Minnesota Twins

[uro55]

Tonight is going to be a warm one, the way it sounds I'll be underneath the second deck overhang of the left field side of the lower level in the very last row. That might help a little bit.

It shouldn't be too bad for a night game. The noon games in the sun? They can be BRUTAL:freak

[Nick@Night]

It shouldn't be too bad for a night game. The noon games in the sun? They can be BRUTAL:freak
The dew point is my main problem. Here's to warm overpriced beer! :thumbsup

[uro55]

The dew point is my main problem. Here's to warm overpriced beer! :thumbsup

I've spent A LOT of money on that this season:lol

[Nick@Night]

I've spent A LOT of money on that this season:lol
I'll have to see how generous my old man and uncle are feeling, maybe I can get by without having to fork over any green for one.

Edit: Wearing my Span road jersey today.

[Benny003]

Eveyrone ready for the fireworks tonight? I'll be photographing it of course.

[uro55]

I'll have to see how generous my old man and uncle are feeling, maybe I can get by without having to fork over any green for one.

Edit: Wearing my Span road jersey today.

Went with my buddy and his uncle a few weeks back and his uncle picked up the tab:thumbsup

Eveyrone ready for the fireworks tonight? I'll be photographing it of course.

Don't have tickets tonight,but don't have plans yet. Might go last minute:thumbsup

[jmudmbphan]

So glad mauer didn't end up with the yankees..

[uro55]

So glad mauer didn't end up with the yankees..

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahaha.

Fuck teh Yankees:)

[jmudmbphan]

does mauer get traded or does he live out this contract in minny? odd to hear/see a lot of minnesota faithful turning against the chosen son..

[42graystreet]

Baby Jesus needs to grow a pair and insist on playing everyday, even if the manager wants to give him a day off.

[uro55]

There's a rain delay at Target Field right now. I live 6 blocks from Target Field and it's great at my place right now:lol

[AJF_41]

saw that too. scary weather all around...but not really raining right now.

[Nick@Night]

Fuck this weather delay bullshit, I have a train to catch later.

[AJF_41]

drink more beer.

[Nick@Night]

Game is going to start at 9:10. Anyone know if the Northstar train will push back its departure time until after the game?

[AJF_41]

This is what the website says.

Leaving Target Field
An extra northbound trip will leave Target Field 30 minutes after the fireworks show ends.

[grace2]

Baby Jesus needs to grow a pair and insist on playing everyday, even if the manager wants to give him a day off.

I think there is absolutely no reason he can't DH a game after catching the night before. It's absurd. I knew we shouldn't have ever traded Ramos. We could have him catching (once he's ready), Mauer/Morneau at DH/1B.

[Benny003]

OK, that weather tonight was nuts. You could just see a black band of clouds approaching. Then it slowly crept over the stadium like those alien ships from Independence Day. Looking out over the stadium, half the sky was light, the other half was pitch black. Still no rain. I'm taking pictures of the crazy clouds from the upper deck and I notice people moving quickly to my right. I look up and it was literally like a tidal wave of rain coming right at me. I had never seen rain like that. Gigantic drops in an absolute downpour. I was standing in the upper deck on the 3rd base side and you couldn't even see across the field. The only thing you could see looking out was the lights from the stadium. That was it. I got lots of pictures that I need to sort through and of course I'll post them when they are ready. Crazy weather.

[uro55]

There's a rain delay at Target Field right now. I live 6 blocks from Target Field and it's great at my place right now:lol

Not long after I posted this the sky opened up and it looked like the apocalypse downtown:eek

[Benny003]

Photos of the weather plus what I consider to be one of my favorite photos ever, a panorama of Thome's homerun from the game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157626972257839/

[UNC41]

Ben, the way you captured the sky in those shots was unreal. Well done!

Lots of good stuff last night. Franky really settled down and had a nice game. It was nice to see Baby Jesus get three hits. Hopefully he starts driving the ball soon, rather than just slapping it through the infield.

[Benny003]

Thanks, those shots were actually HDR.

[Nick@Night]

The fireworks last night were pretty awesome.

[Benny003]

The fireworks last night were pretty awesome.

You should see the fireworks that other ballparks put on. The Twins show is totally mild compared to a lot of other ballparks. Still nice that we get fireworks shows though now that we're outside.

[UNLTrpt]

You have to be kidding me

[AJF_41]

You have to be kidding me

w.t.f.

i turned it off after the 8th.
:twak

[uro55]

Fatt Capps :BANG

See y'all at the game tomorrow:lol

[Benny003]

I am SOOOOOOOOO glad I decided to go to the Eddie Vedder concert last night instead of the baseball game. Checked the score before Eddie came on, 7 to 4 going into the 9th and I'm thinking that got it. Checked the score after the concert and I was NOT happy.

Vedder concert was fucking fantastic though!

[uro55]

I am SOOOOOOOOO glad I decided to go to the Eddie Vedder concert last night instead of the baseball game. Checked the score before Eddie came on, 7 to 4 going into the 9th and I'm thinking that got it. Checked the score after the concert and I was NOT happy.

Vedder concert was fucking fantastic though!

You made the right choice:lol

Going to the game soon, but I'm kinda hungover so this could be tough :)

Oh and yay for Cuddy making the all-star team!!!!!!!

[Nick@Night]

Glad to see Cuddy is an All-Star, he deserves it.

[Benny003]

Great game today. Really didn't think they could pull out the win, but they did it. Capps has to be done as the closer. He's turning into a disaster. Put Nathan in, he's looked rock solid since coming back.

[AJF_41]

Fatt Capps.

[42graystreet]

1-0 in the 2nd half of this season!

[42graystreet]

Go Big Red!

[Benny003]

Fantastic game today! Doesn't get any better on the 4th of July.

[AJF_41]

nice win today. happy 4th!!!!

[UNLTrpt]

was kinda watching the NY/Cleveland game and the indians pitcher had a no hitter through 6 I think and I was thinking, it would be really nice to see the Indians lose cause we need to make up some ground. But the Yankees getting no hit would be pretty cool so I can take the Indians winning to see that. Then NY went ahead and I'm like ok that's cool, the Indians will lose...

oh wait.

[Benny003]

Photos from the 4th of July game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627120555506/

[uro55]

Going to this Thursday's Twins/Sox game at the Cell:D

[AJF_41]

Photos from the 4th of July game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627120555506/

Awesome shots.

Was there not one of the ball going into Cuddy's glove?

[Nick@Night]

The look on Mauer's face as he's holding what's left of his broken bat is hilarious.

