Bert's Buddy Blog

That's a Wrap....Until Next Time

2008-10-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins finished off the surprisingly good 2008 season with a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central Division tiebreaker last Tuesday night. In spite of the outcome ending our season, the Twins should take pride in defying the experts and look forward to a very bright future.

The Twins surprised a lot of people this year, who expected the team to go through a rebuilding season, not to be a contender. Now we seem to be set up pretty well for the future, with a bevy of talented young players. Carlos Gomez, Delmon Young, Denard Span, Brian Buscher, Brendan Harris, Alexi Casilla, and Matt Tolbert all enjoyed their first full season (almost) with the Twins. Throw in veterans Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau and we can fill a lineup card quite effectively, with a DH and one bench player, not one of them over the age of 28. We scored the third most runs in the league (Also the third highest total in club history) and we had the number three batting average. This could be a very good team for many years to come. Do we need to get anything during the offseason? What about defense? Will we trade Michael Cuddyer?

Bert: First of all, let's hope the Twins do not trade Michael Cuddyer. He is a huge part of the Twins going into next season. It was too bad he was hurt most of the season but if he is healthy in 2009 he can create some of the additional power the team needs in the lineup. I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins ask Michael to play third base next season. Denard Span showed that he can be the leadoff hitter for the Twins going into next season and he played a great right field. On paper the Twins have a good lineup, as you mentioned. I do know that Gardy wants to tighten up the defense. With the young players the Twins had this season came too many errors. They had the third most errors in the American League, and that's not Twins baseball. I'm sure Gardy will be addressing this issue with his players in spring training.

Frank: Keeping with the same theme, the pitching staff is very young. Our five starters who finished off the year by completing the final two months combined for a 52-34 record and a 3.96 ERA in 2008. That is a winning percentage over .600, and the oldest of the five, Scott Baker, just turned 27. After a full year (more or less) in a Major League starting rotation, these men should only get better, right? And now arm fatigue will not be an issue anymore -- as it may have been this year – since all of them threw at least 170 innings between the Minors and the Majors in 2008.
What do you think of the progress they made over the season? Could they improve next year? With all the great players, young and not so young, it should be an exciting 2009, huh? You and I should be ready for it. Now go and get some innings under your belt this winter and come back refreshed.

Bert: Good pitching and good defense usually call for a winning season. These are things the Twins will go into spring training hoping to have in 2009. As you know, I do not believe in pitch counts, and with the young pitchers on this staff getting a full season under their belts, now maybe all five of them can reach 200 innings. I don't think that is asking too much. It is not me that has to get refreshed, it is the five young starters that need to come into spring training in the best shape of their lives and be ready to take to ball into the seventh or eighth inning time after time. You do this by making sure that your legs are in shape for spring. I sure hope all the starters know what they are capable of doing and that's pitching deeper into games. It all starts with your leg strength! Distance running is the best way to built up endurance for a long season, and they need to do a lot of stretching. Light weights are also good for arm strength. The Twins’ strength and conditioning coach, Perry Castellano, is very good at setting up winter programs for each individual player, but it's the player who has to get to know his own body and what he expects out of his body to be successful. With the starters going longer into games, the bullpen will hopefully not be used as much as they had to be used this last season. For the Twins to have another successful season the starters need to protect their relievers by going deeper into games.

Frank: We have had some fun this year in the blog, talking about random stuff each week like your favorite restaurants on the road, holidays during your childhood, and even about rock and roll music. But my favorite has to be your story about dropping that loudmouth in the dunk tank repeatedly. We need one final good story to close out the year and make people want more, which might come in about six months. Since you are already at home in Florida, do you have any good stories about golf?
Did your dad ever take you golfing? I know he meant a lot to you, and his eventual defeat after a battle with Parkinson's Disease is one of the main reasons for this weekly endeavor to raise money. Former Twin Kent Hrbek lost his father to ALS -- the disease that killed baseball legend Lou Gehrig -- while I have a form of Ataxia, the disease that killed Twins legend Bob Allison. Because of our closeness to baseball (you can read about my life in baseball on the right side of this page) and your father’s closeness to you, we have set out to raise money for the Minnesota Medical Foundation, which funds research on all three diseases. So your father is a big part of this blog. Speaking of golf, what was his handicap (besides you)? What is yours (besides having grown up in Southern California)?

Bert: I want to personally thank everyone who had a chance to read this blog over the last season. The Twins had a successful year but did not make the post season. I hope all the Twins players watch the post season and think about the things they can do better in 2009 to make sure they get there as a team. I used to watch all the post season games and I would see if I could figure out anything that I could do to help my team get there the next season. Let's hope the Twins players are watching for the 2009 season.I also want to personally thank those who found it in their hearts to make a donation to Parkinson's, ALS, and Ataxia after reading the blog. Every dollar you donate hopefully will help find a cure for these deadly diseases. My father passed away from Parkinson's on October 15, 2004.
Golf was one thing that we enjoyed doing together. I introduced golf to my dad many years ago. During the winter months we had a 6:19am tee time every Sunday morning at a course in Garden Grove, California. Many mornings it would not be dawn yet at 6:19, so we would tee-off in the dark. Hole #1 was a par four that was straight away, probably about 360 yards. There were always four of us who played, so when one of us were hitting the ball into the dark, the other three would stand behind to try and track the flight of the ball. After we all hit then we would start walking toward the green with one player walking down the left side of the fairway, another walking down the right side of the fairway, and the other two walking slowly down the middle. Sooner than later someone would find a ball and yell out what kind of ball it was so the right person could hit it again in the dark toward the green. Once we all hit our second shot then the march would continue to the green. After we all putted our balls into the hole, I would ask each golfer what they had for a score. Every Sunday my dad always said he had a 5! Even if it took him eight shots to sink his putt he still said, “Give me a 5!” That Christmas I had about 20 scorecards made up from that course we played and on the scorecard I had my dad's name, Joe, engraved on the card and on the first hole I had them engrave a 5! He laughed so hard when he opened that gift and I can still see his smile today. Golf is a great game because it brings friends and family together for a fun day filled with memories. My dad's handicap was probably about an 18, where mine is currently a 5! I guess I got that from my dad!!!!!Have a great winter and thank you all again for reading this blog each week. You are all “Hereby Circled!”

Frank: Well, most baseball is played in the land of golf for the next few months. The Arizona Fall League started this week for the Twins’ top prospects -- and there is an ongoing Florida Instructional League and winter ball in the warm states and countries further south -- so we will see if the team can improve the bullpen and the left side of the infield without making any deals! But for now we are done, and hopefully we’ll see you all back here next season. Thanks for reading and for donating! For Bert Blyleven, this is Frank Genalo wishing you a quiet, peaceful, and blessed winter.

Thoughts from Bert...

2008-10-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Minnesota Twins season ended after they lost 1-0 to the Chicago White Sox in game #163 of the season. The White Sox are the winners of the Central Division and now continue on into the post season.

The Twins had a great year with the young talent they had and it should be an interesting 2009 season. I do have one complaint about the way the season ended. I know, through the Commission's Office of Major League Baseball, that a coin flip was used in determining who would have home field advantage if an extra game was needed like one one that the Twins and White Sox played.

Why was the game played in Chicago? The Twins won the season series 10-8 and they should have had home field advantage for this game! It's not right when a flip of a coin determines the outcome of a long season. So winning the season series doesn't really mean anything, right? That's bull! The Twins were 8-1 vs. the White Sox in the Metrodome and 2-7 in U.S. Cellular Field.I guess I am complaining over spilled milk but this was not right!Anyway, the Twins did have a great year as a ball club. The last week of the season had to be very exciting for all the players, coaches and manager. This last week turned out to be like post season because of the crowds that attended these games. Especially the last 6 games in the Dome.

The Twins fans again were the 10th player on the field and I personally want to thank the fans for their support throughout the season. Fox Sports North TV rating were higher then normal because of the players on the field and the way they played throughout the season.I hope everyone has a great winter and I am already waiting to see the games in spring training and the excitement that comes with a new season. The young pitching staff and younger everyday players should feel proud of the nice job they did throughout the 2008 season.

Also congratulations to Joe Mauer in winning his second American League batting title and let's hope Justin Morneau and/or Joe Mauer bring the MVP Award back to the Twin Cities.

God Bless you and and be safe,
Bert Blyleven

Mr. October

2008-09-30T12:49:00.001-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins are down to one more game, a tiebreaker against the
White Sox -- the very same team we swept last week – tonight at US Cellular Field in Chicago. The winner of the game dons the American League Central Division crown and heads to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round of the playoffs, beginning Thursday. The Twins have a good shot at winning, because the opposing pitcher will be John Danks. In the three starts he’s had against us in Chicago this year, his ERA is 8.78. Nick Blackburn, who beat the White Sox just last week, will start for the Twins. I asked Bert about the sweep last week:

Against the Chicago White Sox last week, the Twins earned a huge three-game sweep, showing a different style of offense in each game. Tuesday night we bashed an uncharacteristic three home runs during a 9-3 blowout. Wednesday night we went back to small ball with nine hits, all singles, sacrificing and running the bases to pick up the win thanks to two run-scoring groundouts. The last game was between the two, no home runs but four doubles and three triples, showing off our speed and sacrificing twice (once on a squeeze play). All that to say that there are many ways to score runs, and the Twins are still the third best team in the league in pushing men across the plate. Which style is most fitting for the Twins? Which will we need most to advance in the playoffs?

Bert: If the Twins get into the post season they will go in as the team that got them there and that is to bunch some bunts, swinging singles and extra base hits together, maybe without the long ball. There are only three players that hit 10 or more home runs throughout the season, Morneau (23), Kubel (20) and Young (10). In post season they will try to drive their opponents crazy with all the running they are capable of doing on the bases. Let's hope these opponents have the opportunity to watch this Twins team run, bunt and steal bases with some big hits in between.

Frank: Joe Mauer gets a lot of attention, deservedly so, for being the best hitting catcher in the game. But he receives very little credit for the defensive side of his game. He is the league leader in fielding percentage and fewest passed balls – catchable pitches that slip by the catcher -- and very close to the league lead in games caught and fewest stolen bases allowed. In addition, pitchers always say that he calls a great game, and he's a very calming influence on our young pitchers. So, as he closes in on another batting title, what is the chance of him winning a Gold Glove Award someday? How do you feel about how he handles the pitching staff?

Bert: Now that Ivan Rodriquez, once the Tigers catcher and now the Yankees catcher, is a free agent and might be out of the American League, maybe Joe will get votes for his ability behind the plate. He and Mike Redmond have done a great job of handling the five young starters the Twins have had in their rotation throughout the season. Joe is one of those catchers that do a great job of calling the game, blocking balls in the dirt and if given the opportunity can stop the running game of the opponent. That is what a Rawlings Gold Glove winner is all about, and winning batting titles will help too...

Frank: As we approach October, at least two things leap to mind. Playoff baseball, for one; another is Halloween! As for baseball, Reggie Jackson was known as Mr. October, because of his excellence during the playoffs. Do the Twins have a Mr. October? Who is it? Now for Halloween, did you ever go trick-or-treating as a kid in California like we did in the Midwest? If so, what was your favorite costume? I remember going as a baseball player a couple times. Did you do that as a kid? Ever been to a haunted house?

Bert: Reggie Jackson became known as Mr. October because of the home runs and big hits he got in post season. The Twins would love it if Justin Morneau could become their Mr. October. Time will tell who will be put into the position to come through at the right time. Maybe even Nick Punto or Denard Span could be the Twins’ Mr. October!
Halloween was always one of the funniest nights for me as a kid growing up in Southern California. I have four sisters and two brothers, and all of us used to go out with our pillowcases to get them full before we returned home. As soon as the sun went down, we were off and running. I never dressed up in a costume. A mask is all I needed. If a certain house was giving out really good candy we would double back and hit that house about three or four times. We would change masks and act like we had never been to the house before. Once we got home with our full pillowcases my dad would have us all put our candy on the floor in the family room and he would take the best treats out and say these were his. After the first year of him doing this, we would hide the good candy outside before we came home, and we would get it later that night. I don't think my dad ever knew we did this. Boy, did we treat him....

Frank: Lovingly? With respect? Okay, maybe neither. Now we switch back to baseball.
Let’s hope that the White Sox sing a somber “Bye Bye Blackburn” tonight!

Crunch Time

2008-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, it’s crunch time for the Minnesota Twins! We need to win this series and the one against the Kansas City Royals this weekend, and possibly get some help from the Cleveland Indians and/or the Detroit Tigers, to win the American League Central Division and qualify for the playoffs.

A very shaky turn through the rotation last week saw no starting pitcher last five innings. Scott Baker has been very good at home, especially when he gets run support. He is 3-1 with a 3.28 ERA and six no decisions in 10 tries. He also won his only decision against the Chicago White Sox, striking out an impressive 12.3 batters/9 IP during two starts against them. Nick Blackburn is great at home when he pitches on four days rest, having gone 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA over eight such starts. Kevin Slowey has been our ace since the middle of June, going 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA in his last eight starts at the Metrodome. So what do these men have left? Will they be as good this week?

Bert: It has been a tough month of September for the Twins’ starters. The month started with the Twins getting swept by the Blue Jays in Toronto and then the Twins going 3-3 on the home stand vs. the Tigers and the Royals. Now their last road trip on the season has been a disappointment! I am writing to you Saturday night and today the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Twins 7-2 to clinch a playoff berth. We did not televise the game, but I hope a lot of the Twins players stayed in the dugout to watch the Rays celebrate. It will be good for the players to watch others celebrate because hopefully their celebration will help carry the Twins team into Sunday's game (This seemed to happen, as we won to split the four-game series at the park of the best home team in the Major Leagues) and will have them looking forward to the three-game series against the White Sox. The Twins are 49-26 at home so let's kick the heck out of the White Sox. Put those tired Twins starters arms on the mound and see what they are made of. I actually don't buy that the starters arms are tired. It becomes more mental then physical this time of the year. Let's see who steps up and/or who will blame a poor performance on a tired arm. Let's hope the starting staff digs a little deeper to find success...

Frank: Michael Cuddyer's 2008 season has been a lost one due to injuries, beginning with a finger injury suffered during the first game of the season with the Kansas City Royals. This has, of course, allowed for the emergence of Denard Span, who filled his spot on the roster and in right field. Span has certainly been great -- even working his way into the leadoff spot in the batting order -- filling in for him, but how much do you think it would mean to Cuddyer, Span, and the rest of the Twins for Michael to be able to pull off some heroics this weekend against the very same Royals, maybe even in the last game of the season against them?

Bert: Let's hope that the season can be won or lost against the Kansas City Royals. That means that the Twins had a great series against the White Sox and are still in the race for the division title. Michael Cuddyer has been missed throughout the season, but with injuries comes opportunity. Denard Span has proven to the Twins throughout the summer that he belongs at the Major League level. Let's also hope that both Michael and Denard can get some big hits to help the Twins win the Central Division.

Frank: The Twins will move into a new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis in a year and a half. Last week the naming rights were announced when officials declared that for the next 25 years the ballpark would be known as Target Field. If, at some point, Jason Kubel or Justin Morneau pulls a really long foul ball, he could hit Target Center, home of the Timberwolves. Target is, as we all know, the chain of retail stores based in Minneapolis. It started out as a midwestern enterprise, mainly in Minnesota. So it’s appropriate to name local sports venues after the franchise. Have you been to Target Field? How is construction going? What about Target Center? What's the chance of Morneau and Kubel taking target practice?

Bert: Congratulations on the Twins and Target in getting an agreement worked out to name the new Twins ballpark Target Field. It's only right since it is being built next to Target Center. I have driven by the new stadium, but I have not yet been inside looking at the construction of this future beautiful ballpark. I have always been one to want to see the final result, rather than try and picture what something will look like. I hope people from all around the five-state area will be proud of the end result: this stadium. I can't wait to see it open in 2010. I only hope and pray that the Good Lord allows me to be there to witness opening day and many days after that. I would like to witness Morneau and Kubel hitting their "target" many times in the new Target Field. God Bless you all and Go Twins!

Let’s “Bake” the White Sox!

Check out the Twins-as they battle for a spot in the playoffs-only on FSN North this week:
Wed: vs. Chicago White Sox-6:30 PM
Thurs: vs. Chicago White Sox-6:30 PM
Fri: vs. Kansas City-6:30 PM
Sat: vs. Kansas City-5:30 PM

Rock & Roll Stars

2008-09-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, the Minnesota Twins continue to show the fight that got them into the thick of a pennant race, winning two more series last week and remaining on the heels of the Chicago White Sox.
All year long, the Twins have led the major leagues in hitting with runners in scoring position. We also lead the Majors with a team record 67 sacrifice flies. Together, these statistics lead to a lot of runs scored. In fact, we have scored the third most runs in the league without much power. What do you think of all the small ball? Will we keep it up on the road this week?

Bert: The Twins won the first two games against the Orioles by scoring 12 runs in each game of the doubleheader played on Saturday night. In game one the Twins won 12-2 behind Scott Baker and Denard Span, who hit two homers to account for four of the Twins 12 runs. This means that eight runs, by my California math, were produced by singles, doubles and triples. Game two was won by the score 12-6 and Brendan Harris hit a solo homerun which accounting for only one of the 12 runs. Eleven more runs were created by singles, doubles and triples. Baltimore's pitchers also helped out by walking 13 batters over the two games. If you want to call these two wins small ball you can but it's the Twins way!

