It's BG's turn to do the Blogger's Minute on the Twins Magazine this week, and she's got some ideas to help the club. Readers, what do you think?
Last week, Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden called Barry Larkin to see if the 41 year old former Reds shortstop might come out of retirement to help the team. This is an ingenious approach to solving a roster's problems, and as the trade deadline approaches, we should ask ourselves, should we be looking, not to other teams, but to the Twins own past?
We've been looking for a good righthanded bat, and the Twins have had one of the best floating around their organization the last few years. Paul Molitor may not have been able to fit into the coaching staff, but why not into the lineup? It's perfect—3rd base has been a huge question mark for us, and Molly's got about two thousand nine hundred more career hits than the rest of our third basemen combined.
And everyone's waiting for Justin Morneau to be the next Kent Hrbek, but I don't see why we need a new Kent Hrbek when we have a perfectly good one already living in Bloomington. He might not have the range at 1B that he used to, but I think it might even out since he takes up so much more space.
Meanwhile, the Twins seem to be lacking a little bit of spark these days, but they've got one of the most fiery players in Twins history up in the radio booth right now. Last year, Torii Hunter bowling over Jamie Burke reinvigorated our whole season—well, let Dan Gladden at a few of these catchers and we'll be reinvigorated right up through 2015.
Or, hey, just imagine what an outfield of Kirby Puckett, Harmon Killebrew, and Tony Oliva could do. And I'm sure Hrbie would be more than happy to platoon at first with Rod Carew, if Rod feels he's too old to play 2nd. I know our pitchers are doing pretty well, but should they falter we've got Viola, Blyleven, Morris, and Kaat all at our disposal, and still the average age of the staff wouldn't be any higher than that of the Yankees.
We’ve got the talent in our organization to save this season. We just have to know where to look.
No need for Herbie to platoon, Carew can play 2nd.
Posted by: Me at July 30, 2005 05:30 PMNever mind, I just re-read that you've got that covered.
Posted by: Me at July 30, 2005 05:32 PMHey BG! We heard you on the radio! Loved the idea and I figure it probably appealed to a wide audience. Esp. liked the idea of Gladden reinvigorating the team - I know he'd enjoy every minute. As a bonus, this got me laughing again, thinking of all 17 verses of "The Highwayman" and dazed sparrows. (Funny, but not very invigorating for the team.)
Posted by: PJStP at July 30, 2005 07:14 PMThat's bloody ingenious, BG. Have you told TR your idea?
Posted by: annun at July 30, 2005 10:21 PMWith Bert in the game, who will circle?
Posted by: Donnalove at July 30, 2005 11:34 PMBG, on a rather amazing note, I was actually wondering this afternoon, before I saw your post, whether Molitor could suit up for us. But you've taken that idea and run much farther.
Posted by: Nick at July 31, 2005 12:59 AMPure genius, BG. This is the answer to our prayers. And if it doesn't work out, so what? I'd still rather see Herbie at first than the dead man, Morneau. Then, let's get back Koskie and A.J. and Dougie. This was our team. These guys could actually field the ball. We continue to sink in fielding percentage. We give away at least one run and often several because this infield cannot catch or throw the ball. Bring Rivas back, Boone has demonstrated that his career is over. Ryan has to learn about team chemistry. We had it and then let it go. Let's get it back with the old Twins, as you propose! It couldn't be worse.
Roy Hobbs
Posted by: Roy Hobbs at July 31, 2005 01:03 AMFirst off, lets go Twins! The enemy of my enemy is my friend. (cuz ya see i'm a cubs fans and I hate the sox and your a twins fan and hate the sox...)
anyways..
Brilliant! perhaps my cubbies should do the same. We have been looking for another big bat in the outfield. First Base Coach Gary Matthews could take over and the bleacher bums in left would be saluting the sarge like back in '84. Bullpen help? Why 1979 Cy Young Winner Bruce Sutter was in the booth for take me out to the ballgame. Sure he looked a little old, but not much older than Remlinger. Of course if we need another starter, Rick Sutcliffe could always quit his comfy job at ESPN and throw for us. He's not that much older than Maddux.
Posted by: Mike at July 31, 2005 10:41 AMThis is great, Batgirl. Very inspired, indeed.
Do you think we could get Ron Davis to help out the bullpen?
k-bro
Posted by: k-bro at July 31, 2005 10:43 AMUmmm, maybe the Twins should spend a little cash and get some impact players instead of playing it cheap with minor leaguers all the time. Then they might have a slim chance of catching the Sox!
Posted by: ChiHitmen at July 31, 2005 04:10 PMCombining this string of ideas with the complaints about the current hitting coach... do you suppose Gary Gaetti could be lured away from his gig in Houston? Just a thought.
-ex
Posted by: expatriate at July 31, 2005 10:06 PM