[AJF_41]

The look on Mauer's face as he's holding what's left of his broken bat is hilarious.

he was thrown off by the sensation of the bat hitting the ball.

[Benny003]

Awesome shots.

Was there not one of the ball going into Cuddy's glove?

No, timing didn't work out. I was shooting at 9 frames per second and the ball just happened to be in between frames. Just how it works out sometimes. I have a feeling during the shot with his glove open the ball must have been just out of the top of the frame in order to be that close to the catch and not be in frame.

[AJF_41]

No, timing didn't work out. I was shooting at 9 frames per second and the ball just happened to be in between frames. Just how it works out sometimes. I have a feeling during the shot with his glove open the ball must have been just out of the top of the frame in order to be that close to the catch and not be in frame.

Yeah, that's what I assumed. What's your main photo editing software? I forgot.

[Benny003]

Yeah, that's what I assumed. What's your main photo editing software? I forgot.

Lightroom. Just use Photoshop for HDR and panoramas basically.

[42graystreet]

Scott Baker left tonight's game after 62 pitches with an elbow strain.

The rolls just keep on coming.

[UNLTrpt]

Sorry boys, Mr. Cuddy deserves any extension/free agent contract that he gets. The man has earned every penny.

[AJF_41]

Sorry boys, Mr. Cuddy deserves any extension/free agent contract that he gets. The man has earned every penny.

:thumbsup

[uro55]

Fat Crapps:BANG

[42graystreet]

we keep winning despite ourselves.

[Nick@Night]

Gardy looked all sorts of pissed having to go in to 9th yet again to retrieve Crapps the bed from pissing away the game.

[AJF_41]

Rightfully so.

[Benny003]

Gardy is still saying Capps is their closer. Unbelievable. Capps is leading the league in blown saves and he's had to be removed from the game the last 3 out of 4 times. I was impressed by the loudness of the boos last night from the crowd. Usually Twins crowds are pretty timid about those kinds of things. Not sure how much longer Gardy can keep sticking up for Capps. It seems pretty clear to me that Nathan should be getting some save opportunities. He's looked great since coming back off the DL.

[42graystreet]

Move Capps back into a risk-free set-up role to see if he can find his pitches again. Move Perkins/Nathan into a closer by committee approach.

[dontburnthe_pig]

tom kelly: richard, do i even have to read liriano's pitch count?
dick bremer: you're the boss
tom kelly: 91 pitches through 4 innings, 49 strikes, 42 balles, 3 hit batters, 5 3-0 counts.... i'm just going to throw this away

[42graystreet]

I don't think Gardy gets it. He's planning on using Mauer at 1st base...tomorrow. So, with him getting his usual day off today, we'll go 2 games in a row with a dead weight at catcher, and tomorrow our lineup will be worse than it has to be because Butera is going to catch (with Mauer at first) thus pushing a better bat out of the lineup. Christ almighty.

[Benny003]

Yeah, I was totally thinking Mauer would be playing 1st today. Not sure why he needs to play 1st base for the first time in Chicago.

[dontburnthe_pig]

annnd cuddy ties it up. he's the heart and soul of this team right now.

[Nick@Night]

Mauer is a pussy, I'm sick of this shit. "general soreness". Welcome to baseball.

[42graystreet]

Mauer is a pussy, I'm sick of this shit. "general soreness". Welcome to baseball.

Agreed. Wasn't today the reason he was going to play first? So that he could take a day off from catching but stay in the lineup? And if he had more soreness than usual, and needed a day off, fine, but play him tomorrow where he's most valuable, at catcher.

[dontburnthe_pig]

game over.

EDIT: didn't realize mauer was out for general soreness. ha.

[42graystreet]

and...........Burnett shits the bed. After Liriano had already stained it. Too bad. The crap lineup actually put up some runs for the pitching staff.

[Benny003]

That game turned to crap fast. Anyway, I found this depressing photo digging around Getty this afternoon:

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/108879048/Getty-Images-Sport

[AJF_41]

That game turned to crap fast. Anyway, I found this depressing photo digging around Getty this afternoon:

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/108879048/Getty-Images-Sport

was that taken at yesterday's game?

[Benny003]

I just thought it was interesting to look at that in the middle of July because looking at it in the middle of winter is easy to imagine. With being at the ballpark just Tuesday on a hot, sunny day with the stands packed, it was just interesting to put it in such contrast with how the ballpark looks in winter.

[AJF_41]

I know, I was kidding (which I assume was obvious).

Big series starts today. I believe we have won 7 stright in Chicago.

Pavano owns the Sox. White that is.

[AJF_41]

Big series starts today. I believe we have won 7 stright in Chicago.

Pavano owns the Sox. White that is.

Make it 8 straight!

....and Pavano still owns them.

[Benny003]

Great catch by Butera. Mauer looks good at 1st base.

[UNLTrpt]

Couple of thoughts after watching the highlights:

How often does TK do color? You can tell he is sill so tuned in with baseball, he could still coach.

Joe looked awesome at 1st. 2 great plays on the DP and the scoop. But he's such a natural athlete that he can probably play anywhere. I'd love to see them maybe start putting Morneau in as the DH (after Thome retires) so Joe can play a little more first.

Going to the Ballpark in Arlington at the end of July. Haven't been there, really looking forward to it. I hope if Thome doesn't hit #600 in Minnesota that he hits it at the game I'm at.

[Benny003]

Couple of thoughts after watching the highlights:

How often does TK do color? You can tell he is sill so tuned in with baseball, he could still coach.

Joe looked awesome at 1st. 2 great plays on the DP and the scoop. But he's such a natural athlete that he can probably play anywhere. I'd love to see them maybe start putting Morneau in as the DH (after Thome retires) so Joe can play a little more first.

Going to the Ballpark in Arlington at the end of July. Haven't been there, really looking forward to it. I hope if Thome doesn't hit #600 in Minnesota that he hits it at the game I'm at.

TK is doing the color while Bert is taking some time off to prepare for Cooperstown. I've never heard him do it before. He's not bad. A little dry sometimes, but he provides good information.

The Twins play 12 home games in 11 days after the all-star break, so I'm hoping Thome can get #600 then.

[Benny003]

I'm FINALLY getting the time to get back to finishing the full game galleries from the mid-June games. Through June 19th up now:

http://benckphotography.com/galleries/twins/2011/index_2.html

I still have like 5 or 6 more galleries to do. This is getting extremely time consuming.

