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 :)

Time Is Slipping Away

Before I get into the heart of tonight's post, I want to take a minute and invite everyone to participate in a wonderful thing that K-Bro is doing for the month of September. She is donating 2 items to the local food shelf for every Twins win and 1 item for every Detroit loss. I myself am taking part in it in hopes to help out the local food shelf. Hopefully the Twins will help us out a little and put a few more wins on the board. It's a great idea, so please help out where you can.

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Tonight was just another chapter in the disappointment section of the Twins season this year. You could think that as a Twins fan, one would be used to it after the season that we've had, but it never does seem to get easier. The disappointment/heartbreak section of this seasons yearbook is going to triumph over the happy sections. I was so hoping for the win tonight with Brian on the mound. I'm just happy he didn't take the loss.

There really isn't much to talk about from the last two games other than the fact Justin and Cuddy finally snapped their o-for whatever streaks they were on. Cuddy is well on his way to losing whatever Skittles I promised him. We'll see how he does between now and next Wednesday when I go to Baseball Unplugged.

What I've really wanted to discuss in my blog for the last couple days, but I just haven't gotten around to it, is the whiner, Glen Perkins.

Apparently Glen and his agent are talking about filing a grievance against the Twins because they didn't call him back up today after the Rochester Red Wings season came to an end yesterday. As many know Glen was put on the 15-day DL with an elbow strain. He was recently activated and was told to report to Rochester to do some rehab. Glen said he wanted a third opinion from a different doctor, of course receiving the same results as he received from the other two. But by the time the dye had cleared his system so he could pitch the Wings season was over.

Let him file his grievance. In my opinion he shouldn't be called back up or be let back on the roster because of all the complaining he's done. We need guys up here that are willing to work hard and do what they are told. If he wouldn't even go to Rochester for rehab without whining, what the hell would he do when he got back up to the Majors and just sat on the bench? I was telling Betsy, I never have said I want a player to leave the organization, I didn't even say that with Frankie when he was pitching like crap. But they could say tomorrow Glen had been traded and I'd be fine with it.


I hear the Chicago White Sux are full of whiners... perhaps he'd be a good fit in there.

The End Is In Sight

First off thanks to Topper for getting me my own Joe Mauer on a stick since 1) I wasn't at the game they were giving them away at and 2) I won't be able to make it to the state fair. He may just be taken into work and put in my office somewhere to freak my manager out ;-)


Since I wasn't home/didn't see much of the games this weekend I don't have much to comment on other than it seemed to be another weekend of missed opportunities. It gets harder and harder to watch a team that you know can play so much better than what they have been sucking game after game after game.

You have Justin, who need to get his ass in gear if he wants another MVP, who during today's game was 0 for 18 and Cuddy who was 0 for 15. Obviously I wonder how much of Justin's issue has to do with the inner ear infection he had earlier and he just came back too soon or if he's in his "September Slump" like he was this time last season.

Cuddy's no different...now is not the time to have a slump. We all know what Cuddy is capable of... hello two home runs in one inning! Could we please do that again Mr. Cuddyer, you're already losing Skittle.

Obviously yes, everyone goes through them, it just seems the guys on our team go through them more than most or they just last longer. Joe Nathan seems to be in his right now as well. It doesn't work to have this happen in September when you have to try and make that push into the post season.

Plus we can't rely on teams to help us out any either, although this weekend I was hoping Jason Bartlett and the Tampa Bay Rays would help us out a little in beating Detriot a couple games, but apparently they didn't wanna help us as Detriot swept them.

The only positive from the entire weekend was Timmy Baker and win number 12 on the season. There is an article on the Twins site about this, but it was announced during the Pittsburg/Cards game today (we are at Buffalo Wild Wings watching the game and they had that game on) that Timmy has now won 11 of his last decisions.

As much as I hate to say it, with only 26 games left and for as tough as the teams are we have coming in or going to... I think any wishes we had of a post season are over.

Fan Friday

Today I'm changing things up a bit and instead of doing my game recap like normal (partly cause I won't be home for the game tonight) everyone head over to Twins MVB and read the special Fan Friday column I did.

Who Is To Blame?

Again Joe? Seriously?

Before I get into the game...

The disappointment from today's game, at least for me, became anger after reading a message on Twitter from the Star Tribune's Joe Christensen about Paul Konerko.

"Classic (Konerko). After the game, flipped his cap off as he walked into the clubhouse and said, 'We own this place'.''

