It is quiet, still and dark now. That’s a stark contrast to the last 10 hours, but exactly what I need. I’m recovering from the best baseball game I’ve seen live in 18 years, a cacophony of noise, hope, rage, enthusiasm and community and – and I’m spent. The kids are in bed, so is The Voice of Reason™, and I should be – god knows I should be – but I'm not ready to fully embrace the quiet, still and dark.
So let’s shift from “recover” to “reminisce”, in the hopes of eventually reaching “relish”. There were 12 innings, and that’s just such a beautiful round number, full of biblical implications, so let’s go through the twelve innings and pull a memory out of each.
1st
I’m going to remember Joe Mauer taking that extra base. My kids were at the game, and since they don’t watch that much baseball, they didn’t understand how extraordinary that is. A team leader, not especially fast, and a catcher to boot, going like a bat out of hell to squeeze an extra base. Justin Morneau did the same thing the first series of the season, and it impressed the hell out of me then, and Mauer impressed the hell out of me tonight.
But I didn’t explain it to my kids. They aren’t there yet, they wouldn’t get it. I’d just be their dad rambling on about something unimportant, the same way all our parents do. And logically they would be right, because Mauer is stranded there as the inning ends.
But it was important. I believe that.
2nd
Tigers have a runner on third base with one out and fail to drive him in. I was just on Seth’s podcast tonight and I wondered out loud how many times that happened to Detroit tonight. So I’m going to look through the game quick and let you know…
Four times. That’s less than I thought. But note that this isn’t how many times that runners were in scoring position and a batter didn’t get a hit. This is how many times a productive out would’ve scored a run, but didn’t. It happened this inning, and twice in the ninth and once in the 12th.
I haven’t reflected much on just how heart-breaking this loss must be to Tigers fans. Besides the lack of execution with runners on third, you have the misplays in the field and the three game lead collapse. (Shudder) That's enough reflection for now.
3rd
I hate to say it – but I'll remember the “al-cho-hol-ic” chant the crowd directed at Miguel Cabrera the most. I know, I know – you stay classy, Minneapolis. But I don’t feel the need to apologize for it.
4th
I remember Scott Baker continuing to struggle, giving up a single and then starting the next batter with an outside pitch before shortstop Orlando Cabrera called time-out to talk to him, with Mauer joining them. One pitch later Rick Anderson also came out to talk to him.
From then forward, Baker was very good, and having him go into the seventh inning helped a bullpen which should be a legitimate concern versus the Yankees.
5th
Nothing much happened this inning, so let’s go with a pregame memory. We park an hour and twenty minutes before game time thinking we’ll stop at Maxwell’s and maybe get some waffle fries. We know we’re in trouble when we see a line of people waiting to get into Grumpy’s. Maxwell’s has no line, but is so full of people that it felt dangerous in there. We skedaddled and just went to the dome.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – this is a football town. But we’re getting there. The pregame insanity and the reaction of tonight’s crowd is a testament to it.
6th
Jason Kubel, after two very bad at-bats, homers and I’ve been told that’s when it looked like the crowd got into the game. Maybe. But I gotta say, I was more impressed with the crowd tonight than I’ve been in years, even before Kubel’s shot.
50,000 people in the dome can make a lot of noise, but they can also make a lot of silence. I didn’t notice the silence even when the Twins were down 3-0. It was exactly as if the crowd knew that they were going to need to pack a lunch, that this was a game that was going to be decided late.
Let me add one caveat – my enthusiasm for the crowd might be a result of sitting in the second level. There were plenty of times I would look around and see the more expensive seats sitting while upper deck sections were rising and screaming for a 3rd strike. I think this was a case where the farther you were from the action, the more fun it was.
And there were times I’m sure the crowd affected the players. I’m quite sure it helped the Twins score in the bottom of the tenth. It might very well have kept overmatched umpire Randy Marsh from hearing Brandon Inge’s uniform get scraped by a pitch. And I’m convinced we carried Bobby Keppel in the twelfth. All he had to do was throw the first strike and the crowd would take it from there.
7th
I remember the pandemonium during and after Orlando Cabrera’s line drive home run. My kids were elated. Everyone is giving high fives or just hugging. And I dared to think my kids might just experience the rarest of events in Minnesota sports – a big win that really means something.
8th
Or not. The Magglio Ordonez shot was quick enough that we were all sort of numbed by it, but the Rick Raburn/Matt Guerrier/Marsh battle was what got us all worked up. The umpiring seemed so bad tonight that I assumed I was just in a terrible position to evaluate it. After talking to several fans and reading some stories, it seems like a shame that an umpire’s very bad day could affect such a critical game.
9th
Span CANNOT bunt in that situation. I assume he did so on his own, but then someone needs to pull him aside before the at-bat – or even during the at-bat – and let him know he can’t bunt in that position. If Kubel is batting fourth, he can. But since Kubel had been lifted an inning earlier, he can’t. And somebody needs to help him out with this.
The Tigers will likely get criticized for some miscues in this game, but it’s worth pointing out that Brandon Inge made a diving stop of a rocket by Cabrera to keep the Twins from scoring in this inning. It was a breathtaking defensive play.
10th
I’m going to remember my 10-year-old son spinning towards me with his lower lip out and tears in his eyes. Between the HBP of Audrey Huff and calling the pitch immediately before Inge’s double a ball, The Boy™ is convinced that there is an injustice being done. Nothing make that kid madder than that, except maybe losing, and now we had both.
It’s also worth noting that in Matt Tolbert’s RBI single in the bottom of the frame, the Tigers came within inches of that being a double play instead. I did not think that grounder was getting through. I’m not sure I know how it did.
11th
As the Twins used three pitchers in this frame, I remember The Voice of Reason™ turning to me and asking if Ron Gardenhire was going to run out of pitchers soon. I said I didn’t think so, because the Twins still had Brian Duensing, Francisco Liriano and Jeff Manship (not to mention Armando Gabino) available. That’s the advantage of September.
And meanwhile, Fernando Rodney breezes through the bottom of the tenth on something like 35 pitches – and there is nobody warming up in the Tigers bullpen? Really?
12th
Two things – I’ll remember the crowd trying desperately to will Keppel through a scoreless inning. I’ll remember Gardenhire charging out of the dugout by NOT making a pitching change, and me thinking he’s insane.
But mostly I’ll remember Carlos Gomez sliding across home plate. Two innings earlier I had watched him fly into a rage as he left the field and entered the dugout, furious at himself for not getting the clutch hit the team needed in the ninth. Now he’s sliding like a rapturous superman. Gawd it's fun to watch him love this game.
Good - that seems like a good memory to hold onto as I go to bed. It’s time for quiet, still and dark to have their turn.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Gulping Sports from a Firehose
The taste was familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.
Does anyone else feel their life spinning out of control during a pennant race? I stood looking in the mirror this morning and wondered how much longer I could hang on.
I'm up late writing or unwinding. I have a dining room table with two weeks of unopened mail and a planner full of procrastination. I'm eating like Prince Fielder and spending money like George Steinbrenner. All while I wear the same lucky shirt day after day. Things may not be falling apart yet, but some bolts sure need tightening.
It's affecting my relationships. I don't have anything else to talk about with friends. My own kids are amused by me. My marriage would likely be tested if my wife wasn't a huge Phillies fan. Being from Philly, she gets it. Most of that city is like this a half dozen times a year.
Thinking of Philly - that's when I recognized the taste. Youth. This week tastes like youth. Balancing on a wave that is close to out of control. Not sleeping, combined with too much emotion. Periods of waiting punctuated by hours of excess. Connecting with strangers, hanging with friends, accepting opportunities, stretching oneself thin - this bittersweet taste is youth.
We middle-aged guys tend to romanticize youth. We remember the highlights, the bonding, the freedom, the sense of purpose. We forget how many of our actions were driven by boredom or ignorance or insecurity.
But mostly we forget just how uncomfortable youth really is. Too often it feels like nothing fits. Things are too tight or too loose or they chafe. We find a way to handle it because it doesn't last long. We fight through it and forget it because of the highs.
Which is what Seth wanted to talk about on Saturday night's podcast. He wanted to hear about the highs of attending The Greinke Game, wanted a sense of the exhilaration. What did Mauer's single feel like? Delmon's double? The last out?
