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2012 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins

Posted by on 26 March 2012, 9:11 pm

Minnesota Twins logo.

The Minnesota Twins plunged to the bottom of the AL Central in 2011 finishing with a 63-99 record, which was the second worst in baseball.

In 2010, the Twins won 94 games and captured their second-straight American League Central title, which is why last season’s fall, came unexpectedly.

It just seemed like everything in Minnesota went wrong at the right times last season, as hampering injuries were ramped.

So, now the 2012 million-dollar question is whether the Twins can get back to being a contender in the AL Central again.

Let’s check it out…

THE POSITIVES:

The Twins seemed to have hit rock bottom, and as the saying goes the only place to go is up, as I don’t see the Twins losing 99 games again in 2012. This team won six divisional title in the past ten years, and all under skipper Ron Gardenhire. And if anyone knows what worked, or what is not working it should be Gardenhire but it seems like the Twins were ok with chalking things up to injuries last season.

Justin Morneau is an all-around great baseball player and with him playing any team would improve. The 2006 MVP and four-time All-Star can rake, as over his career he averages 29 homers and 113 RBIs a season, which includes the last two seasons where he spent more time on the DL than at the plate. Morneau has suffered his three concussions, but the big blow happened in 2010 and he missed half the season. Morneau admittedly is still suffering from symptoms but as of now have been better but the 2010 blow came back to haunt him last season, as he was on the DL for over 90 games. Morneau could be used as a permanent DH, as his bat is one of the best in the Majors and the Twins need all the help they can get. I have a feeling that Morneau will still see time at first-base, which I think is reckless because the odds of him winding up back on the DL become that much higher. I like Morneau and he is a superstar when healthy, as he blows Mauer out of the water. Still, the Canadian-born Morneau was a hockey fanatic growing up so he probably took hits on the ice well before his baseball playing days, which might be why he can’t shake the the symptoms.

THE NEGATIVES:  Continue reading ‘2012 MLB Team Preview: Minnesota Twins’ »

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New York Yankees: Super-Nova vs. Minnesota Twins Preview

Posted by on 4 April 2011, 5:43 am

In his first match-up, New York Yankees rookie pitcher Ivan Nova will take on the Minnesota Twins.

Technically, it is not Nova’s first time pitching in the Bronx, but it is his début as the official fourth starter in the 2011 pitching rotation.

Nova popped up mid-pennant race last season for seven starts; he posted a 1-2 record, a 4.50 ERA, striking out 26, over 42 innings pitched. He walked 17 batters and allowed 21 earn runs, but Nova’s overall performance wasn’t as bad as the stats make it seem. Still, the Nova from last year would not have been named as the Yankees fourth starter.

Nova improved from the experience and worked hard this off-season, as the pitcher that showed up in Spring Training was the Nova that won the job.

The game is at home and Yankee fans are hoping for a big performance from the 24-year-old in the Bronx, just like the Nova that posted a 1.80 ERA over 20 innings in Spring Training.

Nova did pitch one scoreless inning in relief against Minnesota last May.

The Yankees bats hit nine home-runs over the weekend, three from a typically April-slumping Mark Teixeira. The Yankees took two of three from the heavily loaded Detroit Tigers in their first season’s series; and even in the 10-7 loss, the Bombers were hitting as Jorge Posada went yard twice

As for the Twins, things haven’t been so smooth, dropping two of three to Toronto to avoid a sweep by winning on Sunday 4-3. It was closer Joe Nathan’s first save since 2009, but it was a little too close for comfort.