Last time I checked the White Sox record in the dome wasn't that great (5-19 in their last 24 to be direct) and they were all crying and ready to leave. And my gosh, they come back and win a game and they own the fucking Dome. As far as I'm concerned I'm glad it's the last time they are going to be here this year because I was getting tired of listening to Ozzie cry about how much he hates the Dome... same goes for AJ.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Onto the game...

It sucks that we lost because I was tasting a sweep of those idiots again like you wouldn't believe. I think today's loss hurt more than the loss did in Oakland earlier this season. I think my heart was in my toes when Nathan gave up the home run to tie the game. Don't get me wrong, I love Joe Nathan, but it hurts when I start thinking I don't want him to come into a game and it's coming to that point. I know I used some language that might not be work appropriate when the game was tied up, and I really know I used language I shouldn't have when the Sox took the lead.

Joe, we still love you... some of us just don't like you very much right now. Just please, please, please figure it out and soon. I miss watching you come out and scare the crap outta the guys at the plate. I wanna be able to use "Fear The Nathan" again and right now the fans are fearing the Nathan instead of the guys at the plate.

I don't wanna spend the whole post this time dwelling on what could have been (more like what should have been) because there was an amazing pitching performance today from Brian Duensing. I strongly feel as though both he and Jeff Manship should be tops candidates for the starting rotation for the 2010 season, I'm sure everyone knows the two that they would replace ;-)

Duensing went 7 shut out innings with 7 strike outs and only 5 hits. He did amazing against the Sox today like he did when he pitched against them in his first major league start back in July. He's been proving time and time again he deserves to be here in the majors. He may have only had 88 pitches in today's game, but 59 of those were strikes. Amazing job today Brian!!

Both he and the White Sox Killer seem to know how to handle Chicago... now if only our closer could take notes.

I know we still have three more games against the Sox this month in the South Side, but all I have to say to them is don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

It's Going To Be A Heartache Tonight

I heard the song on my radio after the game and figured it'd be appropriate for any White Sox fans after tonight's game, in all reality I was really thinking of the Sux fans that Betsy and I had to sit by tonight. The old lady kept giving us dirty looks every time we would do our "Anti-AJ" cheers. It actually made them more fun :)

Betsy and I also had the chance to meet up with Topper tonight before the game started. It was great to get to meet another reader of my blog and a fellow blogger :) Everyone make sure to check out his blog! Also everyone make sure to check out Betsy's blog when she posts it for more adventures from tonight before the game :-)

I had all intentions of coming home after tonight's game and going on and on about how amazing Jeff Manship pitched tonight and how proud I was of him for doing such a great job. For being his first major league game as a starter, he went out there and to me looked like he was made for that position. To have 4 shut out innings is pretty impressive. Good job Jeff!

All I have to say is this about Michael Cuddyer, he is a freakin' rock star! Cuddy's 2 home runs (bringing his Skittle count so far to 5, I'm buying him like the 5 pound bag to take to Unplugged in two weeks, Betsy dared me to do it so I will) were one of the major highlights of the night. I don't care who wants to say he needs to be gone, I will fully admit right now, the day Michael Cuddyer is no longer a Twin, I will probably cry lol He is by far my favorite player.

Now laugh if you will, but during the bottom of the 9th with two on and two out, Betsy and I were basically yelling for them to bring in Jose, aka, the White Sux Killer! Can I just say, now, for the record, I want him here full time next season. He's incredible and amazing and I really wanna meet him in person. He is earning so many brownie points this season with what he's been able to do again the Sux and other teams too as a pinch hitter. I think a few people left the game tonight with a new appreciation of Mr. Morales, although most of us already know what he's capable of. Way to go out there and get us another fantastic walk-off win!!

Way to keep us all on our toes again tonight guys... you have a way of bringing us all to the edge of our seats!

Betsy being a "tourist" we weren't loitering at all :)

I wasn't photo stalking Jeff Manship at all ;-)

The White Sux Killer!

See? Not at all!

There were a couple of the White Sux players that "got Denarded"

The man of the hour!! Yay Cuddy!!!

It's JGG, the Jolly Green Giant!

The easy distraction... I mean Joe Nathan

Do I Make You Nervous?

The Grizzly Bear aka Nick Blackburn gets most of the props for tonight. Here's my theory Nick... the beard seems to be working... run with it while you can! Just make sure it doesn't get too unruly please or else you'll be going on "the list" for a trim :)

The rest of the props for tonight's game go to Mauer and Kubes. Both going 2 for 4, but those hits are what got us the win tonight. Also Cuddy has to get honorable mention with that diving catch that he made. I'd like to think Web Gem nod, but you never know with those guys, lol.