Sunday the Twins, looking for the three-game sweep, lost 7-3 because they couldn't do much against Orioles starter Radhames Liz, who worked eight shutout innings against them. The offense was held in check because he threw strikes and stayed ahead of the hitters. It's very hard to sweep a team no matter who they are and now the Twins are in Cleveland hoping to sweep the Indians.

Frank: When the Twins take on the Rays this week, we will face an even younger -- though more experienced -- starting staff than our own. Their five starters are all in double figures in wins; although the fewest starts among them is 24. We will also be facing them at their park, where the Rays have the best home record in baseball. Tampa Bay is playing over .700 baseball in the domed stadium of Tropicana field. Do you think it's inevitable that they will add to the winning percentage by beating us in the series, given that it is the last leg of our second long road trip in a month? What do you think it will be like for Delmon Young and others to play against the team that traded them? On the other side of the coin, what would it mean to Matt Garza, if he pitches against the Twins? Do you think he will?

Bert: The Tampa Bay Rays are having a type of season that is great for baseball. Nobody expected the Rays to be on top of the American League Eastern Division. Good for them and I am a big Joe Maddon fan. He was managing in the Angels organization when I played for the Angels in the late 80's and early 90's. Joe is a great baseball man and his team is the Cinderella team in the American League. I feel the Twins would be very happy if they could split the four-game series because of the Rays’ success at home this season. Anytime a player goes against his former team there is always a little more excitement for that player. Delmon Young would love to get a game-winning hit against the Rays in the series and if Matt Garza pitches (it looks like he won’t, though) he wants to shut the Twins out. That's the nature of the game and the spirit the players have against their former team and teammates.

Frank: As the road trip continues tonight in Cleveland, I would like you to explain to me the absence of Three Dog Night from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The reason I bring this up is that the Hall is located in downtown Cleveland, near where I assume that you are staying. So I would appreciate it if you could stop by there during your time off from the games and do your best to rectify the situation. Hurt some people if you have to do it; for the love of God, Jeremiah the bullfrog implores you to do this. I know that there are other artists deserving of induction into the Hall of Fame -- such as the Steve Miller Band and, from your teenage years, the Hollies and Tommy James and the Shondells -- but Three Dog Night is a personal favorite of mine. If you can make the Hall induct them, you would bring Joy to the World!

Bert: I have actually been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here in Cleveland. It's a great place to visit if you are a music buff and, really, who isn't? I personally loved Three Dog Night and loved their songs. Having the opportunity to walk through the Hall you realize that there were so many great bands that have been such a great influence in so many lives. My wife Gayle is a bigger music fan then I am. We both like oldies type music and also country western. I think there is Joy in the World no matter what kind of music you love!
Go Twins...

Frank: Slugger Justin Morneau keeps playing every day, and Saturday he tied for the league lead in RBIs. His continued offensive production, as he closes in on his second league MVP Award, is one of many things to look for that would help the Twins “Go” this week.

Outstanding Baseball & Outstanding People

2008-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins remain in the thick of a pennant race, just two and a half games behind the Chicago White Sox. The starting pitching has been great, and Bert will tell you that that’s the key to a pennant. Last weekend we returned home from a very long road trip, and our starters lowered their combined ERA to 3.76. Every game is crucial now, since we play only 19 more to close out the regular season. This begins with three against a familiar foe, so I asked Bert about it.

The home stand continues tonight when the Kansas City Royals begin a three-game series at the Metrodome, their first visit since the opening week of the season over five months ago. This is a pretty uncharacteristically long time between visits for an American League Central Division rival. Now, the Twins offense is much better than it was then; but with baseball, you never know, as shown by the two series losses to the worst team in the American League, the Seattle Mariners. But those were last month on the road, now we have two more series this month against Kansas City at home. So how will we do against the Royals and their bullpen?

Bert: The Kansas City Royals seem to always give the Twins a battle. So far this season the Twins have the advantage over the Royals, winning nine of the 12 games played between the two teams. The only time the Royals were here at the Dome was in April and the Twins won two of the three games. But their success so far against the Royals doesn't really count for anything this time around. One thing for sure is that these two teams don't hit a lot of home runs. In the 12 games played there have been only 10 combined home runs hit; the Twins have hit seven and the Royals three. They have played three extra inning games against each other with the Twins winning two of them. The Twins have outscored the Royals 48 to 36 over the 12 games. Not a lot of runs scored between these two clubs so there has been some very good pitching on each side. The Twins will look at the Royals series, as they do with every set, one game at a time. Good pitching and timely hitting is very important for the Twins against the Royals.

Frank: The Twins' pitching rotation consists of five young men, all of whom are approaching career highs in innings pitched. But so far, these starters have been very good; the highest ERA among them is just over 4.00. Tonight Nick Blackburn will try to become the third member of the current staff with double-digit victories, to be joined soon enough by Scott Baker.
Do you think that their arms will be able to hold up, especially on the upcoming road trip? Will all the extra arms just added to the bullpen help these guys out? Do you think it will be enough?

Bert: You are right Frank that all five of the Twins’ young starters have done a good job throughout the long baseball season. With the weather getting cooler in September I always found that I got stronger this time of the year. With the Twins in the division race with the White Sox, every start is very important. I feel no matter how many innings these starters have thrown in the past couple of years; this is the time to continue to kick it in. Meaning that every outing and inning is very important for a Twins win. Sometimes you just have to dig deeper inside yourself to get this done.
The bullpen has struggled as of late so the starters may have to go over the magic 100-pitch count from time to time. It's time to step up to the plate and extend your innings...

Frank: I just read about a couple of awards that might interest Twins fans. One is the Ford C. Frick Award, given every year for "major contributions in broadcasting." Twins longtime voices John Gordon and Dick Bremer are eligible for the Hall of Fame honor. So is a guy named Bert Blyleven, known well for allowing home runs and, in his second life, for the infantile practice of circling people while being careful not to color outside the lines. Online balloting lasts throughout September and fans of the "Sultan of the Telestrator" can vote for him at halloffame.org. Which way do you think you have a better chance of making it to Cooperstown, as a player or a broadcaster?
The other award is the Roberto Clemente Award, for which outfielder Michael Cuddyer is the team's nominee. Community service is one of the criteria for the award, which is named after the all-star Pirates outfielder that was killed in a plane crash in 1972 during a humanitarian mission. Did you ever meet Clemente? What do you know about him? What about Cuddyer and his community service?

Bert. This is my 13th season as color analyst for the Twins and it's unusual that a color analyst receives the Ford C. Frick Award. It's usually the play-by-play announcers that win this award. John and Dick are very deserving of this award.

Michael Cuddyer is not only up for the Roberto Clemente Award but also the Branch Rickey Award. The Branch Rickey Award honors Major League Players as humanitarians in the game of baseball. Michael Cuddyer serves on the Board of Directors of the Twins Community Fund, and is spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs. He emcees the annual FSN North "Kids in the City" event, and founded the Michael Cuddyer Celebrity Waiter Dinner event at Morton's Steakhouse to benefit Boys and Girls Club. He is also spokesperson for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He established "Cuddy's Buddies" to give Twins game tickets to economically disadvantaged kids. As you can see he is very deserving of each of these awards.

I never met Roberto Clemente but I praise him for his dedication to being a great human being.
Have a great day and Go Twins...Catch those White Sox!

Frank: Slugger Justin Morneau continues his pursuit of another MVP Award, currently ranking eighth in the league in batting average, 19th in home runs, and second in RBI. He has driven in 49 runs in 48 games since the all-star break, and is closing in on RBI leader Josh Hamilton. Catcher Joe Mauer is also chasing his second batting title, after he became the first catcher ever to win one in 2006. Their continued offensive production is one of many things to look for that would help the Twins “Go” this week.

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Tuesday: vs Kansas City at 6:30 PM

Wednesday: vs Kansas City at 6:30 PM

Thursday: vs Kansas City at 12:00 NOON

Friday: vs Baltimore at 5:30 PM

Saturday: vs Baltimore at 5:30 PM

A Great Team & a Great Cause

2008-09-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Frank: It was another big week for the Minnesota Red Twins last week, as guys who started the season with the Class Triple-A Rochester Red Wings made key plays. So I asked Bert about this:

The Twins have gotten major contributions from rookies and other young players this year. Earlier in the season, you gave your Twins Rookie of the Year vote to Nick Blackburn. Has that changed to Glen Perkins or Denard Span? What about the other guys who started the year in the Minors -- like Alexi Casilla, Brian Buscher, and Francisco Liriano -- only to be called up and have a big impact at the Major League level? And the two youngest players on the team at 22 years old, Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young, who are technically not rookies, but manager Ron Gardenhire described them as two who are still learning the game. Do you actually see, with your trained baseball eye, the growth of these men as players? If you could share any specifics, that would be great.

Bert: With a month to play I guess we could pick about five or six players who could be the Twins Rookie of the Year! Nick Blackburn has been very consistent throughout the season and now Glen Perkins has impressed everyone since his call up from Triple-A Rochester in early May. His 12 wins lead the staff. It's good to have a healthy Francisco Liriano back with the club, as he is 4-0 since his return over six starts. On the offense side of the game, what Denard Span has meant to the Twins since he was recalled for the second time has been priceless. He has taken over the leadoff spot in the lineup and we have seen him make Gold Glove plays in the outfield. Alex Casilla has been very consistent at second base and his switch hiting and speed have added more excitement to the lineup. Brian Buscher has stepped right in at third base and has gotten some big hits for the Twins in his rookie season. Craig Breslow has been a nice surprise since he was claimed off waivers too. Anyone of these players who is eligible for Rookie of the Year is deserving.

You asked about Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young being only 22 years old and still learning the game. Gardy is right when he says they are still learning, but everyday is a new experience for everyone on the team. No matter how many years you play the game you are always learning something new about the game. No two games are alike when it comes to baseball so with success and sometimes failures comes on the job training. As long as you learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them, you have succeeded. All the Twins players are always learning something every single day.

Frank: After playing outside for a week and a half, the Twins are back under a roof tonight in the domed stadium of Toronto's Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays swept us at the Metrodome in May. Do you think that our Dome Field Advantage was less that series because Toronto is another team with a domed stadium? The Twins were hovering around the .500 mark at the time. Since then we have played much better, nearly .600. Do you think that the Twins will have an advantage playing indoors? Can we win the series and exact some revenge on the Blue Jays?

Bert: I am currently writing this for the blog on the plane with the team heading to Toronto. The Twins are 5-6 so far on this 14 game road trip. The three games in Toronto are very important and the Twins know that the Blue Jays are playing good baseball right now. The Twins are lucky that they do not have to face Roy Halladay, the best pitcher in the American League in my opinion, in this series. He pitched today (Sunday) and beat the Yankees for his 17th win of the year. Cliff Lee is having a great year for the Indians, but since Halladay is a pitcher who likes to finish what he starts, I like him better. Complete games are a thing of the past and Halladay has eight of them this season; five more then any other pitcher in the A.L.. The Blue Jays have a very good pitching staff, leading the American League in combined earned run average, so the Twins bats will be tested even without facing Halladay. Let's hope the Twins can win two of three and come back home with a .500 road trip.

Frank: Last week we talked about the State Fair, an annual tradition this time of year. It ended yesterday, on Labor Day as usual. Another tradition on that holiday is the Jerry Lewis MDA telethon, an event near and dear to my heart. I have Friedreich's Ataxia, a form of the disease that killed Twins great Bobby Allison. It is also a disorder covered by MDA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I appeared on the national telethon with Jerry in 1990, just after former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. We were in LA at the time, but I like to think that the fact that our hour broke the fundraising record at the time was due mainly to my appearance. For those who don't know, the main reason for this blog is to raise money for Ataxia and Parkinson's. I know that you have been getting autographs on a tie you are wearing on the current road trip, to be auctioned off for the benefit of Parkinson's research. My question for you is this: Have you ever appeared on a telethon? What do you think of Jerry Lewis? Tommy Lasorda? Neckties?

www.mda.org/auctions

Bert: I am very proud of you, Frank, because you have never given up on life. You have been dealt a bad hand, but you have made this negative into a positive in so many ways. Your dedication to helping others through your time in life is an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others. I witnessed first hand what Parkinson's can do to the human body. How it can tear down the strongest man I ever knew: my dad. He fought it like he was a boxer in a corner with no way out, but it finally got the best of him. He was a fighter through all the years of this disease, and he never complained until the end. He only complained because he knew he had been beaten! I loved him for his dedication to my mother and his family. I love my mother because of her dedication to my father as his care taker and how much they loved each other.
I have never had the privilege of being part of a telethon, and we should all be proud of what Jerry Lewis stands for and how his telethon has helped so many others. God bless Jerry Lewis and anyone else who has tried to lend a hand in trying to raise funds to find a cure for any disease out there. Let's just hope that one day all the terrible diseases in life can be better controlled.

The baseball tie that I brought on this long road trip was something I wanted to do for my dad and Parkinson's. In Anaheim I was able to get Torii Hunter, Vladimir Guerrero and Garret Anderson to sign my tie. Of the Twins I have Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan on the tie. In Seattle I asked Raul Ibanez, J.J. Putz and Ichiro Suzuki and in Oakland I got Frank Thomas, Huston Street and Bobby Crosby to sign. In Toronto I will ask Roy Halladay, Vernon Wells and B.J. Ryan to sign the tie. I want to thank all these players for signing the tie and hopefully this tie can help raise funds for Parkinson's. I will donate this tie on behalf of my dad and I will let you know at a later date how Parkinson's plans to auction this tie off.

Frank, keep up the great job.

Go Twins....

Frank: Let’s “Go” and break the tie with the Chicago White Sox beginning tonight in Toronto and continuing this weekend when the Twins finally come home and take on our division rivals, the Detroit Tigers.

Left Handed Pitchers & Food on a Stick

2008-08-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins won another series at home last week -- our 11th in a row -- over the Oakland A’s, and then headed off to LA for the opening four-game series of a marathon road trip. So while we are missing the entire State Fair, hopefully we can ride the rotation well beyond the midway point of games, show off our pride winning bull(pen), or just base some wins on our sticks.

In the last eight weeks, only one left-handed starting pitcher has beaten the Twins, Cliff Lee. During that span, the Twins had previously become the only American League team to beat Lee (that's still true). He might win the AL Cy Young Award this year, so it took the best lefty around to beat us (17 others tried). Left-handed hitters like Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Denard Span have shown a rare knack for hitting against left-handed pitchers. Newcomer Randy Ruiz has helped so far, too. What do you think of the Twins' greatness against lefties? Can it carry over into this week?

Bert: Isn't it strange how a baseball season has its ups and downs? The first half of the season the Twins offense really had a tough time against left-handed starters. Now they are having very good success! Sometimes it's who that left-hander is, how well he is pitching at the time when the Twins play his club, and the run support he gets early in the game. The Twins will be facing a lot of left-landed pitchers over the next week, but these lefties are mainly ones who do not have a lot of Major League experience. Let's hope the Twins batters can figure these pitchers out early and get our starters some early run support.

Frank: A great turn through the rotation last week -- three of the five starters lasted eight innings each and the other two posted wins and combined for twelve innings, yielding just one earned run while striking out 17 -- left the bullpen rested and fresh. How important will it be down the stretch for the relievers to get rest? What happened Sunday, and how do we prevent it from happening again?

Bert: If the Twins want to win the division it will come down to quality starts by the starters. Five or six innings isn't going to do it, because that just puts more innings on the bullpen. It's time now for all the young starters to catch their second or third wind and continue to pitch deeper into the game. I always say you win division titles and pennants with good starting pitching and good defense. The Twins don't hit home runs like some other teams, such as the White Sox, so they need to continue to drive in runs with great timely hitting. This is one reason why they are having a successful season, because they lead the Major Leagues in hitting with runners in scoring position.

What happened Sunday is that the Angels are great team and never give up. The first sign of a championship club! The Twins are also a club that never gives up so you have games like Sunday. Remember that the Twins have done exactly what the Angels did many times this season themselves.

Frank: The Minnesota State Fair opened last Thursday, one day after you left town on the current road trip. And you won't get back until after the Fair's annual Labor Day close. I know you are not a Midwesterner by birth, but usually you are in the Twin Cities for at least a little bit of the event, right? Have you ever been there? If so, what are your favorite things to do there?

If not, did you ever go to a fair as a kid? What about during your playing career? Ever play the carnival game where you try to knock down bowling pins by throwing a ball at them? If you have, did you ever give up a home run? Seriously, though, did anyone ever recognize you and make you stand further away, or make you throw a wiffle ball? Is there anything you want me to see, eat, or milk for you while I am at the Fair?

Bert: I have never been to the Minnesota State Fair. When my kids were younger we went to fairs and they were fun. The games they have are fun to play and I especially liked the dunk tank. Throw a baseball at the bull’s eye and if you hit it, you knock the person off his or her seat into the tank. There was a guy in Florida one time that sat on the seat and was very rude to the crowd as you walked by. He said something smart to my kids and I didn't like what he said. SO, I bought the three balls that you get and I hit the bull’s eye on the first shot! He went into the tank...he got back up and said something smart again and I knocked him back into the tank on my second throw...once more he got back on his seat and just when he was about to open his smart mouth again I threw the third baseball...once again he was eating water. This time he got back on his seat, looked at me and said, "Have a nice day. You have great kids." My kids thanked me and we walked away proud! People around us at the time cheered as we walked into the sunset...
At the Minnesota State Fair I know they have everything on a stick. Do they have Coors Light on a stick? I was told that the pork chops on a stick are pretty good. Try them and let me know what you think! Have a great time at the Fair and Go Twins. You are all hereby "Circled."

Let’s get going against the left-handers, tonight!

Check out the Twins this week on FSN North: (with one hour pre game shows LIVE from the Minnesota State Fair!)

Tuesday, Aug 26: vs. Seattle/ 8:00 PM
Wedensday, Aug 27: vs Seattle/ 2:30 PM
Thursday, Aug 28: vs. Oakland/ 8:00 PM
Friday, Aug 29: vs. Oakland/ 8:00 PM
Saturday, Aug 30: vs. Oakland/ 7:00 PM

The FSN North booth at the Minneosta State Fair is located on the corner of Judson and Cooper (right next to the Minnesota Twins tent!) come check it out! --Record your own "sports update" and meet our on-air personalities!

A Note from Frank

2008-08-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins had another big week at home, winning two more series at the Dome. Going 5-1, we extended our series victory streak to an impressive 10 in a row at the Metrodome. Yesterday Glen Perkins notched victory number 10, taking the lead for a day, at least. Nick Blackburn will try to catch Perkins tonight, and Kevin Slowey will do the same tomorrow night, both against the Oakland A’s.

DH/outfielder Jason Kubel had a remarkable series this weekend against the Seattle Mariners, with eight hits – including a home run and two doubles – and six RBI in 10 at –bats, scoring five runs. His continued offensive production is one of many things to look for that would help the Twins this week. Here are some other things:
1) Second baseman Alexi Casilla should be with the team when it flies to Anaheim after the Oakland series wraps up Wednesday afternoon. The Twins could use his patience and productivity against the tough Angels pitchers during the four games this weekend.
2) The Twins lead the American League in sacrifice bunts, and the major leagues in sacrifice flies. Maybe we can keep up the small ball to manufacture more big runs. Despite not having a home run hitter in the AL’s top 20, we have raised our run production to over five per game, and are close to second in the league in runs scored.

As Bert Blyleven is off this week, I didn’t ask him anything. So this is Bert’s Buddy with all of his friends signing off!

Bert's Motto

2008-08-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, the Minnesota Twins are making an old habit of the road trip rebound. And now, we are left with a huge nine-game home stand, beginning tonight against the talented, high-priced New York Yankees. When the Yankees leave Minneapolis after the three-game series wraps up Wednesday afternoon (Yes, FSN will broadcast the game, starting at 11:30 in the morning), we will prepare for three more against the Seattle Mariners this weekend.

The Twins stole a few bases this one weekend in Kansas City, more than we have in a while. Because Bert Blyleven is a spewing font of knowledge, I asked him about this slowdown. It’s hard to believe, but I asked him this question only 16 weeks ago:

The Twins are stealing a lot more bases this year than last -- not surprisingly, given the additions of Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young. But Ron Gardenhire has always been a rather conservative manager. Will he reign in the running game at some point to avoid running into outs, or keep it flying when the Twins are not down by more than one?

At the time, three weeks into the season, the Twins were tied for the league lead in stolen bases and near the bottom in almost every other offensive category. Boy, how things have changed! While we are still among the lesser home run hitting teams, we are now in the top five in the league in batting average and runs scored. But the running game, at least the base stealing, has stalled a bit. Can you lend some insight as a former pitcher into the connection between stolen bases and batting average? Would you say that the base running of the Twins has to do with the batting average and the run production?

Bert: Frank, you’re right when you say the Twins base stealing has slowed down since the beginning of the season, but their aggressive base running has not! Denard Span has taken over the leadoff spot in the line-up with speedy Carlos Gomez now batting ninth in the order. Every game is different and there are so many things that come into play when a manager decides to ask a base runner to steal a base:

Is the opposing pitcher left-handed or right-handed? What kind of move does he have to first base? How quick is he toward home plate? Does he have a high leg kick or does he use the slide-step? Who is catching and how strong is his arm throwing to second base or third? What is the score, the outs and what inning is it? How is the tempo of the game going? Does your team need a stolen base at this time or do you leave the hole open at first since the first basemen is holding on the runner? Who is hitting? Would maybe a hit and run work better then a straight steal of second? Is the pitcher throwing strikes or is he all over the place? If he is wild do we even need to send the runner, because he may walk the batter? How good of a jump does the runner need and does he look comfortable with his lead? I'm sure these are only a few thoughts that go through Gardy's mind when Gomez, Span, Delmon Young or any other potential base stealer gets on first base.
I got a headache just thinking of what might or might not happen when a runner gets to first! Imagine what Gardy thinks about every inning! (These migraines are why I like to call him MSGardenhire!)
The Twins don't have the consistent power that some other teams have so they have to manufacture runs. One thing that we have seen throughout the season is that the Twins try to take the extra base as much as possible. Going from first to third on a base hit and getting a good lead at second base so you can score on a base hit are important in scoring runs. This type of base running will be needed the rest of the season if the Twins want to stay in the race.

Frank: Tonight we begin the second half of our home-and-home series with the Yankees. The Twins will have the same three pitchers start against them who began the games in New York three weeks ago. Also, this weekend the home stand continues with the Seattle Mariners, whom we played just last week. Two of our three starters will match up again with the club. Carlos Silva makes his return to the Dome Friday night, his first time pitching there since leaving the Twins last offseason after four years with the Twins.

Do you think anyone has an advantage when a batter faces the same pitcher a second time within a few weeks? If so, who? Silva will not have pitched in a week. Does that mean he will be hit hard?

Bert: The Twins record (39-21) shows that they love playing at home. Let's just hope that with this upcoming home stand the magic continues. The Yankees are always a tough opponent and it should be an interesting three-game series, followed by the same with the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A's. Pitching match-ups are always the first thing fans look at when there is an upcoming series. Who is facing whom and how has that certain pitcher fared against the other team. I have always said that any Major League pitcher can beat any Major League opponent if he has his good stuff that particular night. Yes, Ponson has pitched well against the Twins over his career, but maybe this time out he won't have his good sinker working. Maybe Silva will have his sinker working and will get a lot of double plays turned behind him. This is what I love about the game of baseball. Each day and each game is so different. If a pitcher makes his pitches then the advantage goes to the pitcher, but if the pitcher is missing his spots and hanging some breaking balls then the hitters have the advantage. Let's wait and see who is on and who is making the mistakes.
Frank: The Beijing Olympics kicked off this weekend and on Wednesday the baseball competition gets underway. This year might be the last Olympics ever with baseball, sadly enough. The active players on Major League Baseball teams' 25-man rosters are ineligible, but Japan allows its best professionals a break from their pennant chases. What about you? Did you try out for the 1968 Mexico City Olympics as a high school hot shot? Since pitchers are such great athletes, maybe you could have run with Lee Evans, jumped with Bob Beamon, or swum with Mark Spitz. What is your personal motto? Is it Citius, Altius, Fortius (swifter, higher, stronger)?

Bert: I will be following not only the United States in the Olympic Games, but also the Netherlands and Canada. I was born in Holland but left when I was two years old, so I am always curious to see how the athletic teams from the Netherlands do against the rest of the world. I also will be following the Canadian athletics because my family spent four years in Canada before we came to the United States in 1957. Now living in the United States since I was six years old, I am very proud of U.S. athletics. I know we live in the greatest country in the world, so GO USA! Hopefully the U.S. baseball team will make us all proud and if it's the last Olympics for baseball, then bring home the gold!
I could never run with Lee Evans, jump with Bob Beamon, or swim with Mark Spitz. . BUT...I bet I could have struck them out!!!!!

My motto is: Do the best you can with the talent you have. Look in the mirror and ask yourself this simple question, "Am I getting the best out of myself today and can I be better today then I was yesterday?"

Every day is a gift so make the most of today! We are not guaranteed tomorrow…

God Bless all the readers and the Twins fans.
Go Twins and the USA...

Check out the Twins this week on FSN North:
Monday, Aug 11: vs. NY Yankees (6:30PM)
Tuesday, Aug 12: vs. NY Yankees (6:30 PM)
Wednesday, Aug 13: vs. NY Yankees (11:30 PM)
Friday, Aug 15: vs. Seattle (6:30PM)

San Francisco Treat & Burger and Malt Treats

2008-08-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Frank: What a Treat! Even during his phenomenal rookie season of 2006, Francisco Liriano was never more saintly than he was Sunday at the Metrodome, producing a litany of six shutout innings to take the lead as the Minnesota Twins went marching into first place in the American League Central Division. Another great week for the Twins was capped off by the return of the real “San Francisco Treat.”

We talked last week about home field advantage. The Twins certainly enjoyed the weeklong home stand, taking the division lead, and this week we hit the road for series against the only two American League teams with losing home records. Will these series, at the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals, be easy for the Twins to win? If not, will it be even harder without injured second baseman Alexi Casilla? Will new call-up Randy Ruiz have an impact against lefties, starting with Jarrod Washburn Wednesday afternoon?

Bert: You take nothing for granted in the game of baseball. Even though the Mariners and the Royals have losing records the Twins need to continue to take one game at a time and try to win each series. Seattle has had a tough year. Some baseball experts had them competing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (a mouth full), but that hasn’t happened and right now they have the worst record in the American League. This will be the first time the Twins have seen the Mariners and we play them nine times this month, in two three-game series in Seattle and one three-game series at the Dome. The Royals seem to always play well against the Twins, even though the Twins have won seven of the first nine meetings with them. It will be the last time the Twins will be in Kansas City this season. Too bad because I love the ballpark there! The good thing is that the Twins are 5-1 in Kansas City so far this season.
Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe were released by the Twins to make room for LHP Francisco Liriano and right-handed power hitter Randy Ruiz. Good move by the Twins! Liriano is ready to show now that he belongs again at the Major League level; and good for Randy Ruiz! He has spent 10 years in the minors and has played for eight different organizations, and finally he gets an opportunity in the majors. I love hearing stories about guys that don't give up on their dreams. Ruiz played on Friday night against the Cleveland Indians, and in his third Major League at bat he singled to right field against LHP Jeremy Sowers for his first Major League hit. Congratulations to him for his dedication and commitment to baseball! Hopefully he can continue to hit LHP because that's one reason the Twins released Craig Monroe.

Frank: With one of the roster moves made by the Twins last week, releasing Livan Hernandez and promoting Francisco Liriano to take his spot on the starting staff, the team completed the young rotation many have wanted for a while. As a former starting pitcher, do you think that Hernandez achieved the goals the Twins had when we signed him last winter? Why was he released a day after the trade deadline instead of being traded for something? Is Liriano ready? How long will it take for him to adjust to the major leagues? Will his April experience help him adjust more quickly?

Bert: I'm sure the Twins tried to trade Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe before the trading deadline but you have to have someone interested in picking up their remaining salary to trade them. Once the trading deadline passed the Twins decided to make their move. I feel that Hernandez did a good job for the Twins’ starting rotation but it was time to make a move because it looks like Francisco is ready and Livan had really struggled lately. I wish Hernandez and Monroe nothing but the best. They represented the Twins organization with class. I also believe the young pitchers will do a good job the remainder of the season without the veteran leadership of Hernandez. The young pitchers had four months, plus spring training, to watch how Livan got hitters out by mainly changing speeds and using the corners on the plate.

Frank: Last time you spent an off day in Kansas City, we talked about Gates BBQ, and how you love to eat barbecue when you are there. But I know that you are also a big burger fan. So, have you ever been to Winstead's? It's an old favorite spot in KC; is there any chance that you won't go there for a meal this Thursday? I would recommend that after your "steakburger," you finish off the meal with a malt or a chocolate "frosty," a drink that eats like a meal (They recommend using a spoon.)

Bert: If the malt or the chocolate "frosty" drink eats like a meal, then why would I need a burger? Are you trying to get me fatter? If I have time I will try and eat at Winstead's. I know I am playing golf on the off day in KC so maybe that can be my evening meal. Thanks for the tip. But I'm sure I will also make a trip to Gates!
Go Twins and you be safe.

Frank: Slugger Justin Morneau had a huge series against the Chicago White Sox, going
5 for 14 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. His continued offensive production is one of many things to look for that would help the Twins “Go” this week. Here are some other things:

1) The home run production as a whole picked up last week, with seven in seven games. But it’s probably not the return of the Homerdome, as we are tied for last in the league in long balls. However, keeping it up on the road might help ease the pressure on our young starting pitchers.
2) Kevin Slowey tied the other three young starters with his seventh victory, briefly, last Monday. Glen Perkins passed him the following day; then things changed a lot Friday. First Francisco Liriano was called up to replace struggling veteran Livan Hernandez, meaning 26-year-old Scott Baker is now the father figure of the rotation. Then Nick Blackburn tied Perkins with his eighth win, the new team lead. Slowey will try to even his record, again, this weekend in Kansas City.
3) Michael Cuddyer is flying to Rochester, New York today to play a few games for the Triple-A Red Wings, hoping to rejoin the Twins either before or after the series in KC. We look forward to getting his bat and outfield presence back in the lineup every day. Matt Tolbert is also rehabilitating and hopes to return this month. The Twins could use his speed and versatility.

Go Twins tonight in Seattle!

The Twins are Kickin'

2008-07-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, the Minnesota Twins pulled off another amazing turnaround last week -- recovering from a three-game sweep at the ballpark of an AL East powerhouse by winning a series on the home turf of an American League Central Division rival -- for the second time this month. This leaves us in a really good position, two and a half games behind the division leading Chicago White Sox, who begin a huge four-game set tonight at the Metrodome. This weekend we remain in the Central with the second half of a home-and-home matchup with the Cleveland Indians, which started this past weekend. Since we play every day this week at home (Tonight through Saturday evening on FSN), I asked Bert about home field advantage:

Earlier this season, you mentioned that an old baseball saying was to try to play .500 baseball on the road, and about .700 at home, and you might be competitive in your division. While the Twins are pretty close to that mark in games at the Metrodome (34-19, .642), they have not been very good on the road (23-28, .451). Included in that performance away from the confined confines is a 2-7 mark playing at the home field of the division leading Chicago White Sox. But due to a scheduling quirk, the Twins were done for the year in Chicago and Detroit -- the home of the other American League Central Division team above .500, the Tigers -- by the All-Star break. So far this year, we are 2-0 at home against the White Sox and 5-1 against Detroit.

How much of an advantage will it be to play all the remaining games against these two rivals at home?

Bert: It has always been said that if you can play .500 on the road and win big at home, you have a good chance to get into the postseason. There are 30 Major League teams and there are ONLY five teams with winning road records. In the American League there are the Yankees and Angels and in the National league there are only the Phillies, Brewers, and Cardinals with winning road records.

Now there are ONLY six Major League teams that do not have winning records at home. In the American League there are the Royals and Mariners and in the National League are the Nationals, Astros, Giants, and Padres that have losing home records. All six of these teams are teams that will probably not make it to the postseason.

Over the final two months of the season there are 58 games left for the Twins, 31 road games and, by my California math, that leaves 27 home games. There are 25 games left to play in the division against the White Sox, Tigers, Royals, and Indians. Nineteen of the 25 will be played at home for the Twins. Hopefully the Twins can take advantage of our home field advantage.

Frank: This Thursday night is the non-waiver trading deadline, after which trades become much more difficult to make. Manager Ron Gardenhire has been quoted as saying that -- although his team doesn't need any new players -- if the people in the front office can make a deal that brings in either a powerful right-handed hitter or a quality setup reliever to pitch the eighth inning and get games to Joe Nathan for the ninth, he would appreciate it.

What do you think? What do the Twins need most?

Bert: O boy, tough question Frank. What do the Twins do about maybe adding some right-handed power and is the current bullpen setup to hand the ball over to Nathan for the ninth? These are questions that I'm sure the Twins front office along with manager Ron Gardenhire are asking themselves. What will the organization have to give up to get some added help? Do we go out and rent a player for the final two months who might help us get into the postseason? But what do we have to give up? Can the Twins win the division without any future deals? Can the offense continue to hit with runners in scoring position, as we have all season long? We have led the Major Leagues in this department for the whole year, while hitting the fewest home runs in the Majors. The Twins need more power in their lineup, but what would they have to give up for added power? We all know that the Twins worry about the future years as well as they do on where they are now in the standings. I really would be surprised if the Twins make a move. But in the event that we do, I think Bonser would be the likely pitcher to be involved in a trade.

Frank: Over the next two weeks, you will broadcast every game the Twins play, even an afternoon game in Seattle.

Does it drain you to work all the time? Or does it energize you to be able to watch the Twins every day?

This stretch begins with four huge games, starting tonight against the Chicago White Sox. We are hitting the dog days of August and September this week. Does that term apply to the announcers as well as the players?

