Minnesota Twins Official 2007 Thread (1 Viewer)

[pigskin pimp]

I didn't see an official Twinkee thread, and I know we have some fans in here. So I created a thread where we can talk some Minny baseball.

My 1st *Official* thread.



American League Central (as of 4/24/07)

Minnesota 11 8 .579

Detroit 11 8 .579

Cleveland 9 7 .562

Chi. White Sox 10 8 .556

Kansas City 6 13 .316

 

[pigskin pimp]

Johan looked great today.

Mauer's leg doesn't seem like an issue.

Morneau hits a huge HR.

1st place in the 1st week, things are looking good so far.

 

[Facecow]

Good thread.

Perhaps the 3 game series against the Yankees will get the Twins some more notice around the league.

Having been picked to finish the season behind Cleveland, Chicago, and Detroit is a bit of an annoyance. I can understand that the pundits appreciate the success that Chicago and Detroit have had recently but Cleveland? When was the last time they won the division? When was the last time they won anything?

They can have Hafner, C.C Sabathia, and their weak armed catcher Martinez. I'll take the Cy Young winner, Batting champ, and AL MVP over those guys any day of the week.

I like the looks of this Twins team although depth is a concern. Good to see that Cuddy has started to hit again; his strikeouts will continue but are bearable when he hits and fields well. Too bad about that base running gaffe.

 

[Funkley]

The Garza/Slowey/Perkins watch starts tonight.

 

[pigskin pimp]

The Garza/Slowey/Perkins watch starts tonight.

Hopefully, they hide the pre-game buffet before Sidney hurls tonight. Looks like Carlos has been on the David Wells diet as well this off season.

 

[Wooderson]

Excited for this series against the Yanks.

Go Twins Go !!!

 

[pigskin pimp]

Excited for this series against the Yanks. Go Twins Go !!!

Me too. Hate to admit this, but I'm a closet Yankee fan (but the hometown team comes 1st). So I always go to at least one of these games. But my wife works tonight and tomorrow.If anyone has a free ticket for Wednesday's game, I'll buy the 1st 2 rounds.FWIW, I grew up a Twins fan and still am, but the Yanks were my 2nd team because of Donny Baseball, Winfield, and Righetti.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Can we just go with a 4 man rotation if Garza and Perkins aren't ready?!?

Seriously.

5-0 after 1 and 1/2 for the Bronx Boys.

And WTF is with Sid's curly mullet?

 

[ThisGuy]

Excited for this series against the Yanks.

Go Twins Go !!!

Me too. Hate to admit this, but I'm a closet Yankee fan (but the hometown team comes 1st). So I always go to at least one of these games. But my wife works tonight and tomorrow.If anyone has a free ticket for Wednesday's game, I'll buy the 1st 2 rounds.

FWIW, I grew up a Twins fan and still am, but the Yanks were my 2nd team because of Donny Baseball, Winfield, and Righetti.

I'm a huge Yanks fan, but I've always rooted for the Twins because of Kirby and Hrbek and Gaetti.

 

[Wooderson]

Well tonight didn't work out.

 

[Bill Brasky]

 

[pigskin pimp]

Well tonight didn't work out.

That was an understatement.Looks like we're going to watch some of those games when Silva and Ponson get lit up like X-mas trees until they find out who has anything to bring to the table.We should be seeing Garza or Perkins by mid May.WTF is up with Cuddyer? He forget how to run the basepaths in the offseason? Was he training with Bartlett?

 

[Wooderson]

I would like to Garza sooner then later.

 

[Funkley]

I would like to Garza sooner then later.

He's not ready yet though. We're gonna have to suffer through this for awhile.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Is there a :sweep: smilie?

The Bronx Bombers are teeing off on the hometown boys.

 

[ooofffaaa]

And the sharks pick up a small trace of blood in the water . . .

According to SI.com, Johan Santana has told the Twins that he won't negotiate again until he hits the open market.

We doubt that's really the case -- another round of offseason talks should be a possible -- but it's never been likely that the Twins would be able to extend the left-hander before he becomes a free agent after 2008. The team reportedly offered a two-year extension, worth about $18 million per year, with a club option for 2011. Santana, though, has absolutely no reason to accept something like that. He's in line to command $25 million per year as a free agent, which is why the Twins could try to trade him next winter.

