Blog Comments

I hope that Valencia does exceptionally well while he is up. That way the Twins might actually get something for him when they trade him this offseason.

I saw on 1500ESPN that if Valencia makes things interesting he might be moved to another position; second, maybe?

Valencia didn't do anything in tonights game to cause Plouffe to worry.

Not sure I agree, I think Plouffe is comfy at 3B, and Valencia showed over more than 1 year whether he was good or not....

Hopefully the Twins understand sample size and will not give weight to whatever performance Valencia gives in the next week or two.

If they use him wisely, he will only appear against lefties which will further decrease the sample.

As for any team interested, his performance on the field 2010-2012 will carry the weight.

Will Valencia still be the Prince of Uptown?
Maybe this time, he will wise up and realize that he must focus 105% on saving his career.

Only tangentially related, but can we somehow transform Trevor into "The Proof" as a nickname? The it could be Hammer-Proof.

Hammer / Slammer Homerama?

Liriano should remain in the pen. I don't know what his problem is, but, it's a matter of what's working, and what isn't.

As for Capps being traded, I don't think that will happen unless the Twins can get some value for him. I think unless Capps has some really outstanding numbers in the next couple of months, look for him to stay with the Twins.

Originally Posted by Blake

Capps is probably gone after this year. It looks to me like Glenn Perkins will probably take over as the closer. At that point, Liriano becomes the set up man. Yes, it would be a bit unusual to have two lefties at the end of the bullpen, but, since both have the demonstrated ability to get people out, I don't think it would be much of an issue.

I say get rid of Capps right now, and shift Perk into the closer role... Duensing/Franky/Burton/Burnett are your team of set up guys. I know Capps worked on this great new pitch and has had decent success this year, but I am tired of watching the end of a game where we have a one run lead and just waiting for Capps to give it up. I was in AZ last year and went to the back to back games he blew saves in, never have I been more sure of a pitcher not being our closer. Matt Crapps needs to go blow saves somewhere else... not here!

Capps is probably gone after this year. It looks to me like Glenn Perkins will probably take over as the closer. At that point, Liriano becomes the set up man. Yes, it would be a bit unusual to have two lefties at the end of the bullpen, but, since both have the demonstrated ability to get people out, I don't think it would be much of an issue.

I would agree with you, except the Twins already have a lefty set-up man, and we trust him a lot more than we trust Liriano in that spot. He would be good in the bullpen, and, if the Twins keep him there and he thrives, his asking price this coming offseason might drop enough so the Twins could sign him to be another good lefty out of the bullpen.

Yes, I believe he should be indeed. I think he can succeed as an excellent setup man.

I'm just pointing out what's been going on with the Twins lately, so yes I'm stating the obvious.

That was directed at the author of the post, not your comment, but I appreciate your concern.

One Eye,

Still worrying about your well being. Please take care of yourself. My point is that he Twins lack any toughness. I acknowledge that professional athletes occasionally fail on a physical level, but failing on a mental level is inexcusable.

Is there something is particuar you are responding to here, or do you just enjoy restating the obvious?

Excellent post. I have a greater expectation for Mauer to execute than I do, Plouffe, for example. I don't mind Capps getting beat by Ross. What I can't stand is how Twins pitchers routinely allow bitters to dig in without ever facing a pitch that makes them move their feet. Does "the Twins Way" include never knocking anybody down? Didn't somebody bit three home runs in a game against he Twins at Yankee Stadium and then do his post game interview in a pristinely clean uniform? How about forcing a batter to dust himself off, once in a while?

As long as it doesn't hamper any positive moves, and as long as the Twins are willing to get rid of him at any time, this is okay. Get Revere the AAA time he needs. Unfortunately, the Twins, as usual, cannot be counted on for understanding this, and we already have our first indication they might think a 28 yr old with mediocre minor league stats is actually viable:

"I'm not surprised it was the Twins," Leyland said. "Gardy (Twins' manager Ron Gardenhire) has always loved him."

I'm sure Gardy recalls the one homer and two triples Thomas has hit against the Twins. The same way he recalled how difficult it was for Joe Mauer to hit Dusty Hughes. Revere gets to play everyday for now. Hopefully that's all this is about.