Bert: I love broadcasting the game of baseball and I would love to do every game throughout the season. Announcing is fun because as a former pitcher I had the opportunity to pitch every fourth or fifth day. Announcing every game is like pitching everyday. Each game is different and each game I probably see something I haven't seen for a long time or see something that I have never seen before. The Twins have a young exciting club and it's fun and entertaining to watch this team go through their ups and downs throughout the season.
Usually the dog days of baseball are June and July. Once August comes around you hope you are in the race for the final two months. The Twins have put themselves in this positive position so the last two months should be exciting. As a player this is the time of the season to catch your second or third wind and start thinking about that finish line.
The long baseball season can be compared to running the 440 on a track team. April is the start and May is the first turn on the track. June-July is the straight away on the backstretch of the track. August is the final turn before you get back to the final straight away, which is September. After the final turn, August, you want to be running neck and neck with your opponents when you come off the curve. Hopefully the Twins can stay with these opponents until we hit that straight away for the final kick. It will be the team that has the strongest kick that wins the race. Let's hope that the Twins have enough left to kick it in at the end. I know I will be kicking up in the booth and hoping that the players on the field will be kicking just as hard.

Have a great day; be good to each other and Go Twins!

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Monday, July 28: vs White Sox--6:30 PM
Tuesday, July 29: vs White Sox--6:30 PM
Wednesday, July 30: vs White Sox--6:30 PM
Thursday, July 31: vs White Sox--6:30PM

Friday, Aug 1: vs. Cleveland--6:00 PM
(special 1-hour pre game show, 1 year anniversary of 35W Bridge collapse)

Saturday, Aug 2: vs Cleveland--5:00 PM
(special 1-hour pre game show from Hugo, MN celebrating First Responders)

Pitching, Yankees and Bert's Favorite Teams

2008-07-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Frank: The last week was another great one for the Minnesota Twins. It started last Monday night when slugger Justin Morneau won the home run derby at the All-Star festivities. Not bad for a guy from a small ball team. Then it continued the next night with all three Twins representatives getting in the All-Star Game. Catcher Joe Mauer got the start, calling the first pitch of the game. First baseman Morneau got the finish almost five hours later, when in the bottom of the 15th inning he tagged from third and slid home just ahead of the throw with the winning run for the American League. In between, closer Joe Nathan pitched a perfect inning and the M & M boys went 3-5 with two walks and two runs scored. Not bad representation for a small market team.

As the first full week of the second half of the season gets underway tonight in New York, starting pitcher Nick Blackburn goes against the Yankees for the first time since Abreu knocked him out of the game on June 1 with a wicked line drive off his mouth and nose. Will the memories affect him more tonight than they have for the last month and a half? Did you ever get hit by a ball? How do pitchers deal with memories like that?

Bert: I was very fortunate that over my 23 years of throwing the baseball to the world’s greatest hitters that I was never hit by a line drive above the waist area. I was hit several times by line drives in my legs but never hard enough to make me come out of a game. What happened to Nick was a pitcher’s nightmare. Being hit in the head is always a fear you have when you stand 60' 6" away from home plate. Nick was very lucky, if I can use the word lucky, that the ball hit back up the middle deflected off his glove to slow it down just a little bit. Still the ball hit him near his nose and Nick had to leave the game. I'm sure he will remember that when he faces Abreu in New York but he also needs to realize that it could happen at any time when you are on the mound. Fear is not a bad thing when you can use it to your advantage. Knowing that a line drive could be hit back at you at any time keeps you aware of your surroundings.
Sidney Ponson has always had some of his best games against the Twins so let's just hope his nasty sinker isn't sinking tonight.

Frank: This weekend the second half divisional battles begin, as the Twins play 10 games in 10 days -- beginning Friday night in Cleveland -- against the Indians and the Chicago White Sox. How much of the focus that is obviously required by the playoff chase could be drawn away by the Francisco Liriano situation? Any chance that the Twins would part ways with 33 year-old veteran Livan Hernandez and his 5.30 ERA to let Liriano join the quartet of younger pitchers and their combined 3.73 ERA? Or is a six man starting staff possible?

Bert: I sure hope that the Twins don't go to a six-man rotation. Pitching once a week cannot and will not benefit the starting staff. All the Twins starters rely on their control and an extra day’s rest might make them feel too strong at the beginning of their starts, which would affect their control. This is especially true for pitchers like Livan Hernandez and Nick Blackburn, who rely on their sinkers to get hitters out. As a former starting pitcher, I would rather have a little bit of a tired arm than a stronger arm because I would have to rely on movement and control rather than overpowering the baseball.
Liriano will just have to wait his turn. He started the season with the Twins’ starting staff but we all saw he wasn't quite ready after having the Tommy John surgery. He was sent down to Triple-A Rochester to build his arm strength back and it sounds like he has done that. Francisco just wants to compete back at the Major League level because of his recent success in Rochester and wants another chance. To me there is nothing wrong with this, except that he and his agent went to the Players Association and the media to state their case. What are the Twins going to do? Eliminate one of the current starters? WHO? All the starters have done a great job and the main reason the Twins are in the race is because the starters have been very consistent. But isn't it nice knowing that "IF" something should happen to one of the starters that Liriano is in the wings waiting for another shot?

Frank: As the Twins wrap up our final trip ever to the current Yankee Stadium (the new stadium is being built on an adjacent lot and will share the name, but not the history) Wednesday afternoon, what do you think you can steal from the announcing booth or the stadium for me? Seriously now, let's talk about your favorite memories of, as Babe Ruth put it, some ballyard. This week you don't have to focus on home runs you allowed there, unless that's all you remember! Do you have a favorite statue or plaque, or any stories about all the retired jerseys?

Bert: To be honest with you Frank I was never a huge Yankee fan. Growing up in California I was more of a Dodgers and Angels fan. The Yankees were just the team that seemed to always win the World Series year after year, but as a kid falling in love with baseball, I loved watching and listening to the local teams’ games with my dad. He was a huge Dodgers fan. Having the opportunity to pitch in Yankee Stadium was a great thrill, but pitching in front of my parents in Anaheim and Los Angeles was a greater thrill for me. So when we leave Yankees Stadium on Wednesday, I will remember more the great players I got to pitch against that wore the Yankee uniform than what the stadium meant in Yankees history and baseball history. I can maybe try and get you a souvenir from the monument area out by the bullpens. How about Yogi Berra's plaque?

Have a great day and Go Twins!

Frank: I have heard that nobody ever goes out there to view his plaque, because it’s always so crowded (A paraphrase of my favorite of many famous quotes by Yogi.)
The Twins keep climbing the charts in batting average, slugging percentage, on base percentage, and other categories. The continuation of this offense is one of many things to look for that would help the Twins “Go” this week.

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Monday, July 21: vs. NY Yankees

Tuesday, July 22: vs. NY Yankees

Wednesday, July 23: vs. NY Yankees

Friday, July 25: vs Cleveland

Saturday, July 26: vs Cleveland

All Stars in New York

2008-07-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Frank: Quite a lot has happened with the Minnesota Twins since our last post. Since then – when the Twins were in the middle of a winning streak against National League teams – the Twins have won 12 of 17 games (eight of 10 division games). We closed out the first half of the season Sunday at 53-42 with a three-games-to-one series victory over the Detroit Tigers, clinching the season matchup versus the team many experts picked to win the American League Central Division. The Twins improved to 27-17 against division rivals, including an impressive 14-3 at home. We stand poised to battle for the division championship, and another trip to the playoffs, until the end of the regular season, currently 1.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox and 2.5 back in the wild card race. As we bid a fond farewell to the first half, it is time to shift our focus to the second half and the pennant race. One thing that should help us the rest of the year is our improved lineup, especially against left-handed pitchers:

The Twins seem to be hitting much better against left-handed pitchers. Is that your view too? Now that Nick Punto is settling in as the everyday shortstop, allowing Brendan Harris to platoon at third base with Brian Buscher, it's a pretty solid lineup for the Twins, against right-handers and left-handers. Don't you agree?

Bert: I always say on the air that the baseball season is like a roller coaster ride. So many ups and downs and that's the way it has been against left-handed pitchers throughout the season. Let's hope the success continues against lefties as well as
righties!
There have been so many combinations to the Twins infield throughout the season and it's nice to see the job that Alexi Casilla has done at second base and also the job Nick Punto has done at shortstop. Not only have these two players played highlight reel defense every night, but they both are producing at the plate as well. Brendan Harris did a great job at shortstop too, while Punto was on the disabled list, and now Gardenhire can use Harris at third base and other infield positions. Versatility is the key to the Twins infielders because most of them can play all the infield positions.

Frank: The annual All-Star Game will be played this week, at Yankee Stadium, and three Twins will be there. So I asked Bert about the team representatives:

Tuesday night Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Joe Nathan will represent the Twins in the Midsummer Classic, the annual All-Star Game. You participated in a few All-Star Games, did you not? What will it mean to these men? You were a pitcher, though, not a position player, so you were never subject to fan balloting, were you? This year Major League Baseball fans wised up enough to vote Joe Mauer into the first All-Star start of his career. What do you think this special honor means to Joe? Any chance that Morneau will get another crack at taking Ben Sheets or Brandon Webb deep? And what are the odds that Nathan will get into the game, with six closers among the 12 American League pitchers?

Bert: Yes, congratulations to Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Joe Nathan on their All-Star selection. The fans voted in Joe Mauer and talking to him he is very proud and elated that the fans voted him to start the game. It will be Joe's second All-Star Game as well as Justin's. Joe Nathan is making his third All-Star appearance. What an honor for these three players and I know, making two All-Star Games myself, they will have a blast, especially being part of the festivities at Yankee Stadium. Let's hope Mauer and Morneau get some hits and Nathan gets in the game and pitches a shutout inning. Maybe one of them will bring back to Minnesota the MVP Award from the game.
I just heard that Yankee great Bobby Murcer lost his battle to cancer and I just want send our condolences and prayers to the Murcer family. He was a great man that loved baseball and was a true Yankee!

Frank: I guess now is a pretty good time to go, since the attention of the baseball world is focused on the happenings at Yankee Stadium for the next couple of days. Last week the Twins played at historical Fenway Park in Boston, and I heard you during the telecast of a game there talking about some of your favorite things about the park. Now that you have had some time to reflect, can you list some of them for us? The All-Star Game will be played Tuesday night at the other great historical ballpark of the East, Yankee Stadium. Is it really closing after this year? What are your favorite memories from playing in these two great ballyards, The House where Ruth pitched (Fenway Park, as Babe Ruth pitched for the Boston Red Sox early in his career) and the House that Ruth Built (Yankee Stadium)?

Bert: It will be kind of sad knowing that after this baseball season that Yankee Stadium will be no more. Playing there for 20 years as an American Leaguer brings back a lot of memories. My first year in 1970, as a Twins pitcher, I started my second Major League game there. We lost 2-1 on a Horace Clarke 2-run home run in the fifth inning, but I got my first hit that day. It was a high chopper over the head of Yankee starter Mel Stottlemyre into centerfield. Over the years that high chopper as become a line drive that almost took Mel's head off!!!!!
Just like Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park brings my memories back to 1970, my rookie season. My first Major League start in Fenway Park was on Saturday, August 15 and it was the second game of a doubleheader. We lost the first game so I wanted to pitch well. But I lasted only 1/3 of inning! It would be my shortest start of the 685 Major League starts I had in my career! I walked the Red Sox leadoff hitter Mike Andrews, Reggie Smith hit a 2-run home run, Carl Yastrzemski followed with a home run, Rico Petrocelli struck out and Billy Conigliaro hit a double. That was it; I was out of the game. I ended up getting a no-decision as the offense picked me up but we still lost the game 11-7. The next day Luis Tiant started for us and he lasted only 1 and 1/3 innings. I came in to relieve in the second inning and pitched 5 2/3 innings and actually got the win as we won the game 9-6. I gave up three runs in this relief outing. So, in my first experience of pitching in Fenway Park, my pitching line was: 2 games, 1 start, 6 innings pitched, 8 hits, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts, 3 home runs allowed with a record of 1-0. What a great country!
Be safe and be kind to each other. Go Twins!

Frank: Bert forgot to mention that his strikeout during the brief Fenway debut, the only out he got, ended up putting him over the 3700 mark for his career (He fanned 3,701 in his 23 seasons in the Major Leagues.) Bert remains one of only five pitchers ever to accomplish that feat. Denard Span needs to lead off the order, if not replace struggling Carlos Gomez in center field. Span hits much better (.324 to .253) and gets on base much more often (.429 to .287), and he runs really well. He might not have the speed of Gomez (who does?), but Span does everything else that you want from a leadoff hitter much, much better. His next walk will tie him with Gomez, despite having 230 fewer at-bats! Span switching spots in the lineup with Gomez is the key thing that would help the Twins “Go” this week, and it’s a perfect time of year to make the switch!

Check out the Twins on FSN North this weekend:
Friday, July 18 vs. Texas: 6:30 PM
Saturday, July 19 vs. Texas: 5:30 PM

Interleague Play-Bring on the Brewers!

2008-06-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, a lot has happened with the Minnesota Twins since the last blog entry two ex-Cy-ting weeks ago, most of it good for us. Starting with an appearance by the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, C.C. Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians, continuing with pitcher Scott Baker adding his name to the list of 40 pitchers in Major League Baseball history with four strikeouts in an inning, and capped off Sunday by the Twins’ second three-game sweep in a row. That’s right, a perfect 6-0 homestand; it was a great week, led by the starting rotation. The Fantastic Five got all six wins last week and posted an ERA of 1.76.

The Twins were involved a little over a week ago with a couple of controversial calls related to the pace of the game and how umpires make calls. There was a disputed home run call that the umpires got right, without using instant replay -- which is under serious consideration, and might be in place by August. The next day, manager Ron Gardenhire was ejected for arguing after a play that could have resulted in an injury to one of his players. Earlier this year, we had a ball that looked to be foul called fair and a few other calls that may have been subjected to instant replay, if it had been installed. Gardy likes the idea of using replay for home run calls, but that’s it.

Bert, do you agree? Would it slow down the game too much? How do you feel about the pace of the game?

Bert: It's a shame that the umpires have so much control of a game that is not controlled by the clock. Once the first pitch is thrown in a game it's not over until the last out. Baseball is not controlled by quarters or halves. The Minnesota Twins are in the top five of all Major League teams as far as how quick their games are played. The umpires do control the batters getting into the batter’s box once an innings starts and they can hurry up the game when the manager or pitching coach comes out to talk to the pitcher or to make a pitching change. The umpire can make the pitcher throw the baseball toward home plate in 12 seconds, with no one on base, but they seldom do it! I think that's about all that the umpires should do. Let the game progress according to the players on the field. I feel too many umpires are too involved at times. To me a great baseball game, when it's all over, is one after which no single fan knows who the umpires were.
As far as instant replay for homeruns, I don't have a problem with that. I sure hope they don't include other things to be reviewed when, I feel, the game of baseball should be controlled by the men in blue and their calls. I bet 99.9% of the time the umpires are correct in their calls.
The executives of the game, along with the Commissioner of Baseball and the Players Association, will come to an agreement on what's best for the game. I believe this...

Frank: The same folks who are reviewing instant replay right now had an interesting idea back in the 1990s:
When interleague play was introduced in 1995, it was heavily criticized by so-called experts who did not want to disturb the delicate balance of baseball and its traditions. But most of them have been won over, or at least silenced, by the tantalizing matchups it makes possible. This week has been and will continue to be a perfect example for the Twins. After facing Cy Young Award winning pitchers Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb over the weekend, we will take on two more in the three-game series starting tonight in San Diego against the Padres. Tonight we hook up with powerful right-hander Jake Peavy, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Tomorrow night it's one of my personal favorites, four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux. I can still remember him pitching three consecutive complete games in his heyday with the Braves, throwing a total of about 270 pitches. This week he will test his efficiency and marksmanship against patient hitters like Alexi Casilla, Joe Mauer, and Justin Morneau. How do you think he will do? What do you know about the relative youngsters, Webb and Peavy? Do you like interleague play? What do you and don't you like about it?

Bert: It is a proven fact that baseball fans like interleague play and that's the bottom line for the 30 Major League teams. More revenue is brought into the stadiums when the opposing league comes into town. Of course, some of the biggest draws are the Yankees vs. Mets, Cubs vs. White Sox, Dodgers vs. Angels and maybe the Giants vs. the A's. But other than those rivalry series it's the same old thing. I think we should continue interleague play but cut it back to only six games. Let the Yankees play the Mets in a three-game series in each park and the other aforementioned teams play the six games in the same way. The Twins would play the Brewers in Minnesota and Milwaukee but that's it. I also feel that playing 18 games within your own division is too many games. Cut this down to 15 games and then, for the Twins fans, more American League teams will be making two trips to the Dome rather than once a year. For example, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim started the season in Minnesota on Opening Day. That's it! The only time they will be in Minnesota. This is not right! All American League teams should have to face each other at least 12 times. Cutting down on the games within the division and cutting back on interleague play would make this possible. [Some good ideas from a former big leaguer, but Bert’s math is a little off; that’s appropriate, though, because he is in California right now!]
It's great that the young Twins get to face the likes of Randy Johnson, Brandon Webb, Jake Peavy and Greg Maddux. As a former player, I know that you want to pitch or play against the best in the game. The Twins have already beaten the first two and let's hope they do the same against Peavy and Maddux in San Diego!