The Twins-nation has a major bone to pick or at least to break with the Yankees. Continue reading ‘New York Yankees: Super-Nova vs. Minnesota Twins Preview’ »

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Baseball Bloggers Alliance Predicts World Series Rematch

Posted by on 7 April 2010, 3:35 pm

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 AM EDT, April 7, 2010


Baseball Bloggers Alliance Predicts World Series Rematch

The World Series will have a familiar look in October, according to the Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

For the first time, the membership of the BBA was polled for their preseason predictions, with the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies being the most common selections for World Series participants.  The Yankees received 36 votes to easily outpace Boston’s 18, while the Phillies’ 31 votes edged out St. Louis’s 24.  The rematch ends the same as last year, with New York being the choice of 20 of the 75 that cast ballots. Continue reading ‘Baseball Bloggers Alliance Predicts World Series Rematch’ »

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A Chapter From The Yankees Biography: A Story Of Joes

Posted by on 12 October 2009, 4:27 am

With the playoffs in full swing, the possibilities begin to become realities.

Manager Joe Torre‘s Dodgers, focus is now on the NLCS as the team swept the Cardinals in three games to proceed onward.

Across the country another team with a chief named Joe accomplished the same.

Joe Girardi‘s Yankees followed L.A.’s lead tonight in Minnesota’s Metrodome by winning their third game against the Twins.


The possibility of Joe vs. Joe could happen and what a World Series that would be.

Two teams, two sweeps, two Joe’s who have much more in common then realized. These Joe’s own quite a history together.

Here is a little out of this chapter:

1) Both Joe’s Play.

Ironically, both skippers were catchers.

Torre batted and threw right as did Girardi.

Both were players in New York during their career. Torre played in Queens as a Met; Girardi in the Bronx wearing Yankee Pinstripes.

The selection as an All-Star only happened once for Girardi in 2000. On the other hand, Torre was an all-star nine times in a decade (1963-73), won a gold glove in 65′ and was the NL MVP in 1971.

Torre in comparison to Girardi was a more complete just a much better hitter but sadly never once made it to October as an active participant. For Girard, in a decade (1989-99) he played in six postseasons and won three World Series rings.

2) Joe manages Joe.

Girardi won those three World Series championships with Torre as his manager.

Torre preside over the Yankees in the late 90′s when Girardi was the team’s catcher.

Torre’s success as a skipper in October was the opposite of his playing years. With the Yankees he went 12 years in a row. He holds the evidence for MLB’s most winning manager with 2000+ wins.

3) Joe Follows Joe

When Girardi retired as a player, he went directly into broadcasting for the YES network in 2004.

The next year he the offer to be the Marlins bench coach with a promotion to manager guaranteed. Instead, he follows Torre and became his bench coach in 2005.

The next season Florida named Girardi manager and won Manager of the Year his first season as a skipper in 2006.

Marlins owner, and Girardi did not hit it off and he got fired in this same year.

Though Girardi had several offers to lead again in 2007, he decided to return to YES and broadcast for the Yankees.

4) Joe replaces Joe

Well, 2008 was the end of the Torre era in Pinstripe. It also marked the beginning for another Joe. In late October, Joe Girardi became the Bombers manager and Torre’s replacement.

Torre went to the Dodgers. Mattingly, and fellowship followed, but Tony Pena stayed on as Yankees bench coach for Girardi.

Girardi had said many a time that when named as Yankee head the first call he made was to Torre.

What makes this so extraordinary is that the Dodgers wanted Girardi to manage in L.A. but he wanted to work for the Yankees. This was just two years before Torre hires Girardi who passed on Dodger’s proposal.

Supposedly L.A. wanted Girardi so badly to be wearing Dodger blue that they offered him the job before ownership granted permission. Girardi said no to get the duty under his skipper in New York.

5. Joe on Joe.

After this soap opera of a link, both men have nothing but the highest regard and respect for each other.

Here are two quotes from this dynamic duo and their admiration for each other is evident.

Girardi on Torre:

“The great thing about Joe was that he let me say anything I wanted and I was never fearful of saying anything; that’s the greatest guy you can work for. Joe’s a very trusting guy. One of the big things I learned about him was his patience and the importance of knowing people.”

Torre in Girardi:

“He’s a good manager and he’s going to get better,” Torre said today. “I’m happy for him. … They’re a very good team.”

