In 52 games this year, Joe Mauer has put up these numbers: .394 batting average, 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, .467 OBP, .684 SLG. So, my reason for publishing this post is to address the question whether Mauer can end the season with a BA >= .400.
If you've read the latest SI article about Mauer, you are aware of how cruely the cards are stacked up against a player (even one of Joe's talent) reaching that magical number. (I would cite some of those stats, but it seems that one of my roommates has snatched my SI magazine from me...)
Anyways, lets put any debates to rest. Joe Mauer will be the next .400 hitter. There, I called it. Now, I don't necessarily think it will be this year. If you look at his stats month to month, it is clear to see that the grind of being a catcher catches up with him around August. This is by far the most powerful argument negating any claim that he will end the season plus .400. However, this same argument is one that allows me to argue why Mauer WILL eventually be the next Splendid Splinter. A position change!
I hate the idea. (I should really write about how his defensive skills are simply the best, but that's for another day.) If Joe Mauer can play another 8 years behind the dish, he will still only be in his mid 30s. This leaves plenty of years for Mauer to play a less physically demanding position and thus, break .400.
Some might say, "Well Sam, that's a huge problem. He will be in his mid 30's and will be on a downward spiral." And I say, "Nonsense, grasshopper." Let's look at Raul Ibanez. He's older than sin and is having a career year. Joe Mauer is a far better athelte than Raul Ibanez and will still be having some of his best years. Which is why my friends, Joe Mauer WILL eventually be the next .400 hitter!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
How do you like them apples?
Joe Crede, welcome to the Minnesota Twins. With one swing of the bat you have been accepted into our little club. It's a pretty exclusive club and we don't just let anyone in. You have to do a few things in order to gain admittance...
- You have to hustle...always. If you don't you won't stick around (see: Casilla, Alexi)
- You have to be able to lay down a bunt at any time (Nick Punto, keep trying. You will get there)
- You have to hit a bomb in a key spot (we don't hit too many so when we do hit one it's exciting)
- You have to give a boring post-game interview to Robby Incmikoski laden with cliches ("You know we played hard and never gave up and good things happen when you do that. I have faith in my guys and hopefully we can build on this going forward." It's that easy)
That is how you become a Twin. That's how you dominate.
-Andy
Friday, May 8, 2009
Knuckleballers Cont.
So, I forgot one of my main reasons for writing the previous post about knuckleballers. I wanted to relate it to Twins pitcher R.A. Dickey.
Going off of all those wonderful reasons why the knuckleball is death disguised as a 5-5.25 ounce/9-9.25 inch circumference leather bound sphere... if MLB REALLY wanted to be fair, they would 1) put a speed limit on how fast the pitch can be thrown and 2) implement a rule where pitchers whose fastball tops 79 mph CANNOT throw a knuckleball.
And this my friends is how this post relates to R.A. Dickey. Dickey's fastball is in the mid to high 80's, he has a nasty curve, AND he throws a knuckleball damn near 80 mph!!! Is this even possible? According to R.A. Dickey it is.
I guess I'm just in awe with the pitch and any hitter that succeeds against it.
Done.
- Sam
Going off of all those wonderful reasons why the knuckleball is death disguised as a 5-5.25 ounce/9-9.25 inch circumference leather bound sphere... if MLB REALLY wanted to be fair, they would 1) put a speed limit on how fast the pitch can be thrown and 2) implement a rule where pitchers whose fastball tops 79 mph CANNOT throw a knuckleball.
And this my friends is how this post relates to R.A. Dickey. Dickey's fastball is in the mid to high 80's, he has a nasty curve, AND he throws a knuckleball damn near 80 mph!!! Is this even possible? According to R.A. Dickey it is.
I guess I'm just in awe with the pitch and any hitter that succeeds against it.
Done.
- Sam
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Knuckleballers
So, I'm a firm believer in justness (as are many other people - I'm not claiming to be Gandi). I've had this talk about equality with Andy about our education system's grading policy. But who wants to talk about that? Let's talk baseball, my friends. I truly believe the game of baseball is one of the most lopsided games humankind has invented. Why would anybody in their right mind want to play a game where a superstar succeeds three times out of ten? Doesn't really make much sense in my pragmatic mind. But as put by Andy, "I dig it..." Even with pitchers automatically being favored 7.5 times out of 10, the game of baseball (in its purest form... cough*... steroids... cough*) is perfect.
So, you might be wondering how this relates to the knuckleball (knuckleballers specifically)?
