Oh Oh It's Magic You Know

Most fans, at this time of the year, will sit down to try and figure out their teams "magic number". I, on the other hand, want nothing to do with the "magic number". I'm one of those fans that like to take it day-by-day, game-by-game, out-by-out.

This season is no different. I haven't sat down and tried to figure out our "magic number" nor do I want to. I have spent the whole season going game-by-game, day-by-day, out-by-out. Although I do love it when these guys sweep anytime, but I really love it when they sweep Chicago.

The Twins knew what needed to be done going into Detroit this weekend and that was win 3 of the 4 games against those damn kitties. With the rain out on Monday night our anxiety and nerves had to carry over to the dreaded double header on Tuesday, where to my surprise, our guys pounced on the kitties in game one which resulted in a win and pushed us to one game away from first place.

Game 2 wasn't so pretty, although I have to give the team credit for trying to come from behind and rally to win, it just wasn't enough or it was a little too late. Brian Duensing may not have brought his best stuff, but I look at Tuesday nights game as his game 163 like Nickie's from last year. That one game we gained, we ended up losing again with the loss.

I won't lie, I went into Wednesday nights game with a little bit of a cocky attitude cause I figured this one wouldn't be too bad with Pavano going out there, after all, we got him because he was supposed to be able to pounce on the kitties. I guess he didn't remember that because the kitties pounced all over us.

What I wouldn't have given to be a fly over that mound to hear what Gardy said to him

I know everyone always says, "There's always next season." I know how bad these guys wanted it this season, heck we all did. We came so close last season and the guys wanted to send the Dome out in style. I'm not throwing in the white flag, not yet anyway. It all depends on what happens tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the deciding factor. At least we have Timmy pitching, which hopefully will be enough to tame the Tigers and our offense will get their bats swinging again.

It's your game to lose tomorrow guys. Don't let all this hard work this season just fall to the wayside.

Taking A Break

So I'm coming into today's blog from a different perspective, the Twins game will come into play later, but when I got online this morning there was an article that caught my attention. Apparently our dear, dear friend Ozzie went on a little rant after the Sox blew a game last night.

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen Slams Players

I can understand Ozzie is pissed because his team blew a lead, but I don't think I have ever heard Gardy go off like that, even when we blew a ten run lead (or if he has at least he's kept it private). I can understand now why the Sux have been playing like they have been. Who would wanna play for Ozzie knowing that if you make one mistake your going to end up strangled or something.

That guy just blows my mind with how he talks to his players, especially to the media.

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Okay, now onto the Twins game. It was very important that the Twins pull out a win last night because of said above rant from Ozzie. It kept us two out of first with the dreaded four game series against those silly kitties.

The guys last night went back to a little bit of small ball which was nice to see, especially since we still got 11 runs. This is the Twins baseball that I've been missing all season, I'll admit I wish they were playing like this all season cause then maybe we wouldn't be trying to catch the Tigers, but alas we can't change the whole season so we'll just focus on the now :)

My only real rant from last nights game is the fact that after KC's pitcher hits two of our players and one of our pitchers comes a little bit close to hitting one of the Royals players the teams finally get warned. I'm happy that Gardy came out and tried to defend our guys. It's hard to defend our hitters when you can't even pitch a little close to the batter. You can bet that during today's game that the first person that comes close to getting hit, both teams will get warned without a second thought.

Today we have to deal with the Royals ace, Zach Grienke. I can understand why Gardy took Manship out of the lineup since it would be his turn to pitch, but I'm not going to lie, I'm a little worried with Frankie going up against him today. Grienke's been on some kind of hot streak right now and I'm sure someone in the Royals team would love to spoil us just a little.

One Step At A Time

Ok as much as it pains me to say it is, thank you to Ozzie and those damn White Sox for beating Detroit last night. I never thought the day would come that I'd actually have to cheer for those damn Sox but if it means a playoff trip for the Twins then that's what I'll do. To me cheering for the Sox is like cheering for the Yankees, I just can't do it. But since it's for the love of our Twins, I'll do it and just bit my tongue lol

Once again Cuddy showed us all what a rock star he really is. He has a thing about the K and hitting home runs there. Cuddy has been a beast lately and I love it! He has really stepped it up lately and it trying so hard to carry this team and remind the guys that we're still in this. We still stand a chance.


I won't lie, I wish I was down there for this series again. It's a beautiful ballpark. I can't wait for the series down there next season, cause plans are already made so I can go down again next season to see my best friend and see some more outdoor baseball at the K.

We can taste it guys. It's within our grasps. If there was ever a time to prove the critics wrong it's now. As Gardy would say, one game at a time, but right now we need every game we can. Which also means we need Detroit to lose every game they can.

