Short Notes - Apr 6

Happy Opening Day! I know, I know, it was officially yesterday, but since the second Twins game hasn't started yet (as I write this), it's still a valid greeting.

I'm so happy it's real baseball with real consequences and real results. Happy happy happy.

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So, in case you haven't been here during the regular season, or in case you forgot, let me explain how I do things. I usually save my thoughts about the games until after the whole series and then do a recap -- unless something special motivates me to write, like Jason Kubel hitting a homerun on my command. Of course, when the final game of the series is a late one and there's a game the very next day, like with this upcoming Angels series finale, it gets difficult.

This is because I absolutely refuse to blog while a Twins game is on. It's not that I'm so in to the games that I can't multi-task; it's that it happens to be very bad, horrible luck for the Twins. Turns out, I can't even so much as think about blogging without risking disastrous performances by our boys. For example, you'll notice in that Jason Kubel post I referenced above, I talk about a ninth inning clown show. That's when the Twins bullpen coughed up buttload of runs in the 9th (after leading by 9 or 10 runs or something like that), and it's all because I was writing while the game was going on. True story. I won't let it happen again. And, yes, I'm really that superstitious -- probably even more.

So I'd better get going here; tonight's game is going to start soon.

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Happy Birthday Bert Blyleven. Only 365 more days until your next one.

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You'll notice a new little section in the upper-right corner. I love all the cool, crazy words and sayings baseball offers, so I thought I'd feature a new term every week -- that is, if I remember to do a new one every week.

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So hey, my blog's all grown up. I went out and got it its very own domain name...

kbrobaseball.blogspot.com proudly presents...

www.kbrobaseball.com

Ta da!

Ok, it's not really that big of a deal. If you go there, you just wind up here. And the blogspot.com address still works, so you don't have to change your bookmarks or blogroll or anything if you don't want to.

But, when you're telling all your friends about me, won't the new name be easier to remember?

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Podcast updates - some news on my favorite podcasts.

New! DW the Great of Twin-Keys and Joe Bronk of Joe's Little Big League started the Twin-Keys podcast a few weeks ago. Be sure to check it out. In fact, about 5 minutes ago, I agreed to be a guest tomorrow at 7. So now you really need to check it out.

New! Bloggers Julie DiCaro from A League of Her Own (a Cubs blog) and Caryn Rose from Metsgrrl (a Mets blog) started the Throwing Like a Girl podcast to discuss baseball from a girl's perspective. Check it out, because our friend Jen from Lipgloss and Baseball was a guest on their first episode.

Improved! I've mentioned this before, but it deserves repeating. Seth Stohs (SethSpeaks.net) started a zippy new web-radio program called The Show with Seth Stohs (try saying that five times fast). As always, it's good stuff. I have only one eensy, weesny complaint: Dude, when are you going to put it on iTunes? Anyway, it accessible through his site.

[EDIT (4/7 9:00 AM) -- This happened after I wrote this last night, and I just found out about it this morning.]
New! Seth Stohs and Travis Aune (Travis Twins Talks) have teamed up to produce the Twins Minor League Weekly. Both Seth and Travis are excellent resources on prospect information; this podcast will be great for everyone who want to keep up on the farm system. The first episode was posted on Seth Speaks Blog Talk Radio program, but they indicated that might set up a new link for future episodes. I'll let you know as soon as I know.

Is This Gonna Be Great or What?

Ok, so I'm sitting here, and first pitch is just about to happen. I'm so excited, I just agreed to allow my son to get a tattoo of the Twins logo if they win the World Series. And I promise that I'll follow through with it, too.

So I think it'll be a good year. It'll certainly be an interesting division race. None of the so-called experts can agree with their predictions on how the teams will end up. I've heard predictions that the Twins will be anywhere from first to fourth. I've also heard predictions that any of the five teams (even the Royals) will win the division. I know what I predict....

Oh, and Morneau was soo safe!

It'll also be interesting to see if Joe Crede turns out to be the "missing piece" everyone says he is. I'll give him a month or so before I bestow him with any nicknames or anything.

Crappola, the Mariners scored. Ok Franchise, settle down.

Oh, and Happy Birthday Bert! Let's hope you get what you want -- it's what all of Twins Territory wants -- a Twins win.

I'm excited because I've already got one baseball road trip planned. I hold in my hands...tickets to see the Cardinals host the Twins (ok, I don't literally have them in my hands -- it would be awfully hard to type if did -- but I do have them in my possession). I'm really looking forward to that. I've been to St. Louis before, and I like it.

