Free agent negotiations are strange thing sometimes. On one hand, you have those players that decide to sign their deals right away, at the first sign of a suitable offer. On the other hand, there are those that decide to play the waiting game, regardless of what offers are out on the table. Neither way is right or wrong, in all reality. They're just...different.
It's all a guessing game, when it comes down to it. If you choose to sign immediately, without letting more offers come in, are you giving yourself a fair chance to make the most money you can? Some might contend that signing right away equals signing too early, that the opportunity to consider other potentially greater offers is missed. Some may also suggest that the first offer received may potentially be the best available, and consider it a smart decision to take it. Yet others believe that letting all offers filter in, and giving yourself options is the best course of action.
In the case of Michael Cuddyer, the jury is still out. Cuddyer received a 3-year, $24-$25 million contract offer from the Minnesota Twins a little over one week ago, thus far the only offer received, at least publicly. Prior to that offer, there had been mild interest shown by a couple of teams, namely the Philadelphia Phillies and the Colorado Rockies, yet, neither have offered the right-handed outfielder a contract.
As the days went on, the Twins found themselves coming to a crossroads. Do they hold out for Cuddyer to make a decision, hoping he elects to accept their offer and re-sign with the Twins? Do they pursue other options in the outfield, assuming Cuddyer receives a better offer from another club? Do they somehow find a way for both?
At first glance, it appears they may have chosen the second option. On Thursday, they finalized a 3-year, $21 million deal with free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Willingham would be the right-handed outfield replacement for Cuddyer in the Twins' lineup if they are not able to re-sign the 11-year Twin. Given the decision to trim the payroll in 2011, it doesn't seem as though re-signing Cuddyer would be an option anymore.
That being said, if the Twins are now out of the picture, where does that leave Cuddyer? One week after the Twins made their offer, the Cuddyer camp is still awaiting that elusive "other" offer from one of the other interested teams. Is this an instance of possibly waiting too long? With Willingham signing for only $21 million for three years, has Cuddyer's value now been lowered in the eyes of other ball clubs?
Some people with knowledge of the Twins have suggested that maybe Cuddyer's decision to possibly sign elsewhere is not a money-based one. The current direction of the team may also be a huge deciding factor for him. Being 32, his drive to contend for a World Series Championship may be greater than any desire for a big contract. If that's the case, then look for Cuddyer's decision to come much later, as contending teams put the final pieces of their puzzles together. However, if the decision is primarily value and money based, then look for a team in the middle of the pack to snatch up Cuddyer to be a strong leader in their clubhouse.
One way or the other, we should know soon.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
NBA Players Need To Grow Up
Imagine you work for a company in Phoenix, Arizona. You step into your boss's office to discuss your future with the company one afternoon. You've been a good employee, with no history of poor performance to speak of. As you sit down with your boss, he/she says to you that they are going to send you to one of their regional offices in Milwaukee, a sort of promotion, if you will. You inquire why they are doing this, and the reason given is that, quite simply put, you deserve more money and this division simply doesn't have the means to pay you that next year when you are due for a raise.
Sounds fair enough, right?
Now, imagine the following conversation with your boss:
(You) "Thank you for looking out for me financially, but I'd much rather you send me to the regional office in San Diego instead."
(Boss) "Well, there just aren't any openings in the regional office in San Diego at this time."
(You) "I really don't want to work in Milwaukee. I'd much rather be in San Diego."
(Boss) "I'm sorry, that just isn't possible right now. We can wait until next year to see if something opens, but we just simply won't be able to pay you any more than we are right now."
(You) "I'll tell you what. Work on getting me to San Diego. In the mean time, I don't think it's important for me to be here for the next couple of weeks, at least until you find something out. If you don't find anything out in the by the time our busy time starts, I'll come in and work, but I won't give it 100%, since I'm not really making the kind of money I should be. And actually, now that I think about it, I'd rather work in San Diego, regardless of the money. So, see what you can do and get back to me."
(Boss) "Well, why don't I put a call in and see what openings we have in the regional office in Kansas City. I know they would definitely be able to increase your pay accordingly. That would solve the issue, right?"
(You) "Ehh...not really. Like I said, I really don't want to be here anymore, and neither Milwaukee or Kansas City sound good either. The only place I'd like to work is San Diego. That being said, you've got to get me there by the end of March, otherwise, I'm going to quit and go find someplace else to work."
I think it would be safe to say that, in the real world, had that conversation taken place, it would've resulted in you, the employee, being terminated immediately.
More often than not, in the real world, we don't have the luxury of mandating where we work or how much we get paid. There are a certain few who are able to do that, but the majority of the world isn't given that chance.
So why is it that professional athletes are permitted to hold teams hostage in order to play where they want to play? And, actually, let's be honest about it. The word "play" is the operative word here. Their "play" is actually "work." It's their job.
When the NBA lockout was coming to an end, it appeared that some things may possibly change. There was some hope that players (employees) wouldn't be able to flock to certain destinations of their choosing, just because that's where they wanted to play (work), or who they wanted to play (work) with.
Given the events of this past week, it seems that nothing has changed. The irony of professional sports is that the games (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) became businesses. Sadly, those businesses have now become games. Free agency in sports changed the landscape forever, but it was a concept that was okay by many people. It gave the players an opportunity to finish out their contracts, thus earning the right to play (work) where they wanted to after that. Sad for some franchises who may lose that star player to more money in a bigger market, but great for the bigger markets.
Although all sports have the issue, there is no sport where the issue is as glaring as in the NBA. What is the issue? Rather than waiting for contracts to expire, teams are now forced to "play the game" and trade their stars a year or two before their contracts expire, in order to get some value for them.
When the NBA blocked the trade of Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers, sparks flew. Why was the trade blocked? Some said the 26 other owners not involved in the deal vetoed the deal, because it would've sent a "Top 5" talent in Paul to the already stocked Lakers team. Others implied that because the Hornets are actually owned by the NBA itself, that it appeared the league was forcing the move to make a league and fan favorite team better. Yet Commissioner David Stern said he blocked the deal because "the league would be better with Chris Paul on the Hornets."
Assuming the trade does not find a way to go through, and assuming the Hornets do not trade Paul during the season, how does this benefit New Orleans? Come the end of the season, if Paul hasn't been dealt, he will most certainly leave (probably to Los Angeles in free agency) leaving the Hornets with nothing. They will not be able to replace him in free agency because the league's stars don't want to play in New Orleans. If they did, Paul would stay.
Players should be treated like employees.
Employees are not and should not be able to make demands of their employers. You, as an employee, have the right to apply and interview for a job anywhere you would like. Once you are with that employer, you work. You can make the decision to leave and go someplace else if you choose to, but are not able to walk into your boss's office and tell him or her where you would like to work. If a transfer is feasible, then it can be accommodated. If it's not, you can quit or continue working. If you quit, the company will not pay you while you look for another job.
Players are not and should not be able to make demands of their teams. As a player, if you are fortunate enough to be drafted by a team, you are given employment without having to interview for it. You are playing a game in which you love, and given the opportunity to make a living doing it. When your contract is up, you can make the decision to leave and go someplace else if you choose to, but should not be able to walk into the team owner's office and tell him or her where you would like to work. If you no longer want to play for the team which drafted you, you have the option to quit. The only difference is, you signed a contract to play for a certain amount of time, and quitting would put you in breach of contract.
I have not heard it from any other professional league other than the NBA, but the idea of a "plantation mentality" of team owners "owning" players is absurd! Team owners own the team, not the players. As an owner, it is your responsibility to put a product out on the field/court that your fan base wants to see. If NBA players want to cry about being considered "slaves", then NBA fans should cry about being "hostages." Fans are the ones suffering, not the players.
Grow up!
Sounds fair enough, right?
Now, imagine the following conversation with your boss:
(You) "Thank you for looking out for me financially, but I'd much rather you send me to the regional office in San Diego instead."
(Boss) "Well, there just aren't any openings in the regional office in San Diego at this time."
(You) "I really don't want to work in Milwaukee. I'd much rather be in San Diego."
(Boss) "I'm sorry, that just isn't possible right now. We can wait until next year to see if something opens, but we just simply won't be able to pay you any more than we are right now."
(You) "I'll tell you what. Work on getting me to San Diego. In the mean time, I don't think it's important for me to be here for the next couple of weeks, at least until you find something out. If you don't find anything out in the by the time our busy time starts, I'll come in and work, but I won't give it 100%, since I'm not really making the kind of money I should be. And actually, now that I think about it, I'd rather work in San Diego, regardless of the money. So, see what you can do and get back to me."
(Boss) "Well, why don't I put a call in and see what openings we have in the regional office in Kansas City. I know they would definitely be able to increase your pay accordingly. That would solve the issue, right?"
(You) "Ehh...not really. Like I said, I really don't want to be here anymore, and neither Milwaukee or Kansas City sound good either. The only place I'd like to work is San Diego. That being said, you've got to get me there by the end of March, otherwise, I'm going to quit and go find someplace else to work."
I think it would be safe to say that, in the real world, had that conversation taken place, it would've resulted in you, the employee, being terminated immediately.
More often than not, in the real world, we don't have the luxury of mandating where we work or how much we get paid. There are a certain few who are able to do that, but the majority of the world isn't given that chance.
So why is it that professional athletes are permitted to hold teams hostage in order to play where they want to play? And, actually, let's be honest about it. The word "play" is the operative word here. Their "play" is actually "work." It's their job.
When the NBA lockout was coming to an end, it appeared that some things may possibly change. There was some hope that players (employees) wouldn't be able to flock to certain destinations of their choosing, just because that's where they wanted to play (work), or who they wanted to play (work) with.
Given the events of this past week, it seems that nothing has changed. The irony of professional sports is that the games (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) became businesses. Sadly, those businesses have now become games. Free agency in sports changed the landscape forever, but it was a concept that was okay by many people. It gave the players an opportunity to finish out their contracts, thus earning the right to play (work) where they wanted to after that. Sad for some franchises who may lose that star player to more money in a bigger market, but great for the bigger markets.
Although all sports have the issue, there is no sport where the issue is as glaring as in the NBA. What is the issue? Rather than waiting for contracts to expire, teams are now forced to "play the game" and trade their stars a year or two before their contracts expire, in order to get some value for them.
When the NBA blocked the trade of Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers, sparks flew. Why was the trade blocked? Some said the 26 other owners not involved in the deal vetoed the deal, because it would've sent a "Top 5" talent in Paul to the already stocked Lakers team. Others implied that because the Hornets are actually owned by the NBA itself, that it appeared the league was forcing the move to make a league and fan favorite team better. Yet Commissioner David Stern said he blocked the deal because "the league would be better with Chris Paul on the Hornets."
Assuming the trade does not find a way to go through, and assuming the Hornets do not trade Paul during the season, how does this benefit New Orleans? Come the end of the season, if Paul hasn't been dealt, he will most certainly leave (probably to Los Angeles in free agency) leaving the Hornets with nothing. They will not be able to replace him in free agency because the league's stars don't want to play in New Orleans. If they did, Paul would stay.
Players should be treated like employees.
Employees are not and should not be able to make demands of their employers. You, as an employee, have the right to apply and interview for a job anywhere you would like. Once you are with that employer, you work. You can make the decision to leave and go someplace else if you choose to, but are not able to walk into your boss's office and tell him or her where you would like to work. If a transfer is feasible, then it can be accommodated. If it's not, you can quit or continue working. If you quit, the company will not pay you while you look for another job.
Players are not and should not be able to make demands of their teams. As a player, if you are fortunate enough to be drafted by a team, you are given employment without having to interview for it. You are playing a game in which you love, and given the opportunity to make a living doing it. When your contract is up, you can make the decision to leave and go someplace else if you choose to, but should not be able to walk into the team owner's office and tell him or her where you would like to work. If you no longer want to play for the team which drafted you, you have the option to quit. The only difference is, you signed a contract to play for a certain amount of time, and quitting would put you in breach of contract.
I have not heard it from any other professional league other than the NBA, but the idea of a "plantation mentality" of team owners "owning" players is absurd! Team owners own the team, not the players. As an owner, it is your responsibility to put a product out on the field/court that your fan base wants to see. If NBA players want to cry about being considered "slaves", then NBA fans should cry about being "hostages." Fans are the ones suffering, not the players.
Grow up!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Baseball Drama: There's NOTHING Better!
162 games.
There is no lengthier season in professional sports than that of Major League Baseball. Starting at the beginning of April (or sometimes the last day of March), the season begins. It comes to an end on or around the last day of September. That's six months.
For those people who are not true fans of the game, 162 games seems excessive. It seems like overkill. For those that are not true fans of the game, shortening the season sounds like a brilliant idea. After all, the games at the beginning of the season really don't matter, it's just the ones at the end that make the difference.
Tell that to the Atlanta Braves, who lost a "meaningless" game on April 21st to the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing in the 12th inning after blowing a one-run lead in the ninth.
Tell that to the Boston Red Sox, who started their 2011 season 2-10 in April, finally getting themselves back on their typical track.
Tell it to both the Braves and Red Sox, who saw their 2011 seasons come crashing down on the final day of the regular season. Game 162.
Believe it or not, they all matter!
I've been a baseball fan since I was probably about six years old. As a kid, you dream about playing baseball in the big leagues. Some of my fondest memories are of playing catch in the backyard with my father. I remember pitching in grade school, looking off to the side and seeing my grandfather leaning against a tree, watching me. It's personal memories like that which make baseball such a special sports.
My first real memory of dramatic baseball came during the 1986 World Series. I was just starting to truly understand the game and what it meant. Being only eight years old, I had no real comprehension of what that World Series meant to the Boston Red Sox. When I saw the Red Sox lose Game 6 after Bob Stanley blew a save opportunity, leading to the infamous Bill Buckner error, I knew something dramatic and memorable had just happened, and I was hooked! It wasn't until years later that I truly understood the significance of that moment.
I had the great fortune of being in attendance at the Metrodome for the 1987 World Series, to see the Minnesota Twins win their first of two World Series championships. I've never heard a building louder. I was only nine years old at the time, but I knew that what I had just seen was something so unprecedented, so "special", that I figured out; only baseball could provide moments like that.
I remember spending a fall evening in October of 1988 at my grandparents' house. I got ready for bed early so I could just lay in bed in the spare room and watch Game One of the 1988 World Series. The Oakland A's, by all accounts, should have made quick work of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But, a funny, amazing thing happened as I was laying there watching the game, even more amazing to me than the '87 series. A hobbled, injured Kirk Gibson hit an improbable walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off A's closer Dennis Eckersley, who was absolutely untouchable during the regular season. As a ten year-old, I'd never felt goosebumps like that.
In 1991, the Twins reached the World Series again, and once again, I was lucky enough to be there for all four games. I'm 13 years old now, and seem to already have a wealth of baseball history in me just in the past fives years. And yet, it's about to get even deeper. An amazing jumping catch against the plexi-glass wall in left center by Kirby Puckett, followed by a storybook walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 6 by Kirby himself sends the Twins and Braves into a Game 7. There was no way to top the emotion from Game 6. Not a chance anything could be more exciting than that!
Wrong. Game 7 proved to be, what I still consider, the greatest baseball game ever played. A game with everything riding on it, with a "win or go home" finale assured. There would be no tomorrow. Twins pitcher, Jack Morris, took to the mound for one of the most amazing, guttiest pitching performances in the history of Major League Baseball; a 10-inning, 1-0 Twins victory, giving them their second World Series title in five seasons. In a word: Epic!
Over the last 20 years of my baseball-watching life, I've seen some amazing things happen, both live and on television. I've seen a World Series clinching walk-off homer by Toronto's Joe Carter in Game 6 of the '93 World Series. I watched the drama unfold in 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa chased down Roger Maris's home run record of 61, with McGwire breaking it first. I saw the Arizona Diamondbacks break the unbreakable Mariano Rivera to win the 2001 World Series in Game 7. Seeing the 2004 Red Sox exercise their 86 year-old demons and win their first World Series since 1918. I was in attendance at the Metrodome once more in 2009 for Game 163, a one-game playoff between the Twins and Detroit Tigers in which the Twins won a back-and-forth game in extra-innings on a walk-off single to advance to the playoffs.
I've seen quite a bit in my lifetime so far. However, nothing I've seen rivaled what I saw Wednesday night. Four teams; the Cardinals and Braves in the National League, and the Red Sox and Rays in the American League. Two playoff spots; the Wild Cards. One winner. A season where 161 games all led up to this night. Game 162.
