MIN 5, ARI 0: Berri-0s

I've never been worried about Berrios. His stuff is excellent, and despite being a fierce competitor...which sometimes got in his way...he seems to have learned to relax and gain confidence. Everyone goes through slumps here and there, pitchers and position players alike. He was due. I have to wonder if the extra day off didn't help a bit as well. It is, after all, a very long season.

Despite some deserved questions about Monitor's bullpen usage, I feel he's done pretty well in handing his starters, including in an extra day of rest here and there throughout the season. I also think his handling of the entire staff has been better as of late.

A quick look at Busentiz after tonight. Although the SSS argument can be made.

2017 with the Twins:

13 G/ 18.2 IP/ 1.93 ERA/ .215 AVG/ 1.02 WHIP/ 14 H/ 5 BB/ 11 SO

That is a pretty impressive start for the rookie. Despite the unfortunate injuries and delays to Burdi, Chargois, Jay, and even Jones and Melotakis, he and Heldenberger are looking like solid potential additions/attrition survivors. With Rogers and the mostly positive season from Duffey and the arm and recent re-surgance of Pressly, (Despite one horrible appearance), there is some hope for the future of the pen. At least a couple of the injured should rebound in time. Add in Reed, Curtiss, Bard and maybe, hopefully a Turley and/or Moya, and you can see the makings of a nice pen. Especially if we acquire one really nice proven arm at some point.

I love the fight and resilience of this team and really wish I hadn't missed this game.

Seeing Sano limp down the line at age 24 reinforces the notion that if you don't have to stress him on defense, by playing 3B, why would you?

Sure, we are all pleased he can make some tough plays, but by stashing him at 1B and keeping his bat in the lineup regularly, Twins come out ahead.

I've been impressed with Busenitz and hope he plays a bigger and bigger role.

When the young man is on he has two out pitches. Got em with the fastball (low or high) got em with the curve. Super fun to watch. As Doc said above the future of the pen is bright and I also agree we should sign one proven arm. The one thing i may not agree with is Pressley. He's got the stuff but maybe not the make up, we'll see

My prediction (worth nothing) is that Busenicz becomes the most valuable piece in the Nolasco trade for either team.

Tovar and Morneau could be put in there. 

Super important for Big Sexy to be on today. With the DH tomorrow, having a fully rested bullpen would be huge.

I prefer to go with quality on the HOF.  Shane Mack in his 5 years with the Twins had a better OPS by 20 points than Puckett and 10 more than Hrbek.   Most underrated Twin ever.   Sadly, he was having a monster season in 94 that the strike ruined and decided to go to Japan to play.   IMO he was a much better player than Tovar and Gladden and simple longevity shouldn't put them above him in the pecking order.   Gotta believe Gardy will be in there sooner rather than later.

Seeing Sano limp down the line at age 24 reinforces the notion that if you don't have to stress him on defense, by playing 3B, why would you?

 

Sure, we are all pleased he can make some tough plays, but by stashing him at 1B and keeping his bat in the lineup regularly, Twins come out ahead.

There is a flip side to that.    Motion is lotion and having him be active throughout the game is more likely to keep him healthy.    Sprinting to first every 40 minutes without being active in between is not a great recipe to avoid injury.  

Was Cuddyer really a Hall of Fame Twin? He really didn't find a position until the last couple years. Bruno had six 20 plus Homer seasons and left in a bad trade. He was more deserving than Cuddyer. 

Cuddyer was a hall-of-fame-worthy giver of press quotes.