*Torre played first and third base during his career but is #15 on Top 50 Catchers of All-Time.

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Posted by on 8 October 2009, 5:12 am

Tuesday night, baseball fans across the country watched in anticipation to witness something that has only happened four other times in MLB history.

I have to say that the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers lived up to more than anyone could have expected. It was one of the most intense, well-played baseball games I have ever seen. Both teams played with such heart it was inspiring and I am a Yankee fan.

And to hear the Tigers, who just experienced a loss of that magnitude, more than gracious remarks after the game speaks volumes of the ball-club from Detroit.

The respect that the Tigers gained last night from all fans will not mend the wounds but all over the sports world today it was mentioned. Losing graciously after that game just summed up the capability of this evening.

The City of Detroit should be extremely proud of the Tigers.

The Minnesota Twins claimed more than just the AL Central on Tuesday.

This is a hot team, finishing 11 of 12 to end the regular season, winning a playoff deciding tiebreaker and literally flying into the playoffs to play the Yankees.

Safely, I can admit that as a Yankee fan I was scared death before tonight’s win against the Minnesota Twins. Keeping in mind that it is one game but I forgot and got a nice reminder.

A reminder because for a minute I truly forgot, how good my Yankees are.

How could any New York fan not be worried? The amount of reference to David is going to meet Goliath remarks all over newspapers and ESPN the minute the game ending hit a nerve.

Thoughts of Arod leaving runners stranded on base and just thinking of CC’s last game in Tampa were rampant in my head all day.

The team with all the “heart” will win was said to me over the TV and even by my own doorman, the prime example of the Yankee fan who never gives them any credit.

Some might call it brainwashing but any NY Giant fan knows the David besting Goliath theme all to well.

Than I realized that the Patriots and the Yankees were not the same team. My Yankees have heart and anyone who says that is not true has not seen the Bombers play this season.

The Yankees are loaded with money, players and stadium so the scrutiny comes with the territory, granted. Does that make the players heart-less or less deserving? Does being born into a more fortunate family than you co-worker make him/her automatically have a better character? Does someones at work get more praise because you have a nice home?

No it doesn’t in life nor in sports. A bad attitude has nothing to do with money or wins. It has to do with the individual spirit and that is why the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2007.

The G-men played with heart just as the Twins, the Tigers, the Rockies, the Cardinals, the Red Sox, the Phillies, the Yankees and many more teams have done all season long.

Game one was not a perfect night for New York but good enough. CC preformed very well, not a lights out night but he did his job. The hitters worked to get a comfortable lead. The bullpen’s Hughes to Joba to Coke to Mo finished the game nicely.

Arod drove on two runs and this Arod seems to be here to stay. Alex has been a reformed man this season, blame it on Kate Hudson but also the relief of the letting the world know the truth seemed to life a lot from this super-star’s shoulders.

In the post-game interviews the Yankees are very aware that the Twins were tired and that Minnesota is a very hot team. The Yankees are not the Patriots of 07′ and are very familiar with the feeling of losing.

The Yanks struggled in the first half of the season. The Red Sox swept the Bombers eight games before the All-Star break. The Yankees overcame many obstacles this season and fought their way to the position there in today.

As a fan I will do my job better and not let Sports Center or Pat my doorman get me to jump off the bandwagon so easily ever again.

My Yankees deserve as much glory as any other team. Attitude and performance are what champions are made of.

The Tigers were the perfect example of a winner, when they lost the other night.

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Doesn't Every Man Dream of TWINS? Not The Yankees

Posted by on 5 October 2009, 4:01 am

All games have an outcome there is a winner and a loser. Then there are games that puts an entire season on the line which can mean everything and then some.

Tuesday night one of those games, between Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins will take place. It is the most important game of the season for both team; it is the whole season.

The winners’ fly to New York to face the Yankees in the first round of the playoffs. Do the Yankees want Twins or wild group of Tigers? How about Twin Tigers? Kidding.