Hey Chicago, we know you hate us (or at least hate our bubble), but maybe, just maybe you'll help us out a little and beat Detroit again. And maybe, if you're lucky, if the situation is ever reversed we'll be willing to help you out (that's a pretty big maybe though).

Tonight we have Timmy on the mound. You guys know what you have to do. Go out there and get it done.

Bring Out The Brooms!

That's right, the Twins swept the Sux, in the South Side no less. We're still 2.5 games back since Cleveland has obviously given up for the season, but I'm holding onto a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe the Tribe will pull whatever is stuck up their ass out and figure out how to play baseball again.

I love seeing our guys sweep a team, but there is something special and kinda funny when the guys sweep Chicago. I'm not sure if it's watching AJ piss and moan and complain about everything not going his way or what. I figured for sure after those couple stolen bases, that he would go back in the dug out and whine so he wouldn't have to finish the game. It seems to be AJ's way.

I always find it funny how no matter how many times these teams play the Twins at home and they always play that Walks Will Haunt animation, they still walk our guys and in the end it haunts them. Tonight was the prime example, they walked the White Sux killer and in the end he scored anyway. Not that I'm bitching, keep walking our guys and the runs will continue to come.
I strongly believe that after his performance tonight, Brian Duensing has earned his spot in the starting rotation for next year. So many people or journalist have said he needs more seasoning, really how much more seasoning does he need then what he's getting right now pitching in a race for the division title? I know tonight may have not been his best night on the mound, but he's proven in his last few starts he knows what he's doing and he's got what it takes to be a starter.

Enjoy your day off guys, Denard rest up, we want you back in the lead off spot on Friday. All the fans can taste it guys, as we all know you can too. Go out there and go after it :)

You Got To Fight

Tonight's game seemed to come down to who's bats were swinging better. Thankfully it came down to the fact that our bats were swinging better. It was a fight to the end and Chicago wasn't going to roll over and play dead, although at time I wish they would, but I don't get that lucky when it comes to stuff like this.

The Twins needed this win tonight, especially with Cleveland failing us and losing to Detroit 3-1. It should not have come down to us hoping, wishing, and/or praying that another team in the division would beat whoever is leading, but that seems to be the case with the Twins. They wait until the last few weeks and then get that second or third wind and make the push for the play offs. Hopefully this year we won't have to have a tie breaker game or else we're going to be in trouble since the NFL has already said they won't move the Packer/Viking game that night.

I felt bad for Jeff Manship tonight, he just wasn't on top of it tonight and it cost him what should have been his game. Part of me wonders if he's really ready to be a major league starter. I could see him possibly making the team as a relief pitcher next season, but as Gardy normally goes, I'm pretty sure he has no faith in Manny. I have faith in him, I would love to see him get one more try at his first major league win, but I doubt he will :(

When the ugly, ugly Sux took the lead, I figured I might want to turn the game off. I was in a bad mood for most of the game. I turned it off for about five minutes and happened to walk in the living room in enough time to see Cuddy be the rock star that he is. Maybe he ate some of my Skittles I gave him before the game ;-) Like I told Betsy, I think Cuddy needs the same kind of contract as Jeter with the Yankees. I could see Cuddy staying a Twin for his whole career, in all seriousness I hope that really happens. I can't see him playing any place else.


I was also in the living room long enough to see an instant replay, that is see Matty T get his second home run of the season in about the same spot as his first home run about 4 months ago. I think maybe he was talking to Cuddy before the game or something. He's got a lot of talent and hopefully he will make the team out of spring training next season and will actually get another chance at it.

Between Cuddy and Matty T, OC and Kubes also decided to help with the HR's tonight. I thought the guys did a good job tonight. The bull pen went out there and did a pretty decent job, Matty G... home runs are not acceptable though, ok? And yet again, I turned Joe Nathan off when he came into pitch the 9th. As much as I want to be able to watch him pitch again this season, if this works I'm just going to run with it. I wanna see this team in the play offs so I'll deal with it.

Tomorrow we have Brian going against Buehrle. One game at a time... as the old saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race". This race is yours to be won guys.

Piranhas Strike Again

I'm sure Randy Williams, after tonight, became the most hated pitcher by Twins fans.

I never like to see another teams player get hit in the head by a pitch, but it's even worse when it's one of your players getting hit in the head by a pitch. I'm just thankful that Denard was able to get up and walk off the field on his own. I would have felt better had he gone to the hospital, but he was checked out and is listed as day to day so hopefully we'll be able to finish up the rest of the series.

