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First things first... I got an e-mail from The View from the Bleachers. It seems that the first round of voting in The World Series of Blogs is complete. I want to thank those of you who voted for this site. Somehow, SethSpeaks received enough votes to win the AL Central vote and advance into the playoffs. So, I hate to do it, but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask, right? If you want, be sure to head over to The View from The Bleachers and vote in The World Series of Blogs! I am in contention in the American League with Athletics Nation, Blue Jay Way and Firebrand (Red Sox). As of last night, I was getting absolutely crushed, so help me out, check out the site and vote early and often!
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Good morning! And today, we will finally get to your thoughts on the Twins. But before we get to that, let's cover a couple more things. First, thanks to those of you who wrote me yesterday with suggestions on moving. Any more would be greatly appreciated.
Secondly, I do need to thank everyone who wrote to respond to these Twins questions. But also, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write to me about things I've written. I encourage people to write to me at any time, and I will respond to them. It might just take me awhile. I went from hoping to get an e-mail or two a day to a lot of e-mail each day. And I think that is great. As I have written before, that is the best part about having this website, having the interaction with you, the readers. Just please forgive me if it takes me a little while to respond. I know I spent over three hours just responding to e-mails on Sunday afternoon. So again, please feel free to e-mail me at any time, just please be patient with me, ok?
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Did
anyone take my advice and watch
The WB's Superstar USA show? Last night was the show's
finale, and it was great. They had narrowed the singers down to
three. Each sang and they narrowed it down to two. The finalists
then had to sing a duet. In the end, Minnesota native "Jamie"
was crowned the winner. Soon after, she was told that she has an
absolutely terrible voice, and that the twist of the competition was
that they were looking for someone who really thought that they
could sing (and couldn't), not a great singer. She looked almost
surprised and upset, but she took it very well in stride. Especially
when they gave her a $50,000 recording contract... and an additional
$50,000. You've got to love a show like that!
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Did you know that Comedy Central has cancelled The Man Show? Actually, I watched about two episodes since Adam Corolla and Jimmy Kimmel left it. It just wasn't the same. I feel like I should find some pictures of girls on trampolines, but I need to keep this site visible by everyone... and I can't find one!
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I hate paying bills!
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Alright, let's get to your responses on the Twins. Here are the questions that were asked last week. For my thoughts on many of these questions, please check out a posting with a conversation that Kirk Beller and I had a couple of weeks ago.
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To this point in the season, who has been the Twins:
Best hitter?
Best starter?
Best reliever?
Biggest disappointment?
Biggest surprise?
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What are your thoughts on Luis Rivas?
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Should Michael Cuddyer play every day? Where?
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What should the Twins do with their glut of OF, 1B, DH?
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What are your thoughts on the Justin Morneau situation?
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Should Doug Mientkiewicz continue to be the Twins leadoff hitter?
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Which former Twins player do you think the Twins miss the most (Guardado, Hawkins, Pierzynski, Milton)?
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What are your thoughts on Terry Ryan?
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What are your thoughts of Ron Gardenhire?
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As of now, who do you think will win the AL Central?
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Which minor leaguer are you most excited to see move up to the Twins?
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Any other general thoughts that you may have on the Twins, the players, the coaches, the season... anything?
I am going start with an e-mail from New York about Michael Cuddyer that made me think that a Mailbag posting would be good. I know I have my opinions on Michael Cuddyer/Luis Rivas, Justin Morneau and other situations with the Twins. But I know that not everyone who reads this site agrees with me, and I wouldn't expect everyone to. So today, it's all about you!
From Dave Anderson, NYC
Nobody wants to see Cuddyer succeed more than I. I've been watching his minor league numbers for years, and the thought of having near-Jeff Kent-like offensive numbers from a TWINS second baseman makes me salivate.
I don't think they're going to come, though. If you look at his numbers over the last few years you see two things:
1. limited at-bats, yes, the source of our complaints, and...
2. remarkably consistent (mediocre) performance in those at bats. Average, OBP, Slugging, HR all nearly identical year to year as you'll see below.
