Game Thread: Twins @ Tigers, 5/24 - 6:08pm

[Guest USAFChief]

Anibal Sanchez, a slightly better Kevin Correia.

At least Correia isn't blocking prospects, like Sam Deduno, PJ Walters, and Pedro Hernandez.

[jokin]

Anibal Sanchez, a slightly better Kevin Correia.

 

130 pitches? Gardy would have done the prudent thing with him and yanked him after 7.

[jctwins]

Season not over! That was a great no-hit bid breakup!

[Riverbrian]

OK... Losing streak at 10... Time to throw a water cooler or something.

 

Somebody needs to take a bat and pound on an inanimate object... Toss the bat on the clubhouse floor so it makes a loud (wood bat hitting floor) sound. Spin around and curse at the top of his lungs... Let some silence fill the room and calmly say... Enough is Enough. Does everyone in this locker room understand... Enough is enough.

 

Do we have a guy on the team who will do that?

[Top Gun]

June will be better.

[Riverbrian]

June will be better.

 

It has to be better... If it doesn't... The Twins will be relegated and have to compete in the Championship League against teams like Blackpool and Leeds.

[Bark's Lounge]

Do we have a guy on the team who will do that?

 

I don't see any players doing it and the one guy who might do it - his voice is seemingly lost upon the players he manages... sad times.

[VATwinsFan]

Not that I doubt it will be, but how can it get any worse?

[jctwins]

At this point we can only hope it continues and justifies clearing out Gardy and Rick Anderson.

[Riverbrian]

I don't see any players doing it and the one guy who might do it - his voice is seemingly lost upon the players he manages... sad times.

 

I don't know what the locker room dynamic is with the Twins but the best teams have that I have seen... Have that guy.

[Riverbrian]

Hey Wayne's World is on Fuse... Party Time... excellent...

[mikeee]

99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of beer!!!!

[notoriousgod71]

What a travesty.

[Brock Beauchamp]

What a travesty.

 

Yeah, it's a shame that Joe broke up Anibal's no-hit bid.

[one_eyed_jack]

OK... Losing streak at 10... Time to throw a water cooler or something.

 

Somebody needs to take a bat and pound on an inanimate object... Toss the bat on the clubhouse floor so it makes a loud (wood bat hitting floor) sound. Spin around and curse at the top of his lungs... Let some silence fill the room and calmly say... Enough is Enough. Does everyone in this locker room understand... Enough is enough.

 

Do we have a guy on the team who will do that?

 

---I get what you're saying, and I don't necessarily disagree, but OTOH, there is no amount of screaming and throwing things that can turn bad players into good ones. I think those kind of tactics can produce results when you have a good team that's performing poorly. But the Twins are not a good team, and tantrums are no substitute for talent.

 

I think the the "enough is enough" statement needed to come from the front office in the offseason. They needed to make bold moves to send a message that what happened the last 2 years was not acceptable, and that they are committed to making sure it doesn't continue. But they didn't. They brought 4th-tier free agents and penciled in unproven players in starting roles, crossing their fingers that it would all work out. It hasn't.

[twinsnorth49]

What's the best way to fix a fist size hole in drywall?

[snepp]

What's the best way to fix a fist size hole in drywall?

 

Whipped cream, it's a better construction material than its composition says it is.

[Halsey Hall]

I wonder how hot Gardie's seat is, and Anderson better not even think of sitting down.

[Riverbrian]

---I get what you're saying, and I don't necessarily disagree, but OTOH, there is no amount of screaming and throwing things that can turn bad players into good ones. I think those kind of tactics can produce results when you have a good team that's performing poorly. But the Twins are not a good team, and tantrums are no substitute for talent.

 

I think the the "enough is enough" statement needed to come from the front office in the offseason. They needed to make bold moves to send a message that what happened the last 2 years was not acceptable, and that they are committed to making sure it doesn't continue. But they didn't. They brought 4th-tier free agents and penciled in unproven players in starting roles, crossing their fingers that it would all work out. It hasn't.

