Over at Nick's Twins Blog, Nick Nelson already wrote a great article describing the situation Joe Mauer is in. But, considering the amount of vitriol directed at him by fans and media members a like, he needs all the support he can get. And he deserves it.
Those people who are attacking Mauer, and labeling him as 'soft', have been incredibly short-sighted and laughably biased. Many of them cite Michael Cuddyer's decision to play with what was probably a very sore wrist on Thursday, while Mauer sat out with a stiff neck. Of course, those detractors conveniently ignore the fact that Cuddyer missed nine days earlier this month after suffering a similar injury swinging during batting practice. They also focus too much on this one season, as Mauer has actually been quite durable for a catcher since his first knee surgery in 2004.
Take a look at these numbers for where he ranks in innings caught, games, and plate appearances among Major League catchers since then:
2010: 951 innings (8th), 137 games (3rd), 584 PA (1st)
2009: 939 innings (11th), 138 games (t-5th), 606 PA (3rd)
2008: 1203 innings (4th), 146 games (4th), 633 PA (2nd)
2007: 777 innings (28th), 109 games (27th), 471 PA (14th)
2006: 1054 innings (8th), 140 games (t-6th), 608 PA (3rd)
2005: 999 innings (14th), 131 games (11th), 554 PA (3rd)
Total (2005-2010): 5930 innings (5th), 801 games (4th), 3456 PA (1st)
Total (2005-2011): 6323 innings (6th), 871 games (3rd), 3741 PA (2nd)
In case you don't feel like scouring those numbers, I'll sum it up: in 5 of the last 6 seasons, Mauer has ranked in the top 3 in plate appearances for a catcher. From 2005 through 2010, Mauer had the most plate appearances for a catcher and played the fourth-most games and the fifth-most innings. Even including his current injury-plagued season, he ranks similarly since 2005. And for those of you that might claim he ranks so high in those categories because he's spent a lot of time at DH, consider that his 2,968 plate appearances specifically as a catcher is the third-most between 2005 and 2010.
I'm not sure how anybody can look at these numbers and call Mauer 'soft'. There's no way a catcher plays that much without often playing tired, hurt, and generally at much less than 100 percent. This stiff neck is one incident, and 2011 is just one season--they don't overrule Mauer's whole career, during which he's been way more durable than people realize, especially when compared to one Michael Cuddyer.
I want to start off with a disclaimer, as this is not an attack on Cuddyer. I like Cuddyer, but those who criticize Mauer often bring up Cuddyer as his antithesis, so it makes sense to compare him to Cuddyer. From 2005 to 2010, Mauer and Cuddyer played in the exact same number of games, 801. With 2011 included, Cuddyer has played in about 50 more, but considering the positional difference that's not a very impressive lead over seven seasons.
Oh, and don't forget, Mauer's been really good, too. In that span, FanGraphs credits him for contributing 33.9 WAR, almost 8 wins ahead of the next-best catcher. Baseball-Reference's WAR calculator likes him even more, as it gives him 38.7 WAR, 16.2 wins ahead of the second-best catcher! And if you prefer some other statistics, he's first in average, OBP, OPS, wOBA, wRC, and wRC+ (and 5th in slugging) over that time period.
So please, if you're criticizing Mauer, take a step back. Look at his career consistency and his league-best performance and cut him some slack. The Twins have so many players who deserve blame for this season; let's not put it all on Joe Mauer.
Showing posts with label joe mauer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joe mauer. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Jim Souhan and "Persistent Competence"
Jim Souhan's article from last Friday has a main point that I can agree with, and which I think many people often overlook. He argues that "there is no more underappreciated commodity in sports than persistent competence." And he's right. So many times, baseball fans take a World Series-or-bust approach, when that is quite simply not realistic. Those fans are setting themselves up for disappointment. Only 2 of the 32 Major League teams make the World Series, and of course just one of those two can win the title. Expecting that in any one season is irrational, never mind expecting it every season.
That's why I'm always satisfied to the see the Twins contending. Anything they do on top of that is above and beyond. And it's not because they're a small payroll team, because they aren't anymore--it's the simple mathematics of it. For those couple days or weeks a year they're in the postseason I root as hard as anyone else, and get as disheartened by anyone else when they lose, but in looking back on the season I'm satisfied that they were playing meaningful games until the end of September and into October.
This year, they're not. And that's when you might especially realize how you took for granted their 'persistent competence', as Souhan puts it. Even then, it's important not to overreact. The Twins had won six division titles in nine seasons prior. Only 6 teams, 1 out of every 5, can win a division each year. Given those facts, I think it's important to take and step back in an underwhelming season such as this one. The manager and the coaches, the players and the training staff, the owners and the front office--let's cut them all some slack. Since 2001, the Twins have been competitive every year except for 2007.
That's not to say we should give them a free pass, or that we shouldn't be proactive, but that we should avoid making blanket criticisms based on this year while ignoring everything these people have done in past years. Souhan confirms this, explaining that "[GM Bill] Smith and his staff deserve another shot," because "a year ago, I thought Smith and Co. were on an impressive winning streak. Now they're on a losing streak." The fact that Smith was ever on a winning streak is something many fans disagree with, but the sentiment is sound. He also gives the same leeway to Ron Gardenhire.
But he forgets to employ this wide perspective when it comes to one person: Joe Mauer. Having famously bashed Mauer for succumbing to a made-up injury a couple years ago, this time Souhan labels Joe Mauer "the most overpaid singles hitter in baseball." Souhan takes this potshot on the basis of 273 plate appearances in an injury-riddled 2011 campaign, overreacting in the same situation in which he had previously urged patience with Smith and Gardenhire.
Instead of considering 2009, when Mauer hit 28 homers and slugged .587, or even 2010 when he clubbed 43 doubles, he focuses on a small sample in which just about everything has gone wrong for the Twins, and Mauer specifically. Ignoring over 3500 career plate appearances to the contrary, he falls prey to not appreciating the persistent competence--or, more accurately, persistent excellence--Mauer has produced. Although he has no trouble appreciating it in a team-wide sense, he can't seem to do the same with Mauer's performance.
I, for one, am disappointed to hear media members dismissively calling Mauer "the most overpaid singles hitter in baseball" because, following six amazing seasons, he's had a rough half-season in which he's admitted he's been limited by injuries. Of course, that sort of confession probably only increases Souhan's derision, as he's called Mauer's toughness into question in the past. Let's chalk this statement up to a person who simply doesn't understand Mauer's value, and not let this sentiment gain any steam among Twins fans. I'll enjoy watching Joe hit for the rest of 2011, and I fully expect a rebound in performance in 2012.
That's why I'm always satisfied to the see the Twins contending. Anything they do on top of that is above and beyond. And it's not because they're a small payroll team, because they aren't anymore--it's the simple mathematics of it. For those couple days or weeks a year they're in the postseason I root as hard as anyone else, and get as disheartened by anyone else when they lose, but in looking back on the season I'm satisfied that they were playing meaningful games until the end of September and into October.
This year, they're not. And that's when you might especially realize how you took for granted their 'persistent competence', as Souhan puts it. Even then, it's important not to overreact. The Twins had won six division titles in nine seasons prior. Only 6 teams, 1 out of every 5, can win a division each year. Given those facts, I think it's important to take and step back in an underwhelming season such as this one. The manager and the coaches, the players and the training staff, the owners and the front office--let's cut them all some slack. Since 2001, the Twins have been competitive every year except for 2007.
That's not to say we should give them a free pass, or that we shouldn't be proactive, but that we should avoid making blanket criticisms based on this year while ignoring everything these people have done in past years. Souhan confirms this, explaining that "[GM Bill] Smith and his staff deserve another shot," because "a year ago, I thought Smith and Co. were on an impressive winning streak. Now they're on a losing streak." The fact that Smith was ever on a winning streak is something many fans disagree with, but the sentiment is sound. He also gives the same leeway to Ron Gardenhire.
But he forgets to employ this wide perspective when it comes to one person: Joe Mauer. Having famously bashed Mauer for succumbing to a made-up injury a couple years ago, this time Souhan labels Joe Mauer "the most overpaid singles hitter in baseball." Souhan takes this potshot on the basis of 273 plate appearances in an injury-riddled 2011 campaign, overreacting in the same situation in which he had previously urged patience with Smith and Gardenhire.
Instead of considering 2009, when Mauer hit 28 homers and slugged .587, or even 2010 when he clubbed 43 doubles, he focuses on a small sample in which just about everything has gone wrong for the Twins, and Mauer specifically. Ignoring over 3500 career plate appearances to the contrary, he falls prey to not appreciating the persistent competence--or, more accurately, persistent excellence--Mauer has produced. Although he has no trouble appreciating it in a team-wide sense, he can't seem to do the same with Mauer's performance.
I, for one, am disappointed to hear media members dismissively calling Mauer "the most overpaid singles hitter in baseball" because, following six amazing seasons, he's had a rough half-season in which he's admitted he's been limited by injuries. Of course, that sort of confession probably only increases Souhan's derision, as he's called Mauer's toughness into question in the past. Let's chalk this statement up to a person who simply doesn't understand Mauer's value, and not let this sentiment gain any steam among Twins fans. I'll enjoy watching Joe hit for the rest of 2011, and I fully expect a rebound in performance in 2012.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Who is Joe Mauer?
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| Mauer tags Brett Gardner out in the bottom of the ninth inning of a tie game |
Joe Mauer is the heart and soul of the Twins. A homegrown talent who spent his childhood days in St. Paul, Minnesota and went to Cretin-Derham High School, Mauer was a local legend even before he was drafted in 2001 by the Twins. A multi-sport athlete, Mauer dominated both the gridiron, as evidenced by his scholarship offer to play quarterback at Florida State, and the baseball field, where he struck out just once in his high school career. The Twins controversially opted to take Mauer first overall instead of right-handed pitcher Mark Prior.