The other team goes home as just austere losers, rehashing previous games where they knowingly should have or could have won. Going on maybe it is a lesson to be learned but for sure one will hurt pretty badly for awhile.

Whatever the outcome of this tie-breaker, the Yankees progress towards the World Series will include having to play either the Twins or the Tigers. Who would the Yankees rather face?

Both teams will exhaust themselves and play as if everything came down to this one game but in essence it did.

Here are a few thoughts on both.

1. The Twins are hot, hot, hot right now. The team made up a seven game deficit by playing three weeks of must win baseball.

The Twins have been here before, losing a game to the White Sox last year for the same prize, a trip to the playoffs.

In Minnesota the fans were not expecting a post-season berth to be in range as of a month ago. The Metrodump, as some fans refer to the Twins home field is in it’s last season but seems like it is not ready to close just yet.

The Bombers old pal, “American Idle” aka. Carl Pavano might have something to prove in New York.  The Yankees and the fans did not like him but in fact he did get $40 million for pitching just twin games. Our mistake, no way the Twins can keep Pavano.

The “twin” stars are Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Clearly the pair are the best players on the roaster.  Morneau is out for the season and it will be a noticably missed bat in their line-up. And it especially makes the Yankees job easier, if the Twins advance to the Stadium.

The Twins pitchers are not as good as the Tigers. The team lacks an ace, like Detroit’s Justin Verlander who is awesome. It is true that the Twins late season surge has something to due with better pitching but not one solid ace.

Scott Baker will pitch to the Tigers on Tuesday. He has not done that well in the past against the Detroit bats. I would prepare for a strategy of take advantage right away and make it early in the game as well as in Baker’s pitch count.

The Yankees pitching staff would rather the face the Twins as the Bombers are clearly favored.

In the playoffs where it is difficult under pressure for the best of pitchers in baseball, the so-so guys must have it a lot worse. Lower expectations on pitchers sometimes helps.

This season the Yankees have swept the Twins both series. Winning four in New York and three in the Metrodump, so 7-0 this year. Not bad odds for the Yanks but remeber the playoffs are a clean slate.

2. The Detroit Tigers just handed this opportunity to the Twins.

A month ago, everyone believed that Detroit had the AL Central in the bag. Detroit added pick-ups at the trade deadline that turned the team from good to contenders. The Tigers seemed purring to go.

The hitters on the Tigers have always been tough for for the Yanks. Handling the Twins bats over the Tiger line-up would be better for sure.

Curtis Granderson is fast and has 28 homers as the lead-off. Miguel Cabrera is a slugger and one of the best batters in the game. Magglio Ordonez is scary when he is game-on.

Trust me in the playoffs some of the lazy Tigers will not be so lazy, as we all know this has been a problem in the past for the team. If Cabera can get hot, it will boost the team.

In the six games played the Tigers lost five against the Yankees. The one loss was to Verlander but with a caliber pitcher, like JV on the mound it is a tad more acceptable or expected.


Maybe the Tigers wares and tears get the best of them. The Yankees will have a lot of rest and could have an advantage because of that. Time will tell…. but when you have a Justin with the last name Verlander on the mound that only helps, in a HUGE way.

3. If you are wondering how each teamed fared since September 5, 2009 to today, here is a examination of both teams.

As of a month ago, the Tigers had 74 (W) and 61 (L) with a nice six game cushion over Minnesota, who were 68 (W) and 67 (L).

Just four weeks later on October 5, 2009 the Twins had won 18 of the remaining games, flip-flop to Detroit who lost 15 games.

The Tigers were the better team and I think are still overall. Mauer and Morneau are the Twin stars but the Tigers have an arsenal in comparison.

That is where it gets complicated because do you want the hot team or the better team?

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Fate, Football, Fantasy and Two NFL Teams…..