 

And I get what you are saying as well... There is a difference between Mike Trout and Drew Butera so I don't want to be misunderstood. The front office put the team together... Ultimately they are responsible. Its just a losing streak.. All teams will go through a losing streak... I don't want to seem like I'm over reacting but its just the way this bad streak looks to me.

 

We may have a differing in this opinion of mine. Maybe we don't.

 

I strongly believe... If you are a major league ball player... That means you are a talented player and you are capable of winning ball games. To me its that simple.

 

My clubhouse temper tantrum script isn't the result of tonight. It's the culmination of the baseball I've been watching the past 10 losses.

 

Ive watched the Starting Staff fall in on itself and I've watched the offense grind to a halt and then for a little bit of extra salt in my eye... I've watched the little things that can turn things around get passed by... Like it just doesn't matter anymore.

 

For example Sunday against the Red Sox... 3rd inning... we are down 1-0 to the Red Sox. One Out and Victorino is on first. Pedro makes a decent pitch and Gomes flips one into CF for a lucky hit. Hicks gathers up the ball in shallow CF... The replay showed that Victorino was maybe a third of the way to third when Aaron had the ball in his hand. Hicks... The man with a cannon for an arm has a fairly easy throw but instead he tosses the ball to the SS.

 

Thats not competing... That is laying down and dying. I watched them do this crap last year and I don't want to watch them do it again. I don't care if they lose... I just don't want them to "Roger Dorn" it while they lose. The play after that... Double play ball hit to Plouffe and he sidearm flips it past the 2B into RF. Move your feet... The team is losing... Move your feet like you give a rip... It ain't the time to be casually flipping the ball into RF.

 

Now tomorrow... Its those Tigers again... Division rivals... Yeah... they got a great squad... its better than ours... i don't care... I want to see a catcher plowed tomorrow. I want to see someone taking an extra base. i want to see someone steal a base. i want to see Correia throw inside and look like he meant it... I want to see someone trying to nail the lead runner instead of the easy out. I want some diving catches... I want simple flipping contact with the baseball at the plate when a runner reaches third and one out. I want productive outs at the least on offense... I want some plays made in the field. I want the stuff that all MLB players should be able to do... even the bad ones... I want them playing with some pride and I want them to get up.

 

Congrats to all the Twins... You made the majors... The odds against making the majors is astronomical... It took talent to get here. If you have the talent to make the big leagues... You then have the talent to at least compete.

 

Take a look behind you... There are a bunch coming up and they want your job.

[PopRiveter]

I want to see balls that are at the batter's shoulder level called a ball instead of strike three. Same with balls 4-6" off the plate. I want to see a base runner called safe at 2nd when the second baseman catches the ball two steps after leaving the bag. I want to see 7 little weakly stroked dribblers turn into 7 outs instead of 7 hits.

That wasn't a real baseball game. Just rancid. Bad breaks and bad calls. If that had been a no-hitter it would've been a real shame.

[LaBombo]

What's the best way to fix a fist size hole in drywall?

Do you own or rent?

 

Rental Method I: Crumple newspaper. Stuff into hole. Cut cardboard from delivery pizza box or 12 pack carton to match the shape of the hole. Glue or tape into place against newspaper. Apply toothpaste to any gaps. Spray paint area using closest available match from hardware store or Target. Probably some variation of 'off white', I'm guessing.

 

Rental Method II: Use only in an emergency, or if deposit return inspection will be done by the pharmaceutically-enlightened manager/tenant you're buds with. Take picture of wall from 3 feet or so in a spot where it's not damaged. Download to computer and print the picture, your own PC or Kinko's if none. Tape or glue picture over hole.

 

Own: Will get back to you after experimenting with various repair methods on the head-sized hole made in my hallway after tonight's loss, which was the 10th in a row despite the assurance of many that the Twins starting pitching couldn't help but be better, and the offense would be at least as good.

 

Sorry, got off-topic at the end there.

[twinsnorth49]

I wonder how hot Gardie's seat is, and Anderson better not even think of sitting down.

 

Don't think this is a defense of Gardy but the real host of this gongshow is a Mr. T. Ryan.

This organisation needs a good kick in the nads about now.

[twinsnorth49]

Whipped cream, it's a better construction material than its composition says it is.

