Twins 6, White Sox 4: Twins End White Sox Series Sweep with a Bang

[deanlambrecht]

Nice write up, Sherry!  So fun to finally see Winder go to work.  Using the potential future starters in the pen seems like such a no brainer, yet the Twins so rarely embrace that.  I realize they were somewhat forced to do so this year, so let's hope they see the value in it.  

Also really enjoyed the sidebar info on Nick Gordon in this post.  Indeed, it's been so fun to watch him force himself into the lineup - again due to external influences, so seeing him flourish compared to expectations has been really gratifying.  If he can raise that batting average just a few ticks he'll have a great opportunity to be a solid super-utility (and may allow us to use him or Arraez as trade bait, though I don't love the idea of dealing Arraez).  Makes me wonder, since his family predecessors were major leaguers, if he's actually more prepared, from a mental make-up perspective, to perform better in the big leagues than in the minors.  Zero expectations of him during his call up last year, and man did he make his case!

Edit to add: And oh man is it fun to see Buxton emerge as a leader!  He's working the clubhouse AND the fans.  I didn't see it in him when he was a youngster, but as he's matured it's become crystal clear that he's a natural leader.  That's great news for this team.

[deanlambrecht]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

I'd love to have Santana spend some time with Archer to perfect his circle change up that propelled him to stardom.

Yep.

[wabene]

I like Rocco Baldelli.

 

I'm gonna guess there are 28 young men in that dugout who agree with me.

[Epravens]

Absolutely loved the Buxton heroics, but without that 10th inning bomb the worst manager in the history of the franchise has egg on his face again. With a very real chance to take the lead he allows Celestino and his .130 BA to take a swing while their $216K per game man enjoys his "planned" day off. He gets out of his lounge chair and there's a decent possibility the game doesn't go to extras. Then he goes to short, Gordon goes to left. Done deal! Rocco is the albatross around this team's neck.

[Epravens]

19 hours ago, darwin22 said:

Being very selfish here, but it feels really good being rewarded with such an excellent victory today after I invested my whole afternoon watching this game.  

For anyone wondering, this is the 1st time the Twins have been at .500 since April 13th, 2021, which was in the midst of a 3 game losing streak.

A few observations to make:

1.  Buxton...nothing to add than hasn't been covered.  Just stay humble young man, eat your vitamins and stay HEALTHY!

2.  Star 1B to today's Twins win----------I would submit the excellent performance of Josh Winder:  4IP only 3 hits, 1 ER and 0 walks.  That allowed Rocco to avoid others (thank goodness) to go to Duran in the 8th.

Others may not agree, but I truly believe Winder will be a productive mainstay in our rotation for years to come.  That may be coming as early as this season if Archer's command (only 32 strikes over 61 pitches in his 3 IP) doesn't improve very soon.

3.  Johan Duran:  This dude is special.  Note to Rocco and Wes Johnson:  Leave him in bullpen.  With Alcala out for extended time combined with Duffey's continued struggles, Duran has to be there to hold games tied or protect a lead.

4.  Joe Smith:  Just the type of aggressive type of RP I like with a funky delivery that produces.  Can't overuse him though.

5.  Urshela:  Gio is looking like he's settling in at the plate. 2-3 today with a BB along with his great play at 3B.  He should play everyday.  With Miranda looming at SP, Gio has responded.

6.  Kepler:  1 of my main "whipping boys" for the last 2 years plus, but maybe he's turning a corner.  Sure would like him to regain his power stroke from 2019, but his .300 slug pct. is an issue.

7.  Sano:  Not much to say other than I hope Kirilloff can show he can hit soon so he can take over at 1B.  Sano is nothing more than a bench player against RH pitching.  A possible DH against a LH SP.

8.  Garlick:  Ugh.  He needs to be DFA'ed soon.  Celestino offers much more.

9.  Rocco:  Sorry to end on a negative note, but I have to question his absolute refusal to pinch hit Correa late in the game!!   I will give Rocco the benefit of the doubt not pinch hitting Correa for Goday due to the health issues of Sanchez and Jeffers, but I would really like to hear his answer of why he refused to pinch hit for Gordon in the bottom of the 9th with Kepler (good speed) on 2nd base???  Did Rocco forget that Gordon had already whiffed 3x earlier in game?? With an off day tomorrow, I just don't understand his reasoning for keeping Correa's bat on the bench.

 

Totally agree with #9. Correa should have hit for Celestino for heaven's sake and there's a reasonable chance the game doesn't see extras. Wonderful win by Rocco is the worst manager in franchise history and it's not even close.

[h2oface]

4 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

It's reasonable to see that Archer is still fine tuning is slider, since FO didn't sign him until ST was almost over. In his interview he kept referring to Wes. So it goes to show that Wes Johnson is actively involved in his present training. Archer was uncharacteristic lacking control of his slider. Archer has had an elite slider, my hope is that Wes isn't trying to convert him to his slider on the fly like he was trying to do to Dobnak, which would prolong his return to form and produce finger problems. I'd love to have Santana spend some time with Archer to perfect his circle change up that propelled him to stardom.

I wonder why Santana is not in the fold, and part of the Twins former player posse involved with the team. Does anybody know?

[Epravens]

6 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

I did not realize that giving any credit to Baldelli was permissible???  

 

I can not think of one instance where Rocco demonstrated managerial excellence that led to a victory. But I do know this: In 2021 had ANY other ML manager been in the Twins dugout in 2021 their win total would have increased by 16. Not quite enough to see October but more than enough to make September interesting. He is in so far over his head it's embarrassing.

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, h2oface said:

I wonder why Santana is not in the fold, and part of the Twins former player posse involved with the team. Does anybody know?

He does come to ST as a special coach, I believe (or has) ... I've seen him there ... but I don't know how much actual, in detail coaching he does. Someone closer in might have a better answer. @Seth Stohs?

[Monticore]

On 3/12/2022 at 1:25 PM, Brandon said:

I guess the biggest positive about this trade is that I don’t have to be vested in this season so I probably will not follow them as much this year.  This doesn’t feel like a good trade at all.

 

[wabene]

17 hours ago, Epravens said:

Totally agree with #9. Correa should have hit for Celestino for heaven's sake and there's a reasonable chance the game doesn't see extras. Wonderful win by Rocco is the worst manager in franchise history and it's not even close.

What in Correa's performance this year backs up your statement? This guy is an admitted allow starter who didn't have a full camp and the results clearly back this. Then the ridiculous negative hyperbole about Rocco. C'mon man.

 

P.S. 210-174. You may not like the style, but the numbers look good to me. Measure them against Kelly. Kelly was a good manager, but he can only manage the talent on the roster he is provided. 

[Brandon]

20 hours ago, Monticore said: