The draft process: good or bad for baseball

There has been sometihng I have wanted to get off my chest for awhile and that is the draft process. I wanted to wait until after the deadline to sign draft picks to see how it would all turn out. Things happened pretty much just how I expected them to happen and I really don't like it. Honestly, it makes me sick to my stomach that the draft has turned into what it has and I know I am talking to a majority of people that feel the draft is fine, but I had to get this off my chest.

With the 22nd pick in the first round the Twins selected Rhp Kyle Gibson out of the University of Missouri. Going into the season he was projected as a top 5 prospect, but during the year he suffered a stress fracture in his pitching forearm which led to him dropping to number 22. There was a big disagreement between the Twins and Gibson's agent because Gibson's agent felt that Kyle should be paid like the 5th overall pick and the Twins viewed it as he was picked 22nd not 5th and should be paid accordingly. The Commissioner's office instituted a slot system a few years ago where they suggest how much of a signing bonus ever pick should get. With Gibson and the 22nd selection the commisioners office suggested 1.3 million dollars just to sign. While Gibson and his agent were thinking more on the lines of 2.5 million which is 1.2 over slot. Gibson is not the only one who wanted over slot as Stephen Strasburg the 1st overall pick by the Washington Nationals reportedly wanted a major league contract in upwards of 40 million dollars for a guy that has never thrown a professional pitch. Strasburg "settled" for 15.4 million dollars. Number 2 pick Dustin Akely signed for a major league contract worth 7.1 million dollars. There a few more contracts way over slot like Chris Dwyer a forth round pick by Kansas City getting 1.5 million, Michael Ohlman a 11th rounder by Baltimore got 995,000, Max Stassi also got 1.5 million for a 4th rounder. All those deals are way over slot and just gave Gibson's agent amunition to ask over slot from the Twins. My belief the whole time was the Twins should not have to come up from 1.3 as that is fair for the 22nd pick. But with everyteam going way over slot it wouldn't of made sense for Gibson to take 1.3. Don't get me wrong I am glad that the Twins signed Gibson as I think he is going to be a special pitcher, but the system is broken and needs to be fixed. There is no reason for players that haven't played a professional inning to get bonuses like that. I have a few suggestions that I think make sense going forward for the draft.

To start out with players have teams cornered because they have the option of going back to school and basically blackmailing the teams into giving them what they want and I don't believe it is right. If I am commisioner and can institute the new rules I would have an NBA like process where players put there name in the draft, but can't sign an agent to see where they are going to be drafted and if they don't like the spot go back to school. However, there should be a cutoff date where your in your in so the players can't blackmail the teams. I am taking another idea from the NBA and putting a hard cap on bonuses where the amount of money is predetermined by your draft spot where if you go 15th overall you get so much money and if your 345 overall you get so much money. Take the negotiation out of it and get the players playing early so they can get to the majors earlier. The draft is turning into the new free agency as teams are overpaying on young players instead of free agency and that makes the smaller market teams have to pass on the good players because you know you can't sign him. The Twins have selected guys like Ben Revere, Aaron Hicks and others because they knew they could sign them. That is not the way it should be it should be on talent alone so everyone has an equal shot every year. What does everyone else think of these ideas and the whole process in general let me know.

do you believe in miracles

Maybe I am being a little overdramtic about this, but the Twins need to flip the switch if they are going to get into the playoffs. Right now they sit 62-63 4.5 games behind first place Detroit and a game behind second place Chicago with 38 games to play. The easy answer is they are done especially the way the Twins have played, but if you dig deeper this race is not over not by a long shot. The next 2 weeks are going to be key for the Twins because if they haven't made their move in the next 2 weeks it really is probably not going to happen this year for the Twins. Look at these schedules the next 2 weeks and tell me who has the advantage.

