Game Score: Twins 5, Rays 4

Had a feeling they'd take this series. Would have liked to put down a bet.

Maybe the Twins can keep this up and average gaining 2.5 to 3 games a week on the Whitesox and set up a tie and a game 163.  That's realistic right?

What ... is ... happening?

I talked trash about this team for two weeks, and they come out play like this? After Cruz is traded?

Baseball is confusing. And glorious. But mostly confusing.

Uggh. This makes me so optimistic for next year with nothing concrete to point to. I do think we did really well with our trades, but we need to start producing something more than corner outfield lefty hitters. There are a lot more player types, and we need a few of them. As mentioned above, Kepler's energy was a good sign coupled with Polanco having another good day

1 hour ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

Too little too late but watching winning baseball is always better than watching the other kind of baseball. 

100% - In a year like this we all like to see young players develop, and new pitchers test out their stuff, but in the end it's always so much more fun when the team gets a W. It's been a nice 1.5 weeks of Twins baseball.

2 hours ago, LastOnePicked said:

What ... is ... happening?

I talked trash about this team for two weeks, and they come out play like this? After Cruz is traded?

Baseball is confusing. And glorious. But mostly confusing.

Very true, but when you combine some timely hitting with RISP with decent outings from your SPs and then add in some effective relief outings---the opportunities to come out with W's---increase dramatically.  Only downer of the day would be JIm Kaat's last day as an analyst.

Sano needs to ask the opposition to take it easy on us more often.

If only we could have played like this all year.  It makes you wonder if Happ and Shoemaker would have not been signed or made the team if our season would have been different.  Not saying the young guys would have been MLB ready out the gate, but we sent the two of them out wayyyyyy too much early in the season.  

We only 16 games back now, if Buck comes back and plays like he did in April, we can go on a tear and catch the Sox.  Lets do it.  It would be greatest comeback ever, but not by much.  Only a few games.  I really doubt we will, but could be a fun end of season if we just go on a tear. 

Gotta love the recent Twins surge.  Too bad you don't get a pennant for playing well for one and half weeks lol.  I am curious as to why Baldelli  " rested"  Rooker after he went  went 6 for 9 in his previous 2 games. I'm sure it added a lot of confidence to Rooker.  Or the other day when he pinch hit for the Turtle after he had hit a home run.  What kind of sense is that?

Is it possible that Alex Colome might be a realistic piece of the 2022 bullpen?  Since July 1st, he has pitched 16 innings, given up 11 hits and 5 walks (only one in August) for a WHIP of 1.00.  He has given up 4 earned runs (none in August) for an ERA of 2.25 and struck out 11.  Of the 11 hits, only 5 were for extra bases and he's allowed no extra base hits since July 21.  If he performs like this for the rest of 2021, I would think he might be a strong option to bring back.

53 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

Is it possible that Alex Colome might be a realistic piece of the 2022 bullpen?  Since July 1st, he has pitched 16 innings, given up 11 hits and 5 walks (only one in August) for a WHIP of 1.00.  He has given up 4 earned runs (none in August) for an ERA of 2.25 and struck out 11.  Of the 11 hits, only 5 were for extra bases and he's allowed no extra base hits since July 21.  If he performs like this for the rest of 2021, I would think he might be a strong option to bring back.

Scientists do not yet have instruments delicate enough to measure the shortness of the leash I'd want him on, but sure.

Winning is always more fun! Doesn't matter how or when. Don't think anyone would have bet Twins would win those last 3 series...and look pretty decent doing it too.

Will the real Max Kepler please stand up? He has been SO inconsistent this season. When he's 'on'...he is a great asset. I suppose you could say the same of Donaldson too. Twins could still catch Cleveland if they blow them out this week. What does that matter? It would matter that this current collection still likes to play together. I'm not a fan of worrying about a higher draft pick. The talent pool is huge...with tons more misses than hits. Colome is finally earning his paycheck. Is it too late for him? No--no closer likes to lose so its nice to see him bearing down.

3 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

Is it possible that Alex Colome might be a realistic piece of the 2022 bullpen?  Since July 1st, he has pitched 16 innings, given up 11 hits and 5 walks (only one in August) for a WHIP of 1.00.  He has given up 4 earned runs (none in August) for an ERA of 2.25 and struck out 11.  Of the 11 hits, only 5 were for extra bases and he's allowed no extra base hits since July 21.  If he performs like this for the rest of 2021, I would think he might be a strong option to bring back.

Sorry,  I just have no faith in him.  I cringe every time  they show him warming up in the pen.

9 hours ago, Whitey333 said:

Gotta love the recent Twins surge.  Too bad you don't get a pennant for playing well for one and half weeks lol.  I am curious as to why Baldelli  " rested"  Rooker after he went  went 6 for 9 in his previous 2 games. I'm sure it added a lot of confidence to Rooker.  Or the other day when he pinch hit for the Turtle after he had hit a home run.  What kind of sense is that?

Would be interesting to hear what response Baldelli would have to both of those questions. Kaat did mention  Rooker's absence, but in a non-critical manner. Saying that he did state that that would never have happened during his playing days.  Im sure our "Minnesota nice media" wouldnt have the cajones to ask that question directly to Baldelli.