Now I'm going to say this and then I think I may have to go wash my eyes out with soap or something because these are words you will never see come from me again, but I was pleased that AJ checked on Denard so quick and motioned to the dugout that help was needed. I think out of all the videos I've seen of players getting hit in the head, he responded the quickest in checking on Denard.


The last of the original piranhas was in fine form tonight. Punto went 2 for 2 with 2 walks. He seemed to be on top of this game tonight and remembering that the Sux are afraid of the piranhas ;-) It wasn't the best night for the White Sux Killer, aka, Mo but hopefully that won't hurt his chances for being in the last two games against these guys. Gardy knows what needs to be done and how we're going to get there so we'll see how this one plays out.

Mad props to Nickie on his pitching performance tonight. This is the Blackie I've missed seeing lately. Everyone knows he has it in him to pitch like this, he just left it behind after the all star break apparently and just now finally picked it up again, and might I add, just in time too.

Tomorrow we have Jeff Manship against John Danks. I have faith in Jeff... Gardy may not have faith in him, but I really do think Jeff has what it takes. He just needs our bats swinging and getting a little run support and everything else falls into place.

So Close We Can Taste It...

As everyone in Twins Territory knew this weekend was a huge weekend for the guys and they went out there and give it their all. I know I sat here and said in this blog that they were out of it, but after watching this team all weekend you can see how badly they want it this year. Yes, they may not have shown just how bad they wanted it today with how the played, but as my mom reminded me, you can't win them all.

We are still 3 games within first with 4 more games to go against Detroit and 3 to go against the evil, evil White Sux. Our six games against Kansas is going to be a toss up cause they can either help us or hurt us, so we'll see how that one goes. I hope they'll help us and we can win against them (sorry Dana, I promise to return the favor when you're in our position).

Cuddy once again reminded me on Friday and Saturday night just how much of a rock star he really is. I don't care how much he's getting paid this season, it's not too much for what he has done for this team this year. I think he would have been able to do this last season too if he wouldn't have spent most of the season hurt. He has really stepped it up this season and showed a lot of people he's got what it take to try and carry this team when it's needed.

The season is coming to an end quick... it doesn't seem real that it could all be done in a little less than two weeks. I hope it's not. I would love to see this team send the Dome out in style and give us all a good reason to be excited for next season :)

The only sad news from the weekend it Joe Crede is for sure done for the season. Back surgery number 3 in 3 years. The report was it was supposed to be this week, but my parents said they made the comment on TV during the game today, that he's going to wait and have it done the first day of the off season so he can travel with the team for the rest of the year. As much as I hate to say it, I really wonder if his back can take another season of baseball. Like I said in my last post, I would love to have him back next season with us going outside and playing on real grass.

Another short recap, I know, but it was a long weekend and I don't remember much from the games so that's what you get... but what you do get now is a few pictures from the Rascal Flatts concert I attended Saturday night and a few pictures from the game today.

Darius Rucker

Rascal Flatts

Baseball Unplugged & More

I figured I better do this now since 1) it's an off day and 2) I'll be down in the cities all weekend and won't have time to do my Detroit recap until Sunday when I get home from the game.

First and foremost... way to go guys with sweeping the Tribe! We're gaining little by little and Kansas City decided to help us out with taking 2 out of 3 against Detroit putting us 4 games outta first with the Tigers coming to town this weekend. Normally I would say one game at a time, but this is do or die time, meaning wins are a must.

I need to give props to Timmy and Blackie for their good starts the last two games. As our dear friend Bert says "starting pitching is key" which I strongly believe right now. Cuddy was back in his rock star form this past series earning back his Skittles, which were finally paid up last night at Baseball Unplugged. The video can be seen here.

There really isn't much for me to recap from this series other than the sweep, which was already covered so now I'll just show you pictures from the game and Baseball Unplugged.

Strech Kubes, stretch!

Cuddy at first!

Apparently Joe and I are still fighting because I had to sit in my seat with my head down for the last out of the game since he couldn't get it.

Cuddy's little one... He's so cute and did not like it when he couldn't see Daddy.

Giving Everybody That Rock On Sign...

I was all set to kick back and watch football tonight when the Twins were down 3-0 in the seventh inning, at that point I had already missed a good chunk of the game because of a season premiere of one of my regularly watched shows, but I happened to turn the game on in just enough time to watch Cuddy be a rock star and crank out home run number 25 on the season and 100 for his career. I couldn't help but laugh though when he was giving everyone high fives, at the look on Gardy's face when Mike slapped his hand.

I'm going to wait to see what he does tomorrow and Wed before I figure out if he's worthy of getting Skittle on Wed. night at Unplugged.

