Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I'm Back... with Updates
Well, I would love to say that I am happy to be back, but with my return to blogging means my return to 'normal' life and responsibilities. So, Happy may not be the best word, but when it comes to the blogging thing, it is probably adequate! I had a very good five day weekend around Labor Day with plenty of time (is there ever enough?) at the lake cabin and time with family and friends. It was much needed.
The lone problem with taking time off from blogging about baseball around Labor Day, for me, is that the minor league regular seasons all end on Labor Day. So, I have missed quite a few game highlights. I'm not going to go back and recount each game, although I guarantee I will look at all the box scores. You see, I've got to use everything available to me to develop my Top 50 Twins Prospect rankings. I do want your input though. If you've seen any of the Twins affiliates in person, I would love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail with any thoughts or impressions you had on any of the Twins prospects.
BROADCAST UPDATES
A couple of quick notes...
On Sunday night, I participated again in Marty Andrade's Weekly Twins Round Table podcast. There were some good discussions on the Twins, the September call-ups, Eddie Guardado and much more.
Secondly, I am happy to announce that there will be another SethSpeaks Weekly Twins podcast tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 8:00 p.m. central time. I am really happy to tell you that Twins reliever Pat Neshek and Rochester Red Wings announcer Josh Whetzel have said that they will be on the show. Of course, with the chat room, you can send questions during the live show. However, please feel free to e-mail me questions that you may have for either of the two and I will be sure to ask them during the show.
A couple more things as I get ready to watch the Twins and Blue Jays tonight...
It seems as though things get announced only when I am gone. The players going to the Arizona Fall League were announced when I was out of town. And last week, the Twins announced their September Call-Ups while I was away. There was much discussion on the players and their roles in Marty's podcast, but here are some more of my thoughts:
Generally speaking, the players called up will play in blowout types of situations or as pinch runners or defensive replacements, but not necessarily. Let's not forget the job that Michael Ryan did in September early in the decade.
Jason Pridie - He is one player that I do think could get some playing time. Basically, he is a left-handed hitting version of Carlos Gomez. Pridie had a bad May but other than that, he has hit with pop. He just strikes out so much. But, if he were to get off to a good start, with a few good at bats in a lesser role, I would not be shocked if he platooned to some degree with Carlos Gomez down the stretch since he is an excellent centerfielder.
Bobby Korecky - No surprise that he is back. He'll add a good arm to the bullpen. He will get some innings, but likely not the late innings. That said, if the back end guys keep struggling, you never know.
Matt Macri - The 3B is back. He was excellent in a short stint earlier this year. He went back to Rochester and was OK. He played all four infield positions for the Red Wings. He just provides depth and a right-handed pinch hitter, if needed.
Matt Tolbert - Really he's just coming off the DL, but he's been playing AA ball for awhile now. He is a solid role player, capable of playing three infield positions. Most important, Gardy loves him, so he could play some. He can pinch run and serves as just as good an option as Adam Everett and Nick Punto.
Philip Humber - After a horrible April through July, Humber went back into the Red Wings rotation and was incredible! He likely will just eat some innings here and there, probably a long relief option for this month. But it is good for the Twins to see him in September since he is out of options next year will have to remain with the Twins. He is much better than Brian Bass though!
Ryan Jorgenson - I expected the Twins to promote Drew Butera as their third catcher, but instead they went with the 29 year old journeyman. In a way it makes sense. He is likely thrilled to be in the big leagues and is just fine if he were to only get one at bat in the month, which may be all he gets. He can also help warm up all the extra pitchers!
Jose Mijares - Top blog commenter 'cmathewson' called this one very early in the year. The hard-throwing lefty broke his elbow shortly before spring training, and many assumed he would be lost for the year. But six weeks ago, he was pitching in the GCL. Then he moved up to Ft. Myers where he dominated. Then he moved back up to New Britain, which is where he spent the majority of the 2007. He had basically caught up to where he left off. But apparently Terry Ryan has been seeing him pitch and says he is ready to contribute to the Twins. What could have been a lost year has turned into one of the great stories of the 2008 Twins season. Good for him, and hopefully he can dominate for the Twins and we'll be able to say Good for the Twins!
That's enough for now. I can say I am back. I will be back later with thoughts on the Twins and Jays as well as an update on the Ft. Myers Miracle playoff game!