Minnesota Twins

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:15 am

Chris, I'd have to agree with you about Stewart. With the way Mauer is hitting, I'd put Stewart back to his leadoff position and Mauer 3rd. Lecroy has done a fine job this year for being a bench player so him batting cleanup once in a while would be good. Hopefully sometime soon though Morneau can find his stroke so we can have a full time clean up man. <blockquote>Quote:<hr>Usually if you turn on the Twins by the 7th inning , you havent missed a thing.<hr></blockquote> Well put packerboy, it's the truth I tell you...

EREmpireStrikesBack · Post by **EREmpireStrikesBack** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:29 pm

Along the lines of the Mueller trade. I heard that we could be getting Kevin Youkolis & Kevin Millar for Mays & Romero in the 3 team trade or something of that effect. Anyways, I'm just looking for peoples take on Youkolis or Mueller. Youkolis is younger and more potential, but do we need that right now? Or would we rather have a steady bat & dependable D? Let's hear it <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"> Also, to those who say Mueller with his .282 avg isn't what the Twins need. That avg would be 3rd on the team behind regulars Stewart & Mauer. LeCroy, Rodriguez & Williams are the only other players with higher averages, but that comes in limited playing time. Also his .383 OBP would be tops among regulars on the Twins. Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 GirlsEdited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... kesBack</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://images.usatoday.com/news/health/ ... /darth.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 7/22/05 9:34 pm

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 11:11 am

I'll say Mueller wouldn't be a bad guy to get, but we really could use some power, even though it will be tough to get. I looked up Youkolis and it says he can play 3rd and 1st, and I'm sure he has a promising future ahead of him, so maybe he wouldn't be a bad guy to get. What else does everyone think? I'm still hoping the Twins can get a good deal out of whatever they do...

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:51 pm

Forgot to add my Boone watch into the last post. Boone went 1-4 with a run (7-34, .210 avg, 3 RBI) in yesterdays 12-6 loss to the Tigers. Possible trade bait Joe Mays was rocked for 8 runs (7 earned) and Terry Muhlloand also had a rough relief appearance, giving 4 runs up. The Twins are currently playing Detroit now in game 3 and are tied in the 7th at 1-1.

goldy313 · Post by **goldy313** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 2:06 pm

Another stellar performance by Silva is wasted in a 2-1 loss. A total of 6 hits, Boone and Morneau a combined 0-7. Ford, hitting leadoff was 0-4, after going 0-5 in Friday's romp as a leadoff man. Only 2 Twins regulars are hitting over .275, by contrast the Tigers only have 2 hitting under .275. Pitching maywins championships, but as the Braves can attest, not many.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 2:22 pm

Well the Twins lost game one of a day/night double header today by a final score of 2-1, another 1 run game. Once again Silva had a fine outing, but the Twins wasted it. Here's something I found: Silva is 0-1 in his last three starts despite a 1.96 ERA. Yuck. I was looking through the boxscore after the game and it was just tough to look at. Lew Ford led off and went 0-4, dropping his average to .253 <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eek.gif ALT=":eek"> ! What's going on with Lew? Nick Punto had a 1-3 day but is batting just .261. Stewart went 1-4 and his average is at a respectable .283, even after the slump of his. Joe Mauer keeps hitting the crap out of the ball, the only guy that has done that for us lately (other than Jones). He went 2-3 and is hitting .309. Hunter had an 0-4 day and his average is steady in the .260's. I would love to see it at least in the .280 range.... Jones drove in the only run and is hitting .272. The average has seen an increase lately which is good to see. Boone watch: 0-3 with a walk (7-37, .189 avg, 3 RBI as Twin). He struck out in the ninth inning to end the game (I hate to say it, but I was just waiting for Gordon to say it). Still no extra base hits for Boone as a Twin, which has not helped one bit. I really would love to see him fire up, but something just isn't there for Boone. Morneau is hitting .245 after an 0-2 day. Maybe it is time to send him down.... LeCroy has done just as good of a job from the bench as Morneau has all year. And Castro had a 1-3 day, moving the average to .249. I guess we aren't able to expect a lot from a career .228 hitter. The pitching has got it down <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"> , but the hitting is just not there <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"> . Let's hope the Twins can get a big trade soon. How about Ford, Hunter, Morneau, Boone all pick their bats up as well. I sure hope they can. Oh by the way, the Padres got Randa today, so wave goodbye to him. It looks now as if our only deal is with the BoSox, unless there are other talks going on that I'm not aware of.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 11:06 pm

