OldFartAtPlay

I think the bunt is still a viable tool for someone like Byron Buxton or Eddie Rosario to use (once in a while.) I remember seeing Kent Hrbek bunting for hits in his first year or two. I loved the surprise element. But I agree that the modern player doesn't get enough training in how to actually perform a good bunt. And with the state of free agency one would think it might benefit a player moving from one league to the other.

I think he deserves a chance at a full season. He's got tremendous power from both sides of the plate and it seems that power is a major component in baseball these days. I love Mr. Grossman but I really love the thought of a few more balls reaching the outfield seats. If nothing else I think Mr. Vargas deserves a shot after having been yanked around so much. I also think another year working with Mr. Rowson will benefit everyone concerned. I really like the way he's worked with the hitters.

As I watched the game last night I was expecting Gibson to implode at any moment. My hat is off to him. He didn't seem to have his best stuff but managed the game well. Of course it helps to have the team pull off three doubleplays behind him! But at one point last night I wondered if having Bartolo Colon on staff hasn't rubbed off on him. There was more patience in his pitching than was there in the early months, (when I wanted him shipped out.) And when there was any defensive miscue behind him he was able to shrug it off (unlike the early months when he'd just collapse.) Oh well, I've come around to thinking that they Twins might be well rewarded by retaining him. CHEAPLY of course, he's not that good!

If I were Mr. Sano I wouldn't pay any attention to Mr. Reusse or Mr. Souhan. Just a pair of old boo-birds who feel a need to pontificate. And I have to add, Mr. Sano is still a young man. I've seen steady improvement from him this year and he has, for me, become the face of the Minnesota Twins. I don't think anyone wants to let a player who could become the next David Ortiz get away. Once was enough.

I'm not sure I agree with the idea of Minnesota becoming a "destination for pitching" since I doubt any high-end free agents would be willing to sign with the Twins. But the fact remains that the team's defense has improved a great deal over last year. The outfield of Rosario, Buxton and Kepler is the best I've seen here (or many other places,) in a long time. Catching is much better than anytime since Mr. Mauer had to relinquish the tools of ignorance. And the infield play has been solid and at (many) times exceptional. I can see trading Dozier and moving Polanco to second except for a growing worry about Mr. Polanco and his hitting. He seems worn out and before the Allstar break seemed to have more problems with his fielding. For now I hope to see much more of Mr. Adrianza who has been quite good. Eduardo Escobar will probably be traded but I hope not. I love his glove at third and short and his bat continues to impress. As for Miguel Sano, he is my very favorite player and continues to impress with both bat and glove. If pitchers look at things besides money, like maybe the defensive and offensive strength of a club (meaning: a chance to win and get into the post season,) I guess it's possible they may begin to look at the Twins as destination. Hey! I argued myself into believing!

What the heck! Minor league contract....he may not make it to the majors...but...he might be able to get us a win or two. I do believe the Twins have better defense that the Braves...

I can see shopping Dozier and Grossman. I don't see Rosario being moved yet even with Mr. Granite doing so well in Triple A. I love Escobar and feel he brings alot to the team with both his glove and his bat. But if the FO can get some very good pitching (doesn't need to be an "Ace") for him I will smile through my tears.

It is an understatement to say I was shocked by the implosion of our bullpen. I know they are not the best in the league but I thought they could surely get 6 outs. Some loss of control (walking Reddick and then hitting Altuve) , some bad luck (that 50 foot single), and some just plain old poor pitching turned a 6 run lead into an 8 run deficit. Was Mr. Wheeler at the stadium? Why did Mr. Molitor go with pitchers who were gassed from the marathon the day before? Granted that Mr. Rucinski was fresh, but methinks he's just not very good. I never thought this would be another magical '91 last to first season but I still have hopes of finishing around or (dare I say it..) above 500. But to me, this season is what the Twins should have been doing last year. Bring up young players and give them an honest chance to succeed or fail. Meaning don't sit them on the bench for a week, have them pinch hit , see them fail and send them down again. Everyone has off days, or a bit of bad luck so patience is needed, but get them in there! Let them get their feet wet and their noses bloodied! Sorry to be so verbose but today really galled me.

A very nice game by Mr. Berrios. I was especially happy to see how he righted himself after wild pitching in the first run. And I am very happy to see him getting outs in any manner possible. Love one pitch popups! Did Terry Francona let that squirrel loose to try and rattle Jose?

Very good news for us all. Hopefully the lessons of the past month will carry over. And, honestly, I'm willing to give him the chance to struggle a bit more.

I agree. My rose tinted glass is half full. I will admit that I'm glad they sent Gibson down. I hope he finds a way to be a useful pitcher, whether as a starter or in the Bullpen. He has some ability.