on a semi-related note... why did they send down kubel and not white? Kubel, although not batting over .200 this year, has a batting average much better than whites! how much longer are we going to give white a shot?? please tell me this will turn out much better than the boone episode.

Kubel doesn't seem to be ready to play in the Show, Hannah!. He's coming off a very serious injury - one that would've ended any number of less-resilient players careers - and they need to be careful with him. If he feels he has to prove himself, he might over-do it and re-screw his knee. That'd be bad, cuz the kid's a baller. He just needs to get some more cuts in at the triple-A level... he'll be back.

White? He's a career .290 hitter... he'll come back around. I swear, though, I'm starting to suspect that Selig sent him over here to derail the Twins and get 'em contracted.

Not only is he a 290 hitter, White hit over 300 last year. And this is only after 12 games, whereas Boone sucked for 3 months or so, got traded o the Twins and sucked even harder.

okay... i guess i'll have to be a little more patient. I'm just an impatient person! :)

You know, for some reason I have all the faith in the world in R. White. I am usually an impatient person too, but I believe White will come around and it will be good. (Plus going from every day in the field to just DHing isn't that easy.)

(Plus going from every day in the field to just DHing isn't that easy.)

Why is that?

A little time at the Grand Slam and 'Dell will be just fine.

Not sure if this gives any accordance, but I had to do that about a year and a half ago for school fastpitch softball and as much as it sounds easier to do, it really isn't. I think playing in the field, being out by the action is a part of it, instead of coming from sitting on the bench and expecting to get a hit. You can/do get used to DHing, but it's a bit different at first.

R. White will come around, he's a professional.

Actually I believe Sweetcheeks has decided that Rondell needs some RED meat to get going. See Jim Souhan's article:

http://www.startribune.com/503/story/374485.html

Poor Rondell, having to put up with all those boobirds that call themselves Twins fans....at least I presume they were Twins fans?

All I was able to catch of the game was a replay of the monster shot by Giambi (not to be confused with Jambi of Pee Wee's Playhouse fame; http://sinequanon.spleenville.com/archives/images/Jambi.jpg) and an extra-base hit by Hideka-leka-hi Hideki-hiney-ho... at that point, I was way past my bedtime (I work nights) so I had to turn it off. Glad I did.

Does Bradke always dig in the crack of his ass like that or did I just catch him on a good day? Maybe that's what was wrong- an incurable wedgie... kinda when Nuke LaLoosh couldn't get comfortable in his garter belt ("the rose goes in front").

Incidentally, Koskie looked sharp today vs. the Mets, particularly when his experience as a goalie helped him snare a very sharply-hit ball. It may even have been a Web Gem- certainly deserved some national mention.

Another Twins name-check on this afternoon's Mets broadcast... late in the game, Ron Darling and Gary Cohen started getting all giggly and loopy, which was amusing... and someone (might have been Carlos Lee) hit a really solid line drive off the wall- so hard that it dented the padding... well, they get to wond'ring aloud (any Tull fans in the house?) whether players wind up having to pay for the damage they cause to the wall and they mentioned Torii S. Cheeks and his penchant for climbing OF fences... then went on to mention that it's hard to damage the garbage bag.

Wow,

What a display of baseball this weekend! LaurieNY said something about "playoff baseball in April." While I disagree with that (it didn't feel like the playoffs for me) it was definitely a heightened senses game. I particularly enjoyed seeing two good teams battle it out -- no bad calls -- no phantom tags, and Rivera even let us down, which doesn't happen very often. The way I see it, if this gives the Twins the confidence they need to win the AL Central, then great! I will look forward to seeing you in the playoffs again this year (hopefully).

As for the sweep -- I am grateful the Yankees took at least a game -- as a frequent visitor to this website, it may have been extremely unbearable in here if they had been swept...

All in all, a great weekend for baseball and again I say that it is a shame our teams only play two series a year. I can't wait to host...

Warmest regards and best of luck until September 1...
YankeeFan

Yankee Fan,

As the temporary keeper of this space, I was preparing a special corner for you in the event of a sweep. Happy music, leftover Easter candy and geflite fish, my buddy's collection of Roy White baseball cards. I'll have it ready for the playoffs.

Cheers, RD

p.s. That Jeter, he can play some shortstop.

I was at the game on Saturday with my brother and I told him that I'm mad at Torii (Sour and Cheeky) Hunter. I've been mad ever since I read the piece in the Pioneer Press, "Win or else [he's outta here – to New York, to be specific]." http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/14320712.htm. Torii is fed up with the Twins ownership not overpaying players, is what I got from the article.

But the part that got me angriest was this sentence: "With all the young players surrounding him, Hunter said he doesn't even feel like the face of the franchise anymore." He thinks the young players, Morneau and Mauer are the face of the '06 Twins! What the heck? If Torii isn't the face of the franchise now, was he ever? Does this sound like a $12 million star to you? Sounds like a chicken to me.