Batting
Last 3 years Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
2002 MIN 41 112 12 29 7 0 4 13 8 30 2 0 .259 .311 .429 .740
2003 MIN 35 102 14 25 1 3 4 8 12 19 1 1 .245 .325 .431 .756
2004 MIN 45 149 19 38 10 1 5 24 14 34 1 3 .255 .317 .436 .753
Career 129 381 46 96 20 4 13 46 36 89 5 4 .252 .317 .428 .744
I know there's nothing like playing every day for a true test of one's ability, but the man's got 380 at bats -- 2/3 of a full season -- under his belt, and shows little sign of breaking out offensively.
I now believe the TWINS are right to use Cuddyer just the way they are – as a super-utility player with situational pop.
From Lee Kofstad
hitter: lew
starter: radke
closer: nathan awesome
disappointment: mauer injury. I know but I would like to see him play
surprise: lew
rivas: dump him to the yankees for some more core players
cuddyer: yes, 2B
Morneau: I like mientkiewicz, but I think he has to go. He does not provide enough of what 1B do.I know he’s a really good player and does everything right but he really is not that good of a hitter, morneau-in menke-no, off the team. lecroy-dh
miss: hawkins, but I would like to go further back, Ortiz
ryan: i think he does well with what he has to work with
gardy: i like him but he needs to make a decision, get off the fence
win: twins
minor: morneau 500 ab 30 hr
From Troy Sims
Best Hitter: Sweet Lew Ford has been the most consistently productive hitter in the lineup
Best Pitcher: Joe Nathan, he surprised me... I thought he'd struggle when the season started
Best Starter: Brad Radke... no brainer
Best Reliever: Joe Nathan.... no brainer
Biggest Dissappointment: Lohse... I really thought he was going to have a breakout year... so far I'm relieved I didn't draft him!
Biggest Surprise: Lew Ford, thank god we have him
About Luis Rivas: His days at 2nd base are numbered.
About Cuddyer: I think he needs a position to stick to, and he needs to get some everyday at-bats... otherwise, it's just wasting away production that's sure to come
Glut of 1B,DH,OF: Well, trade them... of course... some of these kids deserve a chance, we could use some insurance in the bullpen. Morneau and Kubel are untouchable however.
Doug Mientkiewicz: I honestly think he should be hitting around 8 or 9, he's not productive at all. His OBP numbers are dreadful.
Player Most Missed: Eddie Guardado, he's having a really good season for a loser... I really think we should try to get him back here
Terry Ryan: I think he's done his best to assemble the team we've got, I like what they did in the draft, and I'm still looking forward to the future with some of the kids we got playing in the minors.
Gardenhire: I think he's a great fit... I don't necessarily like how Morneau was treated when he was up here, but otherwise he and the coaches are doing a great job.
AL Central: I think the White Sox pitching hit it's peak for the year, we have yet to show what our starters are capable of (Johan provided a glimpse last night).... so of course I choose the Twins!
Player most excited to see play: Kubel is absolutely raking the ball, I'd like to see how he handles himself in the show.
Other comments about season: I really think we've hit that low point for the year.... and we still have a winning record and are tied(?) for 1st place. Not bad considering the rash of injuries, the inconsistency from some of our starters, Jose Offerman, Luis Rivas... there no other way to go but up!
From Dewey Moede
Hi Seth, We need Twins Fans to start going to the ballpark! What's up with that? Behind last year! I have to say once again that Minnesota does not appreciate the Twins! I hope you print this! Thanks,
From “Al”
I have followed the franchise since they were in Washington in 1953. To me the biggest disappointment has been Gardenhire, both because of his tendency to over manage {see Romero last night}, and his failure to insist on Morneau's presence in the lineup on a daily basis. Basically Rivas, Mientkiewicz, and Guzman are black holes in the lineup, and only Dougie can use his glove. Among the players, Lohse has been a huge disappointment, especially after his glorious spring. The best starter clearly has been Radke, and the best reliever, Nathan. Ford has been the best hitter though not lately. With all the unused minor league talent, and with a shaky pitching staff, and weak middle infield, and soft offense, they should call people up, or make trades for what is needed. The point of accumulating minor league talent, and letting them excel for years on that level is lost on me.
Luis Rivas should be placed on the 12,000 day disabled list. Cuddyer should play 2nd every day. Ryan should go to Rochester, or even Buffalo, to be replaced by Morneau. Mientkiewicz should be a late inning defensive replacement, and Kubel brought up. The idea here, is to have some major league bats in the lineup. Greisinger should be sent to a place where he is just out of earshot.