The knuckleball is the most challenging pitch to hit. I have two quotes for you:
1. "If anybody knows the secret on how to hit a knuckleball, they would make a fortune, because I sure don't." (Or something on those lines.) - The Splendid Splinter
2. "There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball. Unfortunately, neither of them works." ― Charlie Lau
This leads me to the question, "Is the knuckleball a fair pitch?"
Answer: Absolutely not. And that's what makes it great. The knuckleball is the greatest pitch ever invented. My dad always said that if you can consistently throw a knuckleball for strikes, you can pitch in the Bigs until you're 80. Hasn't worked for me, but I guess there's still time... I wish I had stats on the major league batting average vs the knuckleball, but I don't. My guess is it isn't good. Knuckleball pitchers usually have a high ERA, but that's just because they might walk someone, then the next batter gets lucky and hits a bomb. Let me stress how much luck is involved in hitting a home run off a knuckleball. You have to have a few things work for you: 1) The pitcher messes up and the ball doesn't knuckle; or 2) You guess right and put the bat where the ball ends up knuckling to. Either way, the odds are automatically against you.
So, should Major League Baseball ban the knuckleball? I'm pretty sure Bud Selig would move the pitcher's mound back a few feet before he would come to that. Soooooo... I guess hitters are just going to have to put up with it. The end.
- Sam
So, you might be wondering how this relates to the knuckleball (knuckleballers specifically)?
The knuckleball is the most challenging pitch to hit. I have two quotes for you:
1. "If anybody knows the secret on how to hit a knuckleball, they would make a fortune, because I sure don't." (Or something on those lines.) - The Splendid Splinter
2. "There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball. Unfortunately, neither of them works." ― Charlie Lau
This leads me to the question, "Is the knuckleball a fair pitch?"
Answer: Absolutely not. And that's what makes it great. The knuckleball is the greatest pitch ever invented. My dad always said that if you can consistently throw a knuckleball for strikes, you can pitch in the Bigs until you're 80. Hasn't worked for me, but I guess there's still time... I wish I had stats on the major league batting average vs the knuckleball, but I don't. My guess is it isn't good. Knuckleball pitchers usually have a high ERA, but that's just because they might walk someone, then the next batter gets lucky and hits a bomb. Let me stress how much luck is involved in hitting a home run off a knuckleball. You have to have a few things work for you: 1) The pitcher messes up and the ball doesn't knuckle; or 2) You guess right and put the bat where the ball ends up knuckling to. Either way, the odds are automatically against you.
So, should Major League Baseball ban the knuckleball? I'm pretty sure Bud Selig would move the pitcher's mound back a few feet before he would come to that. Soooooo... I guess hitters are just going to have to put up with it. The end.
- Sam
Casilla or Tolbert: That's an Easy One
Alexi Casilla has been sent down to AAA. After nearly five weeks of subpar defense, horrible at bats, and a .167 average in 24 games, he is finally off of the major league roster...but for how long? He was not sent down because of his performance. He was sent down because of his complete lack of hustle. He was lazy fielding a ground ball and made a big error (You're welcome Nick Blackburn) and he didn't hustle down to first on a groundout, and carrying his bat the entire way. The Twins system consistently plays average players hoping they will improve, so he will get another chance soon enough to prove himself. I am sick of seeing the Twins stick with a player after giving him multiple chances to prove himself. He only hit .281 last year with a .333 OBP. Those are not good enough numbers to give him a free pass to play. Casilla needs to prove himself fast if he wants to stay in this organization. This is a business and the Twins have no time to waste playing someone who gets one hit every series.
Matt Tolbert may not be the long-term answer for the Twins, but he is a great option, especially if he hits like he did last year (.283 in 41 games). Look for a platoon between Tolbert and Harris to start, hopefully with Tolbert getting the majority of the playing time if he hits well. It's too bad he got hurt last year, then we wouldn't have had such a fiasco at 2B.
For anyone who questions Tolbert's Work Ethic
If there are any ladies out there reading this, you can find out first hand if Tolbert is Available
He was 0-3 in game one, but it was rain-shortened and it's hard to get into a groove when there are 4 hours of a rain delay. He was 7-12 in his last three games at AAA so hopefully he can bring some of that to the Twins clubhouse and give it to Crede and Gomez as well.
-Cheeto
Matt Tolbert may not be the long-term answer for the Twins, but he is a great option, especially if he hits like he did last year (.283 in 41 games). Look for a platoon between Tolbert and Harris to start, hopefully with Tolbert getting the majority of the playing time if he hits well. It's too bad he got hurt last year, then we wouldn't have had such a fiasco at 2B.