Oh come on Cuddy! Why did you take that pitch?

I'm also excited because I have tickets for the final regular season game in the Dome. I stress regular season because there is always the chance for playoff games, and I don't have tickets for those yet.

AAAARRRGGGHHHH! I guess Griffey's still got it. Rats!

No no no no no no no no no .... Red-Dog... please be ok ... please be ok ... please be ok. Whew, it looks like he's all right. And, with that, all is right wil the world. It seems that it's mandated somewhere in Baseball Olympus that Redmond must get beat up when he plays. Man he's tough, but if Joey doesn't get back soon, there isn't going to be anything left of him.

Crap, crap, crap. Torii would've caught that. Ok boys, now it's time to put some runs on the board.

So apparently, the Twins batters have taken Jim Souhan's Sunday article to heart. Jim said that games are too slow because batters work the count. But this swinging at the first pitch and grounding out isn't doing anybody any good either. So, guys, take a pitch, work the count; let's get into their bullpen, shall we?

*sigh* Well this turned out way uglier than I would've liked. I mean, seriously, getting beat by the lowly Mariners?

Oh well. The beauty of Opening Day is that I can delude myself into believing that it's only one game and it'll still be a great season. It is great to have baseball back.

The Afterglow

Wow! I'm still pretty stunned about last night's game. I'm even having a hard time remembering what happened.

But it's sure great to be in first. There's still a bunch of work to do, and we still need a little help from the Indians, but I have faith.

Well, I have faith now. In about the sixth or seventh innings last night, I gave up. I must have looked absolutely forlorn when mini-bro asked me if I was ok. I said, "it's over. The season is over. This is it." He said, "aww. Don't give up. You know, like the Journey song -- Don't Stop Believing." Then he started to sing. Cute. I know he was just being silly to try to cheer me up, but he may be on to something.




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So I get to work this morning and am greeted by none other than Mr. Negative P. Jerkass, who says, "why are you getting so excited? Do you actually believe the Twins will do anything if they make the playoffs?" Aw, shut up and let me have my fun, will'ya? Pthththth.

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I just love how D-Span and Go-Go are largely responsible for the comeback and win. It's the least they could do after their little *ahem* misplay *ahem* in the outfield in the fourth. Nothing like going from goats to heroes, huh?

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When I was driving home last evening, I was listening to Dan Barreiro. He something about that if the White Sox lost the last game, Ozzie would spontaneously combust. I can totally see that happening, especially since that game was so dramatic. I didn't listen to Ozzie's post-game interview, so I can't be sure, but if he did spontaneously combust, I imagine it looks something like this.

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Dear Dick Bremer:

I ordered you a case of Ricola to arrive to the booth before tonight's game. You most likely have a very sore throat; you yelled a lot during Thursday's game. You were very excited.

Love,

k-bro

Tweet Victory

Twins 9 - White Sox 3

Today on my Twitter page, I started following Joe Cowley from the Chicago Sun Times, just to get an opposing viewpoint. Kind of interesting.

If you don't know Twitter, it's kind of like micro-blogging. You get 140 characters (that's it) to answer the question "what are you doing?" The updates are called "Tweets," and you follow other people's Tweets. It's kind of a neat way to stay connected with folks, or to just follow a popular columnist, blogger, or candidate. I Tweet pretty much everyday. So, in that spirit, I thought I'd express my thoughts about today's game in Tweets.

My tummy is all in knots. Nervous much? And it's so loud in the Dome. I love it!

Hey! How come Vazquez gets that strike call and Baker doesn't. Seems a tad unfair.

Just realized I'm missing a teleconference for work. Yeah, right. Just watch them try to keep me from watching this game.

Woooooooooo! I'm alone in the house and screaming my head off. Nice homer, Kubes!

And Delmon gets a nice hit. BTW: I hate the phrase “good piece of hitting.” Bert just said it like four times in the last 30 seconds.

Good hit, Nicky. Crap Go-Go. Oh, well, nice base running Delmon.

Ok, AJ, how many freaking pitches are you going to foul off? Just miss one! Finally!

Hey! Bernard Berrian is a Twins fan! And I didn't realize he was so good-looking. Well, hello Bernard. :-)

Nice catch Alexi! But I don't think it's really a diving catch like Dick said. More like a bend over and fall down catch.