The Cardinals made quick work of the Houston Astros, doing their part for the night, leaving it up to Atlanta to decide whether they'd be playing in the post season, or playing a one-game playoff against the Braves on Thursday. Atlanta led Philadelphia 3-2 entering the ninth inning.
The Red Sox, needing a win and a Tampa Bay loss to secure the Wild Card, led 3-2 in the seventh inning before a rain delay kept them waiting, and watching, what was happening in Tampa.
The Rays trailed the Yankees 7-0 entering the bottom of the eighth inning. Many fans in attendance had already left as it seemed an insurmountable lead to overcome. They just needed to hope the Red Sox choked, as they'd been doing throughout September, in order to play a 163rd game on Thursday.
As the Cardinals watched from their clubhouse, the Braves proceeded to blow their one-run lead, allowing the Phillies to tie the game in the top of the ninth, ultimately sending them into extra-innings in Atlanta. As this was happening, the Rays began mounting a minor assault on the Yankees, scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, allowing Evan Longoria to come to the plate with two runners on. Longoria hit the first pitch he saw into the left-center field stands for a three-run homer, bringing the Rays to within one at 7-6. The Red Sox could only sit and watch as the rain fell in Baltimore.
Once their game resumed, the Red Sox attempted to hold their 3-2 lead, learning that the Rays had just tied their game with the Yankees at 7-7 with a two-out, two-strike, pinch-hit home run by Dan Johnson, a guy who hadn't hit a home run since April. The Red Sox entered the ninth inning leading 3-2.
As the drama unfolded in both Baltimore and Tampa, the Braves succumbed to the pressure of the moment first, allowing a run in the top of the 13th inning, and falling to the Phillies 4-3. The Cardinals were going to be the National League Wild Card winners.
Back in Baltimore, the Orioles start the bottom of the ninth trailing 3-2, facing the ever-intimidating Jonathan Papelbon. After their first two hitters struck out, the Orioles get a double, ground-rule double, and a single from the next three hitters to win the game 4-3, sending the Red Sox into waiting mode to find out if the Yankees could beat the Rays to create the need for a one-game playoff on Thursday.
Boston wouldn't be waiting long. Within three minutes of the Red Sox losing, Evan Longoria comes to the plate for Tampa Bay with one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, and lines the 2-2 pitch over the wall in left field for a walk-off, Wild Card-clinching 8-7 victory.
The drama within those 90 minutes was, as far as I'm concerned, unmatched in baseball. Having all four games taking place at the same time, having two of the four go into extra-innings, having three teams (Braves, Red Sox, and Yankees) all blow ninth-inning saves with two-outs, having three incredible clutch home runs hit by Tampa Bay in the 8th, 9th, and 12th innings...having it all happen within 90 minutes, on the last day of the regular season. Words can hardly describe it and give it justice.
If you're somebody who thinks the regular season is too long, and that baseball is boring, there are some people that might agree with you. For me, however, I couldn't imagine it being any other way. Wednesday night WAS baseball. Nights like that may not happen often, or ever, for that matter. But, when they do, they're nights you will always remember!
There is no lengthier season in professional sports than that of Major League Baseball. Starting at the beginning of April (or sometimes the last day of March), the season begins. It comes to an end on or around the last day of September. That's six months.
For those people who are not true fans of the game, 162 games seems excessive. It seems like overkill. For those that are not true fans of the game, shortening the season sounds like a brilliant idea. After all, the games at the beginning of the season really don't matter, it's just the ones at the end that make the difference.
Tell that to the Atlanta Braves, who lost a "meaningless" game on April 21st to the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing in the 12th inning after blowing a one-run lead in the ninth.
Tell that to the Boston Red Sox, who started their 2011 season 2-10 in April, finally getting themselves back on their typical track.
Tell it to both the Braves and Red Sox, who saw their 2011 seasons come crashing down on the final day of the regular season. Game 162.
Believe it or not, they all matter!
I've been a baseball fan since I was probably about six years old. As a kid, you dream about playing baseball in the big leagues. Some of my fondest memories are of playing catch in the backyard with my father. I remember pitching in grade school, looking off to the side and seeing my grandfather leaning against a tree, watching me. It's personal memories like that which make baseball such a special sports.
My first real memory of dramatic baseball came during the 1986 World Series. I was just starting to truly understand the game and what it meant. Being only eight years old, I had no real comprehension of what that World Series meant to the Boston Red Sox. When I saw the Red Sox lose Game 6 after Bob Stanley blew a save opportunity, leading to the infamous Bill Buckner error, I knew something dramatic and memorable had just happened, and I was hooked! It wasn't until years later that I truly understood the significance of that moment.
I had the great fortune of being in attendance at the Metrodome for the 1987 World Series, to see the Minnesota Twins win their first of two World Series championships. I've never heard a building louder. I was only nine years old at the time, but I knew that what I had just seen was something so unprecedented, so "special", that I figured out; only baseball could provide moments like that.
I remember spending a fall evening in October of 1988 at my grandparents' house. I got ready for bed early so I could just lay in bed in the spare room and watch Game One of the 1988 World Series. The Oakland A's, by all accounts, should have made quick work of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But, a funny, amazing thing happened as I was laying there watching the game, even more amazing to me than the '87 series. A hobbled, injured Kirk Gibson hit an improbable walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth off A's closer Dennis Eckersley, who was absolutely untouchable during the regular season. As a ten year-old, I'd never felt goosebumps like that.
In 1991, the Twins reached the World Series again, and once again, I was lucky enough to be there for all four games. I'm 13 years old now, and seem to already have a wealth of baseball history in me just in the past fives years. And yet, it's about to get even deeper. An amazing jumping catch against the plexi-glass wall in left center by Kirby Puckett, followed by a storybook walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 6 by Kirby himself sends the Twins and Braves into a Game 7. There was no way to top the emotion from Game 6. Not a chance anything could be more exciting than that!
Wrong. Game 7 proved to be, what I still consider, the greatest baseball game ever played. A game with everything riding on it, with a "win or go home" finale assured. There would be no tomorrow. Twins pitcher, Jack Morris, took to the mound for one of the most amazing, guttiest pitching performances in the history of Major League Baseball; a 10-inning, 1-0 Twins victory, giving them their second World Series title in five seasons. In a word: Epic!
Over the last 20 years of my baseball-watching life, I've seen some amazing things happen, both live and on television. I've seen a World Series clinching walk-off homer by Toronto's Joe Carter in Game 6 of the '93 World Series. I watched the drama unfold in 1998 when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa chased down Roger Maris's home run record of 61, with McGwire breaking it first. I saw the Arizona Diamondbacks break the unbreakable Mariano Rivera to win the 2001 World Series in Game 7. Seeing the 2004 Red Sox exercise their 86 year-old demons and win their first World Series since 1918. I was in attendance at the Metrodome once more in 2009 for Game 163, a one-game playoff between the Twins and Detroit Tigers in which the Twins won a back-and-forth game in extra-innings on a walk-off single to advance to the playoffs.
I've seen quite a bit in my lifetime so far. However, nothing I've seen rivaled what I saw Wednesday night. Four teams; the Cardinals and Braves in the National League, and the Red Sox and Rays in the American League. Two playoff spots; the Wild Cards. One winner. A season where 161 games all led up to this night. Game 162.
The Cardinals made quick work of the Houston Astros, doing their part for the night, leaving it up to Atlanta to decide whether they'd be playing in the post season, or playing a one-game playoff against the Braves on Thursday. Atlanta led Philadelphia 3-2 entering the ninth inning.
The Red Sox, needing a win and a Tampa Bay loss to secure the Wild Card, led 3-2 in the seventh inning before a rain delay kept them waiting, and watching, what was happening in Tampa.
The Rays trailed the Yankees 7-0 entering the bottom of the eighth inning. Many fans in attendance had already left as it seemed an insurmountable lead to overcome. They just needed to hope the Red Sox choked, as they'd been doing throughout September, in order to play a 163rd game on Thursday.
As the Cardinals watched from their clubhouse, the Braves proceeded to blow their one-run lead, allowing the Phillies to tie the game in the top of the ninth, ultimately sending them into extra-innings in Atlanta. As this was happening, the Rays began mounting a minor assault on the Yankees, scoring three runs in the bottom of the eighth, allowing Evan Longoria to come to the plate with two runners on. Longoria hit the first pitch he saw into the left-center field stands for a three-run homer, bringing the Rays to within one at 7-6. The Red Sox could only sit and watch as the rain fell in Baltimore.
Once their game resumed, the Red Sox attempted to hold their 3-2 lead, learning that the Rays had just tied their game with the Yankees at 7-7 with a two-out, two-strike, pinch-hit home run by Dan Johnson, a guy who hadn't hit a home run since April. The Red Sox entered the ninth inning leading 3-2.
As the drama unfolded in both Baltimore and Tampa, the Braves succumbed to the pressure of the moment first, allowing a run in the top of the 13th inning, and falling to the Phillies 4-3. The Cardinals were going to be the National League Wild Card winners.
Back in Baltimore, the Orioles start the bottom of the ninth trailing 3-2, facing the ever-intimidating Jonathan Papelbon. After their first two hitters struck out, the Orioles get a double, ground-rule double, and a single from the next three hitters to win the game 4-3, sending the Red Sox into waiting mode to find out if the Yankees could beat the Rays to create the need for a one-game playoff on Thursday.
Boston wouldn't be waiting long. Within three minutes of the Red Sox losing, Evan Longoria comes to the plate for Tampa Bay with one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, and lines the 2-2 pitch over the wall in left field for a walk-off, Wild Card-clinching 8-7 victory.
The drama within those 90 minutes was, as far as I'm concerned, unmatched in baseball. Having all four games taking place at the same time, having two of the four go into extra-innings, having three teams (Braves, Red Sox, and Yankees) all blow ninth-inning saves with two-outs, having three incredible clutch home runs hit by Tampa Bay in the 8th, 9th, and 12th innings...having it all happen within 90 minutes, on the last day of the regular season. Words can hardly describe it and give it justice.
If you're somebody who thinks the regular season is too long, and that baseball is boring, there are some people that might agree with you. For me, however, I couldn't imagine it being any other way. Wednesday night WAS baseball. Nights like that may not happen often, or ever, for that matter. But, when they do, they're nights you will always remember!
Monday, September 26, 2011
This Twins Downfall Started In 2007
With the Twins' season coming to a close this week, there have been some positive discussions and quite a few negative ones. To be fair, I've been one who has chosen to see more of the negative aspects of this club than the positives, after all, there have been almost twice as many. We've beat the injury excuse to death already. I've hinted that perhaps it's the coaching staff who should be to blame, although I'm beginning to back off that idea a little bit. Just this past week, I heard the ultimate reason for the Twins demise this season: The Curse of Wally The Beer-Man.
In all reality, the Twins' demise this season, their ineptitude in postseasons of the past, and the potential struggles yet to come in future seasons, can be traced back to one fateful day back in September of 2007. It was then that Mr. Bill Smith accepted a promotion from Vice President, Assistant General Manager to Terry Ryan to become the new Senior Vice President, General Manager of the Minnesota Twins.
Smith was immediately handed a difficult task: Finding a way to either keep center-fielder Torii Hunter and two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana, or to make the most out of their departure. It was clear from the start that it would be impossible to hold on to both players. Hunter was a free agent after the 2007 season, and Santana would be after the 2008 campaign. If Smith opted to throw the necessary money at Hunter to keep him, then Santana would be lost. If he decided to let Hunter go and focus his attention on Santana, he'd risk losing both without getting anything.
The Twins made an offer to Hunter in August of 2007; a three-year, $45 million offer. The offer was made by then GM Terry Ryan. Smith took over the reigns in mid-September as the GM, and failed to make another offer. Whether it was something lost in the shuffle of the transition, or just a decision that they couldn't go any higher, the Twins lost Hunter to the Los Angeles Angels for a five-year, $90 million contract. Although disappointing to lose someone of Hunter's character and talent, it opened the door for Smith and the Twins to focus their attention on keeping the best pitcher in baseball, Santana.
Smith turned his attention to Santana, knowing it would either be a "re-sign him or trade him" outcome. The club offered him a five-year, $96 million deal. Santana's people countered with a seven-year, $126 million deal. It quickly became clear that Santana's price would be too high, and the club's best chance would be to trade Santana and get some good value in return. In hindsight, Santana has missed the entire 2011 season and part of the 2010 season with elbow injuries, so signing him may have proved to be a mistake, however, I'm not sure that mistake would compare to the colossal blunder that was about to happen.
Deciding to trade Santana, the Twins put everyone on notice, entertaining offers from the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox. As you would expect they would, the Yankees and Red Sox began battling with each other to try and land Santana. The Dodgers, seeing what the Sox and Yankees were offering, quickly decided to pull out of the running. Smith had exactly what he should've wanted: a bidding war of sorts between the Yankees and Red Sox. First the Red Sox upped their offer, and then the Yankees threw in another stud, which caused the Sox to make another change. In the end, the offers sat there for a couple weeks.
They sat until Smith had done the impossible. He'd actually annoyed the Yankees enough by not making a decision that they'd lost interest and pulled their best offer off the table. That offer included outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Phil Hughes. That left the Red Sox and Mets. The Red Sox began to lose interest, as well, having waited long enough for an answer. Smith continued to push them for more and more, even after they'd improved their original offer dramatically. In the end, the Red Sox offered a trade with one of two centerpieces: either left-handed pitcher Jon Lester, or center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, coupled with two young prospects, pitcher Justin Masterson and infielder Jed Lowrie. Smith asked for all four. The Red Sox said no. So, Smith did the only thing he could do.
He accepted the Mets offer.
The Mets offered outfielder Carlos Gomez and three pitchers; Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey. Gomez had played a few games for the Mets in 2007 and showed some promise, but was very rough around the edges. The three pitchers had little to no big league experience, and would be projects. Hindsight, again, is always 20/20, but taking a look at the cornerstone players involved in the deals with Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets since 2008 (the year they would've been Twins), it's clear that Smith's run as General Manager of the Twins would be nothing short of disappointing.
If you want more proof, here you go:
In all reality, the Twins' demise this season, their ineptitude in postseasons of the past, and the potential struggles yet to come in future seasons, can be traced back to one fateful day back in September of 2007. It was then that Mr. Bill Smith accepted a promotion from Vice President, Assistant General Manager to Terry Ryan to become the new Senior Vice President, General Manager of the Minnesota Twins.
Smith was immediately handed a difficult task: Finding a way to either keep center-fielder Torii Hunter and two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana, or to make the most out of their departure. It was clear from the start that it would be impossible to hold on to both players. Hunter was a free agent after the 2007 season, and Santana would be after the 2008 campaign. If Smith opted to throw the necessary money at Hunter to keep him, then Santana would be lost. If he decided to let Hunter go and focus his attention on Santana, he'd risk losing both without getting anything.
The Twins made an offer to Hunter in August of 2007; a three-year, $45 million offer. The offer was made by then GM Terry Ryan. Smith took over the reigns in mid-September as the GM, and failed to make another offer. Whether it was something lost in the shuffle of the transition, or just a decision that they couldn't go any higher, the Twins lost Hunter to the Los Angeles Angels for a five-year, $90 million contract. Although disappointing to lose someone of Hunter's character and talent, it opened the door for Smith and the Twins to focus their attention on keeping the best pitcher in baseball, Santana.
Smith turned his attention to Santana, knowing it would either be a "re-sign him or trade him" outcome. The club offered him a five-year, $96 million deal. Santana's people countered with a seven-year, $126 million deal. It quickly became clear that Santana's price would be too high, and the club's best chance would be to trade Santana and get some good value in return. In hindsight, Santana has missed the entire 2011 season and part of the 2010 season with elbow injuries, so signing him may have proved to be a mistake, however, I'm not sure that mistake would compare to the colossal blunder that was about to happen.
Deciding to trade Santana, the Twins put everyone on notice, entertaining offers from the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox. As you would expect they would, the Yankees and Red Sox began battling with each other to try and land Santana. The Dodgers, seeing what the Sox and Yankees were offering, quickly decided to pull out of the running. Smith had exactly what he should've wanted: a bidding war of sorts between the Yankees and Red Sox. First the Red Sox upped their offer, and then the Yankees threw in another stud, which caused the Sox to make another change. In the end, the offers sat there for a couple weeks.
