Category: Featured Articles
In Which SBG Continues His Tradition of Spewing Out Half-Baked Crap into Another Year
January 8th, 2009, 2 Comments
SBG starts working on a couple of New Year's Resolutions.
I Know How to Get a Girl Into Bed
January 1st, 2009, 21 Comments
I know how to get a girl into bed.
This is a good thing.
DeRosa To Indians/Aaron Miles to Cubs/Improving The 2009 Twins
December 31st, 2008, 46 Comments
per ESPN:
DeRosa has been traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub. DeRosa will likely slide into Cleveland's opening at third base.
I'm sure this will irk fans who long for the Twins to do something and especially those who would like the Twins to add someone they've [...]
It’s Time To Expand
December 27th, 2008, 10 Comments
I would probably have more vitriol now over the Yanks' most recent spending spree if I hadn't used up so much of it last offseason. For whatever reason, the media is no longer willing to talk about what a disadvantage all of the sub-$100M payroll teams are at. Hell, the Twins could have [...]
Stocking Stuffer — R. A. Dickey Signs Minor League Deal With Twins
December 24th, 2008, 5 Comments
R. A. Dickey Signs Minor League Deal With Twins. It's tough to go wrong with a minor league deal. I don't think Dickey is all that, but at least this year he won't be poached in the Rule 5 draft. Mauer better find his oversized mitt for spring training.
Either I am Wrong, Or…
December 24th, 2008, 2 Comments
The Yankees are controlling the media. I read this report linked by E-6 about the Wang signing (one year, $5 million) and I thought, hmmm, that's about right. Then I read this:
His agreement raises the Yankees' payroll to about $164 million for 15 players for next year. That includes pitcher Andrew Brackman and [...]
Someone On The Internet Is Wrong!
December 24th, 2008, 10 Comments
I know, I know, I shouldn't really care, especially since that person is Steve Phillips, but I'm continually interested in how people arrive at the conclusions they have w/r/t clutch hitting.
In some video clip, Phillips was claiming that Teixeira is willing to take a walk with RISP, so other guys on the team were going [...]
The Airing of Grievances
December 23rd, 2008, 19 Comments
There's a light snow falling on this most special of days, and it's causing traffic to become snarled. Yep, it's Festivus and I'm in a bad mood, because you've all disappointed me again this year. Let me take this opportunity, after brianS gets the aluminum pole out from the crawl space, to discuss [...]
Fun With Baseball Reference
December 22nd, 2008, 20 Comments
In honor of Steve Aschburner's weird dismissal of Tim Raines' case, and in honor of Baseball-Reference.com's coolness, let's look at people who are 5th on the all-time list of some counting stat, and what percentage of the all-time leader's total they have.
Games
Leader -- Pete Rose (3562)
5th -- Ty Cobb (3035/85%)
Runs
Leader -- Rickey (2295)
5th -- Babe/Hank [...]
Half Speed
December 18th, 2008, 12 Comments
So, Bron-Bron comes to Target Center, drops 32 points, allegedly breaks a sweat, and the Cavs walk out with a 23 point victory. I was watching that game and Mr. James looked great, hitting shots, making spectacular passes and the Cavs were never seriously threatened. But, something was off about the game. [...]
A More Relevant Comparison
December 12th, 2008, 5 Comments
Twins Geek gives his take on the Punto deal here. Mainly, I'm using his post for the list of supposedly available shortstops. I hate compiling such lists and I'm happy that other people do it.
Anyway, if we want to compare offense amongst players who you are considering putting on a 2009 team, we [...]
Presented For Your Amusement
December 12th, 2008, 5 Comments
Introducing the comedic stylings of Geoff Baker:
As for the Twins, the one outfielder they could possibly make available -- besides the expensive, underachieving Michael Cuddyer -- is former top-pick Delmon Young. Young would be an interesting left field addition for the Mariners, with the ability to play either right field or center as well. He [...]
Losing Jose Lugo
December 11th, 2008, 9 Comments
Jose Lugo was selected by the Royals and promptly traded to the Mariners in today's Rule 5 draft. According to Baseball America:
Lugo, who turns 25 next April, has a 95 mph heater with good sink and struck out 9.91 per nine innings as a reliever at high Class A Fort Myers.