Kubes gets an “old man triple,” which happens when the outfielder who dives for the ball is too old to make the catch.

And a double by Delmon. I like his little toe dance to keep his foot on the bag and keep from getting tagged out.

Squeeeeeeze! With a head-first slide even. But Bert honey, it's “element of surprise,” not “ultimate of surprise.”

My oh my! The third run of the inning, and there's still only one out. How crazy is the Dome now? Oh yeah, the second steal of the inning.

With two on and no out, that knotty tummy thing is back. Whew, one out, now two. Crap, now bases loaded for AJ. Yes yes! Whew!

Oh hey, new White Sox pitcher. He totally looks like a high-school jock. And Joey welcomes him to the Dome with a double.

Awww! They're replaying Gardy chewing out Alexi for not covering second in the previous half inning. I hope he isn't too tough on him.

Cool! Justin now holds the Twins record for doubles.

Tidy one-two-three innings from Scott Baker are much more calming on my tummy.

What a cute little juggle catch by Scotty. I'm glad he saw the humor in it.

So when the crowd chants “MVP,” does Justin say to himself, “yeah, that's right, they're talking about me”? Nah, he's too humble.

Oh yeah! Back to back homers, baby!

Beauty of a double-play there, Nicky. And, what? Delmon hustled to make a running catch? Wow, this game must really be inspired.

Ahem, j-bro just switched the TV to Playstation “just for a second” like 10 minutes ago. Hurry up and finish, will ya'?

Hah! A fan on the field. So so so stooopid. And so so boooring for those of us watching TV. How long do we have to look at Thome's face?

Well, if I have to watch a Griffey home run, it's not so bad when we're still leading by six after it.

Wow, that was tons of fun. This made the knotty tummy thing totally worth it.

This means it's mathematically impossible for the Sox to clinch at the Dome. Not like they're going to clinch at all.

Oh, on a non-baseball note, Wednesday is “National Punctuation Day.” Celebrate responsibly.

Discombobulated Blogging

I have a lot on my mind today. Much stuff to say and many goings-on. And the game is on. So, I'm going to write things as they come to me, possibly flitting all over the place. Call this post a result of my inner butterfly.

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Bert just circled three fans wearing baker's hats. Amusing. I instantly like those guys.

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So, it's the non-waiver trade deadline. I should welcome the new guys.

Taa Daa...Welcome.....Hey! Where did the new guys go? What? There are no new guys? We didn't make any trades? At all? Shocker.

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Crappola. Baker just gave up a two-run dinger to Thome. And he's not locating very well. Maybe those hats aren't so funny after all. Settle down Scotty.

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Dear Twins,
Remember before this series started, I asked nicely for a split or better? Please don't feel like you have to limit yourselves to the split -- go ahead and aim for the series win. K? NOW! Thanks.

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WAKE-UP, BATS! (seriously, mere seconds after I typed this, Justin kissed his 3-run tater.)

(trying it again for luck) WAKE-UP, BATS! (didn't work)

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That was a HORRIBLE call!!! HORRIBLE!!!

But, I am NOT proud of the fans who are throwing stuff on the field. C'mon. Not Cool. Waaaay Not Cool. Embarrassing. Even more so because D-Span wound up walking so it was all pointless.

Now I notice that the strike zone got really big for the Twins hitters. Hmm.

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Woot. Thanks to Joey, it's a whole new ball game. My-Oh-My, I loves me my Jason Kubel (well, right this second, anyways).

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Looks like Juan Uribe got his face into A.J.'s leftover Preference by L'Oreal Dream Blonde.

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*ahem* Matt, get a stinking out, will you? Before you blow the lead!

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Oh, and the final score: Twins 10 - White Sox 6. Sweet!

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k-bro's kwazy logic (this is long, and maybe a tad opinionated -- you've been warned):

Daymonster over at Alright Hamilton! posted an entry that has been making a buzz all over the blogosphere. Lines were drawn; pots were stirred; goats were got; ires were upped. All very interesting debate.

You'll see that I was the first commenter on the post. While I still stand by what I said at the time, I admit it was written a bit "in the heat of the moment". I would like to elaborate on my view.

First, let me outline my understanding of Day's point:

• Most Twins blogs (and their commenters) can be categorized into one of two groups (stats-centric and not stats-centric).
• He likes blogs from both groups.
• He believes that there is a underlying conflict between the two groups. Namely, he feels that the second group is accusing the first group of too much negativity and is questioning their Twins "fanness" because of said negativity.

