Minnesota Sports Forum

Wow, what an experience...glad you were able to enjoy it in person with your kids, bleed!

Some great Mauer moments. First, the classic opposite field gapper than wasn't a sure double...he had to leg it out. Since Mollie had said there was no way Joe would be catching today, we were unhappy when he didn't send out a pinch runner for him. But Mollie was way ahead of us! A wave of noise emanated from the left field bleachers since they had a clear view of the dugout, and then the entire crowd erupted as Joe came out alone in his catcher's gear! And Mollie left him out there alone for 5 minutes as the fans cheered! After warming up the pitcher, Joe made a nice throw down to second...which the second baseman let go by him into center! I had the binoculars on Joe talking with the hitter, and I think he was saying something like "Hey, I'm only in for one pitch. We're going to give you a ball, so don't swing!" The batter took the pitch outside, and Joe went out to hug the pitcher and leave the field to another standing ovation. Just a terrific baseball moment!


We had the same thought as Monster, that the whole ceremony thing meant Joe had told Mollie he was done. But in the postgame on-field interview, he said he really hadn't made up his mind yet. I hope he retires, but I really think he doesn't know yet.

Also nice to get a win and finish on a 6 game winning streak. Cave with another bomb and at least Kepler finished the season on a positive note. Not sure what's up with Hildy he has had a pretty rough finish.

Looking at their record starting August 1 this team finished the season 29-27. Pretty remarkable really to have a winning record all things considered even if they did play in a crappy division. Just to compare Cleveland finished 33-23 in that same span.

monsterpile wrote:Also nice to get a win and finish on a 6 game winning streak. Cave with another bomb and at least Kepler finished the season on a positive note. Not sure what's up with Hildy he has had a pretty rough finish.

Looking at their record starting August 1 this team finished the season 29-27. Pretty remarkable really to have a winning record all things considered even if they did play in a crappy division. Just to compare Cleveland finished 33-23 in that same span.

Pat Reusse (who Tom Kelly once told me was the best baseball writer in the country) ripped Kepler in his column Sunday morning...asking how a 25 year old 3-year player in great shape with a perfect swing could bat .222. When Kep hit his HR, he motioned to the press box as he rounded the bases...clearly a gesture toward Patrick.


(unfortunately, Patrick was not in the press box yesterday)

These guys ended the season strong. Hopefully that carries into next year and they can be compete for a playoff spot once again. As for Sano and Buxton....I'm not holding my breath, especially on Sano.

We finished strong and it will be interesting to see what happens. I think the first change might be with Molitor. I am mixed about that since this team was not blessed with health this week and they seemed to still fight to the end.

I like the composition of this group. It is a team of scrappers without a star. Incremental improvement across the board would get this club on track. I really am not sure what to thin about Kepler. Is he the next Hicks or will he never get it?