Holy crap this May schedule is all the bad teams. Something like 3 games all month vs team with winning record (Houston). All others against the bottom dwellers. Time to make hay because June starts off with the top teams of the AL East.
A win’s a win, but these games have all been pretty close. That doesn’t bode well for next month.
It’s fun to watch a team get timely hits like they have been doing, but I doubt their ability to beat good teams with better pitching or even make the playoffs. They have some good young players and hopefully a bright future…that makes them entertaining to watch at least.
What are they going to do with Sano? He’s been a frustrating player for me to watch over the years. A guy with a low batting average and high strike out count can make up for all of that with one swing of the bat, but he’s 29 years old now. I don’t see him ever getting to that next level of pushing his season average up to a respectable level and hitting in key situations. Maybe there are stats out there to justify his position on the team, but I’m pulling back from supporting his roster spot.
Well right now he's on the 60 day IL so they don't have to do anything with him for quite a while. My guess is he'll be on the shelf until at least mid-July, maybe late July. Then he'd need a rehab stint in the minors before they have to make a decision.
He was hitting the ball pretty hard (when he was making contact) this season before he got surgery on his torn meniscus. That's typically a good indicator that as the weather warmed up the ball would start flying into the stands/into the gaps a bit more.
He has a team option for the 2023 season which it seems is unlikely to be picked up at this point barring him returning and hitting .300/.375/.500 type numbers down the stretch (it wouldn't be the first time he's put together an insane two month run). Seems more likely that he'll be a free agent after the 2022 season and sign elsewhere.
The bigger concern for me long-term is if Kirilloff, the heir apparent at 1B, can get his wrist issue figured out. He's been sapped of his power and ability to drive the ball since the injury and it appears that the surgery he had last season did not help much.
Buxton with (yet) another absolutely amazing catch.
And he pops up quickly....
https://twitter.com/BallySportsNOR/status/1529265677877518337?s=20&t=tdfJ_b6ruXGSv5lmFipXCQ
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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He makes those catches so regularly that you get a situation like last night in the sixth or seventh inning when there was a ball that was about an eight on the difficulty index that he didn’t come up with the and I was almost shocked. It’s easy to get spoiled.
Just heard a wild stat. Tonight was the 10th win of the season for the Twins without hitting a HR.
They won 9 games all season last year without a HR.
Just heard a wild stat. Tonight was the 10th win of the season for the Twins without hitting a HR.
They won 9 games all season last year without a HR.
Read an article in the paper today, that the Twins, due to the rumored (if not fact) status of MLB deadening balls, they have reverted to small ball. To refresh the memory:
<p class="speakable-content">The name Piranhas came from an unlikely source of praise, former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Speaking about the original Piranhas of 2006, Guillen said:</p>
“All those piranhas — blooper here, blooper here, beat out a ground ball, hit a home run, they’re up by four. They get up by four with that bullpen? See you at the national anthem tomorrow. When I sit down and look at the lineup, give me the New York Yankees. Give me those guys because they’ve got holes. You can pitch around them, you can pitch to them. These little guys? Castillo and all of them? People worry about the catcher, what’s his name, Mauer? Fine, yeah, a good hitter, but worry about the little [guys], they’re on base all the time.”
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Just heard a wild stat. Tonight was the 10th win of the season for the Twins without hitting a HR.
They won 9 games all season last year without a HR.
Read an article in the paper today, that the Twins, due to the rumored (if not fact) status of MLB deadening balls, they have reverted to small ball. To refresh the memory:
<p class=”speakable-content”>The name Piranhas came from an unlikely source of praise, former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. Speaking about the original Piranhas of 2006, Guillen said:</p>“All those piranhas — blooper here, blooper here, beat out a ground ball, hit a home run, they’re up by four. They get up by four with that bullpen? See you at the national anthem tomorrow. When I sit down and look at the lineup, give me the New York Yankees. Give me those guys because they’ve got holes. You can pitch around them, you can pitch to them. These little guys? Castillo and all of them? People worry about the catcher, what’s his name, Mauer? Fine, yeah, a good hitter, but worry about the little [guys], they’re on base all the time.”
