stringer bell

29 homers in 189 games is good. 28 in about 155 is much better and Dozier has done that. There is a nice article on Dozier in the PP. It points out when the power stroke started and where Dozier ranks in home runs in the last 51 weeks. The transformation has been incredible.

Question--I was in my car almost all day. I heard most of the game, but not all. Gardy said "we missed some plays", which was he referring to? I know Santana didn't turn a DP, but Nolasco got the next guy. Hicks didn't make a catch in center and Mauer/Nolasco didn't make a 3-1 putout work (I see that one has been debated here).

Mauer owes him for not scooping a low throw in the game on Saturday. He should double down.

I would have liked to see Vargas. I understand not promoting him and rewarding Herrmann for his fine run at Rochester. However, Herrmann is a suspect and it will be a surprise if he does anything good with the bat. Having Pinto pinch hit will probably happen now without any more grey hairs for the manager.

If a guy throws one six-pitch inning, shouldn't he be eligible to pitch the next day? One-inning guys should be able to pitch two days in a row and as much as four out of five. That is what Perkins has done in the last five days. I don't think Gardy's bullpen usage is masterful, but it isn't that bad. He does seem to want to hold on to a security blanket of an extra guy out there who won't work for several days, and I don't mean the long man.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/2982-Shortstop-Pecking-Order

New candidates to be dumped (or dispatched to Rochester). Chris Colabello--His average and OPS have fallen off a cliff. He's been asked to play RF and he's not an outfielder. Parmelee is a capable backup for Mauer at first and is a better OF, for sure. Plus he's hit a couple homers. Mike Tonkin--We see the good stuff, but the results haven't been there his last few times out. He may benefit from a trip to Rochester and when he returns, perhaps a role for him will be available (via trade, injury, or ineffectiveness). Caleb Thielbar--Much like Tonkin, the results haven't been there. He doesn't have Tonkin's stuff, but he is left handed. Danny Santana--For now Escobar is the shortstop and Hicks is the CF. He's not playing, so he should probably be sent down. Finally, perennial Dump List nominee Kevin Correia is about one start away from demotion to the bullpen or developing a groin injury. Unfortunately, Dump List favorite Mike Pelfrey is still under contract and had a successful start in his first rehab outing.

Lots of candidates. Tonkin, Thielbar, Guerrier, for sure.

Dozier in the Home Run Derby?

Winnah!

Really nervous now.

Nervous about Perk going for the save tonight.

As Dick was saying, the team hasn't had any extra runs in this round of games.

A good throw might have had him.

At least there was nobody on.

Do some of these guys have a big date tonight? A lot of swings early in the count.

Why would they have three catchers when there is no DH?

I'm seeing a little skid for the bullpen. Duensing and Fien doing the best and I don't trust either one.

Bert: "Wow, is he hot!" I'm sure Chi-Town agrees.

The timing for a Zuke trade isn't good right now. Obviously his value now would be high, but he's needed by the Twins. I kind of like the O's backup, so perhaps an exchange of catchers plus a prospect might be good for both teams.

Two out and Colabello up. Time to get a beverage.

Maybe, but that was a tough "half hop".

Bert relying on stats. Hart not a threat after multiple knee surgeries.

Not looking good early.

Less Ks more DPs.