For anyone who questions Tolbert's Work Ethic
If there are any ladies out there reading this, you can find out first hand if Tolbert is Available
He was 0-3 in game one, but it was rain-shortened and it's hard to get into a groove when there are 4 hours of a rain delay. He was 7-12 in his last three games at AAA so hopefully he can bring some of that to the Twins clubhouse and give it to Crede and Gomez as well.
-Cheeto
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Really Craig Breslow, Really...
You are a major league pitcher but yet you can't throw a strike? Really?
You walk the bases loaded with two walks on 4 - 0 counts? Really?
You make Gardy bring in R.A. Dickey again with the bases loaded? Really?
You make Mauer catch Dickey for the first time...ever? Really?
Did I mention that this is all in the top of the 11th inning? Really?
C'mon man...
- Andy
You walk the bases loaded with two walks on 4 - 0 counts? Really?
You make Gardy bring in R.A. Dickey again with the bases loaded? Really?
You make Mauer catch Dickey for the first time...ever? Really?
Did I mention that this is all in the top of the 11th inning? Really?
C'mon man...
- Andy
Mauer Mauer Mauer
What else can you say about this guy? He doesn't play for the Twins for the first month of the season and then in his first at-bat, amid a standing ovation, he hits the ball over the left-centerfield fence. Are you serious?
In his next at bat Joe lined one down the left field line for a double. Since the Royals were so scared of Joey dominating they walked him in his 3rd at bat. If it wasn't for a hit and run gone wrong Joe would have had a 3 for 3 night. With all hits going to the opposite field which isn't a big surprise. Hell even Joe attempted to drag a bunt down the 3rd base line because Mark Tehan was playing and Joe is cool like that.
Also of note: There was a lot of talk about Joe Mauer's new walkup song that was to debut last night...only it didn't. Joe decided to go with the classic (and my favorite walkup song for him) "What you know" by T.I.. I'm glad he went back to this song because he hit .347 while using it and the Twins were awesome. Hopefully it sticks.
-Andy
In his next at bat Joe lined one down the left field line for a double. Since the Royals were so scared of Joey dominating they walked him in his 3rd at bat. If it wasn't for a hit and run gone wrong Joe would have had a 3 for 3 night. With all hits going to the opposite field which isn't a big surprise. Hell even Joe attempted to drag a bunt down the 3rd base line because Mark Tehan was playing and Joe is cool like that.
Also of note: There was a lot of talk about Joe Mauer's new walkup song that was to debut last night...only it didn't. Joe decided to go with the classic (and my favorite walkup song for him) "What you know" by T.I.. I'm glad he went back to this song because he hit .347 while using it and the Twins were awesome. Hopefully it sticks.
-Andy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Chocolate Filled Joe Mauer?
Question of the day: "Does Joe Mauer actually enjoy listening to rap?"
For the past few seasons, Joe Mauer's at-bat theme songs have either been songs by T.I. or St. Paul native, Antonio Richardson. Mauer plans to unveil his new walk-up melody during tonight's game vs KC ("The Joe Mauer Theme Song").
If you have been paying any attention to the Twins the past five years, you are well aware that Mauer is the quintessential All-American white boy. Wouldn't something like "Jack and Diane" by John Mellencamp be a more fitting song for someone of Joe's character? So why would Joey routinely pick rap songs for his at-bat music? Is this his way of passive-aggressively trying to prove to the world that he is more "bad-ass" than we think? Hmmm, something to think about.
Whatever. As long as he hits .347, wins batting titles, silver slugger awards, gold gloves, throws out 43% of potential base stealers, and wears the tools of ignorance for the greatest team in all of baseball, I don't care!
- Sam
For the past few seasons, Joe Mauer's at-bat theme songs have either been songs by T.I. or St. Paul native, Antonio Richardson. Mauer plans to unveil his new walk-up melody during tonight's game vs KC ("The Joe Mauer Theme Song").
If you have been paying any attention to the Twins the past five years, you are well aware that Mauer is the quintessential All-American white boy. Wouldn't something like "Jack and Diane" by John Mellencamp be a more fitting song for someone of Joe's character? So why would Joey routinely pick rap songs for his at-bat music? Is this his way of passive-aggressively trying to prove to the world that he is more "bad-ass" than we think? Hmmm, something to think about.