Punto Cashes In
December 11th, 2008, 38 Comments
The Twins have signed Nick Punto to a 2 year, $8 million deal. The Twins have an option for 2011, as well. He will apparently be the starting shortstop.
Rule 5 Draft Log
December 11th, 2008, 15 Comments
Use Roman numerals if you like, but I think Arabic numerals blow them out of the water. (And I'm a numbers guy if nothing else, right?)
I don't know how much real discussion we can have about the draft, but I figured I would put up a thread. The three Twins-related things I think [...]
Reason #3,762 to Hate the Yankees
December 11th, 2008, 19 Comments
A month and a half ago, I was back in North Dakota and I met my cousin's boyfriend. My cousin lives in Colorado and this kid is from out there. Nice enough guy, college kid, baseball player, wearing a Yankee cap. My uncle, who's a little less than five years older than [...]
Looking Back At The Delmon Debacle
December 11th, 2008, 15 Comments
While responding to greenmachine's thoughtful comment to my look at the Santana trade, the issue came up about whether or not the Twins should have played for this year and a Young/Span/Cuddyer/Kuble OF-DH situation was proposed. My big problem with this is that it would have required us to make the Delmon Young trade [...]
Taking a Look at the Santana Trade
December 10th, 2008, 13 Comments
Q: How did the Twins compete after trading away the best pitcher in baseball?
A: That trade didn't actually hurt them.
Quarter Pole
December 10th, 2008, 9 Comments
Last year, GreekHouse and I had a conversation about the Wolves at each of the quarter marks of the season. Last night was the 20th game of the season, roughly the quarter mark of an 82 game schedule. The Wolves, of course, are 4-16, which projects out to ugly. They also have [...]
From Bad to Worse
December 9th, 2008, 1 Comment
No, I'm not talking about the Timberwolves, although I got a chance to watch that presser last night and excuse me, but who's going to do the job that Kevin McHale used to do? No one? What does that say about the job that McHale used to do? I actually expect the [...]
It’s Not About the Team
December 8th, 2008, 28 Comments
Some of my earliest memories of the NBA involve my Dad pulling for the NY Knicks because Phil Jackson played for them. I recall first watching NBA basketball on our black and white television back in the early 1970s (most probably the 1972 NBA finals, which the Knicks lost to the Lakers). I [...]
Rabbit Ears
December 5th, 2008, 8 Comments
I kind of take it on faith that the wife doesn't read the WGOM, but I should know better, I suppose. Yesterday, I got an e-mail informing me that Miss SBG is not a "terror". So, yeah, poor choice of words. It's not like she's rolling around on the floor, throwing a [...]
In Defense Of Human Error
December 4th, 2008, 8 Comments
David Cameron is a good baseball analyst (or I wouldn't bother critiquing him), but I think he's dead wrong about this.
There always seems to be a crowd that is skeptical that anything could be quantified, just because the possibility for error exists. With defensive stats, the question always comes up about whether or not [...]
More Clocks and a “Tough Loss”
December 4th, 2008, 17 Comments
I never imagined when I started this little website that I'd be talking about babies and toddlers, but now that BabySBG is running the show, well, what else is there to talk about? So, here's a sleep report. BabySBG goes to bed every night at 8PM. The routine is as follows: about [...]
How To Sign an All-Bat, No-Glove Corner Infielder
December 3rd, 2008, 17 Comments
Give him less than $2M and only commit for one year.
.264/.334/.447 -- Casey Blake, career, age 35
.230/.328/.485 -- Russell Branyan, career, age 33
Blake is somewhat better defensively--though still a poor defender at third base--and Branyan has more power. Branyan would also need to be platooned somewhat more. Still, the difference between these two [...]
What Time is It?
December 3rd, 2008, 12 Comments
One of the fun things about little kids is how they get attached to certain things that don't really make a lot of sense. My wife was reading BabySBG the book "Goodnight Moon" and in the book there a couple of clocks. My wife pointed them out to her and she has become [...]
Can John Hollinger Rank the 2030 Free Agent Class Today?
November 30th, 2008, 4 Comments
Not very well, I imagine, but data from this test may shed some light on the matter.