From my Dad, Del Stohs
I can't remember all your questions. (1) Lew Ford has been the best hitter. (2) Best pitcher--I don't want to admit it but Brad Radke has been the best starter and Juan Rincon has been the best reliever. (3) Luis Rivas has been a disappointment, but so has Cristian Guzman, Shannon Stewart, Corey Koskie, Rick Helling,...(4) I think that Lew Ford has been a surprise, but so has Henry Blanco (5) Yes Michael Cuddyer should play every day at second. (6) until Justin Morneau proves himself, he won't play much. He has to improve his fielding at first or learn to be an outfielder. (7) Doug M. is not your usual lead-off hitter. When Shannon Stewart comes back, he will do the job. Doug would be an ideal #2 hitter because of his bat control and not his speed. (8) I think they miss Eric Milton the most
(Seth Note - Dad frequently tells me that Brad Radke is not an "ace." My response is simply that he does not have ace-like stuff, but he gives the team a chance to win because he knows how to pitch.)
From Matt Engstrom
1a. Best Hitter - LLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
1b. Best pitcher - This one's arguable, between Radke and Nathan. Both have put up really good numbers. I gotta give it to Radke though, partly out of sympathy for the lack of run support that he's gotten.
1c. Best starter - Radke.
1d. Best reliever - Nathan. Both of these should be obvious, given my response to 1b :-)
1e. Biggest disappointment - hmmm, more thought required. Going between Santana and Lohse here. If not for last night's game, I'd probably go with Santana. But, I was really expecting a breakout year from Lohse. He's gotten some experience under his belt, and should really be hitting his stride. He just hasn't panned out the way I'd hoped. Give it to Lohse.
1f. Biggest surprise - Think I gotta go with Lew again here. Someone who gets cut in spring training, and then gets a call up and plays the way he does, is just awesome. Not just that he puts up good #s either, but he plays hard. Kind of makes up for missing Mohr.
2. Rivas. At this point, I might let him mow my lawn. A bat like that can be forgiven if you've got an awesome glove, but he doesn't. Good speed though, if he can somehow get on base. They'd better not offer him arbitration at the end of this season.
3. Cuddy. Yes, play him every day at 2nd. He's no worse defensively than Rivas, or at least won't be with a little bit more playing experience there, and his offensive upside is much better.
4. Glut. This one's really good for discussion. My feelings? Dump Blanco and Offerman. Make Lecroy your designated backup catcher. Let him start every 4 or 5 games, or whenever we're facing a tough leftie. Call up Morneau, make him your everyday DH. OF is a little tougher, and largely depends on how Stew's foot does. Ryan has NOT impressed this year. If Stew gets better, trade Jones (we won't be able to afford him next year, anyways) and go with Stew/Hunter/Ford. If Stew's foot turns out to be the 2nd coming of Cordova, we're really in trouble because he's got 2 years left. A Ford/Hunter/Ryan outfield does not inspire confidence. From what I've seen of Cuddy's outfield skills (playoffs against Oakland ring any bells) I wouldn't want him out there every day. Resto, perhaps??? Too bad Span isn't a little bit farther along.
5. Morneau - see above.
6. Dougie as leadoff. The only guy on the slower than that is Tubby, 'scuse me, Lecroy. Yes, he can string out at-bats and eat up a lot of pitches, but so could AJ and nobody ever thought about having him hit leadoff. Go back to Jones or let Lew give it a try
7. Missed Twin. Nathan has made me not miss Guardado, and Silva has pitched well enough to makeup for Milton's departure. I'd have to say Hawkins, especially with the continually-threatened implosion of Romero.
8/9 - Ryan & Gardenhire are both a little bit too hung up on playing with "known quantities". See Rivas situation for elaboration.
10. AL Central. Twins or Sox again. Gotta go with the Twins at this point though. We've been playing like crap. The Sox have been playing, well, I was going to say "well" but let's just say "not like crap" and they're tied for 1st. The Twins will come around.
11. Minor-leaguer. Bartlett. Get rid of the other half (the overpaid one, at that) of the keystone cops.
From Leslie Monteiro
With two months passed, it's time to pick a Twin that has caught your eye this season, Seth. We can talk about Joe Nathan who has made everyone forgot Eddie. We can talk about Jacque Jones good start when the Twins were winning. We can talk about Brad Radke's great season so far.