[rustysurf83]

I hate you fuckers ...

[UNLTrpt]

TK is doing the color while Bert is taking some time off to prepare for Cooperstown. I've never heard him do it before. He's not bad. A little dry sometimes, but he provides good information.

The Twins play 12 home games in 11 days after the all-star break, so I'm hoping Thome can get #600 then.

He's a different type of "cheerleader" (if you will) than Bert is. He's not as rah rah, but the calm "you did good" that you'd expect from someone who's up there in age.

He's not hitting them with as much consistency as he did last year. I don't think 5 HR's in 15 games we have left before that Texas series is as easy as it sounds. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing I'd like more than to see him hit #600 at Target. But the selfish part of me would like to see that in person.

[AndySlash]

i've had to miss the last couple games with tom kelly but actually watched the replay tonight just to listen to him. i really enjoyed his contributions and think he'd be really good if he decided to try it out more often.

[Benny003]

He's a different type of "cheerleader" (if you will) than Bert is. He's not as rah rah, but the calm "you did good" that you'd expect from someone who's up there in age.

He's not hitting them with as much consistency as he did last year. I don't think 5 HR's in 15 games we have left before that Texas series is as easy as it sounds. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing I'd like more than to see him hit #600 at Target. But the selfish part of me would like to see that in person.

If he hits even just one against Chicago this weekend, then he'll need 4 in 12 games at home. We already know he can easily hit 2 in a single game as he's done it multiple times at Target Field and once already this year. I think it's very possible. If he hits #600 on the road, I'm not going to be happy. I've witnessed every home homerun this year and I have photos of each of them too. #600 was the one thing I was most looking forward to this season.

[42graystreet]

Going to the Ballpark in Arlington at the end of July. Haven't been there, really looking forward to it. I hope if Thome doesn't hit #600 in Minnesota that he hits it at the game I'm at.

Mind the railing.

Apparently the barrier is a little low. So, if you're gonna go anywhere...go AWAY from the barrier. ~DJM

[jordonh]

i've had to miss the last couple games with tom kelly but actually watched the replay tonight just to listen to him. i really enjoyed his contributions and think he'd be really good if he decided to try it out more often.

He has good insight but he cuts off Dick like 90% of the time. It is kind of funny thought

[Benny003]

I'll be watching the All-Star game at Target Field on the big screen sitting in the Legend's Club next Tuesday! It's one of the bonuses for being a season ticket holder. I knew they were planning it this year, but I didn't know the details until last night. I guess only like 300 people are being allowed in and it's only in the Legend's Club. Free food though, so that's going to be sweet.

When I first heard they were planning this I figured it was going to be open for all season ticket holders to sit and watch the game on the big screen. I suppose they limited it in order to not have to pay a ton of staff to run the whole ballpark.

He has good insight but he cuts off Richard like 90% of the time. It is kind of funny thought

Fixed. ;)

[42graystreet]

Agreed about TK. Love his contributions, he just needs to learn a bit more of the commentary protocol. It took me forever to realize he was talking about Pierzynski when he kept saying "Anthony."

[jordonh]

Fixed. ;)

haha, just reread what I wrote and it made me laugh

[UNLTrpt]

If he hits even just one against Chicago this weekend, then he'll need 4 in 12 games at home. We already know he can easily hit 2 in a single game as he's done it multiple times at Target Field and once already this year. I think it's very possible. If he hits #600 on the road, I'm not going to be happy. I've witnessed every home homerun this year and I have photos of each of them too. #600 was the one thing I was most looking forward to this season.

I know, I'm just selfish.

[AJF_41]

coooooooooome baaaaaaaaaack

[handsareme]

Darn, was hoping they'd run Crain out of there. Bitch.

[AJF_41]

:: high five ::

[Benny003]

Can we play the White Sox every game? :hump

[Benny003]

Well, streak had to end sometime. Tough beat though especially with the lead in the 8th. Hard fought on both sides.

[dontburnthe_pig]

7 games below .500 heading into the allstar break ain't too shabby given the way this season has gone

[AJF_41]

I'm not sure if I posted this one in here.

[Benny003]

Start 'em young.

[jubes02]

I'm not sure if I posted this one in here.

omg so cute! :thumbsup:thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

Passed by US Cellular Field on the way to the show Friday night, had I been thinking I would have gone to Chicago a day earlier and attended the Thursday night game.

[handsareme]

Benny only wishes he could take a picture like this (http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/036/cache/squirrel-portrait-banff-081309_3643_990x742.jpg).

[AJF_41]

Benny only wishes he could take a picture like this (http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/036/cache/squirrel-portrait-banff-081309_3643_990x742.jpg).

I know them. True story.

[Benny003]

Benny only wishes he could take a picture like this (http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/036/cache/squirrel-portrait-banff-081309_3643_990x742.jpg).

That's really not photoshopped? I can imagine it happening, but it just seems like it would be so easy to fake.

[42graystreet]

That's really not photoshopped? I can imagine it happening, but it just seems like it would be so easy to fake.

It's not. I saw them on one of the morning shows a while back.

[Benny003]

It's not. I saw them on one of the morning shows a while back.

What's the story behind it then?

[AJF_41]

Benny only wishes he could take a picture like this (http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/036/cache/squirrel-portrait-banff-081309_3643_990x742.jpg).

I know them. True story.

It's not. I saw them on one of the morning shows a while back.

What's the story behind it then?

It's exactly what you would expect. They set up the camera on a tripod, got ready for pic...and he came up and stood there. The odds have to be next to 0%. She's an avid photographer, they were on vacation.

She originally just posted in on Facebook. Then someone recommended sending it to a news station. She entered it in a few photo contests...then it went "viral" if you will.

Pretty funny though.

[Benny003]

It's exactly what you would expect. They set up the camera on a tripod, got ready for pic...and he came up and stood there. The odds have to be next to 0%. She's an avid photographer, they were on vacation.

She originally just posted in on Facebook. Then someone recommended sending it to a news station. She entered it in a few photo contests...then it went "viral" if you will.

Pretty funny though.

So apparently she was using a remote shutter with autofocus on. If they were using a timer, the camera wouldn't have refocused after the timer was set. I'll have to look into this more.

[AJF_41]

I'll follow up on the autofocus.

Needless to say, I was surprised to see this pic in this thread.

There is some relevance. The photographer is from MN.

[Benny003]

I'll follow up on the autofocus.

Needless to say, I was surprised to see this pic in this thread.

There is some relevance. The photographer is from MN.

