Physics Guy

I'm curious if anybody is familiar with how it works at other stadiums. My guess is that they normally don't have the home team accessible for BP because it is more of a distraction for the players.

That sounds like a much better plan. I'm pretty sure they'd get at least $15 in concessions from me.

I agree that we haven't been able to watch the Twins for quite some time, probably even when they were at the Dome. Wouldn't it be nice if they could open up early once in a while, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday (without charging a fee)? Baseball has become just like every other sport that has to extract every penny from its fans to pay the top players contracts for ridiculous amounts. Not too long ago, a family of four could go to a game for easily under $100. That's pretty hard to pull off now at Target Field. It still beats going to about any other sporting event in town, but the margin is shrinking. OK, I'm done with my rant. I know the $15 is something I don't have to pay, but I'm pretty sure my son would like to see the Twins take BP.

Can I say both? Better because people who want to can watch the home team take BP. I think that is early enough to at least catch part of it. Worse because they feel they have to charge people for it. My guess it they'll say it's to cover the extra staffing that might be required, but I have my doubts they would need to do it.

The money grab is starting to become disgusting. For extra $15, Twins fans can get early entry for batting practice | StarTribune.com I don't care if half of the teams in MLB are doing it. That doesn't make it right. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in order to watch the Twins take BP you would have to pay the fee. By the time they open the gates, the Twins are done. This really creates some good will with the fans. (sarcasm)

Those numbers are skewed by his time as a starter. In 2010 and 2012 when he was more often a reliever, the numbers weren't as bad (.808/.678 in 2012). I can't seem to find a way to separate both starter/reliever and LHB/RHB at the same time to see what the actual splits are when he is in relief. He did just fine today and I think he has value as more than a LOOGY.

Just another in a long list of failed starters who became good closers for the Twins: Aguilera Hawkins (for a short time) Guardado Nathan Perkins

Good hire by the Twins. It's good to see Doug back. I always enjoyed watching him play. He did the most with the ability he had.

With Mastro being limited right now, Hicks stays in the 1 spot for awhile. If he continues to struggle in a week or two, Mastro probably gets a chance.

Agree completely. I will add that I am close to adding Fien to the list of 3 reliable relievers. If they don't give some of the other guys a shot, how do you know if you can trust them. It's a long season boys, let's not get too wound up yet.

The need for another LHP out of the bullpen may not be as great as stated. Duensing is capable of being more than a LOOGY, but that might be his best role. Both Fien and Roenicke had a better split against LHB than RHB last year and Burton was league average against LHB. Gardy may have to adjust his thinking and use Perk occasionally in the 8th against tough lefties. Burton can take the 9th when need be. I think this would work, but I doubt Gardy would agree. Then again, I was doubtful he would bat Mauer 2nd.

I personally think Gardy has done a pretty good job thus far with the bullpen. His hands were tied as Burton was unavailable (I believe). The Twins tried not to use him in back-to-backs last year after coming off shoulder problems. He pitched the previous two days. If you want to argue about use of the bullpen, my issue is that Robertson should have been brought in to pitch to Markakis in the 6th instead of Duensing. Duensing has the track record and should be saved for higher leverage situations, like the at-bat against Davis. Let's be honest though, Hendriks put the team in a bind not making it out of the 5th. He has to be better or Gibson will be up by May.

Nice rip by Hicks.

Because they gave the Orioles "more" runs?

Four run crud!

"Watching" via Gamecast on ESPN. It looks as though Mauer put up a good battle.

Let's just hope the Twins don't make Arrieta look like an All-Star like they did in the opener last year. Good start so far, Twins. I really am pulling for Hendriks to figure it out this year. I think we have a pretty good idea of what the first three pitchers are going to give us this year, but Hendriks is the wild card in the rotation.

Two walks for Plouffie!

Unfortunately, you are probably correct.

Talking to coworker today and he was commenting how bad Arencibia looks behind the plate for Toronto. Listening to Gladden in the car he says, "Arencibia's glove is on the DL..." I got a good chuckle out of that one.

The guy that started for the Twins today is clearly worth 2yrs/$10M. The question is how often do we get to see that pitcher this year?

I can't believe nobody has posted this: [video=youtube;S9StStOsFpg]

There are so many ways to go with this, many already stated. Baseball was the only sport my parents ever took me to as a kid and was the sport I grew up loving. I remember avidly watching 50-60 games a summer on a 12" B&W TV growing up, only because they didn't show all of the games back then. I couldn't wait to watch This Week in Baseball every Saturday. The theme song is my cell phone ringer. Baseball is a game of strategy, a thinking man's sport. It's by far the most family friendly game both in pace and the attitude of the fans. There is no way my kids go to a Vikings game until they are in high school.

I concur. My guess is .350 OBP/.725 - .750 OPS.

I hate this day off in the middle of the first series. Put it at the end as a travel day. I want to watch again tonight