2021 Game Log 157 – Tigers at Twins

Last game log of the 2021 season and looking back at my logs, I've been pretty grumpy. In my defense this team has been a huge disappointment and very frustrating to follow. A team that everyone thought had World Series aspirations that ends up losing around 90 games will do that to a guy. Also, they just weren't a fun team to follow. Blowout losses, late inning blow ups, injuries to key players, bad strategy, team faves being traded, newcomers who not only didn't perform well, but were lousy and not fun. The fact that I couldn't even have them on as background due to Bally Sports North shenanigans just rubbed salt in the wound. Also, I never bought into the the "since their horrible April and May, the Twins have done ok." No they haven't. They were supposed to win over 90 games not hover around .500. Last place in the Central 20 games under .500 cannot be seen in any positive light.

Ugh, I got that off my chest. Tigers come into town and they've been a little better than predicted and could be building something in Detroit. Twins haven't announced a pitcher as of 5:00p. It should be a glorious night for baseball so the ballpark is still cool. Byron Buxton is a blast to watch. You might get to see Miggy one last time. There are good reasons to head to the ballpark if you'd like.

First pitch 6:40p

Happy Birthday–September 28

Lou Bierbauer (1865)
Wilbur Good (1885)
Jack Fournier (1889)
Whitey Witt (1895)
Al Evans (1916)
Dick Gernert (1928)
Grant Jackson (1942)
Pete Filson (1958)
Jerry Layne (1958)
Todd Worrell (1959)
Ed Vosberg (1961)
Charlie Kerfeld (1963)
Matt Vasgersian (1967)
Mike DeJean (1970)
Ryan Zimmerman (1984)
Nick Greenwood (1987)
Eddie Rosario (1991)

Jerry Layne has been a major league umpire since 1989.

Matt Vasgersian has been a major league baseball broadcaster since 1997.

Continue reading Happy Birthday–September 28

Happy Birthday–September 27

Whit Wyatt (1907)
Dick Hall (1930)
Dave Wickersham (1935)
Gary Sutherland (1944)
Mike Schmidt (1949)
Bob Veselic (1955)
Don Schulze (1962)
Todd Blyleven (1972)
Vicente Padilla (1977)
Jon Rauch (1978)
Jon Garland (1979)
Matt Shoemaker (1986)

Todd Blyleven is, as you probably know, the son of Bert Blyleven. He pitched in the minor leagues for seven years, getting as high as AA, then was a scout for eight years.

Continue reading Happy Birthday–September 27

Game 156 – Blue Jays in Minnesota

List of statistical facts?

List of statistical facts.

  • The Twins have 7 games left, and need to go 4-3 to avoid 90 losses.
  • Miguel Sano needs one more HR to get to 30.
  • Max Kepler needs one more HR to get to 20.
  • Luis Arraez and Josh Donaldson are currently tied for highest OBP (.351) among 2021 Twins Not Named Nelson Cruz That Have At Least 250 PA. Others that are contending for this crown...
      • Bailey Ober - .500 OBP (not enough PA)
      • Nelson Cruz - .370 OBP (named Nelson Cruz)
      • Mitch Garver - .358 OBP (not enough PA)
      • Byron Buxton - .341 OBP (not enough PA)
      • Jorge Polanco - .325 OBP (too many April PA)
  • If Griffin Jax allows a HR today, he will pass J.A. Happ for most allowed by a Twins pitcher this year.
  • If Griffin Jax allows 19 runs today, he will pass J.A. Happ for most allowed by a Twins pitcher this year.
  • If Griffin Jax throws a complete game shutout today, he would tie for the team lead in complete games (1 - Jose Berrios) and take the team lead in shutouts.
  • If Alex Colomé throws 3.1 IP with no earned runs, he will have a lower ERA than Pineda.  If that happens, only José Berríos will have thrown more innings for the Twins this year with a lower ERA than Colomé.
  • Somebody here mentioned Jorge Alcalá's last month has been really good.  In the last 30 days, opponents are hitting .190/.227/.238 off him and he's allowed one run in 11 appearances (ERA of 0.73 and FIP of 1.54).  He can get his season WHIP under 1.00 with 1.2 innings with no baserunners. The Twins have four pitchers currently under 1.00 WHIP this season.
      • Devin Smeltzer - 0.43 WHIP (4.2 IP)
      • Joe Ryan - 0.59 WHIP (22 IP)
      • Willians Astudillo - 0.75 WHIP (4 IP)
      • Ralph Garza - 0.81 WHIP (17.1 IP)

Remodeled basement. Same half-baked taste.