Well game 2 was much nicer tonight. Twins won 5-2 behind a very solid and nice win by Scott Baker in just his 2nd major league start. Baker went 7 innings, gave up 5 hits, 2 runs, and 5 K's. He only walked one as well. With Baker pitching well since the call up, I'm sure he'll stay here and a starter such as Mays or Lohse will be dealt... In other news tonight, Justin Morneau hit a homer!<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/eek.gif ALT=":eek"> <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D"> It was his first in about 3 weeks, and he also added an RBI double. Hopefully the good night will pick up Justin's bat. Boone watch: Another rest, which makes sense since it was a double header. Also, Stewart was moved back to his old lead off spot and went 2-5. I think he belongs there...

ChrisK · Post by **ChrisK** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 9:46 am

Even Stewart said he's more comfortable batting leadoff so I think he's going to stay here. Nice to see Morneau crush a ball like he's capable of last night. You neglected to mention that Boone had a godawful night in the field on Friday, another strike against him. Ford might be the guy to send down next time they have that option, he still hasn't had a base hit since July 10th and since June 1st his average has dropped 30 points. Here's what a Red Sox fan in a fantasy league that I'm in had to say about Youkilis (I had described him as a younger version of Mueller based on his stats): "Ah Youks. A fan favorite, dubbed the Greek God of Walks in "Moneyball" - though he is actually Jewish. Billy Beane, ethnic wiz. Anyway, your assumption about Youkilis is pretty spot on. Sox fans are not worried too much about Mueller being traded because we assume Youkilis will start at 3B next year anyway. Youks has shown in about 100 games that he is ready for the big show. The general consensus is that he might have a bit more power and a slightly lower average than Mueller. Defense about the same. On the plus side, Youks is 8 years and several knee operations younger than Mueller. Mueller is often given a day off during a series at a turf stadium - bit of a red flag for the Metrodome. Youkilis is also cheaper and would be under the Twins control for several more years while Mueller is a FA at the end of this season. So in the end it would boil down to short term vetran leadership vs longer term prospects. With Randa now a Padre, I can see this being a popular move. Would the Twins really take Millar? Perhaps Theo has pictures of Pohlad with livestock." I have not seen any rumors however indicating that he would be in a trade. Even though the Twins really need a good veteran hitter right now, if the Sox offered him the Twins would really have to consider it as it could shore up the 3rd base position for a few years.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 12:59 pm

Very nice post ChrisK. I must say if we do trade with those guys, I'd rather take Youk. I'm really wondering if the Twins are also talking with other teams. I talked a while ago about Aubrey Huff and I just wish we could get a power guy like him. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... Hillfan</A> at: 7/24/05 1:44 pm

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 1:43 pm

Well the Twins just wrapped up a series by taking a loss to the Tigers 5-2 (series 3-2 in favor of Tigers). Kyle Lohse was hit well today as he gave up 11 hits in just 5 2/3 innings of work. Stewart showed he belongs in the leadoff spot as he went 2-4 with an RBI. Joe Mauer is still doing his thing, as he hit a solo homer in the 9th for the only other Twins run. Boone watch: 1-4 (yes another single). Now 8-41, .195 avg., 3 RBI. I think it's time to start putting Rodriguez in a little more.... Well the Twins have their hands full in the next two matchups. They go to Yankee Stadium next to face the bombers in a 3 game set, and then after it's Fenway Park for another 3 game set against the BoSox. How about a 4-2 road trip here? It won't be easy I tell you.