I admit that I agree with him on all three of these points. I, too, have noticed a dichotomy between types blogs, but I've been oblivious to any true conflict between them until, well, his post. And I acknowledge that negativity isn't welcomed in many of the second group's blogs.

Just to be clear, I consider this blog part of the second group (admittedly, not as well done as the ones he mentions), but not with his definition. And that's what's got my ire up. While he says that he enjoys both groups of blogs, it's clear by the words, and the tone, he chose to describe them with, he doesn't respect the second group as much as the first.

When describing the first group, he uses intelligent, and even complimentary terms. He makes them out to be the Good Guys. However, notice the language he uses to describe the second group. Sounds like a shallow, bitchy, dumb bunch, doesn't it? And I don't think it's a coincedence that there is a clear gender line between his examples. The irony is that I personally would take the second group's assessment of the team based on instinct and observation over the first group's assessment based on stats and analysis. A balance of both techniques paints the most accurate picture.

Also, while a certain amount of negativity has its place when talking about sports (passion, good and bad, makes good fans), it's not necessarily appropriate in a blog meant to be fun. I myself have enough negativity in my everyday life; I don't need it in my hobby. And there are levels of negativity. Stating "Gomez has been struggling lately and might do better batting ninth," is a whole different attitude than stating over and over "Nick Punto sucks!" (whether or not he's actually struggling). One wonders if the folks who lean toward the extreme negativity are more fans of complaining than of baseball.

Funny, all this because he had a difference of opinion with one person's blog.

And finally, I'm going to subscribe to Lipgloss & Baseball's new slogan -- Have Boobs, Will Blog.

T.G.I.J.! (Thank Goodness It's Justin)

Tuesday: Twins 6 - White Sox 5

I like it when the Twins win. I like knowing that, if they should fall behind, there's a good chance they can rally and win. Which is a different feeling than last year. Last year, if they were behind by the fourth or fifth inning, I just watched something else. Last night I didn't do that, and I'm glad. They made it totally worth sticking around for.

I especially loved how just when Dick-n-Bert were mentioning that Ozzie said that Justin was the most dangerous batter in the American League, Justin goes and proves the point by smacking a bases-clearing double to take the lead. Yay Justin!

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We say "Goodbye", and we say "Hello":

So just when I was going to bid adieu to Adam "Adam" Everett by talking about how he pretty much got "Wally Pipp'ed" out of a job and how I felt kind of bad about that because he seems like a pretty likable guy, if not really a great hitter, and to wish him the best of luck with whatever he decided to do, I have to pull back because he's needed after all.

And for what? Another stinking hand injury. It seem Alexi Casilla tore his thumb ligament and might be out for a long time. **sigh** I feel really bad for Alexi, but come on! Enough is Enough!

I wonder if MLB will allow the Twins trainers to purchase a couple dozen bionic hands.

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Pitcherstress:

A co-worked asked me if I was nervous about tonight's game. I said, "Yes. Livan's pitching." And another co-worker chimed in with, "Are you having pitcher-stress?" YES! That's it exactly.

Dear Livan,

Honey, please, oh please, don't stress me out tonight. Please keep your Earned Run total for the evening as minuscule as possible. Zero would be ideal.

Love,

k-bro

Killing Them Slowey

Twins 7 - White Sox 0 (zero, zip, nada, nothing, goose egg, nil)

Wow! How much fun was that?!?! Kevin Slowey get another nifty complete game shut out. D-Span gets his first major league homer. Justin still has his swell homerun swing (didn't I say that yesterday too?). Thanks boys; I loved this game. I want another one tomorrow.

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Ok, who gave A.J. a swirly in Clorox? Do these guys try to be ugly? Are they having some kind of contest? **shakes head**

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I want to heap more praise on Kevin Slowey. I was really impressed with tonight's performance for a number of reasons. For one thing, the White Sox are a pretty good hitting team, so keeping them off-balance was pretty cool. Also, he was pretty much always pitching from the stretch, which didn't seem to bother him, so that was good.

Go treat yourself to Dairy Queen honey. You've earned it.

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And finally, the "Huh, Really? Are You Sure?" moment of the game:

Bert was talking about Casilla taking a lead off first, and he mentioned that he had one foot on "the turf, the green stuff on your screen." Really? I had no idea what all that green stuff in the dome was. (He didn't sound like he was trying to be clever or anything.)

