Jeb, your words of wisdom have proved true. Thank you for advising me to stick with Lew as my BF, or I'd be one sad Goddess right now...

It's nice to see the Twins playing the role of Humane Society and finding a good home for Resto. Hit well, Michael.

More interesting, though, is the disapparation of CJ Nitwitkowski.

From listening to Gordo and Gladden today, CJ apparently threw a sNitWitFit against the Reds the other night that raised the ire of Gardy and Rick Anderson with his untoward mound behavior. Haven't seen much about that in print or on the 'Net, but it was very unattractive, according to the radio guys.

Also, is it just me, or does Gladden sound like he's made incredible strides as a broadcaster?

I can't believe they took the risk of putting Resto on waivers, talk about your all time backfires....

I think the saddest part of this is that he was a Twins fan just like the rest of us...

Well, I for one, wish him nothing but success.

I wish they had dumped Michael Ryan instead.... Much the worse of the MRs.

I'm sure the Twins knew full well they would lose Resto when they placed him on waivers. Looks like they made their choice between Corky Miller and Restovich...too bad it was the wrong choice.

Alas, the Twins had little choice. With Shannon, Torri, Jacque and Lew as the four outfielders -- and Joe Bob Mauer preparing to take some of Lew's DH'ing at-bats, Resto wasn't going to get much playing time.

He was "out of options," a process designed to protect players by keeping them off an eternal treadmill between the majors and minors, so the Twins had to put him on waivers if he wasn't going to be on the 25-man roster.

I'm bummed to see him go, but he wasn't going to be more than the fifth outfielder on the Twins. This is a good thing for him, even though it bites for the Restophiles and MrsRestophiles among us.

Too bad he never took up catching!

I'm surprised the Twins didn't trade him instead of placing him on waivers. I'm sure the offers were there.

I hope he has a great career.

Yours,
k-bro

I'm surprised the Twins didn't trade him instead of placing him on waivers. I'm sure the offers were there.

I hope he has a great career.

Yours,
k-bro

Sorry about the double post. Itchy trigger finger.

Yep, Goddess, that way was paved with heartbreak.

Even though I knew it was coming, it made me very sad when my mom called with the news.

I wish him all the best. And I'll miss him.

I'm not so sure that the trade offers were there. The other teams knew he was out of options and would rather get him off waivers than trade away a prospect. I'm sure Terry Ryan tried..............

From what I've heard/read, the Twins tried to trade Resto, but there was not a great deal of interest. Yes, there are teams with OF depth issues, but most of those teams apparently felt that they could pluck some guys off the waiver wire (like Resto, Rios, etc) and not lose any talent.

My beef on this is with the way the Twins handled Resto. Not this spring, but over the past three seasons. It seems as though they kept telling him to do things differently every year. "Swing big, son". "Cut down on the strikeouts." "Get your average higher." The bottom line is that the Twins CANNOT develop a true slugger. Morneau is about as good as any will apparently ever turn out, which isn't bad...but every other club in the game can develop at least one big swinger every couple years. Yes, the Twins win with "small ball", but you still need one slugger in the heart of the lineup.

And on RD's comment about Dazzle-man, I agree wholeheartedly. The first season or two behind the mike were absolutely brutal for Danny. I honestly would change the station if it wasn't a critical game situation. He's still not "great", but he's better than average. And he actually provides some player perspective/clubhouse insights.

Is it okay to cry for this? He was one of my favorites. I'm happy for him that he'll get the opportunity and playing time he deserves, but still. And the Devil Rays? Argh. We'll miss you, Resto!

I personally don't believe the Twins need 4 catchers.

"The AL Central's weakness means the Twins will return to the playoffs, writes Y! Sports' Ryne Sandberg."

"The AL Central is a weak division, but it's the perfect division for the Twins."

Off topic, but this is about as back-handed a compliment as I've ever seen. Sheesh.

RonDavis is right: Gladden is getting better. Now if only Gordo would.

Am I the only one who feels like gnawing off his arm and beating myself to death with it when this guy is behind the mic? It's not just the constant mistakes. Well, okay, it IS the constant mistakes.

I know he had a stroke and all, but he wasn't exactly on point before then, either.

All I want is the next Herb Carneal -- is that so much to ask?