If there is a Twin that has caught my eye, it's Lew Ford. I did not think Lew would do much. Even when he did, I thought he was going to cool off. It has not happened as Lew just keeps contributing each night. One thing I like about him is that he takes pitches and he makes pitchers work out there. I love how he uses the field out there. He has been nothing short of amazing. It's too bad that he won't make the All-Star team with all the great outfielders in the AL, but if he keeps playing like this for a long period of time, he will be right there.Best hitter? Lew Ford. He just has been consistent all season and just when you expect him to fade eventually, he just keeps hitting. He has amazed. I liked how he takes good pitches and how he makes pitchers throw each pitch out there.
Best starter? Brad Radke. He has had a great start.
Best reliever? Joe Nathan. He has made everyone forget Eddie. He is just lights out. He is one of the best closers in the AL
Biggest disappointment? It's either Johan or Kyle. You can also make a case for Romero, but I knew he would bomb so it's no disappointment. I expected it. I would pick Kyle Lohse. Outside of last night, he was supposed to have a breakout year, but he has not gotten it done and he gives up too many HRs every time he pitches.
Biggest surprise? Had this question be asked at the end of April, I would pick Henry Blanco, but Henry Blanco is back to being Henry Blanco. I would pick Lew, but we knew he had potential. I would say Aaron Fultz and Joe Roa. I did not expect much from those two and certainly the Twins had to be surprised to how Aaron and Joe has stepped up.
What are your thoughts on Luis Rivas? Me? He is maddeningly inconsistent and sometimes, I wonder about his hitting IQ. With that said, he plays good defense.
Should Michael Cuddyer play every day? Where? Yes, but Gardenhire does a good job getting him at-bats so this question is not an issue.
What should the Twins do with their glut of OF, 1B, DH? They should keep the guys in the OF. If they trade Restovich, they need to get a starting pitcher in return. Doug should stay at 1B because of his defense. Morneau should be the everyday DH. How is he is not in the roster yet guys like Ryan and Offerman is?
What are your thoughts on the Justin Morneau situation? I am disappointed that he is not in the majors. He is a lot better than what Ryan and Offerman can give you. You can make a case he will give you more than Lecroy. With that said, I gotta take Gardy's comment seriously when he talks about how Justin needs to use the whole field than just hit HRs.
Should Doug Mientkiewicz continue to be the Twins leadoff hitter? Why is he even a leadoff hitter in the first place? I would give it to Lew Ford until Shannon comes back.
Which former Twins player do you think the Twins miss the most (Guardado, Hawkins, Pierzynski, Milton)? Twins miss Kenny Rogers. He could be great as a #5 starter right now when you look at what Seth Greisinger is done. You can make a case that they miss Latroy, but I think the Twins are banking on Crain to step up when he gets called up to the majors.
What are your thoughts on Terry Ryan? He has done a great job as usual. I liked how he was able to get players like Roa, Fultz. I like what he got in return for Eric Milton in Carlos Silva and Nick Punto. I like how he robbed the Giants in trading A.J. and got lot in return especially when he got Joe Nathan. He continues to build a good farm system with the help of his front office staff.
What are your thoughts of Ron Gardenhire? He has done a great job IMO. He has gotten a lot out of his players this season. That's a attribute of a good manager.
As of now, who do you think will win the AL Central? Twins or the Indians. Chicago does not impress me. I don't care how talented they are. They don't have the mentality of what it takes to be winners.
Which minor leaguer are you most excited to see move up to the Twins? Justin Morneau
Any other general thoughts that you may have on the Twins, the players, the coaches, the season... anything? The Twins has overachieved in my opinion. I did not think they would be this good, but they have done a great job. I wish their starting pitching could be a lot better especially Kyle Lohse and Johan Santana. I want J.C. Romero out as a setup guy.
From Scott
Best Hitter - Lew Ford, without a doubt. This guy has been pretty solid at the plate all year.
Best Starter - Brad Radke, not even close. I've never been a huge Radke fan as I've always thought he was overrated. But this year, he's been our best starter by far. He keeps us in the game and gives us a chance to win. We just haven't been scoring a lot of runs for him lately.
