Left Handed Pitchers & Food on a Stick

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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