Posted by on 24 August 2009, 6:42 am

Two NFL teams that fate in choices made will determine their success.

One has added an aging star, while the other team has lost one. Both the impacts of the situations will play a great role for fantasy owners.

Here are the plans laid out with what could happen and most likely will.

The Minnesota Vikings had a QB battle going in which the results would have been detrimental either way.

Hey but then superman flew in and broke it up. As Brett Favre knew he could be the first QB turned hero.

  • Tarvaris Jackson is not efficient enough to be a starter and would have been the weakest link that would be a domino affect on the receivers fantasy values; considering he was losing the #1 spot to Sage Rosenfels regardless and that is depressing to think about.
  • The QB is not in question as #4 (Favre) is playing again.
  • Watch for Bernard Berrian fantasy points to go up this season because of Favre’s throwing ability and experience incorporated with the respect he commands from opponents which Jackson and Rosenfels would fall flat.
  • This is in addition to opposing defenses being all wrapped up with RB Adrian Peterson; leaving wide receivers open with a reliable QB like Favre just cemented the Fantasy impact it will have.
  • Favre should add Fantasy value all around the Vikings from backs to receivers.

Favre is getting to much criticism for his lack in ability. Instead for the way he has made a media circus around himself the last two seasons which is disruptive. Favre should be called narcissistic but it just doesn’t seem to fit the persona he brings to a football team, both on and off the field.

No one can see what the future holds but I would be surprised to hear that the Vikings were better off without #4 anytime in the near future.

The New York Giants are shooting themselves right now, sorry Plex but the battle is to fill your talented shoes at wide receiver.

Eli Manning has proved he’s got skills. Playing behind, hands down the best offensive line in the NFL and has a tandem at running back that will be the earth on fire.

That all sounds like a dream, right? Except who is Manning going to throw it too with the lose of Plexico Buress at WR? This is a battle where hard work and Eli’s leadership will come into play.

Let the battle begin:

  • Ramses Barden vs Domenik Hixon vs Mario Manningham vs Sinorice Moss vs Hakeem Nicks vs Steve Smith vs David Tyree where the outcome has to fill a huge hole.
  • Ramses Barden is 6’6 foot rookie that might have the break out season; he didn’t miss one practice in camp (Coughlin lover already), he caught passes when covered significantly, running down field and over his shoulder; this player seems to be smart and hard working which will only help the rookie thrive under the coaching of Coughlin; if Barden can utilize his size he could see a lot of catches in the cramped end-zone.
  • Barden and Nicks just need to get used to the plays and to Eli and they could be the go-to over Smith.
  • If one or both rookie Wr’s, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, have a break out first season their fantasy numbers could sore but these are deep sleepers.
  • The “O-line” of the Giants is the template in the NFL. Gives Eli time in the pocket and holes for the Rb’s to use is a key element for this team.
  • Up, up, up will go the fantasy value of Bradshaw and Jacobs because the WR position will take some time for Eli to trust so expect running game to be big, literally; Bradshaw shined in all aspects in first pre-season game.
  • Osi is back after a season ending injury last year. He was the only player from the Superbowl winning team to have been named to the pro-bowl. And let’s not forget that was before the Giants got the respect of being the champs in 2007; this guy is that good.
  • Steve Spagnuolo is a football genius who single handedly reformed the Giants defense into a force. The hero of NYC was bound to be a head coach, as any team would be lucky to have this guy as a leader. He will be missed but his line backer coach, Bill Sheridan will fill his shoes nicely; Sheridan knows Spag’s aggressive style of defense and familiar with players; Giants Defense still an A+ report card.

Pre-season games, just as Spring Training in baseball really does add to the predictions made before. The only thing it can add too it the injury list of a team, which can impact someone’s fantasy draft decisions immensely.

Other then me worrying about the toe of a player named TO, it has to be clear that almost all the players are playing hurt in the NFL.

Would you expect anything else? It’s football, wouldn’t expect anything less.

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