Detroit

2 at Anaheim

4 vs Tampa Bay

3 vs Cleveland

3 at Tampa Bay

Chicago

3 at Boston

3 at New York

3 at Minnesota

1 at Cubs

4 vs Boston

Minnesota

2 vs Baltimore

3 vs Texas

3 vs Chicago

3 at Cleveland

There is really no doubt that the Twins have the advantage schedule wise as the Twins only play 6 games against a team with a winning record in this streak. Detroit on the other hand plays 9 games and Chicago has a death march as they play 11 of their next 14 against teams with winning records and the only team that doesn't is the Twins who are only 1 game under. Like I said if they don't make a run now it probably won't happen because both schedules ease up before Minnesota, Detroit, and Chicago play each other the last 10 games. More than likely what is going to determine the Central champion is head to head.

Detroit

6 vs Chicago

7 vs Minnesota

Chicago

6 vs Minnesota

6 vs Detroit

Minnesota

7 vs Detroit

6 vs Chicago

So basically what I am saying whoever does the best versus the other teams in the race is going to claim the American League Central division title for 2009.

Updated Top 50

Since the draft signing period is over now I thought it was time to update my top 50 prospects. I will not be writing anything about them I am waiting until after the minor league season is over to do a much more in depth look at the top 50 prospects.(Anthony Swarzak spent a good portion of season with Twins so no longer a prospect.)

1. Aaron Hicks: CF Beloit
2. Kyle Gibson: SP ? 2009 first round pick just signed will probably go to Fort Myers next year
3. Ben Revere CF Fort Myers
4. Danny Valencia 3b Rochester
5. Angel Morales OF Beloit
6. Wilson Ramos C New Britain
7. David Bromberg SP Fort Myers
8. Deolis Guerra SP New Britain
9. Rene Tosoni OF New Britain
10. Matt Bashore SP E-Town
11. Chris Parmalee 1b/RF Fort Myers
12. Tyler Robertson SP Fort Myers
13. Carlos Gutierrez SP New Britain
14. Jeff Manship SP Twins
15. Kevin Mulvey SP Rochester
16. BJ Hermson P GCL
17. Mike Mccardell SP New Britain
18. Brian Dozier SS E-Town
19. Trevor Plouffe SS Rochester
20. Steve Tolleson 2b Rochester
21. Blayne Weller P GCL
22. Billy Bulluck RP Beloit
23. Luke Hughes 3b New Britain
24. Anthony Slama RP Rochester
25. Joe Benson OF Fort Myers
26. Brian Dinkelman 2b New Britain
27. Danny Rams C Beloit
28. David Winfree RF Rochester
29. Josmil Pinto C E-Town
30. Deibinson Romero 3b Fort Myers
31. Rob Delaney RP Rochester
32. Dustin Martin OF Rochester
33. Tom Stuifbergen P E-Town
34. Michael Gonzalez 1b E-Town
35. Ben Tootle P E-town
36. Liam Hendricks P Beloit
37. Evan Bigley OF Fort Myers
38. Steve Hirschfeld P Fort Myers
39. Jose Morales C Rochester
40. Juan Morillo RP Rochester
41. Whit Robbins 1b New Britain
42. Cole Devries P New Britain
43. Alex Burnett RP New Britain
44. Esterlin De Los Santos SS Fort Myers
45. Michael Tonkin P GCL
46. Erik Lis DH New Britain
47. Rene Leveret 1b Fort Myers
48. Loek Van Mil RP New Britain
49. Steve Blevins RP Beloit
50. Kyle Waldrop RP New Britain

July Awards: Fort Myers Miracle

Today I will be continuing my July Awards as I move on to the Fort Myers Miracle. The Miracle had a decent month as they moved into first place in the FSL South division with a 14-16 record in July. Keep in mind the Miracle already won the first half title so winning the second half title is just a bonus since they are already in the playoffs. There were some very good performances in July thought that I feel deserve to be recognized. The Miracle are probably having the best year out of any team in the organization this year. Like usual I will be naming a pitcher of the month and a hitter of the month. If anyone disagrees with me I welcome comments in the comment box or an email at travis_aune@yahoo.com.

• Pitcher of the Month: Santos Arias- Santos Arias has come from obscurity to become probably the most consistant starter for the Miracle after Mike Mccardell and Deolis Guerra got their promotions to AA. Arias started the season in the bullpen and did a great job out of there, but with those promotions he got his chance to shine and he hasn't disappointed. In July Santos Arias appeared in 9 games including 3 starts for the Miracle. Arias went 1-1 with a miniscule 1.13 era along with a save. Santos worked 24 innings and only gave up 3 earned runs. He walked only 6 batters while striking out an impressive 20 batters in 24 innings which is about 8 strikeouts per 9 innings. Most impressive though is he held opponents to a .218 opponents batting average. Arias has kept it up in July and is probably the favorite right now to win the it again in August as he is 1-0 with a 2.29 era in 3 August starts. Overall, Arias is 6-1 with a 2.02 era for the Miracle. Arias future is probably in the bullpen because of his razor thin body as he only weighs 162 lbs on his 5'11 body so he would more than likely break down if he pitched 200 innings. However, for right now he is doing awesome and you can't take him out of that starting rotation as he is trying to help the Miracle to a Florida State League title.
• Others considered: David Bromberg, Steve Hirschfeld, Michael Tarsi

• Hitter of the Month: Chris Parmalee- On the outside looking in it doesn't look like Chris Parmalee had a very good July as he only hit .235 at the plate, but if you did deeper you see he did exactly what the Miracle and really the Twins want him to do and thats hit for some power and get on base. In July Parmalee hit only .235, but he hit 5 homeruns with 16 rbi's along with 6 doubles. Those 11 extra base hits in the month is exactly what the Twins want to see out of Parmalee as he will never be a high average hitter, but if can continue to get lots of extra base hits and be able to hit .260-.270 the Twins would be estatic. In addition to his power numbers what the Twins are probably happiest about in July was that he drew 15 walks. He struck out a little too much as he struck out 26 times in 98 at bats in July. They would like to cut those strikeouts in half, but power guys like him are going to get their share of strikeouts and you need to just deal with it. The amazing thing was even though he hit only .235 he still had a .333 on base percentage which is ideal for a power hitter. He slugged .449 which is very impressive for an OPS of .782. That is pretty good for a down month out of him as on the season he has an OPS Of .826 which is very good. If Chris Parmalee can cut down on the strikeouts and keep the walk total up while getting a few more doubles he will be up with the Twins in a couple years and be the future at 1st base. Justin Morneau is awesome and still young enough, but I can't see when his contract is up the Twins being able to pay 2 max contracts with him and Mauer so in 4 years I look for Parmalee to take over taht first base job and run with it and put up Adam Dunn esque numbers for the Twins. Chris Parmalee is definately someone to keep your eye on for the future.
• Others Considered: Rene Leveret, Joe Benson, Ben Revere

July Awards: New Britain Rockcats

I will continuing my July awards with the New Britain Rockcats. The Rockcats really struggled with any consistancy in July as they fell out of the division title race, however they are hanging in there in the wild card race. In July the Rockcats went a very bad 12-18 to drop to 9 games out of first place, but are tied for the wild card league with Trenton a Yankees affiliate. Even though the Rockcats did not win alot of games in July they had some good individual performances and I want to recognize them because they are not that widely known. If you disagree you can either leave a comment in the comment box or send me an email at travis_aune@yahoo.com. Thanks and Enjoy

• Pitcher of the Month: Kyle Waldrop- I am very glad to see the month Kyle put up at New Britain in July. As most know Waldrop missed all of last year due to arm surgery so this year was about staying healthy and getting better as the year went along. Kyle has done a terrific job at Fort Myers before moving up to New Britain. In July Kyle went 1-2 with a very good 1.69 era in 11 games. He worked 21.1 innings and only gave up 4 earned runs. He also only walked 4 batters and struck out 11. Waldrop held opponents to a very impressive .289 opponents batting average. Kyle Waldrop has improved immensely as the season has gone on and probably has found a niche working out of the bullpen for the Rockcats and I look for him to get better and better as he keeps knocking the rust off his arm and hopefully he can continue to stay healthy and pitch good innings out of the pen because as everyone has seen there is a need for relief pitching in the Twins organization.
• Others Considered: Anthony Slama, Rob Burnett

• Hitter of the Month: Erik Lis- After getting off to a slow start for the Rockcats this year Lis really stepped it up in July to put his numbers back to where we are used to seeing them. In July Lis hit .305 with an impressive 7 homeruns and 16 rbi's along with 5 doubles. He also had 12 walks along with 20 strikeouts. Lis had a very impressive .377 on base percentage. That high of a on base percentage is usually reserved for leadoff hitters not middle of the order boppers. He also had a very impressive .552 slugging percentage thanks to his 12 extra base hits. Because of that he had a very impressive .932 ops which is very good. Erik Lis has turned himself from a guy that was on the border of being released after the year to back on the prospect lists with this month. He now is hitting .292 with 15 homeruns and more importantly 20 doubles. I look for him to be promoted to AAA next year and when you get to AAA you are one phone call away from being with the Twins. Erik Lis is a natural great hitter who I think could roll out of bed and hit .300 he is that good of a hitter.
• Others considered: Rene Tosoni, Juan Portes

July Awards: Rochester Red Wings

I will be continuing my July awards with the Rochester Red Wings. The Red Wings really struggled in July going 14-15 to drop 10 games out of first place. However, there also were some good individual performances by the Red Wing players. I want to recognize some of these players because alot is not known about these guys. I again will have a pitcher of the month and a hitter of the month. Let me know if you disagree with any of my picks by leaving a comment in the comment box or emailing me at travis_aune@yahoo.com.

• Pitcher of the Month: Reid Santos- This may surprise many because he has been pretty anonymous for the Red Wings, but after getting off to a rough start he has gotten better every month and put his best month of the year. Santos appeared in 6 games and made 5 starts. Santos went 1-1 with a great 1.74era in 31 innings. In those 31 innings Santos only gave up 6 earned runs. He also walked only 8 batters while striking out an impressive 18 batters. The most impressive stat though was holding batters to a .265 average. Reid Santos has been a very solid pitcher for the Red Wings and in July he really turned it on to earn a starting spot in the rotation for the Red Wings. I really look for him to continue to be a solid AAA pitcher and a guy the Red Wings should really look into signing for next year, because he doesn't do anything really well but does alot of things pretty good. Should be interesting to see if Santos can build on his good July with a good August.
• Others Considered: Jeff Manship, Armando Gabino, Rob Delaney

• Hitter of the Month: Danny Valencia: Valencia joined Rochester at the end of June and got off to a good start and continued it in July. In July Valencia hit .287 with 3 homeruns and an impressive 20 rbi's along with 9 doubles and also scored 11 runs in July. He also walked 3 times and struck out 19 times in 101 at bats in July. He had a .305 on base percentage. He also had a .465 slugging percentage for a very good .770 ops. Danny Valencia came on the scene in June and has really taken the International League by storm. He has cooled off considerably this month, but he has shown he is a future Twin. He puts up good at bats and plays solid defense at 3rd base. There are some that would bring him up right now. However, I want him to finish out the year in Rochester and start next season with the Twins. I want him to go through the up and downs at AAA and come out of this slump he is in right now because he is going to go through slumps like this in the bigs. Overall, though what is there not to like about Danny Valencia he does so many things well and will be a fixture in the lineup for the Twins for years to come.
• Others Considered: Justin Huber, Brock Peterson, Jose Morales

Thursday, August, 6th

Twins Talk

Indians 8 Twins 1(53-54 3.5gb) WP: Laffey LP: Liriano(4-11)

Cabrera: 3-4 .288 avg double(27) Liriano: 5 inn 4 runs 8 hits 4bb 4k 5.63 era

Morneaus: 0-4 rbi(89)

• Today, the Twins finish off their series in Cleveland as Nick Blackburn gets the start for the Twins and will face Fausto Carmona of the Indians.

Rochester Wrap

• The Red Wings had yesterday off and will come home to start a series with Louisville tonight with Kevin Mulvey getting the start for Rochester.

New Britain Business

Erie 6 New Britain 4(53-57 11gb) WP: Weber LP: Waldrop(1-3) Save: Regas

Grudzielanek: 2-4 .333 avg Mata: 5 inn 3 runs 2 hits 1bb 5k 3.80 era

Hughes: 1-3 HR(3) 4rbi(18)

• Tonight, the Rockcats continue their series with Erie as Cole Devries gets the start for New Britain.