The move was seen as cheap, since Prior was going to be more expensive to sign, and as homerism. There was no doubt that Mauer was a special talent, but Prior was universally regarded as the top option in the draft. With the support of hindsight, the Twins need make no apologies for their selection. While Prior is toiling away in independent ball, attempting to work back from numerous injuries, Joe Mauer continues to work on a spectacular Major League career.
After raking at all stops in the minors, Mauer was ready for the Major Leagues on opening day 2004, a couple weeks short of his 21st birthday. Two games in, however, he suffered an injury and didn't return for almost two months. Mauer impressed while he was in the lineup but again injured himself in mid-July, forcing him out for the rest of the season.
Thus, 2005 was his first full season. He was solid, and his batting numbers were very good for a catcher, but 2006 was the year he would break out and become the elite player Twins fans everywhere hoped he would be. As the calendar turned to July and his batting average still stood at .392, he sparked--not for the last time--discussion of whether or not he could become the first player since Ted Williams in 1941 to hit .400. Alas, as it has been every time for the last 70 years, that discussion was premature, but Mauer did finish the season with a .347 average, good enough to win the batting title by a couple points over Derek Jeter. It was the first time a catcher had ever won the batting title in the American League.
Mauer also made his first All-Star appearance and won his first Silver Slugger award. He watched, however, as his teammate Justin Morneau won the MVP award. Most intelligent people felt Morneau, as good a season as he had, wasn't even the most valuable player on his team, and thought Mauer was a much more deserving candidate. No worries; his time would come eventually.
In 2007, Mauer dealt with injuries and didn't repeat his success from 2006. He rebounded the following year, though, and made his second All-Star appearance, won his second Silver Slugger award, won his first Gold Glove, and won his second batting title, albeit with a lesser average of .328. He also placed fourth in the MVP voting, topping his finish from 2006 by two spots.
And then came 2009, the most glorious year in a splendid career. Mauer spent the first month on the disabled list, returning on May 1st against the Kansas City Royals. He took the first two pitches of his first at bat for balls, before unloading on the third offering from Sidney Ponson and depositing it in the seats in left-center. It was just the beginning, though, as Mauer had one of the greatest seasons ever for a catcher. He won his third batting title in four years--and before him, no AL catcher had ever won one! He led the league in on-base percent and slugging percent, too. And he collected an MVP trophy nearly unanimously, save for the one doofus who voted for Miguel Cabera.
The celebration of Mauer's historic season quickly transitioned to his impending free agency that would follow the 2010 season. The Yankees and Red Sox (among others) were already salivating about the opportunity to nab Mauer. In the midst of Spring Training of 2010, however, Twins fans heard the fantastic news that Mauer had agreed to an 8-year, $184 million contract with Minnesota that would keep him with the club through 2018. While it was certainly a huge sum of money, I at least was willing to see them pay any amount to keep him. There is a good chance that contract will not look so good by the end of it, but I do not care. For the joy Mauer brought while I watched Twins games, I would have had the Twins pay any price for the chance that I can watch that again for the next few seasons.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Why?
The Twins have won six games in a row. They've been an offensive juggernaut over that span, and they've gotten some pretty darn good pitching too. Today's post was supposed to be about how incredible Joe Mauer, Delmon Young, and Danny Valencia have been of late. About how Mauer is 27-for-51 with 17 RBIs in 12 games against Kansas City this year, giving him a triple slash line of .529/.550/.784. About how Young has been one of the best hitters in the Majors in July, putting up a line of .439/.462/.745. About how he's been ever more ridiculous in his last six games, going 15-for-31 with 3 homers and a 1.513 OPS. About how, for four games, Valencia lit the world on fire, collecting 14 hits in 20 at bats to go with a 4 doubles, a grand slam, and 8 RBIs.
But then Bill Smith had to go and ruin all that good work of the Minnesota players. Bill Smith had to go and trade Wilson Ramos to the Nationals for Matt Capps. Wilson Ramos, the same guy who was a consensus top-5 prospect in the Twins' organization and ranked the #58 overall prospect by Baseball America at the beginning of the season. And if that wasn't enough, the Twins also sent minor league pitcher Joe Testa to Washington. I guess to be thorough I should mention the Twins are getting cash considerations, but does that really matter?
I just don't understand this at all. Capps is a solid reliever, but the Twins already have a bunch of solid relievers. It's pretty clear this is just another over-valuation of the save statistic. Bill Smith and the Twins organization saw a guy who had struggled in the month of July (Jon Rauch); on the other side, they saw a guy who's picked up 26 saves in 30 chances for Washington. Of course they didn't see that Rauch's FIP is 3.43, a tad better than Capps' 3.51. How can they be so oblivious to this?
Congratulations to Mike Rizzo, the Nationals' General Manager. He convinced the Twins to trade a top prospect for just a solid reliever, and even managed to steal a second player. While Testa is no world-beater, he was ranked #40 among Twins prospects by Aaron Gleeman and #49 by Seth Stohs this past off-season, so he's not a total nobody. Ramos may not have had any future with the Twins, since they've got Mauer, but that doesn't mean you just give him away.
They couldn't have gotten anything better for Ramos? I really find that hard to believe. I want to say that Rizzo extracted more from the Twins than the Diamondbacks managed to get for Dan Haren! This deal just absolutely confounds me. When Twin #2 told me, I was sure he was joking. Then I went through denial as I begged him to tell me it wasn't true. And now I'm in the stage of depression, but hopefully I'll move onto acceptance sometime soon. As Twin #2 pointed out to me, we better see Capps closing out the World Series for the Twins this October, or this was just a complete waste of talent. And even then...
But then Bill Smith had to go and ruin all that good work of the Minnesota players. Bill Smith had to go and trade Wilson Ramos to the Nationals for Matt Capps. Wilson Ramos, the same guy who was a consensus top-5 prospect in the Twins' organization and ranked the #58 overall prospect by Baseball America at the beginning of the season. And if that wasn't enough, the Twins also sent minor league pitcher Joe Testa to Washington. I guess to be thorough I should mention the Twins are getting cash considerations, but does that really matter?
I just don't understand this at all. Capps is a solid reliever, but the Twins already have a bunch of solid relievers. It's pretty clear this is just another over-valuation of the save statistic. Bill Smith and the Twins organization saw a guy who had struggled in the month of July (Jon Rauch); on the other side, they saw a guy who's picked up 26 saves in 30 chances for Washington. Of course they didn't see that Rauch's FIP is 3.43, a tad better than Capps' 3.51. How can they be so oblivious to this?
Congratulations to Mike Rizzo, the Nationals' General Manager. He convinced the Twins to trade a top prospect for just a solid reliever, and even managed to steal a second player. While Testa is no world-beater, he was ranked #40 among Twins prospects by Aaron Gleeman and #49 by Seth Stohs this past off-season, so he's not a total nobody. Ramos may not have had any future with the Twins, since they've got Mauer, but that doesn't mean you just give him away.
They couldn't have gotten anything better for Ramos? I really find that hard to believe. I want to say that Rizzo extracted more from the Twins than the Diamondbacks managed to get for Dan Haren! This deal just absolutely confounds me. When Twin #2 told me, I was sure he was joking. Then I went through denial as I begged him to tell me it wasn't true. And now I'm in the stage of depression, but hopefully I'll move onto acceptance sometime soon. As Twin #2 pointed out to me, we better see Capps closing out the World Series for the Twins this October, or this was just a complete waste of talent. And even then...
Monday, July 26, 2010
A Few Quick Notes
1) Joe Mauer finally has some momentum going. He's roped three singles today against Zack Greinke, helping stake the Twins to their current 8-0 league, and making him 15-for-37 with 6 extra base hits and 12 RBIs in 10 games since the break.
2) Danny Valencia hit a grand slam in the Twins' six-run first inning. That marks the second day in a row that the Twins have hit a grand slam, as Jason Kubel hit one yesterday against the Orioles.
3) And lastly, Jose Guillen appears to be the laziest player ever allowed to play defense. Danny Valencia got a double when Guillen casually traipsed after a fly ball and half-heartedly stabbed at it with his glove rather than getting his uniform dirty and diving for it. Later, Delmon Young popped a fly ball down the right field line that Guillen sauntered after in an uninterested manner, watching it land just inches foul. I would not want him in the field if I was a pitcher.
Edit: 10:20 PM: 4) Jason Repko has now forgotten how many outs there are twice. He's made one excellent play and another very good one, but it's weird to see a player make that mistake. The first time he just started to throw towards the infield after he caught the third out, so I can't be sure what he was planning to do, but the second time he threw to first in an attempt to double off a runner after he had caught the third out.
2) Danny Valencia hit a grand slam in the Twins' six-run first inning. That marks the second day in a row that the Twins have hit a grand slam, as Jason Kubel hit one yesterday against the Orioles.
3) And lastly, Jose Guillen appears to be the laziest player ever allowed to play defense. Danny Valencia got a double when Guillen casually traipsed after a fly ball and half-heartedly stabbed at it with his glove rather than getting his uniform dirty and diving for it. Later, Delmon Young popped a fly ball down the right field line that Guillen sauntered after in an uninterested manner, watching it land just inches foul. I would not want him in the field if I was a pitcher.
Edit: 10:20 PM: 4) Jason Repko has now forgotten how many outs there are twice. He's made one excellent play and another very good one, but it's weird to see a player make that mistake. The first time he just started to throw towards the infield after he caught the third out, so I can't be sure what he was planning to do, but the second time he threw to first in an attempt to double off a runner after he had caught the third out.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Twins Update: Starting Rotation, Morneau, Mauer
The Twins hit the All-Star break in a bit of a slide. They lost four games in a row before their series-salvaging win yesterday against Detroit and enter the break in third place. Of course it was none other than Carl Pavano who stepped up and pitched an excellent game to put the Twins in position to win. That followed terrible outings from the Twins' previous two starters, Francisco Liriano and Nick Blackburn. Blackburn has been nothing short of horrendous the entire year, which is unfortunate considering a) the Twins signed him to a 4-year deal in the offseason, and b) he's been in the starting rotation the entire year!