It's not a rumor. It's a fact. They intentionally deadened the ball. Well, deadened isn't the exact word. They created a ball that has a higher wind drag than previous iterations. Guys are still able to hit it extremely hard but when it goes up into the air, it catches significantly higher wind drag which then means the ball that would be going 400' falls 10-15' shorter, etc. But this was supposed to really happen last year. There were supply chain issues so they had a hodgepodge of "old model" baseballs that were flying farther and then the new/current model that are deadened.
I saw a graph a couple weeks ago detailing the average exit velo, launch angles, distance, and slugging percentage on "barrel" swings (essentially the perfect contact, dead center on the sweetspot). It has been measured since 2015. In the 6+ years of measuring barrels, the exit velocity is the highest its ever been (IIRC it was 103.5mph) but the average distance and average slugging percentage on barrels was by far the lowest it's been. The launch angles were almost always identical (IIRC it was either 27.7, 27.8, or 27.9 across all 6 years).
Another change this year from years past: the Humidor is being used at all 30 MLB parks this year. So balls sit in the humidor until they are put into the game. This is, in theory, to "keep the balls consistent" throughout the league because areas where they are having dry weather, particularly dry heat, will dry the ball out faster and a dryer ball is lighter, harder, and will fly farther.
Edit #2: found the aforementioned article here: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-home-runs-are-way-down-so-far-in-2022-heres-how-the-leagues-recent-tinkering-deadened-the-baseball/
This also details the effect of the humidor (10 MLB teams used one last year so they had a "control" group to look back at for some comparisons).
Just heard a wild stat. Tonight was the 10th win of the season for the Twins without hitting a HR.
They won 9 games all season last year without a HR.
The return of the ‘Piranhas’?!?!?!
Unlikely.
Partly their success is due to the fact that the pitching staff thus far has been mostly spectacular. IIRC after today's game their starting rotation has the 5th best ERA in all of baseball. Their bullpen has mostly been very good too. And of course having the best SS and best CF in the game helps a lot.
It's too bad they can't get the same results against teams they'd likely face in the playoffs.
It’s too bad they can’t get the same results against teams they’d likely face in the playoffs.
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This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
They are handling the easy teams, and that’s all we can ask for. But if they start putting solid games together, without allowing 5+ runs per game against the top teams, then we can talk about how good the pitching staff is.
Yes but beating the "bad to meh" teams is what contenders must do! 
This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
How bonin of you. 
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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It’s too bad they can’t get the same results against teams they’d likely face in the playoffs.
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This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
They are handling the easy teams, and that’s all we can ask for. But if they start putting solid games together, without allowing 5+ runs per game against the top teams, then we can talk about how good the pitching staff is.
They split a 4 game series @ Boston and took 2 of 3 @ Tampa.
The Houston series wasn't great, obviously. Houston was on a hot streak (IIRC they ended up winning 13 in a row or 13 of 14, something like that) and they beat the Twins pretty easily, however that series was without Buxton for two games and Correa missed the entire series.
Everyone knew this stretch of games was a spot where the Twins would/should be able to rattle off 11 or 12 wins out of 15. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying the team winning 6 straight and 8 of 9 while they're doing it.
a link just isn’t the same as the image being here but I couldn’t make it work.
It’s too bad they can’t get the same results against teams they’d likely face in the playoffs.
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This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
They are handling the easy teams, and that’s all we can ask for. But if they start putting solid games together, without allowing 5+ runs per game against the top teams, then we can talk about how good the pitching staff is.
They split a 4 game series @ Boston and took 2 of 3 @ Tampa.
The Houston series wasn’t great, obviously. Houston was on a hot streak (IIRC they ended up winning 13 in a row or 13 of 14, something like that) and they beat the Twins pretty easily, however that series was without Buxton for two games and Correa missed the entire series.
Everyone knew this stretch of games was a spot where the Twins would/should be able to rattle off 11 or 12 wins out of 15. But there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the team winning 6 straight and 8 of 9 while they’re doing it.
You're not wrong, but I look at the runs given up against those teams and I wonder if we have the pitching staff that will win games for us in October. Has the staff been spectacular or has the competition been meek?
Runs allowed
Dodgers (7, 7)
Red Sox (4, 4, 8, 3)
Rays (6, 1, 1)
Astros (5, 11, 5)
It’s too bad they can’t get the same results against teams they’d likely face in the playoffs.
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This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
They are handling the easy teams, and that’s all we can ask for. But if they start putting solid games together, without allowing 5+ runs per game against the top teams, then we can talk about how good the pitching staff is.