Finishing Interleague

Saturday: Twins 1 - Brewers 5
Sunday: Twins 5 - Brewers ZIP

Twins win series 2 - 1


"Can't Win Them All":
Yeah, that's what hubby told me a number of times Saturday night. In fact, he said it every time I yelled or swore at the TV. Turns out he said it a lot. Oh well, he's right. I don't know why I was so upset as I was watching it; I knew we were going lose even before the game started. I don't know what it was -- because Livan was starting, because Alexi and Cuddy were injured, because winning the 11th (a prime number) in a row on the last Saturday in June when the moon is waning is generally bad carma -- but I felt the loss before it happened. I don't know why I even bothered to watch, but I didn't really have anything better to do. Fortunately, I didn't have that same feeling prior to Sunday's game.

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Cuddyer on DL with Another Injured Finger:
What? When did that happen? How did that happen? I want answers!

me: Cuddy honey, how did you hurt your finger?
Cuddy: I'm not sure.
me: Really? You really don't know? How do you not know?
Cuddy: Really. I don't know how I don't know. I just don't know.
me: Surely, you can't be serious.
Cuddy: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

(Ok, sorry. That was lame. I couldn't resist.)

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Who Da Man?

Kevin Slowey, You Da Man!! Stellar pitching is sexy. Complete game shutouts are very sexy. Hee hee. Thanks for the thrill.

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Maybe the Twins Should Always Play the National League:

So the Twins finished interleague play with a 14 - 4 record. According to Dick-n-Bert, that's the best interleauge record. At least I think that's what they said. I just spent the last half-hour trying to find a source, but I couldn't find one (for the "best" part, I did find the "14-4" part). I'm sure by morning, someone will mention it.

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Early and Often:

Ok, I don't usually participate in All Star Game voting. It usually seems like only Yankees and Red Sox players get voted in, regardless of how good they actually are. It's all very tiresome. However, this year, it looks like Joey and Justin actually have a chance to be voted in. That would be cool. In fact, Joey is leading catchers, but Justin needs a little help to pull into the lead. So vote.

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Someone Make Up a Caption for This Picture:

A Night for Twins Fan Kids of All Sizes

Twins 9 - Royals 8 (10) [seriously? cool!]

Well that was unexpected. And cool. And ... wow! Nice work, Mr. Monroe and Mr. Morneau.
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I have to admit that I didn't see very much of the game. I got home when the score was 6 - 2. I hung around until the score was 8 - 3, then sighed and thought "oh well, can't win ‘em all", and turned to a rerun of CSI: NY to kill time until the news came on. (I know, I know, I need to work on my loyalty and optimism skills, but I was tired.) Anyhoo, I flipped back during a commercial break, and the score was tied. (What??? How did that happen?) Fortunately, I'm dorky enough to record every game with my DVR (I **heart** my DVR), so I simply rewound it and saw everything.
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Just wondering: is "rewound" the correct verb to use while talking about a DVR? There's no tape, so no actual "winding" is occurring. Hmm.
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Monroe's homerun reminded me of something my kids would pretend in the back yard: It's the ninth inning, two on, two out, full count. And here's the pitch - it is high, it is deep, it is GONE!However, they're usually pretending to win the World Series with an at-bat like that.
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The best part of Monroe's homerun: Dick's reaction. He was so happy and excited and thrilled and gleeful; it was like he was a big kid. It was so fun to listen to him.
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And finally, the "Does He Get a Royalty Check for That?" moment of the day: Proof positive that when first-basemen and base runners talk, they don't really say anything: Yesterday, my son was playing first, and I noticed he talked to everyone who reached. Later, I asked him what he was saying, and he said that he was singing the FreeCreditReport.com jingle. Why? Just to bug them.

Delivering Us From Gloom

Twins 4 - Royals 3 (12) [We won, so why does it hurt so much?]

