Blake

After passing the test of Tampa, the Twins move on to the test of Cleveland. Today is the opening day of a three day test of the Twins against Cleveland, with the Twins hoping to put the boot on the metaphorical throat of the Indians and apply tremendous pressure, to the point the Indians tag out for the rest of the season. *Heh. Found the gif after I started writing Our very own highly esteemed RiverBrian put together some excellent thoughts on the portent of this series, which I am shamelessly plugging, because it's a good read and it's good to once again read RB's thoughts at TD. http://twinsdaily.com/topic/33382-twins-indians-series-possible-long-term-consequences/ With that, on to some random thoughts: 1. Interesting we've had no solid word as to the ultimate destination of Keuchel or Kimbrel. 2. The opening day of the draft and the Twins sign another infielder. Interesting. 3. Congrats to Keoni Cavaco for being the first pick of the Twins. 4. Bobby Witt returns to baseball! Pitching for the Twins: Devin Smeltzer Pitching for the Indians: Shane Bieber (Justin wasn't available? Yeah, yeah, whatever, just couldn't let that slide. Feel for the guy, though, well, maybe not today, but, in general.) 5: Play ball!

*checks TD style sheet* Umm, no?

On another note, anyone else notice that it appears a lot of teams are playing it really close to the vest when it comes to potential acquisitions? I thought we'd have a good idea where Kimbrel and Keuchel are headed by now.

You mean it's possible the Nats made it almost impossible to trade Scherzer because of his contract? I honestly don't see a team paying Scherzer long after his services may no longer be required. Well, other than the Nationals.

I want to see the Twins drive a stake into the hopes and dreams of Cleveland.

Catchers who can hit are at a premium, though. Imagine bringing someone into the system that has better tools than Garver?

Yeah, the Rays are using openers because they have such an outstanding pitching staff.

All seems a bit surreal.

My eyes went right over that. Sox are tied with Cleveland. KC, though, 21 games back. What a run the Twins are on.

Twins are 11.5 game up on Cleveland now. Wow.

And I'm breathing again....

Parker looked like he knew he was struggling.

Schoop says, "yeah baby!"

worth quoting.

Cool beans. Has to be dispiriting for the Rays.

This inning.

Okay, I'm not used to this kind of stuff happening this year.

Hmm, I see that face often on other people after I've had tacos. not sure why.

Odorizzi seems to be taking a page from the Bartolo Colon school of pitching.

Can't believe Yarbrough is still pitching. Talk about sacrificial lamb.

Hah! Clamoring.

Well, Twins fans are clambering for an Ace, but, I wonder if they're missing what's going on with the current staff? Granted, it's only this year, but, it seems to me that Odorizzi is showing he may have "it." Accent on the "may."

Love the small ball by the Twins. Excellent they are showing they can play small and long ball.

And the Byron Buxton show continues.