I continue to have faith in Liriano, despite some struggles over his last couple of starts. Maybe that's just the fantasy owner in me--since I own him in both of my leagues--but his FIP is still a dazzling 2.19, even after Friday's meltdown, and his xFIP is just 2.97. Blackburn, however, has no such redeeming features. Since the beginning of June, he's lasted more than four innings in just three of his eight starts. Not coincidentally, those three starts are the only ones in that span in which he's walked more batters than he's struck out. In total, he's walked 14 batters against just 17 strikeouts and allowed 43 runs (40 earned) in 36 innings. Yes, his ERA is over nine during that period, which is pretty easy to do when you've surrendered at least 4 runs in all but one start.
Scott Baker is another guy who I have a fantasy investment in, and a lot of patience with. The cortisone shot he had this past weekend is a little worrisome, but hopefully the extra rest will solve that problem. Otherwise, I am very confident in Baker. It's just maddening how poorly he's doing considering his peripheral stats. He's walking a career low number of batters, and he's striking them out at a career-high rate. His K:BB ratio on the season is an even 5.00, good for third in the Majors, and he still continues to be battered around on the mound.
That number ranks behind only Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, and just ahead of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Zack Greinke, and Josh Johnson. That sounds like some pretty good company to me. Incidentally, the Twins have 4 of the top 16 pitchers in K:BB ratio, with Liriano placing 12th (3.90), Pavano 13th (3.82), and Kevin Slowey 16th (3.58). The one starter not ranked near the top is, of course, Blackburn, who ranks in the bottom ten with his typically embarrassing mark of 1.26.
Back to Baker, though. His recent run has been particularly frustrating. Even though he has struck out 25 batters in his last four starts (23.1 innings) and walked ZERO, he's managed to give up 17 runs. If you go back one more start, he's struck out 37 batters and walked one over his last 30.1 innings, so suffice to say, I just don't understand how he can possibly continue putting up those ugly surface numbers.
The MVPs are both banged up now, with Justin Morneau suffering from a blow to the head and Joe Mauer dealing with general catcher fatigue. Generally I think baseball players are pretty much wimps, but anything involving a head injury or the soreness from catching have my sympathy. (A quick aside: physical exhaustion from DHing a few days in a row certainly qualifies as one of the things that gives me that impression. I'm looking at you, Jim Thome.) With Morneau, I think back to the time when he was hit in the head with a pitch all the way back in 2005. He never seemed to fully recover during the season, and struggled to his worst statistical year by far. This, however, seems much less serious--and Morneau has said it doesn't feel anything like that time--but I still keep that in the back of my mind.
While Morneau's injury will prevent him from starting or playing in the All-Star game on Tuesday, all indications are that Mauer will play. If he was sore enough that he couldn't play yesterday, I'd like to see him sit it out, but then again I would be disappointed if neither Mauer nor Morneau were able to play since it would also mean the Twins would not be represented on the playing field.
Just as I have faith in Liriano and Baker, I have faith in the Twins as a whole. I still think they are the best team in the division, and I think they will prove it in the second half.
I continue to have faith in Liriano, despite some struggles over his last couple of starts. Maybe that's just the fantasy owner in me--since I own him in both of my leagues--but his FIP is still a dazzling 2.19, even after Friday's meltdown, and his xFIP is just 2.97. Blackburn, however, has no such redeeming features. Since the beginning of June, he's lasted more than four innings in just three of his eight starts. Not coincidentally, those three starts are the only ones in that span in which he's walked more batters than he's struck out. In total, he's walked 14 batters against just 17 strikeouts and allowed 43 runs (40 earned) in 36 innings. Yes, his ERA is over nine during that period, which is pretty easy to do when you've surrendered at least 4 runs in all but one start.
Scott Baker is another guy who I have a fantasy investment in, and a lot of patience with. The cortisone shot he had this past weekend is a little worrisome, but hopefully the extra rest will solve that problem. Otherwise, I am very confident in Baker. It's just maddening how poorly he's doing considering his peripheral stats. He's walking a career low number of batters, and he's striking them out at a career-high rate. His K:BB ratio on the season is an even 5.00, good for third in the Majors, and he still continues to be battered around on the mound.
That number ranks behind only Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay, and just ahead of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, Zack Greinke, and Josh Johnson. That sounds like some pretty good company to me. Incidentally, the Twins have 4 of the top 16 pitchers in K:BB ratio, with Liriano placing 12th (3.90), Pavano 13th (3.82), and Kevin Slowey 16th (3.58). The one starter not ranked near the top is, of course, Blackburn, who ranks in the bottom ten with his typically embarrassing mark of 1.26.
Back to Baker, though. His recent run has been particularly frustrating. Even though he has struck out 25 batters in his last four starts (23.1 innings) and walked ZERO, he's managed to give up 17 runs. If you go back one more start, he's struck out 37 batters and walked one over his last 30.1 innings, so suffice to say, I just don't understand how he can possibly continue putting up those ugly surface numbers.
The MVPs are both banged up now, with Justin Morneau suffering from a blow to the head and Joe Mauer dealing with general catcher fatigue. Generally I think baseball players are pretty much wimps, but anything involving a head injury or the soreness from catching have my sympathy. (A quick aside: physical exhaustion from DHing a few days in a row certainly qualifies as one of the things that gives me that impression. I'm looking at you, Jim Thome.) With Morneau, I think back to the time when he was hit in the head with a pitch all the way back in 2005. He never seemed to fully recover during the season, and struggled to his worst statistical year by far. This, however, seems much less serious--and Morneau has said it doesn't feel anything like that time--but I still keep that in the back of my mind.
While Morneau's injury will prevent him from starting or playing in the All-Star game on Tuesday, all indications are that Mauer will play. If he was sore enough that he couldn't play yesterday, I'd like to see him sit it out, but then again I would be disappointed if neither Mauer nor Morneau were able to play since it would also mean the Twins would not be represented on the playing field.
Just as I have faith in Liriano and Baker, I have faith in the Twins as a whole. I still think they are the best team in the division, and I think they will prove it in the second half.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Delmon Young vs. Joe Mauer
You know the world is a funny place when Delmon Young not only has a higher batting average than Joe Mauer, but also a better OPS and even a better wOBA! Young, of course, plays left field while Mauer plays catcher, so Joe has still rated as the more valuable player, but if someone had told me before the season started that that difference would be just 0.4 WAR, I probably would have laughed in their face.
But for all those people who held strong to their belief that the potential Young had displayed to entice the Rays to pick him first overall and to convince the Twins to trade for him was still there, the 2010 season has been a vindication. I consider myself one who was in the camp to give Young another shot to start everyday this year, but I can't say I was one who thought he'd actually make anything of it.
And, while Mauer's numbers are down compared to last year (an unavoidable regression) and compared to his career numbers (a more disappointing fact), Young's stats are very solid. After being worth an abominable -1.8 wins in his first two seasons in Minnesota, including a horrifying -1.1 wins in just 108 games last year, Young's 2010 mark of 1.3 ranks 9th among left fielders (as classified by FanGraphs).
Better yet, the underlying numbers suggest that the strides he's made are for real. His BABIP is a reasonable .308, a number that is actually lower than his incredibly consistent .338 BABIP from each of the last three years. His HR/FB % of 11.4, although slightly higher than his career mark, is right around league average and is the same as what he posted in 2009.
So then what is behind his newfound success? The answer is simple: more fly balls and walks and fewer ground balls and strikeouts. The increased number of fly balls means more homers, and the increase in free passes--though still very low compared to the average hitter--results, obviously, in a better OBP. The strikeouts are the part of this equation least likely to hold up, as his respectable 14:23 BB:K ratio rests on an 11.2 K%, which more than cuts in half his rate from last year.
And then there's his fielding. While it's tough to judge anything based on two and a half months of data, UZR has him as being just above average in left field, which is a huge upgrade over his worst-outfielder-in-the-majors ratings from 2008 and 2009. His slimmer physique may have something to do with it, but so could the always-boring excuse of measurement error.
All in all, though, Delmon Young's improvement looks to be largely for real. I hope that the vast majority of us Twins fans who gave up on him are proved to have been decidedly too impatient.
But for all those people who held strong to their belief that the potential Young had displayed to entice the Rays to pick him first overall and to convince the Twins to trade for him was still there, the 2010 season has been a vindication. I consider myself one who was in the camp to give Young another shot to start everyday this year, but I can't say I was one who thought he'd actually make anything of it.
And, while Mauer's numbers are down compared to last year (an unavoidable regression) and compared to his career numbers (a more disappointing fact), Young's stats are very solid. After being worth an abominable -1.8 wins in his first two seasons in Minnesota, including a horrifying -1.1 wins in just 108 games last year, Young's 2010 mark of 1.3 ranks 9th among left fielders (as classified by FanGraphs).
Better yet, the underlying numbers suggest that the strides he's made are for real. His BABIP is a reasonable .308, a number that is actually lower than his incredibly consistent .338 BABIP from each of the last three years. His HR/FB % of 11.4, although slightly higher than his career mark, is right around league average and is the same as what he posted in 2009.
So then what is behind his newfound success? The answer is simple: more fly balls and walks and fewer ground balls and strikeouts. The increased number of fly balls means more homers, and the increase in free passes--though still very low compared to the average hitter--results, obviously, in a better OBP. The strikeouts are the part of this equation least likely to hold up, as his respectable 14:23 BB:K ratio rests on an 11.2 K%, which more than cuts in half his rate from last year.
And then there's his fielding. While it's tough to judge anything based on two and a half months of data, UZR has him as being just above average in left field, which is a huge upgrade over his worst-outfielder-in-the-majors ratings from 2008 and 2009. His slimmer physique may have something to do with it, but so could the always-boring excuse of measurement error.