They sat until Smith had done the impossible. He'd actually annoyed the Yankees enough by not making a decision that they'd lost interest and pulled their best offer off the table. That offer included outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Phil Hughes. That left the Red Sox and Mets. The Red Sox began to lose interest, as well, having waited long enough for an answer. Smith continued to push them for more and more, even after they'd improved their original offer dramatically. In the end, the Red Sox offered a trade with one of two centerpieces: either left-handed pitcher Jon Lester, or center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, coupled with two young prospects, pitcher Justin Masterson and infielder Jed Lowrie. Smith asked for all four. The Red Sox said no. So, Smith did the only thing he could do.
He accepted the Mets offer.
The Mets offered outfielder Carlos Gomez and three pitchers; Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey. Gomez had played a few games for the Mets in 2007 and showed some promise, but was very rough around the edges. The three pitchers had little to no big league experience, and would be projects. Hindsight, again, is always 20/20, but taking a look at the cornerstone players involved in the deals with Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets since 2008 (the year they would've been Twins), it's clear that Smith's run as General Manager of the Twins would be nothing short of disappointing.
| Jacoby Ellsbury | Melky Cabrera | Carlos Gomez | ||||
| Avg | .298 | .274 | .244 | |||
| AB | 1902 | 2012 | 1412 | |||
| H | 566 | 552 | 344 | |||
| HR | 48 | 43 | 22 | |||
| RBI | 215 | 234 | 132 | |||
| XBH | 168 | 164 | 101 | |||
| SB | 165 | 46 | 81 | |||
| Justin Masterson | Phil Hughes | Philip Humber | ||||
| G | 146 | 105 | 48 | |||
| W | 28 | 31 | 11 | |||
| L | 38 | 20 | 10 | |||
| ERA | 3.92 | 4.49 | 4.05 | |||
| IP | 613.2 | 369.1 | 202.2 | |||
| SO | 485 | 310 | 138 | |||
| BB | 238 | 125 | 58 |
If you want more proof, here you go:
- November 29th, 2007: Smith trades pitcher Matt Garza (career 51-54, 3.84 ERA, 761 SO) and SS Jason Bartlett (career .275, 31 HR, 282 RBI) to Tampa Bay for outfielder Delmon Young (career .287, 69 HR, 402 RBI) and SS Brendan Harris (career .260, 29 HR, 158 RBI). Although this trade happened before the Santana trade, it's significance wasn't known until the Twins failed to acquire a legit replacement for Santana at the top of the rotation. Garza had potential to be a top tier starter, and proved so in Tampa Bay's run to the World Series in 2008.
- December 9th, 2010: Smith trades SS J.J. Hardy (who was acquired a year earlier from Milwaukee for Carlos Gomez) and SS Brendan Harris (who was acquired for Garza and Young) and $500,000 to Baltimore for pitcher Brett Jacobson and relief pitcher Jim Hoey. The move was made to clear room, both under the cap and on the field, for the Twins to bring in SS Tsuoyshi Nishioka from Japan. No need to say anything more on that.
- July 29th, 2010: Smith trades prized catching prospect Wilson Ramos to the Washington Nationals for closer Matt Capps. With Joe Nathan missing the entire 2010 season with Tommy John surgery, it was important for the Twins to get someone to seal up games at the end. Although his 2011 was less than desired, Capps filled the critical role perfectly last season. The issue with this deal, you ask? With the health of Joe Mauer a question even last season, to trade a valuable back-up catching option like Ramos for a closer in the heat of the moment was a terrible decision. To put it in perspective, Ramos' 2011 season: .269, 15 HR, 52 RBI, 38 XBH, and a On Base+Slugging % of .784. The Twins two back-up catchers, Drew Butera and Rene Rivera combined in 2011: .160, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 16 XBH, and a combined On Base+Slugging % of .436. A decision that no doubt affected the Twins this season.
Unfortunately for Twins fans, I don't think we've seen the last of Mr. Smith. This offseason will prove to be an interesting one, to say the least.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Twins Cannot Repeat History
After reading a great article from Star Tribune sports writer Patrick Reusse ("This has all the earmarks of a lengthy Twins dive"), I realized how familiar this Twins season is becoming. Reusse is spot on with his observations, and quite honestly, it's scary to truly see the similarities between the Twins of the mid-90's and the current iteration.
Hopefully, however, this current version of the Twins, both players and front office alike, will learn from the mistakes of their predecessors, and re-write history.
As fans, we have to believe that what we're seeing in 2011 is nothing more than the anomaly. The debacle that has been the 2011 season is nothing more than a season filled with incredibly bad luck, right? I mean, the injury issues alone couldn't reproduce themselves again in 2012, could they? There's really no way possible that the Twins big guns can't get back to their usual MVP selves, is there?
The problem is that, unless the organization decides to be proactive and do something, what Reusse speaks about will become gospel in 2012 and beyond. So, what can the team realistically do?
For starters, let's assume the major injuries of 2011 resolve themselves this offseason. Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Denard Span will all be back at 100% at the start of Spring Training. Let's just pretend, for a moment, that the Twins are able to re-sign both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel to solidify the core of the lineup, as well as come to terms with Joe Nathan on a multi-year deal that will enable Joe to end his career with the Twins, as it appears he wants to do. And lastly, let's also say, for argument's sake, that the banged up starting rotation returns from their myriad of arm issues. Assuming all of these things, where are the areas for the Twins to make significant changes to ensure that 2011 was nothing more than a minor speed bump?
One glaring hole needing immediate resolution going into the 2012 season is the middle infield, specifically the shortstop position. After choosing to not bring back J.J. Hardy after the 2010 season in favor of the unknown and unproven Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the Twins took a major step back. Oddly enough, the Twins front office felt Hardy's injury problems were too much to invest another year in, opting instead to let him go in trade to the Orioles. Should they feel the same way about most of the injured 2011 roster, we may be in complete rebuilding mode. In 2009, the Twins made a late-season trade to acquire Orlando Cabrera to bring some veteran stability to an important position, but decided his price tag was too high for 2010, instead signing Hardy. The problematic pattern presenting itself in this case seems that the Twins are unwilling to pay for stability at a very important position. The current options at shortstop are Trevor Plouffe and Nishioka. Plouffe has shown some signs of being a viable offensive solution at short, but his defense leaves quite a bit to be desired. Nishioka needs a major overhaul, both offensively and defensively. Until that happens, "Nishy" should be relegated to nothing but utility duty. Finding a solid veteran shortstop, either through trade or on the free agent market, should be a priority for the Twins to give themselves at least a couple of options going into spring.
Another hole needing attention is that of the bullpen. Middle relief was a major hurdle to overcome for this squad, particularly from the likes of Jose Mijares and Alex Burnett. Combined, the two relievers had an ERA near 5.00, striking out 61 batters while walking 51. Not the poster children for reliability, that's for sure. Mijares lost his late inning specialty role to Glen Perkins, who was seemingly the only bright spot in the bullpen this season. The middle relief roles, both right and left-handed, occupied by Burnett and Mijares respectively, need to be re-cast. Given the free agent market for relief pitchers in 2012, this might have to occur through trade. Regardless of how it gets done, the Twins need to address this pressing issue before pitchers and catchers report in February.
The last area needing to be seriously looked at in order to avoid a long spell of sub-par seasons is one which wasn't considered back in 1993. It's not an easy option to consider, but it should be something at least discussed. That option is a change in the coaching staff. Back in 1993, Tom Kelly was in his seventh full season as the manager of the Twins. It was hard to argue with two World Series titles in five seasons, so it seemed understandable that a change at the helm didn't need to be made right away. The coaches, however, could've possibly been shaken up a bit. With Tony Olivia retiring as the Twins' hitting coach after the 1991 season, Terry Crowley took over. Again, it might've seemed a bit rash to replace Crowley after only two season as the team's hitting instructor. Dick Such remained the team's pitching coach through the 2000 season. It's possible that a change there might have sparked something with the pitching staff, but it's difficult to say.
Fast forward to 2011, and we have a different coaching scenario than we had back in 1993, when the run of losing seasons began for the Twins. Now, we have two members of the coaching staff, hitting coach Joe Vavra, and pitching coach Rick Anderson, who have been in their positions six and eleven years, respectively. With the exception of an increase between 2007 into 2008, the Twins, as a team, have seen declines in batting average, hits, and runs under Vavra. Vavra is the second-longest tenured hitting coach in all of baseball, behind only Mickey Hatcher of the Los Angeles Angels. Similarly, Anderson has the third longest tenure amongst pitching coaches behind Dave Duncan of the Cardinals and Dave Righetti of the Giants. Before things get too out of hand, as they did in 1993, it may be wise for the Twins front office to decide to take the leadership of the team into a different direction.
2012 does not need to be the "end of the world" for the Twins, pun intended. It will only end up that way if the team decides to allow it to happen. Let's hope, for the sake of the players and fans, the decision is to erase 2011 from our memories by repeating the feat of the 1991 team, that being to finish in last place the year before contending for the title.
Hopefully, however, this current version of the Twins, both players and front office alike, will learn from the mistakes of their predecessors, and re-write history.
As fans, we have to believe that what we're seeing in 2011 is nothing more than the anomaly. The debacle that has been the 2011 season is nothing more than a season filled with incredibly bad luck, right? I mean, the injury issues alone couldn't reproduce themselves again in 2012, could they? There's really no way possible that the Twins big guns can't get back to their usual MVP selves, is there?
The problem is that, unless the organization decides to be proactive and do something, what Reusse speaks about will become gospel in 2012 and beyond. So, what can the team realistically do?
For starters, let's assume the major injuries of 2011 resolve themselves this offseason. Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Denard Span will all be back at 100% at the start of Spring Training. Let's just pretend, for a moment, that the Twins are able to re-sign both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel to solidify the core of the lineup, as well as come to terms with Joe Nathan on a multi-year deal that will enable Joe to end his career with the Twins, as it appears he wants to do. And lastly, let's also say, for argument's sake, that the banged up starting rotation returns from their myriad of arm issues. Assuming all of these things, where are the areas for the Twins to make significant changes to ensure that 2011 was nothing more than a minor speed bump?
One glaring hole needing immediate resolution going into the 2012 season is the middle infield, specifically the shortstop position. After choosing to not bring back J.J. Hardy after the 2010 season in favor of the unknown and unproven Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the Twins took a major step back. Oddly enough, the Twins front office felt Hardy's injury problems were too much to invest another year in, opting instead to let him go in trade to the Orioles. Should they feel the same way about most of the injured 2011 roster, we may be in complete rebuilding mode. In 2009, the Twins made a late-season trade to acquire Orlando Cabrera to bring some veteran stability to an important position, but decided his price tag was too high for 2010, instead signing Hardy. The problematic pattern presenting itself in this case seems that the Twins are unwilling to pay for stability at a very important position. The current options at shortstop are Trevor Plouffe and Nishioka. Plouffe has shown some signs of being a viable offensive solution at short, but his defense leaves quite a bit to be desired. Nishioka needs a major overhaul, both offensively and defensively. Until that happens, "Nishy" should be relegated to nothing but utility duty. Finding a solid veteran shortstop, either through trade or on the free agent market, should be a priority for the Twins to give themselves at least a couple of options going into spring.
Another hole needing attention is that of the bullpen. Middle relief was a major hurdle to overcome for this squad, particularly from the likes of Jose Mijares and Alex Burnett. Combined, the two relievers had an ERA near 5.00, striking out 61 batters while walking 51. Not the poster children for reliability, that's for sure. Mijares lost his late inning specialty role to Glen Perkins, who was seemingly the only bright spot in the bullpen this season. The middle relief roles, both right and left-handed, occupied by Burnett and Mijares respectively, need to be re-cast. Given the free agent market for relief pitchers in 2012, this might have to occur through trade. Regardless of how it gets done, the Twins need to address this pressing issue before pitchers and catchers report in February.
The last area needing to be seriously looked at in order to avoid a long spell of sub-par seasons is one which wasn't considered back in 1993. It's not an easy option to consider, but it should be something at least discussed. That option is a change in the coaching staff. Back in 1993, Tom Kelly was in his seventh full season as the manager of the Twins. It was hard to argue with two World Series titles in five seasons, so it seemed understandable that a change at the helm didn't need to be made right away. The coaches, however, could've possibly been shaken up a bit. With Tony Olivia retiring as the Twins' hitting coach after the 1991 season, Terry Crowley took over. Again, it might've seemed a bit rash to replace Crowley after only two season as the team's hitting instructor. Dick Such remained the team's pitching coach through the 2000 season. It's possible that a change there might have sparked something with the pitching staff, but it's difficult to say.
Fast forward to 2011, and we have a different coaching scenario than we had back in 1993, when the run of losing seasons began for the Twins. Now, we have two members of the coaching staff, hitting coach Joe Vavra, and pitching coach Rick Anderson, who have been in their positions six and eleven years, respectively. With the exception of an increase between 2007 into 2008, the Twins, as a team, have seen declines in batting average, hits, and runs under Vavra. Vavra is the second-longest tenured hitting coach in all of baseball, behind only Mickey Hatcher of the Los Angeles Angels. Similarly, Anderson has the third longest tenure amongst pitching coaches behind Dave Duncan of the Cardinals and Dave Righetti of the Giants. Before things get too out of hand, as they did in 1993, it may be wise for the Twins front office to decide to take the leadership of the team into a different direction.
2012 does not need to be the "end of the world" for the Twins, pun intended. It will only end up that way if the team decides to allow it to happen. Let's hope, for the sake of the players and fans, the decision is to erase 2011 from our memories by repeating the feat of the 1991 team, that being to finish in last place the year before contending for the title.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Twins Face Tough, But Necessary Choices
Since this is a topic I've already covered once within the last month, I'll try to keep it a little short this time around.
With the Twins being shut out for a 13th time this season, there is a question that needs to, not only be asked, but quite frankly, one that needs to be answered sooner rather than later. That question is: Who will be held accountable for the Twins' offensive struggles this season?
I've contended for most of the season, even before the offense went from mediocre to sub-par, that the Twins' front office needs to take a serious look at changing some of the major "players" in order to make a significant change going into 2012. When I say "players," I'm not referring to those that take the field on a day-to-day basis (or a day-to-every-third-day basis, as is the case with one Mr. Mauer). I'm referring to the coaching staff. As the saying goes, the definition of "insanity" is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. With the Twins scoring one run or fewer for the 40th time this season, I would say that constitutes doing the same thing over and over again and waiting for a different result, wouldn't you?
Quite honestly, the three coaches who have the most impact on the team itself are pitching coach Rick Anderson, hitting coach Joe Vavra, and the manager himself, Ron Gardenhire. In any organization, sports or otherwise, when the employees are unable to get the job done, the "bosses" are looked upon to determine if the proper training and coaching was given to allow them to succeed. If the answer is yes, then the employees are let go and replaced. If the answer is no, the boss is deemed to be inadequate, and often times replaced.
Take a department store, for example. When a particular department is not succeeding, the Store Manager would look at the supervisor of that department to determine if he/she has been giving their employees everything they need to be successful. If they have, the Manager would ask the the employee be fired. If the Manager deemed that the supervisor was not providing the best leadership to those employees, then it would be the supervisor who would find him or herself replaced.
What Gardenhire needs to do is take a long, hard look at his staff. That look needs to take into account the overall season's performances, and not allow personal friendships to interfere. After all, this team is actually a "business". What he needs to realize is that, although they may have been great at getting results in the past, their message may now be stale. The results both Vavra and Anderson attained in years past may have ultimately been the pinnacle of what they were capable of attaining. It may just be time for someone else to take over the reigns to take this team a little further going forward.
As with any sport, the goal is to win. Plain and simple. As with many sports, that goal is attained by outscoring your opponents. In football, if a team gives up 40 points, but scores 45, they win the game. In hockey, if a team gives up five goals, but scores seven, guess what? It's still a win. The same theory can, and should, be applied to baseball. Unless you are a team fortunate to have the likes of a Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, C.C. Sabathia, or a Felix Hernandez at the top of your rotation, the likelihood of you needing only a run or two to outscore your opponent is slim to none.