I thought the guys played smart ball tonight. They need to go out there and do it again tomorrow. One day at a time, one game at a time. We can't get ahead of ourselves.

Oh, I'd also like to thank Jason Bartlett and the Tampa Bay Rays for helping us out today and beating the Tigers. I was listening to the game today at work and it was nice to see Jason have such a good day. I miss him as a Twin, he was my original Twins crush.


Lastly, I'm beginning to wonder if I make Joe Nathan nervous or something (totally kidding, btw). But tonight when we came in, I muted the TV and turned my back to it and he went 1-2-3, Friday night when he was struggling I turned my radio off and like a minute later he got the last out and we won. He better get over the stage fright cause I'm not leaving early tomorrow night if he comes in, sorry Joe!

Tomorrow: The Twins are sending Jeff Manship to the mound against John Danks (12-8). Betsy and I will be at the game, probably being 2 of a few people that acutally know who Jeff Manship is and will probably have to tell those we're sitting by who he is (seems to be the norm when new guys pitch while we're there).

Run Red Run!

I didn't have plans on even doing a blog today, but to be honest, as much as I pick on Mike Redmond and say that he needs to retire, he seems to bring a fair amount of fun to the team and the line up. We may not have the best record when he is playing, but I know he at least tries when he's at the plate.

Today was no exception. While he may be only 1 of 3 position players who were with the team at the start of the season to not have a home run, I can officially say I have never see Red Dog run so hard since I started watching the Twins than he did today going for that triple. Plus I think I got a kick out of it mostly because of the reaction Red got from the dug out when he reached, was priceless. It's always nice to see this team acting like a team, especially after the last few weeks when things weren't going right and every one was blaming everyone else.

Of course I wish I could find video to post to go along with this post because it was just too priceless, but of course I can't find one. And there aren't any pictures either. A decent play from Red, that doesn't happen very often and you can't find anything on it. Go figure!

Props to Nicky Punto too with that perfectly placed bunt during today's game too! I've missed seeing Nick being able to drop a bunt down like that, he's tried a little to hard this season to try and make those plays and it usually ends up being strike 3 or an out at first so it was nice to see a little squeeze play today from Punts!

Also since I did this post... Joe Nathan! Stop giving all us Twins fans heart attacks. Most of these games have been stressful enough as it is and then to have to worry if you're going to be able to go out there and get the save. Whatever the issue is, please get it out of your system by Tuesday when I am at the game, k? Perhaps we can even get enough run support to give you a few days off to maybe clear your head or something.

I think we were all breathing a sigh of relief when Joe finally got that last out.

I'd like to think a few of the guys read my blog last night and learned what it meant to capitalize since I was so nice to spell it out for them and give them a few pointers. It still leaves us 4.5 games outta first and a game and a half a head of Chicago, which is key with Chicago coming to town for a 3 game series starting tomorrow. Seriously though, does the Commissioner hate us that much that we have to play the Sox so many times this season? Not that I don't mind playing our rivals, but I'd like to see some other teams more often too, like Tampa Bay!

Class Is In Session

The one thing that has always bummed me out with the Twins is whenever they are given a free pass, so-to-speak, they always seem to mess it up. Tonight is a prime example. Detroit lost 3 to 1 against Tampa Bay and the Sox were creamed by the Yankees, meaning the Twins had the perfect chance to gain some more ground on Chicago and close that gap between us and Detroit. Did we capitalize on it? Of course we didn't because that seems to be what the Twins do best.

I'm not sure if any of these guys on the team own a calendar or realize what month it's going to be in 2 days, but we're running out of time to do something to get into post season, cause the wild card ain't going to happen.

Boys, let me spell it out for you, everyone take a seat:

Let's start off with this: the definition of capitalize is as follows; "to take advantage of; turn something to one's advantage"

1) When the team you are chasing in the standings loses, you HAVE to capitalize on it. Meaning you HAVE to WIN.

2) When the team you are competing with for 2nd place loses, you HAVE to capitalize on it, again, meaning you HAVE to WIN.

3) When you are giving an opportunity to do something great, you HAVE to WIN.

Do you see a pattern here? All you have to do is win and be consistent with it and the rest will fall into place. I don't understand why it's so hard for everyone to figure out.


Enough about that depressing game and onto today's fun festivities with Betsy and my nephew, Skyler. Joe Crede and Denard span were signing at the two Best Buy locations in Eden Prairie. We hit up Joe Crede first with hopes that we would be able to get over to see Denard when we were done. Denard's signing started at 11 and Joe's was at 11:30. Okay, first off, the TV does not do Joe Crede justice. He is gorgeous in person but very quiet, which we all seemed to know about anyway.