Best Reliever - Juan Rincon and Joe Nathan. Rincon is putting together a nice season and gives us Twins fans a feeling of confidence when he enters the game. He usually gets it done. Nathan started the year rather Guardado-esque, allowing at least two runners to reach base in the ninth. After about his first five or so appearances, he's been about as automatic as they get.
Biggest Disappointment - Too many to mention. Guzman seemed like the real deal two or three seasons ago, providing spark to the lineup and making things happen offensively. This year, his average is decent, but doesn't seem to hit in the clutch. Rivas is disappointing offensively as well. Take Koskie's three recent HRs away and he continues to look clueless at the plate. There's no excuse for a third baseman contributing an average of 12-15 homers in a season. Plus he's always hurt. I'm also growing very tired of watching Hunter swing at bad pitches. He, too, is completely clueless at the plate. All the aforementioned players have decent or very good gloves - they just can't hit. As far as pitching goes, you can throw Santana, Lohse and Romero into the mix. Romero is the one that scares me the most. He's incapable of recording an out these days.
Biggest Surprise - Lew Ford.
It appears to be a two-team race for the AL Central. The White Sox proved they're a better team last time we played them. They have better starters, more power and better bats. What they lack is chemistry. Despite the White Sox having a better team on paper, I think the Twins will still win the Central. They're a gritty team that seems to find a way to win close games.
From Kevin St. John
To this point in the season, who has been the Twins:
Best hitter? Hands down, Lew Ford.
Best starter? Brad Radke; it's like 2001 all over again.
Best reliever? Joe Nathan; honorable mention to Joe Roa, for pitching above and beyond expectations.
Biggest disappointment? Doug Mientkiewicz. He seems to be starting to lose his plate discipline; he doesn't have any pop (but the wrist is okay??), and he can't keep his mouth shut. But he will come around, I think.
Biggest surprise? Lew Ford. Project all you want from the minors to the majors, many players can't successfully make the transition (Cuddyer?) Ford has been a pleasant surprise.
What are your thoughts on Luis Rivas? My thoughts are that, when reviewing the options out there, sure, he is not so good. But there are a lot of teams that can say the same about their second basemen. This is his final year as a Twin; unless he somehow breaks out.
Should Michael Cuddyer play every day? Where? He should play more at second. And he should spell Koskie at third at least once a week with a tough lefty pitching. If 2003 numbers are any indication, for as much flak as we give Jones about his ability to hit lefties, Corey (bless him) is not exactly immune to the split.
What should the Twins do with their glut of OF, 1B, DH? Release Offerman, trade Jones for a starter, play Stewart, Hunter, and Ford when all are healthy, and have Ryan be the primary backup outfielder (who rarely plays). Cuddyer should not be a utility outfielder; not if they want to turn him into a second baseman.
What are your thoughts on the Justin Morneau situation? He is where he belongs. Morneau should start. And LeCroy and Ford are the best Twins hitters so far this season: guess what? They are going to be the players competing for the DH spot. Adding another doesn't help (and I don't think Morneau will out produce them for the remainder). I have faith that Mientkiewicz will improve; faith rooted in recent history. Let's not forget, Morneau was only all right last year against AAA pitching, and terrible in the bigs. Certainly, he should prove himself against AAA pitching for a season. That is the only way he should knock out proven players (with good track records of productivity: Mientkiewicz was in the upper half of 1B last year; LeCroy hit well and tore up AAA when he was there; Ford has done nothing but hit well at every level the past 3 seasons).
Should Doug Mientkiewicz continue to be the Twins leadoff hitter? No. I think Koskie (!) is the right guy for the job. Ford bats second.
Which former Twins player do you think the Twins miss the most (Guardado, Hawkins, Pierzynski, Milton)? AJ. I loved goofy AJ. Which is not to say it wasn't a good trade. It is to say that I thought AJ was among the most entertaining Twins.
What are your thoughts on Terry Ryan? Tremendous GM; a bit too conservative, but he knows how to turn nothing into something. A little too in love with silly contracts for pitchers, but so long as he can unload a silly contract (Milton), what difference does it make?
What are your thoughts of Ron Gardenhire? I didn't like him at first, but I think he is tactically okay and is a great personality with the right touch of firmness and letting the players be themselves. I don't know what explains the Twins' departure from the Pythagorean record in recent years; but it might be coaching. Gardenhire is pretty good with pitchers (from the game-management perspective), too conservative with hitters. (Use LeCroy; it's okay if you have to have the pitchers slot bat in the late innings if there is a freak injury to a catcher; that's what a pinch hitter is for. . . .)
