Justin Morneau Home Run Derby All-Star Chmap

Well, while every one was cheering for the rabbit, the turtle won. Again.

Congratulations to Justin Morneau for playing the Home Run Derby and winning. Eventhough the Rangers Josh Hamilton dinged 13 more homers then Morneau, the Twins MVP, AL MVP accepted the trophy with class.

That's the Twins way.

The Magic of 10 in a Row

I wrote here 2 weeks ago, that it was time to stop the losing streak of the Twins, and head to Milwaukee to help snap them out of it.

I am not delusional enough to actually take credit for a 10-game winning streak, and winning 12 of the last 13 games, but it sure is fun to see that the "Twins way" of playing ball is still effective.

Last night, I sat in the company suite at the Metrodome and watched that formula in full effect. Joe Mauer hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to help the Minnesota Twins beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6.
When Mauer blasted that homer to right center field the dome lit up with appreciation from the fans of another unheralded, underachieving team who plays under the dome teflon ceiling.

This has been a great 2 weeks of Twins baseball. Justin Morneau is still the MVP. Midway Joe is still the batting champion, and Joe Nathan is still the best closer in the show. The best part of this team is that it is young, still learning, and showing that they can play ball as contenders. No one saw this coming, and no one knows if it will last, but one thing Minnesotans can count on for sure, is that this team will be managed on the field by the best in the business.

I dig watching the Twins play ball because the play the game with respect for it's history. They work hard, and play even harder. The players who have come from the Twins system, and now play for other teams no what I am writing about. That's why even though they have won World Championships for other teams, they still consider themselves Twins at heart.

Losing Streak: This Calls for a Roadtrip

At 8 am tomorrow, the F-150 will pull out of the South Metro, and head to Beer City for 3-game set. This our 7th or 8th Annual trip to Miller Park (we've been going since the dang thing opened up, but the trips kind of blend in after awhile- don't know why?)

It's time to break this bad spell of bad baseball. We all expected the Twins to be very streaky .500 type ball club, but these damn blowouts have to stop.

What better way than to endure 6 Hours with your best man than on a baseball road trip. A long ride East, to outdoor tailgating, baseball and festival like Miller Stadium?

Of course we are staying within walking distance of the ballpark, and will be spending a lot of time at the Fourth Base on Nationa Avenue. Apparently, they filmed some scenes for the movie Major League there. My buddy and I had a great breakfast there last summer, and waitress was a "kind-cougar" so of course we are heading back.

Here's to a safe trip, better Twins baseball and a good time for fans of both the Brewers and Twins.

Twins Draft Picks '08 Aaron Hicks

Aaron Hicks is arguably the most electrifying athlete in the nation, a two-way star that makes a difference as a hitter, on the base-paths and on the mound. He is a switch hitter with five-tool potential across the board, showing very good speed, bat speed and power and offers a style of play that is similar to the Mets Jose Reyes. Hicks is an outfielder that projects to play centerfield given his speed, range and very good arm strength. On the mound he uses and extremely quick and electric arm to pump his fastball consistently in the mid-90s with an impressive amount of natural movement you don’t see from a high school pitcher very often. His breaking ball is also a plus-plus pitch, although he struggles with his command and is more often than not his own worse enemy. He profiles better as an outfielder at this point in time, but that could change quickly if things start to click for him on the mound next spring.


Webster's Dictionary defines "pest" as "a person or thing that causes trouble, annoyance, discomfort, etc."
In baseball, a pest is a good thing if your team is lucky enough to have one. And the best pests are often leadoff hitters, who drive pitchers batty and fielders to distraction by getting on base and running wild. Aaron Hicks of Long Beach Wilson fits the description.
The Bruins (28-3), who meet Simi Valley on Tuesday in the second round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs, have several impressive hitters in Ryan Dent, Elliot Glynn, Richard Hansen and Zach Wilson. But Hicks, a 6-foot-2, 164-pound junior, sparks the offense with his speed.

He has stolen 39 bases in 41 tries this season to lead the Moore League. That's fourth-best in the section, according to MaxPreps.com.
"I see [base stealing] as a statement, that if I get on, our team is coming to get you," said Hicks, 17. "I do it basically for the team, not me, so we have a chance.
"If a pitcher throws real hard or has a good slide step, I won't go. But I believe I'm making them change what they do if they have to worry about me." But baserunning is only part of Hicks' game.

He's batting .353 (30 for 85) and has driven in 20 runs, making him one of seven Wilson players with 20 or more runs batted in. Hicks leads the Bruins in runs scored with 40.
He has thrown out seven runners from right field, including two at first base. He has even done some relief pitching, sporting a 2-0 record with two saves.
It's on the basepaths, however, where Hicks creates havoc.

"I don't know where our record books are," Coach Andy Hall said. "But I'm sure those 39 steals are some kind of record for us, at least in modern times.
"Aaron's got the green light when he has a jump and will take a base when he can get it."Those who have been victimized by Hicks also speak highly of him.
"A phenomenal athlete," said Coach Moon Cordero, who saw Hicks steal three bases during a doubleheader against his Bellflower St. John Bosco team early in the season.
"He does have a high ceiling. He can do everything. He is one of those guys that once he gets on with a single, he can turn it into a double or triple with his running."

Long Beach Jordan Coach Mark Prager has two excellent baserunners in Alfredo Lopez and Abraham Alarcon, who have 31 and 30 stolen bases, respectively, this season, but Prager has no problem lauding Hicks.
"He has the tools — an arm, speed, athletic ability," Prager said. "Get someone to work on his hitting, and you won't stop him."
Hicks inherited his athletic talent from his father Joe, who was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1975 and spent four years in the minor leagues before a detached retina ended his pro career.

But Joe, now a longshoreman, didn't push baseball. In fact, he saw a promising future in golf, a sport his son started playing at 7.
"I was training him," Joe said. "We'd go down to the course at dusk and he'd practice hitting the ball down the middle of the fairway. Sometimes we'd still be there at night. Aaron, if he does something, he does it all the way."
But when Hicks became interested in playing baseball at 12, his father relented. "I gave up my dream of retiring early and watching him on the PGA Tour," Joe said with a laugh.
However, his father insisted on one thing: "I wanted him to be a switch-hitter. So if he wanted to play, he had do that."

Hicks, who is right-handed, initially resisted learning to hit from the left side, but now he is grateful for his father's demands.
"Now it feels more natural," Hicks said. "And it is easier to see curveballs that more often break into you rather than away."

Hicks has a busy summer planned. Besides playing on a travel team, he is one of two Southland players, along with Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos outfielder Isaac Galloway, already selected among 38 juniors nationwide to play in the fifth Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic on Aug. 11 at San Diego State.

While Hicks expects to be considered among the top players in the nation as a senior, he said there is always room for improvement.
"I think the best part of my game is my defense. I take the most pride in that," he said. "But I can do better handling the bat and trying to hit it where I want to."
His coach agreed.

"There's no doubt he is a college Division I-level player. And from what I'm hearing he could be the No. 1 high school player in the country next year," Hill said.
"For that to happen, he has to make some adjustments in his swing. He should be a .400 to .450 high school hitter. He can take too many pitches and sometimes wants to hit every ball out of the park."

That, so far, has been the only thing slowing down Hicks.
. In fact, he saw a promising future in golf, a sport his son started playing at 7.

LATimes.com

Twins Draft Picks '08: Shooter Hunt

Shooter Hunt led the Cape in strikeouts the summer after his freshman year, which was in between him starting his college career at Virginia before transferring to Tulane. He carried his Cape success into his sophomore year, although his 6-6 record may tell otherwise thanks to the lack of run support. He continue to strike out more batters than innings pitched. He has had the tendency to walk far too many batters during his collegiate career, although he has consistently pitched in the low to mid-90s with a very good curveball and a solid changeup. Consistently finding his control is the difference between him being a very good number two starting pitcher or a back of the rotation guy, and his success this spring will have a huge impact on whether or not he receives a seven-figure signing bonus.

CAREER NOTES: Two-time first-team All-Conference USA selection...originally enrolled as a pitcher/catcher at the University of Virginia before transferring to Tulane in the summer of 2006...in two seasons with the Green Wave, posted a combined 15-10 record, a 2.65 ERA and a .204 opponent batting average...started 31 of the 32 games he appeared in during his Tulane career, during which time he posted a 10.33 strikeout-per-nine-inning average and a 2.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio after fanning 230 batters and walking just 86 in 200.1 innings of work...his .175 opponent batting average in 2008 is a Tulane single-season record, surpassing the former mark of .203 set by Jason Navarro in 1997, and is fifth in strikeout-per-nine-inning average (11.26)...his .204 career opponent batting average also tops Navarro's former school record of .224 (1995-97)...also ranks fifth Tulane career history in K/9 and is seventh in career ERA.

2008: Started all 16 games he appeared in as a junior...named second-team Louisville Slugger All-American by Collegiate Baseball Magazine, Conference USA Pitcher of the Year and first-team All C-USA after leading the team and the league in opponent batting average (.175), total strikeouts (126), strikeouts looking (48) and innings pitched (100.2)...also named semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award by USA Baseball, The Dick Howser Trophy by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, the Brooks Wallace Award by the College Baseball Foundation, and the Roger Clemens Award by the Greater Houston Baseball Association...led the team and is tied for the C-USA mark in wins (nine) while pacing the club and finished second in the conference with a 2.68 ERA...ranks fifth in the NCAA in hits allowed per nine innings (5.54) and total strikeouts, 12th in strikeouts per nine inning (11.26), 26th in wins and 44th in ERA...tallied eight or more strikeouts on 10 occasions, including four double-digit K totals and a season-high 12 strikeouts against Southern Miss (4/18) and at Memphis (4/25)...held opponents to three or fewer hits nine times, including a one-hit, no-walk, 11-strikeout performance in 7.0 innings against UC Irvine (3/7)...did not allow an earned run on four occasions and held opponents to one earned run two other times...named C-USA Pitcher of the Week three times (3/10, 3/17, 5/12), Louisiana Sports Writers Association Pitcher of the Week twice (4/21, 5/12) and CollegeBaseballInsider.com Central Region Pitcher of the Week once (3/10).

Twins Draft Picks '08: Carlos Guiterrez

Carlos Gutierrez missed the entire 2007 season due to Tommy John surgery after having a very good 2006 season serving as one of Miami’s best weekend starters. The Hurricanes have used Gutierrez as their closer this spring, a wise move which has allowed him to rebuild his arm strength in short stints and he has been extremely effective in that role. Teams may choose to develop him as a starter at the next level given his polished four pitch repertoire which includes a low-to-mid-90s four-seam fastball, and upper 80s to low-90s sinking two-seam fastball, a sharp curveball and a potentially filthy slider. He induces a ton of groundballs, and batters have difficultly making hard contact off of him.

Gutierrez attacks hitters with an 88-92 mph fastball with the most sink Miami Coach Jim Morris has seen since Kevin Brown pitched for him at Georgia Tech. Bellamy worked in the 84-85 mph range last year before pitching coach J.D. Arteaga suggested they drop his arm slot to sidearm. Since then, he's actually gained velocity, working in the high 80s and touching 90 with good sink. That duo gives Miami plenty of reason for optimism.

"When you look back at our clubs, we went to the World Series 10 out of 14 years, and we always had a good setup man and closer," Morris said. "I know some people disagree with this, but I'll trade two starters for one closer. It's very hard to close a game out. I've had a lot of great closers over the years. Carlos Gutierrez could be our No. 1 pitcher or our closer."

Pitching in the Minor League Twins Affiliates (Shhh...)

By KEN LIPSHEZ
New Britain Herald Staff

NEW BRITAIN – Pitching is serious business for the Minnesota Twins.

There's nothing unusual there. Most pundits will say that pitching
ranks anywhere from 75 to 90 percent of the game.

But the game's most precious commodity is even more dear for a
small-market club like the Twins, who can't order from the
non-contenders' menu at midseason if their starters break down.

So pitching philosophy runs deep in New Britain, especially when
veteran pitching coordinator Rick Knapp makes his semi-seasonal visit.

While in New Britain this season, Knapp can exchange pitching wisdom
with two well-versed experts in manager Bobby Cuellar and pitching
coach Steve Mintz.

Cuellar pitched professionally for nine years and has spent most of
the last 26 as either a pitching or bullpen coach. Mintz, who led the
New Britain Red Sox in ERA in 1993, pitched professionally for 12 seasons.

The Rock Cats clubhouse became quite the venue for pitching forums
when Knapp came through last week.

"Having these guys here is a really good test for me because they're
gonna bounce around questions and thoughts, and it really makes me
examine what we're doing a little bit closer," said Knapp, now in his
12th season as the Twins' minor league pitching guru. "The thoughts
and ideas they give me are a motivator for me. Everybody has their
skew but we see eye to eye on things."

The Rock Cats have been plagued by inefficiency at the back of their
starting rotation. Rhode Island right-hander Jay Rainville (2-4, 10.01
ERA), just a year removed from shoulder surgery to correct a nerve
problem that cost him the 2006 season, has struggled. So has
right-hander Oswaldo Sosa (1-2, 7.06).

But fans always have to be reminded that winning isn't everything in
minor league baseball. Knapp is focused on development, and the
organization prefers that prospects get in their work with statistics
a secondary concern.

Rainville emerged from a pack of young hurlers in spring training to
merit a promotion to New Britain for the start of the season.

"Some guys were scuffling and some guys were on track," Knapp said.
"Jay was pitching well although his delivery didn't look great but you
don't want to get too deep in his head while he's competing to make a
club. It was one of those things where your eyes kind of deceive you a
little bit. The numbers were what they were but the delivery wasn't
what you were hoping for."

So Rainville's Double-A struggle is far from a total surprise to Knapp.

"I kind of had an idea what it was coming in but until you watch you
don't know for sure," he said. "It was something that was really a
small technically that goes with our philosophy of pitching. We worked
it a little, he felt more confident and he was throwing the ball harder."

Rainville's velocity is down for reasons the Twins cannot pinpoint,
but recuperating from surgery can often take more than a year, so they
remain patient.

"He hasn't felt any weakness. (The effect of surgery) is all resolved,
as far as we're concerned, but there is still arm strengthening issues
and mechanical issues that we're trying to get to," Knapp said.

He said that warmer weather may help.

"I think he will eventually throw harder. It's a matter of let's make
sure we get his delivery right," Knapp said. "Let's sequence him
properly and I think good things for in store for him."

Knapp expects the young New Britain rotation – Anthony Swarzak, Ryan
Mullins, Yohan Pino, Rainville and Sosa – to remain in tact, at least
until the season's midway point. Last year, he moved left-hander Brian
Duensing and Nick Blackburn up early when injuries wracked the Twins'
staff.

"Last year we got lucky because I had Duensing and Blackburn ready to
go to Triple-A," Knapp said. "I don't feel as good about sending
Swarzak or Mullins or Rainville to Triple-A yet. Duensing had pitched
a year in this league before. Blackburn had pitched a year and a half
in this league. I felt OK sending them to Triple-A."

Swarzak wasn't effective when Knapp got a first-hand look.

"During the course of the year you have struggles and his outing the
other night wasn't all that great. I come in here and see him one time
and you see a small piece of the bigger picture," Knapp said.

"Yeh, he seems to be on track. If we hadn't made that (Santana) trade
he'd probably be pitching in Triple-A although I don't know that he's
ready for Triple-A. The trade we made worked out good for all parties
concerned, mainly with our pitching because it gives us depth and
allows our guys to stay where they're supposed to stay."

Acquiring ex-big leaguer Danny Graves, and keeping minor league
veterans Jason Miller (25) and Jay Sawatski (26) strays a bit from the
standard Twins strategy of moving 'em in, moving 'em up and moving 'em
out. Again, uncertainty in Minnesota has altered the makeup of the
Rock Cats.

"I don't want to say that's why we (retained) Miller and Sawatski, who
have Triple-A experience as well, but those guys are (young)," Knapp
said. "I wanted to make sure we had protection."

The recent collapse of the Rock Cats starters will not force Knapp's hand.

"The reason I've got some of the older guys here is that there are
some players in Fort Myers I don't want to send here yet," Knapp said.
"I want them to get a full season or even a half season under their
belt before they come here. Triple-A's got some really good arms.
We've got some good arms here."

Jeff Manship, 23, is a right-hander with college experience (Notre
Dame) who was a Double-A candidate out of spring training and is
pitching well at high-A Fort Myers (4-0, 3.23). Knapp is using
experience as a yardstick.

"Manship is doing OK. It's just one of those things that he pitched a
half-season there last year and deserves another half season," Knapp
explained. "I don't want to skip any steps. I want these guys to get
their innings at their levels."

The Twins generally make a major shift between New Britain and Fort
Myers in mid-June. Along with Manship, St. John's grad Rob Delaney
(0.54 ERA, 8 saves), Anthony Slama (2-0, 0.47) and Danny Vais (4-0,
0.86) have been brilliant

"(Manship) and one of those relievers may get up here at the halfway
mark but I'm not in any rush with any of them," Knapp said. "If
(Manship) pitches a full season in Fort Myers, that will be fine with
me. It means the guys here will get the time they need here. I'm happy
with the way things are going so far."

Go Go Hits for the Cycle

Rod Carew, Lyman Bostock, Larry Hisle, Mike Cubbage, Ceasar Tovar, Gary Ward, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew and now Carlos Gomez? The new Twins centerfielder hit for the cycle tonight against the White Sox. Congratulations to our new budding superstar.

Gomez is the fresh face in the Twins organization, and the future. I have not seen guy with his speed since Randy Moss donned the purple in '98. When I saw Go Go warming up in Spring Training this year, I was blown away. He runs faster jogging than most players do at full speed. He is fun to watch.

Kirby gave the torch to Torii, and Go Go has taken it from there. Good times in Twins Territory. Somebody better start getting the #22 jerseys in Target stores right now.

Fun Cycle Facts, from Wikipedia.com
-There have been 14 natural cycles in the major leagues; seven in both the National and American Leagues.

-Only once since 1957 has a player had the minimum of 4 plate appearances and hit for the natural cycle...Brad Wilkerson on 6/24/2003 for the Expos versus the Pirates.

-There have been six cycles in which the home run was a grand slam. This happened five times in the American League and once in the National League

-On June 3, 1932, Tony Lazzeri became the only player in major league history to accomplish both feats listed above: hitting a natural cycle and ending it with a grand slam. This is often overlooked because Lazzeri did it in the same game that teammate Lou Gehrig hit four home runs.

-Nap Lajoie, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, and Chuck Klein all hit for the cycle in the same season that they won the Triple Crown.

-Gary Ward (1980) and Daryle Ward (2004) became the first father/son combo to hit for the cycle.

-Gus Bell (1951) and David Bell (2004) became the first grandfather/grandson combo to hit for the cycle.

-Luke Scott's first career home run came as a part of his reverse natural cycle.

-There are only three players in major league history to hit four home runs in one game and also hit for the cycle – Lou Gehrig (two cycles), Chuck Klein (two cycles) and Gil Hodges.

-John Olerud and Bob Watson are the only players to hit for the cycle in both leagues.

-On August 29, 1948, Jackie Robinson became the first African American player to hit for the cycle in the major leagues.
No player has ever hit a "homer cycle", consisting of a solo home run, a two-run home run, a three-run home run, and a grand slam.

-No player has ever hit for the cycle and hit four home runs in the same game. The player to come closest was Shawn Green, who went six-for-six on May 23, 2002, hitting four home runs, a single and a double, missing only the triple.

Definition of MVP: Morneau Victory Performance

In 2006, Justin Morneau won the American League's Most Valuable Player Award. In 2007, the Twins did not make the playoffs because Morneau could not repeat the task, and his numbers slipped. Present Twins fans should note, that the last 2 games against the Indians were wins, mainly because their MVP came through in the clutch again.

Morneau's walk-off base hit today, and 2-run homerun yesterday were the differences. This is a good sign. As Morneau goes, so do the Twins. When he hits, the Twins win. That is the definition of MVP. The pitcher's in both the last 2 games did well, but they had different last names (Blackburn & Baker). The real reason this team WINS games starts with the last name of the Big Canadian. Morneau won the award two years ago doing providing clutch hits during the pennant drive. But he does more than just hit, he plays stellar first base. He was on the receiving end, (or started) 4 double plays in yesterday's game. He is worthy of a Gold Glove, and will soon earn one. Most important, he is an everyday player, and is worth paying for a long time. It is my opinion the we have not seen the best of Morneau yet, he is still in the early years of his prime. For Twins fans who worry about losing players like Torii Hunter, and Johan Santana, this is the best news yet.

Ex-Twin Torii: Baseball lost the meaning of Jackie Robinson Day?

In 2007, Ken Griffey Jr. asked permission to wear No. 42 on the annual Jackie Robinson Day. Commissioner Bud Selig loved the idea and invited other players to join in. On some clubs, one player wore No. 42. On other clubs, several players did. On still others, every player did.

This is what Los Angeles Angels outfield Torii Hunter said, to USA Today: "This is supposed to be an honor, and just a handful of guys wearing the number. Now you've got entire teams doing it. I think we're killing the meaning. It should be special wearing Jackie's number, not just because it looks cool."

What upset Hunter, he says now, was this: The Houston Astros had no black players on their team last April, and yet the entire team wore No. 42. Said Hunter: "That got it away from, 'OK, we don't have any blacks,' " he said. To Hunter, a roster with no black players did not represent the progress for which Robinson stood, and baseball celebrated according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

1-0 and a Star is Born

That was fun seeing the big smile on Carlos Gomez as he ran through the traditional Twins post game high 5 line after a victory. Better yet, it was refreshing to see the Twins new center-fielder hustle out to his spot at the beginning of the game with a smile wider than a kid playing in his first tee ball game.

The grins and the hustle are all fine and dandy for someone breaking into Twins Territory, but when you add the speed, the bunts and the defense, it makes the acquisition of "Go Go" look like a steal. I don't want to get carried away, but as debuts go, this new heir to the Throne of Twins Centerfield couldn't have had a better night. He went 2-3, with a double, 2 stolen bases and 2 runs scored. After the game, "Go-Go" was interviewed as the Twins player of the game, and then went out and practiced catching pop-ups in the tough ceiling of the HHH Metrodome. Meanwhile, the Angels new millionaire Torii Hunter, and former Twin CF, wore a big 0-4 collar, and struck out in the 9th inning.

I wish Torii well in his new Disneyland concrete jungle.

Get to Know Him: Jon Knott?

It looks like the Twins are going to see if Jon Knott can play first base? Signed on November 20, 2007 as the "heir apparent" for the Jason Tyner role (an at bat here, a back-up outfield start there) Knott's primary position is outfield.

he was undrafted as a high school senior and again after his junior and senior years of college. Jon Knott has 31 Major League at Bats and one home run. He has been up with the San Diego Padres in 2004, and again in 2006, and even had a cup of coffee with the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

He was once a hot prospect for the Padres, brutalizing opposing pitchers for the Portland Beavers in 2004. He batted .290 with 26 Homeruns that year and followed it up with 25 homers in '05. In 2006, Knott won the home run and RBI titles in the Pacific Coast League with 32 and 113 respectively. Knott is the first Portland Beavers player to top the PCL in home runs since 1991 when Bernardo Brito, a Twins Minor League prospect grabbed the title. Knott was the first Portland batter to win the RBI title in the league’s modern era.

Along with earning acclaim for his on the field accomplishments, Knott also boasts an MBA from Mississippi State University, which he began while playing college baseball and finished after signing with the Padres system. He made his Major League debute at Milwaukee.

Twins send five to Minors

From the Twins official website, Twinsbaseball.com
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Twins announced prior to Friday's game against the Phillies that they outrighted outfielder Garrett Jones to Triple-A Rochester. They also reassigned left-handed pitchers Ricky Barrett and Randy Kiesler, and infielders Randy Ruiz (he'll be back) and Tommy Watkins to Minor League camp.

It will be interesting to see who wins the position of back-up first baseman now. I thought it would be going to Ruiz, who had been swinging a hot bat all Spring or Jones, who has seen time in the Metrodome before. It looks like John Knott and Brian Buscher will be etting the back-up innings now, but I still believe that Craig Monroe should be the one breaking out that first baseman's mitt. Of course, Jason Kubel isn't doing much in the field lately, either. Maybe he should get involved in the first base back-up derby.

The Twins now have 35 players in camp, including four non-roster invitees: 16 pitchers, four catchers, seven infielders, and eight outfielders.

Twins Pitching, Spring Training Stats

If numbers don't lie, through yesterday's spring training games so far this season, the following pitching stats tell a tale for the upcoming season:

Strikeouts:
Kevin Slowey has 18
Joe Nathan has 12
Pat Neshek and Brian Bass each have 8
Phil Humber and Dennys Reyes each have 7

Most Innings Pitched:
Kevin Slowy 15.2
Livan Hernandez 13
Phillip Humber 12
Glen Perkins 11
Brian Bass 10.1

It might be a no-brainer, but Kevin Slowey looks like he will be on the Opening Day Roster. This means he will join Boof Bonser, Livan Hernandez, Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano in the rotation? Phil Humber and Carlos Gomez are the only 2 Santana trade players that have a chance to make the big league club.

Buzz... Who is Randy Ruiz?

In Spring Training for the Red Sox Game on March 14, I sat next to a Dominican named Bill who knew David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. He would speak to them in their native tongue, and was apparently one of their best friends. Our seats were right behind the dish, front and center next to the Twins on deck circle.

Late in that game, and few beers later, a big guy named Randy Ruiz came up to bat. Bill asked me if I had heard of him. As I had not, my new Dominican baseball buddy, asked Randy where he was from while he took his on deck cuts.

A short conversation later, Bill told me that Ruiz had played mostly in the minors, most recently with Altoona.

Ruiz stepped up to the plate, and blasted a shot to the gap for a double (I think, forgive me, the beer was taking effect at that time.)

The next game, I saw Ruiz inserted into the lineup against the Pirates. Again, he swung a big mean bat, prompting me to check for more information about the lumbering big man in a Twins Uniform.

Twins MLB writer, Kelly Thieser, addressed the many e-mails people have been sending her about Randy Ruiz in her blog on the Twins site yesterday,
"Ruiz has been a career Minor Leaguer, who got his start when the Reds signed him as a non-drafted free agent in 1999, and this is his first big league camp. He's bounced around quite a bit over that time, even spending time in the farm systems of three Major League organizations just last season. Over the past three years, Ruiz has spent most of his time at the Double-A level. Ruiz has seen only one stint at the Triple-A -- which came last season -- and lasted 22 games. He hit just .215 in that span.

The Twins signed him as a free agent in November, mostly due to his ability to provide some pop. Ruiz hit a total of 22 home runs in 2006 and 28 in 2007. With his penchant for power on display this spring, he's already catching the eye of Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. But as for whether he will make the team out of Spring Training, that seems doubtful. The Twins have been trying Ruiz out at first base, but it's pretty clear that his best spot would be as a designated hitter or a pinch-hitter off the bench. By allocating 12 roster spots to pitchers coming out of Spring Training, Gardenhire wants his 25th man to be able to play the field and not just be available to hit. So Ruiz likely will get a chance to play at Triple-A Rochester this year, and if he can put up numbers there, then he might get a shot off the bench at some point this season."

Ruiz was born 10/19/1977 in the Bronx, NY. He has 150 Minor League Homers in a 7-Year minor league career. His best seasons were 2005-2006 when slammed 27 and 26 Homers, respectively. In 2005, he tested for a banned substance, but insisted that he hadn't taken anything banned under the MLB substance abuse policy. His appeal of a 30 day suspension was denied. The suspension cost Ruiz a shot at the Eastern League triple crown as a member of Reading Phillies. In 2007 he hit 22 homers for 4 different teams; Altoona, Reading, Ottawa and Connecticut, in the minors.

I didn't think much of it at the time, but now that I see that this non-roster invitee, is tearing it up in the Grapefruit League, it might be time for Twins fans to pay attention to this big bat, and big man on the Twins Campus.

Happy St. Patty's Day;Twins announce additions to 2008 promotions schedule

As Francisco Liriano continued is live rehab on the mound in a 5-3 loss to the Florida Marlins on St. Patty's Day '08, Twins fans were told of many new special events, promotions and daily ticket offers for the 2008 season.

Following is a list of events and items that were announced today:

Giveaways:
April 18, a "Sandlot" poster courtesy of Star Tribune
April 20, a Michael Cuddyer bat
May 2, a Joe Mauer Rapala fishing lure
May 11, a Mother's Day t-shirt for the first 10,000 female fans
June 2, a camouflage Twins cap courtesy of Gander Mountain
June 22, a Michael Cuddyer growth chart from Klement's Sausage
June 28, a mini-Michael Cuddyer wind-up walker courtesy of AM 1500 and Great Clips
June 29 a bronze statue featuring Twins legend Paul Molitor presented by Pepsi
July 5, a Twins Territory flag
July 6, a new ballpark construction hard hat
July 18, a Minnesota Twins New Ballpark "Dirt Shirt" presented by Ramsey Excavating.
July 20, a Justin Morneau replica jersey courtesy of Hormel
Aug 1, a bronze statue featuring Twins legend Jack Morrispresented by Pepsi
Aug 5, a MLB 2K8 Twins stationery set

Bobbleheads
The dolls, courtesy of Northwest Airlines, will be given out on the following dates
May 4 Ron Gardenhire
June 20 Dan Gladden
July 19 Delmon Young
Sept 6 Rick Aguilera


Special events during the 2008 season include:
May 10, the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Celebration
June 21, the Twins Annual Autograph Party presented by Twin City Co-ops Federal Credit Union and the Twins Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
July 5, Armed Services Appreciation Day
August 3, First Responders Day
August 15-17 Target Back-to-School Weekend
September 26-28 Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by DQ.

The Twins kick off their 2008 season at home on Monday, March 31 at 6:05 p.m. against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Presented by Target, the Home Opener will begin with the annual Breakfast on the Plaza starting at 6 a.m. followed by a noontime rally and special pregame festivities. In addition, the first 40,000 fans will receive a 2008 magnet schedule courtesy of Target.

Back from Spring Training 08; Thoughts

I just got back from Spring Training 2008, and after watching 3 games, here's what I observed:
1. Carlos Gomez is the real deal. His triple against the Pirates on Friday March 14th was incredible. That dude is fast. He laced the ball over the centerfielder, and sped of in the most exciting triple i have ever seen in Spring training. I watched Go Go Gomez alot this spring, and I have to say, that Twins fans will see another "gear" from their new centerfielder. In pregame warm-ups, his sprints are faster than anyone I have seen. His gate reminds me of Randy Moss. As for defense? He is no Torii Hunter. I don't care what he says, thinks or believes, he will not be as good as Torii this season, but he is young, and he will learn. This guy can steal bases, and will bunt to get on base. In one game with the Red Sox, he laid down a bunt, the defensive player bobbled it, and Gomez easily beat it out.
2. Delmon Young. SWINGS a mean bat. I didn't see him get any "remarkable" hits, but he shows some pop. He will be a great add to the tem.
3. Joe Mauer. Looks like he will hit more homers this season. He was crushing the ball.
4. Kevin Mulvey. I liked how he came into the game with the Red Sox and pitched to the big guns on the Sox without fear. He looks good, and will be the surprise pitcher on this staff. If not right out of camp, soon after he gets called up. He reminds me of Kevin Tapani.
5. Francisco Liriano. Slow and steady, and no breaking balls thrown against the Sox, his delivery has changed. The Twins will work him back into the rotation, and when starts adding his breaking stuff, he should be effective. I wouldn't expect 2006 from him right away though.
6. Boof Bonser. Get him on your fantasy team now. He dominated the Pirates.
7. Mike Lamb. Kid can play defense. He fielded back to back tough plays at the hot corner, and made them look routine against the Pirates. Twins fans, we have a three bagger.
8. Livan Hernandez; Looked unremarkable, but that still is better than Carlos Silva. He will be a good innings eater, but the Twins will have to put up Runs for him.


More later. I will put up some video and pictures soon.

Texas Rangers Almost Landed Johan? Rumor Worth Nothing

From a Blog, I stumbled across while vacationing in Florida:
SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with some inside info from the What Might've Been file. He says the Rangers and Twins were close to an agreement on the players involved in a trade that would've sent Johan Santana to Texas. The Twins pulled the plug when Santana was noncommital about whether he'd approve a trade to the Rangers. They felt that this would've decreased his market value (instead the Twins ended up overplaying their hand and accepting the second or third-best offer).

Heyman speculates that the Rangers could've offered Eric Hurley and/or Edinson Volquez, for starters. A Taylor Teagarden and various high-ceiling types could've been in there as well

Would've been interesting to see Minnesota get Teagarden and shift Joe Mauer to third base in '09.

The Rangers hoped to pair Johan with Torii Hunter, but Hunter couldn't pass on the Angels' offer. Five years, $90MM is the kind of offer he had to pounce on.

New Twins try to show value after Santana trade

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

Philip Humber most certainly did not want to declare himself the next
Johan Santana.

Nor did the 6-foot-4, 224-pound right-handed pitching prospect, one of the
newest members of the Minnesota Twins, want to say that he or fellow
pitchers Kevin Mulvey or Deolis Guerra will match Santana’s pitching
prowess.

But Humber, 25, did want to serve notice: that the Twins did well in the
haul they received Feb. 12 from the New York Mets in exchange for Santana,
a two-time Cy Young Award winner and a fixture in Minnesota’s starting
rotation the previous six years.

The three pitchers had their first official workouts with the Twins this
morning at the Lee County Sports Complex.

“How can we measure up to Santana?” Humber said. “I don’t know about that.
But I feel like we can make a difference here. I feel like we can
contribute, and we’ll see what happens.

“We’ve got a great group of guys coming over here.”

The Twins received Humber, Mulvey and Guerra as well as outfielder Carlos
Gomez in the deal.

“We’ve done pretty well in trades in the past,” Twins manager Ron
Gardenhire said of his organizaton’s scouting department. “There’s no
reason to doubt them this time.”

The new players made their first impressions on Gardenhire today. They
were good ones.

“If you go by size alone, this is a pretty healthy looking group,”
Gardenhire said.

Only the 6-4, 195-pound Gomez, 22, has reached the big leagues, logging 36
games for the Mets last season. He will battle Jason Pridie and Denard
Span to replace the departed Torii Hunter in center field.

Gomez and numerous other position players had an informal workout Monday.
Their report day is Friday, and the first full-squad workout is Saturday.

Minnesota’s pitchers and catchers will resume workouts at 9 a.m. today.

The three former Mets pitchers each said they were thrilled to be a part
of a mega-trade.

“I was super excited,” said Humber, a Nacodoches, Texas native who lives
in nearby Tyler. “He’s probably the greatest pitcher of my generation, or
at least of this decade.

“To be traded for Johan Santana, that’s just a good thing.”

Humber posted an 11-9 record with a 4.27 ERA last season for Triple-A New
Orleans. He received a big-league callup late in the season and started
one game. In three appearances, he had no decisions and a 7.71 ERA in
seven innings.

Humber will contend for a spot in Minnesota’s big-league rotation this
spring.

Mulvey, 22, posted an 11-10 record and 3.32 ERA at Double-A Binghamton and
a 1-0 record and 0.00 ERA at Triple-A New Orleans. The 6-2 right-hander is
probably at least a year away from the big leagues.

“I had been hearing about it for a long time,” Mulvey said of the trade
rumors. “I kind of prepared for it to happen, and when it did happen, I
was excited. It was an honor.”

Guerra, 18, stands 6-5 and posted a 2-6 record and 4.01 ERA for the St.
Lucie Mets of the Florida State League. Guerra could face his former team
this summer as a member of the Fort Myers Miracle if he doesn’t begin the
year in Double-A New Britain.

“I’m excited to be here,” said Guerra, who like Santana is a native of
Venezuela. Guerra is still learning English. “To get traded for Santana, I
was kind of nervous but also happy.

“In Venezuela, he’s one of the big guys in the country. Yeah, I’m a fan of
Santana.”

Guerra’s name translates to meaning “war” in English.

Asked if he lives up to the meaning of his name, Guerra said: “Not really.
On the mound? Yeah.”

Originally posted on February 18, 2008

We don't wear bling-blings out on the field

One of the many reasons I dig the Twins is that they have a history of playing the game right. In his first day at Twins camp, former World Series MVP Livan Hernandez got his first dose of the the Twins way when he busted for wearing diamond earrings on the field, prompting this response from Manager Ron Gardenhire,

"We don't wear bling-blings out on the field."

To have a winning baseball season, it all starts by having the team follow the same rules. No better time than Spring Training to get the new jacks all on the same page.