Thank you Cuddy for salvaging the game and leading us away from despair.
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Poor Nick Blackburn. I've accused him of being a gloomy guy because he never really smiles. But with the kind of luck he has, it's easy to understand why. After all, what does he have to do? He pitches a gem - almost a complete game shutout - and he watches it being ripped away on Nathan's very first pitch. I wanted to cry when they showed Nick in the dugout after the Royals tied it up. He just looked so sad.
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I rarely question Gardy's decisions. I'd be a horrible manager and I know it, so I don't bother. But this time, I'm convinced that if he had let Nick stay in for one more batter, things would have been much, much better. He was getting ground balls all night, and I'm sure he would have induced the double play ball he needed. In fact, I was screaming that to the TV as Gardy walked out to the mound. I'm willing to bet that I wasn't the only one.
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Dear Bert, Please, please, please don't ever talk about your personal hygiene again. I mean, seriously, chewing your toenails? Eeeewwww. I could've gone all day without thinking about that.
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And finally, the "This is What Happens When You Get Dressed in the Dark" moment of the game: Did anyone else notice that Jimmy "Gobble" Gobble had his undershirt on backwards? I didn't see it until the camera showed him from behind, but the "Royals" embroidery on the neck was in the back and the MLB logo that belongs on the back was in the front. Maybe it's a good luck thing. Or maybe he needed to get dressed in a hurry.

Adorable

Twins 7 - The Team That Calls Itself World Champions 3
Twins take series 3-1

So, most of us had a choice last night. What did you decide? The ESPN yahoos or our lovable Dick-n-Bert? Me? I chose Dick-n-Bert. I guess I just like familiarity. And I think I made a good choice. Did ESPN show shots of Boof unraveling a baseball? I doubt it. But our guys stuck with the story until conclusion and Boof got to the core of the matter.

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Up until the seventh, Boof's unwrapping adventure was the most adorable moment of the game. Then Cuddy did his little juggling magic trick pulling a baseball out of his hat. That play will probably be the most adorable moment of the whole season. And Dick laughing about it was almost as adorable.

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In fact, the whole game was pretty much adorable. Coming from behind is adorable. Stringing hits together for runs is adorable. And even though giving up three runs in the first isn't so much adorable, settling down and not allowing any more might be. However, catching a screaming liner and stinging your hand is adorable. And, in a weird way, watching the opposing pitcher throw a temper tantrum is adorable. In fact, in honor of all the adorableness, I'll post this adorable picture.

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It seems that Livan likes the pixie vests - he's two for two at home with them. I guess if he keeps getting these results, I'll get used to them.

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A non-adorable moment was when Delmon rolled his ankle running the basepaths. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it's too serious. I hope he'll be fine.

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And finally, the "even though it happened to a division rival, it's still really cool" moment of the day: Last night, Asdrubal Cabrera of the Cleveland Indians completed an unassisted triple play. It's like only the 14th in major league history. Pretty groovy.

Unexpectations

Twins 11 - Tigers 1

Ok, I have to admit that during the pre-game, I was really worried about this game. They were talking about how the Tigers have been playing well lately (notice that I didn't say "as of late" - that's another topic all together*), ever since the last time they played the Twins. And Livan was pitching, and we all know what happened last time he did that. To top it off, they were wearing the ridiculous pixie vests. In my mind, all this added up to a feeling of dread. Luckily, my instincts were way off. And if it turns out that the pixie vests were the good luck charms, well I guess I'm willing to give them another chance. It'll be interesting to see if Livan is superstitious.

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My Dearest Go-Go,
Please be ok.
Love, k-bro

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Speaking of Go-Go's injury, I was really impressed that Pudge marched out there to make sure he was ok. It even looked like the umpire tried to stop him, but he would have none of that.

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My favorite thing about the game: Livan's 61 mph curveball falling in for a strike.

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Sad news about Gardy's brother. It reminds me that I need to remember what's important in my life. Extra hugs and kisses for my family this weekend.

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And finally, the "Ain't No Way You Can Get Me To Say That Word On Air Again" moment of the game: Dick-N-Bert were talking about Miguel Cabrera's reaction to the aforementioned 61 mph curveball. Apparently he didn't like it and told Livan so. Dick said something about not knowing how to read lips and not knowing Spanish, but pretty sure he still knew what he said. And then Bert said, "I'm not gonna say it, you say it." Heh heh.

*Why do sportscasters feel the need to say "as of late" when they mean "lately"? No one else says "as of late" ("Hey Jim, what've you been up to as of late?" "Well Bob, not much, but as of late Joyce has been nagging me to take her on a cruise."). What's wrong with "lately"? It's a perfectly nice word, and not as snooty.

Weekend with Cleveland

Friday: Twins 0 - Cleveland 4
Saturday: Twins 3 - Cleveland 0
Sunday: Twins 2 - Cleveland 1

My thoughts on Friday's game: Pew. I don't even want to remember it.