As of now, who do you think will win the AL Central? Honestly? Go Twins!, but I am a little pessimistic. The Sox will get a 5th pitcher, and be the odds on favorites. . . . The question is, will they correct their bull pen? Eddie to ChiTown, I think. . .
Which minor leaguer are you most excited to see move up to the Twins? Morneau as a full timer, next year. I am curious about Crain, Bartlett, and Guerrier (can he get out big leaguers?) Durbin is probably a couple years away.
From JT
To this point in the season, who has been the Twins:
Best hitter? Lew Ford. Even on bad days, goes 1 for 4. Even a few homers too.
Best starter? Radke
Best reliever? Nathan. As good as Eddie. No loss in the closer's role.
Biggest disappointment? Last year's winner was Romero. This year Hunter-Koskie-Jones. Can you say underachiever? Again?
Biggest surprise? Most people will pick Ford, but I knew he had talent from last year. I go with Lecroy. His bat not his glove/arm!
What are your thoughts on Luis Rivas? I would do anything in the world to take at bats away from this guy. I wish he was not on the team. Most players get jerked around by the organization. Rivas has had tons of chances with really no threat of losing his job. He is horrible.
Should Michael Cuddyer play every day? Where? This year, second base. Better stick than the black hole-Rivas. Next year, third base to replace ALWAYS INJURED Koskie.
What should the Twins do with their glut of OF, 1B, DH? Trade Jones this year immediately. Don't want to lose Lew Ford at bats when Stewart comes back. Consider trading overrated Hunter next year. Try Morneau at first when Doug is gone. You won't need an all star glove at first if you get rid of Rivas, Koskie and Guzman. Their throwing skills suck to say the least.
What are your thoughts on the Justin Morneau situation? Look at the stats. One of the top batters. Sent to the minors when all the supposed stars are hitting .250 with little power.
Should Doug Mientkiewicz continue to be the Twins leadoff hitter? Give me a break.
Which former Twins player do you think the Twins miss the most (Guardado, Hawkins, Pierzynski, Milton)? The hitting is main problem for the Twins this year and each of the previous years. So, AJ is my answer. Blanco could not hit. Lecroy can't throw out a runner.
What are your thoughts on Terry Ryan? Overrated. Between him and Gardy, I am seriously down on them now. Their decision making is unbelievable. Remember that Lew Ford was said to be not good enough to make the club in spring training. Injuries actually helped the Twins in this case. Keep putting in Romero is stupid. What about all the years we had Hocking? Why is Rivas given a starting job Why is Offerman on the team? Why send Morneau down other than the predictable, "would you rather have him sit on the bench or play everyday in the minors?" Why didn't they trade Jones last year? When Cuddyer's average started to rise, why bench him so Rivas can play? Why will Koskie be given a new contract next year, when he only plays one half of the games?
What are your thoughts of Ron Gardenhire? See above. Too much like Tom Kelly (minus the personality) for my tastes.
As of now, who do you think will win the AL Central? The White Sox should win but they are even bigger chokers. So, I say the Twins make the playoffs again-but they will hit like they did the past few weeks (or hit like they did against the Yankees last year)
Which minor leaguer are you most excited to see move up to the Twins? Bartlett
From Dave Anderson
To this point in the season, who has been the Twins:
Best hitter? Lew Ford
Best pitcher? Joe Nathan
Best starter? Radke
Best reliever? Nathan
Biggest disappointment? Lohse
Biggest surprise? Ford!
What are your thoughts on Luis Rivas? Was driving the ball against Trachsel Wednesday. But Rivas will trudge through the season again as a .260 hitter and cause the TWINS to rethink the position for '04.
Should Michael Cuddyer play every day? Where?
(see today's first entry...)
What should the Twins do with their glut of OF, 1B, DH?
Mostly they should celebrate their depth. Then they should trade Restovich because Lew Ford will lock up any starting outfield spot available in the foreseeable future (more on Ford later). The Twins will never put up with Restovich's Rob Deer impersonation (strikeouts) and should get value back for him instead. The TWINS should wait until the offseason and trade Jones, make Ford a low priced starter for a couple of years and let Jason Kubel's development take care of itself. By 2006, both Mientkiewicz & Jones are gone and there's no more glut.
