stringer bell

As I mentioned earlier, I went on to other things after Stanton's first homer, so talk about a ripped fingernail is news to me. Looking at Dobnak's numbers, he is no better than Shoemaker or Happ and has never had the sustained success that those guys have had. I fear Randy is a one-pitch pitcher (moving sinker) and that doesn't cut it either in the rotation or the bullpen. I really want to know what happened to the slider that was one of the big topics in spring training.

I highlighted the sentence that I disagree with. I am not a huge fan of the Pohlad family, but I think the criticism is unwarranted. The Twins went from respected old-school baseball guy (Ryan) to forward-looking new generation guys (Falvey and Levine) and produced an improved product. Management and ownership spent money and in most people's estimation made an all-in gambit by signing Josh Donaldson and trading for Kenta Maeda. It certainly appears that all the Twins will have to show is a couple of division titles and a home run record that might stand for a while. However, it seems to be reaching to blame ownership. As mentioned, they spent the money and stayed out of the front office's way. Falvey and Levine might not be as brilliant as they were thought to be, but I would wager neither would be unemployed long if Twins ownership decided to try someone else. IMHO, the same is true for Baldelli. I couldn't watch any more after Stanton hit his first homer, but that doesn't mean I want to light a torch and demand that the Pohlads sell the Twins. This season has been brutal and it doesn't look like things will change quickly. It's hard to be patient during these times, but sometimes it is the right course to take.

Two ex-Twin items: Minaya has accepted an outright assignment to St. Paul, so he may well get another chance with the Twins. Matt Wisler Was DFAed by the Giants.

Oh Turtle!

Why are we conceding in the 6th?

Garlick and LeMahieu both lost at-bats to inconsistent strike zones.

As per usual, the Twins seem to always be the last team to post lineups. I suppose it has to do with all the injuries and roster movements, but still I wanted to post the lineups for the game thread, but still not available as of 5:13.

It didn't appear that Celestino was ready. Glad to see that Refsnyder will get back on the field (did I really just write that?).

Two things that impacted the bullpen were not getting solid options to replace the guys who left (looking for more Matt Wislers) and getting a failure for a late-inning high-leverage guy (Columé). There aren't many relievers who are anywhere near 100% consistent and Columé looked like he would at least be acceptable in the late innings, but he has failed so far. This changes the load and the expectations for almost everyone in the bullpen and no one has stepped forward (Rogers and Robles already were in place as late-inning guys). There's a lot of season left and I would expect the bullpen to improve, but in most respects the damage has been done.

I bet if the Royals get two hits in the bottom of the inning, they score at least one run.

Why do so many players have what looks like pine tar on their shoulder?

I guess it wasn't a HBP.

Does Celestino have basestealing speed?

What? I don't know.

Harvey pitched three days ago. Bremer said the Orioles were talking about a modified bullpen game.

Who?

Well, that wasn't a very good throw from Gordon. The subsequent hit makes the first run earned, but the throwing error changed the inning.

Were Wells and Larnach ever teammates? How about Gordon or Kirilloff?

Another at-'em ball.

A brutal called third strike. Hindsight is pretty clear.

Jeffers.................as expected.

Somebody tell Dick this is Gordon's third start.

Astudillo, first pitch swinging. Shocking!

This might not be good baseball, but it might be entertaining.

Wes looks better without the mask. If things continue all of the Twins might want to put masks on.