That being said, it would be imperative for a team like the Twins, with the inconsistent track record of their pitching staff, to put an emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. This season, the Twins have more games of four or fewer hits (20) than any other team in baseball. How have the Twins decided to address this issue thus far? They've decided to fire both Tom Nieto and Floyd Rayford, their Triple-A manager and hitting coach. But those 20 games of four or fewer hits took place at the Major League level, not Rochester. Of those 20 games, the big four of Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, and Kubel each played in at least nine, so, to say that the lack of hits came as a result of the injury bug would be a stretch, considering even the "big guns" were unable to hit their ways on base.
The Twins' front office needs to consult Gardenhire and allow him to make the correct decision for the ball club, which is to remove Joe Vavra from his position as the hitting coach of this team. Vavra has served the team well over his almost six years as hitting coach, but as with many things, it's time to move on. If Gardnhire is unwilling to make that difficult decision, or doesn't see it as an option, then perhaps the front office needs to look long and hard and making a different change; that being at the managerial position.
With the Twins being shut out for a 13th time this season, there is a question that needs to, not only be asked, but quite frankly, one that needs to be answered sooner rather than later. That question is: Who will be held accountable for the Twins' offensive struggles this season?
I've contended for most of the season, even before the offense went from mediocre to sub-par, that the Twins' front office needs to take a serious look at changing some of the major "players" in order to make a significant change going into 2012. When I say "players," I'm not referring to those that take the field on a day-to-day basis (or a day-to-every-third-day basis, as is the case with one Mr. Mauer). I'm referring to the coaching staff. As the saying goes, the definition of "insanity" is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. With the Twins scoring one run or fewer for the 40th time this season, I would say that constitutes doing the same thing over and over again and waiting for a different result, wouldn't you?
Quite honestly, the three coaches who have the most impact on the team itself are pitching coach Rick Anderson, hitting coach Joe Vavra, and the manager himself, Ron Gardenhire. In any organization, sports or otherwise, when the employees are unable to get the job done, the "bosses" are looked upon to determine if the proper training and coaching was given to allow them to succeed. If the answer is yes, then the employees are let go and replaced. If the answer is no, the boss is deemed to be inadequate, and often times replaced.
Take a department store, for example. When a particular department is not succeeding, the Store Manager would look at the supervisor of that department to determine if he/she has been giving their employees everything they need to be successful. If they have, the Manager would ask the the employee be fired. If the Manager deemed that the supervisor was not providing the best leadership to those employees, then it would be the supervisor who would find him or herself replaced.
What Gardenhire needs to do is take a long, hard look at his staff. That look needs to take into account the overall season's performances, and not allow personal friendships to interfere. After all, this team is actually a "business". What he needs to realize is that, although they may have been great at getting results in the past, their message may now be stale. The results both Vavra and Anderson attained in years past may have ultimately been the pinnacle of what they were capable of attaining. It may just be time for someone else to take over the reigns to take this team a little further going forward.
As with any sport, the goal is to win. Plain and simple. As with many sports, that goal is attained by outscoring your opponents. In football, if a team gives up 40 points, but scores 45, they win the game. In hockey, if a team gives up five goals, but scores seven, guess what? It's still a win. The same theory can, and should, be applied to baseball. Unless you are a team fortunate to have the likes of a Roy Halladay, Justin Verlander, C.C. Sabathia, or a Felix Hernandez at the top of your rotation, the likelihood of you needing only a run or two to outscore your opponent is slim to none.
That being said, it would be imperative for a team like the Twins, with the inconsistent track record of their pitching staff, to put an emphasis on the offensive side of the ball. This season, the Twins have more games of four or fewer hits (20) than any other team in baseball. How have the Twins decided to address this issue thus far? They've decided to fire both Tom Nieto and Floyd Rayford, their Triple-A manager and hitting coach. But those 20 games of four or fewer hits took place at the Major League level, not Rochester. Of those 20 games, the big four of Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, and Kubel each played in at least nine, so, to say that the lack of hits came as a result of the injury bug would be a stretch, considering even the "big guns" were unable to hit their ways on base.
The Twins' front office needs to consult Gardenhire and allow him to make the correct decision for the ball club, which is to remove Joe Vavra from his position as the hitting coach of this team. Vavra has served the team well over his almost six years as hitting coach, but as with many things, it's time to move on. If Gardnhire is unwilling to make that difficult decision, or doesn't see it as an option, then perhaps the front office needs to look long and hard and making a different change; that being at the managerial position.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Championship Ingredients Aren't Always The Same
"Defense wins championships."
It's been said so often with regard to sports that it's hard to pinpoint where the quote actually originated. In fact, it's almost become the biggest sports cliche around. Preventing the opposition from scoring seems like the most important aspect of any game. Unfortunately, what people fail to realize when taking this approach is one very simple thing:
You yourself still need to score in order to win the game.
Regardless of the sport, statistics don't always tell the entire story. Looking at the final score of a baseball game that ended 1-0, you might surmise that the team which was shut out more than likely failed to get on base. However, what you don't see by the score is that the team scoring the one run had only one hit, a solo home run, that led to the only run of the game, while the losing team gathered 10 hits, but couldn't score. The score itself doesn't tell the whole story.
Or, for the purposes of this post, take the recently started NFL season as an example. More specifically, the opening game of the 2011 season between the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and the 2009 champs, the New Orleans Saints. The highly anticipated season opener lived up to the hype, with two high-powered offenses shooting it out to the tune of a 42-34 final score, in favor of the Packers. Within minutes after the final gun sounded, many people began questioning the defending champ's defense, having allowed 34 points.
Again, the final score itself doesn't tell the whole story.
Of the last 10 Super Bowl Champions, five had at least one game during their championship season in which they allowed more than 30 points on defense, with the 2007 New York Giants having allowed 30 or more points in four games during their '07 campaign. Along those same lines, three of the last five Super Bowl winners ('06 Colts, '07 Giants, '09 Saints) allowed over 20 points per game.
Why do I bring this up? Of the 34 points allowed Thursday night by the Packers, only 27 came against their defense, with the other touchdown coming in the form of a punt return. Over the last five years, those same three Super Bowl winning teams ('06 Colts, '07 Giants, '09 Saints) allowed a combined eight (8) 30+ point offensive performances from their opponents, yet still managed to win the ultimate prize. Oddly enough, those three instances are the only three instances over the last 10 seasons where a team has ranked higher offensively than they have defensively. This was never more evident than the '09 Saints run to the title, where they scored 510 total points to take the top offensive ranking in the NFL, but ranked 20th in defense, giving up a total of 341 points. That made their average margin of victory 10.6 points.
The last I checked, outscoring your opponents by 10 points per game means you still win, whether the final score is 10-0 or 44-34. To quote former Jets and Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, "You play to win the game!"
With all of this being said, it seems to steer us towards a new philosophy in sports, which can be summed up in a simple quote from former lawyer and author, Alan Dershowitz:
"In law, as in sports, the best defense is often a good offense."
It's been said so often with regard to sports that it's hard to pinpoint where the quote actually originated. In fact, it's almost become the biggest sports cliche around. Preventing the opposition from scoring seems like the most important aspect of any game. Unfortunately, what people fail to realize when taking this approach is one very simple thing:
You yourself still need to score in order to win the game.
Regardless of the sport, statistics don't always tell the entire story. Looking at the final score of a baseball game that ended 1-0, you might surmise that the team which was shut out more than likely failed to get on base. However, what you don't see by the score is that the team scoring the one run had only one hit, a solo home run, that led to the only run of the game, while the losing team gathered 10 hits, but couldn't score. The score itself doesn't tell the whole story.
Or, for the purposes of this post, take the recently started NFL season as an example. More specifically, the opening game of the 2011 season between the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and the 2009 champs, the New Orleans Saints. The highly anticipated season opener lived up to the hype, with two high-powered offenses shooting it out to the tune of a 42-34 final score, in favor of the Packers. Within minutes after the final gun sounded, many people began questioning the defending champ's defense, having allowed 34 points.
Again, the final score itself doesn't tell the whole story.
Of the last 10 Super Bowl Champions, five had at least one game during their championship season in which they allowed more than 30 points on defense, with the 2007 New York Giants having allowed 30 or more points in four games during their '07 campaign. Along those same lines, three of the last five Super Bowl winners ('06 Colts, '07 Giants, '09 Saints) allowed over 20 points per game.
Why do I bring this up? Of the 34 points allowed Thursday night by the Packers, only 27 came against their defense, with the other touchdown coming in the form of a punt return. Over the last five years, those same three Super Bowl winning teams ('06 Colts, '07 Giants, '09 Saints) allowed a combined eight (8) 30+ point offensive performances from their opponents, yet still managed to win the ultimate prize. Oddly enough, those three instances are the only three instances over the last 10 seasons where a team has ranked higher offensively than they have defensively. This was never more evident than the '09 Saints run to the title, where they scored 510 total points to take the top offensive ranking in the NFL, but ranked 20th in defense, giving up a total of 341 points. That made their average margin of victory 10.6 points.
The last I checked, outscoring your opponents by 10 points per game means you still win, whether the final score is 10-0 or 44-34. To quote former Jets and Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, "You play to win the game!"
With all of this being said, it seems to steer us towards a new philosophy in sports, which can be summed up in a simple quote from former lawyer and author, Alan Dershowitz:
"In law, as in sports, the best defense is often a good offense."
Thursday, September 8, 2011
2011 NFL Predictions
With the 2011 NFL season getting underway Thursday night with a very entertaining game between the Packers and Saints, it seems only fitting to put my 2011 predictions out tonight.
The fact that the NFL's opening game was able to take place on time wasn't necessarily a miracle, but two months ago, seemed almost unlikely. Once the lockout was resolved, teams were able to get their business in order, sign the appropriate players, and start training camp on time, only without any of the other off-season workouts.
As a result, 2011 seems as though it will be as cut and dry as they come. The "haves" will be those teams that have led the pack for a while, teams like the Patriots, Packers, Saints, and Eagles. The "have nots" will be those teams with younger cores, who, with the lockout affecting spring and summer workouts, were unable to get their younger players the reps necessary to become viable challengers. The Titans, Panthers, Bengals, and Seahawks come to mind.
More so than in years past, the 2011 season should see no real surprises. With the news Thursday that Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning will be sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2011 season after undergoing a second surgery on his neck, the only thing that's seemed to shift is the balance of power in the AFC South.
With that said, below are my picks for the 2011 season:
NFC Championship: Packers vs. Saints
AFC Championship: Ravens vs. Patriots
Super Bowl: Packers vs. Patriots
The fact that the NFL's opening game was able to take place on time wasn't necessarily a miracle, but two months ago, seemed almost unlikely. Once the lockout was resolved, teams were able to get their business in order, sign the appropriate players, and start training camp on time, only without any of the other off-season workouts.
As a result, 2011 seems as though it will be as cut and dry as they come. The "haves" will be those teams that have led the pack for a while, teams like the Patriots, Packers, Saints, and Eagles. The "have nots" will be those teams with younger cores, who, with the lockout affecting spring and summer workouts, were unable to get their younger players the reps necessary to become viable challengers. The Titans, Panthers, Bengals, and Seahawks come to mind.
More so than in years past, the 2011 season should see no real surprises. With the news Thursday that Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning will be sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2011 season after undergoing a second surgery on his neck, the only thing that's seemed to shift is the balance of power in the AFC South.
With that said, below are my picks for the 2011 season:
| NFC West | AFC West | |||||
| 1 | Cardinals | 9-7 | 1 | Chargers | 8-8 | |
| 2 | Rams | 8-8 | 2 | Broncos | 7-9 | |
| 3 | 49ers | 4-12 | 3 | Raiders | 5-11 | |
| 4 | Seahawks | 3-13 | 4 | Chiefs | 5-11 | |
| NFC North | AFC North | |||||
| 1 | Packers | 13-3 | 1 | Ravens | 13-3 | |
| 2 | Lions | 9-7 | 2 | Steelers | 13-3 | |
| 3 | Bears | 8-8 | 3 | Browns | 5-11 | |
| 4 | Vikings | 6-10 | 4 | Bengals | 4-12 | |
| NFC East | AFC East | |||||
| 1 | Eagles | 13-3 | 1 | Patriots | 13-3 | |
| 2 | Cowboys | 8-8 | 2 | Jets | 12-4 | |
| 3 | Giants | 8-8 | 3 | Dolphins | 8-8 | |
| 4 | Redskins | 5-12 | 4 | Bills | 5-11 | |
| NFC South | AFC South | |||||
| 1 | Saints | 13-3 | 1 | Texans | 11-5 | |
| 2 | Falcons | 12-4 | 2 | Colts | 5-11 | |
| 3 | Bucs | 12-4 | 3 | Jaguars | 4-12 | |
| 4 | Panthers | 4-12 | 4 | Titans | 2-12 |
NFC Championship: Packers vs. Saints
AFC Championship: Ravens vs. Patriots
Super Bowl: Packers vs. Patriots
Friday, August 26, 2011
It's Time To Play...Whose Fault Is It Anyway?
It's been a head-scratching last week and a half for the Twins. With the team losing its sixth consecutive game for the third time this season, many Twins fans have been at a loss for words. We've been accustomed to blaming this dismal 2011 season on the barrage of injuries the team has fallen into, but to use that as an excuse is the coward's way out. With what we've seen over the last 10 days, blame should be, not so much focused on the players, but more heavily on the coaching staff.
The Twins came back into the friendly confines of Target Field after a rough road trip, only to find the New York Yankees waiting for them in the third base dugout. As usual, the Bronx Bombers laid waste to the hometown nine, beating them two out of three, ending the series with a 3-0 shutout. Thankfully, or so it seemed, the Twins welcomed in the last place Baltimore Orioles for a four-game series, which, for all intensive purposes, should've been a chance for this club to save a little face and redeem themselves a little bit toward the end of this season.
That didn't happen.
The Twins were swept by the Orioles in a four-game series for the first time in their franchise's history. Adding insult to (numerous) injuries, the Twins scored only one run in each of the four games. After falling to the Detroit Tigers 8-1 in the first game of their three-game series on Friday night, that brought the total to five runs in six games (counting the final game of the Yankees' series). Five total runs in 54 total innings. Truly a sad state of affairs.
Sure, there were a few mental lapses in the field. Of course, the pitching staff had its problems, namely Francisco Liriano, who landed on the disabled list with shoulder pain after pitching only two innings in Thursday's loss to Baltimore. However, to score only one run in five consecutive games is down-right pitiful, and that can't be blamed on anyone but hitting coach, Joe Vavra.
As of August 26th, the Twins offense as been absolutely offensive:
The Twins came back into the friendly confines of Target Field after a rough road trip, only to find the New York Yankees waiting for them in the third base dugout. As usual, the Bronx Bombers laid waste to the hometown nine, beating them two out of three, ending the series with a 3-0 shutout. Thankfully, or so it seemed, the Twins welcomed in the last place Baltimore Orioles for a four-game series, which, for all intensive purposes, should've been a chance for this club to save a little face and redeem themselves a little bit toward the end of this season.
That didn't happen.
The Twins were swept by the Orioles in a four-game series for the first time in their franchise's history. Adding insult to (numerous) injuries, the Twins scored only one run in each of the four games. After falling to the Detroit Tigers 8-1 in the first game of their three-game series on Friday night, that brought the total to five runs in six games (counting the final game of the Yankees' series). Five total runs in 54 total innings. Truly a sad state of affairs.
Sure, there were a few mental lapses in the field. Of course, the pitching staff had its problems, namely Francisco Liriano, who landed on the disabled list with shoulder pain after pitching only two innings in Thursday's loss to Baltimore. However, to score only one run in five consecutive games is down-right pitiful, and that can't be blamed on anyone but hitting coach, Joe Vavra.
As of August 26th, the Twins offense as been absolutely offensive:
- Rank 11th in Batting Average (.248)
- Rank 14th in Home Runs (81)
- Rank 13th in Runs Batted In (458)
- Rank 13th in Extra Base Hits (311)
- Rank 13th in On-Base Percentage (.306)
- Rank 12th in Runs (347)
Looking at those numbers, regardless of injuries in the lineup, is shameful. Unfortunately, it appears that it's "OK" to produce that quality of play, given the lack of accountability.
Through July 20th, a total of four Major League hitting coaches had been relieved of their positions, including the American League West-leading Texas Rangers. At the time of Thad Bosley's firing on June 8th, the Rangers ranked second in the American League in Batting Average (.264) and second in Home Runs (72). The Twins currently have nine more home runs than Texas had...over two and a half months ago. The Rangers' batting average at that time was almost 20 points higher than that of the Twins...for the entire season.