Then we headed out of there and over to see Denard, who is by far the nicest person from the team that I have ever met (Cuddy I'm sorry, but you are a close second!) He is so humble and so friendly it's unreal. He was giving Betsy and I a hard time because we were laughing at something Skyler did. He promptly looked at Skyler and told him to stay strong.

Skyler and Joe Crede (you couldn't tell Skyler was excited to meet him at all waiting in line)

Denard and Skyler (Skyler promptly told my brother when I dropped him off that Denard was his new favorite player)

Hopefully we can do something good during tomorrow's game before Chicago comes back into town.

Tomorrow: Timmy (12-7) against Kevin Millwood (10-8). You know what you need to do tomorrow Timmy. Go out there and DO IT!

Holy Trades Batman!

So I wasn't home for the game tonight, so I can't comment on much of it other than this:

1) Brian Duensing = amazing performance tonight! 8 strikeouts in 7 innings? Not normal for a guys making only his 3rd major league start. I had to laugh though, Betsy sent me a text while I was out saying that Brian got a hair cut, the only reason I found that funny, had to do with the conversation in the comments of this post. Apparently he listens well and the job isn't even mine yet!


2) Joe Nathan = Damn it man! How many time did I have to scream at my radio that you only had to face 3? And then I turn it off and you get the final out. You're on deck for the hair cut line ;-)


3) I'm sad that Crede is going on the DL (I will make sure and tell him that in the morning when Betsy and I see him) But at the same time, we get our White Sox killer back in time for that series starting Monday!

Welcome back Jose!

So with all that outta the way, apparently the Indians took Yohan Pino from Triple A Rochester to complete that trade. But now we have two more....

Jon Rauch from the Diamondbacks and apparently Ron Mahay from the Royals. I always hate it when trades are done and it's "for a player to be announced later". I'm one of those people that sits on pins and needles hoping it's not one of my guys. More than likely it will be someone from Triple A or even Double A, but you just never know.

I just find it funny that Smith is trying to make all these changes now. Where were they months ago? At the rate he's going we're going to be playing ball in September with a totally new starting rotation and bull pen. I heard there is one more trade in the works, but nothing has really been said about it online anywhere.

Here's to hoping all this actually helps and doesn't hurt us in the end.

He's Back

I didn't say what I was thinking in last nights post due to my lovely superstition, but I guess I could have said it because it really didn't matter this time around. Blackie just wasn't on top of it tonight... again. Our bats were lacking, but we had some beautiful plays from our defense. My nephews reasoning for Blackburn sucking so bad, "He must be drunk." This is coming from a 8 year old, mind you. Perhaps he could have used a few drinks to calm his nerves or something.

As much as I don't wanna say it, you have Frankie who's pitching sucked ended up on the DL, same with Glen... my friend asked me tonight what kind of excuse the Twins were going to use to put Blackburn on the DL. I don't think they can afford to put him on the DL. Who the hell is left in Rochester that can come up? Dickey could come back, but that would make sense and we all know the Twins GM isn't smart. I just wish this team could capitalize every once and awhile. Tonight would have been the prime opportunity to gain some ground on Detroit and be above Chicago, but no, we let it slip right through our fingers.

Our biggest downfall tonight and who I blame the entire game on, just because I can and I want to... the home plate umpire just so happened to be Todd Tichenor. For those that don't know or don't remember (which I'm sure everyone does) he is the idiot that kicked both Gardy and Red Dog out of the game against Boston one inning and than kicked Varitek and Francona out an inning later.

Just for those that need a little reminder of what the idiot looks like.

Tonight's game was just bullshit with him behind home plate and apparently last night at 1st base as well. Tonight was more missed calls and then he kicked OC out for slamming his bat on the ground. I'm sorry, I didn't know it was a crime to show some emotion after a MISSED call. I've watched quite a few games that I've seen players slam their batting helmets on the ground or throw their bats and I haven't seen them get kicked out. I wanna know what the Twins did to Tichenor that he hates us so freaking much.

I'm giving Alexi props for his amazing plays tonight out in the field. That flip to OC was amazing! Number 1 Web Gem for sure on that one. Great job Alexi. This is the Alexi Casilla I have missed lately. It's nice to see him getting back to his old self and showing us all what we saw last season when we needed it the most. His bats been moving pretty good lately too, which is always a plus.