Whatever. As long as he hits .347, wins batting titles, silver slugger awards, gold gloves, throws out 43% of potential base stealers, and wears the tools of ignorance for the greatest team in all of baseball, I don't care!
- Sam
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Span vs Gomez
So here's the thing, the Twins have two of the best up and coming center fielders in the AL (dare I say baseball?). Not surprisingly, one of Gardy's most challenging decisions every game is to decide who plays while the other rides the pine. Not the most enjoy situation to be in, to say the least. So here's some food for thought: "Who do you play? Denard Span, the prototypical leadoff hitter that takes pitches, draws walks, and hits .300 while having close to a .400 OBP; or Carlos Gomez, a lightning bolt lassoed into the body of a baby-faced Dominican that can run faster than Cool Papa Bell?"
To keep from ranting for an hour, lets say that they cannot split playing time. Thus, we will disregard individual game situations (i.e. playing the left-handed Span vs RHP and the right-handed Gomez vs LHP). Let us now consider each players individual characteristics.
Carlos Gomez. The heart of the Johan Santana trade. There is truly no telling what this guy could do if he learns to control himself. Cannon of an arm, serious pop, hell of a competitor, ... oh and did I say that he's fast? Drawbacks: Looks as though he's made up his mind whether to swing or not before the pitch is even thrown, unpolished basestealing technique, and can't hit a breaking pitch to save his life. .258 AVG and .296 OBP are definitely not numbers you want to see out of your leadoff guy either. I want to point out that although I think Gomez needs to learn to control himself, I'm saying that half-heartedly. Carlos Gomez did not get to be the Mets's #1 prospect and essentially traded for Johan by being a passive baseball player. Just a little maturing is all.
Denard Span. I've got to admit, I've had my mood swings with this guy. During spring training last year, I wanted Span to be the guy to replace my beloved Torii thinking he had earned his chance and fit the mold of the guy at the top of the lineup. However, once Go Go won the spot and I saw him play, I fell in love. Span could retire in AAA for all I cared. (pause for added effect...) Boy, have things changed! Denard Span is the shit. .294 AVG, .387 OBP, while stealing 18 bases in 93 games last year was just what the Twins needed to hit in front of the M & M Boys. Span only looks to increase these numbers while batting .321 with a .381 OBP through the month of April.
Pick: Denard Span. Although Gomez might have a higher ceiling, Span is the guy the Twins currently need. Some might say that Gomez is the better defensive player and I agree. But that is not to say Span can't fly and can't gun down runners either - Gomez just looks sweeter while doing it. I've truly been impressed with the ABs Span has been taking. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Gomez. Until Gomez can harness his talent, Span needs to be in the lineup. (Note: The only way Gomez will learn to harness his talent is if he plays. Gardy has been doing a great job at playing all four outfielders this season. I've chosen not to talk about mixing Go Go in there, because we decided to only choose one centerfielder. Talking about mixing them both in there is out of scope of this blog, bitch.)
Thoughts?
- Sam
To keep from ranting for an hour, lets say that they cannot split playing time. Thus, we will disregard individual game situations (i.e. playing the left-handed Span vs RHP and the right-handed Gomez vs LHP). Let us now consider each players individual characteristics.
Carlos Gomez. The heart of the Johan Santana trade. There is truly no telling what this guy could do if he learns to control himself. Cannon of an arm, serious pop, hell of a competitor, ... oh and did I say that he's fast? Drawbacks: Looks as though he's made up his mind whether to swing or not before the pitch is even thrown, unpolished basestealing technique, and can't hit a breaking pitch to save his life. .258 AVG and .296 OBP are definitely not numbers you want to see out of your leadoff guy either. I want to point out that although I think Gomez needs to learn to control himself, I'm saying that half-heartedly. Carlos Gomez did not get to be the Mets's #1 prospect and essentially traded for Johan by being a passive baseball player. Just a little maturing is all.
Denard Span. I've got to admit, I've had my mood swings with this guy. During spring training last year, I wanted Span to be the guy to replace my beloved Torii thinking he had earned his chance and fit the mold of the guy at the top of the lineup. However, once Go Go won the spot and I saw him play, I fell in love. Span could retire in AAA for all I cared. (pause for added effect...) Boy, have things changed! Denard Span is the shit. .294 AVG, .387 OBP, while stealing 18 bases in 93 games last year was just what the Twins needed to hit in front of the M & M Boys. Span only looks to increase these numbers while batting .321 with a .381 OBP through the month of April.