They split a 4 game series @ Boston and took 2 of 3 @ Tampa.
The Houston series wasn’t great, obviously. Houston was on a hot streak (IIRC they ended up winning 13 in a row or 13 of 14, something like that) and they beat the Twins pretty easily, however that series was without Buxton for two games and Correa missed the entire series.
Everyone knew this stretch of games was a spot where the Twins would/should be able to rattle off 11 or 12 wins out of 15. But there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the team winning 6 straight and 8 of 9 while they’re doing it.
You’re not wrong, but I look at the runs given up against those teams and I wonder if we have the pitching staff that will win games for us in October. Has the staff been spectacular or has the competition been meek?
Runs allowed
Dodgers (7, 7)
Red Sox (4, 4, 8, 3)
Rays (6, 1, 1)
Astros (5, 11, 5)
The Twins were tied 1-1 in the 8th inning against the Dodgers in one of those losses. Thielbar and Jhon Romero got lit up in the 8th inning. IIRC the second game was Paddack's first start. Obviously he's out for the season now anyways.
In the game we gave up 8 to the Sox, the bullpen (Thielbar) fell apart again. Ober went 6 innings allowing 2 unearned runs and Thielbar came in for the 8th and got shelled.
I don't think Thielbar is going to be getting huge innings in the playoffs.
It’s too bad they can’t get the same results against teams they’d likely face in the playoffs.
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This. Everyone needs to remember the Twins have played a ton of games against some very bad teams. Their games against Houston, LAD, Tampa and even Boston were bad to meh. Based on these results, I would expect a quick exit in the playoffs.
They are handling the easy teams, and that’s all we can ask for. But if they start putting solid games together, without allowing 5+ runs per game against the top teams, then we can talk about how good the pitching staff is.
They split a 4 game series @ Boston and took 2 of 3 @ Tampa.
The Houston series wasn’t great, obviously. Houston was on a hot streak (IIRC they ended up winning 13 in a row or 13 of 14, something like that) and they beat the Twins pretty easily, however that series was without Buxton for two games and Correa missed the entire series.
Everyone knew this stretch of games was a spot where the Twins would/should be able to rattle off 11 or 12 wins out of 15. But there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the team winning 6 straight and 8 of 9 while they’re doing it.
You’re not wrong, but I look at the runs given up against those teams and I wonder if we have the pitching staff that will win games for us in October. Has the staff been spectacular or has the competition been meek?
Runs allowed
Dodgers (7, 7)
Red Sox (4, 4, 8, 3)
Rays (6, 1, 1)
Astros (5, 11, 5)
I’m always happy when the Twins get off to a good start, it makes watching the games on tv from time to time (or listening on the radio) more enjoyable. And I hope they make the playoffs, but if they do, I’m just hoping they win a game or two. It’s hard to invest your time (in any more than a cursory fashion) in a team whose owners aren’t truly committed to winning at a high level & eventually a championship as Leopold or the Wilfs. In my view, Rob, Chip & Ernie enjoy owning the Twins a great deal, but the worst thing that could have happened to them actually happened…their Daddy’s team winning the WS twice as young men satiated their desire to win a 3rd ring.
Still early in the MLB season, but no division has more than 1 team within 5 games of the leader of the division.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Tigers 4-2 over Twins in 10
Aloha!
Another blown lead.
Can’t stand the unis the Twins are wearing tonight. And Gordon really needs to roll his pant legs down. He looks like a clown. ?
So Buxton is only playing 2 out of 3 games now. Is not running hard when he hits a ground ball also part of his anti-injury regimen? Was at the game today and he hit a chopper to third and barely jogged to first. ?
So Buxton is only playing 2 out of 3 games now. Is not running hard when he hits a ground ball also part of his anti-injury regimen? Was at the game today and he hit a chopper to third and barely jogged to first. ?
Kepler was also found half ass jogging to 1st on a grounder he may have beat out if he ran. And this followed a bad play in the outfield that partially led to 2 runs scored.
Baseball players ever running full speed would be the rarity
So Buxton is only playing 2 out of 3 games now. Is not running hard when he hits a ground ball also part of his anti-injury regimen? Was at the game today and he hit a chopper to third and barely jogged to first. ?
Kepler was also found half ass jogging to 1st on a grounder he may have beat out if he ran. And this followed a bad play in the outfield that partially led to 2 runs scored.