They felt like they're supposed to feel. They were loud, communal and chaotic. They were a layer of joy fueled by a mound of rage. They were a tomorrow and sea of yesterdays joined by a moment. They felt like youth.
And I hope it continues, because the highs are great. But thank gawd it doesn't last long.
But you don't come here to hear about my life falling apart, or at least I hope not. That would be a little morbid. You come here to read about the Twins, so let's review a handful of my Tweets from the weekend and expand on them a bit.
Keppel?!? What kind of Rasputin-type hold does he have on Gardy. And where are the Nobles when you need them?
You know who would be nice to have available right now? Perkins. #Twins are really showing him who is boss.
Right now, no lead feels safe. It feels a lot like the 2002 playoffs, when the bullpen got to the point where they were wilting en masse. That's forgivable most of the season - but not between September 1st and the postseason. The Twins could have another 15 relievers on the roster right now, but Bill Smith promoted just one - Armando Gabino. Who is a pitcher that Gardenhire trusted to throw all of 3.2 innings since being recalled at the end of August. Meanwhile, Glen Perkins is sitting at home, either as a punitive act, a fiscal act, or both.
It feels like there is some dysfunction going on that I can't entirely put my finger on. It doesn't feel like it's just Gardenhire or just Smith. Gardenhire stumbled upon a possible solution late in the game yesterday, when he turned to Brian Duensing and Francisco Liriano to pitch late innings. Let's hope that depth and some extra rest gets the bullpen back to a respectable level before they really need them.
OK, that's it for now. I got a date with The Voice of Reason. We'll talk tomorrow before The Big Game.
Does anyone else feel their life spinning out of control during a pennant race? I stood looking in the mirror this morning and wondered how much longer I could hang on.
I'm up late writing or unwinding. I have a dining room table with two weeks of unopened mail and a planner full of procrastination. I'm eating like Prince Fielder and spending money like George Steinbrenner. All while I wear the same lucky shirt day after day. Things may not be falling apart yet, but some bolts sure need tightening.
It's affecting my relationships. I don't have anything else to talk about with friends. My own kids are amused by me. My marriage would likely be tested if my wife wasn't a huge Phillies fan. Being from Philly, she gets it. Most of that city is like this a half dozen times a year.
Thinking of Philly - that's when I recognized the taste. Youth. This week tastes like youth. Balancing on a wave that is close to out of control. Not sleeping, combined with too much emotion. Periods of waiting punctuated by hours of excess. Connecting with strangers, hanging with friends, accepting opportunities, stretching oneself thin - this bittersweet taste is youth.
We middle-aged guys tend to romanticize youth. We remember the highlights, the bonding, the freedom, the sense of purpose. We forget how many of our actions were driven by boredom or ignorance or insecurity.
But mostly we forget just how uncomfortable youth really is. Too often it feels like nothing fits. Things are too tight or too loose or they chafe. We find a way to handle it because it doesn't last long. We fight through it and forget it because of the highs.
Which is what Seth wanted to talk about on Saturday night's podcast. He wanted to hear about the highs of attending The Greinke Game, wanted a sense of the exhilaration. What did Mauer's single feel like? Delmon's double? The last out?
They felt like they're supposed to feel. They were loud, communal and chaotic. They were a layer of joy fueled by a mound of rage. They were a tomorrow and sea of yesterdays joined by a moment. They felt like youth.
And I hope it continues, because the highs are great. But thank gawd it doesn't last long.
------------------------------
But you don't come here to hear about my life falling apart, or at least I hope not. That would be a little morbid. You come here to read about the Twins, so let's review a handful of my Tweets from the weekend and expand on them a bit.
Keppel?!? What kind of Rasputin-type hold does he have on Gardy. And where are the Nobles when you need them?
You know who would be nice to have available right now? Perkins. #Twins are really showing him who is boss.
Right now, no lead feels safe. It feels a lot like the 2002 playoffs, when the bullpen got to the point where they were wilting en masse. That's forgivable most of the season - but not between September 1st and the postseason. The Twins could have another 15 relievers on the roster right now, but Bill Smith promoted just one - Armando Gabino. Who is a pitcher that Gardenhire trusted to throw all of 3.2 innings since being recalled at the end of August. Meanwhile, Glen Perkins is sitting at home, either as a punitive act, a fiscal act, or both.
