Nice season.
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Cup of Coffee: September 20, 2007 This entry was posted by SBG
on Thursday, September 20th, 2007 at 6:58 am and is filed under Cup of Coffee. It is one of 3094 entries by the author.
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74 comments to Cup of Coffee: September 20, 2007 |
Cup of Coffee Wolves give up 79 points in the first half on Tuesday night (a club record), but they tightened the screws in the second half and only gave up 73. I expect another Korean recipe over at Canis Hoopus. Citizens Online20 Users Online WGOM Sign InLog InRetired WGOM Jokes
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Race to the Bottom: Highest Loss Totals in T-Wolves History67: 1991-92 Recent Letters to the EditorIn Response to Cup of Coffee: March 17, 2010, sean wrote: she was in the middle of "a really intense deadline" for her new book, Hot X: Algebra Exposed, which hits shelves in August. That would have made math class a whole lot better. cheaptoy wrote: We haven't gotten to the full state smoking ban yet, so for now its just in Madison. But there does seem to still be a rather large number of bars in the area that… cheaptoy wrote: You're far more generous with the term you use for the commenters on an SBNation site that I would have been. bjhess wrote: "I like the authors on Twinke Town, but find many of the commenters inane" Might be perfect, then. :) Thanks again, all! brianS wrote: Winnie is preggers. Reportedly, Kevin had nothing to do with it. brianS wrote: Several factors caused Summit’s growth to slow over the last five years from its healthy double-digit growth to under 10 percent: Minnesota lowered the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.1 percent to 0.08 percent in… brianS wrote: Pinstripes ARE slimming. brianS wrote: "I did make a mistake and I regret that I did it," Yah. Losing your composure in a game, that's "a mistake." Having Joe Mauer bunt a guy over in the third inning, that's "a mistake."… frightwig wrote: I'm more appalled to learn that Jon Heyman has another byline and source of income for his reporting. For shame, SI. For shame! Also, I see that their March 15 cover features Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters… brianS wrote: so, they are working on their rebounding?? In Response to Brought Along, Kicking and Screaming, Into the 21st Century, E-6 wrote: Absolutely gorgeous films--nearly every frame could be a print hung in a gallery. You really should check out The Double Life of Veronique, next. It was the movie he made just prior to the trilogy.… E-6 wrote: That was me. Totally dug that book, though the ending seemed rather abrupt. (Might have been because I was so engrossed with the characters that I didn't want it to end.) You'll note that the… frightwig wrote: I haven't seen Avatar, and don't plan to see it. frightwig wrote: Not a bad movie, but I don't get why the Academy loved it so much. Didn't think it was anything … war has to have its own … war movie(s). Iraq was just due! DK wrote: It's been that way from the start. These characters have always been connected to each other; that's part of the basis of the show. You either buy into that or not. Honestly… sean wrote: I really liked Ender's Shadow. It does get progressively crazier, but not nearly as much as the Ender storyline. meat wrote: Synedoche, New York. I loved that movie. I haven't seen it in quite some time but as I recall phil Hoffman was excellent, as was his female co-star(I can't look it up from my phone). The… Rhubarb_Runner wrote: probably, but no plans to for the time being Milt on Tilt wrote: On my lunch break I saw two individuals dressed up like Na'vi. Their sign said 'Avatars for Peace' so I'm not sure they've seen the movie. In Response to Jackie Wilson - Danny Boy, Klawitter wrote: Glad you posted it - definitely worth watching. And I will check out the Orbison version -- he's got the voice that makes dramatic authentic. E-6 wrote: I played this one as much for the WTF factor as anything. (I love Jackie, too, but this number ain't exactly in his wheelhouse, so to speak.) Roy Orbison does a pretty reading that you… Klawitter wrote: I love soul music and Jackie Wilson is great. That said, Danny Boy is one of those songs that benefits from understated, simple arrangements to undercut the sentimentality (and I think it's a great… E-6 wrote: Erin Go Braugh? More like Error Go Wow! CarterHayes wrote: I'm also a fan of crockpotting the beef, though I have been known to use beer instead of apple juice. I might have to switch things up next year. In Response to Happy Birthday--March 17, CarterHayes wrote: A little late (TwinsCards was down for maintenance most of the day today), but better than never: Popular Recent Posts
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Tired arm? It's Neshek's fault:
Is Neshek calling all of his pitches? Does the manager not have any control over that? Or was it a problem that Gardenhire brought him in over and over and over in situations that made no sense? If you were paying attention around here, we've been talking about Neshek's workload for a while. Too much. When does the manager figure that out? When the kid's arm is about to fall off.