By the second paragraph, I had dismissed the idea of genetically testing toddlers to see what sports they may be best at. I'm a pretty strong believer that children's sports ought to be about maximizing the enjoyment of [...]
Thanksgiving Traditions
November 27th, 2008, 32 Comments
I was thinking earlier today how odd it is that Thanksgiving, of all holidays, has spawned so many traditions.
My all time favorite used to be watching the Mystery Science Theater 3000 marathon back in the early 90's. Loved the show, and at the time, I was single and lonely. What better way to [...]
Giving Thanks
November 26th, 2008, 15 Comments
Tomorrow's actually Thanksgiving, but I'll be spending that day with my in-laws and as such, I won't be spending a lot of time at the computer, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to say thanks.
2008 has been an up and down year for Lucy and me -- we've had some times of personal [...]
How good is Greg Oden? A bS special report
November 25th, 2008, 19 Comments
This TrueHoop item reminded me of an on-going question I have: how good is Greg Oden?
Here's what Henry had to say:
He's brand new to this -- fresh off a major injury, and new to the NBA. He's on a path to really dominate. But even as he does breathtaking things, the arrival is yet to [...]
Watch Your Language, Stick
November 24th, 2008, 2 Comments
After a long dry spell, I finally started writing around here again last week. It felt good, honestly, to just put some words on the screen. I even worked on a new look for the site on Saturday, one that is much easier to read than the current monstrosity (although I've moved the [...]
A Meeting of the Deerhoof Fan Club
November 22nd, 2008, 13 Comments
SBG and E-6 attend the first game that KG played in Minnesota as a member of the Celtics.
NBA on My Mind
November 21st, 2008, 3 Comments
So, I watched a little NBA action last night and saw the Celtics rally from an early hole to absolutely take the Detroit Pistons apart. It's kind of hard to believe that a year ago some people were saying that the Celtics had to prove themselves to be the better team against Detroit, because [...]
Timing is Everything
November 20th, 2008, 34 Comments
They say that timing is everything. I suppose there's some truth to that. For example, there's me yesterday saying that I'm on the brink of losing complete interest in the T-Wolves and then they promptly go out and get a decent win last night. I'm not stupid enough to think that they [...]
On the Brink
November 19th, 2008, 9 Comments
So, um, yeah, I was feeling pretty good about the fact that I was able to turn an innocuous comment by the girl who sold me a cup of coffee into a whole post here at the WGOM yesterday morning. It always kind of bugs me when I go somewhere and order something and [...]
Gold Glove Wines - Beauzeaux 2005
November 18th, 2008, 8 Comments
I confess. I have been guilty in the past of reviewing some spendy wines on this site. I don't think that I am a wine snob. However, having affordable access to some really nice wines has spoiled me a bit. Well, today I bring you an new favorite of mine, that [...]
Help Support USS Mariner
November 18th, 2008, 8 Comments
Quick plug here: USS Mariner is one of the very best baseball blogs out there, and a tremendous amount of what I know about baseball analysis can be traced back to that blog. David Cameron, one of their authors, is up for a scholarship which is apparently being awarded American Idol-style, so if you've [...]
What to Write, What to Write
November 18th, 2008, 20 Comments
SBG wanders through the topics wondering what to write.
Casey Blake Is NOT The Answer At Third Base
November 8th, 2008, 9 Comments
If I keep hearing rumors like this, I am going to have no choice but to come out of retirement. There are three main reasons that I'm against signing Casey Blake as a free agent.
1) Blake is barely better than a platoon of Harris and Buscher would be, and might be worse.
2) The Twins [...]
Some mild political commentary
November 5th, 2008, 4 Comments
Ain't it the truth (for us junkies anyway). xkcd nails it.
Chief Big Hop
October 20th, 2008, 5 Comments
Non-Portugese Europeans came to America in the late 15th century looking for a Passage to India. Eventually, they found it, thanks to the British. They called it "India Pale Ale", an ale that was massively dosed with hops -- a preservative as well as a flavoring agent -- in the hope that the brew would [...]
Pint-Sized Review: Alaskan Amber
October 19th, 2008, 15 Comments
Altbier is a traditional German ale style, best associated with Düsseldorf. Prior to the invention of lager in the 16th century, the style was known simply as beer. "Altbiers are fermented with a specialty ale yeast at a cool 55°F (13°C) to 67°F (19°C) and then aged for one or two months, like a lager, [...]
Sport magazine cover (1970-06) - “The Top Pitchers Tell How They Face Up to Harmon Killebrew”
October 3rd, 2008, No Comments
[contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner]
Sport magazine cover - June 1970
"The Top Pitchers Tell How They Face Up to Harmon Killebrew"
An Old Timey Game Recap
September 30th, 2008, 4 Comments
Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox
September 29, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS – There was dark talk in the Twin Cities, grumbling at water coolers and in watering holes and wire chatter on the newfangled Web logs of which the youngsters are so enamored these days. Those unencumbered by allegiance to the scrappy Minnesota club could reasonably assume those [...]
Gomez for GG??
September 30th, 2008, 9 Comments
I'm not sure if this is a good or bad sign (about me), but I couldn't not post this comment I ran across:
Jones was only +3 runs according to Dewan's +/- system
Carlos Gomez led CFers with +33.
Above average for CF is nothing to sneeze at.
by G_ on Sep 29, 2008 11:46 AM PDT reply [...]
Interested Bystanding: Detroit Tigers @ Chicago White Sox
September 29th, 2008, 57 Comments
I took the second bus instead of the first one, allowing me to sleep until 5:30. On the way to the bus station, I heard Corey Cove on KFAN state that he wanted the White Sox to win because of the drama. Everyone is entitled to their opinion (even that dumbass), but I'm [...]
Dell Sports magazine cover (1968-07) - “Killer at Large: Revenge in ‘68!” (Harmon Killebrew)
September 29th, 2008, 2 Comments
[contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner]
Dell Sports magazine cover - July 1968
"Killer at Large: Revenge in '68!"
Twins' Slugger Harmon Killebrew
Why They Play The Games
September 26th, 2008, 16 Comments
Some weeks from now, reporters will write their season recaps. They will mention that none of the experts picked the Twins at the beginning of the season, and the Twins defied the odds by even being in the race. They will tell us:
That's why they play the games.
But I will think back to [...]
Gold Gloves Wines - Missouri vs France
September 25th, 2008, 12 Comments
It has been a while, but I am finally posting the play by play from a battle that took place earlier this summer. Rhubarb Runner had suggested that I try, and review, a Missouri Wine. He suggested Montelle Winery in the Augusta Wine District of the Missouri Valley as a worthy winemaker. [...]
Notes from the Nest
September 17th, 2008, 14 Comments
Game 151: Twins 9, Indians 12
Hello, everyone. Last night sure was a rough one, wasn’t it? The game, I mean, of course. And then that little 'incident' afterward. A real rollercoaster ride – the big first plunge, then the exhilarating climb, then another plunge that gives you that funny feeling in your stomach like you’re [...]
SBG Field Trips: USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago World Cup Qualifier
September 15th, 2008, 9 Comments
Last Wednesday, I met up with Will Young (no relation to Delmon) in Chicago to see the USA take on Trinidad & Tobago in a qualifier for the 2010 World Cup. The car I was in got to Toyota Park about 15 minutes after the parking lot opened. We were about the 10th car there. [...]
My plan to immediately and drastically improve all sports on TV
August 28th, 2008, 22 Comments
SAP - Second Audio Program has existed since 1984. It is mostly unused by TV stations, and when it is used it is used primarily for Spanish audio. There are some issues regarding the avaliability of SAP with the switch to Digital TV but I know that DirecTV offers SAP on all of [...]
WGOM Radio #3
August 20th, 2008, 14 Comments
Parting is such sweet sorrow. SBG reflects on ubelmann's contributions to the WGOM.
The Plot to Kill Jackie Robinson
August 19th, 2008, 5 Comments
[contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner]
The Plot to Kill Jackie Robinson
Pint-Sized Review: Ayinger Ur-Weisse
August 18th, 2008, 3 Comments
It was beastly hot out here in the Sactown area last week. But the topper was bonding time with Mrs. S: hanging art on the wall cutout in our stairwell. There's nothing quite like hanging wall art to build up a thirst.
You'd think that drilling four holes and putting in four wood screws would [...]
