Overreaction Monday

[Marshall_P]

   After starting the 2022 campaign 1-2, the overreactions to the start of the Twins season have been spreading like wildfire through the fan forums and social media alike.

   It is important to remember that the team is just three games into the 162-game marathon of the season; and hey, they’re not 0-3!

   Opening day was a tough test for talented youngster Joe Ryan, losing to incumbent AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray, 2-1.

   Ryan recovered nicely after allowing a 2-run home run to Mitch Haniger in the first inning Friday evening, being the only runs that Seattle would need while surrendering just four hits to Minnesota in an eventual 2-1 defeat for thea Twins.

   One concerning statistic would be the four walks allowed by Ryan through four innings pitched, who may have had some opening day jitters in the cold Minneapolis weather in his first work since coming from toasty Florida during spring training.

   Will he recover his command in his next start? Almost surely. Need to worry? Absolutely not.

   Saturday’s starting pitcher Sonny Gray also failed to make it through five innings pitched, and after the bullpen allowed zero runs through 8.1 innings to start the year, Tyler Duffey surrendered two runs in the top of the ninth inning, forfeiting the lead and earning a blown save in the 4-3 loss to the Mariners.

   After former All-star closer Taylor Rogers was traded to San Diego just before the start of the season, Duffey seems to have inherited the ninth inning role; however, with many other strong options at the back of the bullpen, it will be interesting to see how long Rocco Baldelli’s leash will be.  Cause for concern? Not yet.

   Sunday the Twins wasted no time jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, led by a leadoff home run from Byron Buxton (who would homer twice on the day, including in three straight at bats going back to Saturday night), and a no doubt about it grand slam from Gary Sanchez. Minnesota would homer six times on the afternoon to earn their first victory of the season, 10-4.

   Will the Twins challenge their record of 307 home runs from the “Bomba Squad” of the 2019 season? Probably not. However, with power up and down the lineup, these Twins can turn an inning around in a matter of pitches, and should provide entertaining at bats and the chance to win in any game this season.

   Is it too early to judge the 1-2 Twins season? Absolutely.

   The Mariners are expected to contend for the division title in a very talented AL West division, and two one-run losses to start the year is sometimes just how baseball goes.

   There is plenty to build upon from opening weekend, and still plenty to be optimistic about heading into the second week of the season. No need to overreact to a combined 15-10 run differential in favor of the Twins during their first three games.

[gil4]

1 hour ago, Marshall_P said:

   Tyler Duffey ...  Cause for concern? Not yet.

 Will the Twins challenge their record of 307 home runs from the “Bomba Squad” of the 2019 season? Probably not. 

   Is it too early to judge the 1-2 Twins season? Absolutely.

Tyler Duffy was cause for concern last season. Rocco running him out there in the 9th inning is cause for panic.

The good news is that Bomba Squad" record will be shattered!  

The 1-2 start just means they needed a few games to warm up,  It's 1-2 going on 160-2 

I think you also mentioned something about Buxton, but I didn't see you mentioning that he needs to reserve a spot for that MVP trophy.  Did I just miss it or was that an oversight on your part?  

 

Hey, if we're going to have an Overreaction Monday, someone needs to overreact.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

12 hours ago, Marshall_P said:

 

   Will Buxton alone challenge the Twins’ team record of 307 home runs from the “Bomba Squad” of the 2019 season? Probably.

FTFY