Yet again the Twins found a way to lose to the Yankees. I can officially say that there is a sour taste in my mouth. Yuck. Here are some thoughts:
-Minnesota is becoming an offensive inept team again. Remember last year when every single game seemed to be dominated by “offensive ineptitude”? It’s coming back, or at least it is here in Yankee Stadium for a certain team from the Midwest.
-Morneau had one of the nine hits today against Mike Mussina. I’ll get into Moose later, but one hit? After being held hitless yesterday, I’m starting to wonder if his hand really is hurt. Either he should go on the DL or take a day or two off.
-Mike Mussina. Mike Mussina!? Come on, guys! This Yankee pitcher was born 40 years ago. When Mussina was Casilla’s age, Casilla was still 14 years away from rookie ball. How we can’t manage to get a run off him is beyond me. In fact, every one of the Yankee starters we have faced in this series are overrated. The Twins have scored just five runs off starting pitchers this series. Offensive ineptitude.
-Perkins was extremely solid today through the first four and one-third innings. After getting one out in the fifth, though, Perkins surrendered three hits; one of which was a two-run double to Justin Christian. He struggled the next inning as well, giving up three additional runs before the inning was over. His final line was a mediocre 6 IP,
-The Boink-O-Meter just went up one today. When people cite how awful Gomez has been this month they usually bring up the fact that he hasn’t stolen a base since June 30. Since June 1 Gomez has only attempted to steal a base eight times. I think this has much more to do with the management than Gomez. Being only 22 years old I assume that Gomez is not yet allowed to steal on his own accord. He probably gets the signal from the dugout, and there haven’t been many opportunities lately.
I have no idea why Gardy isn’t opting to send Gomez more than he is, which is pitifully low. Eight attempts since June 1? This guy could be the fastest in major league baseball. This team is known for their small-ball, piranha-style play. In a crunch game like today (the sixth inning before Span hit into the double play is a perfect example) you must attempt to steal second base.
-Another odd thing today was the fact that no Twins batter managed to draw a walk. With Mauer not in the lineup, I guess I can give them a free pass for today, but it is just not acceptable in the major leagues.
-The only Twin who had a handle on Yankee pitching today was Mike Lamb. He went 3-4 with the one RBI of the day for Minnesota. What I think is funny is how bad his average still is; .229. He needed to have a good day, though, because I don’t have a tag for him yet here at Twins Fix.
-Gomez had another hit as he batted from the ninth hole today, but Span was held without reaching base. Now, stop me if I’m wrong, but I thought you needed to get on base before you can score a run. If the Twins can’t reach base, how do they expect to win?
I think it’s time to beat cheeks out of Yankee Stadium for the last time ever. It’s been nice, but the Twins simply cannot find a way to win in that place. There is an off-day tomorrow before the Twins visit the Cleveland Indians.
Now for a shameless plug: Watch for something special I’m posting tonight!
I wrote a MVN editorial on Mauer and Morneau. Those two deserve it. I am not blaming Gardenhire, Gomez, Casilla (thought his play left a lot to be desired), Perkins, Slowey, or others here. It’s on Mauer and Morneau. They are the stars of this team. It’s time for them to carry the rest of the players on their back not the other way around. When Hunter was here, I was disappointed that he failed. Justin and Joe are no better. They had a series to forget, and that’s why the Twins fail. Until those two learn how to step up in the big stage, they will just be nice-looking stars that can’t get it done when it matters. What I mean is, they are no Kirby.BTW, the Twins are going to Cleveland this weekend. They are not going to be home until Monday.
Thanks for the comment. Sorry, that’s a typo. I said that they were going to Cleveland in the last recap…I don’t know why I didn’t today.
Leslie, I’m not sure how you can put this on Mauer and Morneau. They have been the ones carrying this team for much of the season (like they usually do). And Morneau is being pitched around…ALOT. What did he have in this series – 5 walks?My point is this was a bad series for the team. Very bad. A lot of rookie mistakes (Perkins gave up that two run double after Casilla forgot there was only one out and didn’t turn a double play). Popping up bunts, etc…Anyways, the Twins always do bad in Yankee stadium. So I’m just going to take it for what it is.On Gomez’s stealing – he hasn’t exactly gotten on base enough to steal. It very well could be Gardy holding him back. He probably just wants him to focus on one thing at a time right now, which is hitting.
Remember, this season is gravy. Most of us thought we would lose 90 games- now it looks like we could win 90 games. It’s a bit much to expect a multi-hit game from a player every time out. Stay the course- if they were a decent team last week they still are now. Look at the forest, not just the trees.The Twins have struggled against Mussina since he was an Oriole. I don’t think it’s ineptitude- it’s inexperience manifested by lack of discipline. We hit throwers well, but great pitchers- locaters and clinicians- expose our lack of plate disciple and experience.They will be okay this year- and look out for 2009.Love the blog, Andrew.
Thanks for the feedback, guys. Thanks for the kind words, Wade, and for keeping things in perspective.