I looked into it, they said they were using a remote shutter.

That picture is from 2009.

[uro55]

Went to last Thursdays Twins/Sox game at the Cell. Great win, got to see Mauer play first and was sitting three rows off the field about half way between first and right field:D

[Benny003]

Went to last Thursdays Twins/Sox game at the Cell. Great win, got to see Mauer play first and was sitting three rows off the field about half way between first and right field:D

Jealous. Get any pictures? I've got to get some photos of Mauer playing first this year.

[UNLTrpt]

Cuddy! That's probably the only time we'll see him :lol

[42graystreet]

Well, Cuddy screwed up a big-time spot right there.

[Benny003]

Watched the all-star game at Target Field last night. It was really interesting seeing the ballpark that empty and quiet. There was free food and pop (cash bar was open) and each person got the official program from the game that they were selling down in Arizona. It's a $15 program, so that was pretty nice. Stupid me forgot my camera, so I didn't get any pictures. Would have loved to get some shots of the empty ballpark and the big screen lit up once it got dark since it's just something I don't get to see.

[Benny003]

Why are people making such a big deal of Jeter's 3,000th hit? I don't even remember making SUCH a big deal about Arod's 600th homerun and that was on the same stage. Nobody is talking about Thome's 600th coming up. I don't understand how getting to 3000 hits is a bigger deal than getting to 600 homeruns.

[uro55]

Watched the all-star game at Target Field last night. It was really interesting seeing the ballpark that empty and quiet. There was free food and pop (cash bar was open) and each person got the official program from the game that they were selling down in Arizona. It's a $15 program, so that was pretty nice. Stupid me forgot my camera, so I didn't get any pictures. Would have loved to get some shots of the empty ballpark and the big screen lit up once it got dark since it's just something I don't get to see.

Damn! I didn't know they had that, shit I woulda gone:BANG

[42graystreet]

It's Derek Jeter, one of the best and most popular players ever...he did it with a home run, only the 2nd time that's ever happened...he's a Yankee.

[uro55]

I hate the Yankees more than cancer, but I can see how it is a kinda big deal.

[Benny003]

It is a big deal, but I guess I'm saying Arod's #600 seemed like it was less hyped up than Jeter's #3000. And I'm talking about before this weekend before we knew he would hit a homerun. It's times like this where I have to stop looking at sports news because it gets so stale.

[42graystreet]

I think a lot of has to do with the fact that people actually like Derek Jeter. Compared to what a lot of people think of A-roid.

[uro55]

I think a lot of has to do with the fact that people actually like Derek Jeter. Compared to what a lot of people think of A-roid.

This:thumbsup

Jeter is a guy who is looked at as doing "it right".

Where as Arod is looked at one of the major guys who did "it wrong".

[Benny003]

This:thumbsup

Jeter is a guy who is looked at as doing "it right".

Where as Arod is looked at one of the major guys who did "it wrong".

Which is why I would have thought people would be making a bigger deal of Thome getting close to #600. I'm sure it will ramp once he gets within "striking distance" though.

[UNC41]

Jeter has won five titles as the centerpiece for baseball's most storied franchise, while Thome played for five different teams and hasn't won a title. He's been covered far more extensively throughout his career because of this, and that's why the media is making a bigger deal of him getting to 3,000 hits than Thome hitting his 600th home run.

[Benny003]

Made a blog post on my website just summarizing some of the moments I photographed over the last month of the season as we prepare for the 2nd half of the season.

http://benckphotography.com/blog/2011/07/14/things-are-heating-up/

[42graystreet]

Which is why I would have thought people would be making a bigger deal of Thome getting close to #600. I'm sure it will ramp once he gets within "striking distance" though.

I also wonder what kind of affect the whole steroids era has had on people's general feeling of home run records. It sucks for a guy like Thome whom no one thinks was doing that stuff, but even I would admit that I don't get nearly as excited about home run achievements as compared to 10 years ago.

[davelk10]

If Thome was on the Yankees it would be a bigger deal

[Benny003]

I might have to get this:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110714&content_id=21781344&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

[42graystreet]

Just won tickets to the Tuesday night game. Sahweet!

[Benny003]

Nice, how did you win them?

[42graystreet]

Nice, how did you win them?

There's a company called Innovative Office Solutions that gave them away on facebook. A relative works for that company and told me to "like" them on facebook a while back. Good thing I did.

[Benny003]

Well bringing Plouffe back up was a good idea I'd say.

[Benny003]

Photos from Thursday's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627074046745/

[UNLTrpt]

F'in capps

[AJF_41]

fatt capps. f.

[Benny003]

Matt Crapps strikes again! What the hell happened to that statement the team made like last week saying Capps would have a reduced role for closing games?! I'm starting to think that Gardenhire has bets on the team losing so he sabotages them when they are winning by putting Capps in. The only explanation I can think of is the team is hoping Capps turns things around before the trade deadline so they can get something of value out of him. Right now he's completely worthless.

I didn't get an action photo of Revere's acrobats running out that triple because I didn't have the seats to photograph the game, but I did make a panorama out of the moment anyway. You can see Revere lying on his back on 3rd base after diving in there. (Note, I just did a quickie edit job on this photo, so it's not even close to perfect. I just wanted to get something up to share since I don't think I'll use this photo for anything.)

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110715-Royals-0001-Edit-2.jpg

[UNLTrpt]

An unreal play by Revere. Fantastic athleticism.

[Benny003]

It was Capps' seventh blown save of the season, and his fourth straight bad outing at home.

"We scored one run tonight. In defense of [Capps], we scored one run, we had plenty of opportunities to score more runs," said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. "Everything gets thrown on the closer. Sure, he gave it up at the end, but a lot of people misfired, too.

"So, let's not cut him down too awful much here. The young man's a very good pitcher and our closer. We give him the ball and we have all the trust in the world in him. He didn't get it done tonight, that's all that happened."

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_07_15_kcamlb_minmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=min

Can you say "out of touch with reality"? Tied for the league lead in blown saves, 4th straight bad outing at home, and Gardenhire is saying "we have all the trust in the world in him." That must just be him putting on a face for the media otherwise that's total crap.

If Capps didn't have those 7 blown saves guess what? The Twins would be 7 games over .500 and tied for first place. Nice.

[Clem Haskins]

Fuck Matt Crapps

[42graystreet]

Nathan deserves his job back after last night. Its time. Watching that last night (with great seats!) was torture. Although it was a very impressive home run by Hosmer.

[Clem Haskins]

Announced today that Nathan is taking the closer role back.