WGOM Radio #2
August 17th, 2008, 16 Comments
Inspired by Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau's clutch hits in the ninth inning against a left hander on Saturday, I took a little look at the Twins two stars.
WGOM Radio #2
Crazy Like a Fox???
August 17th, 2008, 1 Comment
What does SBG think about when he's heading to his in-laws? Here's a hint: he's thinking about baseball.
WGOM Radio #1
August 16th, 2008, 23 Comments
This is the first edition of WGOM Radio. I talk about last night's game and today's game. It's five minutes long.
WGOM Radio #1
Tell me what you think!
Playing with Fire
August 14th, 2008, 30 Comments
SBG smells smoke, but luckily, there was no fire. Twins avoid ending up with Jarrod Washburn.
The Story of the MINNESOTA TWINS
August 14th, 2008, 2 Comments
[contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner]
The Story of the MINNESOTA TWINS
And Sheehan Misses The Point Again
August 14th, 2008, 10 Comments
Discussing MLB's draft (subscription req'd):
We accept the concept of a draft in sports because it has largely been sold as a mechanism for increasing competitive balance—the worst teams get the highest picks. In fact, drafting high and drafting well are completely different things, as any fan of the Pirates—or, at the other end of the [...]
This Is An Already-Solved Problem
August 14th, 2008, 26 Comments
This is driving me crazy.
I'm finding myself appreciating gymnastics more this year. I don't know why that is, maybe because I really don't care that much who wins and I don't care if anyone gets screwed by the judges. (And damn, these commentators complain more about officiating than White Sox announcers. Get [...]
The Case for Carl Lewis
August 13th, 2008, 34 Comments
Last night, Michael Phelps won his 10th and 11th gold medals at the Olympics, the most all-time. We talked a little about this yesterday, but I wanted to extend the conversation and do some polling. For my money, Carl Lewis remains the greatest Olympic champion of all time and personally, I'd much rather [...]
Better Know A Citizen - Yickit
August 12th, 2008, 24 Comments
Andrew visits with Yickit, an expatriate of the great state of ND in our most recent edition of Better Know a Citizen.
All the Negativity That’s In This Town Sucks
August 10th, 2008, 10 Comments
SBG takes a look at the other side of the mountain (and the week in sports columns here in town).
Great Moments in Enhanced Gameday History - 10 Aug 2008, inning 7
August 10th, 2008, 1 Comment
Light Rail sits at 101 pitches and attempts to get the 3rd out of the inning, up by two with a runner at 2nd base and Mitch Maier at bat...
Not That Worried About Cuddyer’s Injury
August 9th, 2008, 20 Comments
Going into the season, PECOTA projected Cuddyer to be about 12-13 runs above replacement level over the course of the entire season. From 2003-2007, UZR had Cuddyer at -9 runs/150G in right field, and it seems highly unlikely that he's getting any better in the field.
Cuddyer had a very nice 2006 and [...]
Pint-Sized Review: Brauerei Spezial Rauchbier
August 8th, 2008, 2 Comments
It's grilling season here on the Left Coast. Actually, it's almost always grilling season here. So, it's Summer grilling season. And what better to go with smokey, charred, grilled meats than a smokey beer?
Today's featured beer is the lovely, refreshing and elegantly smokey Spezial Rauchbier from Brauerei Spezial in Bamberg, Germany.
Spezial is the oldest [...]
Better Know A Citizen - ThisIsBeth
August 7th, 2008, 22 Comments
Andrew catches up with thisisbeth to talk baseball in our latest installment of Better Know a Citizen.
Sports Illustrated magazine cover (1991-11-04) - “TWINS”
August 6th, 2008, 3 Comments
[contributed by: Rhubarb_Runner]
Sports Illustrated magazine cover - November 4, 1991
"TWINS"
Well, since I’d rather not stew about that…
August 6th, 2008, 6 Comments
Delmon Young was intentionally walked three times in the last two games. Going into Seattle, Delmon had three walks over the previous 35 games combined.
On the bright side, Delmon did hit .326 over those 35 games, so there's that. If only he could find his power stroke...
Better Know A Citizen - cheaptoy
August 5th, 2008, 23 Comments
Andrew chats with cheaptoy in the latest edition of Better Know a Citizen.