All in all, though, Delmon Young's improvement looks to be largely for real. I hope that the vast majority of us Twins fans who gave up on him are proved to have been decidedly too impatient.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Priceless
Joe Mauer will be with the Twins through 2018! Late Sunday night, news broke that Mauer and Twins had agreed to an 8-year, $184 million contract. While that means Mauer will receive $23 million in salary each year until his 35 years old, I have no qualms whatsoever with the deal. I know he's a catcher, and it's unlikely he will maintain his level of performance and stick at catcher for that long; but it all doesn't matter right now. Being able to gloat and remind any Yankees fans, Red Sox fans, or other Joe Mauer suitors that they'll never have him is worth more than anything.
Sure, I am aware of the possibility that this deal could cripple the Twins and leave them struggling to compete in a few years, but even if it does I won't regret it. The thought of losing the best player in the American League, the most popular player on the team, and my favorite baseball player of all-time to somebody else was just unbearable. If he does suffer through injuries or his performance declines for any reason, I would be upset not because Minnesota is overpaying him, but because my favorite player is not playing as well as he once was.
Despite the positive reports about the contract negotiations, I was sweating bullets the entire time, waiting to hear the good news that Joe Mauer would remain a Twin past 2010. Now I can wear my Mauer shirts with pride, stare appreciatively at my Mauer banner, and wait longingly for the season to see his sweet swing in action, rather than seeing them all as taunts of what the Twins used to have.
My trepidation gone, I now would like nothing more than to see the Twins take the field for the first time this decade.
Sure, I am aware of the possibility that this deal could cripple the Twins and leave them struggling to compete in a few years, but even if it does I won't regret it. The thought of losing the best player in the American League, the most popular player on the team, and my favorite baseball player of all-time to somebody else was just unbearable. If he does suffer through injuries or his performance declines for any reason, I would be upset not because Minnesota is overpaying him, but because my favorite player is not playing as well as he once was.
Despite the positive reports about the contract negotiations, I was sweating bullets the entire time, waiting to hear the good news that Joe Mauer would remain a Twin past 2010. Now I can wear my Mauer shirts with pride, stare appreciatively at my Mauer banner, and wait longingly for the season to see his sweet swing in action, rather than seeing them all as taunts of what the Twins used to have.
My trepidation gone, I now would like nothing more than to see the Twins take the field for the first time this decade.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Mauer wins MVP!
It's official--Joe Mauer is the 2009 American League MVP! And he did in nearly unanimous style, as he received 27 of the 28 first place votes, with Miguel Cabrera taking the final one.
Congratulations to Joe!
Congratulations to Joe!
The Year in Review
2009 was a historic season for the Twins. They closed out their 28-year stay in the Metrodome; Joe Mauer had one of the greatest seasons ever for a catcher; and the Twins completed an unprecedented comeback to win the AL Central. They climbed into a tie for first place on October 3rd for the first time since May 14th, and when they won the tiebreaker game it was the first time they'd been alone atop the division since they were 3-2 on April 10th. Although, perhaps there is some precedent, as the Twins also extended the Tigers' division title drought with a late-season comeback in 2006, which now sits at 22 years.
Also, an interesting note: the Twins' longest win streak of the season until mid-September was 4 games. After September 12th, they had 3 separate winning streaks of 5 or more games.
Record: 87-76
Best record at any point (games above .500): 87-76
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 56-62
Days in first (and biggest lead): 7 (1 GA)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (7 GB)
Longest win streak: 6 games
Longest losing streak: 6 games
Runs scored/runs against: 817/765
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 20/16
Shutouts/times shut out: 7/4
Extra inning games: 14
Longest game: 16 innings
Hitter of the Year: Joe Mauer
Pitcher of the Year: Joe Nathan
Bizarro World Hitter of the Year: Alexi Casilla
Bizarro World Pitcher of the Year: Francisco Liriano
I'm not going to write anything about those guys here because that'll be covered when I break down each player's individual season.
Also, an interesting note: the Twins' longest win streak of the season until mid-September was 4 games. After September 12th, they had 3 separate winning streaks of 5 or more games.
Record: 87-76
Best record at any point (games above .500): 87-76
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 56-62
Days in first (and biggest lead): 7 (1 GA)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (7 GB)
Longest win streak: 6 games
Longest losing streak: 6 games
Runs scored/runs against: 817/765
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 20/16
Shutouts/times shut out: 7/4
Extra inning games: 14
Longest game: 16 innings
Hitter of the Year: Joe Mauer
Pitcher of the Year: Joe Nathan
Bizarro World Hitter of the Year: Alexi Casilla
Bizarro World Pitcher of the Year: Francisco Liriano
I'm not going to write anything about those guys here because that'll be covered when I break down each player's individual season.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Look Back at August
For the third time in five months, the Twins played exactly .500 ball, finishing August at 14-14. It was not a steady month, though, as the Twins played horrible baseball for the first half of the month, winning just 4 of 15 games, and then finished strong by winning 10 of their final 13 games. That culminated in Minnesota being above .500 for the first time since July 31st.
Record: 14-14
Best record at any point (games above .500): 66-65
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 56-62
Days in first (and biggest lead): 0 (2.5 GB)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (6.5 GB)
Longest win streak: 5 games
Longest losing streak: 3 games
Runs scored/runs against: 148/151
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 11/14
Shutouts/times shut out: 2/1
Extra inning games: 1
Longest game: 10 innings
Hitter of the month: Joe Mauer (115 AB, 21 R, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 12 BB:9 K, 3 SB, .391/.449/.652)
It was another spectacular month in a monumental season for Joe Mauer. If not for a sub-par final week, this may have looked very similar to his performance in May when he hit over .400 and got on base half the time. In August, though, he threw in an added bonus of a few stolen bases to make his skill-set complete.
Bizarro World hitter of the month: Nick Punto (51 AB, 6 R, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 6 BB:16 K, 1 SB, .235/.310/.294)
For the fifth time in as many months, a middle infielder lands in this spot, and Punto receives it for the second time this year. Despite finally finding the bench towards the end of August, he did enough damage in his playing time to warrant this. He struck out in almost 1/3 of his at bats and yet again had a slugging percentage under .300, something he's avoided in only one month this season.
Pitcher of the month: Scott Baker (4-0, 39.2 IP, 33 H, 5 BB, 29 K, 3.18/0.96)
Baker continues to pitch well after a stint on the disabled list to start the season and a rough few weeks after that. In August he had his lowest ERA of any month and allowed opponents to bat just .220. In four of his six August starts he pitched at least seven innings, and in six of his last nine starts he's allowed 2 runs or fewer. Jose Mijares was the best reliever for the Twins in August.
Bizarro World pitcher of the month: Anthony Swarzak (0-4, 13.1 IP, 33 H, 3 BB, 8 K, 14.85/2.70)
He's back in Rochester now, but Swarzak made four starts for the Twins in August. He lost each of those four starts, lasting until the fifth inning just once, which isn't surprising when he allowed at least 5 runs in each start. In 16 fewer innings than Baker, he allowed the same number of hits because of the ridiculous .471 batting average opponents had against him. He also gave up as many home runs (8) as he had strikeouts.
Record: 14-14
Best record at any point (games above .500): 66-65
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 56-62
Days in first (and biggest lead): 0 (2.5 GB)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (6.5 GB)
Longest win streak: 5 games
Longest losing streak: 3 games
Runs scored/runs against: 148/151
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 11/14
Shutouts/times shut out: 2/1
Extra inning games: 1
Longest game: 10 innings
Hitter of the month: Joe Mauer (115 AB, 21 R, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 12 BB:9 K, 3 SB, .391/.449/.652)
It was another spectacular month in a monumental season for Joe Mauer. If not for a sub-par final week, this may have looked very similar to his performance in May when he hit over .400 and got on base half the time. In August, though, he threw in an added bonus of a few stolen bases to make his skill-set complete.
Bizarro World hitter of the month: Nick Punto (51 AB, 6 R, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 6 BB:16 K, 1 SB, .235/.310/.294)
For the fifth time in as many months, a middle infielder lands in this spot, and Punto receives it for the second time this year. Despite finally finding the bench towards the end of August, he did enough damage in his playing time to warrant this. He struck out in almost 1/3 of his at bats and yet again had a slugging percentage under .300, something he's avoided in only one month this season.
Pitcher of the month: Scott Baker (4-0, 39.2 IP, 33 H, 5 BB, 29 K, 3.18/0.96)
Baker continues to pitch well after a stint on the disabled list to start the season and a rough few weeks after that. In August he had his lowest ERA of any month and allowed opponents to bat just .220. In four of his six August starts he pitched at least seven innings, and in six of his last nine starts he's allowed 2 runs or fewer. Jose Mijares was the best reliever for the Twins in August.
Bizarro World pitcher of the month: Anthony Swarzak (0-4, 13.1 IP, 33 H, 3 BB, 8 K, 14.85/2.70)
He's back in Rochester now, but Swarzak made four starts for the Twins in August. He lost each of those four starts, lasting until the fifth inning just once, which isn't surprising when he allowed at least 5 runs in each start. In 16 fewer innings than Baker, he allowed the same number of hits because of the ridiculous .471 batting average opponents had against him. He also gave up as many home runs (8) as he had strikeouts.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Blown Out
I mean, all in all, this series was not bad. On the road, the Twins took 2 of 4 from a playoff contender. But this last game was horrid, and the same problem reared its head throughout the series. Francisco Liriano went 2 innings, Carl Pavano pitched 4 innings, and Scott Baker and Anthony Swarzak each lasted 5 1/3 frames. The bullpen also imploded in the final game after pitching very well in the first three games of the series.
Swarzak closed out the series by giving up 6 runs on 4 homers in his start, putting the totals for Twins starters' in the four game set as follows: 16.2 IP, 31 hits, 22 runs (all earned), and 9 walks. Bobby Keppel then performed just as I said he might, giving up hard-hit doubles to all three batters he faced, and Jeff Manship struggled in his third appearance since his call-up from AAA. Phil Humber pitched a scoreless eighth and was the only Twins pitcher to not allow a run.