Fort Myers Minutes

Charlotte 7 Fort Myers 6(20-19 1gb) 12 innings WP: De Los Santos LP: H. Arias(3-4)

Revere: 3-6 .308 avg 1 run 1sb(34) Hirschfeld: 6 inn 2 runs 5 hits 1bb 7k 2.14 era

Dolenc: 3-5 .282 avg HR(4) double(16) rbi(32)

De Los Santos: 2-5 .284 avg double(8)

Parmalee: 2-6 .261 double(21) 2rbi(62)

Machado: 1-2 double(1)

Bigley: 1-5 HR(3) 3rbi(24)

• Tonight, the Miracle continue their series with Charlotte as Michael Tarsi gets the start for Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Beloit 7(15-23 7gb) Peoria 1 WP: Lanigan(9-7) LP: Shafer

Morales: 2-3 .246 avg HR(10) 3rbi(41) Lanigan: 8 inn 1 run 4 hits 1bb 6k 4.44 era

Hicks: 2-4 .245 avg

Lewis: 2-4 .277 avg double(18) rbi(45)

Harrington: 1-3 double(29) 3rbi(38)

• Today, the Snappers finish off their series with Peoria as Liam Hendricks gets the start for Beloit.

E-Town Tidbits

Johnson City 3 E-Town 1(28-12 0gb) Game 1 WP: Rada LP: Garcia(4-1) Save: Kington

Pinto: 3-4 .339 avg double(9) Garcia: 5 inn 3 runs 6 hits 4k 4.98 era

Gonzalez: 2-3 .317 avg rbi(27)

Rohlfing: 1-3 double(5)

Johnson City 6 E-Town 5(28-13 0gb) Game 2 WP: Lawler LP: Stuifbergen(4-1) Save: Terry

Dozier: 3-5 .308 avg Stuifbergen: 4 inn 6 runs 8 hits 1bb 1k 3.35 era

Klingsberg: 2-4 .288 avg 2 doubles(6) 2rbi(7)

Hermann: 2-4 .294 avg

Gonzalez: 2-3 .325 avg double(7)

Lara: 1-3 HR(3) 2rbi(14)

• The E-Town Twins continue their series with Johnson City with another doubleheader as Brad Stillings gets the start in game 1 while the E-Town bullpen will piece together game 2 for Elizabethton.

Stop the Negativity

I dont write pieces like this very often because its America and everyone has the freedom to boo who they want, cheer who they want, rip on who they want, and stick up for who they want. However, I think it is important for people to realize how good we have it in Minnesota with the Twins. Maybe this makes me a homer like many people have told me, but I just don't care because this is how I feel. I think Twins fans need to realize how people in Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Kansas City, and Baltimore would love to have the problems that the Twins are having. Granted we have had a mediocre season this year, but you also need to realize in the last 8 years of Twins baseball we have been to the playoffs 4 of those years. Besides the big market teams in New York, Boston, LA and the small market team in Oakland how many other teams can say they have done that.

In addition to that right now the Twins have probably 2 of the top 10 players in the game in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. I went to a Twins game a week or so ago and I sat there thinking how lucky am I that I get to watch that caliber of a player in those guys. You also have great players like Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, Joe Nathan and many more. Honestly, can you name 3 starting players on Washington's team I would have a hard time doing that myself. How about Pittsburgh with all the trades how would you like to be a fan of theirs and watch them get rid of players that really are not that good. All I am saying is I think some fans need to realize how good we have it here in Minnesota where we have a consistantly good team who is in the race into August and September every season.