For Ten Dollars, You Could Have Been There In Person!
August 5th, 2008, 11 Comments
I could overanalyze the inning for hundreds of words, but I won't. I'll say this, though: Perkins put Gardy in a bad, bad spot there. Gardy can't be warming up the second-best pitcher in the bullpen every time there's a five-run lead in the 7th, and after the top two guys, the Twins' [...]
Pint-Sized Review: Traquair House Ale
August 4th, 2008, 2 Comments
Now, I know that I'm something of a pollyanna when it comes to beer reviews. I like a lot of beer and nearly every style is "one of my favorites". So I'll understand if some of you are getting a boy-who-cried-wolf sort of feeling when I tell you that this beer is really good.
If you [...]
In Which SBG Suffers Greatly
August 3rd, 2008, 17 Comments
My teeth are gritted and I'm strapped into my chair. Time to read a week's worth of columns from the six columnists in town and summarize them for you. I do it because I love you and believe me, it hurts me more than it hurts you.
Polling SBG Nation
August 2nd, 2008, 1 Comment
SBG takes a look at the week that was in the WGOM Polls.
Pint-Sized Review: Christian Moerlein Select Dunkel
August 1st, 2008, No Comments
One of the first things that convinced me that Trader Joes was a great store was the beer selection. Compared to the grocery stores in the University Towne Centre/University City neighborhood of San Diego, Trader Joes might as well have been a Bevmo. Plus, cheeeep. I'm pretty sure I was paying $3.50 or so a [...]
July 31st Recap
August 1st, 2008, 9 Comments
Running things down in order of decreasing total payroll, according to ESPN's accounting:
1. Yankees, $207M: Acquire future HOF Ivan Rodriguez.
2. Mets, $137M: Beat the rush and got Johan Santana in the offseason.
3. Tigers, $137M: Unloaded Pudge for Kyle Farnsworth? Got Miguel Cabrera and D-railed-Train in the offseason.
4. Red Sox, $133M: Upgrade from Manny to [...]
Better Know A Citizen - Nibbish
July 31st, 2008, 33 Comments
Andrew profiles nibbish, who appears to have grown up closest to SBGville of all those profiled to date.
Deadline Deal Study
July 31st, 2008, 7 Comments
2007 WS Champions: Boston Red Sox
Deadline Deals: Traded for Eric Gagne.
-1.4 VORP -- Gagne w/Sox
Notes: Yeah, that went well. (I didn't think it was a bad idea, but the Sox won the WS in spite of the move rather than because of it.)
2006 WS Champions: St. Louis Cardinals
Deadline Deals: Acquired Belliard for Hector Luna, [...]
Alexi Casilla Is An Awful Fielder?/Expect Team Defense To Improve
July 30th, 2008, 8 Comments
The question mark is there because I'm a little surprised--though not completely surprised. (Also, I know it kind of seems like I'm rubbing salt in his finger or something, but sometimes you can't help but notice things at the wrong time.
I was going to write about Adam Everett, since I advocated acquiring him in [...]
Potluck
July 29th, 2008, 8 Comments
“So, what’s going on?” Mike Lamb asked Nick Punto as teammate after teammate arrived in the Twins clubhouse with a covered dish Monday afternoon.
“Didn’t you get the memo?” asked Punto. “It’s our annual potluck dinner. Gardy figured since we have this big series with the White Sox, we could use all the luck we can [...]
Pint-Sized Review: Kiper Bock
July 28th, 2008, 2 Comments
Traveling the world in a bottle -- to bring better beer to the Nation. Tonight's offering hails from Poland: Kiper ("pronounced "Keeper"" I'm sure the American ad men had a hand in that) bock. 11.2 oz. bottle, $4.99 for a 4-pack from Bevmo in evil green bottles. It also sells as Kiper Mocne according to the good folks at Ratebeer.
The Weak in Local Sportswriting
July 27th, 2008, 3 Comments
SBG takes a look at the last week in sports columns here in town so you don't have to.
Gary Huckabay Needs to Chill Out/The Liriano Issue Just Isn’t That Important
July 27th, 2008, 30 Comments
You would think that as someone affiliated with Baseball Prospectus, he might actually care about what the numbers say about the situation, but he's apparently more interested in throwing some kind of tantrum.
I’m all in favor of front offices making decisions without excessive deference to the fan base. The truth of the matter is that [...]
Series Preview in Blog: Cleveland Indians (07/25-07/27)
July 25th, 2008, 17 Comments
The Twins try to wash the taste of that Yankees series out of their mouth with a three game set in Cleveland this weekend. The Twins enter on a four game losing streak, 2.5 games back of the White Sox in the AL Central.
Sometimes I think the Twins feel a bit overmatched in Yankee stadium.
(from [...]
Rock On, Geezers, Rock On: Concert Review
July 24th, 2008, 8 Comments
I've been having one of those weeks. It started Sunday at the Dome when Scott Baker threw a gem and got zero run support, then progressed with a little bronchial thing that's settling in my chest and becoming a nasty summer cold. My daughter is involved in a leadership training program this week, so I've [...]
Picking Your Spots
July 24th, 2008, 9 Comments
I've never read anything Johnette Howard has written before, and after reading this, I probably won't read anything she writes in the future.
Rather than go blow-by-blow, FJM-style, I'll list the two main points I got from the article, and why I think they're crap.
Point: At the beginning of the 9th inning, in a game where [...]
Pint-Sized Review: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager
July 23rd, 2008, 9 Comments
Product of the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, TX, this is a beautiful, ebony lager ($7.99 for a sixpack at my Bevmo) in the Schwarzbier tradition. It pours black with a bubbly tan head that leaves light lacing. The nose is full of molasses, licorice, coffee and darkly roasted malts.
But don't let the nose fool you. This is a lager, not a stout.
The Bad Old Days
July 22nd, 2008, 4 Comments
So, I'd heard about Tony Pena, Jr.'s inning of pitching a couple of places and didn't think much of it at first. It's always news when a position player pitches, etc., etc. (I'm not even sure that the excitement about TPJ hitting 91 with his fastball is all that warranted--I think there are [...]
Back to Beloit
July 22nd, 2008, 9 Comments
For my wife's birthday, she decided she wanted to go to a ballgame with a couple of friends (How did I get so lucky?). So once again we drove up to Wisconsin to see the Snappers take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Seattle Mariners A affiliate).
The Snappers roster this time around looks quite a [...]
Leadoff Hitters/Displaced Center Fielders
July 21st, 2008, 2 Comments
AVG/OBP/SLG, since May 1st
.245/.287/.341 -- Carlos Gomez
.257/.312/.341 -- Jacoby Ellsbury
Games/Games hitting leadoff, July
15/15 -- Carlos Gomez
16/16 -- Jacoby Ellsbury
It's frustrating that Gomez isn't hitting, but it's not like the Twins are the only team making decisions like keeping a struggling rookie in the leadoff spot. If he keeps struggling and the Twins start losing, [...]
Scott Baker Is Awesome At Baseball
July 20th, 2008, 14 Comments
So, I didn't get to see the game today, but I did see the box score. What jumps out at me is that Scott Baker had an awesome game. 8 IP, 8 K, 1 BB, 1 HR, 1 R -- that's a great game. The HR kind of makes sense in light [...]
Local Scribes Write About What They Write About
July 20th, 2008, 12 Comments
SBG reads the six local sports columnists at the two papers so you don't have to.
Jason Kubel has hit left-handed pitching about as well as Jacque Jones
July 20th, 2008, 7 Comments
.217/.305/.319 -- Jason Kubel vs. LHP, career
.230/.278/.350 -- Jacque Jones vs. LHP, career
Kubel's line is slightly less awful than Jacque's line, but both lines are still awful.
I like Jason Kubel. I think he can hit right-handed pitching and this team could use a cheap DH/OF to use against RHP. However, Kubel hasn't done [...]
Homework
July 19th, 2008, 6 Comments
I do it all for you, Nation, out of love
This is what happens when the wife leaves town.
This Is Not Surprising
July 19th, 2008, 5 Comments
La Velle E. Neal III reports that a trade for Beltre doesn’t look possible. Everything he writes is perfectly reasonble:
The Twins recently contacted the Mariners about Beltre’s availability, but it looks like the Mariners’ price would be too high - something like the return the A’s got in the Joe Blanton deal. The Phillies [...]
