JadenPoint

Isn't it a manager's or coaches job to get the most out of players though? To put them in the best position to succeed and motivate them?

Analytics say this was the wrong move to pull Snell. He had better numbers 3rd time thru the order vs 2nd time, 2 years in a row. Also Betts had a terrible year vs lefties and his ops was awful the 3rd time facing a starter this season.

I've been watching the Rays alot this post season. Their starters are great and bullpen is lights out. How is their payroll always so low??

Bad calls happen and I have a bigger problem with umpires being so damn sensitive. nba and nfl refs get yelled at every game and don't react alot of the time. Ejecting a player for questioning a bad call is not always necessary

Agreed that he's not coming here. This front office/manager wouldn't allow him to pitch 8+ innings regularly. I watched the video breakdown he did on Keplers 5 homers and it was excellent. The dude is a character

I feel like both the Twins and Dodgers "won" the Maeda for Graterol trade. I watched him get the save last night, and his FB at 101mph with movement is just something to behold

I agree the twins need to overcome a lot of these things. Pitching was the least of their problems in 2020 and I hope they figure out a new offensive plan for 2021!

Moneyball sabermetrics is not just pulling the pitcher before the 3rd time through. It's shifting, matchups and pitch selection using statistical tendencies. It doesn't always lend itself to playoff style, score anyway you can type of baseball. They should not have had a shift on with 2 strikes to tucker, especially after he tried to beat it first AB. Berrios deserved better there. Ultimately it didn't matter, because this team can't win without hitting HRs

Right! Playoff baseball is about seizing opportunities and in game adjustments. That moneyball stuff plays over 162 games, not in a short series. Too many variables

This core group is now responsible for 1/3 of the losing streak. The previous teams had less talent and were only favored against the A's.

Here's my over reaction: Play like every AB and every out matters. The Twins can still win this series!

Good write up. Twins gifted this win to Houston. This team depends way too much on hitting homeruns to score. Idk if that's the best plan for the post season

Houston doesn't mash this season, but they make pitchers throw strikes and work the count. I'll be surprised if berrios pitch count allows him to see the 5th inning. Hope the bats show up tomorrow!

The astros have a pitching advantage imo. Twins strikeout too much and their hitters put the ball in play. The pressure will be on our defense to make the routine plays. Could be a low scoring tight series

Good points on the seedings and divisional records here by my fellow TD readers. I probably just hate the Astros so much that it's made me bias

Maybe if he'd stop pulling off pitches away? I can't believe the coaches haven't told him to go opposite field. Or maybe they just want him trying hit HRs every at bat.. idk

No HRs tonight, but a lot of runs and great ABs. Very encouraging sign! Houston as the 6th seed at 29-30 just seems dumb. I understand rewarding a division winner with a top 3 seed, but 2nd place in the worst division in the AL??

Well the sox just went from the 2 seed to 7th. Maybe the Twins can as well?

With the post season coming, is it too late for them to understand situational baseball? Runners at 2nd-3rd less than 2 outs, just put the ball in play when the infield is playing back. Or maybe change your swing with 2 strikes, just to get a run home. Nope, always swinging for the fences every pitch.

Prob the best BP performance I've seen this season. It's very concerning that they cannot score without home runs.

The 7 or 8 seed is looking better and better. The yankees are getting healthy and mashing. Is Wes Johnson doing anything? The pitching staff is really regressing

Is it too late for Rogers to opt out of this season? Seems like mentally he already has. He's been dominant in the past but now there's no fire or urgency in his game. Kind of like Rocco

I hope that's the case. I heard today that the playoff games in CA won't start until the division series.

I know they will make the post season, but passing either chicago or Cleveland is big. Along with getting everyone healthy and locked in, playing a 3 game series at target field should be the goal.

Maybe Jeffers should become Berrios regular catcher? They seem to be working well together