EREmpireStrikesBack · Post by **EREmpireStrikesBack** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 7:22 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I think it's time to start putting Rodriguez in a little more<hr></blockquote> I agree. I am a big backer of the Boone trade and would really like to see him do something, but until then play the guys that produce. But that is also a good thing about this trade, we didn't give up much or are paying him a lot so it doesn't hurt to have him sit on the bench for a few games and figure out what is going on. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"> Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls

packerboy · Post by **packerboy** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:20 am

Well boys, if its time to bench Boone, its time to pull the plug on the deal. We didnt trade for him so he could sit on the bench and try to figure things out. Gardy's response to the Boone watchers in the press is basically "Well, no on else is hitting either" Ah, Gardy ,we know.... thats why we traded for him. The Boone backers were quick to point out that "Even if he doesnt hit , he plays a great second base" Right. In the words of the late and great Roy Orbison "Its Over"

ChrisK · Post by **ChrisK** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 8:58 am

I'm starting to come over to your side on this Packerboy, but I think they need to pick up another bat before they jettison Boone. Of all the options that they have at 2nd or 3rd he's the only one with any good hitting history so there is a possibility, however minute it appears to be now, that he might re-find his stroke. It's not looking good right now though. Aubrey Huff would be a good pick up, though I'm not sure how good a fielder he is at third base. You have to think the Devil Rays could use some pitching, their team ERA is 5.58 and their closer is tied for the team lead with 5 wins while the Twins are loaded with pitchers. Another hitting heavy/pitching weak team is the Texas Rangers, they might be willing to give up one of their good hitters for some pitching. Scott Baker would probably be a third starter on either one of these teams. It sounds like the asking price for the Red Sox's Youkilis would be higher than Mays and Romero, I think you could get a better deal with either the Rangers or Devil Rays.

Newguy99 · Post by **Newguy99** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:58 am

Packerboy give it up. He has only played seven games with the Twins and didn't play for 2 weeks before coming to the team, for you to say it's over is ridiculous! Obviously he isn't the player that hit 37 homers a few years back but cmon bro give it a realistic chance.

brickwall33 · Post by **brickwall33** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 11:22 am

First off I don't want to see the Twins get Youkillis. He is another Cuddyer in the works. Both were top prospects that have not amounted to anything other than average players to this point. Youkillis was suppose to be an everday player to start last year and batted .260. I don't think he would be a fit. Huff would be a perfect fit. He is a second half player and is batting well over .300 post all star break for his career verses .271 pre. Theres no way we will get him though. But with out pitching staff I think IF the Twins can somehow make the wildcard, I think they have their best shot to go to the Series because of the pitching and the fact that the Yankees probably are not going to catch Boston. So the Yanks won't be in the Playoffs. I predict if the Twins do make the post season the are going to the ship.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:24 pm

Well just got some news from Yahoo Sports this afternoon: "Time may be running out for Boone" The Twins' patience might be wearing thin with second baseman Bret Boone. There was speculation in the clubhouse Sunday that Boone might not be a Twin by the time the club returns to the Metrodome next Monday after an 11-game road trip, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Manager Ron Gardenhire was willing to give Boone time to shake off the rust. But when asked if the adjustment period should be over, Gardenhire said, "Should be." I'll say it's not worth keeping him if he's going to stay the way he has. I just don't understand how this guy dropped so low after having a few great years. Yes, he's getting older, but to me it's strange.

packerboy · Post by **packerboy** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 1:19 pm

Hillfan, It happens. Some guys have a gradual decline in production and others just fall off the table as age creeps in. There is no way to predict it. It looks to me like Boone is one of those guys who just lose it. Its not like he is banging the ball around and hitting in tough luck. He looks really bad at times. OK Newguy, just how long is a "realistic chance"? Until they are out of contention for the WC?