Like Seth over at Seth Speaks said a lot of the things the Twins do I agree with such as building within and giving young players a chance to succeed. I seriously can not stand to go over to the Star Tribune blog because all it is this player sucks, that player sucks, Gardy should get fired, Anderson should get fired, Pohlaid should jump off a building. It really gets under my skin because how long do you think Gardy would be out of work before he is managing again hmmm maybe 5 minutes. Gardy does not get the credit he deserves to take a small market team to the playoffs 4 times in his first 7 years on the job. Is he perfect of course not he makes decisions that are easy to second guess, but until you have been in his shoes I don't think it is right to second guess. The one I really don't get is those that think that Rick Anderson should be fired. He has been good every season and now all of a sudden he is a bad pitching coach because the pitchers aren't performing. Where were these calls last year when he brought along a very young staff to within a game of making the playoffs.

I like the fact that the Twins are patient with their players because that is what makes them interesting to watch. Do I wish Carlos Gomez would be more disciplined at the plate of course I do, but he is the best defensive center fielder in the game and that should not be forgotten. Do I wish Nick Punto was not starting every game, of course I do, but he is a very good utility infielder. Basically, what I am saying is people need to quit bitching about the Twins and really realize how good we have it as Twins fans because there are a lot of fans that would love to be in our shoes and have the problems that the Twins have. I know I for one am thrilled to be a Twins fan and when I am dead and buried my children will be Twins fans and their children will be Twins fans and we will all have joy that the Twins bring for Decades to come.

Wednesday, August, 5th

Twins Talk

Twins 10(53-53 2.5gb) Indians 1 WP: Baker(9-7) LP: Huff

Gomez: 3-4 .240 avg HR(3) double(13) 4rbi(26) Baker: 7 inn 0 runs 3 hits 1bb 4k 4.59 era

Mauer: 3-5 .359 avg 3 doubles(19) rbi(60)

Cabrera: 2-5 .283 avg 2 doubles(26) rbi(44)

Morneau: 2-5 .309 avg double(26) 2rbi(88)

Kubel: 2-5 .304 avg HR(19) rbi(59)

Young: 2-5 .261 avg

• Tonight, the Twins continue their series with Cleveland as Francisco Liriano gets the start for the Twins against Indians pitcher Aaron Laffey.

Rochester Wrap

Lehigh Valley 7 Rochester 4(51-57 10gb) WP: Carpenter LP: Gabino(3-3) Save: Anderson

Martin: 2-4 .248 avg HR(2) 2rbi(33) Pino: 5 inn 3 runs 4 hits 2bb 3k 5.06 era

Morales: 2-3 .320 avg 2 doubles(9) 2rbi(18)

• The Red Wings have tonight off before beginning a series tommorrow night against Louisville.

New Britain Business

Erie 7 New Britain 2(53-56 11gb) WP: Nickerson LP: Fox(6-8)

Grudzielanek: 2-3 .273 avg Fox: 5 inn 6 runs 8 hits 3bb 5k 4.05 era

Dinkelman: 2-4 .300 avg double(31) 2rbi(49)

Lis: 1-3 double(18)

• Tonight, the Rockcats continue their series with Erie as Frank Mata gets the start for New Britain.

Fort Myers Minutes

Fort Myers 4(20-18 0gb) Charlotte 3 11 innings WP: H. Arias(3-3) LP: Flores

Parmalee: 2-3 .260 double(20) 2rbi(60) S. Arias: 5.2 inn 3 runs 7 hits 5bb 3k 2.17 era

Machado: 2-4 .500 2 walks(2)

De Los Santos: 2-5 .280 avg double(7) rbi(14)

• Tonight, the Miracle continue their series with Charlotte as Steven Hirschfeld gets the start for Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Peoria 7 Beloit 4(14-23 7gb) 14 innings WP: Huseby LP: Carr(0-1)

Hicks: 3-6 .237 avg HR(2) 4rbi(19) Pugh: 5 inn 0 runs 5 hits 2k 3.42 era

Thompson: 3-6 .249 avg

Lanning: 2-4 .229 avg double(5)

• Tonight, the Snappers continue their series with Peoria as Bobby Lanigan gets the start for Beloit.

