 innings.  And have got to love Baldelli putting in Colome' with the game only 2-1?  What kind of bone head managing is that?  How about Sano?  2 costly errors and a base running blunder they don't make in Legion baseball.  Bottom line is Twins lose again in all too familiar fashion.

[jmlease1]

game like this is why I don't want the Twins to deal Berrios, regardless of the return he might bring. He's terrific. I'd rather have him in the rotation next year and try to sign him long-term when he hits free agency. 

[dbminn]

I can't imagine walking away from last night's Twins game thinking, "They lost because of Jose Berrios". 

 

[tony&rodney]

The Twins are on the clock. Berrios is going to get paid, a Buxton and Rogers decision is coming and there will be phones buzzing for "deals". The Minnesota Twins are not a small market team by any metrics, but they have had their share of moments where they have desired that tag. Tampa has a poor situation with their stadium and location but even they are a bigger market than Kansas City or Milwaukee and others. The Twins will need to decide whether to attempt to win from at or below $100 million or to play their hand with San Diego and St. Louis and such, near $150 million. The ball is in the hands of management and when Donaldson plays like he has recently and Berrios pitches like last night the choices become even more difficult for anyone who believes money is an issue. 

Readers on Twins Daily are familiar with a host of prospects and some of us have too much familiarity with every team's prospects along with having seen a number of these young bucks play. A prospect does not equal an actual MLB talent, however, until they make and show those skills in The Show. Trading accomplished players like JD, Berrios, Rogers, Buxton, and Polanco rarely returns individuals to fill their shoes. The Chris Sale trade is a fair example of what the Twins would might need for Berrios. Most of us will still be supportive Twins fans, if not exactly pleased, no matter the decisions made by our current suits but Carlos Rodon is a free agent this winter along with other attractive options and better choices can affect 2022. 

[bighat]

37 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

A prospect does not equal an actual MLB talent, however, until they make and show those skills in The Show. Trading accomplished players like JD, Berrios, Rogers, Buxton, and Polanco rarely returns individuals to fill their shoes. The Chris Sale trade is a fair example of what the Twins would might need for Berrios.

100%.

If you trade a Berrios, a Buxton - you need to receive a blue chip, sure thing prospect. Remember how we'd all heard of Fernando Tatis Jr before he got to the bigs? The Twins need to get THAT if we trade these guys. You don't just trade gold glove winners and All-Star pitchers for a bunch of lottery tickets.

Twins should be asking for an organization's #1 overall prospect - and MORE - for both Buxton and/or Berrios.

If the Twins have Royce Lewis and a couple other big MiLB names coming to the big leagues in 2022, Minnesota baseball might be fun again.

[MABB1959]

10 hours ago, USAFChief said:

That second inning was a real gem. 

And Berríos played his role, walking 2 to start the inning.

 

Why the Berrios hate?  I love to watching his intensity and how much more it gets when he is in a jam.  He is awesome and we will all be sad to see him go and some of us happy for him to go to a better organization.  If he spends his prime years here it would be sad to not see him get the accolades he would get and deserves on a better team.  He is the only reason I watch now.  I love Buxton but he is out.  Ober and Majeda are worth a watch and some of the new kids are at least making it interesting.  

[MABB1959]

23 minutes ago, bighat said:

If you trade a Berrios, a Buxton - you need to receive a blue chip, sure thing prospect. Remember how we'd all heard of Fernando Tatis Jr before he got to the bigs? The Twins need to get THAT if we trade these guys. You don't just trade gold glove winners and All-Star pitchers for a bunch of lottery tickets.

Never going to happen.  I don't think any talented players will come here and most likely have the Twins on their no trade list.  The Twins organization will pretend they are all in knowing that it won't happen so they probably will let them walk next year and keep their "pride".   

[wavedog]

Great pitching effort by Berrios - he did have the 2 walks in the 2nd but was not helped by the defense.  The Jeffers error should have been charged to Simmons - Jeffers threw the ball to Simmons and I think Simmons thought he was playing soccer and couldn't use his hands.     This game just continue the story of the season, untimely errors on defense, no clutch hitting - especially in the 2nd when we could have answered those 2 runs and in the 6th inning when we were gifted a couple of hits but struck out again stranding runners.    Then the cherry on top is bringing Colome in and he gives up 2 runs with the help of another Simmons error.    First pitch from Colome was a fat slow strike that was tagged for a double.   

[Number3]

I believe they have lost the last 2 Berrios starts due to no faullt of his. If the Twins don't win today and win this White Sox series at home the season is over. I do believe that Baldelli's constant line up tinkering, over use of the bull pen and over reliance on all of the....metrics junk should have him on a very short leash.

[USAFChief]

1 hour ago, MABB1959 said:

Why the Berrios hate?  

Dunno.

BTW, Who hates Berrios?

[bighat]

1 hour ago, MABB1959 said:

Never going to happen.  I don't think any talented players will come here and most likely have the Twins on their no trade list.  The Twins organization will pretend they are all in knowing that it won't happen so they probably will let them walk next year and keep their "pride".   

I'm not talking about current stars - but rather prospects who are still in AAA or AA - an example would have been Tatis Jr. in 2019 or whatever.

[Mike Sixel]

Tatis wasn't this highly thought of when dealt. Had he been, he wouldn't have been dealt. The key is to pick the right players, regardless of how everyone else feels about them.

As for the game......Rodon is pitching great this year. But you still have to score more than 1 run......

As for trading Berrios, I don't think anyone WANTS to trade him. Some of us think the Twins won't/can't sign him after next year, and it is better to get something for him other than a comp. pick (yes, I know he was one, but it's a rare comp pick that turns out this great). Personally, I'd like them to sign both Buxton and Berrios. I just don't see it as likely at all. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

26 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Tatis wasn't this highly thought of when dealt. Had he been, he wouldn't have been dealt.

Yup, and by the time he reached AA (or even A), Tatis Jr. was pretty much untouchable.

[garn from vancouver]

why colome is still pitching at all is beyond me. if i went to work and did as bad a job as he does i'd be fired.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Tatis wasn't this highly thought of when dealt. Had he been, he wouldn't have been dealt. The key is to pick the right players, regardless of how everyone else feels about them.

For more context Celestino and Wander Javier were both more highly regarded international prospects the year he was signed and subsequently traded. He's the anomaly of all anomalies when it comes to trades. Had never played a game in America before he was traded and turns into this. Nobody in the Padres' organization were predicting he'd become a top 10 player in the sport.

[bighat]

1 hour ago, Otto von Ballpark said:

Yup, and by the time he reached AA (or even A), Tatis Jr. was pretty much untouchable.

You think nobody at least asked about Royce Lewis at the trade deadline in 2019-2020? You think the Twins wouldn't have considered trading him if Scherzer or DeGrom would have been on offer?

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, bighat said:

You think nobody at least asked about Royce Lewis at the trade deadline in 2019-2020? You think the Twins wouldn't have considered trading him if Scherzer or DeGrom would have been on offer?

I have no idea what that has to do with Tatis Jr?

[RpR]

Walks, from any pitcher, any time, have been the death of the Twins this year.

These were just as bad as any before.

Some here sound like Baldelli ignoring the pissant play from his team during an interview with happy talk.