No, the manager is infallible. It was the execution that was lacking.
Seems like he's been asked to warm up more like 200 times this year.
"kid... I told you to battle your tail off, not battle your arm off!!"
Seriously, he is constantly put in the game in high leverage situations. He has an OK fastball, but a lights out slider. Hmmmm.... what would I throw...
Nice Manager
I don't have problems with him constantly being put in the game in high leverage situations; it's the countless times he's been used when it ISN'T a high leverage situation. God, give the guy a rest, huh Gardy? It's like he was paid a commission every time he brought Sideshow into a game.
BabyMoss3
With a smile like that, it's obvious Moss hasn't told her bedtime stories about the 'tool yet.
I love that the placard above her head has been labeled "Moss"
Nice touch.
Cute!
Of course, everyone knows that at that age, smile = gas.
What do you mean "at that age"??? Look at your avatar, Rhu_Ru!
I noticed that AG really flogged LENIII today about your boy. Good for him, although I'm sure it wasn't all that fun to do given his apparently friendly relationship with his "Official Beat Writer".
Yes, Punto was conspicuous in his absence from that article.
HAHA! Now that you say that it does look like Punto let one rip and no one else knows yet. He's just waiting till it hits everyone like a brick wall.
SBD.
Sorry Batting Display?
Stoopid Bunting Disorder
No love lost in ND
That is not my alma mater that we're talking about. That's the enemy.
It's not all about you, SBG. Oh wait, can I say that?
there are two universities in NoDak? Who knew?
Go ahead and say it... it's a free Nation that I control around here.
like Patrick Henry, 'cept different.
The snail's pace of my job search has reminded me of this classic quote:
Aww, I can't take his money, I can't print my own money, I have to work for my money. Why don't I just lay down and die?
And now, I, Jeff A, am going to attempt the impossible. I am going to attempt to defend Ron Gardenhire's statements about Nick Punto playing second for the Twins next year.
First, we need to note that Gardy did not say that Punto is definitely the Twins starting second baseman in '08. Some have assumed that, and I'm not saying it's an unreasonable assumption, but it's not what Gardenhire actually said. He simply said that Punto goes into the '08 season with an advantage. He also said that, for Punto to actually be the starting second baseman, his hitting is going to have to improve.
As of now, the only real alternative to Punto at second is Alexi Casilla (yes, they also have Luis Rodriguez, but I don't consider him an alternative). Casilla, of course, is younger than Punto, and so has more room to improve. He hasn't played as much as many, including me, would like. On the other hand, when he has played, he hasn't really done anything to earn the second base job. As of now, a reasonable argument can be made that he would benefit from more time at AAA.
A good solution, of course, would be to go out and get a real second baseman. However, the Twins are already looking for a third baseman, a left-fielder or DH, and probably a center-fielder. To also find a second baseman may be more than the Twins are willing and/or able to do. Gardy may have been told, or he may be assuming, that he's going to have to make do with what he has.
Given all that, I don't think it is completely unreasonable to say that Punto has an advantage at getting the starting second base job for next season as things stand right now. If Casilla does well in winter ball, if Casilla does well in the spring, if Punto continues to stink it up at bat in the spring, this could change. Also, even if Punto starts the year at second base, Gardy hasn't said he would necessarily play all year there. If Casilla tears it up in Rochester and Punto continues to bat poorly, it's entirely possible a change could be made in May or June.
I'm not any happier about the thought of Punto playing second next year than anyone else is. However, given the options, and as things stand right now, I have to say that I can understand why Gardenhire would make the statement he did.
It's not every day you see someone attempt the impossible. How'd I do?
I agree with your general idea as to why he said it, but really, why did he say it? What did it accomplish?
My guess is that it's as simple as Gardy being asked a question and giving an honest answer. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Of course, he just said that only Johan Santana has a job nailed down in the starting rotation. Everything else is wide open.
Nice points. I have to admit I've not read Gardenhire's original statement or much of any of the news surrounding this announcement. I really didn't care when it was announced. But you've defended your position well. Your reasoning seems sound to me.
I really hope for some big improvement from Casilla. Sure, he's not a big hitter, but being a speedburner on the paths, the XBHs and high SB% are possibilities that Punto doesn't share. He and Bartlett could do some damage, were Gardy to turn them loose a little more (like early in the season). Not sure why Gardy abandoned the SB as much as he did, considering the early success the team had.