Biggest props of the night though have to go to Cuddy. He has been such an asset to the team this season. Filling in at 1st, making amazing plays in right and then filling in at 2nd tonight with OC being ejected. He's an all around amazing player and the Twins are really lucky that we have him here for a few more years. Since he has put those injuries aside from last season he's turned into the Cuddy I have always loved.

A couple last minute items: Joe Crede get better! I wanna see you play more this year and I wanna see you in Eden Prairie on Saturday :)

Lastly, every one make sure you check out Besty's blog for our adventures from Tuesday night's game. It's complete with pictures!

How Do You Like That One?

So I was all set to leave the game tonight after the 9th inning even if the Twins didn't get a walk off hit. I know, I know, before some starts yelling, you never leave a Twins game early, but I'm seriously still trying to catch up from sleep from this past weekend in Kansas City. This game seemed to take forever tonight, perhaps it was just because Betsy *thanks again Betsy* and I were at the game. Who knows.

What I do know is a lot of fans were getting a little restless with out sucky pitching. Does it surprise me, no, cause I was getting pissed off with it. I don't wanna say anything bad quite yet about the new guy. Could it have been nerves, yes, but I doubt it. Humber should have never been brought back up here. Way to walk in runs, you loser.


Luckie Strike (Sarah) asked me when I was going to pay up on the Skittles I've promised Cuddy... I was thinking the next Unplugged. That way he has time to add to his collection or I can take some away when he sucks lol Someone needs to hold me to this so I don't chicken out!

Now for the real star of the game.... get ready for it.... ready.... am I really going there??

Yes I am.

Delmon Young!

That's right. After all the shit I have talked about him through the season, tonight I am loving him (partly because with his walk off base hit I could go home). I wanted them to win so bad that I was fighting with myself if I was going to stay for the extra innings or not so thank you Delmon for letting me come home knowing that the game was over and that we won!

Keep the momentum going guys. We're tied for 2nd with Chicago... you CAN do this! Nickie... remember how to throw strikes and we shouldn't have a problem, k?

Sitting On Pins And Needles

So I've noticed this lately and Betsy has pointed it out too, the guys have a tendency so make us sit on pins and needles and then come out in the 6th or 7th innings, rally and win the game when it's all said and done. Which, I don't care how we win them as long as we win them so we still stand a chance of making it to October. As many times as I've said I've given up on this team, I just can't do it.

I think a lot can go back to last season when we were in the run for the title, yes Gardy did tell the team they needed to sweep Chicago, but at the same time they needed to take it game by game and that's what they did. I honestly believe they need to do that this season too. Yes we are further back this season than last, but we need to capitalize when we have runners in scoring position, etc.

We just need to take it one step at a time and this past weekend and tonight's game are steps in the right direction.

Span-man was on top of his game tonight in left field. That catch was amazing and while on one hand I think it's hilarious he ended up in the bull pen, I did not think it was funny that he literally ran into Jesse. LOL We have enough of our pitchers on the DL, we don't need to add to it. Although that could have made for a great article on the Twins site, "Crain on DL with concussion from Span"

For those that missed the play or just wanna see it again go here: Span runs it down

Tomorrow we get to see what the newbie can bring to the table... remember the only game that is accepted is your A game so you better bring it :-)

A Fantastic Weekend

So my fun filled weekend in Kansas with our beloved Twins (and my best friend) is coming to a close as I am making the nine hour car ride back to Minnesota in about 6 hours. It was nice getting to see them play ball like they are supposed to play, although I was a little worried about Saturday's game only because our pitching staff seemed to be coming apart at the seems, but all in all it was a fantastic weekend filled with outdoor baseball.

Believe me folks, for those that have never been to Kauffman Stadium, I suggest if you want to take a vacation to watch our boys play ball, I suggest Kansas City. It was a beautiful weekend for outdoor baseball and if Target Field is half as good at Kauffman is we'll be in for a treat when our new stadium opens up next season.

The view from our seats both Saturday and Sunday were amazing, the people were super friendly (not rude at all considering we swept their team) and the Twins fans that showed up were unreal! Lot's of cheers for Mauer at every at bat and those of us that were there on Sunday gave Cuddy a nice standing ovation for his home runs (I owe him 3 bags of skittles after my two games).

I know a lot of fans were saying Cuddy couldn't play first, but I think he did an amazing job filling in for Justin during his absence. Between his fielding and his homeruns... it was almost like Justin was there instead of back home in Minneapolis trying to get better.

It was a great weekend filled with good friends, good baseball and all around, it was just what the doctor ordered (sorry my team beat your team D)

Now onto pictures :-) These are from Day 1:


Day 2:


Hope everyone enjoyed!