Pick: Denard Span. Although Gomez might have a higher ceiling, Span is the guy the Twins currently need. Some might say that Gomez is the better defensive player and I agree. But that is not to say Span can't fly and can't gun down runners either - Gomez just looks sweeter while doing it. I've truly been impressed with the ABs Span has been taking. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Gomez. Until Gomez can harness his talent, Span needs to be in the lineup. (Note: The only way Gomez will learn to harness his talent is if he plays. Gardy has been doing a great job at playing all four outfielders this season. I've chosen not to talk about mixing Go Go in there, because we decided to only choose one centerfielder. Talking about mixing them both in there is out of scope of this blog, bitch.)
Thoughts?
- Sam
He's Baaaaaack
The best hitting catcher of all time (just try and argue this one) makes his return tomorrow to the Twins lineup and it couldn't come at a better time. The Twins did fine treading the April waters finishing .500 at 11-11 but to say that Joey Baseball wasn't missed would be stupid. Because I missed him, and Sam missed him more.
Placing Mauer back into his 3 hole makes the Twins lineup deadly. Lets take a look at the two lineups:
Pre Mauer:
Denard Span
2nd baseman (Harris/Casilla)
Justin Morneau
Jason Kubel
Michael Cuddyer
Joe Crede
Delmon Young
Jose Morales
Nick Punto
Not a bad lineup and Morales has been more then impressive as he is batting well over .330 right now (side note: This goes out to Mike Redmond... I love you, but you must retire and go into coaching, now. With Mauer coming off the DL and Morales playing very well you are the odd man out. You don't want to go to the Minors do you? I suggest that you say that you are more hurt then you are so you can still be apart of the team (60 day DL) but you do not take up a roster spot. Sorry).
Post Mauer:
Denard Span
2nd baseman (Harris/Casilla)
Joe Mauer
Justin Morneau
Jason Kubel
Joe Crede
Delmon Young
Michael Cuddyer
Nick Punto
Wow, now that is a big league lineup. Anytime you can have a guy like Michael Cuddyer or even Delmon Young batting 8 for you, you are in good shape. The Twins have struggled with scoring runs as they have only scored 10+ twice this year. The Twins are however undefeated in 1 run games, not sure what that means but good for us and them.
It will take Mauer some time to get back into hitting singles up the middle but in the meantime watch out for 6-4-3's. Hopefully this team can catch fire in the summer months but for right now I like where the Twins are at. Liriano does not have a win yet and yet they are still .500. April is always the tough month to get through but once it is over you start to see the separation of good and bad teams. Sorry KC, this is not your year.
-Andy
Placing Mauer back into his 3 hole makes the Twins lineup deadly. Lets take a look at the two lineups:
Pre Mauer:
Denard Span
2nd baseman (Harris/Casilla)
Justin Morneau
Jason Kubel
Michael Cuddyer
Joe Crede
Delmon Young
Jose Morales
Nick Punto
Not a bad lineup and Morales has been more then impressive as he is batting well over .330 right now (side note: This goes out to Mike Redmond... I love you, but you must retire and go into coaching, now. With Mauer coming off the DL and Morales playing very well you are the odd man out. You don't want to go to the Minors do you? I suggest that you say that you are more hurt then you are so you can still be apart of the team (60 day DL) but you do not take up a roster spot. Sorry).
Post Mauer:
Denard Span
2nd baseman (Harris/Casilla)
Joe Mauer
Justin Morneau
Jason Kubel
Joe Crede
Delmon Young
Michael Cuddyer
Nick Punto
Wow, now that is a big league lineup. Anytime you can have a guy like Michael Cuddyer or even Delmon Young batting 8 for you, you are in good shape. The Twins have struggled with scoring runs as they have only scored 10+ twice this year. The Twins are however undefeated in 1 run games, not sure what that means but good for us and them.
It will take Mauer some time to get back into hitting singles up the middle but in the meantime watch out for 6-4-3's. Hopefully this team can catch fire in the summer months but for right now I like where the Twins are at. Liriano does not have a win yet and yet they are still .500. April is always the tough month to get through but once it is over you start to see the separation of good and bad teams. Sorry KC, this is not your year.
-Andy
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Welcome
Welcome all to our blog. Sam and I have been kicking these ideas around for a long time now and we are finally acting on all of our big talk. In this blog you will get our thoughts on the team everybody loves (but us more then others), the Minnesota Twins. Right now we will bring you blog posts but eventually we will have videos of us doing Twins related activities and possibly a podcast...possibly. Get ready for wall to wall Twins action and enjoy, because we sure do.
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