The Rangers let Bosley go primarily because it appeared that his message had been lost. The players seemed to not respond to his coaching, and thus, a change needed to be made. At the time, the Rangers held a 2.5 game lead over the Seattle Mariners, and had gone 7-3 in their previous 10 games, yet, manager Ron Washington felt that it was a move that would improve his team overall. Fast forward to the here-and-now, and the Rangers hold a three-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels.
So, why is it that Joe Vavra remains untouchable, or more importantly, remains immune to accountability? Other hitting coaches have been held accountable for their teams' poor performances, so why hasn't he? The Indians, Dodgers, and Marlins joined the Rangers in dismissing their hitting coaches. Some of them had even better numbers than the Twins do currently, but it wasn't good enough for those organizations to keep them around. So, why is it good enough for the Twins?
Now, I'm not saying that it isn't difficult to coach players who are playing ahead of themselves. The Twins have had to play a number of not-ready-for-prime-time players this season. That's not something that's lost on me. However, there needs to be a line drawn in the sand, and there needs to at least be some action taken to show the Twins' faithful fans that this isn't something that is "OK" or that will be tolerated.
Vavra may be one of the nicest guys in baseball, as has been said many times by a number of different people close to the Twins and their players. But, just because you're a "nice guy" doesn't mean you're the "right guy" for the job. The blame can not fall solely on the players themselves. The definition of a coach, however, is to "train and instruct," or "give someone extra or private teaching." When a team looks as undisciplined at the plate as the Twins have looked this season, some instruction and/or extra teaching seems like it would be necessary.
Scoring only one run per game in five consecutive games is embarrassing, and there's no two ways about it. There are teams out there with far less talent than the Twins, namely teams like the Oakland A's or the Baltimore Orioles. Those teams have better numbers; hitting for higher averages driving in more runs. So, to say the reason is because the Twins don't have their best players in the lineup is a complete cop out, especially when lesser teams are making due with what they have.
What has always set the Twins apart from other teams is that they do things their own way, and don't always conform to the "norm" in baseball. There's no greater example than the fact that, different from any other team, they refuse to make the necessary coaching changes, and decide to make it a "player issue". The sooner they are honest with themselves, the sooner we can expect to be near the top of the American League again.
Monday, August 22, 2011
It's Time To Change It Up A Bit, Ron!
If you've been reading "The Sporting Mind" since I started blogging back in May, you know that I tend to not hold anything back with regard to the Twins. There isn't a team I root for more in sports than the Twins. I consider myself a die-hard fan. The great thing about being a fan is that you're entitled to opinions.
Opinions can be about anything, really. They can be about individual players or they can be about individual plays. They can be about aspects of the team, or just aspects of the game itself. Regardless of what the opinion is, we as fans are entitled to those opinions. They may not be right, they may not be wrong, but what they are is our voice.
As with anyone who follows a team, you have players you really like and some you just don't. If you've been reading this blog for a while now, you know that I was never a huge Delmon Young fan, and I'm definitely not pro-Tsuyoshi Nishioka. I've been very hard on the likes of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, but have been very complimentary toward both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel. That being said, just because I might take issue with players like Mauer and Morneau doesn't mean I don't think either are good ball players, so let me be perfectly clear on that.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way...
As I watch the Twins' season quickly unravel, I start to wonder what the game plan actually is for these next six weeks. The team has been so ravaged by injuries that it's been difficult to get a good grasp on what they actually have going forward. Assuming the news on Monday that the Twins had placed both Kubel and Jim Thome on waivers means that neither will be back with the team next year, and assuming the Twins might not get anyone Major League ready in return should both be dealt, what do they have in store for DH and right field? With Nick Blackburn hitting the disabled list on Monday as well, who might they give an opportunity to replace him in the rotation? And, with the inconsistent play up the middle, might there be other options to fiddle with to try and put the pieces together to make a run next season?
It would be very difficult to get answers to all of these questions in just a few weeks. Realistically, the team has no chance to climb back into the divisional race, which should provide Ron Gardenhire a unique opportunity to experiment a bit with what he does have. As with any company, sometimes it's not so much about the personnel one has, but more about how that personnel is used and where that personnel is placed in order to get the most success from that individual.
So far this season, we've seen Cuddyer playing right field, first base, second base, and even pitch. We've seen Mauer take his first ground balls at first base, as well as his first fly balls in right field. Alexi Casilla made the move from short stop to second base, and Nishioka the reverse. These are the types of alternatives Gardenhire needs to continue exploring. Would Mauer potentially be able to play third base in the event he doesn't catch and Morneau is in the lineup at first? Does Danny Valencia have the necessary range to be a short stop? Might be worth a look.
Another thought would be to juggle the lineup a bit. Looking through all of baseball, it's clear that the major run producers throughout the league find themselves hitting third, fourth, or fifth in their team's lineup. Typically, these spots in the order are reserved for the big guns, the guys that hit the ball out of the park and drive in runs. With the Twins, however, this isn't always the case. Without taking away too much from Joe Mauer, it's evident that he is one of the best contact hitters in all of baseball. Unfortunately for Twins fans, it appears both Mauer and the team are content with a high average, but little "production". This isn't the type of hitter that belongs in the number three spot in the batting order. Again, that's not to say he isn't a great hitter, just not a great hitter for that spot in the order.
Looking at Mauer's numbers this season, and understanding that he was hurt early on, it is a concern going forward, at least for this Twins fan. If you compare the number of extra-base hits Mauer has and the frequency in which he has them to other hitters batting third in their respective lineups, you would see that he falls way behind the average. Joe slugs something other than a single once in every 17.86 at-bats. The top 20 run-producers (RBI's) in the American League average an extra-base hit once every 8.63 at-bats. Seven (7) of those top 20 hit from the third spot in their lineup. Those same 20 guys also average an RBI every 5.50 at-bats. Mauer's average? One RBI every 10.42 at-bats. A high batting average is great, but it doesn't always translate to runs if the majority of those hits are singles.
Taking those numbers into account, it might be worth an extended five-week look for Gardenhire to see what either Cuddyer (an RBI every 6.9 at-bats) or Kubel (one in every 6.62 at-bats) could do in that number three spot in the order, and perhaps move Mauer down to either the fifth or sixth spot in the batting order. If Denard Span is able to come back this year, and the Twins decide to play both Span and Ben Revere in the outfield, and bat the two of them first and second in the order, having either Cuddyer or Kubel hitting third might be a better thing, given their ability to hit more extra-base hits than Mauer. If Span and/or Revere get on base with a single, it's difficult for them to score on a Mauer single, which has been the tendency for Joe this season, which explains his minimal 25 RBI output thus far.
So, let me hear from a few of you out there. What are some other "experiments" you believe the Twins should try over the next few weeks to try and prepare themselves for an offseason of change?
So far this season, we've seen Cuddyer playing right field, first base, second base, and even pitch. We've seen Mauer take his first ground balls at first base, as well as his first fly balls in right field. Alexi Casilla made the move from short stop to second base, and Nishioka the reverse. These are the types of alternatives Gardenhire needs to continue exploring. Would Mauer potentially be able to play third base in the event he doesn't catch and Morneau is in the lineup at first? Does Danny Valencia have the necessary range to be a short stop? Might be worth a look.
Another thought would be to juggle the lineup a bit. Looking through all of baseball, it's clear that the major run producers throughout the league find themselves hitting third, fourth, or fifth in their team's lineup. Typically, these spots in the order are reserved for the big guns, the guys that hit the ball out of the park and drive in runs. With the Twins, however, this isn't always the case. Without taking away too much from Joe Mauer, it's evident that he is one of the best contact hitters in all of baseball. Unfortunately for Twins fans, it appears both Mauer and the team are content with a high average, but little "production". This isn't the type of hitter that belongs in the number three spot in the batting order. Again, that's not to say he isn't a great hitter, just not a great hitter for that spot in the order.
Looking at Mauer's numbers this season, and understanding that he was hurt early on, it is a concern going forward, at least for this Twins fan. If you compare the number of extra-base hits Mauer has and the frequency in which he has them to other hitters batting third in their respective lineups, you would see that he falls way behind the average. Joe slugs something other than a single once in every 17.86 at-bats. The top 20 run-producers (RBI's) in the American League average an extra-base hit once every 8.63 at-bats. Seven (7) of those top 20 hit from the third spot in their lineup. Those same 20 guys also average an RBI every 5.50 at-bats. Mauer's average? One RBI every 10.42 at-bats. A high batting average is great, but it doesn't always translate to runs if the majority of those hits are singles.
Taking those numbers into account, it might be worth an extended five-week look for Gardenhire to see what either Cuddyer (an RBI every 6.9 at-bats) or Kubel (one in every 6.62 at-bats) could do in that number three spot in the order, and perhaps move Mauer down to either the fifth or sixth spot in the batting order. If Denard Span is able to come back this year, and the Twins decide to play both Span and Ben Revere in the outfield, and bat the two of them first and second in the order, having either Cuddyer or Kubel hitting third might be a better thing, given their ability to hit more extra-base hits than Mauer. If Span and/or Revere get on base with a single, it's difficult for them to score on a Mauer single, which has been the tendency for Joe this season, which explains his minimal 25 RBI output thus far.
So, let me hear from a few of you out there. What are some other "experiments" you believe the Twins should try over the next few weeks to try and prepare themselves for an offseason of change?
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Money Isn't The Only Difference Between The Twins And Yankees
With the exception of a few teams in baseball, such as the Red Sox or the Phillies, most teams think of themselves as being different than the Yankees because they don't spend as much money as the Bronx Bombers. The Twins are no exception to that. There are those Twins fans that believe they can't compete against the Yankees because their payroll is twice that of the Twins. The money argument is a stale one, considering the success of teams like the Cardinals and Giants over the last couple of years. The truth of the matter is that it doesn't have as much to do with the amount a player makes, but more with the talent he has and what the team does with it. Right now, it doesn't appear the Twins have done enough with the talent they do have, and continue to feel sorry for what they don't have.
With the Twins now 13 games back in the Central Division, 2011 has quickly become a lost season. Injuries ravaged the team from the start, and made it clear that if they were to succeed this season, it truly would be a total team effort. For the most part, the Twins and their fans tend to be a bunch that lives in the past, rather than a bunch that looks at what's going on in front of them or in the future. You'll hear statements such as, "we've won six division titles under Ron Gardenhire," or, "he's a three-time batting champion," or, "he was the MVP back in 2006."
It can be said that teams like the Twins or like the defending World Series Champion Giants have to make the most with what they have. This is very true. At the same time, teams like the Yankees and Red Sox do the same, making the most of the players they have, and in many cases, making them better than they were. People can complain about them buying all the "great" players, but what matters is what those "great" players do for the Yankees when they're there.
A prime example of this is evidenced by the breakout season of Curtis Granderson. Granderson was always a fantastic player for the Detroit Tigers, but seems to have taken his offensive game to a new level with the Yankees. Upon arriving in New York, Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long worked with Granderson, an already proven big-league hitter, on his stance, calming his movements down at the plate. The result has been noticeable, with Granderson leading the league in Runs, RBI's, and Extra-Base Hits, and currently sitting second in Home Runs.
What the Yankees don't tend to tolerate is mediocrity. If a player isn't getting the job done, the Yankees will find a solution, either through a trade during the season, or the free agent avenue after it. Yes, often times that requires the check book to come out. But, what it does show, to both the Yankee players and their fans, is that the team is willing to do what it takes to win.
When the Yankees come to town, boos can be heard throughout the Twin Cities. Those boos are for Alex Rodriguez. Those boos are for Derek Jeter. Those boos are for Nick Swisher. Those boos are even for Mariano Rivera. Sadly, those boos are incredibly misplaced. OK, maybe the boos for A-Rod are placed pretty well.
When a team continues to allow its star player to average an extra-base hit in every 17.9 at-bats, that should be booed. When a team allows its rookie shortstop to struggle immensely at the plate and in the field without even an attempt to find a better solution, that deserves to be booed. When a team's "power-hitting" first baseman sits out a game because he fouled a pitch off his foot the night before, while his counterpart in the other dugout who fouled three pitches off his feet in one at-bat in that very same game plays, that should be booed. When a team continues to accept mediocre-at-best performances from its starting rotation, as well as pathetic displays from its bullpen during important close games, that needs to be booed.
Just because a team comes into town with the willingness and desire to actually succeed, regardless of the financial cost, they shouldn't be booed. They're doing only what we would want our own team to do, and that's be as competitive as possible. If people think that booing the opposition for wanting to be the best is something that helps their own team, they're mistaken. It really only shows how little respect those people have for the game. If you're booing that, then you're accepting the very mediocrity that your own team continues to march onto the field, which only means that you can expect to continue seeing that level of mediocrity in the future.
But hey...you've won six division titles in the last 10 years, so, it's not that big a deal, right?
With the Twins now 13 games back in the Central Division, 2011 has quickly become a lost season. Injuries ravaged the team from the start, and made it clear that if they were to succeed this season, it truly would be a total team effort. For the most part, the Twins and their fans tend to be a bunch that lives in the past, rather than a bunch that looks at what's going on in front of them or in the future. You'll hear statements such as, "we've won six division titles under Ron Gardenhire," or, "he's a three-time batting champion," or, "he was the MVP back in 2006."
It can be said that teams like the Twins or like the defending World Series Champion Giants have to make the most with what they have. This is very true. At the same time, teams like the Yankees and Red Sox do the same, making the most of the players they have, and in many cases, making them better than they were. People can complain about them buying all the "great" players, but what matters is what those "great" players do for the Yankees when they're there.
A prime example of this is evidenced by the breakout season of Curtis Granderson. Granderson was always a fantastic player for the Detroit Tigers, but seems to have taken his offensive game to a new level with the Yankees. Upon arriving in New York, Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long worked with Granderson, an already proven big-league hitter, on his stance, calming his movements down at the plate. The result has been noticeable, with Granderson leading the league in Runs, RBI's, and Extra-Base Hits, and currently sitting second in Home Runs.
What the Yankees don't tend to tolerate is mediocrity. If a player isn't getting the job done, the Yankees will find a solution, either through a trade during the season, or the free agent avenue after it. Yes, often times that requires the check book to come out. But, what it does show, to both the Yankee players and their fans, is that the team is willing to do what it takes to win.
When the Yankees come to town, boos can be heard throughout the Twin Cities. Those boos are for Alex Rodriguez. Those boos are for Derek Jeter. Those boos are for Nick Swisher. Those boos are even for Mariano Rivera. Sadly, those boos are incredibly misplaced. OK, maybe the boos for A-Rod are placed pretty well.
When a team continues to allow its star player to average an extra-base hit in every 17.9 at-bats, that should be booed. When a team allows its rookie shortstop to struggle immensely at the plate and in the field without even an attempt to find a better solution, that deserves to be booed. When a team's "power-hitting" first baseman sits out a game because he fouled a pitch off his foot the night before, while his counterpart in the other dugout who fouled three pitches off his feet in one at-bat in that very same game plays, that should be booed. When a team continues to accept mediocre-at-best performances from its starting rotation, as well as pathetic displays from its bullpen during important close games, that needs to be booed.
Just because a team comes into town with the willingness and desire to actually succeed, regardless of the financial cost, they shouldn't be booed. They're doing only what we would want our own team to do, and that's be as competitive as possible. If people think that booing the opposition for wanting to be the best is something that helps their own team, they're mistaken. It really only shows how little respect those people have for the game. If you're booing that, then you're accepting the very mediocrity that your own team continues to march onto the field, which only means that you can expect to continue seeing that level of mediocrity in the future.
But hey...you've won six division titles in the last 10 years, so, it's not that big a deal, right?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Is Thome's Accomplishment Being Under-Sold?
Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa...and now, Jim Thome. Those are the only eight members of baseball's 600 home run club. It's not necessarily the most elite record there is. After all, there are only two members of the 4,000 hit club (Pete Rose and Ty Cobb), only two members of the 2,000 RBI club (Aaron and Ruth), and only one member of the 1,000 stolen base club (Rickey Henderson with 1,406). But when it comes to records in baseball, there has always been something special about those involving the long-ball.