The bats were uneventful despite accumulating 10 hits, as they managed just one run on Delmon Young's eighth home run of the year. That was the sole extra base hit, though, and Joe Crede ended the Twins' only real chance to get back into the game when he squandered a bases-loaded opportunity by grounding into a double play in the sixth. Denard Span added three hits on the night to raise his average to .304, its highest point since June 4th.
In Joe Mauer news, Joe Mauer went 1-4 and dropped his average to .378 and his OPS to 1.089. I really can tolerate watching an 11-1 loss at this point in the season, but when Mauer only gets one hit and it's a single, the game becomes much tougher to tolerate. The only thing keeping me interested in the season is Mauer's attempt to have one of the best seasons ever by a catcher, so when the Twins are both down big and he's not adding to that profile, I have the urge to turn off the game (but I didn't do that tonight).
I do want to reiterate something I said in the comments section the other day about Mauer: while it's okay to get swept up in all the excitement because of his most recent hot streak (and ridiculous season overall), remember that there are still 41 games remaining. That number would represent 30% of his season if he plays in all of them, meaning there's a lot of time left for things to happen. Consider, for example, Carlos Quentin's MVP candidacy at this time last season, and where he ended up at the end of 2008.
My point is simply to temper your expectations, so you're not disappointed if he winds up hitting around (dear God!) .350--he'd still have to hit about .300 for the rest of the year to be there. And while that seems to be a given right now, it most certainly is not.
Swarzak closed out the series by giving up 6 runs on 4 homers in his start, putting the totals for Twins starters' in the four game set as follows: 16.2 IP, 31 hits, 22 runs (all earned), and 9 walks. Bobby Keppel then performed just as I said he might, giving up hard-hit doubles to all three batters he faced, and Jeff Manship struggled in his third appearance since his call-up from AAA. Phil Humber pitched a scoreless eighth and was the only Twins pitcher to not allow a run.
The bats were uneventful despite accumulating 10 hits, as they managed just one run on Delmon Young's eighth home run of the year. That was the sole extra base hit, though, and Joe Crede ended the Twins' only real chance to get back into the game when he squandered a bases-loaded opportunity by grounding into a double play in the sixth. Denard Span added three hits on the night to raise his average to .304, its highest point since June 4th.
In Joe Mauer news, Joe Mauer went 1-4 and dropped his average to .378 and his OPS to 1.089. I really can tolerate watching an 11-1 loss at this point in the season, but when Mauer only gets one hit and it's a single, the game becomes much tougher to tolerate. The only thing keeping me interested in the season is Mauer's attempt to have one of the best seasons ever by a catcher, so when the Twins are both down big and he's not adding to that profile, I have the urge to turn off the game (but I didn't do that tonight).
I do want to reiterate something I said in the comments section the other day about Mauer: while it's okay to get swept up in all the excitement because of his most recent hot streak (and ridiculous season overall), remember that there are still 41 games remaining. That number would represent 30% of his season if he plays in all of them, meaning there's a lot of time left for things to happen. Consider, for example, Carlos Quentin's MVP candidacy at this time last season, and where he ended up at the end of 2008.
My point is simply to temper your expectations, so you're not disappointed if he winds up hitting around (dear God!) .350--he'd still have to hit about .300 for the rest of the year to be there. And while that seems to be a given right now, it most certainly is not.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Playing the same way all over again
[Edit, 11:42 AM 8/18/09: The Twins managed to sign first-round choice Kyle Gibson for $1.85 million just before the deadline last night. This means they signed each of their top 10 picks. Gibson won't pitch this year, but it's very exciting to see a guy with his upside in the Twins system.
Oh, and Francisco Liriano went the Glen Perkins route, ending up on the disabled list after the horrible start. I'm assuming it's a bruised ego and lack of confidence that's really put him there more than any physical problem, and I have no issue with the Twins taking that path. Liriano just hasn't been right all year.]
The Twins take an early lead. The starting pitcher (this time Francisco Liriano) gives it all back and more in a hurry. The offense scores a solid number of runs (in this case 5) but can't come through in big spots (2-11 with runners in scoring position). Joe Mauer tries to win the game all by himself, and raises his average to .380 and his OPS to 1.083 in the process. He even decides, what the heck, those pitchers really aren't getting anyone out--I'm gonna have to start stealing bases.
And it's just so tough to watch his season go to waste. Even if they don't have a shot at the postseason, finishing around .500 would at least give him a better chance to win the MVP. And, if he wins that, I'd never consider his season wasted.
Oh, and Francisco Liriano went the Glen Perkins route, ending up on the disabled list after the horrible start. I'm assuming it's a bruised ego and lack of confidence that's really put him there more than any physical problem, and I have no issue with the Twins taking that path. Liriano just hasn't been right all year.]
The Twins take an early lead. The starting pitcher (this time Francisco Liriano) gives it all back and more in a hurry. The offense scores a solid number of runs (in this case 5) but can't come through in big spots (2-11 with runners in scoring position). Joe Mauer tries to win the game all by himself, and raises his average to .380 and his OPS to 1.083 in the process. He even decides, what the heck, those pitchers really aren't getting anyone out--I'm gonna have to start stealing bases.
And it's just so tough to watch his season go to waste. Even if they don't have a shot at the postseason, finishing around .500 would at least give him a better chance to win the MVP. And, if he wins that, I'd never consider his season wasted.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
A lost season
My brain is ready. It's been ready for a little while now. But I still cannot give up. Until the Twins are mathematically eliminated, I'm going to be pulling for them. But my brain knows the reality of it. And that reality is that the Twins are 6 games back in the division, even with the Tigers and White Sox losing today, and they are playing their worst baseball of the season. That reality is that the Twins are 5 games under .500, their worst mark of the season, and just went 2-4 on a homestand that was against 2 of the 3 worst teams in the American League. That reality is that they aren't going to make the playoffs.
At this point, it seems like every Twins game is on repeat: maybe the bats take a small lead, maybe they don't, but then the starting pitcher gives up way too many runs in way too few innings. The bullpen then adds a little insult to the injury before someone finally manages to stop the bleeding. Along the way the offense scores a modest-to-good number of runs, but fails in a few key situations, and Joe Mauer continues his ridiculous season in what amounts to yet another loss.
That's certainly what happened today, as Nick Blackburn amassed an abysmal start and Delmon Young and Orlando Cabrera made quick work of the Twins' scoring opportunities by grounding into three double plays between them (Young did at least hit a 2-run homer earlier in the game). The bullpen at least put together a good outing, although it now stands to be completely overworked if Francisco Liriano doesn't pitch like he did in his last turn.
It's just so hard to watch this season crumble as so many hitters are having great years. Joe Mauer, of course, is on another planet, making his 2008 self look like Chris Heintz; Justin Morneau is having perhaps his best season, placing third in the AL in home runs and first in RBIs; Jason Kubel is finally having that breakout season we've all been waiting for, currently ranking 7th in the AL in OPS; Michael Cuddyer is having a very solid year, despite the unwarranted criticism he's been facing; and Denard Span is repeating his break-through performance from last season.
But it's also not hard to see why the Twins aren't competing for a division title. Second base has been a sinkhole, compiling an OPS of .507; the starting pitching has become a carousel of short batting practice outings (from Glen Perkins to Anthony Swarzak to Nick Blackburn to Francisco Liriano); the bullpen has managed an astounding inconsistency outside of Joe Nathan and Matt Guerrier (and sometimes Jose Mijares). Sure, Bobby Keppel may look good and throw two scoreless innings and strikeout four batters, but I'm betting next time around he allows three runs and only gets one out.
By no means, though, am I going to stop watching. And I'll still enjoy it. A lot of that credit has to go to Joe Mauer. Will he hit .400? No, but he's close enough that we're talking about. Will he break the record for batting average for a catcher in a season? Will he capture his third batting average title in four seasons? Will he win the MVP even if the Twins continue to fade? All of these things will keep me excited to turn on the games every night.
That and the fact that the Twins could still make the playoffs.
At this point, it seems like every Twins game is on repeat: maybe the bats take a small lead, maybe they don't, but then the starting pitcher gives up way too many runs in way too few innings. The bullpen then adds a little insult to the injury before someone finally manages to stop the bleeding. Along the way the offense scores a modest-to-good number of runs, but fails in a few key situations, and Joe Mauer continues his ridiculous season in what amounts to yet another loss.
That's certainly what happened today, as Nick Blackburn amassed an abysmal start and Delmon Young and Orlando Cabrera made quick work of the Twins' scoring opportunities by grounding into three double plays between them (Young did at least hit a 2-run homer earlier in the game). The bullpen at least put together a good outing, although it now stands to be completely overworked if Francisco Liriano doesn't pitch like he did in his last turn.
It's just so hard to watch this season crumble as so many hitters are having great years. Joe Mauer, of course, is on another planet, making his 2008 self look like Chris Heintz; Justin Morneau is having perhaps his best season, placing third in the AL in home runs and first in RBIs; Jason Kubel is finally having that breakout season we've all been waiting for, currently ranking 7th in the AL in OPS; Michael Cuddyer is having a very solid year, despite the unwarranted criticism he's been facing; and Denard Span is repeating his break-through performance from last season.
But it's also not hard to see why the Twins aren't competing for a division title. Second base has been a sinkhole, compiling an OPS of .507; the starting pitching has become a carousel of short batting practice outings (from Glen Perkins to Anthony Swarzak to Nick Blackburn to Francisco Liriano); the bullpen has managed an astounding inconsistency outside of Joe Nathan and Matt Guerrier (and sometimes Jose Mijares). Sure, Bobby Keppel may look good and throw two scoreless innings and strikeout four batters, but I'm betting next time around he allows three runs and only gets one out.
By no means, though, am I going to stop watching. And I'll still enjoy it. A lot of that credit has to go to Joe Mauer. Will he hit .400? No, but he's close enough that we're talking about. Will he break the record for batting average for a catcher in a season? Will he capture his third batting average title in four seasons? Will he win the MVP even if the Twins continue to fade? All of these things will keep me excited to turn on the games every night.
