2008 Game 128: Minnesota at LAAA
August 22nd, 2008 by SBG
Game time: 9:05 CDT
Scheduled Starters: Glen Perkins (20th start, 116.7 IP 4.89 xFIP) v. Joe Saunders (25th start, 157.7 IP 4.76 xFIP) What is xFIP?
The Angels have run away and hid from the rest of the AL West and have one of the best records in all of baseball. That's not to say that they are one of the best teams in all of baseball. As of the time that I am writing this (which is during the Thursday night game between the Twins and the Angels), the Angels are 77-48, but their 3rd Order Predicted record is just 65-60. In other words, they are outperforming their 3rd Order Pythagorean number by a whopping 12 wins. The only other team in the American League that has overperformed even close to that level is the Twins, who are overperforming by 7.7 wins -- they have an expected record of 64-62, not much worse than the Angels.
The Angels offense, even with the addition of Hunter has been anemic. By adjusted equivalent runs, the Angels offense is 10th in the 14 team AL. The pitching staff is fourth best, but still, they should be only a few games over .500, instead of where they are. I wonder if part of the reason is because they have a quality closer -- although K-Rod isn't that much better, if he is at all, than some of the elite closers in the league. He's just gotten a ton of save opportunities because they've played a lot of close games.
True, the Angels have added Mark Teixeira, and he'll make their offense a little better. But, the Twins should be able to play with this club. Look at the starters today. At first blush, it looks like a mismatch. Saunders has a great record and a low ERA. However, he's been lucky and his xFIP looks a lot like Perkins's. There's really not a lot of difference between these clubs. One hopes that the results on the field will be more indicative the real closeness between these two clubs instead of following the results we've seen on the field to date.
This entry was posted by SBG on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 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.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 8:21:09 pm
How does the Angel's D compare to the Twins, in regards to their records?
I'm hoping Perkins has a 0.00 WTF (Walk Torii Frequency) tonight.
Katana replied on August 22, 2008 at 8:56:08 pm
Angels have a 0.703 DER while the Twins are at 0.688. AL average is 0.695.
If you prefer another measure, Angel's team RZR is 0.831, whereas the Twins are 0.816. AL average is 0.828.
Finally, Angels are +15 fielding plays while the Twins are -32. AL average is -5.
To wit, this is not surprising. Angels are a decent defensive team, Twins are not, especially in the infield.
Stats from here
twayn replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:39:08 pm
Tampa Bay getting some Geico runs, now 6-2 on a Zobrist homer.
Diggity Dino replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:07:37 pm
Bartlett doubles in a run in the top of the 7th to knock John Danks out of the game and put the Rays up 3-2 over the White Sox.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:10:15 pm
single, move him over
me likey
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:15:33 pm
Span on second with 0 outs
he doesnt score
great ><
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:18:11 pm
that's better than second and third with no outs and not scoring
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:21:59 pm
AND it's better than 1-2-3
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:29:51 pm
way to work out of that perkins
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:32:11 pm
Thanks to eye-eye. Flub the game-saving catch -- DH the next game.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:30:51 pm
Delmon out on a pitch
*drinks*
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:36:57 pm
FSN having some serious sound issues here.
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:39:05 pm
Rays escape a jam in the 7th and Rocco Baldelli (he's still playing?) and Zobrist homer in the 8th off Octavio Dotel. 6-2 Rays, woot!
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:42:01 pm
Gogogo!
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:43:27 pm
There have been quite a few occasions on this season when it looked like the Twins might well have seen first place for the last time... and yet, the Rays are six outs away from putting Minny back atop the division yet again.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:44:12 pm
Three innings, three Twins leadoff baserunners. How about a scratch here?
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:45:01 pm
GoGo!
Gone.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:45:26 pm
Wow... two brilliant plays by Gomez followed by a boneheaded one. That really hurts.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:46:01 pm
fast -> lucky -> dumb
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:47:03 pm
well, that play had all sorts of excitment
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:49:06 pm
Interesting that so far in this series, it's the Twins' defense that's outplaying the Angels'... Gomez and Span are just making it look too easy out there.
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:54:02 pm
What brink said.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:52:32 pm
Thank goodness the state of Florida is well versed in the importance of insurance. Ramirez (who is looking like an amazing player) just hit a 2-run shot, Rays 6, Chisox 4.
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:52:42 pm
Too fast for his own good, I see.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:53:31 pm
Wow. I hadn't realized that the Halos had such a weak offense (9th in runs in the AL). I just assumed with their record that they were putting up good numbers.
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:55:43 pm
They do the little things...
