Game 64: Please Stop The Bleeding
June 9th, 2008 by ubelmann
Looking at his fangraphs page, it would appear that Danks has starting throwing a cutter this year, using his fastball less (down from ~60% to ~50%) and mixing in a slider, too. Throw that all in a blender, and Danks has gone from a fairly extreme fly ball pitcher to a mildly groundball-heavy pitcher.
I find it a bit interesting that Danks is matched up with Perkins today. Perkins throws the same stuff that Danks was throwing last year, essentially. And for the same reasons that I'm down on Perkins now (too many fly balls, shaky control), I really didn't see what the big deal was with Danks. But a year later, Danks has a couple of extra pitches and looks like a much better pitcher. So I guess that's one reason that I should be a little more optimistic about Perkins' future, but I'm still fairly pessimistic overall, I guess.
Perkins has had six starts so far. If you split that in half, he had an ERA of 3.44 in the first three games and 5.74 in the last three games. But our staff "ace" has a 10.13 ERA over his last three starts, so maybe I should go easy on the kid. Or maybe our staff "ace" is just a replacement level pitcher after all.
This entry was posted by ubelmann on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under 2008 Twins Game Logs. It is one of 640 entries by the author. We are no longer accepting Letters to the Editor on this post.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 12:46:59 pm
Gardy quote from LENIII's blog:
“We’ve been complaining about having 13 pitchers…and we’ve had to use every single one of them.”
Except that Nathan guy, unfortunately.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 12:53:23 pm
Poor Joe's feeling like the last guy picked at recess.
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:05:43 pm
I got picked last at rugby practice the other day. After the fatties and the new guys. It was a sad, sad day.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 12:57:11 pm
also from that blog
good!
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:11:36 pm
As the Spartan king of Laconia once said to Philip of Macedon, "If."
New Guy replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:12:23 pm
I was shocked when I woke up this morning to find that Rincon was still on the team. I was positive that I would wake up to some good news, but I guess it will have to wait for another day.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:13:40 pm
For what it's worth, Delmon isn't starting today.
New Guy replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:16:32 pm
You mean Delmon "Homerun" Young? But he hit a homerun! Didn't you hear Gardy? More homeruns are going to follow! Delmon? More like Deluge! Of homeruns!
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:27:19 pm
Is that one of your predictions?
thisisbeth replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:23:30 pm
This is not a defense of Rincon. But in two recent outings, Rincon has done fine for one inning, and then failed in the second inning of relief. At what point do you just thank your lucky stars after one good inning and bring in someone else?
New Guy replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:13:35 pm
Gomez with a lead off walk. Now there's something I thought I would never see.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:13:43 pm
Danks has been KILLING my Hacking Mass Team.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:20:43 pm
Everett's time on the DL isn't helping you either.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:27:53 pm
Ah, let's face it. My team sucks.
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:30:18 pm
Sucks like you want it to, or sucks at sucking?
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:28:21 pm
Ouch. Mike Lamb is a Hacking Mass All-Star!
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:14:49 pm
No Go
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:15:55 pm
Gomez CS. I've had a lot of raw talent lately. I'd like some rare talent for a change.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:22:56 pm
He was out by plenty the last time he was CS, too. Disturbing.
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:16:55 pm
Caught Stealing #8. Gomez leads the AL in that dubious category.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:23:14 pm
People are paying a lot of attention to him now. He had stopped attempting steals for quite a while and now he's just forcing it. Went on first movement and guessed wrong.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:24:53 pm
How many CS in a row has that been?
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:26:40 pm
5 straight. Oy!
New Guy replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:23:17 pm
Perkins with a homerless inning!
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:24:48 pm
Two rockets in the second inning for two outs. Kind of sums up this series for the Twins.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:25:29 pm
7 pitch inning for Danks in the second.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:29:56 pm
I get it Bert...pitch inside
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:31:37 pm
KEEP pitching inside, if 3 doesn't get the job done, pitch a fourth! Loas up the bases, better than a homerun, right?
...now I'm not saying to hit anybody...
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:34:45 pm
BTW, welcome aboard, nibbish!
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:35:37 pm
Thank you! Been a lurker for a couple of weeks this season, couple of weeks last season. Figured it was time to say hi.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:31:44 pm
Looking at Gameday it seems like Perkins is working both sides of the plate so far.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:32:21 pm
been a whole lot of ground rule doubles lately
guess with that many hits allowed in a game, you'd expect to see more, come to think of it...
Eric in Madison replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:33:05 pm
Wow that was close at home. He may have been out.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:37:57 pm
Hey, TV watchers, on Thome's double did Kubel have any chance of catching the ball?
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:39:52 pm
not that I could tell. Looked like it was hit perfectly inbetween kubel and Gomez
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:39:55 pm
Hard to tell. If it was Delmon, though, there would have been great weeping and gnashing of teeth.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:42:44 pm
Nah, nobody expects Delmon to get to any ball that isn't hit right at him anymore.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:46:00 pm
No, but they will still complain about it and blame him for it.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:43:24 pm
GEEZE! We cant buy a break on thoseballs that are smoked
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:43:35 pm
Gordo: "HERE'S A LINE SHOT!!!.... and a catch by Crede at third."
grrrrrrr.....
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:46:02 pm
Gawd, is there any other way that Crede can kill us? Offense, defense. Let the guy pitch to us and he'd probably throw a no-hitter.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:46:08 pm
big-time regression on the RISP
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:46:56 pm
Eh, with our offense, we were kind of due.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:47:06 pm
Mauer and Morneau still trailing Red Sox in All-Star voting. At this point, my biggest hope is that Yankees fans realize that Posada and Giambi won't win and start voting for Mauer and Morneau. (I don't care all that much about Youkilis over Morneau, but Varitek over Mauer troubles me.)
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:52:24 pm
IF only we could make a deal like in The Godfather.
"So it is agreed, for the starting catcher, the Twins will relinquish claims on first base."
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:53:17 pm
I'd rather put a horse head in Ozzie's bed.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:47:17 pm
The Twins will have to make their own luck in this game, that's for sure.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:51:36 pm
Sounds like Casilla should get that error instead of Macri? TV viewers?
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:52:48 pm
the throw was off...could of gone either way in my book
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:56:46 pm
I'm not watching, but in general, it seems that scorekeepers will give the error to the guy throwing the ball unless it is a nearly perfect throw. I've noticed this over the years with first basemen, where fans from most teams consider their first baseman to be great at catching the ball, because heck, if they didn't catch that throw, who could have? Give the error to the guy throwing the ball.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:56:22 pm
If anyone is going to hit a double play, its Paul Konerko
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 1:59:54 pm
All fastballs to Konerko.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:02:03 pm
Uh oh. Bases loaded, 3-1 on Thome.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:03:06 pm
YES!
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:03:19 pm
Wow. Perkins with a nice little wiggle there.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:04:12 pm
I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't see that coming...
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:04:48 pm
"Anything to help Gardy win that next series?"
"Aisle four - bathroom caulk"
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:05:09 pm
57 pitches for Perkins in the first three innings--only 33 for strikes.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:06:43 pm
That's normally a ticket for an early shower.
AMR replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:10:27 pm
I'm thinking its time to implement the 14-pitcher staff.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:12:30 pm
I think just 10 pitchers would be fine, if they could actually get some outs.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:13:03 pm
Bring up that first round pick. He can pitch and play in the field.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:07:16 pm
That stupid Mauer walked.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:08:17 pm
No outs, runners on 2nd and 3rd. Normally I'd call this a scoring opportunity....
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:10:03 pm
RBI bloopers are okay.
davidwatts replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:10:40 pm
KUUUUBELLLL
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:10:48 pm
The Dude abides to 2nd base!
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:11:07 pm
c'mon let's make this big, Kubel.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:11:13 pm
KUUUUUUUUBBBBBBBBBBBBBELLLLLLLLLLLLLL
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:11:48 pm
w00t!
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:11:58 pm
KUBEL!
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:14:43 pm
Dazzle, a six game hitting streak isn't all that spectacular. 56 games, yeah, 6 games, not so much.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:19:08 pm
Yesterday, it was mentioned that Kubel has 10 HRs in the 33 games he's played against the cHIsOX.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:19:30 pm
Let's see if Perkins can work some magic here (at least get to the 6th inning...)
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:24:29 pm
Perk, what are you doing?!
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:25:17 pm
Netherlands up 2-0 on Italy right now in EURO2008 competition.
Oranje > Azzuri
GreekHouse replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:25:19 pm
I'm watching the bitch sox broadcast today and man are dj and hawk huge whiners. They complained about the strike 3 call to Konerko for about half an inning. Then, on the breaking ball to Morneau that was called ball 1: "Maybe [the umpire] just couldn't hit the curve ball when he played".
Later in the inning after the Twins score 3 runs they're still complaining about how the umpires basically cost them 3 runs and when Macri comes up: "He's gonna have to get them swining cause they're not gonna get called out."
If I didn't know better, I'd swear these guys were drunk or in high school (or both).
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:27:54 pm
Or employees of Jerry Reinsdorf.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:29:14 pm
Dick and Bert can be the same way sometimes. I remember a recent Perkins start where he had some pitches that just missed the inside corner (but did miss) and they wouldn't shut up about the inside corner.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:34:00 pm
They aren't as bad as Hawk. The guy's middle name is Homer. In fact, when the Twins hit a home run, we should post his face.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:37:49 pm
+3 busts
GreekHouse replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:35:56 pm
Dick and Bert aren't even in the same league as these guys when it comes to whining. I'm willing to forgive some degree of homerishness from the announcers, but these guys find something to whine about in nearly every game I watch. If it's not the umpires, it's bloop singles for the other team falling in or line drive outs by the sox.
They've had nothing but high praise for Gomez though--calling him "the next Ricky Henderson".
