stringer bell

Key stat. The Twins are 1-0 in their last one extra inning games.

Inherited runner? Yeah, the Twins' bullpen has got this.

Bottom of the ninth and it’s 2:29. I do like quick games, but I hope this one goes 10.

Refsnyder regressing, shouldn’t be surprising.

Can we call it the Miguel Sanó sombrero?

I thought the Twins should have signed Galvis. Decent bat, capable at second and short.

I would think so, unless it's really hot in Baltimore.

It doesn't help that the ump just gave a couple inches off the outside corner.

That wall jumped right out in front of Refsnyder.

Cruz was all world for the first 30 games last year and very pedestrian in the last 30 games.

Cruz has an OPS under .700 for the month of May with three homers and six RBI despite hitting #3 or #4. Yes, he’ll hit better because he’s got a great approach and he’s smart, but I’m thinking he’s starting to decline.

The old "neighborhood" call at second base.

Wow, a productive out.

With Larnach out, the only other option would be Astudillo.

It looked to me like Donaldson winced when making the turn at first base. Calf? Hamstring? My imagination?

Neither guy looks great in the outfield, but Kirilloff looks good to me at first base. I think Larnach will be fine at either corner outfield spot, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Kirilloff spend a lot more time in his career at first than in the OF.

Happy Memorial Day to all. I've been told that Veteran's Day is to honor those among us who have served and that Memorial Day is to honor those who served and are no longer with us. To all the families of veterans who gave their lives for this country, thanks and well wishes. I am not from a military family, but I do have an uncle (still living) who served in WW2 and a son who attended the US Air Force Academy and served in the Air Force. Relatively late in life, I have seen the pride and the sacrifice that comes with serving our country in the military. I guess it is easier to discuss the military than it is to talk positively about the Minnesota Twins. The Twins returned to the basement of the AL Central because they were losing two of three at home to the KC Royals while the Detroit Tigers were sweeping the New York Yankees. Yes, maybe the Twins will have to climb past everyone to contend again. Wondering why Larnach isn't in the lineup today. I didn't see his HBP, was he injured by that? Maybe Rocco wants to give Garlick some play since we haven't seen many lefties starting lately.

Yes, the team needs a quick reload. They have several young veterans--Sanó, Buxton, Kepler, Polanco and Berríos--to go with the two rookies--Kirilloff and Larnach--to be decent if they can somehow get league-average pitching. More than half of the pitching staff needs to be rebuilt. I would think that the Twins need to sign a couple of quality arms in the offseason, but the farm needs to produce as well. When Buxton is not playing, one element that is sorely lacking is speed. Watching KC take extra bases and demonstrate range in the field really shows the contrast. Twins not only don't steal many bases, they don't go first to third on singles or score from first on doubles or from second on singles for that matter. IMHO, Kirilloff and Larnach will be mainstays for a long while. It would be fantastic if Royce Lewis could develop into a player with skills commensurate to his tools, that would be some nucleus. Of course, the pitchers need to be developed, as well. It seems many are doing very well in the minors. I hope we can see some advancement the rest of the year so that there can be help next year. I'm afraid the Twins won't have Buxton when they are good again. It's a pity, because this season, for the first time, he looks like he has found himself as a hitter to go along with that speed and defense.

8 free passes and three runs scored on a bases loaded walk, a solo homer and a double play grounder.

Sanó…….sigh.

Well, maybe there can be a rally.

And down the chute we go!

Seven batters reach in two innings and so far a bases loaded walk and a solo homer.

Rortvedt goes deep, as expected.

Four batters reach. the Twins score one.