[AJF_41]

Announced today that Nathan is taking the closer role back.

Gardy must have meant that Capps was their closer yesterday...just not today and in the future. :shrug
:bounce

[42graystreet]

6 games back...

[Benny003]

Good win tonight. Bert's ceremony was very nice. I'll post pictures (of the ceremony) Sunday evening probably. Too late now.

[AJF_41]

I see it's going to be 100 degrees at tomorrow's game. Sweet.

Today looks toasty too.

[AJF_41]

thoooooooommmmeeeeeeeee

[dontburnthe_pig]

5 games back? nice.

[AJF_41]

5 back..with 4 against 1st place (chuckle) Cleveland coming up!

[Benny003]

I see it's going to be 100 degrees at tomorrow's game. Sweet.

Today looks toasty too.

I've never sweat so much in life as I did Sunday. Every pore of my body was dripping with sweat. If it hadn't got cloudy it would have been even worse. I'm doing both games Monday and I'm not sure how that's going to go.

[uro55]

I've never sweat so much in life as I did Sunday. Every pore of my body was dripping with sweat. If it hadn't got cloudy it would have been even worse. I'm doing both games Monday and I'm not sure how that's going to go.

I was gonna do both games, but as much as I love my Twins, I don't think I can sit outside, in the sun when it's 100 and 110+ with the heat index.

Less than one week to Cooperstown:D

[AJF_41]

I've never sweat so much in life as I did Sunday. Every pore of my body was dripping with sweat. If it hadn't got cloudy it would have been even worse. I'm doing both games Monday and I'm not sure how that's going to go.

I'll be there for the night game. Likely sweating too. :D

[UNC41]

We're headed into quite possibly the most critical week of the season. Eight home games in seven days against the two teams tied for the division lead. If things go well, it'll position the Twins as a team that can make a run at the Central Division. But if they don't, there is a chance that they are sellers as the trade deadline approaches. I'm hoping for 6-2, but would be happy with 5-3 and finishing the week four games back.

[Benny003]

I was gonna do both games, but as much as I love my Twins, I don't think I can sit outside, in the sun when it's 100 and 110+ with the heat index.

Less than one week to Cooperstown:D

Well the first game is obviously the make-up game from April 22, which I had the front row seats to photograph from. Then I was able to get the same seats for the regularly scheduled evening game, so I wasn't going to pass that up. Obviously I had these tickets purchased a long time ago, but since I have them I'm not going to give up the opportunity to photograph the games. It's going to be brutal though.

I'm hoping Joe plays 1st one of the games, but I have a feeling he'll catch and DH.

Take photos at Cooperstown. That should be quite an experience.

[Benny003]

Here are the photos I took at Saturday's game. Just photos of the #28 retirement ceremony and two panoramas from during the game.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627096769573/

[AJF_41]

Scott Diamond? Da fuk?

Major leauge debut....

[42graystreet]

Can't figure out why they wouldn't give Kirk Gibson a shot. This diamond guy is not have a great season at all for Rochester.

[Benny003]

I thought Gibson had been struggling so far this year. I would think they want to make sure he's fully developed before bringing him up. He's too valuable to taint with a bad first call up I think.

[uro55]

Awesome:)

http://minnesota.sportsspike.com/delmon-youngs-reaction-to-jim-thomes-490-foot-home-run/

[42graystreet]

I thought Gibson had been struggling so far this year. I would think they want to make sure he's fully developed before bringing him up. He's too valuable to taint with a bad first call up I think.

Gibson is indeed struggling a bit. I guess they don't care about Diamond then because he's having an even worse season. Remember that Diamond is the rule 5 draft pick that we made a horrible trade to keep instead of shoving him back to Atlanta when it became clear he wouldn't make the club.

[uro55]

But Diamond is Canadian:)

[AJF_41]

But Diamond is Canadian:)

so is morneau. :shrug

..."i'm a bat man"

i hate that commerical now.

[davelk10]

Revere, hilarious

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/That-8217-s-a-10-Twins-8217-Ben-Revere-somer?urn=mlb-wp12920

[Nick@Night]

It sucks it's highly likely Revere will end up going back to Rochester.

[AJF_41]

It sucks it's highly likely Revere will end up going back to Rochester.

yeah, that's what the article says. :shrug

[uro55]

It sucks it's highly likely Revere will end up going back to Rochester.

That effing blows:( I've loved him since I was in ft myers for spring training:thumbsup

[42graystreet]

Twins lose first game of doubleheader, put some guy who's been sucking at AAA up against Carmona in what could agruably be considered a must win. All of this leaves me feeling a little weak and dry heaving.

[uro55]

All of this leaves me feeling a little weak and dry heaving.

Sure that's not just the weather? :D

[Lee3691]

Go Indians

[Benny003]

Crappy game, hotter than hell. Getting ready to rinse off and go back out there for game 2. On the plus side, I did get photos of Mauer playing 1st base today.

[uro55]

Crappy game, hotter than hell. Getting ready to rinse off and go back out there for game 2. On the plus side, I did get photos of Mauer playing 1st base today.

Good work man, I feel like a wuss, but I just couldn't bring myself to make it out to the noon game today. But I'm heading out to tonights in a bit:thumbsup

[AJF_41]

well that wasn't fun. pretty hot, but probably significantly better than the day game.
cool to see diamond getting the standing-o. he did alright tonight.

highlight was casilla pushing that single into a double.

[Benny003]

Yeah, it was good to see Diamond do well. He looked like he was enjoying the experience. Mauer is starting to look like his old self again getting multiple hits a game, which is good to see.

So interesting story tonight. You may remember several weeks ago Cuddyer commented on some of my photos on Flickr, one of which was that panorama of the team standing around the large #3 etched into the infield dirt as part of Harmon's memorial. Well right after I sent him a message with an idea to make a print of that photo with a border on it and have the whole team sign it to auction off for charity. He never responded, but that didn't surprise me. So anyway, I decided to go ahead and make a print of the photo and I wanted to give a copy of it to Cuddyer since I figured he would appreciate it. It finally arrived Monday afternoon so I brought it with me to the night game (along with a few 8x10's of other shots I thought the other players would appreciate).

So as Cuddyer is running out to warm up before the game I hold up the photo and he runs over to me to take a look at it immediately recognizing the photo. I told him it was for him to keep. He said it looked great and immediately said he's planning on framing it. Then he brings up the idea of auctioning off the photo, which means he obviously read the message I sent him. So what we're going to do is I'm going to give him two more copies and he's going to have the team sign both of them. One of them will be auctioned off for a charity event he has coming up in September I think and the other he's going to give to me! How cool is that?!