GreekHouse replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:38:49 pm
To be fair, I guess they didn't complain too much in the game I watched earlier this weekend. Although it's hard to find too much to complain about when you're ahead by 27 runs.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:45:36 pm
Hawk just said Gomez will get to a looooot more balls than Hunter could. First time I've heard a mainstream media person actually admit Torii doesn't have the league's best range in CF.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:32:58 pm
I guess when the umpire is named Dreckman, expectations are not high.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:34:54 pm
M&M boys making things happen today.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:36:42 pm
The whole of the middle of the lineup seems to be pulling its weight.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:35:01 pm
Cuddy!
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:35:36 pm
Danks a lot, dude.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:36:02 pm
Cuh DIE ya!
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:37:18 pm
Activity in the White Sox bullpen.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:41:55 pm
Monroe, 2008: .111 BA vs. lefties. .295 OPS vs. lefties.
SBG replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:43:20 pm
That is freaking crazy.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:44:18 pm
I'd honestly rather have Young playing.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:02:15 pm
Not even 50 AB. That's just as unsustainable as his 1.003 OPS vs. RHP.
GreekHouse replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:43:13 pm
Another DJ classic:
"We need 5 runs right here, cause we trail by 3."
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:43:36 pm
Line drive DP! Maybe the worm is turning today.
AMR replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:45:30 pm
This game is so exciting... I don't want to jinx it by mentioning it, but Glen Perkins has a quality start going here. I bet that mound is the loneliest place in the world right now.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:48:01 pm
It's been AGES since a Twins starter has pulled their weight. And yes, that may have been a poke at Livan's girth.
AMR replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:59:14 pm
Damnit, I was so ready to bring up Joey Amalfatano and Harvey Kuenn.
A swing and a miss... The quality start! [crowd roars for 90 seconds.]
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:55:43 pm
Crain up in the pen. Dazzle first said it was Rincon up. I almost tossed the radio out the window.
Andrew replied on June 9, 2008 at 2:59:08 pm
Now twayn, taking your frustration out on the radio doesn't help anyone. Dazzle is not a little guy living inside that box, so throwing it won't make him any less stupid. Nor does Gardy live inside that little box.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:00:51 pm
Aw, but it feels sooo good.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:00:17 pm
90 mph slider to K Dye. Nice!
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:00:56 pm
Well, shoot, Rincon could have done that!
AMR replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:01:59 pm
Good, I was starting to wonder if this Twins staff couldn't get a batter a 2HR day anymore.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:02:43 pm
We're going to need more runs, cause we're only up by one. A lot more runs.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:04:05 pm
They're going to give away Perkins win, and I'm going to have to watch that insipid graphic about how Twins starters having won a game in like 4 years.
AMR replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:05:01 pm
Boof got a win last Wednesday. He's often a starter.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:04:16 pm
Dazzle: Crede doesn't run all that well.
Me: He's mostly trotted in this series.
Guppy replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:04:55 pm
Swisher loves playing the Twins. I hate Swisher.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:05:00 pm
Perkins with 3 K, 3 BB, and 1 HR allowed. He did start throwing more strikes as the game went along, but still not very encouraging.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:07:14 pm
Compared to how the last few games have gone, it was practically a no-hitter.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:10:12 pm
An ugly woman compared to an uglier woman is still an ugly woman.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:10:43 pm
Well played, sir.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:16:10 pm
Yes, but if that's your only choices, you go with the less ugly and dress her up as best you can.
twayn replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:08:08 pm
I don't know how Perkins looked there since I'm not watching, but Gardy was pretty fast with the hook on him today. Maybe it was the right call, but as overworked as the bullpen's been, and the way this series has gone, it smelled a little like desperation.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:18:00 pm
I kind of wonder how much the quick hook has to do with his injury last year and if they are being extra careful with him. Also, nothing will irritate Gardy more than walks, and the Thome walk probably didn't give him a whole lot of confidence in Perkins to throw strikes.
socaltwinsfan replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:08:19 pm
He pitched like 10 times better than the other starters did to the same team.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:14:15 pm
So the other starts were even less encouraging. Our pitchers have been crap so far. Shiny crap is still crap.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:17:28 pm
True enough, but unlike everyone else, he gave us an outside shot at winning, which we seem to be at least attempting to take advantage of. I wouldn't want a season full of starts like this (though I think that's what we'll get from Perkins), but today, I'll take it.
ubelmann replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:19:16 pm
I mean, I didn't say it was the worst start in the world, just that it's not very encouraging. I don't think that's unreasonable in the least.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:20:38 pm
Not at all, all this not getting 10-run ruled has made me overly optimistic, I'm sure they'll do something to make sure it's ill placed.
nibbish replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:21:58 pm
See?
thisisbeth replied on June 9, 2008 at 3:18:28 pm
I fully expect Glen Perkins to get better when Jake Peavy gets off the DL. Perkins replaced Peavy on my fantasy baseball team, and starting pitchers generally suck. It's sad.