Twins record: 17-34
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MLB Game Wrap
Not a lot to say. Dan Haren, even when he's not great, is pretty good. The Twins, this year, are not, and their infield defense today especially was not.
I feel kind of bad for Jim Hoey. I can't hate him. It's not his fault someone thought he was a decent trade return for a salary dump of a bona fide major league shortstop. It's not his fault someone thinks he's a major league quality relief pitcher, and it's not his fault that he keeps being asked to perform as one when it seems clear, right now, that he's not. When he came in the game in the top of the 9th today, the score was 5-3, and I figured that after he did his damage, the Twins were about to make it closer in the bottom of the 9th. They did, scoring two runs after Hoey gave up a home run to Mark Trumbo, the first batter he faced. It's been that kind of year.
Hitter of the Week: Denard Span
Pitcher of the Week: I ought to be more selective, but I can't, because suddenly it's the majority of the starting rotation that's keeping the Twins' heads anywhere close to above water. Nick Blackburn pitched a good game that he won, and Scott Baker and Anthony Swarzak pitched possibly even better games that they didn't win, earning them the undying ire of Twins broadcasters, but hopefully some respect from Twins fans.
From LEN3:
Swarzak is smart. No way is anyone going to be allowed to pitch a day after throwing over 100 pitches, especially for a last-place club going nowhere, but I think has seen enough of the Slowey saga to know how to get close to the manager's heart and keep his position in the majors. If he keeps pitching like that, no one will care how "game on" he is, they'll just keep sending him out there.
He said the same thing to Dazzle and Jack in the post-game. I think he'll be allowed onto the lawn for a while.
Come up on the porch here kid and lemme tell you a story about when I was your age. But first, would you like a sip of my beer?