Hey Say,

A Cubs alumnus has no business chiding ANY team about winning anything!

The Cubs could play in the Tri-Metro Conference and finish third in the post-season behind Blake and DeLaSalle.

Stacy--we can cry together.

My family listens to all the Twins games on the radio. What irks us is when they're announcing and suddenly start spouting off facts without taking the time to mention the pitches. I don't mind the mistakes. I like the trivia and analysis, but I wish they'd interupt the analysis and trivia with the pitches.

As I understood it, Restovich leaving doesn't automagically mean Miller is staying. But it might bode well for Terry Tiffee?

I believe Tiffee was sent down as well (he still has options) so the 4 catchers are official.

Is the knee really that bad? If so, then move him from catcher, for cryin' out loud!

> "The AL Central's weakness means the Twins will
> return to the playoffs, writes Y! Sports' Ryne
> Sandberg."
>
> "The AL Central is a weak division, but it's
> the perfect division for the Twins."
>
> Off topic, but this is about as back-handed a
> compliment as I've ever seen. Sheesh.

And he contradicts himself, too. He says the White Sox will win the wild card. In order for it to happen, the Sox would have to be better than the Red Sox or Yankees, as well as one of the AL West powers. To say the AL Central is weak, then say the Wild Card will come from there, doesn't make any sense. The wild card has never come from the central. That would mean he's predicting that teh AL Central could be the strongest it's ever been.

Oh, and 4 catchers = BLEGH (the sound of me vomiting in terror). You like to root for a guy named Corky, but that cute little name only gets him so far. He has no business taking up a spot that could have gone to Restovich or Tiffee. The catching situation is distressing to me. They are obviously really worried about Mauer's knee, and that sucks. But I can't believe the lengths they're going to just to avoid the minor inconvenience of not having two catchers available on the days they don't want Mauer to catch.

I agree with double-a that Gardy completely mishandled Restovich the last couple years. And to let him walk for nothing so that they could hang onto Luis Rivas, Nick Punto, Juan Castro, or a 4th Catcher like Corky F'ing Miller is flat-out the stupidest thing Terry Ryan has done in at least the last 5 years. Well, I say Terry Ryan because it's ultimately his call, but I blame Gardenhire since it seems the decision reflects his wishes. It's not even that Resto was a personal favorite, near and dear to my heart or anything. I just hate to see him wasted like this. The shortsighted stupidity of it all offends me. I actually feel angry now, even though I could see it coming for at least a week. This is a sorry day for the organization.

I'm only glad for Resto that he'll have a clear opportunity to show what he can do in Tampa Bay. I wish him the best, and I hope he makes TR and Gardy regret this day for as long as they reflect back on their careers.

Gack.

Well, if you're looking for props... check out ESPN's MLB homepage. Some of their writers are giving the Twins props by picking them to go to the series. They are going to be tough if they make it to the playoffs. Pitching usually wins in the playoffs and the Twins will probably have the best pitching in the league again this year.

Andre, nice catch on Ryno's fuzzy logic. I disliked that guy as a player, I dislike him as a talking head.

I can't say I'm happy about Resto - like the lot of you, I liked him a lot. It's tough we had to give him up on waivers, as it kind of sends the unintended message that he wasn't valuable enough for us to get something in return. And I second Mimiru's thoughts on the MR's - ever since that stupid, injury-inducing head first slide into 1st last season, I've had little love for Mike Ryan.

I could care less about Nitowski, though. Even though he pitched well this spring, he wouldn't have brought that much to the organization. His flack-jacket fundamentalism wouldn't benefit the clubhouse at all.

As sad as I am to see Restovich go, I have to remind myself that Resto probably wouldn't have had a chance to thrive as a Twin. Sorta like when the Twins decided not to re-sign Ortiz. He wasn't progressing, and I think he needed the change of scenery. I doubt he'd be as good as he is now if he hadn't left the Twins. Maybe Restovich will be an All-Star someday, but he needs to be a starter first, and he couldn't do that with the Twins, at least for another year or two. It's a shame they couldn't trade him, but Terry Ryan is no dummy - I'm sure he tried.

Also, I have a feeling that Corky will only be around until Mauer goes a couple months injury free (unless something happens to Redmond or LeRoy). Then, enter Terry Tiffee. He'll be back.

