Take a deep breath…  Relax… Make sure and enjoy this weekend.  While the weather may not be warm in Minnesota, inside the Metrodome things will be heating up.  We’ll be playing three games against the White Sox.  Scoreboard watching will be rampant.  With three games left, the Tigers and Twins are tied for the AL Central division lead.

It is very likely that most of the state will slip into a baseball induced state that has severe symptoms of nail-biting, nickname calling, random butt slapping and excessive use of cliches (one day at a time, playing for all the marbles, leave it all on the field, etc).
While it’s been great to watch the miracle (also known as 2006 Twins Baseball) for some reason I have a calm feeling about me.  After all, how could I doubt the team that has proved people wrong for the last four months.  Every “expert” projected the WhiteSox to win the division.  When it was apparent that they would not repeat they called for the Tigers to win the division.  Now that the division is up for grabs they are not so sure.

How could I pick against a team that has the Cy Young, Batting Champ, AL MVP and a group of guys that are so good that I only call them by nicknames (Twitch, NoNeck and Tongue) that some of my friends often use.

In the end, the Twins might win the Division, get the wildcard, make it to the World Series.  Either way, i’m satisfied with the season and i’ll always remember the summer of 2006 - the one that I shared with the Minnesota Twins!

***News Flash***

Carlos Silva is no good. Just when you think that he might be turning it around he somehow finds a way to get his butt kicked by the Kansas City Royals! When facing a team that has considerably less talent than the Rochester Red Wings, it is NEVER a good thing to work only 4 innings while giving up 6 hits and 5 runs (including two slama-lama-ding-dongs). Gross!

Take note Terry Ryan. The Twins first two pitchers have been determined for the ALDS. Make SURE that Silva never reaches the mound during that or any other series. I would much rather put Radke out on the mound than Silva with his not-so-sinking sinker.

Also, please please please Terry don’t pick up his option next year. Use the money you would be paying him to get a REAL pitcher. You know the kind who can win games every once in a while. The kind that doesn’t allow 6 runs a game…. every game.

In other news…. I just received my playoff tickets. I am cheep so i’ll be sitting in the upper deck (first base line).

Mr. Toughguy Pierzinski alone thinking about the team and state that he alienated.  Have fun this October AJ.  You can watch the Twins on ESPN while you are sitting at home… by yourself!

Well, it’s official. This years version of the Minnesota Twins is in my opinion better than any other team in the history of the Twins. With as much adversity as they have gone through this year, it’s only fitting that a team comprised of mostly youthful untested guys comes through to become the best ever.

Some of you already disagree with me. What about 87 or 91??? My response… We don’t know how far this team will go. What we do know is that they already have 92 wins - more wins than the 87 team and they are approaching the 95 win mark that the 91 team had. If they do better than split their remaining games they can be considered the best.

At the beginning of the season prognosticators talked of second place in the AL Central with the Twins edging out the Indians in the final week. No one had thoughts of Tiger dominance or the suck that is the White Sox. The expectations were not high for this ballclub and I think that is part of the mystique. Low expectations coupled with their horrible start had many in the media and blogosphere doubting and writing off the Twins.

In the end the talk of the season being “162 games long” proved true. While the Twins were horrible in April and May, it’s hard to beat a team that is unstoppable for 4+ months.

Their sites are now set on something bigger. The Tiger. With 6 games to play the Twins are 1 game back. The celebration last night was great but the chance to play at home against the Athletics is the real prize. In my opinion the Twins will come out firing during the rest of the games and pull out the Division title.

Twins Notes:

- Torii Hunter his his 30th bomb of the year. Pretty good for a guy who was on the DL and has been hobbled by a bumb ankle/foot.

- With Torii’s homer our streak of no 30 homerun hitters is a distant memory with him and Morneau reaching that mark.

- With 5 RBIs for Torii, the Twins will have 3 players hit 100+ RBIs in a season. This has never happened before.

- With Joe Mauer destined to win the AL batting title, Johan Santana a shoe-in for the Cy Young and Justin Morneau making a STRONG push to be the AL MVP if this happens it would be the first time that this has happened to the Twins.

Here’s hoping that the Twins can start this series out on the right foot.  With the Motor City Kitties within striking distance I am dreaming of a couple Twins wins and horrible play by the Kitties…  For all of you Twins fans out there who are still hoping to make the playoffs…  Shift your sights to Detroit.  The WhiteSox are fish in a barell and we’re playing with dynomite!

Think about the next two weeks… Great baseball!  Can’t you see it?  We beat out the Tigers, secure homefield throughout the playoffs and beat up on the A’s.  The Tigers travel to New York, pull of the upset with great pitching and they travel to Minnie for the ALCS.  The Twins crush them with great defense, pitching and timely hitting.

The Twins make it to the World Series to face the Mets.  We DOMINATE.

Now back to reality….  While those things might happen, I guess we’re forced to take it one day at a time.  It’s rainy and gloomy tonight so I think that i’ll stay in and watch the game.  Who’s with me?

Go Twins!

Since 1956, the Cy Young has been awarded to deserving pitchers from both the American and National leagues. This award was the brainchild of then Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick. He grew increasingly frustrated with little to no representation of pitcher in the annual MVP balloting. His remedy to his frustration was to create a new reward. I guess if you become Commissioner you get to do things like that.

Since it’s introduction there has been constant debate and speculation over who will win, who should win and who was robbed of the award. While I know it’s a little early to start speculating, I thought it about time to jump into the fray and officially kick-start the debate.

Every year there are many pitchers, both starters and relievers, who usually are considered. The award is given to the pitcher who gets the most votes. Each major league city gets one vote. This vote usually comes from a well known “baseball expert”. I generally don’t agree with the “expert” assessment of the best pitcher in each league. This is mostly due to the ECCA (East Coast Conspirators Association). This is also sometimes known as “East Coast Bias”. While this articles purpose is not to get into the stupidity of most baseball writers (especially from the East Coast), it’s always fun to take a jab (from time to time).

American League Candidates

1. Johan Santana
Since 2003, in my opinion no pitcher has been more dominant than him. Let’s take a look at his numbers since 2003. He has a record of 67-21 with a combined ERA of 2.89 while striking out 909 and walking only 190. In case you are wondering he is averaging over 1 strikeout per inning and an amazing 9.76 k/9 innings. Wow! With all that said, the eligible voters don’t give too much love for pitchers who have historically done well.

The voters ask what the pitcher has done for the team recently. His 2006 stats are equally as impressive as his previous three seasons. As of September 19th, he is 18-5 with an ERA of 2.77. He has been a killer. He has struck out 237 batters in 220 2/3rd innings. He currently leads the league in three statistical categories. Those are Innings Pitched (220.2), Strikeouts (237) and ERA (2.77). As you will see with the other candidates, he has a sizeable advantage.

2. Roy Halladay
Don’t get me wrong, RoyHalladay is no slouch. We must remember a few things when thinking about his numbers. While he has less wins and a higher ERA than Santana, his team also plays the Red Sox and Yankees 19 times. On top of all that, the Blue Jays are horrible and will forever be jockeying with the Orioles for third place in the division. What a horrible existence. For his sake, I hope he gets traded to the National League sometime in his career so that he can REALLY dominate.

I digress… Halladay puts up very respectable numbers. In 31 games this year he has compiled a record of 16-5, which ties him for second in wins. As with his predecessor Santana, he’s what those around the game call a workhorse. He eats up innings and whether he performs well or not he sets the team up for success on his off days because of his ability to get deep into the game. In 216 2/3rd innings this season he has also tallied 4 complete games while striking out 131 batters. On top of his gamer mentality, he also sports a puny 3.20 ERA, which any coach would give his right arm (or several prospects) for.

3. Justin Verlander
From the category of “who is this guy”, is Justin Verlander. So, who out there had the foresite to pick this guy up in their Roto leagues in spring training… Yea, neither did I! This guy has come out of nowhere. While he was always considered a prospect in the Tigers organization, his rise to prominence came much quicker than most would have imagined. As the year has progressed, it appears that his lack of arm strength is causing him a bit of a dead arm. The Tigers have started to be very cautious with him and the number of innings he throws. With all the caution, Verlander has compiled wicked good numbers. In 29 starts, Verlander is 16-9 with a 3.68 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 198 innings. Being that he is a rookie and has been the ace of a staff that has electrified a great baseball city that has long been on life support, there will be people who check his name on the Cy Young ballot. These voters will vote for the good of baseball, simply because they love how Detroit is changing – for the better!

So… Who’s going to win it???
Outside of the top three guys referenced above, in my opinion there really isn’t many others who should be considered. After all, it’s never good to be the fourth horse in a three horse race. So, without further adieu, the winner of the 2006 Cy Young…..

Johan Santana, Minnesota Twins

While some may accuse me of being a homer (since I reside about 4 10 blocks from Kirby Puckett Place), I simply can’t overlook Santana’s numbers. The fact that he leads the AL in three statistical categories is hard to overlook. Let’s assume that Halladay and Verlander were somewhat close or had him beat in one or two categories, I would still give him the nod. Why? The Twins almost never lose on the day that he pitches. Something about him gives his team confidence. It’s an intangible factor that is hard to measure. All I know is that since the all-star break, in games he pitches, the Minnesota Twins are 12-1.

Santana’s numbers should make him a shoe in for the Cy Young. Regarding Santana’s ability to rally the troops when he starts? Well that is for the MVP discussion.

All they do is win ball games.  This years version of the Minnesota Twins is different than the previous Central Division winners.  The difference is determination.  I’m not sure where the motivation for this comes from…  Possibly the death of Kirrrrrrbbbbyyyy Puckett?  Possibly to prove the critics wrong?  Possibly to make up for their HORRIBLE April and May?  Either way, it looks as if this is the Twins year.  Even though there are three series left prior to the end of the year, it looks as if our team will make it to the playoffs.

