2008 Game 125: Oakland at Minnesota
August 19th, 2008 by SBG
Game time: 7:10PM
Scheduled Starters: Sean Gallagher (17th start, 19th appearance, 88IP, overall, 7th start, 7th appearance, 29.3IP 5.48xFIP for A's) v. Kevin Slowey (20th start, 114.3IP 4.28xFIP).
You can't win them all, I suppose, so last night's loss can't really be considered that big of a problem. On the spectrum of teams that must be beaten, though, this A's club is pretty close to Seattle (they are, after all, just 6-23 since the break). Last night, the Twins caught a break when A's starter Justin "The Duke of Hurl" Duchscherer was forced to leave the game with an injury in the third inning and the A's were forced to turn to Kirk "Trade a vowel to Hrbek" Saarloos. I'm not exactly up on the A's, but I knew that Saarloos had pitched for the club before. I was not aware that the A's had traded him to Cincinnati last year (Krivskied!) or that he'd come back. In fact, Saarloos had pitched a couple of games in April for the A's, but was sent down to AAA (and removed from the 40 man roster!) only to have his contract purchased yesterday. So, the Twins were facing the journeyman with the funny last name and he totally shut them down. Old Kirk threw 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, notching three strikeouts. An industrious A's fan might have described his effort thusly: Kirkkk Saarl000s. So yeah, Blackburn pitched well (he was let down a little by his defense, although giving up a homerun on the first pitch of the game isn't the defense's fault) and the Twins had a chance to win the game late, but for the most part, it was a sad display against a bad club. At least Blackburn gave the bullpen a rest.
Tonight the Twins face someone named Sean Gallagher. Gallagher was obtained from the Cubs in the Rich Harden deal. I'm going to guess that the 22 year old Gallagher throws the ball hard and sometimes he probably even knows where it's going. In his 88 IP, he's got 80 Ks and a whopping 45 walks. Lucky for him, he's facing a club that doesn't value taking walks, so if he's at least close to the strike zone, he might have some success tonight. Then again, the Twins are pretty left handed (Mauer's reverse platoon can't really be the way things are forever) and numbers 7 and 33 do have a good idea about the strike zone. So, maybe our crusty old veterans can get to Gallagher and make him pay for his wildness.
Speaking of Mauer, his 13th in pitches per plate appearance among qualifiers in the AL and 8th in line drive percentage. His GPA (gross production average (OBP*1.8+SLG)/4) is .305 tops on the Twins and seventh in the AL (only one other catcher, Kurt Suzuki, is in the top 50). The kid is good.
In five starts since the All-Star Break, Slowey has given the Twins six innings four times and a nine inning shutout the other time. In those 32 innings, he's got 18 strikeouts and only allowed four walks. That's a ratio I can live with. Against this weak hitting A's team, another long outing is in order. That's all that needs to be said. Oh and this. Score some runs, Twins!
This entry was posted by SBG on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 6:00 pm and is filed under 2008 Twins Game Logs. It is one of 2466 entries by the author. We are no longer accepting Letters to the Editor on this post.
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:10:20 pm
Twins have a better isolated OBP than only two teams in the AL: Kansas City and Seattle.
greenmachine replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:18:10 pm
Thanks for the intro, SBG. (See, it's working already)
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:19:25 pm
according to FanGraphs, Sallagher tosses a fastball (92 mph/62% of the time) a change (81/5%) a curve (75/16%) and a slider (83/16%)
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:41:32 pm
Anyone have a subscription to BR.com? I would like a query run on worst OPS+ with at least 200 plate appearances. Tony Pena in 206 PA has an OPS+ of 2. T-W-O. Is that even possible?
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:05:36 pm
I second that request. That is some serious sucktitude.
sean replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:10:45 pm
Here's a BR search. He's fourth overall from 1901.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:10:51 pm
there are 4 players
TPJ tops that list
I really need to get a B-R suscription
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:21:05 pm
TPJ's no Dud Lee, however.
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:22:10 pm
A HACKING MASS MVP for sure.
Klawitter replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:47:39 pm
It seems to have received no notice, maybe because it's become so taken for granted, that Joe Mauer has regained first place in the AL batting race, opening up a 5 point (you know what I mean) lead. True, it's an old fashioned stat, but I would still love to see Joe win this again, just because of the attention it will get from the media and average fan who otherwise might underrate his talent.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 6:58:13 pm
File under 'Really?!'
Mauer currently has an 11 game hit streak. That ties a career high
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:05:03 pm
I made note of Joe taking the lead from Pedroia in the game log a couple days ago. Good to see him back on top.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:09:58 pm
national attention would just serve to highlight his lack of power production.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:07:05 pm
re: Saarloos. There's no such thing as the "Jeremy Effect."
socaltwinsfan replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:11:04 pm
Nice to see Mauer's hitting well of late. That's definitely atypical of a catcher. They tend to wear down, especially in the dog days of August.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:11:36 pm
Ellis pwns the first inning.
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:16:58 pm
Good Gawd. Does anybody have any idea where the strike zone is? Jerry Layne doesn't seem to know.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:16:43 pm
Eric Patterson:Corey Patterson::Eli Manning:Peyton Manning.
just a small intercept shift on the quality scale between those two comparisons.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:17:41 pm
was that...an out pitch??
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:19:49 pm
he doesnt have one...remember
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:19:02 pm
that was cool.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:19:20 pm
Slowey got Cust out.
greenmachine replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:19:45 pm
A's are smelling what the Slow is cooking:
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:20:42 pm
I am not a big fan of the Minnesota State Fair radio commercials
uncledoj replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:24:11 pm
I kind of like them
uncledoj replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:25:53 pm
also: does anyone know of any place at the fair that has any sort of beer specials?
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:22:22 pm
Flyball pitcher on the mound. Gomez is center and Delmon sitting. Me likey.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:23:54 pm
actually, Delmon rolled his ankle yesterday. I guess he was pretty sore this morning
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:30:08 pm
A lot of pitches so far this inning.
brianS replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:33:07 pm
I'm guessing you'll be able to just reference this LTE each inning that Gallagher pitches tonight.
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:35:58 pm
Gameday is making it look like the strike is sometimes huge, and the dude is still throwing a ton.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:33:38 pm
24 so far
yippie
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:37:06 pm
The Suzuki Method
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:37:08 pm
socaltwinsfan replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:38:20 pm
Wow. That third strike to Morneau was closer to the RH batter's box than to home plate.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:44:02 pm
I know it is just homer talk but I really feel like the strike zone has been bigger for the Twins so far this series. Then again, it could just be all of the complaining from the Twins after called third strikes.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:44:35 pm
and Bert agrees.
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:46:28 pm
Well, that blows your theory.
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:48:51 pm
The zone last night was definitely large, but it seemed consistent. Tonight it's like Layne hasn't made up his mind yet where it's going to be. He's not giving the inside strike much. The outside part of the zone is big but seem to accordion from pitch to pitch.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:45:10 pm
4 strikeouts so far
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:46:08 pm
that, too, is pretty cool.
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:50:36 pm
So... how bout some runs then, eh?
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:51:17 pm
How bout that timing then, eh?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:57:11 pm
Nothing but good things since you have shown up!
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:50:49 pm
..."the usually patient Brian Buscher..." with a .333 OBP
good call Bert.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:51:10 pm
..."the usually patient Brian Buscher..." with a .333 OBP
good call Dick.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:51:47 pm
who cares about patience!!!!
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:51:13 pm
Head for the mountains!
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:53:30 pm
Thanks, Bud!
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:51:50 pm
"A looper to right. Coming on is Cust. He'll pull up!"
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:52:33 pm
I think that we might see that again this series.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:52:13 pm
Buscher!
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:55:01 pm
oh my god. Dick/Bert are comparing Kirby to Gomez.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:59:12 pm
That was assinine.
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:02:29 pm
How did they compare him, if I may?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:06:06 pm
I wish I recalled, some things are better forgotten immediately.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:27:44 pm
His enthusiasm and ability to ignite the offense.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:55:39 pm
Span-riffic!
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:56:19 pm
W00T!!!!!
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:56:32 pm
I'll admit to dissing Span this spring. I was a fool. I love this kid!
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:56:43 pm
Span-American Airways flies around the bases.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:57:38 pm
Did I just hear Bert say that Gomez ignites the offense with his personality?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:59:20 pm
Sounds about right.
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 7:59:45 pm
Well, he can't ignite it with anything else
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:00:43 pm
Dick and Bert must be in rare for tonight, from the way you guys are talking.
I'm thinking I don't really miss the home broadcast.
