Minnesota Twins

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by AJF_41

we need pitching more than we did last year.....and we really needed it last year.

The bullpen was actually quite amazing last night. If our starters would just try to be ready for the game in the 1st inning instead of the 2nd inning, then we would be a lot better off.

[UNC41]

I'm not encourgaed by a 4-9 start. Willingham has been great and I really like seeing Morneau drive the ball again, but it's going to be a long summer.

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by UNC41

I'm not encourgaed by a 4-9 start. Willingham has been great and I really like seeing Morneau drive the ball again, but it's going to be a long summer.

The offense is there as I expected, it's just the starting pitching really at this point that needs to start producing consistently.

[UNC41]

Originally Posted by Benny003

The offense is there as I expected, it's just the starting pitching really at this point that needs to start producing consistently.

I don't think that will happen. The starting pitching just isn't good.

[42graystreet]

I'm not entirely discouraged yet. The starting pitching has been bad and needs to rebound, but we are starting the season with a brutal schedule.

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by 42graystreet

I'm not entirely discouraged yet. The starting pitching has been bad and needs to rebound, but we are starting the season with a brutal schedule.

Yeah, that needs to be remembered as well.

Orioles
Angels
Rangers
Yankees
Rays
Red Sox
Royals
Angels (again)
Mariners
Angels (again!)
Blue Jays

That's the first 5 weeks of the schedule. Only 3 of those teams (i.e. 9 games out of the first 35 games) are remotely "easy" (Orioles, Royals, and Mariners). The rest are tough if not legitimate playoff contenders. If the Twins somehow stay within 5 to 7 games back of Detroit by the middle of May, then I'd say they will be doing exceptionally well.

[42graystreet]

I think proper expectations also play a part. I'm not expecting us to go from 99 losses to 90+ wins. That kind of turnaround would be remarkable. A .500 ballclub is my realistic hope.

[tosssweep]

Originally Posted by Benny003

The offense is there as I expected, it's just the starting pitching really at this point that needs to start producing consistently.

Rosenthal had a fantastic article yesterday on this exact observation. Let's see if I can dig it up...

Edit: Found it!
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/m...n-bronx-041812

[Benny003]

The Twins have always been a pitch-to-contact club, which can work as long as the defense is solid. So far the defense has been quite good and if the pitchers can regain their confidence in the defense behind them you'll see a whole different team. When the pitchers lose confidence in their defense, they start thinking they have to strike out every guy or they have to make the perfect pitch. That's what happened last year and a pitch-to-contact system will fail miserably in that situation. I think Pavano and Marquis can be guys that will show the others how to pitch. Things like adjusting as the game goes on, missing with a purpose (i.e. not leaving it hanging over the plate), and trusting your defense. If the pitching staff can get that in their heads, I think the team will be very strong. The Twins are not short on talent, not by any means. All of their problems right now are completely mental. If they can overcome that I'm very confident in their ability to win.

One thing I disagree with Rosenthal on is he said Carroll is below average defensively. I wonder if he still feels that way after watching last night's game.

[Nick@Night]

If Carrol is below average, what do you call what the Twins have tried putting there the past few seasons? Carrol is 1.000 fielding percentage thus far. Yoshi would have 3-4 errors and other miscues that don't go against his stats by now.

[Benny003]

Willingham is amazing. Bases loaded, 2 outs, 2 strikes and he extends his hit streak with a bases clearing double to put the Twins in the lead.

[UNC41]

He has been so huge this year. He laced that to right center.

[42graystreet]

Another win. Another save for Fatty Capps. Another big hit for Willy. Let's keep this going.

[UNLTrpt]

Originally Posted by 42graystreet

Another win. Another save for Fatty Capps. Another big hit for Willy. Let's keep this going.

Good stuff all around.

[UNLTrpt]

Gotta give it up to fatty Capps. He's perfect on save opportunities so far.

[handsareme]

The bullpen allowed no hits and no runs.

[bustedstuff88]

Go twins go!!!

On the postgame tonight Ron Coomer said that Jamey Carroll isnt our most talented player. I think he missed this one. Carroll is a gamer and is impressing me time and time again, especially now that his bat has come alive!

[bustedstuff88]

What will become of Frankie???

[UNC41]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

Go twins go!!!

On the postgame tonight Ron Coomer said that Jamey Carroll isnt our most talented player. I think he missed this one. Carroll is a gamer and is impressing me time and time again, especially now that his bat has come alive!

He also holds the title of Most Likely to Molest a Child Based on His Team Picture.

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

What will become of Frankie???

I've lost patience with him. It takes "talent" to be 2 runs down while holding down a no hitter with no errors.

[bustedstuff88]

Originally Posted by UNC41

He also holds the title of Most Likely to Molest a Child Based on His Team Picture.

I spit all over my keyboard after reading this. Bravo!

[bustedstuff88]

Originally Posted by Benny003

I've lost patience with him. It takes "talent" to be 2 runs down while holding down a no hitter with no errors.

Such a damn shame. We've all seen what he CAN do. Heres my prediction:

He either gets traded before the deadline for a prospect (which we trade anyways down the line) or he just flat out leaves after the season to another team. I think a change of scenery and management will do him worlds of good and he is the next David Ortiz sob story for the twins.

[bustedstuff88]

So Am I wrong in saying that Miguel Sano is the only "super prospect" the twins have in the farm system right now?

[Benny003]

Originally Posted by bustedstuff88

So Am I wrong in saying that Miguel Sano is the only "super prospect" the twins have in the farm system right now?

Super prospect? Probably. You don't get good draft pick placement when you win the division and the Twins haven't been trading for a lot of prospects either (which requires trading a current super star quality player).

[davelk10]

Originally Posted by Benny003

Super prospect? Probably. You don't get good draft pick placement when you win the division and the Twins haven't been trading for a lot of prospects either (which requires trading a current super star quality player).

We waste them on pitchers who throw in the top 80s anyway

[Benny003]

They have to get one with the #2 pick in June.

[schreiber89]

Go Twins!!!

[smudge1]

Originally Posted by schreiber89

Go Twins!!!

here we go..

[handsareme]

"That would be OK with me."

-Liriano, on the possibility of moving to the 'pen.

[pig494]

First game of the year for me tonight. Should be a beautiful night at Target Field