Thursday, May 12, 2005
Discussion Question of the Week - Twins in 2009!
DAY OFF
The Twins have a day off today, so I am essentially going to do the same. But don't worry, there will still be some new stuff. For instance, I have still updated the minor league reports. I will discuss the Twins loss to the Orioles yesterday. And, of course, another American Idol finalist was eliminated. Who was it, and what do I think?
But I also think it is the perfect opportunity for you to answer this week's discussion question. I mean, responses will be posted tomorrow, so I need your thoughts by tonight. Here is the question:
DISCUSSION QUESTION OF THE WEEK
We found out last week that the Twins hope for a new stadium rests with the state legislature. Hennepin County has agreed to help fund and build an outdoor stadium for the Twins. The legislative session will go through May 23. If they agree to allow the three cents on ever $20 tax, in Hennepin County only, then work will begin on the new stadium. The estimated time of opening would be Opening Day 2009. Herein lies the basis for this week's Discussion Question:
Who will make up the Twins Opening Day Roster in 2009? I think that is a fun question because you need to think about who is currently with the Twins and how long they will stay around (or the Twins will be willing to pay them). You need to consider that the Twins generally build from within, so which minor leaguers will be contributing to the team in four years. Of course, it is all just guessing. But it is fun to project.
So please, consider the question, take some time to think it through. Maybe you want to list the 25 man roster? Maybe you just want to name a starting nine alone with five starters and a closer. Feel free to do with the question what you will. Send me an e-mail with your response by TONIGHT and then on Friday, your thoughts will be posted, along with mine.
Well, as I said throughout the series, I thought the Twins/Orioles matchup was a battle between the top two teams in the American League. all three games were close and well contested. Sure, the O's won yesterday 7-4, but the game was tied at 4 going into the bottom of the 8th. I think that the Orioles are for real, and they showed the pitching to make me believe that. I also believe that the Twins are a better team than they have been in recent years.
Below are a few notes about the teams and the game:
Johan Santana did record eight strikeouts in six innings, but he was not on his game. I was watching Baseball Tonight last night and John Kruk was talking about how Johan's changeup was kept up in the zone, and that is why it was hit. Well, those of us who have watched Johan the last year or so know that his changeup has been good enough and slow enough that he would get away with some poor location. Not yesterday, not against the Orioles lineup. It was double after double in the third inning. Santana gave up nine hits and a walk in his six innings.
Matt Guerrier pitched a great seventh inning when he went 1-2-3 with two strikeouts. Unfortunately, Gardy again kept him in the lineup one inning too long. He allowed a couple baserunners and JC Romero was brought in. Well, Twins fans also know what happens when JC is brought in with runners on in close games. Of course, he lets them score. But Guerrier takes the loss.
Two of the runs in that 8th inning were unearned because of a Terry Tiffee throwing error. It was a rough series for Tiffee. He didn't hit, and had an error. Of course, I don't think any less of him.
Justin Morneau continued to hit well. He went 2-3 with a double and a sacrifice RBI. He is just doing everything and doing it well. The RBI alone are very impressive. Dougie Who????
Joe Mauer caught all three games of the Baltimore series. That included yesterday's day game after a night game. Hopefully he shows no signs of fatigue after that.
By they way, former Twins infielder Chris Gomez is with the Orioles. He doesn't get a lot of playing time behind Miguel Tejada, Melvin Mora, Brian Roberts or Rafael Palmiero. But yesterday, he played 1B and went 2-3 boosting his average back over .500 on the season.
The Twins have a day off today before starting a three game home series against the Texas Rangers. Alfonso Soriano sure has been hot of late. Of course, offense isn't the question with the Rangers, but even their Big Four infielders are not playing like they did all of last year, or even the year before. So they are certainly still a scary team.
ROCHESTER REDWINGS
Wednesday - REDWINGS 1, Columbus 4 - Boof Bonser took his first loss of the season. He gave up four runs (2 earned) on six hits and two walks in 6 innings. He struck out five. Beau Kemp threw two perfect innings. Ricky Barrett pitched a perfect ninth. Garrett Jones had three of the Redwings five hits.
NEW BRITAIN ROCKCATS
Wednesday - ROCKCATS 7, Norwich 2 - Justin Olson got another start. He went 5 1/3 innings and gave up two runs on three hits and three walks. He struck out three. Jason Miller and John Thomas combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Luis Maza went 2-4 with a double. Selwin Langaigne went 2-4 with his third homer and two RBI. Danny Matienzo notched his ninth double and fifth homer with a walk and four RBI in three at bats.
FT MYERS MIRACLE
Wednesday - MIRACLE 2, St. Lucie 5 - Errol Simonitch took the loss by giving up four runs (3 earned) on five hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings. He did strike out eight. Josh Gray gave up an unearned run on one hit and one walk in 1 1/3 innings. Tim Henkenjohann got the final out. Felix Molina was 2-3 with a double. The Miracle had just four hits. Yes, Matt Moses had one.
BELOIT SNAPPERS
Wednesday - SNAPPERS 1, Peoria 7 - Alexander Smit had yet another rough outing. In just 2 1/3 innings, he gave up six runs (3 earned) on six hits and four walks. He struck out four. His ERA is up to 6.99. Kevin Culpepper pitched 1.2 scoreless innings. David Shinskie made an appearance and although he gave up three hits in an inning, he struck out three and gave up no runs. Jonathon Martinez went the next 2 2/3 innings and gave up a run on three hits and a walk. Steven Duguay struck out two in his 1.1 innings. Dwayne White went 2-4, and Deacon Burns accounted for the lone run with a solo homer, his second of the season.
Alright, last night was another elimination episode. Based on the Tuesday night performances, I was left to simply guess what "America" would decide to do with their vote. Well, here is what I said yesterday:
1.) Anthony Federov - In my mind, he was at least "good" in both songs.
2.) Bo Bice - Made country bearable for me, and although he picked a bad second song, it worked for him.
3.) Carrie Underwood - A bad night of song choices, I think, but vocally, she was still good.
4.) Vonzell Solomon - Horrible first song is hard too overlook despite an incredible second performance.
So, by that, I would have to say that the Bottom Two should be Vonzell Solomon and Carrie Underwood. I am not convinced that is how it will turn out. I do think that Vonzell could be ousted, but the tears may help her. I don't think Carrie was better than either of the guys, but I do think that she a big enough following to help her through a weak week. Bo would seem to be safe because of the crowd's and the judges' reactions. Anthony has really improved tremendously throughout this competition, and I am hesitant to give him that #1 spot. I do think he was the best in my mind last night. That said, I think that the actual bottom two will be Anthony and Vonzell. I think that Vonzell will be out, but those tears may send Anthony home.
Well, I hate to admit just how right I was with my predictions. I really did think that Anthony was the best, but it was young Federov who was eliminated from the competition. Now we are to the Final Three, and probably the top three singers in the competition!
What do you think? E-mail me.
On that note, I am going to call it a day. I hope you have a great day! Thanks again for stopping by this site. If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future postings, please e-mail me.