 

K, my wife is home in an hour and wouldn't you know it, I'm all out of whipped cream...how about mayo? I wonder if it's paintable? Thoughts?

[twinsnorth49]

Do you own or rent?

 

Rental Method I: Crumple newspaper. Stuff into hole. Cut cardboard from delivery pizza box or 12 pack carton to match the shape of the hole. Glue or tape into place against newspaper. Apply toothpaste to any gaps. Spray paint area using closest available match from hardware store or Target. Probably some variation of 'off white', I'm guessing.

 

Rental Method II: Use only in an emergency, or if deposit return inspection will be done by the pharmaceutically-enlightened manager/tenant you're buds with. Take picture of wall from 3 feet or so in a spot where it's not damaged. Download to computer and print the picture, your own PC or Kinko's if none. Tape or glue picture over hole.

 

Own: Will get back to you after experimenting with various repair methods on the head-sized hole made in my hallway after tonight's loss, which was the 10th in a row despite the assurance of many that the Twins starting pitching couldn't help but be better, and the offense would be at least as good.

 

Sorry, got off-topic at the end there.

 

That's some solid advice, I own so let me know how the repair goes. Right now I'm thinking of just relocating my dartboard, complete with picture of the 2013 starting rotation on the bullseye.

[LaBombo]

That's some solid advice, I own so let me know how the repair goes. Right now I'm thinking of just relocating my dartboard, complete with picture of the 2013 starting rotation on the bullseye.

 

Will do. Expedient yet brilliantly untraceable camo choice unless you punched the wall very high or low. More time for you to watch the most improbable Twins resurgence since 1991!

 

2013 rotation picture for the board is a great idea, but standard dart board is only about 18" in diameter, so if you keep it updated the faces might get pretty small by the time it's all said and done.

 

PS Obscure, imbedded pop culture reference about small faces in that last sentence is a subliminal message that things are going to get better.

 

Eventually.

[jokin]

And I get what you are saying as well... There is a difference between Mike Trout and Drew Butera so I don't want to be misunderstood. The front office put the team together... Ultimately they are responsible. Its just a losing streak.. All teams will go through a losing streak... I don't want to seem like I'm over reacting but its just the way this bad streak looks to me.

 

We may have a differing in this opinion of mine. Maybe we don't.

 

I strongly believe... If you are a major league ball player... That means you are a talented player and you are capable of winning ball games. To me its that simple.

 

My clubhouse temper tantrum script isn't the result of tonight. It's the culmination of the baseball I've been watching the past 10 losses.

 

Ive watched the Starting Staff fall in on itself and I've watched the offense grind to a halt and then for a little bit of extra salt in my eye... I've watched the little things that can turn things around get passed by... Like it just doesn't matter anymore.

 

For example Sunday against the Red Sox... 3rd inning... we are down 1-0 to the Red Sox. One Out and Victorino is on first. Pedro makes a decent pitch and Gomes flips one into CF for a lucky hit. Hicks gathers up the ball in shallow CF... The replay showed that Victorino was maybe a third of the way to third when Aaron had the ball in his hand. Hicks... The man with a cannon for an arm has a fairly easy throw but instead he tosses the ball to the SS.

 

Thats not competing... That is laying down and dying. I watched them do this crap last year and I don't want to watch them do it again. I don't care if they lose... I just don't want them to "Roger Dorn" it while they lose. The play after that... Double play ball hit to Plouffe and he sidearm flips it past the 2B into RF. Move your feet... The team is losing... Move your feet like you give a rip... It ain't the time to be casually flipping the ball into RF.

 

Now tomorrow... Its those Tigers again... Division rivals... Yeah... they got a great squad... its better than ours... i don't care... I want to see a catcher plowed tomorrow. I want to see someone taking an extra base. i want to see someone steal a base. i want to see Correia throw inside and look like he meant it... I want to see someone trying to nail the lead runner instead of the easy out. I want some diving catches... I want simple flipping contact with the baseball at the plate when a runner reaches third and one out. I want productive outs at the least on offense... I want some plays made in the field. I want the stuff that all MLB players should be able to do... even the bad ones... I want them playing with some pride and I want them to get up.