Newguy99 · Post by **Newguy99** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 2:24 pm

Don't get me wrong I don't think Boone is a world beater anymore, but I do think he still needs a little bit more time. I would be suprised if the Twins gave up on him so soon, I guess we'll see.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Mon Jul 25, 2005 6:32 pm

Yeah I agree packerboy. I just think Boone thinks to much, and that just kills him. His mind must be going nutso when he's batting. If he could just take it easy.... Not much we can do about it though. Well tomorrow the Twins open up a tough series against the Bronx Bombers. Randy Johnson and Brad Radke will face each other in the opener. Let's hope the Twins can start to pick it up against these better teams. Here's my goal for the Twins in this 3 game series: Give up only 3 homers or less. To me, this would be an amazing feat to accomplish. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... Hillfan</A> at: 7/25/05 6:35 pm

ChrisK · Post by **ChrisK** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:19 am

Jim Souhan has a good column on Boone in today's paper. I like this quote: "Yes, this is a small sample on which to judge Boone, but he was supposed to be a quick fix, and you need only one forkful of liver to be turned off for life." He suggests that the Twins trade to upgrade the team for the future, that this year's team has not shown that it's worthy of an upgrade to try to make the playoffs plus they have too many holes to fill. However, that kind of trade can be made during the off season rather under the pressure of the trade deadline. I've read that the Twins should have received another minor leaguer in last year's Mientkewicz deal but it got dropped and missed as the deal grew more complicated.

packerboy · Post by **packerboy** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:09 pm

I dont agree with Souhan on the trade for the future idea. We have had enough of that and it has resulted in this. The future is now. Do the Soriano deal. Mays and Romero for Soriano. The money is even. You dont like him at second... DH him. We haven't had a legitimate power hitter for too long. I think this group of players deserves that. I know the fans do. I think it would get them the wild card and maybe a lot more. Whadaya say?

packerboy · Post by **packerboy** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:47 pm

Its interesting how things get tossed around and how people have perceptions and expectations. In the last two seasons('04 and '05), Justin Morneau has played in a total of 156 ball games. He has hit 31 home runs and knocked in 105. He plays a pretty smooth 1B. He is 24. We thought it would be a good idea to send him down. Mauer in the same time has played in 112 games and hit 13 home runs and knocked in 55. He is as a gifted defensive catcher.He is 22. But Souhan thinks we should trade for the future. We need to be patient with these guys. We need to add a vetern, consistent power hitter so when these guys are struggling they have some one to rely on. Its is unfair and unrealistic to expect these young guys to carry the team. It ws totally unrealistic to expect much from Boone and I think the Boone thing has been an embarrassment to the organization. TR can salvage it with the Soriano deal. Lets go. Lets do it. Go Twins.

Hillfan · Post by **Hillfan** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:51 pm

Boy would it be nice to have a star like Soriano, but who knows if the Twins would ever do something like that...

EREmpireStrikesBack · Post by **EREmpireStrikesBack** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:48 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>I think the Boone thing has been an embarrassment to the organization.<hr></blockquote> I'm sorry, but I don't know how you could say that. If we had signed him to a huge deal like the Mariners did, that's an embarrassment. Giving up a A player and paying him the minimum salary even if he only hits .189 for us, that's not an embarrassment. I'd call it a failed experiment. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"> Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls

ChrisK · Post by **ChrisK** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:29 pm

I'd agree with ER, the Boone era was a failed experiment. You have the opportunity to pick up a guy two years removed from being one of the best hitting 2nd basemen in the majors it's worth a shot. According to the papers, the Twins are interested in Soriano: <a href="http://www.startribune.com/stories/509/ ...  Apparently the Twins have thrown out Mays, Lohse, Romero, but aren't interested in parting with prospects because of Soriano's hefty contract would make him a rent-a-player for the Twins. Strikes against Soriano are his defense and strikeouts, but his 25 homers would almost double the Twins current leader, Hunter, who has fourteen. Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... >ChrisK</A> at: 7/26/05 10:37 pm

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