So then just before the team is getting ready to run onto the field Cuddyer is waiting on the steps of the dugout talking to Thome and Robby Incmikoski. They are standing about 25 or 30 feet away from me and I see Thome and Robby kind of glance in my direction and Thome gives me a little smile. Then Robby comes over to me and says that Cuddyer really likes my photos on Flickr and that he (Robby) was told to look at them sometime by Cuddyer. Pretty sweet, huh?

Here is that photo in case you forgot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/5777807307/in/set-72157626991452766

[UNC41]

That's awesome Ben! It's always great to read tidbits like that about athletes, especially ones who have been with a team for so long. Cuddy is definitely one of the good guys. I really hope Smith can lock him up for three more years at about $7 million per after this season is over.

[42graystreet]

That's awesome, Ben!

[uro55]

Ben that's awesome dude! I really love Cuddy! I met him once, only like for a few seconds, but he was cool as shit then:)

Also dude, I've got to give you so much credit for yesterday lol. I couldn't bring myself to go to the noon game, and damn near thought I was going to pass out by the end if the night game:lol

I was planning in going to tomorrows noon game, but again I just don't know about the heat!

[Benny003]

Thanks everyone! I'll keep you posted on how things develop.

Ben that's awesome dude! I really love Cuddy! I met him once, only like for a few seconds, but he was cool as shit then:)

Also dude, I've got to give you so much credit for yesterday lol. I couldn't bring myself to go to the noon game, and damn near thought I was going to pass out by the end if the night game:lol

I was planning in going to tomorrows noon game, but again I just don't know about the heat!

I think going to Saturday and Sunday's games helped get me through yesterday. I knew what to expect, but yeah, it was brutal. The night game was much better than the day game. I didn't sweat nearly as much at the night game for obvious reasons. Both my shirt and shorts looked like I had gone swimming in my clothes after the day game. I'm glad I'm not going to Wednesday's game. The air temperature is supposed to be 100 degrees.

[dontburnthe_pig]

wow--great photo, and a great story. can't wait to see it all work out.

[jubes02]

Yeah, it was good to see Diamond do well. He looked like he was enjoying the experience. Mauer is starting to look like his old self again getting multiple hits a game, which is good to see.

So interesting story tonight. You may remember several weeks ago Cuddyer commented on some of my photos on Flickr, one of which was that panorama of the team standing around the large #3 etched into the infield dirt as part of Harmon's memorial. Well right after I sent him a message with an idea to make a print of that photo with a border on it and have the whole team sign it to auction off for charity. He never responded, but that didn't surprise me. So anyway, I decided to go ahead and make a print of the photo and I wanted to give a copy of it to Cuddyer since I figured he would appreciate it. It finally arrived Monday afternoon so I brought it with me to the night game (along with a few 8x10's of other shots I thought the other players would appreciate).

So as Cuddyer is running out to warm up before the game I hold up the photo and he runs over to me to take a look at it immediately recognizing the photo. I told him it was for him to keep. He said it looked great and immediately said he's planning on framing it. Then he brings up the idea of auctioning off the photo, which means he obviously read the message I sent him. So what we're going to do is I'm going to give him two more copies and he's going to have the team sign both of them. One of them will be auctioned off for a charity event he has coming up in September I think and the other he's going to give to me! How cool is that?!

So then just before the team is getting ready to run onto the field Cuddyer is waiting on the steps of the dugout talking to Thome and Robby Incmikoski. They are standing about 25 or 30 feet away from me and I see Thome and Robby kind of glance in my direction and Thome gives me a little smile. Then Robby comes over to me and says that Cuddyer really likes my photos on Flickr and that he (Robby) was told to look at them sometime by Cuddyer. Pretty sweet, huh?

Here is that photo in case you forgot:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/5777807307/in/set-72157626991452766

so awesome :thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

[handsareme]

Great story Benny. It's also cool that Cuddy takes shots and puts them on flickr too. That's fascinating.

Just wondering if the Saturday Detroit game might be on that list of tix for sale? I can't find the list.

[uro55]

After walking out of a movie theater today and feeling the heat, I'm 99.999% sure I'm bailing on going to tomorrow's noon game. I love my Twins, but I also not love not getting heat stroke:lol

[Benny003]

Great story Benny. It's also cool that Cuddy takes shots and puts them on flickr too. That's fascinating.

Just wondering if the Saturday Detroit game might be on that list of tix for sale? I can't find the list.

Only games left for sale are 2 of the Orioles games and 2 or 3 games in September.

After walking out of a movie theater today and feeling the heat, I'm 99.999% sure I'm bailing on going to tomorrow's noon game. I love my Twins, but I also not love not getting heat stroke:lol

If you're in the shade you'll be fine. What my wife and I have been doing is putting bottled water in the freezer the night before the game and then we bring a soft sided cooler to put them in. They stay ice cold the whole game. I usually take a drink between each half inning and that really helps.

[uro55]

If you're in the shade you'll be fine. What my wife and I have been doing is putting bottled water in the freezer the night before the game and then we bring a soft sided cooler to put them in. They stay ice cold the whole game. I usually take a drink between each half inning and that really helps.

That's good thinking, thanks man! Cause in the last few mins since my last post it turns out I am going for sure now lol. The tickets I have are in the sun, but we're not gonna sit in them. Will have to find somewhere in the shade.

[jubes02]

feels like temp in minneapolis is 120 right now....so uh yea, be careful if you are going to the game tonight :lol

[AJF_41]

nice work ben! keep us posted.

where were you sitting last night? i was looking for your lens...

[UNC41]

Danny with the walk-off against his college roommate!!!!

[UNLTrpt]

yes!

Man was Cuddy playing with fire there or what :lol Off on the crack of the bat and if he catches that there is no way he gets back and we're talking about another Twins gaffe on the base paths.

Glad we won. We needed that one real bad.

[dontburnthe_pig]

great ending--masterson pitched his ass off. good to see mauer finally getting on track with the bat.

[Benny003]

nice work ben! keep us posted.

where were you sitting last night? i was looking for your lens...

Thanks! I was in Section 3, Row 1. Basically look at where the TV cameras are right next to 1st base and then look for the seat that is on the field and closest possible to those cameras. That's where I've been sitting. I'll be there Thursday and Sunday.

[grace2]

Great ending to tonight's game. I'm really not having a lot of confidence to win the division until we get the bats going, though.

