So game 163 ended a little bit better for the Twins last year, but being bounced in the first round of the playoffs never gives you a warm fuzzy feeling for the coming winter.
Unlike most off-seasons, the Twins were actually active during the winter months. Re-signing Carl Povano, who was a great, veteran addition to the staff last year and seemed to earn the re-sign as he pitched fairly well the 2nd half of 2009.
Orlando Hudson was the first step in eliminating Nick Punto from the lineup, giving us probably the most established 2nd basemen we've had since Chuckie. Also, having an always there number 2 hitter will only benefit the rest of the lineup, most importantly the M&M Boys following him and Span, who finally gets some protection behind him. This could enhance the bunting/stealing/station to station game of the Twins, and essentially gives us two lead off men at the top. Both possess above average contact ability and excellent speed to swipe a couple bases and beat out those infield hits. Which will be interesting to see how that changes on real grass.
Now here come the head scratchers. Jim Thome? Really a 40 year old left handed bat? Really? Why didn't we get Ken Griffey Jr instead? Don't think that Edgar Martinez is busy either. Doesn't Dave Winfield still live in the cities? Ok, that horse is dead.
Speaking of dead horses, they really had to go ahead and sign Jesse Crain again didn't they. He's good for about a 9.33 ERA and a 5+ WHIP. Guy is horrible. Although I generally leave the personal bodily harm jabs to Doc, I hope he slips in the shower and strangles himself on his necklace collection.
Things that make you go, "What the fuck?"
Why is Mauer not signed yet? Why is Danny Valencia still going to start the year at Rochester? Why do they continue to have to order Punto's jerseys from mlb.com in the personalized children's section? (Wonder what they did last year when Majestic went on strike?) I'm sure I could go on and on here...but class period is drawing to an end.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment