SB Nation User Blog: JD34

Cough, cough!

JD34 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:21:51 -0000

That was the feeling I got after watching the Twins choke away a winnable game behind two errors by Brian Buscher. The Twins also missed out on a golden opportunity to get some separation from both Sox teams in the division and wild card races. The Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays both took care of their games but unfortunately the Twins couldn't capitualize.

Watching the Twins lose seemed all too familiar. It seems like the Twins haven't been able to win many games this year when they had a share of first place and made me want to do a little more research.

Thanks to the handy-dandy schedule at baseball-reference.com I was able to look at all of the games that the Twins have played while having a share of the division lead (1st game of the year excluded) and let's just say that the results don't instill a lot of confidence.

Overall the Twins have played 19 games while leading the division and have a record of 7-12. Recently it has actually gotten worse as the Twins have a record of just 2-6 in August while leading the division.

What these results mean is open for debate. It's quite possible that the loses have just been coincidences and that with the law of averages their record could even out if they can hold on to a share of the lead. However it could also be a sign of a young team fading under increased pressure. In the 6 loses in August the Twins have committed at least one error in every game and committed two errors in 3 of the games.

The one bright spot is that the Twins still hold on to a half game lead in the division after tonights lose and have another opportunity tomorrow to reverse the current trend. If they can't reverse the current trend quickly they will surely be sitting home watching the playoffs in October instead of competing for a shot at the World Series.

JoeC Reports on Line-up for AFL

JD34 — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:43:58 -0000

JoeC just updated his blog with the group the Twins will be sending to the AFL below:

Pitchers Jeff Manship, Rob Delaney, Tim Lahey and Anthony Slama, infielder Steve Tolleson and outfielder Dustin Martin.

The only one I don't understand is Lahey. He was just picked up this year and has seemed to struggle. I would have expected Duensing instead. I am excited to see how Delaney and Slama do against a high level of competition since we will need the next wave of strong bullpen arms shortly.

Who goes when Cassilla's back?

JD34 — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:44:03 -0000

Originally everyone would have thought that Adam Everett would be the odd man out but he has started 9 games this month and hit .348 for August. I don't see anyone from the bullpen going down with the recent struggles so it seems to indicate that it would either be Ruiz or Harris.

Ruiz has only played a limited role since he has come up but has hit well with only a few opportunities. Harris seems to be in Gardy's dog-house and only sees spot starts at 3B when I left-hander is on the mound. I'm not sure if Harris still has any minor league options but I am guessing it will be Ruiz that goes.