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:02:56 pm
Sadly, I think it's business as usual for those two.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:04:21 pm
oh, this form is rare enough to be somewhat enjoyable.
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:13:40 pm
Sometimes things are so absurd they're funny?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:20:17 pm
absolutely.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:02:53 pm
okay, LNP, that was pretty awesome.
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:03:42 pm
Ellis auditioning for the Twins with that horrifying feet-first slide?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:07:20 pm
The Ruiz trend really catching on.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:10:07 pm
6 strikeouts for a guy how doesnt have an out pitch
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:10:40 pm
KKKKKK
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:10:47 pm
Where are all the strikeout counters? Slowey is really displaying his lack of an out pitch tonight.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:15:00 pm
Morneau just jumped over Quentin in the RBI race
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:19:02 pm
I have a feeling that I will be smoking far fewer cigarettes tonight than I did last night.
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:19:20 pm
That was a good inning.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:22:50 pm
Gomez ignites the third out of that inning.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:23:22 pm
DIck just said "Give Slowey that assist on that one" . Maybe I am just an idiot, but that really doesnt go 1-4-3, does it? He was just trying to be funny, right?
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:26:36 pm
If it hits off the pitcher to an infielder, that's an assist.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:28:29 pm
Well, I'll be. My future scorecards will adjust accordingly.
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:31:20 pm
Does that also mean you have past scorecards to correct?
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:45:22 pm
That would be a lot of time spent on BR.
greenmachine replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:31:28 pm
Everything is total SLOW this evening:
greenmachine replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:32:32 pm
AKA Slowey dominating the A's like they were AAA hitters ... oh wait
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:31:37 pm
So I am enjoying this meal of cubed potatoes and broccolli n cheese...but its missing something... like steak strips
and Slowey ahs a boatload of strikeouts
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:34:48 pm
and bacon!
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:45:41 pm
everything is better with bacon
that is a scientific fact
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:57:31 pm
I think it might need further investigation. I'll conduct some experiments and let you guys know.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:37:59 pm
Question: who has the edit button?
cheaptoy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:39:09 pm
I've got it.
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:39:57 pm
I used it earlier today
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:41:42 pm
I do! I do!
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:42:57 pm
I have one!
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:47:57 pm
me too! And thank goodness, I like to drink.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:47:30 pm
Good it looks like everyone has it.
twayn replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:21:10 pm
So, what do we consider a safe lead these days, and are we there yet?
Beau replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:41:39 pm
Sox with six XBH off King Felix today. Not good
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:43:39 pm
NINE!
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:46:41 pm
Damn, how important are the M&M boys? It seems like they are always in the middle of things.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:49:50 pm
Let's hope that Mulvey lives up to that last initial...
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:50:02 pm
before this game, the Twins had 625 runs, M&M scored 150 of them (Mauer 76, Morneau 74)
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:51:05 pm
Good for Ruiz. He's having a good cup of coffee. I would imagine he's heading down when Casilla comes back, but he's been good.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:52:51 pm
Plus, he's fun to watch run the bases.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:54:44 pm
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:54:48 pm
Atta boy, Gomez! How long has it been since we've seen that homerun sprint?
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:55:25 pm
Gomez ignites the offense.
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:59:48 pm
One of Rembrandt's lesser works.
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 8:56:28 pm
you can put THAT on the board
davidwatts replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:02:42 pm
a 10 strikeout preformance for the Slowhand
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:02:54 pm
KKKKKKKKKK
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:03:09 pm
More soup! 10 K's for Slowey
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:04:06 pm
10k for Slowey. Wow. He misses more bats than the Joker with a machine gun!
meat replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:04:16 pm
Evening folks.
meat replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:05:13 pm
so what's this, no out pitch with 10ks - interesting.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:08:09 pm
Ellis and Punto are really enjoying falling at the same time.
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:13:11 pm
FirstTimeLongTime replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:13:59 pm
or not.
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:16:53 pm
Man, bS called it last night. Cust is covered in pigeon shit in RF.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:17:37 pm
M&M, boys.
SBG replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:18:36 pm
This one's a laugher, boys.
E-6 replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:18:37 pm
Meanwhile, Nick Blackburn fights back a tear.
New Guy replied on August 19, 2008 at 9:19:15 pm
Wow, what a bloodbath. Was that really just the 6th inning?