 

[pigskin pimp]

And the sharks pick up a small trace of blood in the water . . . According to SI.com, Johan Santana has told the Twins that he won't negotiate again until he hits the open market.We doubt that's really the case -- another round of offseason talks should be a possible -- but it's never been likely that the Twins would be able to extend the left-hander before he becomes a free agent after 2008. The team reportedly offered a two-year extension, worth about $18 million per year, with a club option for 2011. Santana, though, has absolutely no reason to accept something like that. He's in line to command $25 million per year as a free agent, which is why the Twins could try to trade him next winter.

At least we have him for another 1 and 1/2. They should be able to afford Morneau then and pick up a great package for Johan next year.$25 M a year for 34 starts, wow.

 

[pigskin pimp]

About effing time. Nice job by Ortiz. Twinkies just lit up Farnsworth.

 

[Wooderson]

About effing time. Nice job by Ortiz. Twinkies just lit up Farnsworth.

 

[Funkley]

First game of our Flex 40 was last night. GB not being there Monday or Tuesday. Btw, Alexi Casilla is f'n fast.

 

[Wooderson]

What a game last night.

Twins get a gift with the base running mistake.

Then walk off baby!!!

 

[Funkley]

GB Justin Morneau. Mr. Ryan, get him signed while you can.

 

[Funkley]

BTw, new ballpark drawings look nice. I'll be there.

 

[Wooderson]

BTw, new ballpark drawings look nice. I'll be there.

They look great!! Good riddance Metrodome.

 

[JohnnyU]

What are your thoughts on Glen Perkins long term?

 

[meeka]

Heading to the Hump for tonights game. Santana and Kazmir should be a great game. I am taking my 3 year old, so I hope it is a quick one.

 

[Greco]

Is this franchise ever going to play baseball in anything else than that ri****ulous excuse for a ball park?

Just asking.

 

[pigskin pimp]

What are your thoughts on Glen Perkins long term?

The lefty is cocky and arrogant and believes in his stuff. He's won at every level. I was hoping he'd get the 5th spot in the rotation out of spring training. He looks like long relief right now, but may be the 1st option at starter over Garza if Ponson can't get it together.

 

[Funkley]

Is this franchise ever going to play baseball in anything else than that ri****ulous excuse for a ball park?

Just asking.

It's a football stadium, never meant to be a baseball stadium. New park opens in 2010.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Heading to the Hump for tonights game. Santana and Kazmir should be a great game. I am taking my 3 year old, so I hope it is a quick one.

lol, good luck with that

 

[Funkley]

What are your thoughts on Glen Perkins long term?

The lefty is cocky and arrogant and believes in his stuff. He's won at every level. I was hoping he'd get the 5th spot in the rotation out of spring training. He looks like long relief right now, but may be the 1st option at starter over Garza if Ponson can't get it together.

He has a better compliment of pitches than his competition though. Not better pitches necessarily but a better assortment. I think that will keep him starting.

 

[Greco]

Is this franchise ever going to play baseball in anything else than that ri****ulous excuse for a ball park?

Just asking.

It's a football stadium, never meant to be a baseball stadium. New park opens in 2010.

Thank you.

Is it going to be a dome? With trash bags for fences?

 

[pigskin pimp]

Is this franchise ever going to play baseball in anything else than that ri****ulous excuse for a ball park?

Just asking.

It's a football stadium, never meant to be a baseball stadium. New park opens in 2010.

Thank you.

Is it going to be a dome? With trash bags for fences?

 

[pigskin pimp]

Alone in 1st place.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Tough loss last night. Sowers looked good.

3 Ls in 4 games. Not good. Hopefully Santana is on his game tonight.

I'm going to tonight's game.

If you see me at Huberts, buy me a beer. I'll be the the guy in the oxford and Twins cap.

 

[Funkley]

Tough loss last night. Sowers looked good.3 Ls in 4 games. Not good. Hopefully Santana is on his game tonight.I'm going to tonight's game. If you see me at Huberts, buy me a beer. I'll be the the guy in the oxford and Twins cap.

My son and I will be there too.

