Blake

Someone is leaving ND for Michigan? Why? Okay, granted, Michigan is probably a bit warmer in the winter. (although, -20, -40...it's all cold) But still, ND seems like a pretty cool place to hang out. Although, I hear good things about the UP. At times I miss Minnesota. And it did cause me amusement when Mom called me in December to tell me how cold it was in CA. Another chuckle worthy moment was telling my brother-in-law, on Christmas Day, that it had turned really nice, 28 degrees, sun was shining, new snow on the ground, etc. I'm pretty sure my brother-in-law thought I was insane.

I like this years Twins due to the fact there are options in the system that can be brought up. In fact, there may even be a surplus that can be traded for a need, which is cool.

I suspect Duensing is not long for the team.

The Twins are setting up the Tigers for a big comeback, just like the Tigers did to the Twins.

Always33, your sister sounds like a brilliant practical joker. Either that, or she knew how to set you up. May I offer you some steak tartare? (seeing if I get an ish or ick)

Perkins should get an honorary save against this Tigers lineup.

Easy for Smalley to say now. When he was playing he probably had some choice 4 letter words when he faced such pitching.

Hmm, Dr. Scholl's commercial. Would have been appropriate last year, with the way the Twins were stinking up the ballpark.

Nolasco has the Tigers scoreless through three? Time for a contract extension!

Wow. Can you see it? Nolasco gets DFA's and Milone recalled. It's not like anyone will pick up Nolasco due to his contract. (Unless DFA means the Twins eat the contract no matter what)

I think the Nolasco signing was an attempt to make the Pelfrey signing look like a bargain.... In all seriousness, I'm seeing too many excuses from Mr. Nolasco which I think contrasts with Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey, to me, seemed like he was always out there pitching his guts out even though he stunk. I just do not get the same vibe from Ricky Nolasco.

Seth, who you don't mention says volumes...Nolasco.

Nick, I think you're underestimating the contributions Mr. Nolasco will make to team ERA. A higher number is better, right?

Disappointing loss but it wasn't due to pitching. Now there is a sentence I did not expect to write this year.

Two races to watch this year: AL Central and NL West. The rest are just along for the ride. I have to admit, I'm curious to see how the top three teams in the AL Central and the top three teams in the NL West do outside their respective divisions. (the Twins are in the top three in the Central? Anyone see that coming? Is it a mirage? Are dogs and cats sleeping together? Mass hysteria?)

Hmm, who fills Hicks spot in Triple A? Is a Buxton promotion in the offing? Or does someone go down from the major league club?

I tuned into the Sox versus the Brewers just in time to catch the highlight shot to center by Carlos Gomez. Then, due to some sloppy fielding by the Sox, Gomez turned a triple into a run. (E9) That is all.

Only 7 runs? Pffft. Pikers.

I agree, the Twins are going to give Nolasco every chance to succeed, simply because they are paying him a lot of money. I also agree the Twins shouldn't give up too quickly. Of course, how do you define "too quickly?" If I were Terry Ryan, I would have a case of Tums by my desk at all times during this season. I know Ryan gets paid a lot of money, but issues like Nolasco are ulcer inducing.

How long a leash Nolasco is given depends on the Twins commitment to winning this year. If the Twins continue to win despite subpar starts by Nolasco and yet the Twins continue to put Nolasco on the mound tells me the Twins are not committed to winning this year.

The Twins have been spanking good pitchers, mediocre pitchers and bad pitchers lately. My best guess is that Twins batters will nod off during the time it takes for a Chen pitch to reach home plate and the sudden waking when the pitch finally does arrive will cause bats to flail wildly. Or Chen doesn't survive the second inning.

I'm starting to believe the new pitching coach, and pitching coaches in general, have more of an impact than I would have credited.

I think you're wrong in the context of the current team. The Twins have plenty of "all bat, marginal field" personnel. The Senators could, I think, afford to give up some fielding for Harmon's bat. The current Twins cannot afford to give up Plouffe's fielding for another bat. The Twins are currently carrying Nunez, Vargas and Arcia, all of whom have limited fielding ability. At this point, it sounds like Sano would be more of the same. Will Sano improve with the glove? I don't know. Of course, a couple of years ago, I would have laughed if you'd have told me that Trevor Plouffe would become as good with the glove as he is. I'd also point out the Twins infield defense has become markedly improved this year, not a little of which is due to the improved play of Mr. Plouffe.

I'm now looking forward to seeing the Twins tomorrow. And not in the "can't turn away from a trainwreck" sort of way. The Twins are scoring runs in bunches. Lots of bunches. A game here, a game there, sure. But consistently? Wow. Oh yeah, and the Twins are getting some infield fielding to go with some decent pitching. And no Ervin Santana. Getting Santana back will be like the Twins trading for a pitcher at the trade deadline. Even more interesting, if the Twins continue to remain in contention, they'll actually have some good personnel to trade. (Rosario could very well make life very uncomfortable for Robinson and Shaefer)

Side note: By this time last year, I do believe we were all crying. This year, we're engaging in some laughter. We do have what appear to be some dandy races this year: KC and Detroit while the Dodgers, Padres and Giants all vie to win the NL West with 87 games in the win column. I'm hoping the Twins are in the mix, but, no matter what, it looks like a great year for baseball.