Frank: Speaking of interleague play:

Prince Fielder is one apple that didn't fall far from the tree. The Milwaukee Brewers' cleanup hitter inherited his rotund physique from his big daddy, "Big Daddy" Cecil Fielder. Although he is not a quick runner, Prince enjoys some of his speediest moments against the Twins. This weekend, the hefty, lumbering first baseman returns to the scene of his first major league inside-the-park home run. Last year, the younger Fielder (notice I didn't say the little one) hit a routine fly ball to center field at the Metrodome. When Lew Ford lost track of the ball in the afternoon light coming in the roof, he was off to the, well, um, . . . Fielder scored, eventually. Then a week and a half ago, the not so fresh Prince slid into third with a triple when his deep drive to center eluded Carlos Gomez. However, last Thursday afternoon he proved that he doesn't victimize only the Twins, as he hit his second inside-the-park home run against the Toronto Blue Jays! So the Twins need to be careful when he steps up to the plate, to hold him to no more than two bases. And, if he does get a base hit, we need to watch him closely. Is catcher Joe Mauer over his throwing slump, so he can keep Fielder from stealing bases? In the same vein, how is backup Mike Redmond's shoulder? What I really want to know is if Big Daddy ever went for extra bases against you? Did he terrorize you on the basepaths?

Bert: Big men like the Fielders are fun to watch. What tremendous power they can generate with their bat speed and their strength! I like watching Prince play the game because he plays hard, just like his dad did. Baseball isn't about height, weight and size. It's about being able to complete at the highest level and trying to be the best. Yes, it was fun to watch Prince run around the bases and the way he hustles. It was fun facing his dad when I pitched. I can bet you that Cecil never hit a triple off me but I bet you he probably took me deep a time or two....
Mauer went through a period were his throws to second where a little high but that was mainly because the runner had such a good jump off the pitcher. Joe has one of the best throwing arms in the game. Redmond's shoulder is fine but he's just not getting a lot of playing time because Mauer is catching almost every game. How does manager Ron Gardenhire keep Mauer out of the lineup and why would he? Joe can just flat out hit!

…Go Twins...

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Wednesday: vs. San Diego at 8:30 PM
Thursday: vs. San Diego at 2:00 PM
Friday: vs. Milwaukee at 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Milwaukee at 5:30 PM

Happy Fathers Day

2008-06-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Frank: I know you don't like to talk about statistics, but I have one that I don't think you will mind discussing. For a long time this season, there were very few free passes in games played by the Twins. While we struggled to draw walks on offense, Twins' pitchers were pretty stingy with allowing them. But over the last month our offense has improved dramatically, and part of that improvement has been a significant increase in bases on balls. As we continue to move up the charts in walks taken, the pitching staff keeps throwing more strikes than anyone else in the major leagues. The pitchers have allowed the fewest walks in the majors, so what exactly does that mean to the defense? To the opposing hitters?

Bert: It's nice to have good control as a pitcher, but we have seen over the past two weeks where good control has hurt the Twins starting staff. Good control means different things to me! If the Twins starters have such good control, why can't they start knocking hitters off the plate so they don't continue to reach out over the plate and take advantage of this good control? The most important thing for a pitcher is to get strike one. The next most important thing is to keep the hitters off-balance so they can't continue to time your pitches. This means that you, as a pitcher, need to let the hitter know that you will be pitching to both sides of the plate. Pitching hard inside is a lost art, and I think over the past 10 games we have seen this from the Twins starters. I am not talking about hitting the batter; I am talking about pitching inside aggressively. It's too bad the Twins starters are allowing the opposing hitting to continue to hit hard line drives all over and out of the ballpark, night after night.
Sure it's good for the defense to know that you have good control, but it's also important to let your defense know that you won't allow the opposing team to consistently drive the ball past your defense or over their heads.

Frank: Well, how about the vastness of it?

The Twins have 13 pitchers on the roster right now, which means that there are only 12 spots for position players. That leaves Manager Ron Gardenhire with a limited number of possible substitutions for late-inning situations. He was already forced -- in the first game with this very short bench -- to use a pitcher as a pinch runner. The 13 pitchers should allow for a heavily worked bullpen, especially since we don't have an off day until next Monday. But the beginning of two more weeks of interleague play this weekend means that we will be needing to use our bench more, so we can pinch-hit for the pitchers. So what kind of moves could we make this week? What do you think we should do? What will we do?

Bert: 13 pitchers are too many. The front office needs to help manager Ron Gardenhire and his staff out now. Either designate one of the pitchers for assignment and take your chances that they will not be picked off the waiver wire or trade one of them. Every day the Twins carry 13 pitchers is another day that Gardy can't make the necessary moves to help this team win a ball game.

Frank: This Sunday, June 15, is Father's Day. I know that your father, Joe, is a big part of why we do this blog every week. He, like many fathers do for their sons (like mine), taught you the sport of baseball, and helped you fall in love with the game. That led you to a career (actually two careers) in the major leagues. My dad was born in Brooklyn in 1946, so my burning passion for the game came indirectly from Jackie Robinson and the Dodgers, who branded my father. For more about fathers and sons in baseball, our blog faithful can read the story on the right side of this page (I would highly recommend it!) Apart from the baseball aspect of your dad's life, he is the main reason why this blog exists. Do you want to talk about that, and about your father in general? Do you have some funny stories about him, which you could share in honor of Father's Day? Did your dad ever take you out for a beer in Milwaukee? Would he?

Bert: My dad was a big reason why I fell in love with baseball. He was a huge Dodgers fan and I used to listen to the games with him. My dad worked hard throughout his life to earn money for his family. With two brothers and four sisters, I know it was not easy for him to support the family. His release from his hard work was baseball. Many nights he wouldn't go the sleep until he knew the Dodgers score. He was my hero! To me every day is Father's Day because he is always on my mind and I miss him. He lost his life to Parkinson's, and watching him battle with this deadly disease has actually made me a stronger person. Every day on this earth is a gift and we should all feel this way. Enjoy each day as if it might be your last. Be the best person you can be and at the end, you will be rewarded. I miss my dad but he is in my heart every single day.

Frank: Your dad taught you well, but enough with all the serious stuff. We don’t have these blog entries every week to make people cry, so let’s move on to the lighter side of baseball:

Joe Mauer finally went deep last week -- to the delight of the Metrodome crowd -- not once, but twice. He hit both home runs off left-handed pitchers, belying the old theory that left-handed hitters struggle against southpaws. Also homering for the first time was Delmon Young, who hit his home run Saturday night in Chicago. These two, now that they are off the snide, might be able to hit round trippers more frequently (let’s hope so). And “Casilla Later” struck again, as new slugger Alexi Casilla hit his third homer of the year (and third of his career) Friday night in the Windy City, a night when the nickname was apt. The wind may have helped Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gomez join the long ball parade. Throw in one from big bopper Jason Kubel yesterday afternoon, and the Twins had a productive week, hitting seven home runs. The home run production has spread out now to include everyone expected to contribute. Now we need to watch for slugger Justin Morneau to hit a couple this week in road games against the Central Division of each league -- this afternoon we finish a disappointing four-game set with the Chicago White Sox, who lead the second-place Twins by five and a half games in the American League Central, then it’s off to Cleveland for three games (our first trip there this season) -- this weekend we open the second round of interleague play against our “geographical rivals,“ the Milwaukee Brewers. But power production is just one thing to look forward to. Here are some others:

1) The stability of the lineup, especially if Casilla can play this afternoon, should help over the final week of the grueling 40-game, 41-day marathon, despite further depletion of our infield by injury.
2) We will see if Glen Perkins can return to form starting this afternoon and continuing Saturday. Being on the road might help, after a couple of rough outings in front of the home folks at the Metrodome.
3) As Scott Baker regains strength, he should be able to last longer than the five innings he pitched Thursday. He will try to shut down the rival Indians on Tuesday, and then return to the mound Sunday in Milwaukee, the scene of his triumphant 2007 debut.
`
I know I speak for Bert when I say, “Go Twins!”

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:
Tuesday: vs. Cleveland at 5:30 PM
Wednesday: vs. Cleveland at 5:30 PM
Thursday: vs. Cleveland at 5:30 PM
Friday: vs. Milwaukee at 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Milwaukee at 5:30 PM

Pitching

2008-06-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins capped off an exciting week yesterday with a 6-5 victory over the perennially powerful New York Yankees, splitting a four-game series. Including the three-game sweep in Kansas City last week, we went 5-2 in the last seven days, a very good week. The team keeps scoring runs at an impressive clip; I asked Bert if we could keep it going:

The Twins were struggling to score runs early in the season, and I asked you a question about it. You told me to be patient and give the offense time to heat up. Well now, I guess you were right in predicting things would improve; it's funny how those 23 years of Major League experience pay off. Through the end of April, we had only averaged 3.8 runs a game, near the bottom of the league. But since then we have turned it on, scoring 5.5 times per outing to move up to fourth in the league in runs scored. Hitters like Carlos Gomez, Alexi Casilla, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Mike Lamb have raised their batting averages significantly, some just recently. Can we keep it going against the American League East? How about the Central; will we score enough to better our already impressive 18-9 division record?

Bert: Before I respond to your questions and comments, I just want to let everyone know that Nick Blackburn had x-rays and the ball that the Yankees‘ Bobby Abreu hit back at him was deflected just a little bit by Nick's glove and probably saved him from losing some teeth and maybe even more damage. We all are thankful he was not hurt worse than he was, especially Abreu, because no hitter wants to see this happen.

Yes, Frank, you need to listen to older people. We have been through the battles and we know that things aren’t always as bad as they seem, when time is on your side. The Twins offense took some time to come together, but the patience of Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and his staff is paying off. Will the offense continue to improve in runs averaged per game? Time will tell!

Frank: The Twins have some young, pitchers in the rotation. And while Boof Bonser and Scott Baker are not veterans like Livan Hernandez, they were the most experienced starters we had until signing Hernandez. Right now, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, and Nick Blackburn are all pitching really well. Their ERA’s are all under 4.00. Tonight Slowey takes the mound at the Metrodome against the Baltimore Orioles, and then Wednesday night it's Perkins. Friday night will be Blackburn's turn at US Cellular field in Chicago, as he takes on the rival White Sox. What do you think of these young men and their ability to keep the ball in the ballpark? Do you think they can keep up the great work? Of the three, who is eligible for Rookie of the Year?

Bert: The starting pitching has had their ups and downs throughout the season. Giving up home runs is a part of the game and I always say, “Just make sure they are solo if you can help it!” The young pitchers will be hot and cold throughout the season, but that's what a 162-day schedule will bring them. Baker looks like he might return to the rotation this week, so we will have to wait and see what moves the Twins make to clear room in the rotation for him. Blackburn is my choice for Rookie of the Year right now over Slowey (who is not even eligible) and Perkins. But again, even though I probably sound like a broken record, time will tell!

Frank: Well, I think you forget that the vinyl record is a thing of the past! Music is all on newfangled electronic stuff these days! Speaking of which, here is a new fangle:

With Boof Bonser heading to the bullpen as fellow right-hander Scott Baker returns to the team Thursday after rehabilitating from a groin injury, the Twins lose an anchor of the starting rotation, one who has been there for a couple years and 60 starts. Could you discuss the new role he will have as a reliever? I remember hearing you and Dick talking once about the difficulty for a starter to adjust to coming out of the bullpen, why is that? It seems like pitching is pitching. Do you think that Boof will be able to adjust?

Bert: What will the Twins do when Scott Baker comes back? Since Boof is the starter who has struggled the most, it does look like he would be the likely candidate to head to the bullpen. That would mean 13 pitchers on the 25 player staff for the Twins! Way too many pitchers to try and keep happy! Boof is out of options and the Twins don't want to lose him. The only good news is that for the first time in a long time, the Twins have too many starting pitchers. Remember too that Francisco Liriano is getting stronger in Triple-A. I can tell you one thing and that is that Boof Bonser does not want to be a reliever and he will not be happy going to the bullpen. It's just one more thing for pitching coach Rick Anderson to try and figure out how to keep his pitchers focused.

Frank: Maybe Bonser needs a mentor . . . his team could do a lot worse than hooking him up with a draft pick this week (before the real amateur draft):

The Twins will take part this Thursday in a ceremonial draft of surviving Negro League players. The Negro Leagues, for those who don't know, were comprised of the racially segregated baseball teams that existed before the integration of the sport. They were founded in 1920 in Kansas City, and operated until 1960. So being almost 50 years old, there aren’t many survivors But the Twins found a native of the Midwest, Bill Bell, to draft. Bell -- from Des Moines, Iowa -- pitched for the Kansas City Monarchs. I don’t suppose you know anything about Bell, but what do you know about the Negro Leagues in general? . I remember buying a fascinating book titled “Only the Ball was White” at the Negro Leagues Museum, also in Kansas City.

Bert: Over my playing career I the opportunity to play with many African-American players. Baseball, through this year’s amateur draft, is honoring many of the black players that didn't get a chance to play in the Major Leagues until Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers broke the color barrier. This is a great thing that baseball is doing to remember these terrific athletes. I have never met Bill Bell but I can only guess that he will be very excited to sit at the Twins table during the draft!

Frank: Right fielder Michael Cuddyer is coming out of a slump -- which saw his batting average drop to .228 with just one home run and 19 RBI in 36 games -- that followed his three weeks spent on the disabled list, recovering from a finger injury. During the Yankees series, Cuddyer had nine hits in 18 at-bats (a .500 average), with his second homer of the year and six runs driven in. His continued offensive production is one of many things to look forward to that would help the Twins this week:
1) A quality start from Scott Baker – who starts again Thursday, four weeks after going on the disabled list with a strained groin muscle. He has been rehabilitating in the minors; and now he is ready to come back.
2) Continued production, not only from Cuddyer, but also from Joe Mauer, who hit his first home run of the season last night, and Delmon Young, who drove in the winning run yesterday with one of his three RBI doubles.
3) A triumphant return to the mound Friday night in Chicago for Nick Blackburn, who left the field in horror Sunday at the Metrodome. Ditto for Kevin Slowey tonight, who threw the first complete game of his career last week in Kansas City

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:
Tuesday: vs. Baltimore, 6:30PM
Wednesday: vs. Baltimore, 6:30 PM
Friday: vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Chicago White Sox, 5:30PM

BBQ & Baseball for Memorial Day

2008-05-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Frank: It was a big week for the Minnesota Red Twins, as recent call-ups from the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings had some big games. The trend continued yesterday with Glen Perkins picking up his second win of the week, a series clinching victory over the Central Division rival Detroit Tigers. One thing that would help this happen is improved defense; I asked Bert about that.

Bert: This year’s Twins team is a work in progress probably until the All-Star break. The reason why is there are so many new faces on this club. Players on the disabled list and players going back and forth between the big club and Triple-A can take the life out of a club for a while. Ron Gardenhire believes that good pitching and good defense win games. With the inconsistent health of players at shortstop and second base, it will take time to find the right combination for the second half of the season.
Pitchers shouldn't have trouble throwing the ball to the right base or to a defensive player, period! Bad throws and bad decisions can cost your team a victory! But guess what; they are human too and make mistakes as we all do! This is another area that is being addressed and it too will take time. More pitchers fielding practice (PFP) will be added before batting practice, as well as the Twins trying to tighten up their infield defense. Again, all of this will take time!

Frank: Speaking of impatience, the New York Yankees will visit the Metrodome this weekend, bringing the swagger that always accompanies the team, because of the fact that a Steinbrenner is running a team with a huge payroll. But, the difference this year is that the Yankees are not that great. Coming off yet another playoff appearance, they were mired in last place in the A.L. East before yesterday – when they completed a sweep of the Mariners The only team in that division with a losing record (before yesterday), the Yankees have not turned it on, at least so far. Do you think they will? This weekend?

Bert: The Twins are currently in Kansas City and wouldn't it be nice to win the series here like they did in Detroit over the weekend! This would help the Twins go into the Yankee series starting Friday night at the Dome. The Yankees have had a tough time so far this season, mainly with their starting staff. Just like the Twins, they have had injuries that have kept them right around a .500 ball club. The main thing the Yankees have to worry about is the way the Boston Red Sox are playing and starting to pull away from the pack in the Eastern Division. Thank goodness the Tampa Bay Rays are staying close to the Red Sox (The Rays actually took the lead from the Red Sox yesterday.) I can't believe I just said that, but good for the Rays. They need a season like they are having so far for their organization and their fans. All 20 of them....
The Yankees will find a way to get back into the race. Like you said, money is no object to this rich organization and we all know George Steinbrenner, or now his son Hank, does not like to lose. Time will tell what moves they will make to get back to the Yankees of old, when they won Championships. I am looking forward to the 4-game series and seeing first hand what's going on with this team.

Frank: We all are. But before that, today is the Twins' first day off in three weeks. What will they/you do? Since you are in Kansas City, I must ask, do you prefer your meat with or without barbecue sauce? They claim down there to be the home of the world's greatest barbecue, which I have never liked. Since you have talked before about burgers -- which I do like -- let's hold the barbecue sauce. I remember my first time at Fuddruckers, the build-your-own burger joint that is now everywhere, came in Kansas City. I was a 14 year-old boy, so the name alone amused me to no end. I thoroughly enjoyed dining there, even though I don't remember if I enjoyed the burger. Have you been there? How about a Memorial Day picnic catered by Fuddruckers?