What are your thoughts on the Justin Morneau situation?
He's a major league hitter and a minor league first baseman right now. The TWINS essentially made this decision when they re-signed Mientkiewicz. The TWINS should let Morneau work on defense the rest of the year in Rochester. In the meantime, they *can't* bring another left-handed hitter into a lineup (as DH) that already has lefties Mientkiewicz, Koskie, Jones and Mauer, and is already vulnerable against left-handed pitching. If Jones goes in the offseason, Morneau could fit in the lineup as a lefthanded DH in 2005. Then watch him go!
Should Doug Mientkiewicz continue to be the Twins leadoff hitter?
Until Stewart gets healthy, fine.
Which former Twins player do you think the Twins miss the most (Guardado, Hawkins, Pierzynski, Milton)?
Hawkins.
What are your thoughts on Terry Ryan?
I think he's a smart roster manager, orchestrating things long-term. For instance, not wanting to bring up too many prospects at one time. I bet he's even trying to get more prime years out of Morneau, Crain, etc. by delaying their start in the majors, and thus delaying their free agent eligibility in the long term. (Mauer was an exception: there was no way to hold him back.) Maybe he's even thinking thoughts like, "Do I really want Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau to someday become free agents in the same year -- why not stagger them." He's smart enough to build his roster strategy around the fact that most players don't get free agent eligibility until they are significantly into their primes (late 20s). Good for him, if he plays this right, the TWINS can be competitive through the decade.
What are your thoughts of Ron Gardenhire?
Good manager. GM's think long term and managers think short term because of the different demands of their jobs. Therefore Gardenhire is impatient with prospects -- he doesn't care about the 2005 division title, that's Ryan's problem and Gardenhire wants to win now.
As of now, who do you think will win the AL Central?
The Twins by a nose. They have more ways to win than the White Sox.
Which minor leaguer are you most excited to see move up to the Twins?
Morneau.
Any other general thoughts that you have on the Twins, the players, the coaches, the season... anything?
Lew Ford is the second coming of Shane Mack -- a late blooming TWINS outfielder with some speed and pop in his bat. Both were in their primes the moment they got an everyday job (note: don't expect Ford to get any better but to maintain his performance). Ford's consistency indicates he'll hit .300 like Mack did. Notice Ford's similar stats in '03 and '04.
Year AB AVG OBP SLG OPS
2003 73 .329 .402 .575 .978
2004 198 .326 .404 513 .917
From Neil
Best Hitter - Mauer (overall) & Jones
Best Starter - Radke
Best Reliever - Rincon
Biggest Disappointment - Rivas/Guzman
Biggest Surprise - Lew Ford
What to do with Rivas - Send him down to get Morneau back up
What to do with Cuddyer - Start him at 2B
Which former Twin is missed the most - Guardado - Morale booster for Twins/Fans
From Brockman
best hitter ford
b pitch radke
b start radke
b rel nathan
big dis romero (already gone)
luis (flash in the pan) rivas - bench this year, gone next
mike cuddyer yes (second,third)
hold pat till after allstar game, then trade for mid relief (trade an outfielder)
justin morneau should be the dh (back up doug @ first)
we miss the hawk in middle relief, (sure could use kenny rogers innings and 5th starter) miss him second most
Terry Ryan is great the Twins are lucky to have him.
If you took all the managers in baseball from great to terrible he would be right in the middle (no TK)
twins should win the central (the hitting is really piss poor right now, hopefully stewart will make a big difference come july & joe m right now)
lets see jessie crain (lets see morneau full time)
From Cory Hepola
1. Best Hitter - This is a tough one because lately - everyone has been awful. I'm going with Lew Ford because he's hitting for a solid average. Granted, he started off hot - and his average has slowly dropped. but he's been the most consistent hitter. when almost everyone else has been very inconsistent.
2. Best Starter - I'm going with Brad Radke. He picked up where he left off down the stretch last year. His wins are low - but so his is ERA. We haven't been able to get him any runs. Without him - though - we wouldn't be a half game out of first.
3. Best Reliever - This is a tough one. You can make arguments for Juan Rincon and Joe Nathan. I'm going with Rincon because he's played a very important part for us this year. He's called upon in some very tough situations - and sometimes he even needs to go 3 innings. His ERA is low - and his role is so important - especially without LaTroy and a reliable Romero.
