Twins Game Recap (7/13): Series Clinched Behind Big Performances From Kepler, Cave

Ho-hum, another run and two hits over 3.2 fairly high-leverage innings, with four strikeouts and no walks. Our bullpen is so bad. :-)

Cave's ABs were particularly good. Harper did a nice job.

Just noticed this when I was looking up Max Kepler...

Glad they pulled Odorizzi when they did. As qwell as Duffy. You have a two-run lead. Don't walk anyone. If they are going to score, let them hit a homer (which the next batter did). But don't fool around and go to a three-ball count either on a .194 hitter. Throw strikes earlier, not as a last resort. Y'know, it is probably easier to give advice and observations than actually do things during a game, right?

Today is Saturday, July 13, it was the 91st game of the year and the Twins hit 3 home runs.  The Twins are now 56% of the way through the season.  Out of 59 years, the current team ranks 10th on the all-time list of Twins' home runs in one season and are on a pace to hit 304 home runs this season.  They are now 96 home runs behind the single season MLB record.  The next Twins team to pass is the 2009 team that hit 172 home runs.

The Kepler vs. Bauer thing reminded me of listening to the radio as a small kid and hearing how Craig Kusick owned Frank Tanana.  This was the first iteration of Tanana -- flame-throwing lefty paired with Nolan Ryan -- pitching for the Angels.  So I looked it up on Baseball Reference ---- not bad. 

 

59 PA, 16 walks.  16-42 with 3 2B and 4 HR.  .381 / .542 / 1.280

Any Craig Kusick post deserves a “Like.”

Summary:
"Why did you bring in Rogers with a 4-run lead?"
"I decided to."

 

We fired Rocco and hired Mike Zimmer to manage the Twins? 

After a stretch of not-so-hot baseball leading up to the break, they've come out in fine form the last couple of days. There's nothing like pasting the team chasing you, right in front of their own fans! Overcame a Gibby implosion, and a near-Jake implosion as well, with some tough relief pitching and timely late hitting. Now, I really really really hope Bux is OK, and Eddie R comes back soon, too.  We can't take another outfield hit like we did last month.

Interesting on the trade front, that Boston gave up a pair of 17-yr-olds in the DSL for a solid major-league starter. Maybe we won't get hosed too badly when we finally trade for one.

On a lighter note, Sale got greased again! 3-9, ERA over 4. Doesn't matter he's not a White Sock anymore, I hate the Red Sox even more! Haw haw haw....!

*Heh... Edit time* I looked up the baseball ref. on those 2 kids the O's got. Collectively, they weigh about the same as The Crusher.     

One huge and noticeable difference between Baldelli and Molitor, in evidence in both games this series: Molitor routinely left his starter in too long. Then after the damage was done, he'd make his grim faced march out to the mound to remove the guy. Baldelli is much more likely to go get his starter before the game is lost.

I'm very confident that both last night and tonight, Molitor would not have removed his starter.

Huge props.

I also think Rocco wouldn't have removed Gibson if we were playing the Royals or really anyone but the Indians. For all his "every game counts the same" rhetoric, he's managed these two games like the division is on the line, as he should. 

One huge and noticeable difference between Baldelli and Molitor, in evidence in both games this series: Molitor routinely left his starter in too long. Then after the damage was done, he'd make his grim faced march out to the mound to remove the guy. Baldelli is much more likely to go get his starter before the game is lost.

I'm very confident that both last night and tonight, Molitor would not have removed his starter.

Huge props.

I concur. Occasionally, he falls into to the trap of keeping the starter in too long (especially when the game is tied), but not very often. He seems to know pretty well when to pull the plug.

On defense, everybody helps get outs. On offense, everybody helps get runs. Traditional roles don't seem to matter much on the 2019 Twins. Every batter tries to make the pitcher throw strikes, then barrel up the ball and drive it somewhere. Every fielder shifts all over the place. Every pitcher finds a way to get outs. It's the team concept, carried to the nth degree. 

Hey wait a minute. Is that socialism?

Great ball game.  I think it is time to stop the Molitor comparisons.  We have had a few games where we have questioned Badellis decisions on pitchers - like last nights Rogers decision.  Managing the pitching staff is certainly the most difficult task and no one has it down perfectly.  Sometimes I think we should be questioning the bench coach or pitching coach in these situations. 

Was also kinda scratching my head seeing Rogers in the 9th. But as a few others have mentioned, it's clear that Rocco wanted to nail down a series win. I think we can all get behind that philosophy. I'm guessing Berrios is champing at the bit to go 7+ and do his part today. No better guy to have on the mound when your best reliever is unavailable, in my opinion.

Hope Bux is OK. With his history of migranes, I sure hope that collison with the turf didn't do any damage to his dome piece.

Schoop's been looking bad on offense. Dude's clearly pressing and it's not pretty to watch. Still has a great arm and solid defense but it would be nice to see him inb better form coming out of the break. He wasn't doing well before the break, either.

Should see Sano, Adrianza today. Looking forward to getting Eddie Rosario back very soon and Cron next week. Hope none of those injuries linger.

Arraez can play 2nd and should get as many ABs as possible as he continues to flirt with .400 BA.

I actually don’t mind that as a reason. It’s pretty valid.

My biggest problem is why you’re calling upon your best reliever to warm up in a situation where literally all you need a guy to do is pitch to a <27.00 ERA (and ultimately pitch to a <36.00 ERA).

It’s not a big ask. Save your best reliever for another day.

I actually don’t mind that as a reason. It’s pretty valid.

My biggest problem is why you’re calling upon your best reliever to warm up in a situation where literally all you need a guy to do is pitch to a <27.00 ERA (and ultimately pitch to a <36.00 ERA).

It’s not a big ask. Save your best reliever for another day.

He started warming up when it was 3-2. The broadcast showed him warming up top 8. Cave got the job done and his load was reduced an inning but I think we would have seen Rogers for two innings if Cave (or Buxton) failed to bring in those runs.

I don’t have any problem with handing the game to Rogers for two innings against Cleveland if the game stayed 3-2 or putting him out there for one once the lead became larger. Once warmed up he was probably not an option for today.

I actually don’t mind that as a reason. It’s pretty valid.

My biggest problem is why you’re calling upon your best reliever to warm up in a situation where literally all you need a guy to do is pitch to a <27.00 ERA (and ultimately pitch to a <36.00 ERA).

It’s not a big ask. Save your best reliever for another day.

I think I saw Rogers warm up an inning earlier, when Parker was trying to find the strike zone.  Watched the game and can't remember the exact score in the 7th, but it was closer if I am not disremembering.

I have stated I would be happy had we won one of three this weekend.  I am more than happy with two wins.  I will be elated should the Twins sweep the Tribe.

Speaking of the Tribe, today's game may be the biggest game of the year for them.  Lose three out of the break to fall 8.5 back of the Twins and their hopes to win the division may be toast...burnt toast.

Still get antsy when both Duffey and Parker are on the mound.  Duffey had that deer in the headlights look again last night.  Does anyone have a pill filled with confidence they can give him?