That is squarely on the manager.
So Buxton is only playing 2 out of 3 games now. Is not running hard when he hits a ground ball also part of his anti-injury regimen? Was at the game today and he hit a chopper to third and barely jogged to first. ?
Kepler was also found half ass jogging to 1st on a grounder he may have beat out if he ran. And this followed a bad play in the outfield that partially led to 2 runs scored.
Twitter seems to think Kepler is hurt and will likely go on IL tomorrow.
was anyone else unable to use the Bally’s app to watch the twins today?
I ran into this problem today. I assume your issue went away?
I don’t think I’ve tried to use it since then so not sure! ?
Figured it out. Even though it said I was connected through a provider, I wasn't. Had to disconnect and then connect again.
was anyone else unable to use the Bally’s app to watch the twins today?
I ran into this problem today. I assume your issue went away?
I don’t think I’ve tried to use it since then so not sure! ?
Figured it out. Even though it said I was connected through a provider, I wasn’t. Had to disconnect and then connect again.
Mine gave me the “you’re not allowed to watch this content or there’s an error” message. I’ll try that. Although I’m in Detroit territory so maybe it’s blacked out?
edit: that worked. Thanks Karlsson!
Not surprising given what is going on, but things aren't going very well.
What did I tell you about the pitching?
"Nestor the Molestor"
Twins players not going to Toronto.
The #MNTwins are going to place Max Kepler, Caleb Thielbar, Emilio Pagán and Trevor Megill on the restricted list ahead of this series against the Blue Jays. They did not travel to Toronto with the team. Corresponding moves will come later.
Not surprising given what is going on, but things aren’t going very well.
I agree things are not going well. But what’s going on?
Lineup has been a bit of a revolving door lately. I know, every team deals with it so it isn't an excuse. Bad timing though, need a better result in 15 games against Kansas City and Detroit than 8-7. Especially with the stretch coming up.
Yawn…. used to be a big Twins fan, attended 5-10 games per year in the late 80’s & early 90’s. And while attending a game on a nice sunny day at Target Firld can be a fun experience, aside from that, I have very little interest in the team. When ownership at its core considers contending for a WS title a secondary priority, it’s hard yo stay engaged with the plight of the team.
Twins players not going to Toronto.
The #MNTwins are going to place Max Kepler, Caleb Thielbar, Emilio Pagán and Trevor Megill on the restricted list ahead of this series against the Blue Jays. They did not travel to Toronto with the team. Corresponding moves will come later.
Which is in Canada which requires a COV.......edit.
Glad the Twins got those easy games in Detroit out of the way before getting into a tough stretch coming up against Toronto, Yankees and Tampa Bay.
The Twins bullpen threw 6 hitless innings of shut out relief against Toronto tonight. Twins win 9-3. Not bad when you consider they have 18 players currently unavailable including 13 pitchers. The Twins are now 7-5 against the AL East and all 12 games have been on the road.
Twins players not going to Toronto.
The #MNTwins are going to place Max Kepler, Caleb Thielbar, Emilio Pagán and Trevor Megill on the restricted list ahead of this series against the Blue Jays. They did not travel to Toronto with the team. Corresponding moves will come later.
Interesting, didn’t know that was still going on but then again it’s Canada.
Also, say charade without saying charade…
“Despite being in Detroit, the Twins took a flight across the border, rather than avoiding testing for COVID by driving into Canada. When they leave Canada and return home to host the Yankees, the Twins will drive two hours to Buffalo, New York, and fly to Minneapolis from there to avoid having to test when flying into the United States.“
Twins losing again 8-2 in the 5th
Aloha!
Duffey blowing it again.
The Twins win 8-6 to take the series against Toronto. They did this with 18 players unavailable (IL or Covid).
The Twins, Cleveland, and White Sox just completed road series wins against Toronto, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay. Maybe someday the AL East will be good enough to play with the AL central. 
The Twins are now 8-6 against the AL East with all 14 games on the road.
And now a 6 game home stand against the Yankees and the Rays. I'd be very happy to see 3-3 on this. New York with a +102 run differential and 2.74 ERA thus far.
I should have specified to the universe that when I was cheering for New York, I meant the Rangers. Damnit.
I should have specified to the universe that when I was cheering for New York, I meant the Rangers. Damnit.
I'd be happier if you cheered for the Yankees. Just my opinion, though.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.