4. Biggest Disappointment - Wow, there are a lot, in my opinion! JC Romero is on my list. Corey Koskie is on my list. Johan Santana is on my list. Kyle Lohse is on my list. I could even say Doug Mientkiewicz and Jacque Jones are on the list. they're both hitting about .250. I'm going with JC Romero. because he has been flat out awful. He was supposed to step up in that 8th inning reliever role - and he has been so inconsistent.
5. Biggest Surprise - Carlos Silva or Lew Ford. I had a feeling Silva would do a nice job. When we traded Milton last year, I was pretty upset. But, after I looked at who we got in return. I thought, hey, the scouting report on Silva's pretty good. I'm glad we converted him into a starter - and he's done a nice job - except against the White Sox! I'm going with Lew Ford, though. Who knew that he would start everyday - and be hitting 3rd!
6. Luis Rivas - I don't know. I don't really like him - although he's been hot for about a week and raised his average to .275. I thought Cuddyer got a raw deal because Rivas gets called back up (after hitting around .200 in the minors) and immediately starts. Once Cuddyer was in the starting lineup everyday. he raised his average 45 points. I felt if they kept him at 2nd - he would hit around .275 by the end of the year.
7. Cuddyer - I think he should start everyday. I thought he should start at 2nd base. but if not there - mix him in at 3rd. Koskie is really struggling. It's tough - but Cuddyer is too good to be sitting. I think he really struggles not playing everyday. When he's called upon to start here - or there - he doesn't do too well. But, when given confidence and an everyday start - he's very good.
8. Glut of OF, 1B, DH - Not sure. I hate trading good talent. I do think, that we could get away with trading Restovich - since he's going to have a hard time ever playing for us. Maybe we could get a decent starter - or bullpen pitcher. I'm not sure though.
9. Justin Morneau - He has no business playing in AAA. He's a major league talent. If we brought up Morneau - and started him everyday - I guarantee he would hit at least .280 with some power. He just needs to get an everyday opportunity. That confidence goes a long with a player. I think they could mix him in at 1st base and at the DH position. so then, Doug would play like 5 days a week - and LeCroy would play about the same.
10. Doug at leadoff - I don't think so. He hates being at the top. If that's the case - he isn't comfortable and not going to produce. although he really isn't producing anyway!
11. Which Twin do we miss the most - Milton or Hawkins. Our bullpen has been pretty good - so maybe Hawkins isn't missed as much. But, Milton is 8-1 (with a high ERA) and I think we miss his arm. Plus, with our starters inconsistency - he could be helpful.
12. Terry Ryan - I think he is one of the best in the business. I have a lot of respect for him and I'm very glad that he's a major part of the Twins organization. It's obvious he's one of the hardest working guys in the MLB. we have no business competing every year - except for his brilliance. One thing - I don't know if this is him or Gardy - or whoever - but I think we are sometimes "too careful" with our top prospects. We don't bring up young talent early. and for the most part that's good - but sometimes - it can hurt their mentality too.
13. Ron Gardenhire - I think he's a solid manager. I think he handles his players well - and he's a fun guy. He's a players-manager and he's been good for our young lineup.
14. Who will win the AL - The Twins. I think we are right where we want to be. I mean, we're 34-28 - and we haven't had Mauer or Stewart for most of the season. We've had a lot of injuries. and most of our players haven't been doing their best. I have to think they will get hot - and we'll start taking every series. This season reminds me a lot of last year. except we're winning close ones while we're playing poorly. Last year, before the all-star break - we played poorly and we lost all the time. Now, we're winning some of those games.
15. Minor Leaguers - JD Durbin, I think he's going to be our next number 1 guy. Jesse Crain - he's going to be a very solid reliever for us for years to come. Justin Morneau - obviously! I always like to keep a close eye on our top picks and trades too - so now, Matt Moses, Denard Span, Jason Barlett, Boof Bonsner, and hopefully Perkins, Plouffe, and Watkins. Oh, and I heard that that Fox guy we got in the Supplemental Draft should move up really quickly.
So, there you have it, many more thoughts about the Twins. If you have any thoughts on the Twins or anything else, be sure to e-mail me.