Bert: Off days are needed more for the every day player than the starting staff. Off days are also good for the bullpen. . . Kansas City is known for its great ribs. Gates BBQ is the place I like best here in KC. Better not wear a clean shirt when you go there because it won't be clean when you leave! The sauces they use on their beef are the best.
My wife Gayle and I have been to Fuddruckers and it too is a great place to eat. We used to take our boys there so they could pig out on exactly what they wanted. I bet you pigged out too Frank!
Hope you have a safe Memorial Day and let's hope that when the Twins come home they will be on a winning streak.
Please say a prayer for all the men and women who currently serve and have served our country! God Bless them all!

Frank: First of all, we just met in January, so how can you know my appetite from over 20 years ago so well? I will pray, and I hope all of our readers do the same. Now for the frivolous stuff:

Here are some things to look for that would help the Twins this week as they play against the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees.

We witnessed the arrival of the power of a couple of new guys, as Mike Lamb and Alexi Casilla hit their first home runs of the year – for Casilla it was his first major league home run – but we are still anxiously awaiting glimpses of power from Delmon Young and Michael Cuddyer. Alexi “Casilla later” hit his second homer of the week Saturday night in Detroit, one of two major bright spots for the Twins in their loss to the Tigers, 19-3. (The other was Matt Macri -- the newest call-up from Rochester -- who collected two hits, stole a base, and drove in a run, all in his first major league start.)

We need to keep up the improved offense, but not just the home run production. The Twins have jumped to the top five in the league in batting average and runs scored. We’ve also moved up the list in walks, slugging percentage, and many other offensive categories.

“Firsts” continued: many Twins enjoyed premieres last week, and not just those I’ve already mentioned. Left hander Glen Perkins won his first major league contest last Tuesday night. Kevin Slowey joined Perkins Friday night with his first victory this season. Bobby Korecky – who was recently called up from Rochester – became the first pitcher ever to get a hit in the Metrodome. The Metrodome opened in 1982, so even Bert Blyleven got shut out. On the same night as Korecky’s hit, Howie Clark – more recently called up from Rochester -- got him his first big league win with a thrilling walk-off base hit, driving in his first run for Minnesota. So last Monday night was a big one for the Red Twins. We will see what further can be premiered – can “Casilla later” unveil a grand slam trot in Kansas City? Will Perkins go the distance against the Yankees? Can Macri hit for the cycle? What about Korecky going for the cycle? Watch all week and find out:

Tuesday: vs. Kansas City at 6:30 PM
Wednesday: vs. Kansas City at 6:30 PM
Thursday: vs. Kansas City at 6:30 PM
Friday: vs. New York Yankees at 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. New York Yankees at 5:30 PM

Talkin' Baseball and Basketball

2008-05-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Farnk: The Twins take on Texas this week--The Texas Rangers came into the three-game weekend series against the Twins April 25-27, the Texas Rangers were just 7-16. But including that series victory (2-1), the Rangers have gone 15-7 since. In other words, they are playing much better baseball. Vicente Padilla, their number two starter, came in 2-2 with a 4.97 E.R.A. But with a complete game, shutout victory over the Twins as a starting point, he has improved enough to go 4-0 in five starts, lowering his E.R.A. to 3.16. Thursday afternoon at the Metrodome, he will take on the Twins again. Starting pitcher Livan Hernandez will try to win a rematch with Padilla, whose Rangers defeated Hernandez and the Twins 10-0. That was the only loss for Hernandez so far. So what can the offense do differently this time against Padilla to support Livan more? How will the Twins cool off Texas? Will it be enough to play them at home, where we had won 10 of 11 before being swept by Toronto last week?

Bert: The Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays are the hottest teams in the American League right now. The Rays are second in the Eastern Division, to many people's surprise, and the Rangers are just trying to get back to the .500 mark. I'm happy for both these clubs because it's good for baseball and for their fans.
The rematch of Livan Hernandez vs. Vicente Padilla should be a good one. Livan has been everything the Twins needed in a veteran starter and a great example for the younger pitchers on the Twins staff. He is a pitcher not a thrower! The young starters will learn a lot by watching him pitch, if they want to learn! Vicente has turned his season around. He started the season off slow and sometimes a game like he had against the Twins can help turn any pitcher‘s season around. Maybe that negative thought in his head is gone? Both these pitchers are the aces of their rotation.

Frank: It’s always about pitching with you, Bert. J But their hitters are hot, too. The Rangers are second in the league in batting average, slugging percentage, and runs scored, and first in home runs. They have one or two players among the league leaders in every major offensive category. But since you love pitching (for some reason), let’s talk about the guys who have to try to deal with this offense late in the game:

When Pat Neshek went down with an elbow injury, it left a hole in the bullpen. Neshek was, until a week and a half ago, the primary setup man for the Twins -- the most likely to be called from the bullpen in a close game to try to get the ball to closer Joe Nathan with a lead. Now, he is out for the year, right? So what will help the Twins' bullpen avoid the kind of problems that they had the last time that we played in Detroit? The Twins return this weekend to the scene of the most disappointing performances of the year by the otherwise great bullpen, back-to-back, late-inning losses to the Detroit Tigers. Can the relievers hold up without Neshek?

Bert: The doctors have told Neshek to not even pick up a baseball for three months. Right now his arm is in a sling for about a month, so the muscles can heal without him having to move it around or even accidentally bumping it into something or someone. After three months, he will have to see if the soreness in his elbow is still there. Only time will tell if the rest heals the ligament. I had elbow surgery in 1982 and I know that sometimes rest doesn't help, so let's all hope that Pat's elbow heals without any future surgery.
Losing a key member on any staff puts an additional workload on some other pitchers. But the good news is that the Twins have some great arms in their bullpen. Everyone in the bullpen has only one goal and that is to get the ball into the hands of Joe Nathan for the ninth inning. With Pat out, Jesse Crain, Juan Rincon, Dennys Reyes, and Matt Guerrier will get a chance to fill the role Pat had. I just mentioned four pitchers that have filled this role before, so the bullpen staff will be fine. Brian Bass and Bobby Korecky will be asked to get to the four horsemen, and they then to get to Nathan. If the starters could go seven innings or more, it would help these guys out! I don't think that's asking too much! In today's game, you win division championships through your bullpen, and even with Pat gone for the season the Twins will have a chance.

Frank: Well sure, if the starting pitchers last for seven innings every game, then I agree that the bullpen should be fine. But it coudl be a challenge to beat Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series!:

When the Twins head to Detroit this week, we will enter a city that is caught up in the NBA playoffs. The Detroit Pistons have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the sixth consecutive year. Have you ever been to a Pistons game? What about any NBA playoff game? I had seats at Target Center for two playoff games in 2004, including Game Five of the Western Conference finals. Can you top that? If the Twins play in Detroit at the same time as a Pistons home playoff game, which game would you attend?

Bert: The Detroit Tigers should be VERY HAPPY that the Pistons are in the playoffs because there is a positive air in Detroit. Once the NBA season is over, then sports fans in Detroit will look and say, "What the heck is going on with the Tigers?” The Tigers, who were supposed to run away with the division, are in last place! The Twins hope to help keep them there over the weekend.
I have only been to a few NBA games and I enjoyed watching how quickly those BIG men get up and down the court. Basketball players are in great shape and really put their bodies through a lot. They are some of the best athletes around, and I would put them right up there with pitchers. Ha ha!
If the Pistons were playing the same time as the Tigers, I personally would go to the Tigers game. Even though the excitement would be higher at the NBA game, the Tigers would be playing the Twins!!!! You can see where my loyalty lies!!!! Go Twins!

Frank: Now that I have poked fun at Bert for saying the same thing each week, let me do the same. . . Here are some things to look for that would help the Twins “go” this week:

1. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of home run power we have heard about (and come close to seeing) from new Twins Delmon Young and Mike Lamb – and the reappearance of Joe Mauer’s power. In the meantime we went back to the “big boys” last week, as Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel. We could use a few more this week against the Texas Rangers tonight through Thursday at the Metrodome, then at the Detroit Tigers this weekend.

2. The continued development of newly returned starters Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins. Except for allowing too many home runs Slowey has been good. Maybe Perkins will prove to be the quality Twins starter he has always hoped to become, because he has been really good so far.

3. The stability of the lineup over the final week of playing every day -- especially if Carlos Gomez comes back tonight -- will help. It would be nice to add speed back to the lineup, now that Matt Tolbert and Nick Punto are on the DL.

Let’s hope that Boof Bonser rises to the challenge of cooling off a hot team tonight, and that the bullpen fares better this weekend than it did the last series in Detroit!

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:
Monday: vs. Texas at 6:30 PM
Tuesday: vs. Texas at 6:30 PM
Wednesday: vs. Texas at 6:30 PM
Friday: vs. Detroit at 5:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Detroit at 5:30 PM

Sqeeze Plays & Denver Omelets

2008-05-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Frank: It was certainly an exciting week for the Minnesota Twins, which began in Chicago last Tuesday against the archrival Chicago White Sox. Wednesday night included some sparkling performances by the Twins, including Carlos Gomez, who became the first Twin in 22 years to hit for the cycle and starting pitcher Livan Hernandez who came within two outs of a complete game shutout before allowing a solo homer, the only blemish on his 13-1, complete game victory. Thursday saw the return of starter Kevin Slowey after a month of rehab; while Saturday night was the return of Glen Perkins after nearly a year away from the Twins – making his first major league start, against the powerful Boston Red Sox. In between, we won the exciting series opener against the Red Sox 7-6 in walk-off fashion. Mike Lamb capped off an improbable ninth inning with his game-winning, two-run single. And then last night’s game was not only the annual tribute to moms, complete with pink bats, but also a sudden appearance of the power game for the Twins. So every game last week was exciting, each for a different reason.

With the Twins set to begin interleague play this weekend, a question that I have been hanging onto for a while seems appropriate finally. Back during the first week of the season, the Twins pulled off a squeeze play to score the deciding run in a victory over the Kansas City Royals. This is a difficult, rarely seen play, especially in the American League, where a runner on third base takes off for home on the very same pitch that the batter bunts the ball. The National League sees a lot more squeezes, because bunting is a much bigger part of the game in the National League. I don't think I have ever seen Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire call for a squeeze before. Was it just called because of the former National Leaguers involved? Do you think he would dare try it again during interleague play, this time pulling a magic trick in front of the wizards?

Bert: The squeeze play is as common as a cycle in baseball. Meaning that you don't see it too often. The squeeze play that the Twins put on earlier this season was on Friday, April 4, two days before my birthday, in Minnesota against the Royals. The situation was this:
The game was tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the fourth. The Royals’ pitcher was lefthander John Bale and Mike Lamb led off the bottom of the inning with a double and Matt Tolbert sacrificed him to third. Adam Everett was the next hitter, batting ninth in the order. Lamb and Everett were teammates in Houston last season so they know each other well. Everett was asked to bunt and Lamb took off toward home plate as soon as the left-handed Bale delivered the pitch toward the plate. Adam laid down a perfect bunt and the squeeze play worked to perfection. By the way, the Twins won the game 4-3 and the squeeze bunt by Everett provided the deciding run. The timing was perfect and Gardy knows the situation for a squeeze has to be perfect and it was with a lefthander on the mound and Adam Everett at the plate. It will be interesting to watch and see if the Twins try another squeeze play at any other time this season; in interleague play or in their own league!

Frank: That will be fun to watch for, especially this weekend, which will be six weeks after your birthday (for those scoring at home). Another interesting thing to follow will be the development of starting pitchers Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins, who recently returned to the Twins. Slowey pitched Thursday for the first time in over a month, following a minor league rehab stint. Perkins, on the other hand, made his major league starting debut Saturday night, replacing injured starter Scott Baker. Can you compare and contrast the two pitchers, and give us an idea how long it might take for them to get into top form. You must have a pretty good idea, having been there yourself.

Bert: With some injuries to the starting staff comes opportunity. I got my chance back in 1970 when Dave Boswell and Luis Tiant came down with injuries. It was an opportunity and I ran with it! Kevin Slowey was hurt earlier this season so he is just getting back into the rotation. He pitched great in Chicago for four innings and then ran into problems in the fifth, his last inning that day. Two home runs scored three runs and the Twins lost the game 6-2. One thing that Slowey needs to do is to make sure he stays down in the strike zone. He did a great job for four innings doing exactly that, but in the fifth, after the Twins scored two runs in the top of the inning, he starting falling behind in the count and the White Sox hit the home runs.
Glen Perkins is getting the change he wants and that is to be a starter at the Major League level. He pitched very well in his first Major League start against Boston, but gave up back-to-back homeruns leading off the bottom of the seventh. He gave up three home runs in 6-plus innings but they were all solo home runs. The Twins offense couldn't do much against Dice-K and the Boston bullpen and lost 5-2.
Both these pitchers will be needed throughout the season as the Twins try to stay in first place. I know the Twins want a lefthander in their rotation after losing Santana and with Liriano in the minors. Let's hope Perkins is their answer!

Frank: Perkins will not get a start this weekend, but Kevin Slowey should start Sunday afternoon against Colorado. He will really need to keep the ball down in the thin Denver air. I asked Bert about the ballpark there:

I know that Coors Field opened after you retired; have you ever been there? Ever had a Denver omelet? I hear that the stadium, which is another huge one seating over 50,000 like the Metrodome, offers a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains -- competing with the breathtaking view of Interstate 94 that you can get by stepping just a few feet outside the Metrodome (in a few spots). Assuming that you have been there, what did you think? Is it true that it is a mile high? Is the air thin enough for Matt Tolbert to go deep? What about Matt Guerrier (the pitchers will hit)? Seriously now, how about Livan Hernandez, who hit nine home runs during his 11 years in the National League? He will start Saturday night; do you want to make a call right now?

Bert: I have been to Coors Field in Denver only once and it is a beautiful stadium. I was there with my friend, George Frazier, a former Twins pitcher and currently the color analyst for the Rockies FSN television network. This will be the first time the Twins are in Denver to play a regular season game. Many years ago the Twins played an exhibition game in Denver but that was at Mile High Stadium.
Interleague play is an opportunity for fans to see some of the great players in each league. I remember pitching one time in Denver, back in 1970 for the Evansville Triples, and I can attest that the ball travels further than usual at the Mile High level. It will be fun to watch the games in Denver and see, even in batting practice, the ball jump off the Twins’ bats. Let's hope Tolbert gets hold of one, but let's hope all the Twins get hold of some DURING the game. Hitting homeruns in batting practice looks good to the fans watching, but hitting them in the game is another thing. This is one area the Twins haven't been good at yet. Maybe the higher altitude will help the Twins hit more home runs!
Pitchers do get a chance to hit in National League parks and Livan Hernandez loves to hit. His success in hitting some home runs will probably come into play when he pitches and Gardy has to decide whether to have him bunt or let him swing away. It's too early to make a call now, but during the game I might feel it and make that call. Let's just hope Hernandez continues to pitch great and let the other guys drive in the runs he needs to win the game.
My wife Gayle and I will have a Denver omelet just to say we had a Denver omelet in Denver. Want me to bring you back one? Go Twins!

Frank: Okay, if I don’t have to eat it. Here are some things to look for that would help the Twins “go” this week:

1. We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of the power we have heard about (and come close to seeing) from new Twins Delmon Young and Mike Lamb – and the reappearance of Joe Mauer’s power. The home run production hasn’t spread out much, only to Adam Everett; but the pace of homers by lesser sluggers, like Carlos Gomez and Craig Monroe, picked up a lot yesterday. We could use a few more like yesterday against Boston tonight, the Toronto Blue Jays tomorrow through Thursday, and the Rockies this weekend.

2. The continued development of newly returned starters Kevin Slowey and Glen Perkins. Maybe Slowey will begin a five-month competition with Nick Blackburn for American League Rookie of the Year! Maybe Perkins will prove to be the lefty we need.

3. The stability of the lineup over the next two weeks – with a game every day -- especially if Brendan Harris comes back tonight, will help. Although, Mike Redmond will get more playing time behind the plate. So that’s one possible lineup change!

No matter what the lineup is, let’s keep playing better against the non-divisional opponents (Right now, we are 13-8 against division rivals, and 6-9 against others.) that the Twins will be playing a lot over the next month and a half. We need to win outside the Central, too, especially in October!

Check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Monday: vs. Boston at 5:30PM
Tuesday: vs. Toronto at 6:30 PM
Wednesday: vs. Toronto at 6:30 PM
Friday: vs. Colorado at 7:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Colorado at 6:30 PM

Young, Talented & Aggressive

2008-05-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Minnesota Twins had a perfect week last week, much better than the previous one. Coming off a disappointing road trip, the Twins returned home for five games against divisional opponents. Whether it was the home cooking, playing against our chief rivals, or the rare two days off (today is another), the Twins pitched and played much better than they did before, capping off a 5-0 homestand with a come-from-behind victory over the Detroit Tigers yesterday. Here are some thoughts about last week:

The week started out with the Chicago White Sox leading the American League Central Division, three and a half games up on the third-place Twins and coming to the Metrodome on the heels of a series victory (pending completion of a suspended game) over the Baltimore Orioles. But Boof Bonser found his great curve ball from last year Tuesday night, and pitched seven strong innings to start the winning streak. Then the reins were passed to rookie Nick Blackburn. Blackburn had made it to the last day of April, the first month of an unexpected stint in the major leagues, without yielding a home run. But on that day, last Wednesday, he faced the powerful Chicago White Sox -- who came into the day leading the league in homers -- and something had to give. Unfortunately for him, it was the left field seats. Bonser closed the week with a strong performance against the Detroit Tigers -- well, after the first five batters of the game, who all got hits and scored runs. Five very good, shutout innings followed one more bloop single and unearned run, allowing for the comeback win.