It's kinda disappointing though because after that great come from behind win, we get the news that not only have we lost Joe Crede for the rest of the season (which as much as I hate to admit it, I almost saw it coming after going 0-4 yesterday), we've now lost Justin Morneau for the remainder of the season. He apparently has a stress fracture in his back. It's just weird to think that the game on Friday was the last time we got to see Justin play in the Dome in person.


Back to Crede, I would love to see the Twins take a chance on him for next season. Yeah this season has been a struggle, but we all knew this going in, when the doctors all said playing on the artifcial turf was going to be tough on his back. But with us going to Target Field next season and playing on real grass, I think he could prove a lot of people wrong next season. Believe me, I never thought I would see the day I would be defending Crede, but I want him here next season. I wanna see what he can do when we move outside. If it doesn't work out, then fine, get rid of him at the end of next season. But I think the Twins fans have taken a liking to our 3rd basemaen.

Apparently Nathan and I have not completely made up yet. We seem to do really well until he goes for that third out and then it gets rocky. I mute the TV and stop watching and that third out comes seconds later. This little issue needs to be fixed.

It was a great come back win tonight by the guys. With Detroit winning, we had to win this game in order to stay in this race. It's not over yet, but we have to keep winning guys. Or else our off season is going to start really quick.

I Don't Wanna Fight Anymore

After a disappointing game on Friday night (I don't think the work disappointing covers it, heartbreaking is more like it), today's beautiful performance from Brian Duensing made up for it. I think a few people around us were starting to get nervous when Brian had a couple guys on base, but I knew he could get out of it, I've seen him do it before.

Betsy and I were troopers and actually stayed for the whole game on Friday night in hopes that maybe, just maybe they could rally enough to comeback and win the game, they rallied, just not enough. I'm not sure what's up with Nick, but apparently he didn't like our little tribute that was set up down by the bullpen (I'm letting Betsy fill everyone in on that one). We felt like we were at the home run derby during that game. Last time I checked that was in July... not September.

I don't wanna dwell on the what could/should have been from this weekend; what I wanna focus on is the game today. Like I said, it was a beautiful performance from Duensing. I felt bad for him though because when they were announcing the line-ups before the game, there was maybe only a handful of people that cheered for him :-( of course when he started getting strike outs everyone was cheering for him.

I would like to officially announce that Joe Nathan and I are no longer fighting! I did get a little nervous when he started warming up in the 9th because I didn't wanna see the shutout get thrown out the window for Brian cause he deserved that. When he made it through the first batter, I thought "Okay, this might be ok." And when the batter got the base hit, then made it to second, and then third on the wild pitch, I really got nervous. But when he got the last guy swinging, I figured it was safe to say we're not fighting anymore.

I'm just glad we didn't get swept at home again, I don't think I could have handled that in person.

First I'll start with pictures from Friday night:

"Look I can fly!"

Busted!

Super Span

Bobby Keppel signing autographs for the kids

Duck and cover! Incoming!

Now today's game:

Skyler and I before the game

Skyler thought he needed to fill in for Morneau since he didn't play.

Uh... GoGo, that's kinda inappropriate don't you think?

The Rocket

Justin Huber... the newbie.

Now it's time to face Cleveland... can we please get back on a winning streak guys?

Half Full or Half Empty

So this series could have ended a whole lot worse than it did today. Today's game was a close one and besides the four walks he gave up, I thought Timmy did a good job. It could have went either way and the cards just didn't fall our way... again. That seems to be happening a lot these last few games. It all comes down to the same thing, blown chances, missed saves, pitchers that don't know what they are supposed to do or bats that just aren't swinging.

In last nights game though, Cuddy, once again, proved what a rock star he is and got a pinch hit double! Time and time again he amazes me with what he can do, now if he can just keep doing that and get some more home runs, he'll get his Skittle count back up there, lol. I also thought Pavano did a good job out pitching Doc, even if Doc did go all 9 innings, our guy still came up with the win. It was also nice to see Justin finally get out of his home run slump and knock number 30 out of the park along with racking up his 100th RBI.

I would also like to give mad props to Kansas City for helping us out a little with walking all over Detroit since Tampa Bay couldn't help us :( It's nice to know someone might be willing to help us out when we can't seem to help ourselves. Next on the docket for Detroit... Toronto. Wanna help us a little guys?


I'm guessing Nathan and I are still fighting. Last night when he pitched I turned the game off in hopes that he'd have a 1-2-3 inning, seeing how the last time I listened/watched him pitch the whole game came unraveled in one inning. Hopefully he gets over this soon, I know I'm over it, I would like to be able to watch him pitch again before the end of the season! Betsy said it's because I "turn him off" that we're still fighting, I beg to differ :-)

It's time to come home guys. Betsy and I will be there tomorrow night to cheer you on in hopes of a win :)