 

Congrats to all the Twins... You made the majors... The odds against making the majors is astronomical... It took talent to get here. If you have the talent to make the big leagues... You then have the talent to at least compete.

 

Take a look behind you... There are a bunch coming up and they want your job.

 

Hope you will settle for PJ Walters and his old mean self in the role "Sal The Barber Maglie" role, tomorrow. Correia is complaining about arm problems, has been dropped and is now penciled in for Monday against Milwaukee. Pelfrey is also complaining about arm soreness, but is still officially listed as Sunday's starter...not to worry, Swarzy and Duensing should be ready for a spot start in the breach. Wow, this team is already on the brink on May 24.

[Pius Jefferson]

I don't know what the locker room dynamic is with the Twins but the best teams have that I have seen... Have that guy.

 

Justin Morneau seems the most likely. The problem is he doesn't look like he's going to back up the talk with a two home run game and carry the team to a win.

[one_eyed_jack]

And I get what you are saying as well... There is a difference between Mike Trout and Drew Butera so I don't want to be misunderstood. The front office put the team together... Ultimately they are responsible. Its just a losing streak.. All teams will go through a losing streak... I don't want to seem like I'm over reacting but its just the way this bad streak looks to me.

 

We may have a differing in this opinion of mine. Maybe we don't.

 

I strongly believe... If you are a major league ball player... That means you are a talented player and you are capable of winning ball games. To me its that simple.

 

My clubhouse temper tantrum script isn't the result of tonight. It's the culmination of the baseball I've been watching the past 10 losses.

 

Ive watched the Starting Staff fall in on itself and I've watched the offense grind to a halt and then for a little bit of extra salt in my eye... I've watched the little things that can turn things around get passed by... Like it just doesn't matter anymore.

 

For example Sunday against the Red Sox... 3rd inning... we are down 1-0 to the Red Sox. One Out and Victorino is on first. Pedro makes a decent pitch and Gomes flips one into CF for a lucky hit. Hicks gathers up the ball in shallow CF... The replay showed that Victorino was maybe a third of the way to third when Aaron had the ball in his hand. Hicks... The man with a cannon for an arm has a fairly easy throw but instead he tosses the ball to the SS.

 

Thats not competing... That is laying down and dying. I watched them do this crap last year and I don't want to watch them do it again. I don't care if they lose... I just don't want them to "Roger Dorn" it while they lose. The play after that... Double play ball hit to Plouffe and he sidearm flips it past the 2B into RF. Move your feet... The team is losing... Move your feet like you give a rip... It ain't the time to be casually flipping the ball into RF.

 

Now tomorrow... Its those Tigers again... Division rivals... Yeah... they got a great squad... its better than ours... i don't care... I want to see a catcher plowed tomorrow. I want to see someone taking an extra base. i want to see someone steal a base. i want to see Correia throw inside and look like he meant it... I want to see someone trying to nail the lead runner instead of the easy out. I want some diving catches... I want simple flipping contact with the baseball at the plate when a runner reaches third and one out. I want productive outs at the least on offense... I want some plays made in the field. I want the stuff that all MLB players should be able to do... even the bad ones... I want them playing with some pride and I want them to get up.

 

Congrats to all the Twins... You made the majors... The odds against making the majors is astronomical... It took talent to get here. If you have the talent to make the big leagues... You then have the talent to at least compete.

 

Take a look behind you... There are a bunch coming up and they want your job.

 

---I think we mostly agree. Regardless of what happens off the field, the players have every obligation to put in their best effort on the field. And if that's not happening, something needs to be said.

 

I guess what I'm concerned, or at least wondering about, is how much of that attitude flows down from the top? When an organization clearly isn't trying to win, aren't they sending a message that winning doesn't matter?

 

It's a different situation, but as a guy who spends his winters following the T-Wolves, I became disgusted with the culture of losing that was allowed to fester in that organization for years. One failed rebuilding project after another, and they seemed to prefer getting more ping pong balls for the draft lottery to winning more games. There's a part of me that fears that the Twins are starting to head down a slippery slope to that, and we're on the cusp of another dark age like the mid-late 90's.