It feels like there is some dysfunction going on that I can't entirely put my finger on. It doesn't feel like it's just Gardenhire or just Smith. Gardenhire stumbled upon a possible solution late in the game yesterday, when he turned to Brian Duensing and Francisco Liriano to pitch late innings. Let's hope that depth and some extra rest gets the bullpen back to a respectable level before they really need them.
OK, that's it for now. I got a date with The Voice of Reason. We'll talk tomorrow before The Big Game.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
On Magic Numbers, Matchups and Channeling Trent Tucker
We just need to take care of our business, we can only control what we can control, we can't worry about the Tigers, it doesn't do any good to watch the scoreboard, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Did you know that teams that are in second place can have a Magic Number? It's true. The Twins' Magic Number is six. Unfortunately, they only have three games left, so we ARE going to worry about the Tigers and watch the scoreboard. And while we're at it, let's look at the pitching matchups for both series, because the sad truth is that if five of these six games don't go the Twins way, we're done.
Friday
Jeff Manship(MIN) vs. Lenny Dinardo(KC)
Time for Jeff to show a little Manship. He regressed in each of his four starts, but had decent success in his last bullpen appearance. He's got to quit freaking walking batters. Take the hill and throw the ball over the plate, young fella. (Hmm. I'm channeling my inner Trent Tucker. How adorable.)
Fortunately, almost everything I just said about Manship, I could say about Dinardo. Except for the "young fella" part. He's 30.
Edwin Jackson(DET) vs. Jake Peavy(CWS)
I love Ozzie Guillen. Peavy, who is an NL Cy Young award winner, last pitched last on Friday, so he could've pitched Wednesday. But Ozzie held him off to pitch against the Tigers instead. Jackson has struggled for most of September, and gave up five runs to the White Sox last Sunday in a 8-4 loss.
Saturday
Nick Blackburn(MIN) vs. Zach Greinke(KC)
I suppose it's only fair that the Twins get to face a probable Cy Young award winner the next day. Grienke's is a heart-warming story about a player who battled back from depression to fulfill the sizable expectations that were heaped on his shoulders. And I can't think of a better ending than the Twins ripping his still-beating heart out of his chest and ruining any Cy Young consideration the last six months has generated. Call me a hopeless romantic.
Freddy Garcia(CWS) vs. Alfredo Figaro(DET)
When Monday's game was rained out, there was a lot of debate about whether it would have a negative effect on the Twins because Joe Mauer wouldn't catch both games of the doubleheader. (He did, but he ran like he did the next two days.) But the far bigger impact to both teams was that it meant the pitchers for that game would need to pitch their next game on just three days rest. That's what Blackburn is doing for the Twins.
The Tigers went in different direction. This spot should be taken by Rick Porcello, who is just 20 years old and was stretched to 165 innings already this year. Rather than make his young arm pitch on short rest the Tigers are turning to Figaro, a 25-year-old right-hander who doesn't look like a bad prospect, but who has appeared in only four major league games and is working his way back from wrist surgery.
The White Sox are countering with Garcia, who has been pretty good for most of September, but got the snot pounded out of him last Saturday by....the Tigers. Sigh.
Sunday
Brian Duensing(MIN) vs. Luke Hochevar(KC)
Duensing has been lights out since joining the rotation, but had his worst start of the year on Tuesday night. Keep your fingers crossed. Hochevar threw a complete game shutout on September 18th - and still had an 8.16 ERA in September. Let's hope he's not "on" because then he's almost certainly "off".
Justin Verlander(DET) vs. John Danks(CWS)
The Tigers have announced that if this game means anything, Verlander will be the guy on the mound. You might have heard about him. But don't give up hope, because several of the White Sox have had a lot of success against him over their careers, including Jermaine Dye, Carlos Quentin and AJ Pierzynski. And one gets the sense that the White Sox kind of thrive on spite.
Which might also explain Danks starting. He's been good lately, almost the exact opposite of Hochevar. Danks gave up seven runs against the Twins last week - but still had a 3.21 ERA over the month of September. That's tight.
