That picture is good stuff.

And I think that's an equitable decision regarding the BOD(s).

I wish I had something to say about the game, but for the second day in a row DirecTV decided that they didn't need to broadcast the Twins. If they pull this two days in a row stuff again there's gonna be trouble. Or a strongly worded email. And I mean STRONGLY WORDED. I grew up with Gordo and Herb, and Dazzle & Black Jack are two of my childhood heroes, but it's not quite the same over radio anymore.

Good choices all...
Especially Sooz. ;-)

I hope they all come through for us.

Oh, and for myself, I would like to add co-boyfriend status to Mr. White. I have been hoping he would come around, and it seems that maybe he has.
Since my main boyfriend only gets to play in the 9th (unless Gardy is feeling particularly afraid)I think Rondell would be a good choice.
He needs a little love too.

Today's game was not on TV.

This game definitely should have been televised. While I didn't realize the Devil Rays were MLB until a few weeks ago, we are at a critical point in the season and even the games against teams that have zero fans are crucial. And Gametrax was really sucking tonight, so by the time I raced to the car to listen to AM radio, the next hitter was at the plate. Case in point: Gametrax said bases loaded, Morneau at the plate. AM 570 said Kubel was on first. What? Where's Justin? What happened?

I am curious as to how Silva beat out Santana and Liriano to become Jeb's Temporary Boyfriend. I'm sure he has his reasons of course...

While I appreciate Mr. Morneau's wonderfulness and all, he's just not anywhere near the natural that Mr. Mauer is. I would appreciate it if some one would take to making a similiar poster for Mr. Mauer. That would just be appropriate.

Nutty may be somewhere, but the heart isn't the place.

I missed the game cause of work...but was shocked beyond shocked when I saw a 1 for 3, 3 RBI night for Mr. White.

...

Is the shoulder truly the key?

key party...

*snerk*

Really, Jeb? You're throwing down with SILVA?

When I met Jeb's newest boyfriend, I did one of those double-takes you do when you meet someone's boyfriend, and you're like, WHOA, like, we know so-and-so can do better than THAT, but then I got to thinking, and I remembered how we don't just choose our boyfriends, but they sort of choose us, and I started to understand. I hope he'll be good to you, Jeb. I really do.

What's with all the Silva bashing? Anyone who pulls of the "Charcarron" boondoggle is completely Boyfriend worthy, in my book.

The fact that the game last night wasn't televised is due to the way these things work; that decision was made months ago by Fox Sports North and the Devil Rays broadcast carriers. A game would have to be of supreme importance (say, if we were one game behind the Sox with one game left in the season) for it to be added to the schedule once the season has begun - I'm sure that everyone at the stations looked at this game as one that, in the grand scheme of things, wouldn't matter a whole lot to a large audience.

But we won anyway. And that's what really matters.

I think Jeb did a fine job in picking a boyfriend.

But I think Sooz picked the best of all.

But, yes, the Doctor definitely was BOD.

"Well, actually, nobody on this planet ever really chooses each other. I mean, it's all a question of quantum physics, molecular attraction, and timing. Why, there are laws we don't understand that bring us together and tear us apart. Uh, it's like pheromones. You get three ants together, they can't do dick. You get 300 million of them, they can build a cathedral."

~ Annie Savoy

Silva has actually been my "pitching boyfriend" since even before I heard the story about him staying up half the night before his starts praying.
Boyfriends are the guys who sing to your heart--not the guys you think will win. You have to admit that I have the most loveable boyfriend in Lew "I don't take my desktop gaming machine on the road" Ford.

Hmm. Thanks, Sooz. It's about time my beloved got some Team BG love. HMPH.

And Jeb, bless your little cotton socks. Although I kinda wish you would have joined me in Dennys Reyes BF-hood solidarity.

If the Twins leaving WCCO means that I will not ever have to listen to Gladden and Morris again... can they please leave WCCO today?

Has anyone heard anything more about Nicki?

OMG heraldguy...love...you...

What's wrong with Dazzle? Remember that game when Jon Gordon made Dazzle go yell at the official scorer, since Gordon thought he was wrong? And remember when Dan came back, tail between his legs, saying he couldn't yell at the guy because he looked too much like his dad?!?! Anyone remember that? That was HILARIOUS!!!