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My thoughts on Saturday's game: Well, I didn't see it. It sounded like it was a lot of fun. It actually sounded like my kind of game - great pitching and great defense. Turning four double plays is hot. I was busy enjoying a high school production of "Beauty and the Beast".

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My thoughts on today's game: Groovy. In fact, I'm so happy, I'm breaking out my bullet-points.

• Scotty pitched very nicely. I think he's going to be the strikeout leader of the team.


• Hey! A Twin not named Justin Morneau or Jason Kubel finally hit a homerun! Congrats on your first Twins homer Brendan Harris. An opposite field one, too.


• Go-Go's catch was muy caliente.
  
  


• They showed the new commercial with the pitchers singing. It was flippin' hilarious. Those commercials get better every time. It's funny that Joe Nathan, who said that the pitchers were the worst singing act ever, happened to be the very worst of them all. All the guys looked like they had a great time; Boof was especially goofy (ha ha, get it, Goofy Boof). I just checked the Twins website to see if was there, but it wasn't yet. I imagine it'll be there in the next day or two.


• They have "All you can eat night"?!? Sweet! I could bring my sons and make those dome vendors rue that idea. Trust me, my boys can really put it away when dared to. I'll have to check our schedule.


• Do you think that Justin Morneau walked up to the plate in the bottom of the 10^th signing "Here I come to save the day" ala Dudley Do-right like they say in the radio commercial? Nice work, Justin.
  
  

And finally, the "Gotta Love Dick-n-Bert" moment of the game (double):
1) In the bottom of the 10^th, with Jason Kubel at the plate:
Dick: [something like] "They don't want to walk Kubel here."
Bert: "Sure they do. Then they know where he's at."
2) Again in the bottom of the 10^th, with Justin Morneau at the plate, Dick was going on and on, carrying on both sides of a conversation over whether Jason Kubel should take second "his run doesn't matter, but it might take the bat out of Morneau's hand, but if they get to two strikes, they might have to think about it...." Turned out it didn't matter.

The Beast

Twins 0 - Angels 1

Amongst the Twins bats lives a beast who shows up from time to time to feed on men on base. And the beast was hungry last night; in fact it was a gluttonous pig, chowing four times in 2 1/2 hours as if Twins base runners were Lay's potato chips. This insatiable, greedy beast's lack of willpower caused Nick Blackburn, who pitched brilliantly (as if he's been a big league starter for much more than five minutes), to suffer the loss on a stupid wild pitch. The beast's name? GIDP.
My web-gems, regardless of what ESPN says:

1. LNP's horizontal barehanded catch-throw to first in the 9th.


2. Justin Morneau's diving knock-down then flip back to Blackburn in the 5th.

(Turns out ESPN concurred: my #2 was their #3, and my #1 was their #1.)

And finally, the "Gotta Love Bert" moment of the game (ok, I didn't really intend this to be a daily thing, but I can't resist this one):

"One ringy-dingy" (referring to a foul-tip that hit the Angels catcher where no man wants to be hit).

Two Left Feet

Twins 1 -- LAA 9

That pretty much bit. We all know it bit. The Twins all know it bit. Everyone knows why it bit. Let's move on.

Except Delmon Young. Delmon honey, you're doing just fine; keep it up.

A couple of (very dim) bright spots:

• It was good to see Jesse Crain again


• It was good to see Brendan Harris make a nice defensive play (too bad he errored later)


• It was good to see Adam Everett get an RBI (too bad it was the only one)

Finally: The "Gotta Love Bert" moment of the game:

"We're not here to kiss each other."

A Few Thoughts About Today's Game

Twins 4, Bad Guys 6

• Gee, it was nice to hear Dick and Bert's voices again. I much prefer them over the ESPN morons.


• The more I see Delmon Young, the more I like him. Same with Craig Monroe.


• I'm kind of bummed that Alejandro Machado got sent to the minors in the first cuts. I like him. Same with Brian Duensing.


• How come it is that everything seems right with the world when Mike Redmond is shaking off some stinger, smack, nick, knock, or some other ouchie?


• Michael Cuddyer is the perfect spokesman for the team. He's so well spoken and he always says the right things.

And in other news:

The Texas Rangers signed Sidney Ponson to a minor-league contract. Ok, well, good luck with that. It's just interesting that he has a team now, and Kyle Lohse still doesn't.