[Benny003]

A handful of photos from the walk-off win:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627113661253/

[Nick@Night]

6 games back is a huge difference from 8 games back. Nice win, guys.

[uro55]

Thanks! I was in Section 3, Row 1. Basically look at where the TV cameras are right next to 1st base and then look for the seat that is on the field and closest possible to those cameras. That's where I've been sitting. I'll be there Thursday and Sunday.

I thought I might have seen you last night!

Also wish me luck all, I'm going to the game today:eek

[Benny003]

Nice win today to split the series. I'll take it considering it could have been much, much worse to lose today and drop 2 games farther back. Another big series starts tomorrow. I hope they keep the momentum going.

Mauer should be playing 1st again tomorrow unless Thome doesn't want to DH since Butera will be catching for Pavano. That would be 4 times in 5 games. Maybe he's starting to like not catching.

[uro55]

Nice win today to split the series. I'll take it considering it could have been much, much worse to lose today and drop 2 games farther back. Another big series starts tomorrow. I hope they keep the momentum going.

Mauer should be playing 1st again tomorrow unless Thome doesn't want to DH since Butera will be catching for Pavano. That would be 4 times in 5 games. Maybe he's starting to like not catching.

I know it's only been a small handful of games, but I'll be honest he's been great at first (so far).

So the game today? I ended up sitting up near the back of the 300 section behind home because there was a breeze and shade, so it was not totally terrible. But walking to and from the game? Beyond terrible in every way:lol

[Benny003]

I know it's only been a small handful of games, but I'll be honest he's been great at first (so far).

So the game today? I ended up sitting up near the back of the 300 section behind home because there was a breeze and shade, so it was not totally terrible. But walking to and from the game? Beyond terrible in every way:lol

Where were you coming from? On these hot days we were using the skyway and that made a huge difference.

Supposedly the heat index last night was higher than it was for the Monday afternoon game. However, we were in the sun for the entire game on Monday and without a doubt Monday was more difficult than last night. Last night was warm of course, but I was sweating much worse on Monday afternoon. If you're out of the sun it's not nearly as bad.

I'm looking forward to the "cool" 80's tomorrow. I might not have to take a shower after the game then! :)

[42graystreet]

Huge win today. You could argue a season-saving win after we dropped the first 2 games. Just as big of a series coming up next with Detroit! Remember, you win a division by blowing out your division opponents. We're in this race because of our division record (21-14). We're gonna stay in the race by keeping up with that win percentage.

[davelk10]

Can't make the game on Sunday, so I have a pair in 117 row 7. Fantastic seats directly behind the plate if anyone is interested. $100 total.

[42graystreet]

Can't make the game on Sunday, so I have a pair in 117 row 7. Fantastic seats directly behind the plate if anyone is interested. $100 total.

Damn...I might be sending you a PM tomorrow.

[UNC41]

Huge win today. You could argue a season-saving win after we dropped the first 2 games. Just as big of a series coming up next with Detroit! Remember, you win a division by blowing out your division opponents. We're in this race because of our division record (21-14). We're gonna stay in the race by keeping up with that win percentage.

I think last night's win was more season-saving than today's. Either way, it is HUGE that they were able to take these last two and not lose any ground to Cleveland. Hopefully Oakland can hang on tonight and the Tigers come to town just up five games.

[Benny003]

Here a couple photos from last night that I just thought were silly. This first one is a panorama from the batter's box to the pitcher's mound using the 300mm lens. So the full resolution on the picture is about 22000 x 2200 (which if printed to 300 dpi would be about 75 inches long or 6'-3"!). I didn't know how it would turn out so I was just experimenting.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0091-Edit-Edit-2.jpg

These next 2 I just want you to look at the faces. I don't even know how to describe Orlando Cabrera's face.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0133.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0199.jpg

[AJF_41]

Great back to back wins. If we could get a couple of more guys back, that be great.

[Benny003]

Panorama of Thome's #596 from Sunday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/5959475705/in/photostream

[Benny003]

Here some of the photos from both double header games on Monday.

Game 1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627245301458/

Game 2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627121208135/

[Nick@Night]

Dare we say maybe the human question mark likes playing first base?

[jubes02]

Here a couple photos from last night that I just thought were silly. This first one is a panorama from the batter's box to the pitcher's mound using the 300mm lens. So the full resolution on the picture is about 22000 x 2200 (which if printed to 300 dpi would be about 75 inches long or 6'-3"!). I didn't know how it would turn out so I was just experimenting.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0091-Edit-Edit-2.jpg

These next 2 I just want you to look at the faces. I don't even know how to describe Orlando Cabrera's face.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0133.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110719-Indians-0199.jpg

wow that panoramic shot is really awesome :thumbsup:thumbsup

[Benny003]

wow that panoramic shot is really awesome :thumbsup:thumbsup

I might have to play around with that idea some more. It would be a lot easier with a monopod. It could be neat if it's done in just the right way and for maybe a more important situation (like a walk-off play or maybe get the batter hitting the ball instead of the pitcher throwing).

[Benny003]

Big game tonight with Verlander and Pavano on the mound. This could set the tone for the rest of the series. So if the Twins could win tonight, that would be a big deal.

[42graystreet]

Big game tonight with Verlander and Pavano on the mound. This could set the tone for the rest of the series. So if the Twins could win tonight, that would be a big deal.

I was just talking to a friend about how big tonight's game is. If we could somehow beat Verlander to start off this series, that would just be epic.

[Benny003]

He gave up 4 earned runs over 6 innings in his last outing. Before that he had only given up something like 4 earned runs in over 50 innings. Let's hope we get the Verlander from his last start.

[UNLTrpt]

I might have to play around with that idea some more. It would be a lot easier with a monopod. It could be neat if it's done in just the right way and for maybe a more important situation (like a walk-off play or maybe get the batter hitting the ball instead of the pitcher throwing).

Maybe if you could take multiple pictures? Maybe have one where its leaving his hand, a couple with the ball in motion and then one where the ball strikes the bat? And then photoshop them together...maybe?

[dontburnthe_pig]

welp, verlander dominated. he had some nasty breaking balls, my god.

[Benny003]

Maybe if you could take multiple pictures? Maybe have one where its leaving his hand, a couple with the ball in motion and then one where the ball strikes the bat? And then photoshop them together...maybe?

My only problem with that is would look too fake in my opinion because obviously all of those things don't happen the same instant.

