New season starts today

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

What a couch potato day...Twins at noon and Duke/Wisconsin at 8!

Twins are improved, but the division is so tough everyone has them 5th again...I guess I have to agree. The Santana PED deal was a real blow, and especially (for Cam and Jester) because it put Pelfrey back in the rotation. I will point out that Mike was our most effective starter in pre-season with his new split finger, although he gave up 4 HR's in a minor league start yesterday. I like that the new pitching coach emphasizes the change up. As I long-time ballplayer, I agree with him...the change up is the most effective pitch in baseball.

I'm in a season ticket group, and I loaded up with late-season games because I'm convinced we will see Sano and Buxton in September...and maybe even Berrios.

Let's get it on!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Hughes getting smacked around a little bit right now doesn't make me happy.

And I do agree that the changeup is a very effective pitch, I'd argue the best pitch in baseball has been and will always be a well-placed fastball. The two go hand in hand, though, setting each other up.

[Monster]

I was trying to be optimistic about this season but the PED suspension makes that a tougher sell. I just hope some young guys come through this year and give us more to build on.

[TheGrey08]

I was trying to be optimistic about this season but the PED suspension makes that a tougher sell. I just hope some young guys come through this year and give us more to build on.

Yeah... that was definitely deflating. When are we going to catch a break in this town? Injuries, suspensions, etc.

[Monster]

I was trying to be optimistic about this season but the PED suspension makes that a tougher sell. I just hope some young guys come through this year and give us more to build on.

Yeah... that was definitely deflating. When are we going to catch a break in this town? Injuries, suspensions, etc.

Maybr Nolosco getting hurt will end up being a break? Nah that's being too optimistic.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

My guy Jose Berrios dominated. So there's that. http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150410&content_id=117556968&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp&sid=milb

[Monster]

Hey these Twins are hot! They are doing just well enough to crush our hopes when they come crashing down. Nice to see that Milone seems to be pitching well.

[Monster]

Just a few games away from the quarter mark and the Twins are 2 games out of first and they have had their share of injuries and stuff to overcome. It could go downhill just as fast as it turned around but I hope they keep playing well.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Just a few games away from the quarter mark and the Twins are 2 games out of first and they have had their share of injuries and stuff to overcome. It could go downhill just as fast as it turned around but I hope they keep playing well.

Yep, they're hanging in there, even though nobody (with the exception of Gibson) is having anything resembling a career year. I think they are 4th or 5th in runs scored, and they're doing it with a lineup that has nobody hitting over .285 and a #3 hitter with no home runs. They also have played 28 of their 37 games against by far the toughest division in baseball (15 games over .500!), and they get a very good pitcher back in another 30 games. What's different this year?

1) Molitor. He clearly manages differently and better than Gardy. Doesn't bunt as much, lets relievers go more than one inning if they are on that night, and sits players when they obviously need a break. Gardy was more volatile, but in his quiet way, I think Molly is more demanding of his players.

2) Hunter. Not only is he leading the team in BA and RBIs while playing a solid RF, he also keeps the team loose in the clubhouse. I love the idea of "dance parties" in the clubhouse after wins before they let the press in.

3) Outfield range. Terrible at the start of the year, but terrific now...Rosario, Hicks and Hunter cover a lot of ground, and flyball pitchers like Hughes and May need that.

4) Team speed at the bottom of the lineup: I love how Gardy has put Rosario, Hicks and Santana together at 7 through 9.

There are still a lot if issues. Santana, Rosario and Vargas strike out way too much. We don't have a powerful middle of the lineup (how can Molly continue to bat Mauer third?). Santana hasn't shown yet that he is ready to be an adequate defensive shortstop. And I still fear that our relievers may be overachieving. But it sure is fun to be in a wild card spot after 37 games, and only 2 games out of first. Let's keep it up!

[Monster]

Tied with the Royals for the division and only 2 team have more wins in baseball. This may sound odd but of the young guys trying to prove themselves currently on the team Hicks is a guy a pull for the most. If he could turn into the next Torii Hunter on the field the Towns outfield would be scary with Buxton and whoever else. It seems like the talent is there it's just mental. I wonder if a new coaching voice will help him.