I've read quite a lot about moving Mauer in the 2 hole upon his return to the lineup. Most recently I read Joe Christensen this morning. He advocates this as well. Something he said got me to thinking (and forgoing part of my work day).

Specifically, how does the OBP of the #2 hitter affect our ability to win. What I did was look at both LNP and others in the 2 hole and how their production drove the offense.

Take a look at this:

Game Type                 W  L Tot Win %
LNP #2 Hitter            16 17 33 .484
LNP not # 2 Hitter       12 11 23 .521
# 2 Hitter >.320 OBP     15 9  24 .625
LNP #2 & >.320 OBP        9 6  15 .600
LNP not # 2 & >.320 OBP   6 3  9  .667

The sample size is a bit smaller than I'd like. However, given a change (IMO) should be made sooner rather than later, I think this points in the direction of putting a higher OBP guy in front of Cuddy, Torii and Morneau with out the black hole that has been the # 2 hitter.

If the put someone in the 2 spot who can get on base 2-3 times per game consistently, maybe they can't get all the way to a .625 winning percentage. But, if they can gain even half that from where they are at currently, you're looking at 91 wins. Probably not enough - but a heck of a lot closer, and will definitely make for a much more interesting August/September.

Ran across an interesting site. As I obviously have nothing better to do, I plugged some Twins in. Mauer's 2nd likeness was Che, a little weird. Morneau's 2nd...Harry Potter fans anyone? The face of the franchise? He's been spending most his life Living in the Gangster's Paradise. Also he evidently looks something like Helen Hunt and a certain NY Yankee. Anyway, check it out if you're interested. It's definitely a good time waster.

Terry Ryan and all other GMS, are behind Kevin McHale, in terms of top GMs in sports per Forbes.com. KEVIN MCHALE is the top GM. In all of sports.

Really.

His inability to bring in talent, in any form, to surround KG is amazing. He wasted draft picks in multiple ways, bad picks/contracts (Joe Smith anyone?)

I don't know who came up with the formula, but the fact that he was at the top of the list, shouldn't that mean you scrap your formula/article and go a different route? Looking through the list, I thought it was obvious the formula was flawed.

It got me to thinking about where I would rank TR. I wouldn't say he is at the top of the list for me, lack of titles and inability to trust in the youth are strikes against in my book. Top 5 in baseball. Top 10-12 in all of sports. I don't know if I think baseball guys are smarter or they just have less variables (read salary cap) than other sports...where do you think TR would rank in your book, in baseball and in general?

During my daily web-rounds today, I had a "why in the world didn't I think of that moment." Jayson Stark had a cool article about a new use currently popping up for player's iPods - watching game "tape." Just the thought of having all that video archived in the palm of your hand and at your disposal at any time, any place (hello dugout) has got to be a revelation for players addicted to game film.

You've got an upcoming series against say Detroit. You want to see how people succeed against Verlander, how they fail. Assuming your media department is worth it's salt, you just go into your iPod and watch. From the bus. On the way to the game. Or before stepping into the batter's box. Wow.

This is definitely a bonus when you have Lew on your team. He probably has a way to hack into someone's iPod to screw with it. Or has played online recently with someone who knows.

According ESPN.com, Gary Sheffield has been traded to the Tigers. I know he's a bit of a clubhouse cancer, but I think it improves the Tigers. I would assume he takes over for Casey/Shelton at first.

Hadn't really heard about the 3 guys given up, does anyone know how good they are? They are Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett. Sanchez was at AAA/AA, and the other 2 were at High/Low A.

Sureal.

I know the word will probably get thrown around a bit, but how else do you describe a journey such as this? The first time the Twins were in first, they packed their bags to head north from Fort Meyers. People who packed their bags included Tony Batista, Juan Castro and Kyle Lohse. The stay in first was short. Chicago won their first game, and before the Twins even played, they would be resigned to looking up in the standings for a long time.