 

[pigskin pimp]

Tough loss last night. Sowers looked good.3 Ls in 4 games. Not good. Hopefully Santana is on his game tonight.I'm going to tonight's game. If you see me at Huberts, buy me a beer. I'll be the the guy in the oxford and Twins cap.

My son and I will be there too.

At Huberts? I'll buy him a beer.

 

[Funkley]

Tough loss last night. Sowers looked good.3 Ls in 4 games. Not good. Hopefully Santana is on his game tonight.I'm going to tonight's game. If you see me at Huberts, buy me a beer. I'll be the the guy in the oxford and Twins cap.

My son and I will be there too.

At Huberts? I'll buy him a beer.

He's only 7 so make it a light beer.

 

[wadegarrett]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

 

[Funkley]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

 

[wadegarrett]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

 

[Funkley]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

Fine, I hope he ####in kills them the next time. Christ.ETA: Pinpoint huh? Ever see Santana's April numbers? Backing a guy off the plate vs hitting them on purpose isn't a line you can hope to know 100%. The Twins wanted that win as bad as Cleveland so intentionally putting guys on base ahead of Martinez makes as little sense as asking Fausto to plunk Morneau.

 

[Wooderson]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

Fine, I hope he ####in kills them the next time. Christ.ETA: Pinpoint huh? Ever see Santana's April numbers? Backing a guy off the plate vs hitting them on purpose isn't a line you can hope to know 100%. The Twins wanted that win as bad as Cleveland so intentionally putting guys on base ahead of Martinez makes as little sense as asking Fausto to plunk Morneau.

Easy big fella...

 

[Funkley]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

Fine, I hope he ####in kills them the next time. Christ.ETA: Pinpoint huh? Ever see Santana's April numbers? Backing a guy off the plate vs hitting them on purpose isn't a line you can hope to know 100%. The Twins wanted that win as bad as Cleveland so intentionally putting guys on base ahead of Martinez makes as little sense as asking Fausto to plunk Morneau.

Easy big fella...

Well it's stupid. Boo f'n hoo. Baseball players have become such p####ies. Getting hit used to be common place and now it's some huge insult. Get off the plate if you don't want to get hit.

 

[wadegarrett]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete :X . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

Fine, I hope he ####in kills them the next time. Christ.ETA: Pinpoint huh? Ever see Santana's April numbers? Backing a guy off the plate vs hitting them on purpose isn't a line you can hope to know 100%. The Twins wanted that win as bad as Cleveland so intentionally putting guys on base ahead of Martinez makes as little sense as asking Fausto to plunk Morneau.

Easy big fella...

Well it's stupid. Boo f'n hoo. Baseball players have become such p####ies. Getting hit used to be common place and now it's some huge insult. Get off the plate if you don't want to get hit.

Seriously dude, it's just a iconversation.I understand where you're coming from. Again, I'm all for pitching inside. I'm all for plunking a guy if you want him off the plate. I just consider last night's circumstances very suspect.

BTW, in 2006 Santana hit a total of 4 guys. In 2005, he hit a total of 1. Last night he hit 2 in one game!

 

[Bobcat10]

If he was pushing guys off the plate he did it in ackward (sp?) situations. He hit Martinez to get in hitters heads after he gave up a jack. He hit Hafner with 1st base open after Blake nailed an RBI double extending the lead. How often does Johan give up 4 ER in 7 INN? Dude was not happy. He hit them on purpose. Whether that is OK or not, I don't care and I don't know the answer. Baseball doesn't like it because they'll probably warn the teams before games for the rest of this season.

Fact is if the Tribe hits M and M next series, for any reason at all, nobody should be suprised and nobody should complain. Johan did it to his teammates, not anyone else.

 

[Bobcat10]

Good series to watch btw. It was great to see W's from my side, but there was also some good pitching/hitting both ways which is why this division will be fantastic this year.

 

[Funkley]

Don't think the Indians are going to forget Santana drilling both Martinez and Hafner. Pretty bushleague for a guy like Santana too.