The other thing that ticked me off was Hunter comparing himself favorably with the greatest Twin ever, Kirby Puckett. Sorry, Torii, I don't remember Kirby Puckett breaking his ankle making some fool play in Fenway Park outfield and then coming back from a couple of months sitting in front of his big screen t.v. to fight Chuck Knoblauch in the dugout. I don't remember Kirby Puckett being lucky to hit .250 and flailing away at every first pitch.

It didn't help my mood that Hunter's "next team" battled back against TPOBG (The President of Batgirl), or that GD Derrick "Pretty Boy" Jeter went 3-for-3 with a walk and 3 RBI, or that Hunter (Still a Twin) hit 1-for-5 with two strike outs and left 3 men left on base. Sure enough, in the ninth, Rivera caught the Face of the Yankees looking at strike three when all he had to do to tie the game was hit a fly ball to the outfield.

I was still a little miffed at Hunter, even after cheering Justin Morneau's hit and Joe Mauer's baserunning that saved the victory until I had screamed myself hoarse. Then with one sentence my brother cheered me up. "Maybe Hunter's right," he said. "Maybe Mauer and Morneau are the new faces of the Twins."

I don't think Hunter was trying to say that at all. I think maybe, after being part of The-Little-Team-That-Could, he feels a little out of place with all these younger guys. All of his old friends have left, leaving him with a bunch of guys that went through the minor leagues together and already friends. Everybody knows Torii, but he's in his prime right now. He's good, but he's probably not going to get a whole lot better. Meanwhile, Morneau and Mauer are looking great and can only get better. For them, there's no place to go but up. Like Torii said, they're young and they've got time. He doesn't.

I'm not saying that Torii should be traded, (because God knows I'll cry my heart out if that day comes), I'm just saying I can understand where he's coming from.

Perhaps Hunter is trying to gently push some of the younger players into the "Face of the Twins" role. The day will come when Hunter will be leaving. Maybe he's ready to help lead a younger player or two into the franchise face role.

Maybe part of the statement is for the fans, also. Fans have seen Hunter as the "Face of the Twins" for quite a few years. We will all have to (someday) get used to not seeing Hunter.

Why can't you bring in laser pointers? I could understand any other ball park making that rule...because you don't want to blind the players eyes...but I mean at the Metrodome, isn't that already done with the roof lighting?

Take care,
Mark

www.americanlegends.blogspot.com

I remember getting kicked out of a game in '03 against the white sox for bringing a hand broom into the house of sitting on hands, or HOSOH.
It was the game where Jacque hit two homers off Colon and even though we politely handed in our brooms to security when (cattle) prodded gently to do so. It was to no avail as we were quickly ushered out of the stadium.
The origin of the complaint was a woman a few rows behind us in a Twins jersey who said they were distracting....
Ah, the fans who decide to show up during a pennant race, making it impossible for us to get decent seats.

RD,

Thanks for your preparation, though I am glad it wasn't necessary. I forgot to mention earlier a couple of things that occurred to me while listening to the games on the radio this weekend (Mrs. YF doesn't like Junior to watch TV yet):

1) My comments on Suzyn Waldman still apply, however, she has decided to take a more active role this year when calling games. She is apparently no longer a sidekick for merely keeping Sterling on track and reading the out-of-town scoreboard. Over the weekend, she regaled listeners with sound analysis and excellent stories, including a few about Kirby Puckett. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to her (including when she busted Sterling's chops for singing in the 30 minutes between each Radke pitch). So I don't take any of what I said back -- if she regresses to what she provided last year, she will remain a horrid baseball announcer; however, if she continues to bring her A game like she did this past weekend, she deserves to broadcast the games. Period.

2) Both Sterling and Waldman had much to say about the Twins. Interestingly, Sterling praised the new additions and said that they would turn the team around. Waldman jumped in and pointed out that while the Twins' run scoring was the lowest in the AL last year, hitting wasn't their problem last year -- defense was. She said that with their pitching, all they needed was better defense, and with the additions of Castro at SS and Castillo at 2B, the defense will be there, and the Twins should return to the top of the division. Thought y'all would like to know that there is deep respect from the Yankee radio team for the '06 Twins (and of course, from the YankeeFan family).

Best,
YankeeFan

"30 minutes between each Radke pitch"? What game were you and John Sterling watching, YankeeFan? Reading your comment, I went back to the tape of the game; looks like Radke was throwing a pitch every 20-25 seconds (between the ball getting to the catcher, the catcher throwing it back to Radke, and then him throwing the next pitch), at least at the start of the game. Radke has never seemed to be an overly deliberate pitcher, and I've seen him pitch a lot; am I missing something here? Did he suddenly start dozing off between pitches later in the game, and I was so bleary-eyed from crying after every Giambi homer that I missed it?

Oh, and I think that, in honor of your gal Suzyn, our guys should now call themselves Dyck Bremyr and Byrt Blyleven. (Oh, wait - that is how he spells it. Never mind.)