In between, there were two other impressive performances by the Twins’ pitching staff. They were needed, too, because the Tigers came from Yankee Stadium, having just pulled off a 3-game sweep -- their first sweep in the Bronx in 42 years. Livan Hernandez allowed only one run in seven innings Friday night, and the bullpen, led by newcomer Brian Bass, helped injured starter Scott Baker by yielding just one run in six innings of work Saturday night. That underscored the work done by the relief corps over the homestand. For the second time this season, they put a long, difficult road trip behind them, and gave up one run while pitching at least 15 innings over five games at home. Joe Nathan once again anchored the bullpen, picking up four saves and pushing the Twins two games over .500 and into first place in the division, a game and a half ahead of the White Sox.

As we talked about before, the Twins are not about power; they will rely on other facets of the game -- such as aggressive base running -- for their success. However, one of those other facets is taking walks, because walks lead to the aggressive base running. So why are we swinging at more balls than anyone else in the major leagues?

Bert: Nothing is given to you in life, especially ball four! The Twins have one of the youngest teams in the Major Leagues this season; and sometimes with young, talented kids comes a lot of aggressiveness. That aggressiveness is taken in their approach at the plate. Young, talented kids like Carlos Gomez, Brendan Harris and Delmon Young are hitters that are ready to swing at the first pitch. I personally think there is too much emphasis on team numbers in today's game. Every game we are given stat sheets that have almost every team and personal stat available about the Twins, their opponent and each individual player. The goal of a player, young or old, is not to loss his aggressiveness on the field. That means as a defensive player and an offensive player. The bottom line is to win games and that's the only thing that's important.

Frank: They certainly won some games this weekend, and the main offensive star was Joe Mauer, who went 7 for 11 with two walks, scoring three runs and picking up four RBI – including the game-winning, two-run single yesterday. He caught all three games. This is not a new trend, so I asked Bert about it: Joe Mauer has been playing a lot, even the afternoon game last Wednesday -- a rarity for a catcher, a day game following a start the night before. Is Mike Redmond hurting, or do you think it is more a matter of Mauer hitting so well? Or is it because he is stronger earlier in the year?

Bert: Mike Redmond has been bothered by a sore right shoulder, but that doesn't mean that this gamer doesn't want to play. Joe Mauer is the team’s #1 catcher, and manager Ron Gardenhire is going to use Joe as much as possible. The few times Joe has started a day game after a night game is because the next day is an off day on the schedule. Mike Redmond will get his at bats throughout the season and he will be ready, sore shoulder or not. (After today, the Twins play 20 games in 20 days; so Redmond will certainly get some starts, including one against the Red Sox.)

Frank: The world champion Boston Red Sox make their annual appearance at the Metrodome this weekend. When David Ortiz, AKA Big Papi, brings his little teammates to town Friday night, he will square off against Twins starter Boof Bonser. Can Boof Lite survive the weight disadvantage of this matchup?

Bert: First of all, Frank, what Boof weighs has nothing to do with his rematch against David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox. Boof decided to lose some weight because it was suggested that he was not in good pitching shape by the Twins’ trainers, strength coach, and his pitching coach, Rick Anderson. Give Boof some credit for reducing his body weight and, most importantly, he has pitched extremely well this season so far. David Ortiz is surrounded by great hitters like Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis, and Mike Lowell. What Boof needs the most in his start against the Red Sox is some early run support. Early run support for any pitcher just means that he can make a few mistakes early in the game and it won't cost you a victory. Now that I have finished writing this for the blog, I am going out and having a BIG juicy burger on Boof......Go Twins!

Frank: We do agree on one thing, as we head into a laundry week full of Sox. . . Go Twins!

The Twins are on FSN North all week:
Tuesday: vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30PM
Wednesday: vs. Chicago White Sox, 6:30 PM
Thursday: vs. Chicago White Sox, 12:30 PM
Friday: vs. Boston Red Sox, 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Boston Red Sox, 5:30PM

Time Off & May Day Baskets

2008-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, here is a brief recap of the weeklong road trip by the Minnesota Twins to Oakland and Texas: the Twins had a disappointing week, winning only one of three games in each series. The San Francisco Treat was set to Rochester, is now the Rochester Treat (would that be Mayo?). That’s right, Francisco Liriano has been sent to Triple-A Rochester. Now for the positives of the week: First of all was the opening of the floodgates that I talked about last week. For the first 18 games of the season, two Twins had homered – Jason Kubel and Justin Morneau. But Brendan Harris and Craig Monroe joined them in back-to-back games and then Carlos Gomez got in on the fun Thursday.

But more important was the return of outfielder Michael Cuddyer from injury. He joined the team Friday in Texas, and immediately made an impact. He started an unconventional double play with his first (of many, no doubt) outfield assist of the year to stop the bleeding and keep the score tied. After five runs had scored on six consecutive hits -- before Nick Blackburn recorded the first out of the third inning – Cuddyer fielded the seventh, a double by Jason Botts, off the right field wall and fired to second. Nick Punto relayed the ball home, where Joe Mauer was waiting to tag the runner who had started the play at second base (not first!). Mauer then threw to Mike Lamb at third base, where he tagged out Botts. The old 9-6-2-5, started by none other than Michael Cuddyer. He added his name to the homer list his second game back, showing his enormous all-around impact. So seven games later, the number of players who have gone deep has tripled to six. Tripling probably won’t happen again, because not many American League pitchers have that much pop in their bats (or opportunity to show it)!

Now for the potential positives: The spread of productivity needs to continue, with Delmon Young, Joe Mauer and Mike Lamb getting on that list. The impact of Michael Cuddyer should be felt more and more, as he plays himself back into shape. I asked Bert about another upcoming positive.

Frank: The Twins have three days off out of eight, including today. Can you, with your insight as a former starting pitcher, tell us about what the extra rest does for the pitching staff, be it good or bad. Manager Ron Gardenhire made it sound like it could be an interesting starting rotation. Why would that be? Did it change when Liriano got sent down to Class Triple-A Rochester, leaving the Twins with just four starters? What about the bullpen, which was roughed up in Detroit? Will the days off help them against the division rivals, the White Sox and the Tigers?

Bert: With the Twins having three days off over the next eight days, I don't think it will hurt the starting staff at all. The Twins decided that Francisco Liriano needed to be sent down to the minors, and I bet having the off days helped them make their decision. Right now the Twins have and only need four starters for the next two weeks. Kevin Slowey is going through rehab in the minor leagues right now, and when they need a fifth starter again, look for Kevin to rejoin the team. The days off will help Rick Anderson, Twins pitching coach, keep the current four starters on schedule. You win pennants with your horses -- meaning your starting pitchers -- and with three off days and only four starters, it helps getting those horses back to the mound more quickly. If there was a fifth starter it would mean that your numbers 1-3 starters would have more time between starts. Also, any off day during the season is great for the relief pitchers, because they are usually up in the bullpen every game. Off days help keep the relievers fresh.

Frank: Yes, that might be especially important this week, as we take on division rivals. During the off-season, the Detroit Tigers loaded up with all-stars, making several additions to an already imposing lineup. But picked to win the division, they have been an enigma so far this season. They lost their first seven games; then they beat up the Twins bullpen twice in a row, prompting you to say repeatedly, "Did we wake a sleeping giant?" But I think we actually only slightly nudged them, and the Tigers went just 4-6 over the next two weeks. But last week they started living up to their team nickname, clawing four in a row by a combined score of 42-11 (This question was written before the Angels series, which Detroit lost while scoring just 11 runs in the three games.) The giant is awake now, huh? Will it help the Twins enough to be at home and better rested when they battle the beast this weekend, rather than in Detroit on the last leg of a 9-day, 3-city road trip?

Bert: The Twins start this homestand against the Chicago White Sox, who are leading the American League Central Division. It's a short 2-game series, but an important one for the Twins. The two teams split the earlier series in cold and windy Chicago. It was suppose to be a 3-game series but the last game was rained out and will be made up on Monday, June 9 in Chicago. The White Sox are playing good baseball right now and the Twins need to show them they can play with them. It's important for the Twins to beat the teams in their own division since they will be facing all the teams in their division 18 times each. The Tigers will be doing the same thing the Twins will be trying to do, and that is to get back to the .500 mark for their record. Yes, the Tigers have a great offense but, as I will say in almost all our blog entries together, winning will come down to starting pitching. Their starters and their bullpen will be question marks for their success this season. Until the likes of Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson and Rogers are more consistent, it might be a tough job for the offense to score more runs than the starters give up. Their bullpen has missed the arms of Rodney and Zumaya, who have been on the disabled list.

The Twins are 6-6 so far at home and they will have to have a winning record if they want to compete in their division. The old saying is play .500 on the road and play about .700 at home.

Frank: I am really excited about this homestand, but you’re going to miss part of it?! I have heard that you are at your home in Florida right now (as of Sunday night). Please tell me, and other Twins fans, that you won't go circling anyone down there, unless you are at a Twins minor league game! The last day of your vacation is Thursday, May 1, also known as May Day. Have you ever given anyone a May basket (Back when I was in elementary school, it was a tradition to fill baskets with candy or flowers, and give them to friends - sometimes those of the opposite sex. I think that this tradition is on the way out, but I wish it were not.)? Any stories? Should I fill one for your mother-in-law, after I ran with your joke last week comparing her to a seal?
Bert: I am taking off the only game we are televising against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday night. With Wednesday not a TV game and Monday and Thursday off, I am flying to Florida to spend the four days at home. Maybe I will work on my golf game a couple of days and make sure that the lawn is getting enough water. To be honest with you, Frank, I have never heard of May Day. I will have to ask my wife Gayle if she has ever heard of this very important day! If she has, I will almost have to buy my mother-in-law a basket of goodies, since I dropped the seal on her. How about a basket of fresh fish? You are hereby "Circled."

Frank: We will try to survive without you and your circles, but I don’t know if Boof can do it when you are not there praising the tight rotation of his curve ball; we will see . . . If you golf like I’m guessing you do, you might be able to water your lawn with your golf balls after a round! You have never heard of May Day? Oh yeah, I forgot, you grew up in Southern California! Do they even have Long John Silver’s in Florida? Well, that purchase might not be so fresh.

Watch the Twins on FSN North this week:
Tuesday, April 29: vs. Chicago White Sox at 6:30
Friday, May 2: vs. Detroit Tigers at 6:30
Saturday, May 3: vs. Detroit Tigers at 12:30

Don’t miss the Kids in the City Celebration at the Metrodome this Thursday, May 1 with host Michael Cuddyer and other Twins players including Craig Monroe and Nick Punto!

Tickets are still available: please visit http://www.boys/ and girls.org or call 612-435-1916 for additional information and to purchase tickets!

Kids in the City: a celebration of the accomplishments of the Boys and Girls Club youth. Mingle with professional sports celebrities, college athletes, team mascots and other special guests. Games, food, silent auction and raffle!

Twins vs A's & Sea Lions vs. Seals

2008-04-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Frank: Well, “The Treat” (Francisco Liriano) got beat, again. On Friday night, Liriano was beaten by the Cleveland Indians for five innings and lost by the final score of 4-0. But the Minnesota Twins rebounded nicely against their Central Division rival, winning the last two games to take the series. As usual so far this year, the base runners had an active week:

The Twins are stealing a lot more bases this year than last; not surprisingly, given the additions of Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young. Manager Ron Gardenhire even had them running last week in Detroit despite the presence of Ivan Rodriguez, one of the best catchers ever at throwing potential base stealers out; we were 4-4 in the two games stealing against Rodriguez, and we continued the attack, stealing four more bases in seven attempts in the five games the rest of the week. But Gardy has always been a rather conservative manager. Will he reign in the running game at some point to avoid running into outs, or keep it flying when the Twins are not down by more than one?

Bert: The Twins, after the game yesterday, have hit a total of 9 home runs (That ranks second to last in the league, after yesterday’s home run by Brendan Harris, just the third Twins player to go deep. The Twins are also at or near the bottom of the league in several other offensive categories, but tied for first in stolen bases.) So we can tell by the first 19 games of the season that this year’s Twins team is not a power hitting team. So what the Twins need to do to win games is to run the bases aggressively. Stealing bases is their game right now until someone else other then Justin Morneau or Jason Kubel can show team staff that he has power (we will see if the homer hit by Harris yesterday opens the floodgates, since the Twins are still waiting for the productivity of several players--including Joe Mauer, Delmon Young, Mike Lamb and Craig Monroe—to show. They are also waiting for the return from injury of Michael Cuddyer. Expected to be one of the most productive hitters in the lineup, he has not swung a bat for the Twins in over two weeks; the team anxiously awaits his return.) The Twins cannot afford to sit back and expect the 3-run homer. With the way the Twins are hitting g right now, base stealing is their biggest weapon against an opponent and advancing aggressively on the bases is their key to victory. This includes going from first to third on a base hit, scoring from first on a double and staying in their game plan. Let's hope the offense shows more power as the weather gets warmer, but until then the team’s speed is a necessity.

Frank: Of course, when Bert answered these questions Saturday, he did not know that Frank Thomas, the veteran slugger who is a notorious Twins killer, would be released Sunday by the Toronto Blue Jays. The weather does not need to get warmer for Thomas to have power. Although, if the Twins do sign him, and he puts a hole in the roof on some summer day, that could certainly warm things up in the Metrodome. Could that be what Bert was talking about? The Twins pitching staff, most of it anyway, needs no reminders of Thomas; I asked Bert about the starters.

The starting pitching was a big concern heading into the season, and now the Twins have lost one of the original five to the DL. But even so, the rest of the starters have done well enough to ease most of the worries. However, a somewhat shaky turn through the starting rotation last week, which saw only one quality start, casued the Twins to come up short. The bullpen was uncharacteristically roughed up in two games in Detroit, but redeemed itself at home (one run in 16 1/3 innings). Don't you think that the refurbished offense, with all the new and improved hitters, should be able to pick up the pitching staff when it falters more than they did last week?

Bert: Teams throughout the summer months are going to have their ups and downs. Look at the Detroit Tigers, for example. Starting the season 0-7, and now they are playing better baseball as a team. Starting pitching is the key to any team’s success. The Twins starting staff has some good young arms, (am I calling Livan Hernandez young?) and there will be some growing pains. In today's game a starter is asked to get into the 7th inning and hopefully through the whole inning. If they can do that, then the bullpen will stay strong throughout the summer. Other then the 2-game series in Detroit the Twins bullpen has been exactly what we all expected going into the season and that's rock solid. If the starters falter in a game let's hope the offense can score enough runs to make up the inconsistency of the starter for that particular night.

Frank: The starting pitchers redeemed themselves too, in part, since I asked Bert these questions after the game Friday night. Solid starts by Nick Blackburn (that’s right, St. Nick) and Scott Baker, combining to allow one run, led to two victories over the weekend. So now we are ready to hit the road and take on the American League West:

The Twins are in Oakland this week. What will you and/or the players do in your off time in the Bay Area? As you and I both know, California pizza is not the best. But there are many other great culinary choices in that area; do you have a favorite restaurant out there? Ever been to Chinatown in San Francisco? How about North Beach, the wonderful Italian district with a lot of, surprisingly, wonderful Italians. I don't know much about the dining in Oakland, do you? Wherever you go, will you keep up your circling prowess on the day off by circling the area on the BART? I can hear the Bay Area now, saying "Circle me, BART!" Just wait till you get there.

Bert: The Twins stay in San Francisco when they play the Oakland A's. San Francisco is a city of many cultures and a fun place to visit. My trips to Oakland/ San Francisco have always included trips to Fishermen's Wharf. I love the view of the city overlooking the Bay and seeing Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. When my wife Gayle is with me we will rent a car and go over the bridge to Sausalito and spend the afternoon there. We also love to go down to the wharf and visit the seals and the sea lions. We have actually had many funny conversations with those seals and sea lions. They all try to get on this one big rock fighting for space to lay and are consistently making their seal talk. I swear I saw my mother-in-law on one of those rocks once (I wanted to figure out which species Gayle’s mom resembles more closely, sea lions or seals, so I googled it: “How can you tell the difference? Sea lions have visible external ear flaps, and walk on their flippers while on land. Seals have small ear holes and they crawl on their bellies on land.”

Hmm . . . If I had to guess, I would think that she’d be more like a sea lion. But when Bert starts talking, I bet she wishes she had the small ear holes of a seal!) We have also taken the Alcatraz tour a few times and if any of you get a chance to go on this tour, do it. You will love it. To get to the stadium in Oakland, if I don’t rent a car, I take BART. I usually take the wrong train to get to the stadium in Oakland, so that is always an adventure. BART is a great way to get around the Bay Area. BART is just like the subway system is in New York, but a little cleaner and safer.

Texas is another story. Not much to do in Texas with the ballpark in Arlington. I do have a nephew that lives in the Dallas area so I have a chance to visit with him and his family. He is a high school baseball coach there and hopefully on Friday or Saturday I can watch his team play a game. And then he comes to the Texas Rangers Stadium to root on the Twins.