One last point - did anyone see Cuddyer's chat today? Is he not the nicest guy in baseball (besides Johan when he's not saying 'sit down, bitch')? He is a future Twins team leader, no doubt. He also had some nice things to say about his best bud Resto - and Resto's dad (I think) George even got in on the chat with Cuddyer! Bittersweet.

See the chat transcript here:
http://lipwarus.notlong.com

On the Gladden/Gordon watch (listen?)...

I find them both fairly unbearable. Gordon makes routine calls sound like bottom of the ninth Game 7's, and I think that I am pretty well anti-Gladden in the booth. Two specifics illustrate my disdain:

First of all, does Gladden ever consult media guides' pronunciation keys? Danny, it's "EE-vahn" Rodriguez, not EYE-van.

Secondly, do we really have to hear them talk about what fancy resort they are staying at, what freebies they've scored, what Harley t-shirt Gordon won't wear, or how full the refrigerator is with Gluek beer EVERY FREAKIN' GAME??

Just as no one will replace Bob Casey, I dread the day that Herb steps out of the booth.

Am I the only one who likes Dan and John? I grew up in minnesota but have been out of state for several years, and I enjoy hearing baseball announced by guys who sound like someone's uncles from brainerd.

Dear Mr./Ms. Twink,

No. Batgirl and Jeb adore them with all their hearts.

Love,
BG

Love Dan and Gordo too. Wouldn't have broadcasts any other way.

Good for Resto, getting play time... but I'll miss the guy. :/

I feel the need to clarify that I like John and Dan; they just have some habits that irk me. I like their friendly "uncle from Brainerd" banter. I don't mind the mispronounced names or any of their habits. It's only one thing that irks me, and I suppose no one is perfect.

Of course, though, I still love Herb the best.

I don't remember. Did Ryne Sandberg win the World Series with the Cubs? ;)

I don't mind Dan and Gordo. But I always get confused. I think Dan sounds a lot like Bert.

As for Restovich, well. I'm sorry he never had what it took to crack the 25 man roster. I hope he lights it up for the Devil Rays. BUT. It's not like he didn't get some chances at the bigs. How many times was he called up? I think, though, that it's been pretty clear for a while that he wasn't going to make it with the Twins. Michael Ryan is likely in the same situation. When the prevailing opinion is that the organization only resigned Jones because Kubel blew out his knee, well, what does that say to both of those guys who have more time with the organization and have had more chances at the major league level? It tells me that you're being given opportunities because the Twins don't like to give up on talent but ... you're being passed by and the Twins didn't think that either of those guys was ready to take the RF spot. And every year they aren't ready means that some other developing talent in the Twins farm system is another year closer to getting his chance.

I can't stand Gladden in the booth. I really don't want to listen to anyone's ice-fishing uncle from Brainerd.

Last year someone else -- it was either Molitor or Morris -- filled in for a few games and it was a dramatic improvement.

Wouldn't have supposed that so many otherwise bright people would actually like the Gordon-Gladden combo in the radio booth. Takes all kinds I guess.

Are you G-Force fans indeed obliged to listen to the games? I don't have cable TV so for better or for worse I actually need to hear these clowns at length and frequently in order to catch the games at all. I'm telling you people, the radio announcers are terrible and getting worse, now that they're signed through 2006.

Before this rant sours any further, I will say that Herb Carneal sounds better this spring than he has for years - great news for all of us who have enjoyed him for so many years. I'll also concede that the Gladden-Newman interviews following most games offer analysis and explanation at a consistently high level - I recommend that TV viewers make a point of switching to radio right after the last out just for the sake of catching it.

Aside from that, I don't understand these intimations of Gladden's improvement. Maybe people are thinking of his play-by-play work for a few innings each spring game, which does seem to be a little better than Gordon's; only because it could hardly be any worse, it looks like improvement. Gladden is a capricious but merciless faultfinder, a keen practitioner of baseball politics, and seems much more like one's bitter, unemployed brother-in-law than a jovial old ice-fishing uncle.

