Game 23: A Pelfrey-less Tuesday

This is my first ever game log without the starting pitcher being Mike Pelfrey who single handedly made the Marlins look like a competent offense last week.

Of course, my first Pelf-less night comes with a Verlander start.

Game 23:
Vance Worley (0-3, 6.38 ERA) vs. Justin Verlander (2-2, 1.95 ERA)

I was able to watch Worley's last start thanks to the magic of a national broadcast, and I feel less concerned about his early struggles compared to Pelfrey's. That said, I'm still not expecting much overall from this game. A good Worley start will probably go un-rewarded unless the Twins can be patient tonight and drive Verlander's pitch count up to get to the soft underbelly of the Tigers bullpen. Fortunately, the Twins have recent history on their side as they've already lost the first game of a Tigers series, just like last time!

Prediction: Hicks hits his frist home run off of Verlander as revenge for making him look terrible in the first game of the season.

Happy Birthday–April 30

Dave Eggler (1849)
Charley Jones (1850)
Jack Sheridan (1862)
Jumbo Brown (1907)
Chet Laabs (1912)
Ernie Tyler (1924)
Ken Retzer (1934)
Ray Miller (1945)
Phil Garner (1949)
Tracy Ringolsby (1951)
Jeff Reboulet (1964)

Jack Sheridan was the first home plate umpire to crouch behind the catcher in the style that umpires do today.

Ernie Tyler was the umpires’ assistant for Baltimore Orioles home games from 1960 through 2010.  He went from opening day of 1960 through July 27, 2007 without missing a game, a streak of 3,769 games.  He missed two games that weekend to go to Cooperstown for the induction of Cal Ripken, Jr. into the Hall of Fame.

Ray Miller was the manager of the Twins in 1985 and 1986, replacing Billy Gardner and being replaced by Tom Kelly.

Tracy Ringolsby has been a baseball writer since 1976 and was given the Spink Award in 2005.

We would also like to wish a happy birthday to Rhubarb_Runner's brother.

Continue reading Happy Birthday–April 30

Game 22 Recap: Prince Fielder 3, Twins 3, Pelfrey -1

Winning Streak: -1
Number of Days since Joe Mauer's 30th Birthday: 11
Number of times a Prince Fielder Home Run has ruined the day: significant, but unknown

After this game I couldn't shake the feeling that I've seen this before. Oh yeah, I have seen this before. His very first major league home run. I was there. That night I learned there is nothing worse than a cocky, drunk Milwaukee Brewers' fan.

At least that homer wasn't this.

R.L. Burnside – See My Jumper Hangin’ On The Line

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_DOnKJ232M
This is the real deal, fellas (and ladies). I just picked up a copy of A A$$ Pocket of Whiskey at the used record store. As your attorney I strongly recommend you go out and buy that, or any other, R.L. Burnside album. 1978.

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Game 21: Twins 5, Rangers 0

Twins earn a split of the series with Texas and are now 11-10 on the year. Kevin Correia pitched 8 scoreless innings, scattering 6 hits and picking up 2 strikeouts. He leads all Twins pitchers in Wins (3) and starters in ERA (2.23)  and WHIP (1.07). Morneau hit his 2nd HR of the year, a 2-run shot, and is just behind Willingham in RBI at 11.

The Twins head to Detroit where I assume they'd be happy to replicate the success of their previous trip to Motown.

In other news, the Wild slid bass-ackwards into the playoffs for the first time in 5 years by way of a tiebreaker with Columbus. After an ugly game against Edmonton on Friday night, they beat the Avs in requlation on Saturday to secure the 8th (and final) spot in the Western Conference, finishing the regular season with 55 points at 26-19-3. They now head to Chicago for a best of 5 series. Game 1 is tomorrow (Tues, Apr 30) - puck drops at 7pm.

Players of the Week

Rochester:  Evan Bigley was 11-for-26 with two doubles, a home run, and four walks.  For the season, he is hitting .394/.512/.545 in 33 at-bats.

New Britain:  Jonathan Goncalves was 6-for-19 with a double, a triple, and two home runs.  For the season, he is hitting .265/.316/559 in 34 at-bats.

Fort Myers:  Miguel Sano was 8-for-25 with a triple, three homers, and two walks.  For the season, he is hitting .360/.420/742 in 89 at-bats.  Eddie Rosario was 9-for-26 with a double, two triples, a home run, and a walk.  For the season, he is hitting .351./381/.546 in 97 at-bats.  Taylor Rogers made two starts and went 2-0, 1.80, 0.87 WHIP, giving up eleven hits and two walks in fifteen innings.

Cedar Rapids:  Adam Walker was 8-for-21 with a double, a triple, and five home runs.  For the season, he is hitting .297/.373/.608 in 74 at-bats.