Frank: Gooood choice, but no relative of Bert’s can be all bad.

Watch the Twins on FSN North this week:
Tuesday: vs. Oakland at 8:30 PM
Wednesday: vs. Oakland at 8:30 PM
Friday: vs. Texas at 6:30 PM
Saturday: vs. Texas at 6:30 PM

The San Francisco Treat

2008-04-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Frank: The Litany of the Saints played out at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City this weekend for the Minnesota Twins: Saint Livan, play for us, Saint Boof, play for us. The two right handers at the top of the Twins rotation, Livan Hernandez and Boof Bonser, along with the bullpen, shut out the Royals on consecutive frigid nights Friday and Saturday. But most important of all, San Francisco, played for us (I don’t know that much Spanish). Francisco Liriano made a regular season appearance yesterday for the Twins for the first time in 19 months. A huge step in his comeback from career threatening surgery, the start was promising, if a bit disappointing. Although his results were not nearly as good as those of the previous two starters (4 runs allowed on 6 hits and 5 walks in 4 2/3 innings in a 5-1 defeat), simply seeing the San Francisco Treat on the mound was enough to warm any Twins fan’s heart, even as he froze his entire body on another chilly Kansas City day. The reappearance of the lefty is the biggest reason to look forward to the coming week, but not the only one, so I asked Bert about it:

There are three series this week, against the Detroit Tigers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Cleveland Indians. Detroit and Cleveland are not only Central Division rivals, but they are very good teams. In fact, the Tigers represented the American League in the World Series in 2006; and the Indians were one win away from doing so last year, ahead of the Boston Red Sox 3-1 in the American League Championship Series. And the Rays are vastly improved this year; sparkling with optimism that at the very least, 2008 will be the first winning season in the 11-year history of the franchise. But the Twins offense finally busted out last Wednesday in Chicago, doubling the previous season high for runs scored in a 12-5 victory over the White Sox. Can Twins hitters like Mike Lamb, Jason Kubel, and Brendan Harris keep up their improved hitting this week? Have you noticed anything specific about what they are doing differently?

Bert: As the Twins head into Detroit they don't really know what to expect. Everyone had the Tigers running away with the Central Division in April and never looking back. But that hasn't happened, has it? The Tigers line-up is scary to look at on paper because they have so many All-Stars and are led by a great manager in Jim Leyland. But as we all know, it always comes down to pitching, pitching and more pitching. Their pitching staff hasn't really done anything yet. Their starters have struggled and they are finding out that their bullpen needs help. But, they can break out of this early season slump with a few well-pitched games and some timely hitting, and there they go!

The Indians are a solid club that won the division last year and, like you said, almost made it to the "Big Dance." Once C.C. Sabathia finds his stuff they might have the best starting rotation in the Central Division. Cleveland is a team led by a very good manager in Eric Wedge, the AL Manager of the Year last season, and he has his team playing solid fundamental baseball. Grady Sizemore, their leadoff hitter, is one player to watch. He has a lot of talent offensively and defensively. If he gets on base, good things happen for the Tribe. Travis Hafner has always enjoyed hitting against the Twins and Casey Blake always seems to be the one guy in their line-up that always gets the big hit with the game on the line. But the Indians, like the Tigers, are off to a slow start.

The Tampa Bay Rays, not Devil anymore, are young and exciting to watch. It will be good to see Jason Bartlett and Matt Garza, even though Matt is on the 15-day disabled list, again at the Dome since they are former Twins. Their manager, Joe Madden, whom I know from my California Angels days, is a good teacher of the game. The patience the Rays have shown over the years is finally starting to show some progress. Carlos Pena is their power hitting first baseman and it's important to face him with no runners on base throughout the two game series. Carl Crawford is fun to watch because he is so fast and aggressive. It's just too bad the Rays are in the Eastern Division, but they would like to finish at .500 for the season.

The cold weather has affected every team in baseball. For the Twins, players like Brendan Harris and Mike Lamb are just getting their feet wet for their new team. Both are good hitters and will do well throughout the summer. Jason Kubel is one player I feel will be very important to the Twins offense. I believe he is going to have a solid season after missing all of the 2005 season because of knee surgery. Coming from someone that missed time because of surgeries, it takes time to bounce back and I believe Jason's bounce back year is now.

Frank: Speaking of rehabilitating from surgery, Francisco Liriano was kept down at the minor league level coming out of Spring Training to get some more innings under his belt and show that he is ready for a major league regular season again, after a 19-month layoff. He has struggled a bit, though Twins manager Ron Gardenhire made it sound less problematic than it might seem. He guaranteed that Liriano would pitch better for the Twins than he does in the minors; and he was true to his word, too. He called up the young left-handed pitcher to start yesterday against the Royals, even as Nick Blackburn was ready to fill in. YOU saw him in Spring Training, right? How much do you think he could help the Twins this year?

Bert: As I write this for the blog (last Friday night), Francisco Liriano was called up to pitch on Sunday, here in Kansas City. He has done everything the Twins have asked him to do; two rehab starts in the minors, and has gotten his pitch count to almost 80 to 90 pitches per start. This young man isn't called "The Franchise" for fun. He needs to show that he can throw all three of his pitches for strikes and stay strong throughout the ball game. He will be another big asset to the starting rotation if he can stay consistent. Time will tell.

Frank: The Treat, as I prefer to call him, may not have been as great as he was in 2006, but he certainly gave Twins fans reason to hope. When the Twins take the field Tuesday, we will be playing on the 61st anniversary of the first major league game played by an African-American. Jackie Robinson, a former Negro Leaguer, became a Major Leaguer on April 15, 1947. He is a hero of mine, because of all the stories I have heard (My father was born in Brooklyn in 1946, and grew up an avid Dodger fan -- mainly a Jackie Robinson fan) and read. For the second straight year, MLB commissioner Bud Selig has decided to allow major league players to honor Robinson by wearing his otherwise retired jersey number 42 for one day only. Six Twins will don the number; my question for you is this: I know you retired a few years before the big 50th anniversary in 1997. But you were in the major leagues for the 25th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries. Any memories? More importantly, you were around before he died; did you ever meet the man?

Bert: I never had the opportunity to meet the great Jackie Robinson. I wish I had. Growing up in Southern California, my dad with a huge Dodgers fan and it was my dad that helped me fall in love with the game of baseball (That’s not uncommon, as many of us had the same experience.). Jackie Robinson's last season with the Brooklyn Dodgers was in 1956 and I was still in Canada (before CA) at the age of 5 year old. I cannot imagine what he went through when he first joined the Dodgers in 1947. The man, through all the crap he went through, was named the Major League Rookie of the Year that first season and then two years later became the Most Valuable Player in 1949 (Back then, there was only one award given, not like today, with one for each league). To me it really doesn't matter what color you are or where you were born, because we are all born equal. It takes some people longer to realize this, but hopefully we can just all get along. I actually hope all the Twins players wear #42 on Jackie Robinson Day. I am proud that Major League Baseball will always continue to honor Jackie Robinson.

Be sure to check out the Twins on FSN North this week:

Monday: 5:30 PM vs. Detroit

Tuesday: 5:30 PM vs. Detroit

Wednsday: 6:30 PM vs. Tampa Bay

Thursday: 6:30 PM vs. Tampa Bay

Friday: 6:30 PM vs. Cleaveland

YUM--Chicago Style Pizza

2008-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

Frank: I would like to point out, first of all, that the Twins, though below .500 at 3-4, are infinitely far ahead of the Tigers in winning percentage. The Tigers have not won a game yet, a trend that might not continue. Our Minnesota Twins opened the season with a weeklong home stand that started out frustrating, then became uplifting. We come off a weekend series win against our division rivals, the Royals, which leaves the Twins teeming with optimism.

Solid starting pitching combined with terrific defensive plays and Joe Nathan continuing his spotless season all have Twins fans wanting more. But perhaps the biggest reason for excitement is that the biggest bat in the lineup, the one belonging to Justin Morneau, sprang to life over the weekend. After a dismal Spring Training carried over into a dismal opening series against the Angels, Morneau collected his first hit Friday night. He followed that up with his first home run of the year--a three run shot--and an RBI double Saturday afternoon; then he got two more hits, including another homer, yesterday. He went 5 for 12 over the weekend, five more hits than he had in the same number of at-bats as he had against the Angels. Of course, he was not the only Twin who struggled in that series:

The Twins had a lot of trouble scoring runs in the opening series with the Angels, scoring only eight times and hitting just one home run in the four game set. The offense was a major problem last year, so management went out and made several moves trying to strengthen the hitting. What should the hitters focus on, especially the new players?

Bert: The lack of runs that the Twins scored in the home opening series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 8 total runs scored in the 4-game series, can be attributed mainly to the good quality pitching by the Angels starting pitchers. Even with the Twins winning the home opener 3-2 behind Livan Hernandez, Pat Neshek and Joe Nathan, the Angels starter, Jered Weaver, did a great job of keeping his team in the game until the end. The next three games were started by Jon Garland, Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana (NOT JOHAN), and they allowed ONLY 3 total runs in their combined 22 innings pitched, to the Twins offense. It is still too early in the season, but I think you can already see that the Angels might be the team to beat in the American League Western Division. If their starters continue to pitch the way they did against the Twins, the Angels will be tough to catch.

Let's not read too much into the lack of runs scored in the series against the Angels. Give the offense time to HEAT up. . .

Frank: Well, I guess you were right, as the Twins broke out of their offensive doldrums this weekend against the Royals. Maybe the fact that you were right has something to do with those 22 seasons you spent in the major leagues.

Two years ago, the Twins fell behind Detroit and Chicago right out of the gate, and kept falling further back until the second half of May, when they started playing well and came all the way back to win the division on the last day of the season. Given that, and with this week's games against Chicago and Kansas City, how important do you think it really is to get off to a good start against division rivals?

Bert: No team wants to fall behind the other teams in their division in April. The Twins are in what might be the toughest division in baseball, and that is the American League Central Division. But, since the Twins play each team 18 times throughout the 162-game schedule, falling behind early isn't the end of the season for any team. The Detroit Tigers are supposed to be the team to beat in the division, but the Kansas City Royals swept them in the opening 3-game series in Detroit. Boy, did the Royals send an early message or what? The Twins will take one game at a time, and let's hope by the end of each month they can be leading the division or be within a stone's throw away from the division leader. Every game is important throughout the season, but the games played within your division are a little more important. Hope you understand?

Frank: Yes, I think I think I get it; only one team from each division is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, so we don’t want to fall too far behind the other teams in the Central, and I suppose the improbable story of the 2006 season was an exception to a lot of rules . . .
Now let me switch gears. With a rare day off Tuesday in the middle of the series in Chicago, what I really want to know is: Do you prefer Chicago or New York style pizza? If you're not a pizza guy, have you ever been to Ed Debevic's, the fun, 50's burger joint with the song and dance waiting staff? It's in downtown Chicago, and worth the drive from the ballpark area.

Bert: Sometimes for a player an off day on the road can be very boring but Tuesday's off day in Chicago, if they are able to get the home opener for the White Sox in on Monday, it will be welcomed by all the players and the coaching staff. As a former player, I'm sure the current Twins players will find themselves catching up on all the things they couldn't take care of because of spring training, the excitement of opening day and playing a game every day. But what they will try and do the most on the off day is to "SLEEP."
Chicago is a great place to have an off day because the Twins stay right downtown and there is plenty to do. Just walking around will be relaxing to the players knowing they don't have to be at the ballpark, for at least one day, at a certain time. It also gives the players a chance to have dinner together with their teammates. Gino's pizza is a favorite for many players and that includes myself. Chicago pizza has the tradition, so it just tastes better. I consider myself a room junkie, meaning I stay in my hotel room a lot, but when my wife Gayle is with me on the road I go out more. She, like almost all the wives, loves Chicago. Could it be the shopping or just spending quality time with their husbands? You're right, spending quality time with their husbands!
And to answer the question if I have ever been to Ed Debevic's? Yes I have and actually once my wife and I joined the staff in doing the traditional dance. Now try and picture that!

Frank: As we all try to picture you “circling” Gayle on the floor of the restaurant, I can’t help but wonder if you are serious about Chicago pizza tasting better than New York pizza. As a man who served up quite a few “meatballs” in his day, I am surprised that you don’t know more about Italian food: New York pizza is far better. I guess what I said earlier about you being right a lot applies only to baseball.

Be sure to check out the Twins on FSN this week:
Monday: Twins vs. Chicago White Sox starting at 2:30 PM
Thursday: Twins vs. Chicago White Sox starting at 6:30 PM
Friday: Twins vs. Kansas City starting at 6:30 PM
Saturday: Twins vs. Kansas City starting at 5:30 PM

Home Opener: Frank and Bert Meet

2008-03-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

(Frank) My first ever try at this blog thing comes on the very day when the Minnesota Twins are set to open what promises to be a very exciting and interesting 2008 season. There are many questions to be answered, and who better to answer some than one of the greatest pitchers ever and the voice of the Twins -- well, the color voice of the Twins, Bert Blyleven? All season long, I will be getting his input and producing a weekly entry in this blog. It should be interesting; here is one of the emails I got from my buddy, Bert the other day:

Frank: This blog idea sounds really fun, and I look forward to working with you.

Bert: I am excited to work with you. I'll keep this informative and fun, but don't expect any gossip. I know exactly how the players feel and I will let you know through my thoughts and past expereinces and the way the players are reacting to sucess and/or failure...Ill try to make it entertaining and funny too.-- It's hard to show humor through an e-mail or blog, not like I can on TV. So I will leave the humor up to your writing experience. I will probably call Adam Everett, Mike, all season long just so people like yourself and/or Dick can correct me...

(Editor) So needless to say-- it should be an interesting and entertaining blog!

Frank: Starting off easy, who will be the DH tonight, Jason Kubel or Craig Monroe?

Bert: Jason Kubel will probably DH, since the Angels are starting RHP Jered Weaver; but Gardy has said that the DH spot will be shared by Jason and Craig Monroe.

Frank: Can Livan Hernandez, the starting pitcher tonight for the Twins, help fill the void left by departing veteran pitchers Johan Santana and Carlos Silva, which left the pitching rotation very young and inexperienced?

Bert: What the Twins did in signing Livan Hernandez was to pick up a veteran pitcher that has been through the battles of the long 162-game schedule. Now maybe he isn't the pitcher that he was when he pitched in the World Series for the Florida Marlins in 1997, which they won over the Cleveland Indians, or in 2002 when he did so for the San Francisco Giants and they lost to the Anaheim Angels, but he is a pitcher who is exactly what the Twins need. With the youth movement in the starting rotation the Twins need a leader and Livan can show them how to pitch with maybe not his best stuff on a particular night. Livan is a pitcher that needs to work the corners of the plate and change speeds. His slow curveball can make some Major League hitters look foolish because he throws it so slow and with a big break (sounds like the words of a man who made 3,700 major league hitters look foolish with his big breaking curve). Livan has made 7 “Opening Day” starts, so Monday night won't bother him except for the butterflies he will have before game time. Once the game starts the Twins fans will see a very competitive pitcher.

Frank: Beyond tonight’s starter, how do you think the pitching will hold up this year?

Bert: The starters have to pitch into the 7th inning more this season because, as good as the bullpen is, they can not afford to wear them out. Look what happened to Pat Neshek last season when he had to get up in the bullpen almost every night. (He had a 1.70 E.R.A. at the all-star break, nearly enough to spend it on the elite squad. But all the work did damage to his right arm, and the E.R.A. ballooned to almost 5.00 after the break until he quit pitching with two weeks left in the season because of soreness.) The bullpen is anchored by Joe Nathan, surrounded by Neshek, Juan Rincon, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, Dennys Reyes and new Twins pitcher Brian Bass. Being a former starting pitcher I know the importance of the innings a starter has to pitch throughout the season to keep the bullpen fresh; Boof Bonser, Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn will have to "STEP UP." I also think the Twins did the right thing and that was to have Francisco Liriano stay in Ft. Myers and get some more starts and innings under his belt before he comes to Minnesota. Why? Because this kid is only 24 years old and coming off the "Tommy John" surgery. The Twins have to make sure that he has at least 2 or 3 good starts, of at least 6 innings, before they decide he is ready. Liriano is a young man that, as we all know, is nasty when he is healthy. So they need to make sure he is healthy to help the team win some ball games.

Frank: How about the opening series, with Torii Hunter returning to the Metrodome for the first time since trading “Minnesota Nice” for “Hollywood Nights.”

Bert: Playing the Angels for opening night and their first series will be fun to watch. Torii Hunter should get a standing ovation when he comes to the plate. Torii, even though he is an Angel now, actually he has always been an Angel, but now an Angels player, did all he could over his Twins career to represent the Twins organization with class. Players like Torii deserve good things in life because he has always been a class act. For the same reason, men like Blyleven deserve good things in life.

(Frank:) The Twins start the year with a full week of games at home. Beginning with the 4-game series against the LA Angels of Anaheim. Coverage on FSN North starts on Tuesday with the 6:30 pre-game show and 7:00 game. FSN North coverage begins at 6:30 on Wednesday then the Twins send the Angels off with a 12:00 game Thursday that is not televised. A weekend series with their division rival Royals follows, with a 6:30 FSN game Friday, then 12:30 games Saturday and Sunday.