The Twinkies Thread

[Stan Jonathan#1]

Originally Posted by jkidd

I am... its a baseball thread... that isnt ruined by ignorant Yankees fans. Who'd a thunk a thread like this could be possible?

Boy that sounds good. If they could only see themselves.

I like this thread to read. Just reading you and Ewen is cool.....

[Bob Probert]

Minnesota Twins All-Star rookie Francisco Liriano is out indefinitely with a left elbow injury that could soon land him on the disabled list, according to a report in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

After missing a start with what was described as forearm inflammation, Liriano struggled on Monday night vs. Detroit as he allowed four runs on a career-high 10 hits in four innings.
The Star Tribune says the 22-year-old Liriano was on the verge of tears following the loss in the quiet Minnesota clubhouse. His voice cracked as he described the pain, pointing to the inside of his elbow.

Obviously playing without the 12-3 Liriano is a huge concern for the Twins.

What's more, the Star Tribune says he had an MRI on July 31 and was relieved to learn that there was no structural damage in the elbow; just the muscle inflammation.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Liriano will be reexamined by orthopedic physician Dan Buss after the team returns to Minnesota on Wednesday.

"It started bothering me in the second inning," Liriano said. "It really bothered me. I couldn't throw fastball, changeup, slider or anything."

Gardenhire described the problem as a muscular one.

"It's a muscular problem — as the game was going on, he started to feel it," Gardenhire said. "We had him checked out before, and everything was fine, but we'll have him checked out again. It's muscles, not his elbow."

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5855396

I hope this doesn't happen

[sicht]

I think I would honestly cry if that happens.

[ewen21]

I had a bad feeling in my gut watching that game last night. I actually went out to a sports bar, just so I can get the White Sox game next to the Twins-Tigers game. I had it all set up. First time I had done that all year....

I could tell right after the first out was recorded that the Tigers still had our number. I feel that the Twins were not aggressive coming out of the gate. Castillo looked at six pitches without even swinging......K
Punto and Mauer both took hittable strikes and then grounded out meekly.
From then on, I knew they were doomed. Seemed like they wanted to make Miner work, but the plan backfired. Aside from Cuddyer's Double, Morneau's double and (obviously) Mauer's home run, no balls were hit hard.
Hopefully they are more aggressive against Robertson tonight.

However, the worst development was Liriano.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the Liriano situation is bad. He probably is not going to part of the mix and that just about kills the Twins chances for any post season action.

At this point, if they make it, then great.....but until they address Detroit, they aren't going anywhere--I hate to say it

[ewen21]

Originally Posted by Bob Probert

Minnesota Twins All-Star rookie Francisco Liriano is out indefinitely with a left elbow injury that could soon land him on the disabled list, according to a report in the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

He's definately going on the DL

[ewen21]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2543069

Garza is coming up Tuesday. Hopefully he can be a competent replacement.

[JKidd]

Garza coming up hopefully, will have the same affect as Liriano being inserted into the rotation.

I hope Ryan is happy with not getting a SP at the deadline now. We're down two 2 SP's that consistantly can pitch and keep us in ball games (Radke and Santana, with Liriano being down).

No big bat to help bring our small ball guys around, and now, not even half of a rotation. Brilliant.

[sicht]

Twins should have dealt for Hernandez. Livan would have been perfect.

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by sicht

Twins should have dealt for Hernandez. Livan would have been perfect.

Anything that is worth more than a $5 steak, Terry Ryan wont pull the trigger on acquiring.

[ewen21]

DAMNIT, now hold 'em Nathan!

[sicht]

Nathan is one of the best in the game. I'd put my house on him.

[ewen21]

Originally Posted by sicht

Nathan is one of the best in the game. I'd put my house on him.

He can make you sweat, though. Last night he got two quick outs then a walk and a single.....next he throws a couple of balls to Polanco, Pudge is on deck and it's ----->

Oye como va Santana.....let's get one tonight

[JKidd]

What a game by Radke. Scattered 9 hits over 7 IP, and 2 ER. Awesome night all around. That is how he needs to pitch, consistantly. No more of that 3 IP junk where he gives up 40 runs.

What a game by Mauer! The kid can flat out hit, and last night, he displayed his skill smacking the ball around everywhere for hits and RBI. Also, finally seen a turn around in Castillo. He actually swung the bat with intent last night, and scored a few times (I think both Mauer RBI?), he needs to be on base most of the time for the Twins to be affective.

Last point on Nathan. He is a great closer, all star no doubt, his best attribute on the mound, his calm/collective nature. Joe has probably the best K/BB ratio in the Big's as a closer (guessing on that one) and his pitches are down right nasty. He never appears rattled and even after walking a guy, he never appears to care. Always does his lip thing with the deep breath showing like he's kinda bored out there. He's a joy to watch, because when he comes in... its lights out.

Johan going tonight against Bonderman.. should be another incredible game.

[ewen21]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Also, finally seen a turn around in Castillo. He actually swung the bat with intent last night, and scored a few times (I think both Mauer RBI?), he needs to be on base most of the time for the Twins to be affective.

YES I agree again. I was very disappointed in Castillo the other night. He lead off with a K and did not take the bat off his shoulders. He can't do that against a young pitcher like Miner. IMO, that at bat set the table for the game.

Castillo is a very important guy on the road. He needs to get on base a little more often. Although I would not make the change, I think Tyner has shown better attributes as a leadoff hitter......but seriously, Castillo has proven himself and Tyner is a 29 year old journeyman......

Hopefully Bonderman is still flustered over what happened in MN a couple of weeks ago. I am sure he is going to be aggressive. I would not be surprised if Castillo starts off with a bunt....although I would much rather him hit a double or a triple instead

[JKidd]

Bonderman will either be flustered about last game, or he'll kick the **** out of us for the ENTIRE game... I'm hoping for another 8th inning collapse.