Let’s review what has happened to the Twins thus far.

- We started the year with guys named Batista and Rondell.  We finally parted ways with Batista in June.  In the place of those guys are Nick Punto and Jason Bartlett.  Both have done a great job filling in and Bartlett has secured his spot as our shortstop of the future.  Punto has an amazing glove but I feel that he will be replaced next year and sent back to his “utility” status.  He’s much more valuable resting guys like Bartlett, Castillo and third baseman to be named later.
- Our rotation has been shakey at best.  In April the lineup consisted of: Santana, Radke, Silva, Baker and Bonser.  Now our rotation consists of 3 rookies (Boof, Baker and Garza), Santana and a new and improved Silva.   We have come to forget about Liriano and we’ll look forward to seeing him pitch next year.

- Our starting outfield has been in flux the majority of the year.  Remember Shannon Stewart?  Neither do I.  Guys like Jason Tyner filled in admirably when Torii Hunter went down.  Tyner then took over the role of left fielder until Rondell White realized how to hit a fastball again.  Now it consists of RoWhite, Hunter and Cuddy.  Oh, and by the way, Cuddy has his 100 RBIs and has career highs in Homeruns, Doubles, Runs, RBIs, Hits and walks.

With all of these obsticles, the Twins have found a way to overcome adversity.  They keep on winning ballgames with gritty performances.  Each and every night a different guy takes the team on his shoulders to win the ballgame.

Place your bets…  My thoughts about the rest of the regular season/off season:

1.  The Twins will make the playoffs.  I think that it will be of the wild card variety and they will play @ Oakland to start the series.  Twins win that series 3-1 behind a strong performance from Santana (he starts game 1 and 4 - both for Wins)
2.  The Twins will go to the ALCS and lose to the Yankees.  Bobby Abreu is series MVP.
3.  The Twins will pick up Torii Hunters contract extension.  How could they not?  Assuming he stays healthy and has an off season to rest his problamatic foot, he should be great next year.  The knock on Torii was his streaky bat.  This year he has been much more consistant.  He has 26 HRs, 86 RBI (could veyr well reach 100 if he remains hot) and is starting to get his speed back after so many months of being hobbled.

4.  Justin Morneau is robbed of the MVP.  The award goes to Derek Jeter for no real good reason except that sports writers think that it’s his time.  His numbers are average at best (except his BA which is second in the league).  The ECCA (East Coast Conspiracy Association) talks about his quote “leadership and defensive skills”.  All of the writers west of Ohio note that Jeter is not even the best shortstop on his team AND with all the offensive firepower around him he should have better numbers.

5.  Twins go shopping for a 3b with more power!  They finally get it right and trade for ARod!  Just kidding.

Not every day is Christmas.  Last night, Johan Santana wasn’t nearly in his 2006 Cy Young winning form, the Indians were able to jump on him early.  Over 8 innings he gave up 4 runs on 7 hits.  While most guys would kill for that kind of day in and day out performance, it looked as if he was going to get the loss (which by the way would be his first since before the All-Star break).

The top of the 9th would bring three pirhanas to the plate.  Those batters were Jason Tyner, Luis Castillo and Nick Punto.  Before we could correct Bert Blyleven’s pronounciation of their nickname the bases were loaded.  The Twins were down 2 runs.  The score would eventually be tied with Justin “33 for MVP” Morneau’s 124th RBI of the season.

The top of the 10th inning was pretty unimpressive.  The Twins went down in order.  Then it all started to unravel.  The first batter in the bottom stroked a double off of the fence in center field.  Through what I would like to call, creative fielding the Twins put themselves in position to get out of the inning unscathed.  With 1 out and the bases juiced the Twins were looking for a double play to get back to the dugout.  In what wasn’t exactly a taylor made situation, a sharply hit grounder was hit up the middle.  Castillo made a diving stop and was able to get the ball to Bartlett for the relay.  Here’s the problem.  Bartlett had to spin around and make a throw….  I don’t think that he realized that he had a TON of time to make the throw.  He ended up throwing the ball away and the double play was not turned.  The runner on third waltzed home and the game was over.

Sadly the Twins lost.  I felt that last nights game was one that they would somehow be able sneak away with.  I guess you can’t win them all… But neither can the White Sox! They lost to the A’s 4-2!!!!!!

So, the current standing are:

Detroit Kitties  —-  0 GB

Twinkies          —-  2 GB

White Sux       —-  4 GB

Mental Note:

Instead of hosting your website on your own homemade server, pay people who know what they are doing to handle it.  If you’ve been wondering where I was and why you haven’t found my site, all I can say is that my website and posts have gone to a better place.  A place I like to call the server in the sky.

Somehow, in my infinite wisdom, I was able to screw up the computer that was hosting my website.  Since this server is now beyond repair, I have decided to host my site through a real web hosting company.  Without further adieu, I introduce to you the New and Improved, MnTwinsTalk!

More posts to come…