[42graystreet]

Well, 2 out of 3 victories is a must. I just can't believe we've lost 10 games in a row to Detroit. Makes me wanna throw up.

[davelk10]

They have to find a way to score Cuddy with that leadoff triple in the 2nd. I don't care how the hell they do it, but they have to plate a run in that early situation against Verlander.

[uro55]

Hate losing, but Verlander is Verlander:BANG

Game tonight, and 5 days in Cooperstown staring tomorrow:hump

[AJF_41]

what do you do for 5 days in cooperstown? seems like a long time.

[uro55]

what do you do for 5 days in cooperstown? seems like a long time.

Well 5 day trip overall. But if tour a big baseball history, stats and whatever geek. You could spend weeks there:thumbsup

[AJF_41]

got it.

i may be at the game tonight. buddy has an extra ticket.

[Benny003]

Off to the game. Just wanted to share a quick picture I thought was interesting from last night.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110721-Tigers-0001.jpg

Better behave yourself! :lol

[AJF_41]

got it.

i may be at the game tonight. buddy has an extra ticket.

that sucked

[Benny003]

Last night's game really sucked. They looked pathetic in basically every way. It doesn't exactly inspire confidence when they play 8 games against the teams in 1st place and lose the first 4 out 6 of them.

[handsareme]

Great to see a Twins win on national tv in HD...

[Benny003]

Ben Revere's somersault was ESPN's Sport Science play of the week. On Baseball Tonight they just did a segment breaking down the physics of the play like how much time the somersault slowed down his running, why he fipped over, ect. The somersault only slowed down his base to base speed by 0.6 seconds. Pretty interesting.

Pictures from Thursday's game against the Tigers:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627141793447/

[uro55]

I wish I was more eloquent with my words to describe what a magically amazing day the HOF induction was:eek

[Benny003]

Glad you had a good time. I bet it was pretty special.

[42graystreet]

Well, I'm officially calling it a season. It might still be too early, but this critical homestand ended with a whimper and a mediocre record.

[Benny003]

Yeah, it's definitely not encouraging. We can't win the division without scoring more runs. Offense looked like it's been asleep this whole week for the most part.

I think I found my baseball saturation point. Attending 11 games in 11 days was about it. I think it would have helped if they would have won more, but I was not enjoying today's game very much at all. I'm glad they are going on the road. I need the rest.

[Benny003]

Photos from Sunday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627149973871/

[42graystreet]

Yeah, it's definitely not encouraging. We can't win the division without scoring more runs. Offense looked like it's been asleep this whole week for the most part.

I think I found my baseball saturation point. Attending 11 games in 11 days was about it. I think it would have helped if they would have won more, but I was not enjoying today's game very much at all. I'm glad they are going on the road. I need the rest.

This is an intervention. Ben, we're here because we care about you. Your passion for Twins baseball has gone too far. Admitting it is the first step to salvation.

[Benny003]

:lol Just one more big home stand and then the rest should be manageable. The Yankees/Orioles/Tigers home stand is another 11 games in 11 days stretch. I wish Thome would just get #600 already and then I can feel a little more comfortable missing games, haha. He better do it at home though!

[dontburnthe_pig]

hopefully the twins can get back on track tonight, tomorrow, and the next day against the rangers.

[Benny003]

This Rangers series is going to be tough. They are on fire right now. Luckily we have Oakland as a follow up.

[dontburnthe_pig]

just awful.

[AJF_41]

Well, I'm officially calling it a season. It might still be too early, but this critical homestand ended with a whimper and a mediocre record.

The Twins must have read this post today.

Good night.

[handsareme]

Holy fucking fuck-shit.

[Benny003]

"Michael Cuddyer is now warming up in the bullpen." I'm not making that up. He's going to pitch the 8th inning supposedly.

[magic stuff]

This game is unreal.

[Benny003]

Cuddyer is running in from the bullpen to pitch. Please let this not be any more embarrassing than the game already is.

[Benny003]

5th Twins position player to ever pitch for the Twins. Is it sad that I'm wishing this would have happened at Target Field so I could have photographed it?

[handsareme]

How's he looking?

[handsareme]

Two hits, no runs. Nice.

[Benny003]

87 mph with a little cut on the end. Not bad, but that's his only pitch, so he relied on the batters missing their spot. Got out of a bases loaded jam without giving up a run though. So all in all not too bad actually.

[Benny003]

Well...at least they scored 6 runs, which was only the 2nd time they have scored more than 4 runs since July 14th. :shrug

[42graystreet]

The Twins must have read this post today.

Good night.

Swish! [unfortunately]

[AndySlash]

really, at this point, let cuddyer play every position by season's end.

[UNLTrpt]

Went to the game today. That was not fun. Cuddy pitching and kubel's hr were the highlights. Oh...and I was on tv :)

[Nick@Night]

Damn, I wish I wouldn’t have turned it off and got to see Cuddy pitch. If they don’t re-sign him it would be a slap in the face, he’s literally doing what he can to hold this rickety ship together.

[AJF_41]

87 mph with a little cut on the end. Not bad, but that's his only pitch, so he relied on the batters missing their spot. Got out of a bases loaded jam without giving up a run though. So all in all not too bad actually.

better than the crap we throw out there most nights.

[davelk10]

This team has been pathetic last few days

[AJF_41]

does anyone think there's a chance we trade thome into the deadline to a team that can use him the postseason?

i don't support this on a personal level, but i could understand it.

[Nick@Night]

does anyone think there's a chance we trade thome into the deadline to a team that can use him the postseason?

i don't support this on a personal level, but i could understand it.
I don't see how they get enough in return to even pull this trigger. Is a team going to give up a prospect for a guy who plays a third of the time, if not less? Twins would be better off having him around for 600 and have at least one positive story line to take away from them missing the playoffs.

[AndySlash]

if thome says he wants to go to a contending team (he still wants to win a ring) i think they'll do right by him and try. otherwise, like said above, it's in the twins' interest to keep him here for 600.

[handsareme]

Well this is going to shit.

[handsareme]

Well this is palpable.

[UNLTrpt]

What a balsy comeback. We needed that one so bad. So awesome to see that one in person.

[AJF_41]

Nice comeback last night.

"great success" - borat

[UNLTrpt]

Just when we think this team is dead (20-6) they have a nice comeback two nights ago and put a hurt on Texas today.

[jubes02]

this season is making me bi-polar

fucking rollercoaster

lollercoaster

[jubes02]

god our august schedule is brutal............

[Benny003]

Hey, we have 4 games against the Orioles....:shrug