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:58:15 pm
They've been a lot better as the year went on (adding Texeira sure doesn't hurt) but traditionally they've been a lot like the Twins -- great pitching and defense, so-so offense. They won the 2002 WS with an offense a lot like the 2008 Twins'... Not much power, nor a ton of walks, just high averages all over the place.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:54:11 pm
Perkins + Span + Gomez = success!
Seriously, Perkins ought to be buying those guys a lot of steak dinners.
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:54:19 pm
Have I mentioned that I ♥ Denard?
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:57:55 pm
Is it just me, or is the whole baton passing in relays antiquated? I hate seeing super fast teams lose because they make a mistake on an awkward motion that has nothing to do with running. Imagine the swimming team passing a stick as they jump into the water.
Klawitter replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:05:20 pm
Hmmmm... having the swimming relays pass a baton actually sounds like it would make for a more entertaining race - despite making a mockery of the athletic competition
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:58:09 pm
Justin Morneau seems like he is in a nasty slump
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:04:08 pm
He looked like he might be coming out of it in that last homestand... of course, Mariners pitching made the whole Twins lineup look like All-Stars...
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 9:59:26 pm
And the Twins have the leadoff man on in four straight innings to start the games... now -- how about a scratch, fellas?
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:02:05 pm
Delmonster!
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:03:05 pm
Think you're excited? Feel these nipples!
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:04:09 pm
I love that movie
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:06:15 pm
Been seeing a lot of Costas during these Olympics. Made me think of that quote.
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:05:44 pm
Ahhh. I gained a deep respect for Bob Costas after that
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:02:14 pm
_ELMON!
twayn replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:02:27 pm
The Anchorman strikes.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:02:46 pm
Delmon! Heh... wasn't sure whether to believe he got enough or not... a lot of batters have been "posing" on deep drives, that was the first that even made it to (past) the warning track. I'll take that kind of scratch.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:03:02 pm
DELMON!!!!
whoa!
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:04:31 pm
Just when I think I'm out, he pulls me back in!
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:09:05 pm
Yeah, he skates a really maddening line, doesn't he? Crushes huge dingers in consecutive games, then looks clueless for a week at the plate. Then here he is again with another huge blast. He's quite the dichotomy.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:07:24 pm
Rays add another, 7-4 Tampa over Chicago... top ninth, they ain't done yet...
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:08:38 pm
siddown Torii
Klawitter replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:08:57 pm
I was walking through Times Square this morning, looked up and saw... "Punto, Span lead Twins past Angels..." on ABC's big electronic news crawl. Usually it just features 2-3 of the day's biggest sports headlines - "Phelps wins 8th gold medal" and that sort of thing. I got a chuckle from seeing the much maligned (in some quarters) LNP's name in the lights over Broadway.
What next? Gardy: The Musical?
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:12:06 pm
Well, Gardy is from Oklahoma.
smalls replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:09:11 pm
Siit down Torii.
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:10:02 pm
Gameday says strike three to Hunter was way inside. Viewers?
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:13:08 pm
He got hosed. Let's call it even for the "walk" issued to Texeira in the first inning that was actually a strikeout looking.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:11:08 pm
This performance featuring D.Young
Klawitter replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:12:49 pm
"Come Flail Away"?
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:15:48 pm
Awesome.
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:14:40 pm
Ack. That sounds dreadful.
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:19:44 pm
like Delmon's fielding
When I see an outfield fly
My head turns all around
As gentle as a butterfly
It bounces on the ground...
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:18:45 pm
The Grand Illusion
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:12:06 pm
Wow... five innings, five leadoff baserunners.
What is Vavra telling the hitters before the inning starts? And why can't he tell the on-deck batter?
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:13:09 pm
Go Go double!
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:14:09 pm
Gomez is making himself quite the useful player on both sides of things this series. His ABs look much, much better results aside.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:17:22 pm
maybe Gomez is more relaxed with Casilla back with the team
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:22:05 pm
I know I am.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:15:27 pm
Ahhhh... the rookies giveth and the rookies taketh away....
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:16:34 pm
Man, Casilla just isn't getting the hang of this "drive the ball with runner on 3rd" thing...
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:17:32 pm
Rays continue piling on the insurance. 8-4, 1 out.
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:18:17 pm
Rays still hitting in the top of the ninth. 8-4
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:19:31 pm
Wow, a "Circle Me Burt" sign. Fail.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:20:20 pm
Wow... "Circle Me Burt"?
And what did Bert just say? Something about "seminated little girl"?