You're the best, JeffA. RRRRufff.
Here's a low-probability thought for 2B next year. Jeff Kent.
The Dodgers hold a $8 million option on him, but they have a bunch of young talent and may not want to keep him. If they let him go, and the Twins could get him for about that much for a 1 year contract (or even a 2-year, 12-14 million contract), he could provide a RH replacement for Torii, play some 2B, some 1B to give Morneau some time off (especially against tough lefties), and some DH. Morneau seems like he might be able to benefit from some days off during the season. Say he plays 150 games, 50 at 2B, 75 at DH, and 25 at 1B. Morneau could play the other 137 at 1B, another 13 or so at DH, and get some well-deserved days off in between. Casilla could play 100 or so games at 2B, and if he shows that he deserves more playing time, Kent can spend more time at DH.
From what I recall, there have been reports that Jeff Kent is more of an a$$hole than a good clubhouse presence, and he hasn't been known for his defense, so it seems unlikely that the Twins would pursue him. Also, the Dodgers love, love, love their veterans, regardless of how good their prospects are, so I don't see them declining Kent's option.
yea, Colletti has a serious vet fetish. Although they are in pretty serious need of pitching help.
that said, Jeff Kent would look very nice in a Twins uniform as DH. And his defense is good enough. BP has him pretty close to average as both 1b and 2b. Career EqA (adj for all time) of .293, with marks of .296, .296 and .305 the last three seasons suggesting he hasn't dropped off a bit yet despite turning 39. The dude can still rake it.
To me, the issue that burns me is that Gardy, by speaking with the press, is most directly addressing the fans, not the players. To insist that Punto has a leg up on someone at this point--rather than it being a wide-open race thanks to multiple sources of suckitude--is kind of a kick in the nuts coming hot on the heels of Punto's tremendously bad season. "Hey guys--see that little guy in the corner over there! Yeah, the one who couldn't get a bunt down to save his life or hit a lick. He's the leader going into the homestretch!"
I personally feel that it's possible that playing Punto at 2B next year might turn out to be the least bad of all the options, but the timing here sucks. At this point, Gardy ought to just keep his freakin' trap shut about Punto already.
Related to nothing, I have to say that the best thing about the Twins' series against Texas, apart from the sweep, was listening to Gordo and Dazzle try to pronounce "Guillermo Quiroz". It was reminiscent of Les Nessman from WKRP trying to prounouce Chi Chi Rodriguez.
chie chie rodrigweeez
Oh that was a great moment in television history - one that must have been especially dear to BrianS, given his choice as avatar.
don't remember that one.
I do, however, remember an episode in which the Big Guy mistakes blow for foot powder....
funny how things stick in one's memory. See the episode "Johnny Comes Back"
yep, the Chi Chi ep was quality, as was the turkey drop.
My personal fave was when WKRP played WPIG in a rival softball game. WKRP third baseman snags a ripping linedrive without moving and without spilling the beer in his other hand! Game ends when Les in RF makes a miracle catch of a popfly (right to him).
As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!
Weren't they going to drop carp at first, and then changed plans? My memory is a bit foggy - I'm getting old.
I don't think so; it was a Thanksgiving Day thing.
If I recall, Les was reading the sports and indicated that Chy-Chy had won with a score of 6 below par. Les opined that "hopefully, he'll do better next time."
And what was it with Jennifer and her multiple VCRs? I never got that bit.
Actually, it was more like "Hopefully, Mr. Rodrigweez will be up to par for his next tournament."
News out of Cincinnati:
Ken Griffey injured himself last night. To describe his injury, he said
Edit: I found the quote here. Don't go looking for it on the MLB page. It ain't there.
That is a priceless quote. Too bad to see Griffey get injured again, but at least he didn't miss much time this season.
With Griffey hurt now, though, Bill Smith should take this time to revisit his relationship with Wayne Krivsky.
"Hey, Wayne. Yeah, Bill Smith here. I know, isn't it crazy? They decided to put me in charge! Anyway, I was thinking, I kinda need a DH here, but I'm a little strapped for cash--you know how it goes. So how about you send me Griffey + $10M, and I'll give you Nick Punto in return. I know! He's just like a younger Juan Castro, but with even better intangibles. I'm telling you, we got the biggest charts we could find, but Punto's intangibles were still way, way off the charts. So you're down with that? It's a deal."