Next
I'm hopeful that on Monday you'll return to see another pitching matchup - something like Rick Porcello against Carl Pavano for the AL Central Championship. But if you don't, you're going to want to be here as we prepare for the offseason with the release of the TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook. I'm really excited about this book which lets you make the same decisions as the Twins general manager and build the team you think they should have. We're putting the final touches on it this weekend, and it'll be released only if the Twins are actually eliminated. Otherwise, we'll hold off. We don't want to be done with this season yet.
Sunday
I almost forgot. For those of you who go to the Hot Stove Annual Winter Banquet that is thrown by Julian Loscalzo and Michael "Sammy" Samuelson, you'll be happy to hear there is also a celebratory event this Sunday. I can't make it to the last game, but this sounds beautiful. From Sammy....
To all: We will, for the final time at at the HHH Metrodome, be hosting our annual end of the season potluck "brunch" this next Sunday, 10/4 starting around 10:30 am before the Twins vs Royals game. We will be gathering at the low wall on the Left side of the Dome's main entrance at 6th and Chicago (just behind the kettle corn stand). Due to planned pre-game festivities, we are asking that folks show up a bit earlier then usual so we do not miss too much of the going ons.
You can expect to munch on everything from shrimp, White Castle sliders, cheesecake and my famous tater tot hotdish! If you can make it please bring a dish to share for between 12-15 of your fellow seat mates. We hope you come by even if you do not have a ticket.
Win! Twins! - Sammy and Kiki
Also, apparently there will be a film crew there from StarTribune.com to do a feature on Sammy. If I get the link, I'll be sure to pass it along.
Did you know that teams that are in second place can have a Magic Number? It's true. The Twins' Magic Number is six. Unfortunately, they only have three games left, so we ARE going to worry about the Tigers and watch the scoreboard. And while we're at it, let's look at the pitching matchups for both series, because the sad truth is that if five of these six games don't go the Twins way, we're done.
Friday
Jeff Manship(MIN) vs. Lenny Dinardo(KC)Time for Jeff to show a little Manship. He regressed in each of his four starts, but had decent success in his last bullpen appearance. He's got to quit freaking walking batters. Take the hill and throw the ball over the plate, young fella. (Hmm. I'm channeling my inner Trent Tucker. How adorable.)
Fortunately, almost everything I just said about Manship, I could say about Dinardo. Except for the "young fella" part. He's 30.
Edwin Jackson(DET) vs. Jake Peavy(CWS)
I love Ozzie Guillen. Peavy, who is an NL Cy Young award winner, last pitched last on Friday, so he could've pitched Wednesday. But Ozzie held him off to pitch against the Tigers instead. Jackson has struggled for most of September, and gave up five runs to the White Sox last Sunday in a 8-4 loss.
Saturday
Nick Blackburn(MIN) vs. Zach Greinke(KC)
I suppose it's only fair that the Twins get to face a probable Cy Young award winner the next day. Grienke's is a heart-warming story about a player who battled back from depression to fulfill the sizable expectations that were heaped on his shoulders. And I can't think of a better ending than the Twins ripping his still-beating heart out of his chest and ruining any Cy Young consideration the last six months has generated. Call me a hopeless romantic.
Freddy Garcia(CWS) vs. Alfredo Figaro(DET)
When Monday's game was rained out, there was a lot of debate about whether it would have a negative effect on the Twins because Joe Mauer wouldn't catch both games of the doubleheader. (He did, but he ran like he did the next two days.) But the far bigger impact to both teams was that it meant the pitchers for that game would need to pitch their next game on just three days rest. That's what Blackburn is doing for the Twins.
The Tigers went in different direction. This spot should be taken by Rick Porcello, who is just 20 years old and was stretched to 165 innings already this year. Rather than make his young arm pitch on short rest the Tigers are turning to Figaro, a 25-year-old right-hander who doesn't look like a bad prospect, but who has appeared in only four major league games and is working his way back from wrist surgery.
The White Sox are countering with Garcia, who has been pretty good for most of September, but got the snot pounded out of him last Saturday by....the Tigers. Sigh.
Sunday
Brian Duensing(MIN) vs. Luke Hochevar(KC)
Duensing has been lights out since joining the rotation, but had his worst start of the year on Tuesday night. Keep your fingers crossed. Hochevar threw a complete game shutout on September 18th - and still had an 8.16 ERA in September. Let's hope he's not "on" because then he's almost certainly "off".