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:29:47 pm
Next time I go to a game, I'll make sure to bring a "Circle me Bort" sign.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:46:56 pm
Heh. I read that as "Borat". Verrrrry Niiiice.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:21:39 pm
OK, Punto missed getting Garrett Anderson on that play by a quarter step. But wow, what a play. That should not have even been close to an out. Twins defense, even when they can't quite make the play, is finally picking up the pitchers...
rob replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:25:59 pm
Amazing how having Punto and Casilla in the infield is an improvement over Buscher and Harris.
Oh, and, yay!
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:28:05 pm
Say what you will about Punto, but you can't deny that he's entertaining to watch when he makes plays like that -- and he does it on a pretty regular basis, all things considered.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:22:29 pm
9-4 Rays. Still a-battin.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:25:03 pm
keep on truckin, Rays
rob replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:27:20 pm
Looks like the ump likes that inside strike
Geoff replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:29:25 pm
So good so far.......
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:31:59 pm
Game over in Chicago. Rays win!
Rhubarb_Runner replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:32:13 pm
I'm liking Perkin's sub-4.00 ERA
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:32:19 pm
Rays win!
Rays win!
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:33:43 pm
Jeez, Anderson is really slow.
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:34:10 pm
Forever Young
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:40:23 pm
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:41:58 pm
A fine Dylan composition.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:45:06 pm
It really is hard to fathom how many great songs the Zimmy has.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:46:19 pm
I thought you were refering to the Rod Stewart 'Forever Song'
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:55:03 pm
If he keeps pitching like this, our little Pony's gonna be Almost Famous.
EDIT-- Not here, dummy...
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:55:45 pm
Here are Stewart's lyrics (1988):
May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young
Forever Young
And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell
But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young ,Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
For, Forever Young, Forever Young
and Zimmy's (
19741973):May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
Dylan shoulda sued his spandex pants off.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:16:12 pm
According to the Repository, ""Forever Young" was an unconscious revision of Bob Dylan's song of the same name; the artists reached an agreement about sharing royalties."
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:34:45 pm
delmmooooooon!
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:35:20 pm
Nice play by Garrett Young out there in the OF.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:39:48 pm
Dazzle and Gordo have been all over him tonight. I think they had some unkind words about Garrett's feilding yesterday too
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:43:28 pm
Garrett on one side and Vlad on the other, Torii is stuck inside of immobile with the memphis blues
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:38:46 pm
Dazz brought his "A" game tonight. "CAUGHT by Aybar...Knocked down...something something. Nick Punto's hitting streak still alive. "
twayn replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:40:08 pm
When you have a chance to take a step up on the Palehose, it's a good night. I like the way these Twins are playing lately.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:43:47 pm
Adam Everett...RBI machine!
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:44:22 pm
Near the top of the league in runs scored... Punto with a 10-game hitting streak.... working over lefthanded starters...
Who are these Twins?
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:15 pm
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:48:59 pm
That is some quality work.
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:52:22 pm
One of these days I'm going to teach myself how to really do these things right with the Gimp.
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:16 pm
Holy heck on a stick Span has been astoundingly good for the Twins since his recall...
twayn replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:16 pm
Drive big runs in with Denard.
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:20 pm
Spantastic!
(Dazzle's call was high comedy.)
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:48:26 pm
He really should consider watching the game while he's doing the pbp.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:31 pm
Denardtastic!!!!
GreekHouse replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:46 pm
We're not playing the Mariners, so this is pretty much game over!
rob replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:49:50 pm
Quiet, you!!
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:50:05 pm
Yea, but what are we gonna do without Brian Bass??
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:47:51 pm
SPANTASTIC!
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:50:44 pm
Holy moses! the St. Louis Cardinals posted 18 runs tonight, and none of them come on a HR
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:54:41 pm
Perkins giving the bullpen a rest tonight. Good job, kid
E-6 replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:57:16 pm
Kris replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:56:01 pm
Remember, guys, lest there be any further confusion: there is only one October. Not two, not three, and four is right out.
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:57:30 pm
Mauer witha career high 14 game hit streak
woo
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 10:59:05 pm
Has there been a Freaky Friday switch between Punto and Morneau??
davidwatts replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:00:33 pm
I bet Punto stole Justins bat when Justin wasn't looking
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:01:41 pm
Charge the mound, Delmon!!
brink replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:04:46 pm
Huh. Dick Bremer and I apparently have something in common... I grew up in the Twin Cities and have never had a White Castle either.
brianS replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:07:24 pm
How is this possible, brink? Are you a teetotaller or summat?
twayn replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:08:12 pm
Infidels.
Beau replied on August 22, 2008 at 11:08:34 pm
Neither have I. Someday