That and the fact that the Twins could still make the playoffs.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Joe Mauer can't do it all
Or perhaps he could have? He doubled in Denard Span in the first inning to even the game. He homered with two outs in the fifth inning to bring in three more runs and put the Twins back within one. And then in the sixth inning, if Orlando Cabrera could have simply watched three pitches go by, he would have been up with the bases loaded.
Obviously I don't advocate Cabrera purposefully striking out; I merely wanted to highlight Joe Mauer's performance. Punto's continued inability to do anything right (in this case getting a bunt down) and Cabrera's inning-ending double play ball made what could have been a huge inning into a very disappointing one. In the end, it meant the Twins lost 5-4 to the worst team in the American League.
Carl Pavano got charged with the defeat, as he gave up all five runs over seven innings. He really didn't pitch badly, though, in his second go with Minnesota. He only allowed 8 baserunners and induced 13 groundballs against 4 fly balls. He control was good, too, though it wavered a little later in the game when his pitch count was mounting. The point is, he didn't get good results, but I thought he showed better stuff than his runs allowed would indicate.
What makes this loss so embarrassing are a few things Joe C. pointed out before the game. With the victory today, the Royals took the series from the Twins, their first series win since June 25th. To make matters worse, it was their first series win against an American League team since May 8th! And at the Metrodome, no less! I wouldn't blame you if this has sapped the final wind from your sails and the rest of this season has turned into an exhibition for 2010 at Target Field to you, but I'm going to keep on hoping that the Twins can turn it around.
Obviously I don't advocate Cabrera purposefully striking out; I merely wanted to highlight Joe Mauer's performance. Punto's continued inability to do anything right (in this case getting a bunt down) and Cabrera's inning-ending double play ball made what could have been a huge inning into a very disappointing one. In the end, it meant the Twins lost 5-4 to the worst team in the American League.
Carl Pavano got charged with the defeat, as he gave up all five runs over seven innings. He really didn't pitch badly, though, in his second go with Minnesota. He only allowed 8 baserunners and induced 13 groundballs against 4 fly balls. He control was good, too, though it wavered a little later in the game when his pitch count was mounting. The point is, he didn't get good results, but I thought he showed better stuff than his runs allowed would indicate.
What makes this loss so embarrassing are a few things Joe C. pointed out before the game. With the victory today, the Royals took the series from the Twins, their first series win since June 25th. To make matters worse, it was their first series win against an American League team since May 8th! And at the Metrodome, no less! I wouldn't blame you if this has sapped the final wind from your sails and the rest of this season has turned into an exhibition for 2010 at Target Field to you, but I'm going to keep on hoping that the Twins can turn it around.
Monday, July 6, 2009
All-Star (?) Rosters: Part 1
Well, for the most part, they are. When all is said and done, the rosters aren't bad. But there are certainly a few egregious mistakes. And why Major League Baseball continues to require one player from each team to make it still mystifies me. Without further ado...
American League
Catcher
Starter: Joe Mauer
Reserve: Victor Martinez
ESPN pick: Joe Mauer
My pick: Joe Mauer
This is the easiest one by far. Mauer is so far ahead of the rest of the catching competition its ridiculous. If you click on the link to catcher stats above, you'll see ESPN doesn't have Martinez in that category, even though he's played 41 of his 81 games there. Martinez is almost as easy a choice for the backup as Mauer is for the starting job.
First Base
Starter: Mark Teixeira
Reserves: Kevin Youkilis, Justin Morneau
ESPN pick: Justin Morneau
My pick: Justin Morneau
While the last time I updated my All-Star picks my choice of Morneau was a slight stretch, this time it is completely reasonable. He leads AL first basemen in runs, RBIs, batting average, slugging percent, and OPS, and is second in home runs and on base percentage. Youkilis and Teixeira are both deserving All-Stars, though, so I won't complain. Russell Branyan, unsurprisingly, got little support, despite posting numbers that compare favorably to Teixeira. Carlos Pena and Miguel Cabrera are having nice season too, but this position is just too loaded for them to be considered here.
Second Base
Starter: Dustin Pedroia
Reserve: Aaron Hill
ESPN pick: Aaron Hill
My pick: Ian Kinsler
I was afraid this would happen despite the fact that Kinsler had the lead in voting from day one. Pedroia, who is well behind Kinsler (and Hill) in just about every stat, got the start because he wears a Red Sox jersey. And because of that, Kinsler may not even make the All-Star game because Hill got the back-up spot. Hill has been the #2 second basemen in the AL to this point, but Kinsler should have been chosen for the spot after the fans misguidedly picked Pedroia.
Shortstop
Starter: Derek Jeter
Reserve: Jason Bartlett
ESPN pick: Derek Jeter
My pick: Jason Bartlett
This is the one spot where I would break my own rule; no matter how much better than the next guy Jeter was doing, I would not choose him. I would grudgingly choose a Yankee if he deserved it, but I will never pick Derek Jeter. But in this case, I don't think I even have to resort to that. Despite the time he missed with an injury, Bartlett's cumulative stats are comparable to Jeter's, and his slash stats are much better. In fact, I think you'd be hard-pressed to come up with a good argument for Jeter over Bartlett. I suppose Jeter might merit the backup spot, but only because my argument for Marco Scutaro had a ton of holes.
Third Base
Starter: Evan Longoria
Reserve: Michael Young
ESPN pick: Evan Longoria
My pick: Evan Longoria
The only discussion necessary here is whether or not Michael Young was a good choice as a reserve, because Longoria easily outdistanced the rest of the third-base crop. Given more time, Alex Rodriguez could have given him a run for his money, but as it stands now he's not close. Still, I think I'd have to give him the backup spot over Young due to his 45:31 K:BB ratio and AL 3B-high .929 OPS, but since he's a Yankee I don't really mind. I think it was his .244 average that turned off the players and manager from selecting him, though. Brandon Inge and Scott Rolen are comparable to Young, making it basically a toss-up between the three, but I would pick either of them over Young for their defense.
Outfield
Starters: Jason Bay, Ichiro Suzuki, Josh Hamilton
Reserves: Carl Crawford, Curtis Granderson, Torii Hunter, Adam Jones, Ben Zobrist
ESPN picks: Torii Hunter, Jason Bay, Ichiro Suzuki
My picks: Torii Hunter, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye
Bay was certainly a good choice, and I'd definitely have Ichiro as a reserve, but Hamilton does not belong here at all. I was really hoping Hunter would overtake him...but oh well. I was surprised to see Zobrist as an All-star selection, but upon looking it up he's quite deserving, though he's actually played more at second base. I was also less surprised when I learned Joe Maddon selected him. Jermaine Dye, along with Shin-Soo Choo (and Johnny Damon to a lesser extent), garnered almost no consideration for the All-star game, which confounds me. Granderson is having a solid year, but there were better choices. Jones, who previously was getting altogether too little support, has plummeted from being the AL leader in OPS to being a borderline All-star choice. So, to make it simple, I'd have these 8 outfielders: Hunter, Bay, Dye, Suzuki, Zobrist, Choo, Damon, and Jones. Crawford and Nelson Cruz just miss the cut.
American League
Catcher
Starter: Joe Mauer
Reserve: Victor Martinez
ESPN pick: Joe Mauer
My pick: Joe Mauer
This is the easiest one by far. Mauer is so far ahead of the rest of the catching competition its ridiculous. If you click on the link to catcher stats above, you'll see ESPN doesn't have Martinez in that category, even though he's played 41 of his 81 games there. Martinez is almost as easy a choice for the backup as Mauer is for the starting job.
First Base
Starter: Mark Teixeira
Reserves: Kevin Youkilis, Justin Morneau
ESPN pick: Justin Morneau
My pick: Justin Morneau
While the last time I updated my All-Star picks my choice of Morneau was a slight stretch, this time it is completely reasonable. He leads AL first basemen in runs, RBIs, batting average, slugging percent, and OPS, and is second in home runs and on base percentage. Youkilis and Teixeira are both deserving All-Stars, though, so I won't complain. Russell Branyan, unsurprisingly, got little support, despite posting numbers that compare favorably to Teixeira. Carlos Pena and Miguel Cabrera are having nice season too, but this position is just too loaded for them to be considered here.
Second Base
Starter: Dustin Pedroia
Reserve: Aaron Hill
ESPN pick: Aaron Hill
My pick: Ian Kinsler
I was afraid this would happen despite the fact that Kinsler had the lead in voting from day one. Pedroia, who is well behind Kinsler (and Hill) in just about every stat, got the start because he wears a Red Sox jersey. And because of that, Kinsler may not even make the All-Star game because Hill got the back-up spot. Hill has been the #2 second basemen in the AL to this point, but Kinsler should have been chosen for the spot after the fans misguidedly picked Pedroia.
Shortstop
Starter: Derek Jeter
Reserve: Jason Bartlett
ESPN pick: Derek Jeter
My pick: Jason Bartlett
This is the one spot where I would break my own rule; no matter how much better than the next guy Jeter was doing, I would not choose him. I would grudgingly choose a Yankee if he deserved it, but I will never pick Derek Jeter. But in this case, I don't think I even have to resort to that. Despite the time he missed with an injury, Bartlett's cumulative stats are comparable to Jeter's, and his slash stats are much better. In fact, I think you'd be hard-pressed to come up with a good argument for Jeter over Bartlett. I suppose Jeter might merit the backup spot, but only because my argument for Marco Scutaro had a ton of holes.
Third Base
Starter: Evan Longoria
Reserve: Michael Young
ESPN pick: Evan Longoria
My pick: Evan Longoria
The only discussion necessary here is whether or not Michael Young was a good choice as a reserve, because Longoria easily outdistanced the rest of the third-base crop. Given more time, Alex Rodriguez could have given him a run for his money, but as it stands now he's not close. Still, I think I'd have to give him the backup spot over Young due to his 45:31 K:BB ratio and AL 3B-high .929 OPS, but since he's a Yankee I don't really mind. I think it was his .244 average that turned off the players and manager from selecting him, though. Brandon Inge and Scott Rolen are comparable to Young, making it basically a toss-up between the three, but I would pick either of them over Young for their defense.
Outfield
Starters: Jason Bay, Ichiro Suzuki, Josh Hamilton
Reserves: Carl Crawford, Curtis Granderson, Torii Hunter, Adam Jones, Ben Zobrist
ESPN picks: Torii Hunter, Jason Bay, Ichiro Suzuki
My picks: Torii Hunter, Jason Bay, Jermaine Dye
Bay was certainly a good choice, and I'd definitely have Ichiro as a reserve, but Hamilton does not belong here at all. I was really hoping Hunter would overtake him...but oh well. I was surprised to see Zobrist as an All-star selection, but upon looking it up he's quite deserving, though he's actually played more at second base. I was also less surprised when I learned Joe Maddon selected him. Jermaine Dye, along with Shin-Soo Choo (and Johnny Damon to a lesser extent), garnered almost no consideration for the All-star game, which confounds me. Granderson is having a solid year, but there were better choices. Jones, who previously was getting altogether too little support, has plummeted from being the AL leader in OPS to being a borderline All-star choice. So, to make it simple, I'd have these 8 outfielders: Hunter, Bay, Dye, Suzuki, Zobrist, Choo, Damon, and Jones. Crawford and Nelson Cruz just miss the cut.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Astros down Twins
It was a tough loss for the Twins, as Scott Baker took a 2-run lead into the seventh and then left after allowing one run. Sean Henn couldn't strand the baserunner, and in fact allowed the go-ahead run to score on Michael Bourn's two-run homer. I know there aren't a lot of options out of the bullpen, but I think Henn should be about the last guy out there in a close game--and a runner on second in a one-run game certainly qualifies as that.
Despite some early success (9 G, 10 IP, 3 R), I was not convinced that Henn was a good pitcher. Now, in his last 4 appearances, he's pitched a total of one inning and allowed 6 runs (all earned) on three hits and three walks. Suddenly his ERA is 7.36 through eleven innings to go with an 8-to-6 K:BB ratio. He couldn't outrun his ability for too long (and only did through 10 innngs), and now his numbers are much more in line with his career track record. And you can't blame it on luck as his FIP is 5.88 (sure, lower than his actual ERA, but still pretty bad) and his BABIP of .233. Both of those are much better than his career rates, of 6.52 and .325 respectively. I was disappointed when Henn was essentially brought up to replace Craig Breslow, and it'll only make things worse if Gardy continues to trust him in tight situations.
It wasn't just the letdown by the bullpen, though; the Twins also hit 4 home runs, which would definitely make me think victory. Brendan Harris led off the game with a solo shot, Delmon Young hit his second of the year, Joe Mauer broke his career high with his 14th, and Jason Kubel hit a big two-run dinger again in the eighth inning.
For once, it seemed that Young was able to make an adjustment mid-at bat. Now, I don't claim to be an expert, but to my naked eye Young appears to dive after the same breaking pitch repeatedly in the same at bat, and miss horribly. This time, he did just that on the first pitch, only to wait on it the next time and crush it for a home run. That also gave him his third extra-base hit in the last two games, doubling his season total. Sure, the second double on Friday was a gift (Jason Michaels lost it in the lights), but he really smacked it, so you could say the Astros were lucky it was hit at somebody in the first place.
Mauer's homer came right after he attempted to bunt for a hit. That's something that I haven't seen him do yet this year, but something I remember him doing in the past. If he doesn't get on, of course you think it's a horrible idea for someone who's as good a hitter as he is. But it always seems like he gets on when he does try it. So I looked it up and in his career he is 18-for-28 on bunt hit attempts (64.3 %). That doesn't include foul bunts, but it's a pretty good percentage. This year, of 169 qualified hitters, only 13 have a better percentage, and none have more than 3 attempts. In fact, Mauer ranks 20th of 458 batters all-time in bunt hit % (only seasons after 2001 have that data), and none have as many attempts as Mauer. In fact, 14 of the 19 players ahead have 3 or fewer attempts. All in all, he's pretty good at it.
And Jose Morales FINALLY got into a game!
Despite some early success (9 G, 10 IP, 3 R), I was not convinced that Henn was a good pitcher. Now, in his last 4 appearances, he's pitched a total of one inning and allowed 6 runs (all earned) on three hits and three walks. Suddenly his ERA is 7.36 through eleven innings to go with an 8-to-6 K:BB ratio. He couldn't outrun his ability for too long (and only did through 10 innngs), and now his numbers are much more in line with his career track record. And you can't blame it on luck as his FIP is 5.88 (sure, lower than his actual ERA, but still pretty bad) and his BABIP of .233. Both of those are much better than his career rates, of 6.52 and .325 respectively. I was disappointed when Henn was essentially brought up to replace Craig Breslow, and it'll only make things worse if Gardy continues to trust him in tight situations.
It wasn't just the letdown by the bullpen, though; the Twins also hit 4 home runs, which would definitely make me think victory. Brendan Harris led off the game with a solo shot, Delmon Young hit his second of the year, Joe Mauer broke his career high with his 14th, and Jason Kubel hit a big two-run dinger again in the eighth inning.
For once, it seemed that Young was able to make an adjustment mid-at bat. Now, I don't claim to be an expert, but to my naked eye Young appears to dive after the same breaking pitch repeatedly in the same at bat, and miss horribly. This time, he did just that on the first pitch, only to wait on it the next time and crush it for a home run. That also gave him his third extra-base hit in the last two games, doubling his season total. Sure, the second double on Friday was a gift (Jason Michaels lost it in the lights), but he really smacked it, so you could say the Astros were lucky it was hit at somebody in the first place.
Mauer's homer came right after he attempted to bunt for a hit. That's something that I haven't seen him do yet this year, but something I remember him doing in the past. If he doesn't get on, of course you think it's a horrible idea for someone who's as good a hitter as he is. But it always seems like he gets on when he does try it. So I looked it up and in his career he is 18-for-28 on bunt hit attempts (64.3 %). That doesn't include foul bunts, but it's a pretty good percentage. This year, of 169 qualified hitters, only 13 have a better percentage, and none have more than 3 attempts. In fact, Mauer ranks 20th of 458 batters all-time in bunt hit % (only seasons after 2001 have that data), and none have as many attempts as Mauer. In fact, 14 of the 19 players ahead have 3 or fewer attempts. All in all, he's pretty good at it.
And Jose Morales FINALLY got into a game!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Notes from the last few days
Well, I've been absent from blogging for a few days in a row for no reason other than laziness. To get back in the swing of things, I wanted to just jot down some thoughts from the last few days.
==>Since I've started actually watching the games, I've noticed something that has nothing to do with the game play itself: how opposing announcers talk about Joe Mauer. When I'm watching road games (and thus listening to the opposing team's announcers), the announcers consistently gush about Mauer, as they should. But beyond that, they seem to always speak with trepidation any time Mauer is coming up. If he's coming up fourth in an inning, they'll start talking about how important it is to go 1-2-3 as soon as the inning starts; if he's due up third, they'll talk about how vital it is to get the first two guys out; if he's leading off, they'll talk about how important it is that he's batting with no one on base. To know that he's putting the opposing so much on edge every time he comes up is pretty cool.
==>I enjoy watching interleague play for two reasons. The first one is obvious: I get to watch teams I don't see. The second, however, may be a reason other people dislike it: I love watching pitchers hit. Now, normally, they look pretty bad, and no Twins pitcher has a hit yet, but that doesn't take away from the excitement. If someone hits a double, it certainly is cause for happiness, but an extra base hit for a pitcher would result in total exuberance. And what if they hit a home run? Of course, those are very unlikely--but that's what makes it so exciting when it does happen.
On a related note, the more I think about, the sillier I think it is that pitchers hit year round in the NL. It's cool to watch a few times a year, but to have guys you're paying millions of dollars (to pitch) to be chancing getting hit by a pitch or pulling a groin or jamming something in a slide just seems to be tempting fate.
==>Two roster moves were made since I last posted: Jesse Crain was sent to AAA following his most recent implosion in order to make room for returning starter Glen Perkins. Jason Pridie was called up from AAA for his second cup of coffee to replace Denard Span, who was placed on the Disabled List. Pridie likely won't be up very long, but hopefully he'll be able to notch his first career hit (he was 0-4 in his brief stint last year).
==>Speaking of Perkins, he had a solid return outing on Tuesday night against the Pirates. He threw six innings of two-run ball and thus picked up a quality start. In addition, he struck out four against just one walk.
==>Why is Jose Morales with the Twins if he is not going to play at all? I can understand it if they want to get him some playing time over Mike Redmond, but obviously don't want to get rid of Redmond; that's not the case though. He seems to literally be nothing more than insurance for days when Joe Mauer is DHing. I know it would have been helpful once (when Redmond was ejected) and almost helpful another time (when Redmond got hit on the hand and looked like he might have to leave), but it is really a very rare situation, and it's not worth taking up a roster spot for that possibility.
==>After Mauer's 4-4 showing to start the series with the Pirates, he had a double in four at bats Wednesday before sitting out today's game. His average is now at .425 (58-160). What that means is that he could go 0 for his next sixty-seven and still be hitting over .300. It also means he could go 0-30 and 0-34 and still be leading the Majors and the AL, respectively, in batting average (assuming of course that the leaders stay where they are). And I recently learned that he also technically leads the batting title race despite the fact that he doesn't qualify yet.
==>The Twins took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, but they are going to have to take more advantage of their opportunities against teams not as bad as Pittsburgh if they expect to keep winning. Consider this: in game 1, they hit into 5 double plays (and had a runner thrown out at home) and still scored 8 runs. In game 2, they had 1 hit in 10 at bats with runners in scoring position, but followed that up by hitting even worse with RISP in game 3 (1-11). And Michael Cuddyer got thrown out again at home plate on an infield grounder.
==>And last, but most definitely not least, I wanted to bring up Nick Blackburn's sparkling outing earlier today. He came within one out of a complete game shutout, but still managed to go the distance, give up one run, and allow only six hits. He's now pitched six straight quality starts, and has gone at least seven innings in all but one of them. In that span he's lowered his ERA from 3.83 to 3.09, despite only having more strikeouts than walks in two of the six outings. Total, he walked 11 with just 16 strikeouts, but, as he's done all year, was very successful. I don't know if he can keep it up with this smoke and mirrors approach, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
==>Since I've started actually watching the games, I've noticed something that has nothing to do with the game play itself: how opposing announcers talk about Joe Mauer. When I'm watching road games (and thus listening to the opposing team's announcers), the announcers consistently gush about Mauer, as they should. But beyond that, they seem to always speak with trepidation any time Mauer is coming up. If he's coming up fourth in an inning, they'll start talking about how important it is to go 1-2-3 as soon as the inning starts; if he's due up third, they'll talk about how vital it is to get the first two guys out; if he's leading off, they'll talk about how important it is that he's batting with no one on base. To know that he's putting the opposing so much on edge every time he comes up is pretty cool.
==>I enjoy watching interleague play for two reasons. The first one is obvious: I get to watch teams I don't see. The second, however, may be a reason other people dislike it: I love watching pitchers hit. Now, normally, they look pretty bad, and no Twins pitcher has a hit yet, but that doesn't take away from the excitement. If someone hits a double, it certainly is cause for happiness, but an extra base hit for a pitcher would result in total exuberance. And what if they hit a home run? Of course, those are very unlikely--but that's what makes it so exciting when it does happen.
On a related note, the more I think about, the sillier I think it is that pitchers hit year round in the NL. It's cool to watch a few times a year, but to have guys you're paying millions of dollars (to pitch) to be chancing getting hit by a pitch or pulling a groin or jamming something in a slide just seems to be tempting fate.
==>Two roster moves were made since I last posted: Jesse Crain was sent to AAA following his most recent implosion in order to make room for returning starter Glen Perkins. Jason Pridie was called up from AAA for his second cup of coffee to replace Denard Span, who was placed on the Disabled List. Pridie likely won't be up very long, but hopefully he'll be able to notch his first career hit (he was 0-4 in his brief stint last year).
==>Speaking of Perkins, he had a solid return outing on Tuesday night against the Pirates. He threw six innings of two-run ball and thus picked up a quality start. In addition, he struck out four against just one walk.
==>Why is Jose Morales with the Twins if he is not going to play at all? I can understand it if they want to get him some playing time over Mike Redmond, but obviously don't want to get rid of Redmond; that's not the case though. He seems to literally be nothing more than insurance for days when Joe Mauer is DHing. I know it would have been helpful once (when Redmond was ejected) and almost helpful another time (when Redmond got hit on the hand and looked like he might have to leave), but it is really a very rare situation, and it's not worth taking up a roster spot for that possibility.
==>After Mauer's 4-4 showing to start the series with the Pirates, he had a double in four at bats Wednesday before sitting out today's game. His average is now at .425 (58-160). What that means is that he could go 0 for his next sixty-seven and still be hitting over .300. It also means he could go 0-30 and 0-34 and still be leading the Majors and the AL, respectively, in batting average (assuming of course that the leaders stay where they are). And I recently learned that he also technically leads the batting title race despite the fact that he doesn't qualify yet.
==>The Twins took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, but they are going to have to take more advantage of their opportunities against teams not as bad as Pittsburgh if they expect to keep winning. Consider this: in game 1, they hit into 5 double plays (and had a runner thrown out at home) and still scored 8 runs. In game 2, they had 1 hit in 10 at bats with runners in scoring position, but followed that up by hitting even worse with RISP in game 3 (1-11). And Michael Cuddyer got thrown out again at home plate on an infield grounder.
==>And last, but most definitely not least, I wanted to bring up Nick Blackburn's sparkling outing earlier today. He came within one out of a complete game shutout, but still managed to go the distance, give up one run, and allow only six hits. He's now pitched six straight quality starts, and has gone at least seven innings in all but one of them. In that span he's lowered his ERA from 3.83 to 3.09, despite only having more strikeouts than walks in two of the six outings. Total, he walked 11 with just 16 strikeouts, but, as he's done all year, was very successful. I don't know if he can keep it up with this smoke and mirrors approach, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Month of May
[There will be no Hot-Cold feature this week since Monday coincides with the end of the month.]
Despite Joe Mauer's return and sizzling performance, the Twins were under .500 in the month of May. Let's run down exactly how they did.
Record: 14-16
Best record at any point (games above .500): 18-17
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 18-23
Days in first (and biggest lead): 1 (tied)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (5.5 games)
Longest win streak: 4
Longest losing streak: 6
Runs scored/runs against: 168/138
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 20/10
Shutouts/times shut out: 1/1
Extra inning games: 4
Longest game: 13 innings
Hitter of the month: Joe Mauer (99 AB, 27 R, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB, .414/.500/.838)
What a month it was for Mauer in his return from injury. His OPS for the month was 1.338 and he tied a Twins record with 11 home runs in a month. Mauer's month-long performance was so good that it relegated Justin Morneau's 9 home runs, 29 RBIs, and .713 slugging percentage to an afterthought. All in all, it was far more than any of us could have expected when Mauer returned on May 1st.
Three more up
Justin Morneau (108 AB, 24 R, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 0 SB, .361/.459/.713)
Michael Cuddyer (109 AB, 23 R, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 2 SB, .312/.395/.651)
Joe Crede (68 AB, 9 R, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 0 SB, .265/.311/.574)
Bizarro World hitter of the month: Nick Punto (66 AB, 10 R, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .152/.244/.182)
When the Twins re-signed Punto in the off-season, reactions were mixed; but even the positive opinions were based on Punto not reverting back to his 2007 version. And so far that's exactly what's happened. Punto has been awful, especially in May, and mercifully he found the disabled list towards the end of the month. This, however, was better than his worst month of 2007: in August of that year, he hit .127/.210/.155 over 71 at bats.
Pitcher of the month: Joe Nathan (12.1 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 14 K, 2.19/0.97)
Nathan threw only seven innings during April, and was still not used all that much in May. He did, however, up his innings total to 12 1/3, and was as dominating as ever. He blew one save in the month (against the Yankees on May 15th) and that was the 4th consecutive day he had pitched. Without that game, Nathan was filthy: 11.2 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 13 K, 0.00 ERA! And including that game, he was still very good.
Three more up
Nick Blackburn (38 IP, 38 H, 13 BB, 21 K, 3.08/1.34)
R.A. Dickey (19.1 IP, 17 H, 7 BB, 10 K, 1.86/1.24)
Matt Guerrier (15 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 2.40/0.73)
Bizarro World pitcher of the month: Francisco Liriano (30.1 IP, 39 H, 17 BB, 30 K, 7.12/1.85)
Liriano was utterly hittable and could not control his pitches for the entire month. While he still posted a good strikeout rate (8.9 per 9), he was not effective in the least, throwing only 4 innings in each of his last 3 starts. You can point to some bad luck, as in his last start, where there were 3 infield hits against him in one inning, but Liriano just wasn't good in any aspect this month.
Despite Joe Mauer's return and sizzling performance, the Twins were under .500 in the month of May. Let's run down exactly how they did.
Record: 14-16
Best record at any point (games above .500): 18-17
Worst record at any point (games below .500): 18-23
Days in first (and biggest lead): 1 (tied)
Days in last (and furthest out of first): 0 (5.5 games)
Longest win streak: 4
Longest losing streak: 6
Runs scored/runs against: 168/138
Most runs scored/most runs allowed: 20/10
Shutouts/times shut out: 1/1
Extra inning games: 4
Longest game: 13 innings
Hitter of the month: Joe Mauer (99 AB, 27 R, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB, .414/.500/.838)
What a month it was for Mauer in his return from injury. His OPS for the month was 1.338 and he tied a Twins record with 11 home runs in a month. Mauer's month-long performance was so good that it relegated Justin Morneau's 9 home runs, 29 RBIs, and .713 slugging percentage to an afterthought. All in all, it was far more than any of us could have expected when Mauer returned on May 1st.
Three more up
Justin Morneau (108 AB, 24 R, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 0 SB, .361/.459/.713)
Michael Cuddyer (109 AB, 23 R, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 2 SB, .312/.395/.651)
Joe Crede (68 AB, 9 R, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 0 SB, .265/.311/.574)
Bizarro World hitter of the month: Nick Punto (66 AB, 10 R, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .152/.244/.182)
When the Twins re-signed Punto in the off-season, reactions were mixed; but even the positive opinions were based on Punto not reverting back to his 2007 version. And so far that's exactly what's happened. Punto has been awful, especially in May, and mercifully he found the disabled list towards the end of the month. This, however, was better than his worst month of 2007: in August of that year, he hit .127/.210/.155 over 71 at bats.
Pitcher of the month: Joe Nathan (12.1 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 14 K, 2.19/0.97)
Nathan threw only seven innings during April, and was still not used all that much in May. He did, however, up his innings total to 12 1/3, and was as dominating as ever. He blew one save in the month (against the Yankees on May 15th) and that was the 4th consecutive day he had pitched. Without that game, Nathan was filthy: 11.2 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 13 K, 0.00 ERA! And including that game, he was still very good.
Three more up
Nick Blackburn (38 IP, 38 H, 13 BB, 21 K, 3.08/1.34)
R.A. Dickey (19.1 IP, 17 H, 7 BB, 10 K, 1.86/1.24)
Matt Guerrier (15 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 12 K, 2.40/0.73)
Bizarro World pitcher of the month: Francisco Liriano (30.1 IP, 39 H, 17 BB, 30 K, 7.12/1.85)
Liriano was utterly hittable and could not control his pitches for the entire month. While he still posted a good strikeout rate (8.9 per 9), he was not effective in the least, throwing only 4 innings in each of his last 3 starts. You can point to some bad luck, as in his last start, where there were 3 infield hits against him in one inning, but Liriano just wasn't good in any aspect this month.
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