Justin Verlander(DET) vs. John Danks(CWS)
The Tigers have announced that if this game means anything, Verlander will be the guy on the mound. You might have heard about him. But don't give up hope, because several of the White Sox have had a lot of success against him over their careers, including Jermaine Dye, Carlos Quentin and AJ Pierzynski. And one gets the sense that the White Sox kind of thrive on spite.
Which might also explain Danks starting. He's been good lately, almost the exact opposite of Hochevar. Danks gave up seven runs against the Twins last week - but still had a 3.21 ERA over the month of September. That's tight.
Next
I'm hopeful that on Monday you'll return to see another pitching matchup - something like Rick Porcello against Carl Pavano for the AL Central Championship. But if you don't, you're going to want to be here as we prepare for the offseason with the release of the TwinsCentric Offseason GM Handbook. I'm really excited about this book which lets you make the same decisions as the Twins general manager and build the team you think they should have. We're putting the final touches on it this weekend, and it'll be released only if the Twins are actually eliminated. Otherwise, we'll hold off. We don't want to be done with this season yet.
Sunday
I almost forgot. For those of you who go to the Hot Stove Annual Winter Banquet that is thrown by Julian Loscalzo and Michael "Sammy" Samuelson, you'll be happy to hear there is also a celebratory event this Sunday. I can't make it to the last game, but this sounds beautiful. From Sammy....
To all: We will, for the final time at at the HHH Metrodome, be hosting our annual end of the season potluck "brunch" this next Sunday, 10/4 starting around 10:30 am before the Twins vs Royals game. We will be gathering at the low wall on the Left side of the Dome's main entrance at 6th and Chicago (just behind the kettle corn stand). Due to planned pre-game festivities, we are asking that folks show up a bit earlier then usual so we do not miss too much of the going ons.
You can expect to munch on everything from shrimp, White Castle sliders, cheesecake and my famous tater tot hotdish! If you can make it please bring a dish to share for between 12-15 of your fellow seat mates. We hope you come by even if you do not have a ticket.
Win! Twins! - Sammy and Kiki
Also, apparently there will be a film crew there from StarTribune.com to do a feature on Sammy. If I get the link, I'll be sure to pass it along.
So I Suppose I Gotta Post...
But there are times where things are better not written.
So let's wait. We can dissect this season slowly, and probably painfully, next week. After all, the season isn't over, even if it's just one loss away from over.
I'll say two things:
1) Yesterday on KSTP AM 1500, Patrick Reusse said he was as impressed with the Twins on Tuesday night in a loss as he had been all season. And I sat back and thought "Yes, that's true."
I did NOT feel the same way last night. I'm assuming Mr. Reusse would say the same thing.
2) If you stop by this site, I'm begging you, try out Twitter. I posted roughly twenty times over the last couple days, including WAY too many times while watching game one of this series with @sethtweets. It is not Facebook. It is not social networking. You don't have to "friend" anyone, and you don't have to post anything about yourself. All you have to do is choose people to follow, and you get a cross between (very short) blogging, news feeds and a discussion group. Oh, and you get it all right on your mobile phone.
I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully breaking down some pitching matchups for the Twins/Royals and Tigers/White Sox for game that still mean something.
So let's wait. We can dissect this season slowly, and probably painfully, next week. After all, the season isn't over, even if it's just one loss away from over.
I'll say two things:
1) Yesterday on KSTP AM 1500, Patrick Reusse said he was as impressed with the Twins on Tuesday night in a loss as he had been all season. And I sat back and thought "Yes, that's true."
I did NOT feel the same way last night. I'm assuming Mr. Reusse would say the same thing.
2) If you stop by this site, I'm begging you, try out Twitter. I posted roughly twenty times over the last couple days, including WAY too many times while watching game one of this series with @sethtweets. It is not Facebook. It is not social networking. You don't have to "friend" anyone, and you don't have to post anything about yourself. All you have to do is choose people to follow, and you get a cross between (very short) blogging, news feeds and a discussion group. Oh, and you get it all right on your mobile phone.
I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully breaking down some pitching matchups for the Twins/Royals and Tigers/White Sox for game that still mean something.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