Thome hit home runs number 599 and 600 on Monday night, to very little fanfare leading up to the feat. When Derek Jeter got hit number 3,000 a few weeks ago, MLB Network cut into their programming to show every Jeter at-bat from 2,998 through 3,000. ESPN ran story after story about what Jeter's accomplishment would mean, given no one had ever achieved 3,000 hits with the New York Yankees. Even HBO got into the mix, airing a special only one week after Jeter reached the milestone about his quest to get there.
Yet, it seemed only fans of the Minnesota Twins were aware of how close Thome was to joining the "Elite Eight". Some would say that the lack of emphasis on the 600 milestone had to do with the Twins' struggles this season. Others would say that it's because Thome is playing in Minnesota, a smaller market, and as a result, Jeter playing in New York brought more attention. A third suggestion is that the home run has lost its luster now that we're in the post-steroid era.
Regardless of the reason for such little hype, the baseball media, and fans alike, need to understand the significance of the accomplishment because it's conceivable we may not see such an accomplishment again.
Looking through the list of eight, we know that three have been directly tied to steroid use (Bonds, Rodriguez, and Sosa). Taking that into account, that leaves only five considered to be "genuine" members of the club. Suddenly, the club seems more elite. Now, looking to the future, only one active player in the top 50 has a legitimate chance to reach the 600 milestone, and that player is Albert Pujols (currently with 437 homers). Pujols, like Thome, is widely regarded as a guy who's "done it right" throughout his career. Given his age (31) and the average number of home runs he's hit in each of his first 11 seasons (39.7 per year), it's assumed that Pujols will reach the 600 milestone sometime around the end of the 2015 season. He would be 35 at that time, and would have a reasonable chance to overtake Bonds as the all-time home run leader by the time he's 40.
It's possible that Thome could be the second-to-last person to ever achieve that magical milestone, yet, the accomplishment seemed to fall by the wayside. Looking at it all, it truly seems a shame that one of the true "good guys" in the game became one of the greatest sluggers of all time, and some people are still questioning whether or not he belongs in the Hall of Fame. I think he deserves a little more respect than that.
With talk of realignment, the possible shortening of schedules to prevent November baseball, and cleaning up the game of performance-enhancing drugs, these types of records and accomplishments shouldn't be taken for granted. There's nothing certain about Albert Pujols reaching the 600 club, albeit likely. There's nothing to say that a young, up-an-coming slugger might not reach that mark in 15 more seasons. However, as with anything in life, we just don't know.
Make sure Thome is getting the credit he's due. More so than anything, he's earned it!
Thome hit home runs number 599 and 600 on Monday night, to very little fanfare leading up to the feat. When Derek Jeter got hit number 3,000 a few weeks ago, MLB Network cut into their programming to show every Jeter at-bat from 2,998 through 3,000. ESPN ran story after story about what Jeter's accomplishment would mean, given no one had ever achieved 3,000 hits with the New York Yankees. Even HBO got into the mix, airing a special only one week after Jeter reached the milestone about his quest to get there.
Yet, it seemed only fans of the Minnesota Twins were aware of how close Thome was to joining the "Elite Eight". Some would say that the lack of emphasis on the 600 milestone had to do with the Twins' struggles this season. Others would say that it's because Thome is playing in Minnesota, a smaller market, and as a result, Jeter playing in New York brought more attention. A third suggestion is that the home run has lost its luster now that we're in the post-steroid era.
Regardless of the reason for such little hype, the baseball media, and fans alike, need to understand the significance of the accomplishment because it's conceivable we may not see such an accomplishment again.
Looking through the list of eight, we know that three have been directly tied to steroid use (Bonds, Rodriguez, and Sosa). Taking that into account, that leaves only five considered to be "genuine" members of the club. Suddenly, the club seems more elite. Now, looking to the future, only one active player in the top 50 has a legitimate chance to reach the 600 milestone, and that player is Albert Pujols (currently with 437 homers). Pujols, like Thome, is widely regarded as a guy who's "done it right" throughout his career. Given his age (31) and the average number of home runs he's hit in each of his first 11 seasons (39.7 per year), it's assumed that Pujols will reach the 600 milestone sometime around the end of the 2015 season. He would be 35 at that time, and would have a reasonable chance to overtake Bonds as the all-time home run leader by the time he's 40.
It's possible that Thome could be the second-to-last person to ever achieve that magical milestone, yet, the accomplishment seemed to fall by the wayside. Looking at it all, it truly seems a shame that one of the true "good guys" in the game became one of the greatest sluggers of all time, and some people are still questioning whether or not he belongs in the Hall of Fame. I think he deserves a little more respect than that.
With talk of realignment, the possible shortening of schedules to prevent November baseball, and cleaning up the game of performance-enhancing drugs, these types of records and accomplishments shouldn't be taken for granted. There's nothing certain about Albert Pujols reaching the 600 club, albeit likely. There's nothing to say that a young, up-an-coming slugger might not reach that mark in 15 more seasons. However, as with anything in life, we just don't know.
Make sure Thome is getting the credit he's due. More so than anything, he's earned it!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Bill Smith: Mr. "Better Late Than Never"
There's something to be said for hindsight.
I'm not one to play the stock market, but even when you gamble, knowing when to get out is the biggest challenge. Get out too soon and you may miss a greater gain. Get out too late and you may cost yourself more pain. Get out just in time and you have the ability to reinvest or reallocate.
Sadly, I don't think I would ever want to take Bill Smith to Vegas any time soon!
Back in November of 2007, the Twins and Tampa Bay Rays pulled off a four-player trade, moving Delmon Young and Brendan Harris from Tampa to Minnesota, while sending starting pitcher Matt Garza and starting shortstop Jason Bartlett in the opposite direction. It was a move thought to be somewhat of a new leaf being turned over by the Twins. Delmon Young came with a little bit of baggage, a little bit of an attitude, and a lot of potential. In Garza and Bartlett, the Twins were dealing one of their up-and-coming arms and a proven commodity at short stop. Harris was somewhat of a throw-in to complete the deal, but was a solid utility player in his own right.
The Twins were hoping to catch a little lightning in a bottle with Young...hoping that the potential he had would find its way to the forefront and land them an All-Star caliber left fielder who could provide a little pop from the right side of the plate.
What they ended up getting was an average outfielder with very erratic tendencies at the plate and an even more erratic attitude toward improvement. For an organization that has a reputation for building up young talent through an above-average nurturing environment, bringing in someone with questionable character and a lack of drive isn't exactly the recipe for success. Bill Smith figured he'd give it a shot anyway.
With Monday's trade of Delmon to the Tigers in exchange for next to nothing (a Single-A pitcher and the ever-popular player-to-be-named-later), Smith has done nothing but prove he is that gambler that doesn't know when to leave the table.
In his first three full seasons with the Twins (2008-2010), Young averaged .291 with only 14 home runs and 80 RBI's. Those numbers don't appear to be all that bad, until you realize that those averages were severely aided by Young's above-average 2010, in which he hit .298 with career highs in homers, RBI's, and doubles (21 / 112 / 46 respectively). Without that stellar season, Young's numbers were nothing more than mediocre, given the expectations the Twins had for him.
What Smith should've done was to deal Young after his fantastic 2010 campaign when his value was at its absolute peak. The fact that he assumed Young was still on his way up and that he could expect an even better year in 2011 was absurd thinking. Although Delmon is only 25, this is his fifth full season in the big leagues. If he hasn't gotten it by now, he never will. Coming off his career year in 2010, Young has done nothing but disappoint in 2011, hitting only a mere five home runs and driving in only 33 runs in 309 at-bats. For a team like the Twins, decimated by injuries this season, it would've been nice for a five-year veteran to take the reigns and be the go-to guy on the team. With Delmon, they were just lucky they could pencil him into the lineup.
There's no question that unloading Delmon was the right thing to do. The Twins will be a better team without him. What's sad is that it took Bill Smith this long to realize what he had, or didn't have, for that matter. Even sadder, the fact that we will no doubt see similar returns for the likes of Francisco Liriano and Justin Morneau, since it's pretty evident Smith missed his window for both of them. At least we know one thing: we should be able to fill out the rest of our Single-A roster with what get from those future deals when they happen.
I'm not one to play the stock market, but even when you gamble, knowing when to get out is the biggest challenge. Get out too soon and you may miss a greater gain. Get out too late and you may cost yourself more pain. Get out just in time and you have the ability to reinvest or reallocate.
Sadly, I don't think I would ever want to take Bill Smith to Vegas any time soon!
Back in November of 2007, the Twins and Tampa Bay Rays pulled off a four-player trade, moving Delmon Young and Brendan Harris from Tampa to Minnesota, while sending starting pitcher Matt Garza and starting shortstop Jason Bartlett in the opposite direction. It was a move thought to be somewhat of a new leaf being turned over by the Twins. Delmon Young came with a little bit of baggage, a little bit of an attitude, and a lot of potential. In Garza and Bartlett, the Twins were dealing one of their up-and-coming arms and a proven commodity at short stop. Harris was somewhat of a throw-in to complete the deal, but was a solid utility player in his own right.
The Twins were hoping to catch a little lightning in a bottle with Young...hoping that the potential he had would find its way to the forefront and land them an All-Star caliber left fielder who could provide a little pop from the right side of the plate.
What they ended up getting was an average outfielder with very erratic tendencies at the plate and an even more erratic attitude toward improvement. For an organization that has a reputation for building up young talent through an above-average nurturing environment, bringing in someone with questionable character and a lack of drive isn't exactly the recipe for success. Bill Smith figured he'd give it a shot anyway.
With Monday's trade of Delmon to the Tigers in exchange for next to nothing (a Single-A pitcher and the ever-popular player-to-be-named-later), Smith has done nothing but prove he is that gambler that doesn't know when to leave the table.
In his first three full seasons with the Twins (2008-2010), Young averaged .291 with only 14 home runs and 80 RBI's. Those numbers don't appear to be all that bad, until you realize that those averages were severely aided by Young's above-average 2010, in which he hit .298 with career highs in homers, RBI's, and doubles (21 / 112 / 46 respectively). Without that stellar season, Young's numbers were nothing more than mediocre, given the expectations the Twins had for him.
What Smith should've done was to deal Young after his fantastic 2010 campaign when his value was at its absolute peak. The fact that he assumed Young was still on his way up and that he could expect an even better year in 2011 was absurd thinking. Although Delmon is only 25, this is his fifth full season in the big leagues. If he hasn't gotten it by now, he never will. Coming off his career year in 2010, Young has done nothing but disappoint in 2011, hitting only a mere five home runs and driving in only 33 runs in 309 at-bats. For a team like the Twins, decimated by injuries this season, it would've been nice for a five-year veteran to take the reigns and be the go-to guy on the team. With Delmon, they were just lucky they could pencil him into the lineup.
There's no question that unloading Delmon was the right thing to do. The Twins will be a better team without him. What's sad is that it took Bill Smith this long to realize what he had, or didn't have, for that matter. Even sadder, the fact that we will no doubt see similar returns for the likes of Francisco Liriano and Justin Morneau, since it's pretty evident Smith missed his window for both of them. At least we know one thing: we should be able to fill out the rest of our Single-A roster with what get from those future deals when they happen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Stay Positive, Just Don't Get Your Hopes Up
It's pretty hard to stay upbeat when you're 13 games under .500 and nine and half games out of first place in the division, but getting too negative and uptight isn't good for anybody.
With what we've seen over the last three weeks from the Twins, there's seemingly been very little to be positive about. Sure, they've started to get some of their injured players back (Span, Kubel), which is a plus. Sure, they're closer is back in the saddle again, and throwing almost like he did before having Tommy John surgery. But, there's nothing really positive about a team that considers itself a perpetual contender, to go over three weeks without winning a series against some of the better competition in the American League.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more up and down Twins season than this 2011 campaign. Most of troubles have been due to numerous injuries, which have ravaged the team. The struggles, however, can't all be blamed on the injury bug. Even with some of their bigger stars on the shelf, the Twins had players who'd had major league experience filling in. They may not have been the most talented players, but guys like Matt Tolbert, Trevor Plouffe, and Drew Butera have all seen fairly significant time in the big leagues. If we're honest about it though, the utilization of those players isn't totally to blame, either.
When a team is struggling at the plate, and is having a hard time getting runs on the board, it's absolutely vital that pitching keep them afloat. Therin lies the key to the 2011 debacle. With inconsistency in the starting rotation, a bullpen that couldn't maintain the minimal leads the offense was giving them, and a closer in Matt Capps whose fastball rivals that of some of the kids pitching in the Little League World Series this month, it's no wonder the Twins found themselves looking up at the rest of the American League Central.
The offensive struggles have come primarily from three sources: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Joe Mauer, and Delmon Young. Since returning from his leg injury, Nishioka has struggled mightily at the plate, proving that the Twins may have made a mistake, not just in signing him, but in not pursuing that which they already had in J.J. Hardy. So far, Hardy is hitting .275 with 21 HR and 40 extra-base hits. He currently has more extra-base hits than the primary Twins middle infield (Nishioka and Casilla) combined. Hardy is making $5.85 million this year, with Nishioka making only $3 million, however, if you count the $5.4 million bid the Twins spent to just speak to Nishi, they're into him for over $8 million this year. Hardy seems like the better investment at this point, wouldn't you say?
Mauer and Young have vastly underperformed this year. Mauer is riding the injury excuse, at least for another couple of weeks, but with Young, what you see is truly what you get. Both players were handled poorly during the offseason, with the Twins needing to take more of a hands-on approach with Mauer's rehab, and also a more aggressive approach trying to find a better home for Mr. Young. The result has been a combined 5 HR's and only 30 extra-base hits. And remember, J.J. Hardy has 40 himself. I'm not sayin'...I'm just sayin'.
All is not lost, however. The Twins do have some positive things to take from this season thus far. Michael Cuddyer has shown this team that he truly does have the heart to be the team's leader, on and off the field. Jim Thome is on the verge of making history with his 600th home run, which couldn't happen to a better guy. Jason Kubel has emerged as the Twins' best overall hitter, hitting for both average and power. Danny Valencia has shown some of the pop in his bat that the Twins expected when they called him up last year, sitting second on the team with 12 HR's. Ben Revere came up and proved himself to be a tremendous fielding outfielder, albeit with a tremendously weak throwing arm. And Glen Perkins has seemingly found himself a suitable role as the set-up man for Joe Nathan.
All of these things are very positive, and should be looked at as such. If the starters can improve their performances, and the veteran hitters like Mauer and Young can help to produce a few more runs, coupled with the positives mentioned...there's no reason the Twins can't still make a run for the division crown.
I just wouldn't hold my breath.
With what we've seen over the last three weeks from the Twins, there's seemingly been very little to be positive about. Sure, they've started to get some of their injured players back (Span, Kubel), which is a plus. Sure, they're closer is back in the saddle again, and throwing almost like he did before having Tommy John surgery. But, there's nothing really positive about a team that considers itself a perpetual contender, to go over three weeks without winning a series against some of the better competition in the American League.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more up and down Twins season than this 2011 campaign. Most of troubles have been due to numerous injuries, which have ravaged the team. The struggles, however, can't all be blamed on the injury bug. Even with some of their bigger stars on the shelf, the Twins had players who'd had major league experience filling in. They may not have been the most talented players, but guys like Matt Tolbert, Trevor Plouffe, and Drew Butera have all seen fairly significant time in the big leagues. If we're honest about it though, the utilization of those players isn't totally to blame, either.
When a team is struggling at the plate, and is having a hard time getting runs on the board, it's absolutely vital that pitching keep them afloat. Therin lies the key to the 2011 debacle. With inconsistency in the starting rotation, a bullpen that couldn't maintain the minimal leads the offense was giving them, and a closer in Matt Capps whose fastball rivals that of some of the kids pitching in the Little League World Series this month, it's no wonder the Twins found themselves looking up at the rest of the American League Central.
The offensive struggles have come primarily from three sources: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Joe Mauer, and Delmon Young. Since returning from his leg injury, Nishioka has struggled mightily at the plate, proving that the Twins may have made a mistake, not just in signing him, but in not pursuing that which they already had in J.J. Hardy. So far, Hardy is hitting .275 with 21 HR and 40 extra-base hits. He currently has more extra-base hits than the primary Twins middle infield (Nishioka and Casilla) combined. Hardy is making $5.85 million this year, with Nishioka making only $3 million, however, if you count the $5.4 million bid the Twins spent to just speak to Nishi, they're into him for over $8 million this year. Hardy seems like the better investment at this point, wouldn't you say?
