- Tuesday’s 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers has been labeled by Twins’ fans as the ugliest game of the year. The offense was decent; against a below-average National League pitcher and bullpen seven runs is expected. Joe Crede committed his second error of the season, but the Twins’ defense was not what made this game difficult to watch.
That honor goes to Francisco Liriano.
Remember that grouchy lady at family reunions who was always telling you to improve you posture ? She’s not looking too annoying now, is she? Liriano’s body language was atrocious the entire time he was on the mound. Slouched shoulders, sour face, and what seemed like a rotten attitute helped Brewer batters tremendously at the plate. They didn’t have to guess during most plate appearances because they could count on Liriano to feed them a meatball sooner or later.
This patient approach led to three strikeouts looking, but also five walks. Liriano was very lucky to have an effective defense behind him last night, as he stranded tons of runners.
Although this topic has been endlessly discussed and debated, I think a move to the bullpen would be the right thing for Liriano. He could regain his confidence, his slider, and maybe even his future as a starting pitcher.
- Joe Mauer is officially batting under .400. This could be a result of the latest SI cover he finds himself on, a regression to the mean, or simply a repercussion of his flu. Yes, even Mauer is susceptible to a mortal illness such as the flu. How he got it nobody knows; maybe he simply cranked the AC too high one night.
The Minnesota dugout has seen it’s fair share of illnesses these past few weeks, and some are blaming Mauer for spreading his flu. Most are recovering, though, and the Twins should have a healthy lineup in no time.
Mauer, though, is in the middle of a 3-21 slump. Still quite a few plate appearances short of qualifying for the batting title, Mauer is enduring a “mortal” stretch. Am I worried? Not at all.
- Aaron Gleeman touched on this a few days ago and I just want to elaborate. We all know that Luis Ayala was designated for assignment a few days ago, and that he is the “latest in a long line of veteran free agents who didn’t make it to the All-Star break with the Twins,” as Gleeman says. Ayala was brought on to fill the void between the seventh and ninth innings, but simply hasn’t pitched well enough to qualify for a shot at that set-up role.
Instead of trying a different approach, the Twins have opted for lateral movement. Just look at Sean Henn and Craig Breslow. Instead of opting for a fresh reliever, the Twins brought on 27-year old Bobby Keppel and kept the same modus operandi. While I wish him all the luck in the world, I doubt Keppel will be the answer in the set-up position.
Rob Delaney is the consensus answer for the years to come, but his first appearance in Rochester left much to be desired. It’s just one appearance, though, and I’m hoping he bounces back in time for a September call-up.
By the way, anyone miss Pat Neshek yet?