Gordon, meanwhile, is a continuing and deepening horror. He reads good ad copy, offers fake laughter to every lame joke, kisses every ass that's proffered, and can only occasionally be bothered to tell us about what's going on between the foul lines. He might even be worse than Chad Hartman. He's ridden his "touch-em-all" carny schtick to what unfortunately appears to be lifetime tenure behind the Twins microphone. I have not heard them all, but I'd be surprised if there were any less competent announcer in the major leagues at the work of letting people know what's going on in a game. But he sure reads ads well.

cxpat, well said about G-Force. i actually feel that Gladden COULD be a decent color man with the right partner, but Gordo is dragging him WAY into the muck with his ridiculously bad play-by-play (i use that term loosely). and when i heard their contracts were extended, that was the worst... news... ever.

The Restovich thread that has developed here -- particulary the question of who's making the decisions (field manager or general manager) -- is a good segue into the discussion of Moneyball. So let's revisit this on April 18.

Corky Miller? I mean, who the blazes is Corky Miller?

I think some of you have set some really high standards for your radio announcers. If you don't like Gordo and Gladden, it's probably due to your unfair comparison to the great Herb Carneal. Finding someone like a Vin Scully or even a Herb Carneal is a rare thing indeed. After living away from MN for 5 years and listening to radio and TV announcers out east (Boston, Yankees, Mets, etc.), I'm glad to be able to listend to Gordo and Gladden on MLB.com audio. It could be worse, I now know! Some of those broadcasters for other teams are insufferable, especially for someone rooting for the other team (although I think Gladden would be equally annoying for a non-Twins fan when he shouts "get out!" at a Twins deep fly).

Besides, Gladden has improved since he took up the mike a few years ago, and I'm sorry, but I love listening to Gordo, even if it is only because I naturally now associate his voice with the joy of hearing Twins games from afar.

There are few Herb Carneals in the world of baseball broadcasting, and the Twins are lucky to have even one of them! But don't take it out on Gordo and Gladden that he makes them look like hacks. They're really not that bad.

Just a note (because I have little-to-no firsthand knowledge of any baseball radio/tv commentator outside the NY area, and becuase my opinion shouldn't count here due to the fact that I loved Sterling/Kay):

When the best argument is "hey they are better than a lot that is out there" it is time to fire a bunch of people and hire a bunch of new people.

YankeeFan

I have never heard Danny Gladden's radio personality, but here's why I love the guy. Every poor radio comment in the world couldn't out-do his leadoff double in the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series!

What makes Herb Carneal such an excellent radio broadcaster is his ability to weave his play-by-play in with the ambience of the ballpark.
He allows the sounds of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt,
the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd to provide the illustration to the story he's telling.

This is a talent that I fear will be lost with
the passing of Herb Carneal and the other great
baseball announcers of his generation.

I do not have cable and when I'm at the Dome I listen to Gordo and the Dazzelman, and I have to say I love 'em. LOVE 'EM!!

I feel I'm going to be sent death threats if I say this but here goes:

Back in the day Herb was great, awesome, however now I feel like he's slipping to that point of needing to retire. I KNOW, I KNOW, there's great love for him here, and I do love Herb. It's just I feel like he should go out on top.

I guess that one source of my dissatisfaction with the radio team is something out of their control: the endless promo spots they have to cram into each inning. I understand the need for revenue and all, but does it have to be so shameless and so omnipresent? That truly cuts into what otherwise could be a lovely rhythm to the game.

When his contract was up with the Royals after last season, I thought it would have been so great to have Ryan Lefebrve return to the Twins Cities. Great local connections (U of M baseballer) and a good, clean, professional delivery. It is a professional delivery many of simply would like, no matter how fun the Brainerd uncles may be.

RonDavis, ouch is all I have to say. I keep forgetting, who was the more recent team to make the LCS? Oh yeah, it was the Cubs. Despite the fact we blew it in Games 6 and 7, let's not blindly bash the Cubs due to our history, and try and stick to the facts of the present.

Besides, Blake and DeLaSalle are overrated this year anyway.

To cxpat: Yep, any game I get I listen to on the radio from mlb.com, so I actually have no choice but to get my baseball from the G-force team. But I'm such a sappy sucker about stuff that sounds like home, I'm truly, honestly disappointed that mlb.com silences the commercials WCCO airs, because that means no Menards ads (you know the jingle too, admit it). I find Morris boring and stilted when he fills in. Herb is, of course, the best of both worlds, knowledgeable and personable, but by mid-season sometimes he just sounds worn out. And the three of them just seem to enjoy each other's company!