Not much went well those first 50 or so games. I can't say for certain, but it seems Dr. Leo Marvin wrote the front office this prescription: "Take a vacation from your problems." They packed Batista's bags for him. (To the extra cook hired to help prepare the clubhouse buffet, don't be mad at TR - they had to let Batista go. I know it is your lively hood, but when he left, they didn't need you any more. It wasn't anything personal.) Next Castro's (Wayne you are a saint). But there was still a nagging pain in the back of TR's head. Bye-bye Kyle (Thanks again Wayne). Much better.

Now the Twins just finished packing again. This time for New York, right? Hey at least we're packing guys. New York, is less than ideal for a vacation. At least we're going. Wait what's that? We're in first again? Hmm...odd. We could go to the Bay area? What's that? We're going to spend a couple days in Alemeda? Nice.

One day. Say that again. ONE DAY. That is the number of days that ended with the Twins in sole possession of first place in the Central. Way to pick the one day though guys.

I just hope someone leaves enough space in their luggage for the WS trophy. Maybe ask LNP, he's short, I bet his clothes take up less room.

GO TWINS!

Most places I've read talk about going to a 4 man rotation in the first round of the playoffs. I can't say that I agree with that. I know that some may disagree because the Twins don't want to tire out their players. I don't buy into being tired. Some say, you've have to set up the rotation for the second series. Last I checked, you have to make it there first.

We're talking about professional athletes here. They've been scratching for this since February. I think the Twins better off on short day's rest. I just don't feel comfortable with the 4th guy (whoever that may be).

Put this another way. You're at the bar. You've been there since 5:15 after work. There is some hottie who from about 5:15-7, wouldn't give you the time of day. In fact @ 7, you were so pissed, you almost said f-it, I'm going home. Then something weird happens, she smiles at you. Nothing much, but something, right? It gives you a hop in your step. From 7-1, you are ON FIRE. There has never been a funnier person in the history of the world. Problem is, on of your a-hole roommates keeps buying her drinks and cutting in. Obviously, you've been working this, but let's just say that this a-hole has never been one to subscribe to the "bros before hos" edict.

You persevere though. You stay on your game. About 1:30 your a-hole roommate passes out at the bar, again. Not you though. It's 1:52 and you still don't have her number nor is there any indication that you'll get it or a companion for the ride home. At 2:01, the lights flick on and off. You get ready for your goodbye, the bouncer is screaming at you "LET'S GET GOING." Time is short, all of the sudden you get a "Do you want to share a cab?"

Jackpot.

Next thing you know you're waking up next to the World Series trophy because you didn't bitch out because you were tired like the White Sox and didn't let some bouncer like the Yankees scare you come 2:01. Please Gardy, don't be afraid of being tired. These guys see a little bitty playing darts. Have you seen Johan, Boof and Bradke play darts lately? They won't be denied.

For those who haven't read Reusse, go check it out. And after you are done, add this to the Kirby tribute: Twins clinch on 9/25, Bert's California math will show 9+25=???. It's just weird and while I don't really believe in destiny, how can you not?

For those of you who haven't heard, Peter Gammons will be on BBTN live from Boston tomorrow. It doesn't sound like he's any where near 100%. Hopefully he is doing better than Dick Clark was at Rockin New Years Eve. If not, I'd rather wait for him to get better before he gets back.

Peter Gammons has been, and hopefully will continue to be for a long time, one of my favorite baseball writers. He is well spoken, knowledgeable, and as unbiased as a writer from the Boston Globe can be about baseball. He's always been able to insert little pieces of humor while maitaining the integrity of his "report." One of my favorite tidbits is from the 2004 (I think) post-season. He was writing about what it means to be a Red Sox fan. He told a story about how he was in a bar in 1979 or 1980, and the drunk next to him (who was lying face down, passed out) sprung to life just long enough to yell "Why'd they pitch to Bucky F-ing Dent" and pass right back out.

You'd think from all his years in one of those "ESPN" markets, he would have a definite East Coast slant to his writing. Yet, he's always been one to talk about good ball players/managers/teams, regardless of that team's market size. For a Minnesota reader, people who talk about the Twins like he has in the past on the national level are rare.

If you have access to ESPN insider, you should check out his first offering since his aneurysm. I thought it was neat that the first time he realized he was well, he asked his nurse: "'Linda, how did Austin Kearns get to the Nationals?'."

In any case, it is good to have him back, even sporadically. Here's to hoping that he finishes his recovery quickly. His expertise is greatly missed IMO.

What a weird game. Maybe not on paper or on the tube, but for me it was odd. You see, I have a head-cold today. Balance is a little off and I slept like crap last night. When I got home to watch the game, I found myself falling asleep on the couch. I made it throught the first few innings fine. After that I was cooked. So I went from falling asleep on the couch to staring at the ceiling in bed. When I went to "sleep," the Twins were down 5-3 in the bottom of the 8th. Now they won 7-5? Sweet.

Questions/observations from my clouded head from the parts of the game I remember...

I don't always agree (especially now) about the face of the franchise being Torii. I try to cut him some slack, but was anyone else upset by his non-play in the 1st? 2 things stuck out at me on this:
1 - why in the f didn't he dive for the ball? He ran past it anyway and made no effort to retrieve.
2 - if you aren't going to dive for that, why didn't he pull up? In my opinion, he could have thrown out/stopped the trailing runner from scoring if he had.
Then Bert went on to defend this by saying something about the runner scoring anyway - then followed it up an inning or 2 later when Payton(?) wouldn't tag up and try for 3rd on him, by talking about how you DO NOT run on Torii's arm. Really? Which is it?

Somewhere around this time I think I actually heard Bert say: "You score from second just as easily from third on a hit." Excuse me? When was the last time you saw someone to put on the squeeze with the lead runner on second? I'm sick man, but seriously?

Bert had a rough, ROUGH, day behind the mike, so maybe I am being a little critical of it. But Bert in addition to the 1st inning where we: coughed up a run(IMO) in the top half, had Morneau gunned down(not even close) at home, scored 2, then had Castillo thrown out at 2nd to end the inning AND THEN thinking that the Tigers could lose, only to have them win AND THEN it looking like we were going to lose had me wanting to puke. Or maybe I have the flu and not a head-cold, I'm not sure.

In any case, it lead to my earlier than usual attempt at sleep. I'm just glad that the Twins are better at late innings baseball than I am at sleeping right now.

With BOOM, of course. A great offensive explosion today. After the first game of this series I thought to myself, we're hosed. I hoped that the Sux would keep losing so we wouldn't be looking up at them in the standings. WAY TO REBOUND GUYS. 3 Ws to finish the series 3-1.

Santana pitched well...11 SO in 6 and 1/3 isn't bad. Rincon pitched ok, got himself into a jam (kind of, but 1st and 3rd with 2 out, but up by 12? He's got a little bit of leway). I understand bringing Eyre in to pitch the 9th, but a goose-egg would have been an even more impressive statement to end the series.

As for the piranhas - they just keep nibbling. The starters, except Cuddy, had either a run scored or RBI. 3 (3!) triples. Looks like they chased their Wheaties with rich chocolate Ovaltine at the pre-game breafast buffet. Punto had 3 RBI and 2 Run Scored on a 4 for 5 day. Way to get back to the season from your career Lil Nicky (even if it is for a day).

3 months ago, I would have been exstatic to just have the Twins in the playoffs...I'll come right out and say it, they way things have gone lately, I'll be disappointed if we don't win the Central.

Speaking of 3 months ago:

               W   L    GB
Detroit       39   23   ---
Chicago Sux   38   23   0.5
Cleveland     29   32   9.5
Minnesota     27   34  11.5


How you like me now?

               W   L   GB
Detroit       86   58  ---
Minnesota     83   59  2.0
Chicago Sux   82   61  3.5

What a game.  I'm starting to think that the Twins will be the death of me.  I just checked my heart rate (5 minutes after the game) and it's still 130(I'm not kidding).    Tomorrow will be a long day for me - I have to be up early, and there is very little chance of me falling asleep after this kind of game.  

Let me be the first to congratulate Willie on his first win "at the major league level."  He's been pitching better as of late, and cannot turn down performances like his tonight.  I thought he looked great.  I did question his entrance into the game - felt like Nathan should have gone a little bit longer, struggles and all - but thanks Gardenhire for proving me wrong.

