stringer bell

Another month is almost over, so I've composed another Game Thread Introductions document. This can be for reference for volunteers who have already signed up, but also a chance for someone new to choose a game date and sign up. My gratitude continues for those who have signed up and keep producing thought-provoking, humorous, and sometimes slightly off kilter content to introduce and give a distinctive stamp to daily game threads. Thanks all of you! Here is the link to the document with the dates that are currently spoken for: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PpbBBu8BMveKjoBz-CImFH0qXsojI8FtOWmBOe4xiH0/edit

Giolito and Maeda have combined for one K. I wonder if the foreign substances crackdown has anything to do with that.

It could have been worse, but oh my, Maeda couldn’t have struggled much more.

Tight zone.

Double digits.

Donaldson brings some rain.

Tough customer in Giolito. Beating him would build some momentum.

I count nine of the top 20 as injured, several done for the season. Of those healthy enough to play, six are currently on the major league team, leaving only five top 20 players actually playing in the minors. Whew!

All-Star game for Donaldson.

Looks like Eddie will finish the series 3-12 with three RBI hits (four total RBI). Not bad.

Interesting defensive plays that half inning. All the plays were made.

I would expect MLB will have the DH in both leagues so Cruz will have plenty of matches with his skills.

Yes, Nelson Cruz is still an elite hitter. But besides fighting opposing pitchers, he also is trying to face down Father Time. I just don't see him being as productive at 41 as 40 and maybe a lot less productive. The Twins have a lot of hitters who can man the DH role going forward. He won't have too much value since he doesn't play in the field and he has an expiring contract. The odds are against the Twins contending in 2022, but what is needed is pitching. I would hope any and all trades they make this year bring back pitching, including a trade for Cruz. It would also give Nelson a chance to win a World Series, something he hasn't done. Regarding Celestino, the Twins still have three right handed outfielders on the Injured List. When one of them comes back, Celestino should be returned for his own development. Yes, I'm impressed with Gordon so far and he's been fine in center field, but I'm not ready say he's going to have a long major league career. 50 plate appearances isn't enough for deciding his ultimate future.

Decent outing for Happ. I hope he can sustain it until the trade deadline.

J A Cruz hadn't hit the ball well in this series, but he punishes mistakes.

Well, yes and no. The couple extra wins that Cruz can claim won't matter much. Meanwhile this is less time for young players to show their wares and determine if they are part of the solution.

Nice catch Eddie.

Let's see Cruz, Donaldson, Simmons and Happ building trade value!

It looked to me like a break and more, probably ligament damage etc. Just call me Dr. Bell.

Oh my goodness! I really don't want to see that again. That rivals Alex Smith and Joe Theismann.

J A can't pitch from behind. Small margin for error.

Simmons! As expected.

Or not.

Two on, none out. Time for a big inning!

Good first JA.