MIN 3, CIN 1: Losing Streak Snapped as Odorizzi Delivers Quality Start

Odorizzi dug down to get through six. I liked that Monitor let him go out for the seventh on a short leash.

Duke had a good outing. The hit was a shift beater from Mesoroco.

Reed didn't seem to have his best command. He was frustrated with a couple calls. Huge double play assisted by Votto sliding about 15 feet in front of the bag. Wtf?

I think Rodney had 9 balls and 4 strikes at one point. It was definitely an outing that makes one understand where "The Experience" comes from.

Nice to get a W, but still a long way to go.

I didn't think I would be this tired of Rodney this early, but yeah, I'm there....

Huge double play assisted by Votto sliding about 15 feet in front of the bag. Wtf?

Tuned back in around the 7th inning to see Duke had men on 1st and 3rd with nobody out. I just about fainted.

In the 9th, Rodney's walks just about had me doubled over in pain. But, just like in his other outings, most of the contact made off Rodney was pretty weak.

Staying on Rodney here: aside from the Sanchez and Adam Jones home runs, he really hasn't been getting crushed. More like seeing-eye singles, dribblers, flares, ground balls taking high bounces off the mound, etc.

Maybe he's not 100% bad, more like 30% bad and 70% unlucky?

I wonder how Garver hits against right-handed pitchers?

I feel so relieved right now. A 'W', thank jeebus.

Reminds me of a wonderful song by Etta James: "At Last".

To begin, I haven't liked the Rodney signing since day 1, and I certainly haven't liked the idea of him pitching in high-leverage situations. That being said, I'm glad we have Reed to pitch earlier in the game, as often times games are saved before the 9th inning, and your best reliever should pitch in the highest leverage situation. 

Anyway. I really like what Mitch Garver accomplished today. I haven't loved the fact that he's only been in the lineup against lefties, as a lot of his damage has actually come in the few situations he's faced righties. I think Molitor will expand Garver's role, especially if Castro continues to suck. 

I said before last night's game that I think the Twins will win 6 of 10. So far, they are 1-1 in those games, so they need to go 5-3 in the next 8. I think that's doable given the opponents.

Have a wonderful night, Twins Territory, and let's go get another W tomorrow!

Wow, Garver has doubled Castro's production of 1 HR and 1 RBI. He's got 2 HR and 2 RBI's. When you consider how many games we are into the season already, that is really sad. Only 3 runs accounted for from 1 spot in your lineup. 

Wow, Garver has doubled Castro's production of 1 HR and 1 RBI. He's got 2 HR and 2 RBI's. When you consider how many games we are into the season already, that is really sad. Only 3 runs accounted for from 1 spot in your lineup. 

I have full confidence that Garver if given playing time would be an above average Offensive C.. It's just a matter of defense at this point.

Wow, Garver has doubled Castro's production of 1 HR and 1 RBI. He's got 2 HR and 2 RBI's. When you consider how many games we are into the season already, that is really sad. Only 3 runs accounted for from 1 spot in your lineup. 

Most of Garver's games have been low-scoring games, so maybe he isn't a bad game caller.  His defense, though, still has lots of room for improvement. (If you need evidence, go back and watch the 2nd game of the Yankee series. Actually, don't do that to yourself)

I think Molitor will get him into the lineup against righties more often with time. Even if he doesn't catch, I see no reason why we can't use him as an alternative to Grossman in RF or maybe at DH/1B here and there. If he can hit even at a decent level, there will be a spot for him in the lineup a lot of days.

Rodney = suffering

Rodney improved to 3-for-6 on save opportunities with this tight rope walk.

Ugh.

He’s exactly who I was afraid he is.

Unfortunately our celebration and winning has to be balanced with the fact that we were playing the Cincinnati Reds.  If I am not mistaken they are considered at or near the bottom of the league.  Still I hope that we can garner a little momentum and start to turn this season around.  

I like Escobar at 3B, I still want Gordon to try SS, and I want the best fielding CF we have in the minors to fill in for Buxton.  DEFENSE!