Nick Punto, captain pirana, I love you.  Huge man crush on the dude right now.  Straight up love him.  If you see a shadowy figure outside your apartment Nick, don't let it worry you, it's just me and I won't hurt you.

I would also like to give a shout out to Roy Smalley's hair stylest.  Nice feathering.  Can I get some tips?  I'd like to be White Goodman for Halloween.  With your help, I think I could pull it off.

Heart is still racing - hopefully if take the dog for a run, I'll be able to catch some zzzs.  I'll leave you with this, in case you missed it...TWINS WIN!  WHITE SOX LOSE! YANKEES LOSE! TIGERS LOSE!  The Twins are now even with the Yankees in terms of records - 4 back of the Tigers - 1 and 1/2 up on the She-cago White Sox.

I read something today that intrigued me.  Someone quoted Ozzie Guillen as saying if they (White Sox) win 95 games, they'll be in the playoffs.  Either they will be the WC or Central Champs.  I don't feel it's the lock that Ozzie thinks.

If both the Twins and White Sox keep their current win percentage - the Twins will win either 94 or 95 games (94.608 to be exact), White Sox will be either 95 or 96(95.742).  It's doesn't take much to deviate from the season norm to have both teams with 95 or more AND one not make the playoffs.  If MN has 2 game swing and CWS keep pace, we're in they're not.

Series Breakdowns:

CWS
MIN 1/3
TAM 2/3
K C 2/3
BOS 2/3
CLE 2/4
LAA 2/3
OAK 2/3
DET 1/3
SEA 2/4
CLE 2/3
MIN 2/3

For the Twins:
BAL 1/1 (last game GO BOOF!)
CWS 2/3
KAN 2/3
NYY 1/3
TAM 3/3
DET 2/4
OAK 2/3
CLE 2/4
BOS 2/3
BAL 2/3
K C 3/4
CWS 1/3

Twins win 96, Chicago wins 95.  For Chicago to still make it, Detroit needs to go 13-19.  That is very unlikely.

I'm not saying this will happen, or that the Twins will for sure make the post-season, but 95 + DOES NOT guarantee making it in.  Heck, if things hold, the Twins will win 95 and miss the playoff.

I got home late tonight and didn't get to watch the game.  Hopped on ESPN.com to read in the sidebar: " Santana hurt in Angels' loss to Indians" except that I dropped the Angels' part in skimming.  I know that I'm too young to have a heart attack, but my left arm starting tingling.  I start thinking that maybe the reason JMorneau got better is because he passed the plague he caught last winter onto the starting rotation.

Which brings me to my point.  How hard would it have been for the copy editor to write: "Angels' Santana hurt in loss to Indians"?  I mean come on, hasn't this season been a roller coaster in and of itself for Twins fans?  Most people, and by that I mean me, have the attention span of a 2 year old.  PLUS, I started the twitching and the clutching of my chest before I could have conceivably read the word Angels.  Can you help a guy out?

So please, if any of you ESPN.com writers, copy editors, etc are out there reading this - USE THE NAME OF THE AFFECTED PLAYER'S TEAM FIRST.  Then throw out the player's name.  If you don't people like me could start dying, and you don't want that on your conscious, do you?

According to ESPN.com, Atlanta placed Andruw Jones on waivers and some unnamed teams placed a claim. Some team was awarded the claim.  It seems the Braves want to avoid his 10-5 rights.  http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2539544

I strongly doubt it was us.  First, wrong league.  Can you see a team in the penant chase in the NL who wouldn't claim him?  Second, even if no one in the NL claims him, wouldn't someone out West claim him?  They've all got higher priority than the Twins currently.  Third, 2 x 10 mil plus center fielders = not on Carl's dimes.

Play along with me for a moment though...  Twins placed the claim.  With his injuries, I don't expect Hunter in the field much.  Jones is a decent fielder.  Also, he is pretty good with a bat in his hand.  He is signed through next year.  We've got Hunter and Jones for this year, pay Hunter's buyout for next and use his salary to pay Jones'.

I'd consider it if the price was right...again, not that it's going to happen.