I was sitting down the 3rd base line so I only saw them from the side but it sounds like you think he did it on purpose? If guys are standing in comfortably there's nothing wrong with pitching them in....even 'too' in. If this were the late 60's and it was Bob Gibson pitching those guys would expect to get hit. Now it's 'bush league'. Pitchers can only survive by making hitters like Hafner and Martinez uncomfortable. If they had such a problem with it then Fausto would have drilled someone.

Santana, a pitcher with pinpoint accuracy, hasn't hit anyone all year and he just happens to hit the next guy up with the first pitch after a monster HR was hit off him? Then later he drills the guy who hit the HR off him in the perfect situation (first base open). I'll give him one, but certainly not two. Maurer wasn't even set up inside on the second one. I understand about pitching inside. It's part of the game and sometimes guys get hit. You thinking it wasn't on purpose is being a complete . And the Indians weren't about to get in a pissing contest with a slim lead over Santana in the Metrodome. They wanted/needed that win. They'll fire back when the timing is right.

Fine, I hope he ####in kills them the next time. Christ.ETA: Pinpoint huh? Ever see Santana's April numbers? Backing a guy off the plate vs hitting them on purpose isn't a line you can hope to know 100%. The Twins wanted that win as bad as Cleveland so intentionally putting guys on base ahead of Martinez makes as little sense as asking Fausto to plunk Morneau.

Easy big fella...

Well it's stupid. Boo f'n hoo. Baseball players have become such p####ies. Getting hit used to be common place and now it's some huge insult. Get off the plate if you don't want to get hit.

Seriously dude, it's just a iconversation.I understand where you're coming from. Again, I'm all for pitching inside. I'm all for plunking a guy if you want him off the plate. I just consider last night's circumstances very suspect.

BTW, in 2006 Santana hit a total of 4 guys. In 2005, he hit a total of 1. Last night he hit 2 in one game!

So I ask, why last night be a ##### if he's never shown the inclination to hit batters like this previously? It's not the first time he's ever given up a couple runs that might have pissed him off. If anything this shows me it's even less likely he wanted to plunk anyone. I doubt he minded but I doubt he said, "Ok, here you go...."

 

[wadegarrett]

Seriously dude, it's just a iconversation.

I understand where you're coming from. Again, I'm all for pitching inside. I'm all for plunking a guy if you want him off the plate. I just consider last night's circumstances very suspect.

BTW, in 2006 Santana hit a total of 4 guys. In 2005, he hit a total of 1. Last night he hit 2 in one game!

So I ask, why last night be a ##### if he's never shown the inclination to hit batters like this previously? It's not the first time he's ever given up a couple runs that might have pissed him off. If anything this shows me it's even less likely he wanted to plunk anyone. I doubt he minded but I doubt he said, "Ok, here you go...."

I can understand your point here. Makes sense and it very well could be the case. From an Indians fan's point of view, it just seems suspect the way it went down. Time will tell if Wedge and the Indians feel the same way.

 

[Funkley]

Seriously dude, it's just a iconversation.

I understand where you're coming from. Again, I'm all for pitching inside. I'm all for plunking a guy if you want him off the plate. I just consider last night's circumstances very suspect.

BTW, in 2006 Santana hit a total of 4 guys. In 2005, he hit a total of 1. Last night he hit 2 in one game!

So I ask, why last night be a ##### if he's never shown the inclination to hit batters like this previously? It's not the first time he's ever given up a couple runs that might have pissed him off. If anything this shows me it's even less likely he wanted to plunk anyone. I doubt he minded but I doubt he said, "Ok, here you go...."

I can understand your point here. Makes sense and it very well could be the case. From an Indians fan's point of view, it just seems suspect the way it went down. Time will tell if Wedge and the Indians feel the same way.

Don't get me wrong. I think you're 100% right that the Indians will drill one of Mauer/Morneau/Cuddyer/Huner when the Twins come to Cleveland. I just don't think that this situation was what it appeared to be. If Ponson were on the mound last night I'd change my mind because I don't trust him to be smart or professional. But I really doubt a pitcher like Santana would risk giving up more runs to prove a point. It's not like he's perfect, I just don't think it's his style.Now what I did find interesting is the continued bad blood between Wedge and Gardy. Last night I noticed that a bench coach for the Indians and Jerry White of the Twins coaching staff exchanged lineup cards. Maybe that was coincidence but I'm not sure it is.