"I mean, you can't yell at your old man..."

Nicky left the game with a jammed knee. I have no idea how serious that injury is, but they haven't put him on the DL. That little sugar is quite underappreciated, but it would be tragic for everyone if he had to spend a few games on the bench.

Good choice Jeb. I can understand how Lew got you. He had at that first smile, how about you? And the Jackal, oh my, you have to admire someone who is committed to having as few walks as possible (even if somebody has to eat a little dirt). Makes a person all a flutter.
Whew! Like I said excellent choice.

Since we know from Bert that pitchers are the best athletes on the team, I think we should have Lohse play outfield. He can't do any more damage than he does on the mound!

Jeb, you're absolutely right about it not being about who think will win BOD. I've refrained from choosing a "BF" for the entire 2 years that Ive been coming around this site, but I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

Pat Neshek is the guy who most reminds me of myself at his age... he seems like the kind of guy I think I would have been if I'd had the talent to get to where he has. He's as much a fan as he is a player and he genuinely seems to be about as down to earth as a guy can get.

I don't expect any official BOD awards out of Pat, but as Jeb said, that's not what it's about.

JC

Hate to go off topic, but listening to WFAN in New York drives me insane. Something must be in the water, becasue people are calling for Torre's job, etc. Anyway, one crazy guy proposed an A-Rod for Santana deal. Wait, don't throw things yet. Basically I think the deal was A-Rod plus 6 million annually in cash for Santana. Essentially the Twins would get 4 years of A-Rod for $10M per (a bargain despite what the national media wants people to think), and the Yanks would get Santana for 3 years effectively at 15-17M per (not unreasonable all things considered).

I do not think the Twins would consider such a deal, nor am I proposing it as a reasonable avenue. I just thought it was interesting to hear, and thought I would share.

Beej, rest assured I am keeping my mitts squarely away from Santana.

Thought provokingly yours,
YankeeFan

"Since we know from Bert that pitchers are the best athletes on the team, I think we should have Lohse play outfield." ~soccerfan

Actually, I read that the bench was so depleted that Gardy was looking at Lohse or Crain as emergency position players. Sounded like Crain would have been his first choice, as Gardy was quoted praising Crain's overall athleticism.

Also, when I first saw the Morneau 'Shop-job posted above, the first thing I thought of was the Alien Bounty Hunter from X-Files.

Am I weird?

Geez, Salt-Man, now that you mention it that's EXACTLY who that reminds me of!

Salt-man! You are so right!

Maybe he's got the stilleto? *thwwp*

YankeeFan: At the risk of a slow death from the Tripod, I'm willing to admit that I'd probably make the trade if those really were the numbers. All else constant, everyday player > starting pitcher. Here, MVP-level everyday player (even if he is having an "off" season this year) > Cy Young-level starting pitcher.

Santana is gonna keep getting more and more expensive. He's worth Big Unit money now and will surely get it with his next contract.

I'm not quite clear about the contract numbers, however. Santana has 2 years left on his 4-year, $40 million deal. A-Rod is making roughly $26 million per year through 2010, I think. So wouldn't it take a lot more money than $6 million per to get the numbers to what you mentioned?

YankeeFan, I think that deal sounds just fine. Except it'll be Lohse instead of Johan. A minor detail, but not a deal-breaker. But A-Rod will have to play outfield until Shannon or Torii get back from the DL.

It's amazing to think that one bad game by Mr. Rodriguez leads the NY public to come up with stuff like this - it's no wonder a lot of players don't do well there. In Minnesota, it'd be, "Alex had such a bad game - do you think he's OK? Has something bad happened to his family? Should we take him hot dish? If I take it over there, do you wanna come with?"

*sniff sniff* Jeb that was beautiful.

Did y'all see that Dougie is being grilled once again about the Red Sox World Series ball debacle? (Check out the Fox Sports website for the story.) And that he is, as always, just making matters worse by opening that ever-quotable mouth of his? He's not a bad guy at heart, I don't think, but he sure does need someone next to him to tell him to keep his yap shut when it comes to stuff like this...

eric has mad photoshopping skillz.

Jeb, your treatise was beautiful.

nutty is in my heart... oh how i have missed him and scottie baker

adidasman,
"In Minnesota, it'd be, 'Alex had such a bad game - do you think he's OK? Has something bad happened to his family? Should we take him hot dish? If I take it over there, do you wanna come with?'" - B.E.A.utifal!

That was fun, I have been waiting for them to play Neshek again. Good for cuddy! and silva/Kuble.

I'd been thinking for awhile that it was interesting that Cuddy wasn't the boyfriend of any members of Team Batgirl. He certainly seems to have that magnetism to him.

BrianS: There is no question that Mr. Rodriguez is an excellent baseball player. He is durable, dependable, hits for power and average, can steal a base, is a Gold Glove infielder, an MVP, and, apparently, a model citizen.

The question is, if Seattle or Texas had Mr. Santana, would they make the trade? Would they take him back at all? It seems unlikely. I don’t think they miss him, and I think the Yankees will feel the same way.

By the way, this Temporary Boyfriend thing seems strikingly similar to the 500 mile rule.

I always think great pitching is underrated in baseball, but I'm very very biased. If you could have the 5 best starting pitchers or the 5 best everyday players on your team, which would you choose? The 1 for 1 question is not any different.

Nick: that is the understatement of the century.

YankeeFan: over my dead body.

Adidasman: tell me about it. Ruins a great many of my days.

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with Mall of America, today announced that Thursday, August 10 (Twins versus Blue Jays; 7:10 p.m.) will be "Joe Mauer Sideburn Night" in honor of the Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher.

Click the name for the full press release.

brianS: Texas is paying some $9 million per year as part of the Soriano deal. People often forget that at $16 million, A-Rod is something of a bargain for the Yanks. I guess the caller had thought there were 3 years left on the current Santana contract.

addidasman: It is truly insane how the "average*" New York Yankee fan thinks, speaks, and (as you may already think) generally acts. You would think the sky is falling with everyone writing off the season, even though the Yanks are a half game back of Boston and 3 games out of the Wild Card in a season where the starting pitching is generally laughable, and our position players have missed 2 season's worth of injury time. Personally, as people may remember, I think pennant races are a fun and necessary part of baseball, so win or lose, I'm loving this season.

LaurieNY - surely you understood that I wasn't advocating the deal, just thought it interesting. I can definitely see how both sides get better (a rarity in this day and age of lopsided, dollar driven trades).

Cheers,
YankeeFan

YF: Of course not! You made that clear! I was just weighing in on how I felt about it, and only really put your name as a reference to what post I was whining about.

And between Yankee fans and Met fans, I don't which are more ridiculous with their complaining and booing and abuse of players. They're as bad as each other. It's like nothing makes them happy.

We're so bad... I can't imagine the drubbing we'd be getting from a healthy Twins team. *sigh*

I am having a few thoughts regarding tonight's game against the Devil Rays (currently in the eighth inning).. firstly, I know a boyfriend crisis is bad when all the boyfriends are hurt... but one Miss Batgirl has an even tougher decision tonight. Exhibit A, Mr. Liriano, pitching eight shutout innings (so far) or Exhibit B, one Mr. LNP playing one day after spraining his PCL (OUCH) and deciding that a PCL is no big deal, he'll just go 2-3 with 3 RBI's and a run. Oh, and by the way, a triple in his first at bat. I don't envy the Team Batgirl decision.

OH, and by the way, did everyone hear Dick call Liriano "The Cisco Kid?" You're affecting pop culture, Batgirl!

YankeeFan:

ahh. So the trade would entail El Presidente for A-Rod, $6 million per year from the Yanquis AND $9 million per year from the Rangers by way of the Yanquis.

Just to be clear.

Mr. 3421: Yes, they would, emotions aside. Not to get all statty or anything here in Sassville, but A-Rod in a "bad" year has so far generated 14 Win Shares. Last year he was good for 37 (Poo-holes led the Majors with 38). In 2004, he totaled 30 (Barry Bonds led the known universe with 53). Our President is up to 15 Win Shares in a year of typical hotness and totaled 23 last season and 27 in 2004.

So yea, I think Seattle and Texas would both make that trade, given that they would actually _cut_ payroll to get A-Rod for Santana. And so would I, albeit with a heavy heart and some trepidation.

I am now ready to have my still-beating heart carved out of my chest with a dull spoon.