Oh man, if Griffey was a Twin I think I might need a fresh pair of undies. He's been my favorite player since I've been playing attention to baseball. Every year I die a little inside when he gets hurt. I'd have the very first Griffey jersey off the line if that happened.
I got to see Griffey poke one out when he visited Seattle with the Reds this year. That was a pretty fun game.
I was also amused that in The Cincinnati Post article, they printed it this way:
As if 'nut' was either unclear or too vulgar to print. Awesome.
Finally, an injury Rondell White has never had. Yet.
Hey, all you SBG keymasters and gatekeepers. You may already be aware of it, but I found a cool site called sportslogos.net. As the name implies, they have team and league logos from all over the place. It could be a nice resource for the vault.
http://www.sportslogos.net/sport.php?s=2
I've used that before, back when I reviewed the MLS logos on my old blog. It's amazing all the stuff they have. They even have stuff like the old Drake logo from the 40s.
thats pretty cool
I dig the old Washington Senators logos (1959-1960 especially)
That's pretty hilarious. A Senator pitching with cigar in mouth.
the Twins should do a throwback jersey day with that
Harmon, Jim Kaat, Zolio, Battey, Allison, Pascual were all on those teams
Wow, even the Metrodome has a logo.
gee, I wonder who dropped Jon Heyman this nugget
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/09/20/thursday.scoop/1.html
Yeah, I wondered that same thing. "Some players". When was the last time a player on this team - other than TFOTF - criticized another player in the press? I don't know of a single time in the past 5 years that I've read a quote from a player questioning another player - other than those cases where Torii's called Mauer a p___y or took a swing at Morneau.
"Some players". Yeah, right - get a quote from the media whore and run with it. Nice journalism.
Another "source" besides FOTF, of course, is Top Jimmy.
Well, and then there is the blogosphere. We've been calling Joe a pussy for months now
Actually, Heyman could have penned that paragraph without talking to a single person. If he read this Souhan column and this story by LEN III, he has all the material he needs to write that paragraph about Mauer without doing any actual work of his own. The 'some players' attribution would be Hunter and Redmond. The 'sources' would be Top Jimmy and LEN III. It's cut-and-paste journalism, citizens.
When it comes to the challenge of writing lazy, worthless drivel, Heyman has proven himself to be "up" to the task.
Heyman and Souhan are to be on KSTP 1500 this evening. Should be scintillating.
Joe's numbers, I think, show that he has played at less than 100 percent this year at times.
I agree
I imagine its hard to be a catcher when you quad is hurt, or your hammy is hurt
Still waiting for the story where the unnamed players are questioning why Punto didn't try to sit out even though he was 100%.
interesting study on steriods and hitting distance
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070920/hl_nm/steroid_dc
Psshhh, experimentalists, what do they know anyway?
I'm curious to actually read his paper. It appears to not be up yet in electronic form anywhere.
I heard TK on the radio earlier tonight after the storm passed through. Paraphrasing a few of comments...
-Kubel should be the everyday LF next year and has all the talent in the world. He got a little lazy and a little fat in his rehab, but now is taking himself seriously again.
-He was still extremely bitter at Joe Torre (although he wasn't mentioned by name) because "we give him a perfectly healthy, great SS in Guzman and four days later the guy can't throw and can barely hit". WOW! That was a bombshell that was, predictably, not pressed by the Drunken Dark Star, but I had never heard anyone in the organization actually insinuate something underhanded was involved in that weird injury.
what Guzman are you talking about? what injury?
Is that related to the All-Star Game in 2001? That's the only thing Moss can come up with.
Yup, when Guzman returned from the AS Game in 2001 after a great first half and suddenly was placed on the DL with a bum shoulder and has never been the same. It was never explained then, and I doubt it ever will be.
What could Torre possibly have done?? It's not like he made Guzman take 2000 groundballs at SS or anything.
This isn't related to Guzman per se, but Moss thought a lot of the team's hitting woes in the late summer of 2001 were traceable to the game in Milwaukee when they hit 7 HRs in one game. Moss always thinks it is bad for a non-HR hitting team to have an outburst like that.
I think it also had to do with the offense just not being all that good.
That's amazing that TK took such a shot at Torre. I imagine that there's some degree of "old war stories" syndrome going on here, where things tend to get exaggerated the more that time rolls along. The 2001 ASB really did turn out to be a turning point in Guzy's career, for whatever reason.
I remember at the time that TK was none too happy.