A-man,

In all fairness, I wasn't watching the game. If I recall correctly (and I haven't slept a full night in 5 weeks) it was around 5PM EST which would make it the 3rd or 4th inning...there was a runner on (Cano?)...

In any event, it was not my intention to insult Radke, as I have incredible respect for his stuff. It was intended to show Waldman's additional contribution to the entertainment of the baseball game.

Of course, as I praise the team, Mike and the Mad Dog are killing Sterling on the radio.

Diff'rent Strokes I guess.

YF

P.S. Speaking of Diff'rent Strokes, does anyone laugh at the Bitch Sox's second baseman and refer to him as "The Gooch?"

Hey, you took 2 out of 3 from Jeter's team, did you really expect to sweep? I know it's disappointing, but remember, win 2 out of 3 every series and you'll tie the major league record for wins in the regular season (108).

Also, it might cheer you guys up to see ESPN's poll about the worst teams in sports: http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/listranker?id=484
So far, the Kansas City Royals are the fan's vote for the absolute worst of the worst, worse even than the Devil Rays!

(Personally, I'm insulted that the Cubs were even put on the list considering how they've done lately, but the fans have been voting them as pretty good it seems so I won't complain too much. 3 years ago I'd have put them on the list too, and probably a lot higher.)

Also, Bonds is still homerless and he got hit by a pitch yesterday. Gotta keep the big picture in perspective. Even if he does homer, then people will just start intentionally walking him -- I'd be willing to bet, possibly at even odds, that he doesn't hit 7 home runs to pass Babe this season.

Yankee Fan, I've been meaning to ask---did I miss the birth announcement of Junior? I avidly followed the "name suggestions" thread and wished for you and the Mrs. all the best. Since it's been five weeks without sleep, does that mean Little YF came in around the Ides of March? Congratulations!

Further, did the announcers say that Robinson Cano is named after Jackie Robinson? I have also been wondering that---and heard them chattering but actually paid attention too late to hear the gist of the story. Thanks in advance to anyone who knows and fills me in!

RallyMonkey

YankeeFan, I meant the excitement of a close game and the suspense of that 9th inning. And guys leaping all over each other after pulling off a win in that fashion. It was very October-ish for April. Also, I didn't know you had a new little tyke. Congratulations!!

And I'd also like to put in another vote of support for Rondell, who is a great hitter. I think he'll warm up and be just fine, just like Torii last year.

Rally,

Yes, Junior arrived in the wee hours of March 2, almost March 3, which makes it a little over 6 weeks without sleep (see, it even affects my counting skills!)

Haven't heard anything about Cano being named after Jackie, but according to the following website (I can't tell whether or not it is real), he was:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=63258508

YF

Click on my name for a Boston Globe article from last season in which Robinson (Robbie) Cano acknowledges that he was named for Jackie Robinson.

Thanks Guys! I appreciate the links and info, and Mr. YankeeFan, your little one is born on an auspicious day indeed. For one thing, it's the day AFTER my birthday and it *is* my brother's birthday---but it's also Texas Independence Day and I hope your little YF has all that spitfire and courage too. (Everytime I think of little YF, I see a tiny babe in a chef hat the size of those decorative turkey leg gizmos.) S-weet!

RallyMonkey

Congratulations, YankeeFan!

Is Junior a HE or a SHE?

Yes, YF - and what have you named him/her? Something with a "y" in it, I hope - you know, like Mychael or Chrystopher or Mychelle or Hazyl. (My son, Cameron, was born March 1 last year - I can relate to your stupor. They're worth every sleepless night, I can assure you.)

Thanks for the clarification about Radke, too - he's my boy, so I'm quite protective.

Junior is a he, his name is Adam and he is the most wonderful thing to happen in the history of the earth...

YF

To any Yankee fan, when the Yankees are playing away games, I'd like to know if other fans treat them like MN fans did? I'm not a NY fan, but I didn't like the chants at the Dome this weekend.

Lisa

I'm wondering that too. I did not participate in the "Jeter/Yankees suck" chants during the game on Saturday. Mostly because I have respect for the Yanks and since my dad is a Yankee fan I do tend to root for them once the Twins are out of the running. I thought it was a little Minnesota-not-so-nice to be chanting those things. I expect more out of my home state.

Plus after one of the Jeter chants he managed to hit a double. That'll show 'em I guess!

Adam is a lovely name, and I have no doubt that he is a delightful child.

Wouldn't it be cool if, 18 years from now, he and the Batbaby went to prom together?

maybe if we take up a collection we can buy Rondell a hit?

Shelley and Lisa, you need to go to another ballpark when the Yankees are the visiting team. The Yankees are hated everywhere they go; I guarantee you, whatever they heard in the Dome over the weekend, they hear it 173 times worse everywhere else. (Except maybe in Tampa, which is almost a home game for them.) You may be sad that the Minnesota-nice crowd didn't treat the Bombers with love and admiration, but I assure you the Yankees are more than used to it. (Gads, remember when Knobby was pelted with coins and TK had to go out to left field and calm the crowd down? Now THAT was embarrassing.)