Mauer and Young have vastly underperformed this year. Mauer is riding the injury excuse, at least for another couple of weeks, but with Young, what you see is truly what you get. Both players were handled poorly during the offseason, with the Twins needing to take more of a hands-on approach with Mauer's rehab, and also a more aggressive approach trying to find a better home for Mr. Young. The result has been a combined 5 HR's and only 30 extra-base hits. And remember, J.J. Hardy has 40 himself. I'm not sayin'...I'm just sayin'.
All is not lost, however. The Twins do have some positive things to take from this season thus far. Michael Cuddyer has shown this team that he truly does have the heart to be the team's leader, on and off the field. Jim Thome is on the verge of making history with his 600th home run, which couldn't happen to a better guy. Jason Kubel has emerged as the Twins' best overall hitter, hitting for both average and power. Danny Valencia has shown some of the pop in his bat that the Twins expected when they called him up last year, sitting second on the team with 12 HR's. Ben Revere came up and proved himself to be a tremendous fielding outfielder, albeit with a tremendously weak throwing arm. And Glen Perkins has seemingly found himself a suitable role as the set-up man for Joe Nathan.
All of these things are very positive, and should be looked at as such. If the starters can improve their performances, and the veteran hitters like Mauer and Young can help to produce a few more runs, coupled with the positives mentioned...there's no reason the Twins can't still make a run for the division crown.
I just wouldn't hold my breath.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Twins Have Some Tough Decisions Ahead
After the Twins left the field on Sunday following a 7-0 loss and three-game sweep to their arch-rival White Sox, it became clearly evident that this team is not ready to compete this season. I know that sounds like I'm stating the obvious, but with a couple of promising weeks, it truly seemed like this team had turned the corner in June. Given what we've seen over the past two weeks on the road, and then their return back to Target Field this past weekend, there is no question that they need to begin looking at 2012, rather than trying to look at the remainder of 2011.
The Twins need to focus on a couple key areas over the next six months. In nor particular order:
With Cuddyer, the Twins need to find a way to bring him back to this team for the next couple of years. There's no doubt his price tag has gone up, but given his value to this team, both on the field and in the clubhouse, it's imperative that they not lose the heart and soul of their team...AGAIN. This happened before with Torii Hunter...not the greatest player they've had, but the face of the franchise and the best guy in the clubhouse. Michael Cuddyer deserves to succeed in Minnesota, nowhere else.
Given their inability to perform this season, Liriano, Capps, and Young all need to find new homes, sooner rather than later. Next season, the three combined will require about $20 million. Their level of production this season warrants more along the lines of about $8 million. Liriano lacks control, and doesn't seem to be paying much attention to Rick Anderson. Capps lacks an overpowering array of pitches, which leads to him being knocked around all over the park. Young is the biggest underachiever, having only one good season in 2010, and struggling at the plate in 2011. The $20 million that would be occupied by all three would be better suited for other free agents.
The Nishioka experiment has been a failed one thus far. Uncomfortable, over-matched, and lacking confidence. Those adjectives are the most applicable to Nishi. There seems to be a stigma with Japanese players that, once they're here, they have to remain in the majors. Unless there's something we're not aware of in the contract that Nishioka signed with the Twins, there's no reason they shouldn't send him down to Triple-A for the remainder of the season to try and build up his confidence and comfort level with the American game. What we're seeing right now is the equivalent of having a high-school junior quarterback into an NFL game. It's too fast, everyone is too big, and the offenses run are far different than high school. The same can be said for Nishi to the Majors. The game moves faster, the players are bigger and more athletic in America, and the game has different nuances here than in Japan. The better place for him to learn these things would be at the minor league level, as opposed to be thrown to the wolves at the Major League level. If the Twins wish to turn the experiment into somewhat of a success in 2012, they need to consider this as an option, and not worry about hurting his feelings.
The last seven weeks of the season would be the perfect time to mess with the lineup, after all, what's the worst that could happen. When you look at guys like Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Danny Valencia, and Delmon Young...would they be better suited hitting somewhere different in the lineup? When the Twins get Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla back, the lineup will probably look like this: Span, Casilla, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Kubel, Valencia, Young, Nishioka. There are a couple of issues, in my opinion, with this lineup. The first is the third spot in the order, customarily held by Joe Mauer. Again, we understand he's been hurt, but what people don't get is that Joe is not a third-spot hitter. When you look around the Majors, the likes of Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Jose Bautista, Evan Longoria, Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, to name a few, are the guys you're seeing in the third spot in their respective batting orders. Looking collectively at the other 29 guys in MLB this season hitting in the third hole, they sport the following numbers: .288, 16 HR, 57 RBI. Joe's numbers this season: .286, 1 HR, 21 RBI. Number three hitters should not be "table setters". Those roles should be reserved for your lead-off and second hitters. Joe's mentality at the plate is that of a table-setter. His focus seems to be to get base hits, not to drive runners in. If that's the case, then the Twins need to address the issue. Either turn Mauer into an RBI guy, which means they should look at batting him 5th or 6th in the order, or have him be the single-slapping table-setter he seems to want to be and move him into the #2 hole permanently. Coupled with that, why not put someone like a Jason Kubel or Delmon Young into the #3 spot in the order? Kubel has been one of the better run producers on this club over the last couple of years, so maybe he is more fit for hitting third in the order. Experimenting with the order now is the best time to do it. If you happen to catch lightning in a bottle over the last seven weeks and make something happen...great. If not, you've got a better understanding of what you can do next season with the guys you have.
With this weekend having been the reunion of the 1991 World Series Champions at Target Field, it brings to light a very glaring weakness the Twins have, and that is starting pitching. What helped the '91 team succeed was the strength of their starting rotation, namely Jack Morris, Kevin Tapani, and Scott Erickson, who combined for a total of 54 wins during the regular season. If the Twins' starters this season keep their current pace, they too will win 54 games this season. The only problem: they're doing it with five starters, not three. The "big three" in '91 won no fewer than 16 games. The Twins might be lucky to have two 10-game winners this year. The fact that the '91 team knew they had a great chance at winning every time those guys took the mound was crucial! It's amazing what that feeling can do for a team. With this team, you really have no idea what you're going to get. Are you going to see the Francisco Liriano that blows people away, or are you going to get the one that walks six guys in four innings? Are you going to get the Nick Blackburn that picks his spots and effectively works the strike zone, or are you going to get the guy that appears to be lobbing beach balls at opposing hitters? When the offense doesn't have confidence in pitching, it brings a feeling of "how many runs are we going to have to score today in order to win?" That's a feeling that won't get a team into the post season, let alone win a championship. The Twins need to show a sense of urgency this fall and throughout the offseason, with regard to trying to land a front-line starter or two. Yes, the bullpen has been a mess this season, but when you look at when the pen was at its collective best, it was in the month of June...when the starting rotation, for even a brief couple of weeks, looked dominant and had the ability to work deep into games. When they can't, the bullpen struggles. The starters the team currently has, Carl Pavano included, seem to be inconsistent with what you're going to see. Finding a true ace this offseason should be near the top of the Twins' "to-do" list.
Sadly, the team isn't far off from being a contender. They've been down this road before. They need to put together a game plan, and execute, no different than anything else. If they can take care of a couple of these glaring issues, there's no reason this team shouldn't lock up the Central Division, and look towards playing into October next season.
The Twins need to focus on a couple key areas over the next six months. In nor particular order:
- Figure out how to bring Michael Cuddyer back.
- Look at unloading a bit of salary, namely through Francisco Liriano, Matt Capps, and Delmon Young
- Make a decision on Tsuyoshi Nishioka
- Make a few lineup changes
- Find a way to bring in a front-line starter
With Cuddyer, the Twins need to find a way to bring him back to this team for the next couple of years. There's no doubt his price tag has gone up, but given his value to this team, both on the field and in the clubhouse, it's imperative that they not lose the heart and soul of their team...AGAIN. This happened before with Torii Hunter...not the greatest player they've had, but the face of the franchise and the best guy in the clubhouse. Michael Cuddyer deserves to succeed in Minnesota, nowhere else.
Given their inability to perform this season, Liriano, Capps, and Young all need to find new homes, sooner rather than later. Next season, the three combined will require about $20 million. Their level of production this season warrants more along the lines of about $8 million. Liriano lacks control, and doesn't seem to be paying much attention to Rick Anderson. Capps lacks an overpowering array of pitches, which leads to him being knocked around all over the park. Young is the biggest underachiever, having only one good season in 2010, and struggling at the plate in 2011. The $20 million that would be occupied by all three would be better suited for other free agents.
The Nishioka experiment has been a failed one thus far. Uncomfortable, over-matched, and lacking confidence. Those adjectives are the most applicable to Nishi. There seems to be a stigma with Japanese players that, once they're here, they have to remain in the majors. Unless there's something we're not aware of in the contract that Nishioka signed with the Twins, there's no reason they shouldn't send him down to Triple-A for the remainder of the season to try and build up his confidence and comfort level with the American game. What we're seeing right now is the equivalent of having a high-school junior quarterback into an NFL game. It's too fast, everyone is too big, and the offenses run are far different than high school. The same can be said for Nishi to the Majors. The game moves faster, the players are bigger and more athletic in America, and the game has different nuances here than in Japan. The better place for him to learn these things would be at the minor league level, as opposed to be thrown to the wolves at the Major League level. If the Twins wish to turn the experiment into somewhat of a success in 2012, they need to consider this as an option, and not worry about hurting his feelings.
The last seven weeks of the season would be the perfect time to mess with the lineup, after all, what's the worst that could happen. When you look at guys like Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Danny Valencia, and Delmon Young...would they be better suited hitting somewhere different in the lineup? When the Twins get Justin Morneau and Alexi Casilla back, the lineup will probably look like this: Span, Casilla, Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer, Kubel, Valencia, Young, Nishioka. There are a couple of issues, in my opinion, with this lineup. The first is the third spot in the order, customarily held by Joe Mauer. Again, we understand he's been hurt, but what people don't get is that Joe is not a third-spot hitter. When you look around the Majors, the likes of Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Jose Bautista, Evan Longoria, Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, to name a few, are the guys you're seeing in the third spot in their respective batting orders. Looking collectively at the other 29 guys in MLB this season hitting in the third hole, they sport the following numbers: .288, 16 HR, 57 RBI. Joe's numbers this season: .286, 1 HR, 21 RBI. Number three hitters should not be "table setters". Those roles should be reserved for your lead-off and second hitters. Joe's mentality at the plate is that of a table-setter. His focus seems to be to get base hits, not to drive runners in. If that's the case, then the Twins need to address the issue. Either turn Mauer into an RBI guy, which means they should look at batting him 5th or 6th in the order, or have him be the single-slapping table-setter he seems to want to be and move him into the #2 hole permanently. Coupled with that, why not put someone like a Jason Kubel or Delmon Young into the #3 spot in the order? Kubel has been one of the better run producers on this club over the last couple of years, so maybe he is more fit for hitting third in the order. Experimenting with the order now is the best time to do it. If you happen to catch lightning in a bottle over the last seven weeks and make something happen...great. If not, you've got a better understanding of what you can do next season with the guys you have.
With this weekend having been the reunion of the 1991 World Series Champions at Target Field, it brings to light a very glaring weakness the Twins have, and that is starting pitching. What helped the '91 team succeed was the strength of their starting rotation, namely Jack Morris, Kevin Tapani, and Scott Erickson, who combined for a total of 54 wins during the regular season. If the Twins' starters this season keep their current pace, they too will win 54 games this season. The only problem: they're doing it with five starters, not three. The "big three" in '91 won no fewer than 16 games. The Twins might be lucky to have two 10-game winners this year. The fact that the '91 team knew they had a great chance at winning every time those guys took the mound was crucial! It's amazing what that feeling can do for a team. With this team, you really have no idea what you're going to get. Are you going to see the Francisco Liriano that blows people away, or are you going to get the one that walks six guys in four innings? Are you going to get the Nick Blackburn that picks his spots and effectively works the strike zone, or are you going to get the guy that appears to be lobbing beach balls at opposing hitters? When the offense doesn't have confidence in pitching, it brings a feeling of "how many runs are we going to have to score today in order to win?" That's a feeling that won't get a team into the post season, let alone win a championship. The Twins need to show a sense of urgency this fall and throughout the offseason, with regard to trying to land a front-line starter or two. Yes, the bullpen has been a mess this season, but when you look at when the pen was at its collective best, it was in the month of June...when the starting rotation, for even a brief couple of weeks, looked dominant and had the ability to work deep into games. When they can't, the bullpen struggles. The starters the team currently has, Carl Pavano included, seem to be inconsistent with what you're going to see. Finding a true ace this offseason should be near the top of the Twins' "to-do" list.
Sadly, the team isn't far off from being a contender. They've been down this road before. They need to put together a game plan, and execute, no different than anything else. If they can take care of a couple of these glaring issues, there's no reason this team shouldn't lock up the Central Division, and look towards playing into October next season.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Non-Identical Twins? I Think So.
With the Twins and their fans celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the 1991 World Series Championship team this weekend, it got me thinking a bit about the differences between that squad and the current incarnation of the team. Interesting, really, but frustrating nonetheless.
When you look up and down the lineups, there are a few similarities, a few surprises, and a few no brainers. To start with, let me call out a couple of issues before I continue:
On paper, this seems like an obvious no brainer. Joe Mauer is a three-time American League batting champion, and a former MVP. He has been the face of this franchise since taking over as the full-time catcher almost seven years ago. Brian Harper, however, had a grittiness to him that was unmatched. A career .295 hitter, Harper hit over .300 as a Twin over the six seasons he played. His stats during the 1991 season: .311, 10 HR, 60 RBI. Mauer's stats this season: .293, 1 HR, 20 RBI. EDGE: Looking at just the season, it could be argued that the edge would have to go to Harper.
First Base: Kent Hrbek ('91) vs. Michael Cuddyer ('11)
With Justin Morneau hurt for the better part of the last three seasons, Michael Cuddyer has stepped into the first base role as if he'd played there his entire life. Back in 1991, Kent Hrbek owned first base. Getting him out of the lineup was a chore, just as it is trying to get Cuddyer a day off, regardless of the position he plays. Hrbek was one of the vocal team leaders of the '91 team, and an obvious inspiration to many of his teammates. Cuddyer could arguably be the glue that has held this 2011 team together, albeit by a thread. Hrbek's stats in '91: .284, 20 HR, 89 RBI. Cuddyer's 2011 stats: .301, 18 HR, 60 RBI. EDGE: Toss Up. Both players were integral parts of their own teams.
Second Base: Chuck Knoblauch ('91) vs. Alexi Casilla ('11)
Chuck Knoblauch, despite his strange and erratic behavior later in his career, was probably one of the most important pieces of the '91 championship run. As a rookie, he batted second for the Twins, and played outstanding defense in the field, making a terrific combination up the middle with Greg Gagne. Speaking of erratic, Alexi Casilla seemed to have finally come into his own this season, maturing in a matter of weeks to be a solid fixture at second base, before recently getting coming up lame with a hamstring issue. His impact to the team, however, is nowhere close to that of his '91 predecessor. Knoblauch's '91 stats: .281, 1 HR, 50 RBI. Casilla's stats in '11: .259, 2 HR, 21 RBI. EDGE: Easily Knoblauch, if for no other reason than the "deke" in Game 7.
Shortstop: Greg Gagne ('91) vs. Tsuyoshi Nishioka ('11)
Really, there isn't even a point in discussing this one. Greg Gagne was an invaluable player for the Twins in the late '80's and early '90's. His defense alone was something to behold, despite never winning a Gold Glove. Tsuyoshi Nishioka has been the disappointment of disappointments, having what could arguably be the worst season for a Japanese position player in history. Although"Nishi" broke his leg in the seventh game of the season, it has been clear that he's far from being a Major League-ready player, both in the field and at the plate. Gagne's '91 stats: .265, 8 HR, 42 RBI. Nishioka's stats in '11: .211, 0 HR, 14 RBI. EDGE: Gagne, without question.
Third Base: Mike Pagliarulo ('91) vs. Danny Valencia ('11)
Mike Pagliarulo was one of two third baseman used by the Twins during the 1991 season, with Scott Leius being the other. Pags hit one of the biggest home runs in Twins postseason history in the '91 ALCS against Toronto, which helped the Twins best the Jays in five games. Danny Valencia has shown in his first two seasons that he has the potential to be a great hitter for the Twins, displaying the ability to hit for average (as he did in his rookie year of 2010) and showing that he can also put the ball over the fence (as he is doing in his sophomore year). Valencia's problems come in the field, where he leads the Twins with 15 errors. Pagliarulo accounted for only 11 errors in 1991. Pags' 1991 numbers: .279, 6 HR, 36 RBI. Valencia's numbers in 2011: .244, 12 HR, 57 RBI. EDGE: Valencia. If you combine Pagliarulo and Leius' offensive numbers in '91, they hit 11 HR and drove in 56 runs. Valencia has topped both.
Left Field: Dan Gladden ('91) vs. Delmon Young ('11)
Dan Gladden defined the Twins attitude, both in 1987 and in 1991. His hard-nosed style set the tone for both teams, and it's no coincidence that the Twins' only two World Series titles came with Gladden leading the way. Delmon Young continues to under-achieve, and shows a far more minimalistic effort than his 1991 counterpart. It would be hard for anyone to confuse what Delmon does as "hustle", which is truly what defined Gladden. Gladden's stats in 1991: .247, 6 HR, 52 RBI. Young's 2011 stats: .266, 4 HR, 30 RBI. EDGE: The edge goes to Gladden, if for not other reason than his hustling double in Game 7, which ultimately led to Gene Larkin's bases loaded walk-off single in the 10th inning.
Center Field: Kirby Puckett ('91) vs. Denard Span ('11)
Truly, this isn't even a fair fight. Kirby Puckett WAS the Twins. Had it not been for Puckett putting the team on his back in Game 6, there never would've been a Game 7. His amazing catch of a Ron Gant blast to left center, followed soon thereafter by his incredible walk-off home run to send the series to the best finale ever, single-handedly puts him on a pedestal above all others. Denard Span has proven to be a terrific player for the current Twins, batting lead-off, getting on base, hustling, and playing great defense in center. It's unfortunate, because no matter who you would put here, even Torii Hunter, Puckett wins out. Kirby's numbers in '91: .319, 15 HR, 89 RBI. Span's '11 stats: .284, 2 HR, 15 RBI. EDGE: Puckett, without a shadow of a doubt!
Right Field: Shane Mack ('91) vs. Jason Kubel ('11)
It's safe to say that Shane Mack could possibly have been the most underrated player on the entire 1991 championship roster, and that's not to take anything away from anyone else on the team. His overall contribution that season was incredible. Although he had a less than stellar World Series, the Twins couldn't have gotten to where they were in '91 without the likes of Shane Mack. Jason Kubel has been the Twins' best player in 2011, when he's been healthy. He's shown more discipline, great power, and far better range in the outfield than could've ever been expected. Mack's 1991 statistics: .310, 18 HR, 74 RBI. Kubel's '11 campaign: .307, 7 HR, 39 RBI. EDGE: Shane Mack, for his "out of nowhere" performance throughout the entire season.
Designated Hitter: Chili Davis ('91) vs. Jim Thome ('11)
The team's leader in home runs and runs batted in for the 1991 season, Chili Davis stepped into the DH role as if he'd been doing it for the club for years. His bat in the lineup allowed players like Kirby and Herbie to see better pitches, and more than likely helped to contribute to the numbers Shane Mack put up as well. Jim Thome is a class act, and is on the verge of an incredible accomplishment, hitting 600 home runs this season. His health has been somewhat of a concern, with a couple trips to the DL this season. All told, his career has been amazing, but his season thus far could've been a bit better. Chili's numbers in '91: .277, 29 HR, 93 RBI. Thome's '11 stats: .252, 9 HR, 30 RBI. EDGE: Chili Davis, despite the incredible career of big Jim Thome.
Starting Rotation: Jack Morris, Scott Erickson, Kevin Tapani, Allan Anderson ('91) vs. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn ('11)
The 1991 starting rotation featured three pitchers with more than 16 wins, capped by Scott Erickson's 20 win season. Collectively, you knew you were getting a solid start from each of the top three guys, each and every time they took the mound. The 2011 staff has shown nothing but inconsistency, led by Francisco Liriano. When each member of the 2011 rotation takes the hill, you never know if you'll be getting a quality start, or if you'll have to dive into the bullpen by the fourth inning. EDGE: Clearly the 1991 staff, with a 20-game winner and an 18-game winner, not to mention the best pitching performance of all time in the World Series, Jack Morris's 10-inning shutout in Game 7.
Relief Pitching: Notable names include: Carl Willis, Mark Guthrie, Steve Bedrosian ('91) vs. Jose Mijares, Glen Perkins, Matt Capps ('11)
Considering the numerous blown saves given up by the 2011 bullpen, it's safe to say that the better of the two bullpen staffs goes to the 1991 team. EDGE: 1991 Twins
Closer: Rick Aguilera ('91) vs. Joe Nathan ('11)
The Twins' all-time save leader for now, Rick Aguilera was a sure-fire lock when he came into games. Part of the reason the starting staff succeeded as well as it did was in no small part because of Aguilera. That being said, Joe Nathan is about to pass Aggy on the all-time Twins' saves list with his next saves. The Twins struggled early on in 2011 when Nathan pulled himself from the closer's role after coming off Tommy John surgery in 2009. Matt Capps had blown eight saves before Ron Gardenhire pulled the plug on him and put the ball back into Nathan's hands at the end of games. Unfortunately, Aguilera's impact on the club is far greater than that of Nathan currently. EDGE: Rick Aguilera, although both men have set the standard for closers in Minnesota.
Manager: Tom Kelly ('91) vs. Ron Gardenhire ('11)
Considering Ron Gardenhire would probably not be managing the Twins had it not been for Tom Kelly bringing him onto the staff in 1991 to coach third base, I would say that the overall edge would have to fall with T.K. His management style has often tried to be imitated, but rarely ever duplicated. Gardenhire appears to be more passive, and as a result, seems to be late regarding certain moves. EDGE: Tom Kelly
There you have it. As I said, on paper, you might actually think the 2011 Minnesota Twins would be far superior to that of their 1991 brethren, but as you look more in depth, the 1991 team had many things this current version does not. Based on some of those things, it's no surprise why the Twins are celebrating the 20 year anniversary this weekend with such pomp and circumstance. Hopefully, with a few tweaks to this current roster, Minnesota fans could see another magical run to the World Series trophy.
When you look up and down the lineups, there are a few similarities, a few surprises, and a few no brainers. To start with, let me call out a couple of issues before I continue:
- As I look at the 2011 Twins, I've considered the best lineup available for most of the season. With the fact that Justin Morneau has been injured each of the last three seasons, I've taken him out of consideration at first base, since the Twins have done most of their winning over the last three seasons without him.
- I've chosen only one player from each position, despite the fact that there are a couple of instances (1991 third baseman and 2011 center fielders) where there has been more of a platoon due to injuries or what have you.
- I've taken only the best four starters from the 2011 team, since teams actually used only four-man rotations back in 1991. God, I miss the good old days!
On paper, this seems like an obvious no brainer. Joe Mauer is a three-time American League batting champion, and a former MVP. He has been the face of this franchise since taking over as the full-time catcher almost seven years ago. Brian Harper, however, had a grittiness to him that was unmatched. A career .295 hitter, Harper hit over .300 as a Twin over the six seasons he played. His stats during the 1991 season: .311, 10 HR, 60 RBI. Mauer's stats this season: .293, 1 HR, 20 RBI. EDGE: Looking at just the season, it could be argued that the edge would have to go to Harper.
First Base: Kent Hrbek ('91) vs. Michael Cuddyer ('11)
With Justin Morneau hurt for the better part of the last three seasons, Michael Cuddyer has stepped into the first base role as if he'd played there his entire life. Back in 1991, Kent Hrbek owned first base. Getting him out of the lineup was a chore, just as it is trying to get Cuddyer a day off, regardless of the position he plays. Hrbek was one of the vocal team leaders of the '91 team, and an obvious inspiration to many of his teammates. Cuddyer could arguably be the glue that has held this 2011 team together, albeit by a thread. Hrbek's stats in '91: .284, 20 HR, 89 RBI. Cuddyer's 2011 stats: .301, 18 HR, 60 RBI. EDGE: Toss Up. Both players were integral parts of their own teams.
Second Base: Chuck Knoblauch ('91) vs. Alexi Casilla ('11)
Chuck Knoblauch, despite his strange and erratic behavior later in his career, was probably one of the most important pieces of the '91 championship run. As a rookie, he batted second for the Twins, and played outstanding defense in the field, making a terrific combination up the middle with Greg Gagne. Speaking of erratic, Alexi Casilla seemed to have finally come into his own this season, maturing in a matter of weeks to be a solid fixture at second base, before recently getting coming up lame with a hamstring issue. His impact to the team, however, is nowhere close to that of his '91 predecessor. Knoblauch's '91 stats: .281, 1 HR, 50 RBI. Casilla's stats in '11: .259, 2 HR, 21 RBI. EDGE: Easily Knoblauch, if for no other reason than the "deke" in Game 7.
Shortstop: Greg Gagne ('91) vs. Tsuyoshi Nishioka ('11)
Really, there isn't even a point in discussing this one. Greg Gagne was an invaluable player for the Twins in the late '80's and early '90's. His defense alone was something to behold, despite never winning a Gold Glove. Tsuyoshi Nishioka has been the disappointment of disappointments, having what could arguably be the worst season for a Japanese position player in history. Although"Nishi" broke his leg in the seventh game of the season, it has been clear that he's far from being a Major League-ready player, both in the field and at the plate. Gagne's '91 stats: .265, 8 HR, 42 RBI. Nishioka's stats in '11: .211, 0 HR, 14 RBI. EDGE: Gagne, without question.
Third Base: Mike Pagliarulo ('91) vs. Danny Valencia ('11)
Mike Pagliarulo was one of two third baseman used by the Twins during the 1991 season, with Scott Leius being the other. Pags hit one of the biggest home runs in Twins postseason history in the '91 ALCS against Toronto, which helped the Twins best the Jays in five games. Danny Valencia has shown in his first two seasons that he has the potential to be a great hitter for the Twins, displaying the ability to hit for average (as he did in his rookie year of 2010) and showing that he can also put the ball over the fence (as he is doing in his sophomore year). Valencia's problems come in the field, where he leads the Twins with 15 errors. Pagliarulo accounted for only 11 errors in 1991. Pags' 1991 numbers: .279, 6 HR, 36 RBI. Valencia's numbers in 2011: .244, 12 HR, 57 RBI. EDGE: Valencia. If you combine Pagliarulo and Leius' offensive numbers in '91, they hit 11 HR and drove in 56 runs. Valencia has topped both.
Left Field: Dan Gladden ('91) vs. Delmon Young ('11)
Dan Gladden defined the Twins attitude, both in 1987 and in 1991. His hard-nosed style set the tone for both teams, and it's no coincidence that the Twins' only two World Series titles came with Gladden leading the way. Delmon Young continues to under-achieve, and shows a far more minimalistic effort than his 1991 counterpart. It would be hard for anyone to confuse what Delmon does as "hustle", which is truly what defined Gladden. Gladden's stats in 1991: .247, 6 HR, 52 RBI. Young's 2011 stats: .266, 4 HR, 30 RBI. EDGE: The edge goes to Gladden, if for not other reason than his hustling double in Game 7, which ultimately led to Gene Larkin's bases loaded walk-off single in the 10th inning.
Center Field: Kirby Puckett ('91) vs. Denard Span ('11)
Truly, this isn't even a fair fight. Kirby Puckett WAS the Twins. Had it not been for Puckett putting the team on his back in Game 6, there never would've been a Game 7. His amazing catch of a Ron Gant blast to left center, followed soon thereafter by his incredible walk-off home run to send the series to the best finale ever, single-handedly puts him on a pedestal above all others. Denard Span has proven to be a terrific player for the current Twins, batting lead-off, getting on base, hustling, and playing great defense in center. It's unfortunate, because no matter who you would put here, even Torii Hunter, Puckett wins out. Kirby's numbers in '91: .319, 15 HR, 89 RBI. Span's '11 stats: .284, 2 HR, 15 RBI. EDGE: Puckett, without a shadow of a doubt!
Right Field: Shane Mack ('91) vs. Jason Kubel ('11)
It's safe to say that Shane Mack could possibly have been the most underrated player on the entire 1991 championship roster, and that's not to take anything away from anyone else on the team. His overall contribution that season was incredible. Although he had a less than stellar World Series, the Twins couldn't have gotten to where they were in '91 without the likes of Shane Mack. Jason Kubel has been the Twins' best player in 2011, when he's been healthy. He's shown more discipline, great power, and far better range in the outfield than could've ever been expected. Mack's 1991 statistics: .310, 18 HR, 74 RBI. Kubel's '11 campaign: .307, 7 HR, 39 RBI. EDGE: Shane Mack, for his "out of nowhere" performance throughout the entire season.
Designated Hitter: Chili Davis ('91) vs. Jim Thome ('11)
The team's leader in home runs and runs batted in for the 1991 season, Chili Davis stepped into the DH role as if he'd been doing it for the club for years. His bat in the lineup allowed players like Kirby and Herbie to see better pitches, and more than likely helped to contribute to the numbers Shane Mack put up as well. Jim Thome is a class act, and is on the verge of an incredible accomplishment, hitting 600 home runs this season. His health has been somewhat of a concern, with a couple trips to the DL this season. All told, his career has been amazing, but his season thus far could've been a bit better. Chili's numbers in '91: .277, 29 HR, 93 RBI. Thome's '11 stats: .252, 9 HR, 30 RBI. EDGE: Chili Davis, despite the incredible career of big Jim Thome.
Starting Rotation: Jack Morris, Scott Erickson, Kevin Tapani, Allan Anderson ('91) vs. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn ('11)
The 1991 starting rotation featured three pitchers with more than 16 wins, capped by Scott Erickson's 20 win season. Collectively, you knew you were getting a solid start from each of the top three guys, each and every time they took the mound. The 2011 staff has shown nothing but inconsistency, led by Francisco Liriano. When each member of the 2011 rotation takes the hill, you never know if you'll be getting a quality start, or if you'll have to dive into the bullpen by the fourth inning. EDGE: Clearly the 1991 staff, with a 20-game winner and an 18-game winner, not to mention the best pitching performance of all time in the World Series, Jack Morris's 10-inning shutout in Game 7.
Relief Pitching: Notable names include: Carl Willis, Mark Guthrie, Steve Bedrosian ('91) vs. Jose Mijares, Glen Perkins, Matt Capps ('11)
Considering the numerous blown saves given up by the 2011 bullpen, it's safe to say that the better of the two bullpen staffs goes to the 1991 team. EDGE: 1991 Twins
Closer: Rick Aguilera ('91) vs. Joe Nathan ('11)
The Twins' all-time save leader for now, Rick Aguilera was a sure-fire lock when he came into games. Part of the reason the starting staff succeeded as well as it did was in no small part because of Aguilera. That being said, Joe Nathan is about to pass Aggy on the all-time Twins' saves list with his next saves. The Twins struggled early on in 2011 when Nathan pulled himself from the closer's role after coming off Tommy John surgery in 2009. Matt Capps had blown eight saves before Ron Gardenhire pulled the plug on him and put the ball back into Nathan's hands at the end of games. Unfortunately, Aguilera's impact on the club is far greater than that of Nathan currently. EDGE: Rick Aguilera, although both men have set the standard for closers in Minnesota.
Manager: Tom Kelly ('91) vs. Ron Gardenhire ('11)
Considering Ron Gardenhire would probably not be managing the Twins had it not been for Tom Kelly bringing him onto the staff in 1991 to coach third base, I would say that the overall edge would have to fall with T.K. His management style has often tried to be imitated, but rarely ever duplicated. Gardenhire appears to be more passive, and as a result, seems to be late regarding certain moves. EDGE: Tom Kelly
There you have it. As I said, on paper, you might actually think the 2011 Minnesota Twins would be far superior to that of their 1991 brethren, but as you look more in depth, the 1991 team had many things this current version does not. Based on some of those things, it's no surprise why the Twins are celebrating the 20 year anniversary this weekend with such pomp and circumstance. Hopefully, with a few tweaks to this current roster, Minnesota fans could see another magical run to the World Series trophy.
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