E-Town Tidbits

E-Town 10(28-10 0gb)Johnson City 6 Game 1 WP:Davis(1-2) LP:Thompson Save: Acosta(1)

Dozier: 2-3 .313 avg Garcia: 2.2 inn 3 runs 3 hits 2bb 2k 4.91 era

Mccallum: 1-3 double(8) rbi(20)

Streich: 1-4 HR(7) 2rbi(22)

Williams: 1-2 HR(4) 2rbi(14)



Johnson City 4 E-town 3(28-11 0gb) Game 2 WP: Terry LP: Sanchez(3-1) Save: Kington

Gonzalez: 2-3 .308 avg Sanchez: 4 inn 4 runs 6 hits 1bb 4k 4.98 era

Lara: 1-3 double(1) 2rbi(12)

Hermann: 1-3 double(11)

• The E-Town Twins have another doubleheader today as Tom Stuifbergen gets the start in game 1 and in game 2 the Twins will use a bullpen by committee approach in the 2nd game for Elizabethton.

July Awards: Minnesota Twins

As I have done every month this year I will continue giving out monthly awards. I will start with the Twins tonight and work my way down through all the affiliated. The Twins had a decent month in July going 14-14 and stayed in the race as they only trail first place Detroit by 3.5 games and a good couple of months and the Twins can return to postseason play. Everyone let me know what you think of my picks you can either email me at travis_aune@yahoo.com or leave a comment in the comment box.

• Pitcher of the Month: Matt Guerrier- Normally I like to choose a starter for pitcher of the month because they pitch more innings. However, in July there was noone that deserved to not only be up for this award, but honestly deserved to be in the Majors. Look at these ERA's out of our starters. Baker- 4.45, Blackburn- 6.32, Liriano- 5.32, Perkins- 7.40, Swarzak- 3.50, but only made 3 starts. Those are some bad era's so you could see why I chose a reliever for this award. However, even if some of those starters had better numbers you could make a case for Matt Guerrier getting the award anyway as he was filthy in July. Guerrier went 2-0 with a miniscule 0.55 era in 16.1 innings of work. In those 16.1 innings Matt only gave up 1 earned run. Guerrier pitched in 13 games in July and only gave up 7 hits. Guerrier only walked 1 batter while striking out an impressive 9 batters. Most impressive to me is he held hitters to a tiny .123 opponents batting average. Matt Guerrier has turned out to be an very effective 8th inning guy and that is going to allow the Twins alot of flexibility next season. With the returns of Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser the Twins can be cautious with those guys and allow them to come back slow knowing that the 8th inning is covered. I am still concerned about Matt pitching too many games this year and it may show up in August and September, but so far so good and with more help next year he will continue to dominate.
• Others Considered: Anthony Swarzak, Joe Nathan, Jose Mijares

• Hitter of the Month: Justin Morneau- With some stiff competition for this award because quite honestly the reason for the Twins struggles this year has very little to do with the offense for a change. Justin Morneau continued his charge for his 2nd MVP in his career with another good month in the month of July. Morneau hit a very good .280 at the plate with 7 homeruns and 19 rbi's. Those are unbelievable numbers by themselves, but he added 5 doubles to bring his numbers to .280/.380/.559 for an overall OPS of .939 which was his second best month of the year just behind May when he hit 9 homeruns and added 29 rbi's. Morneau kept the Twins in the race one handed as Joe Mauer cooled down a little bit. On the year Morneau is hitting .302 with 28 homeruns and 91 rbi's with 51 games left. So he will probably on pace for a .305 average with 38 homeruns and 125 rbi's which should be good enough for his 2nd MVP with the Twins. Morneau and Mauer balance each other and that is why it is so important to keep these 2 together, because like Orlando Cabrera everyone likes some M&M's.
• Others Considered: Jason Kubel, Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer

Tuesday, August, 4th

Twins Talk

• The Twins had yesterday off and will begin a 3 game series in Cleveland tonight as Scott Baker getting the start for the Twins.

Rochester Wrap

Lehigh Valley 10 Rochester 4(51-56 10gb) WP: Savery LP: Santos(1-4) Save: Concepcion

Macri: 2-3 .233 avg rbi(33) Santos: 4 inn 7 runs 9 hits 3bb 4k 4.78 era

Pridie: 1-5 HR(6) 2rbi(39)

Valencia: 1-4 double(12)

Plouffe: 1-2 double(16) rbi(49)

New Britain Business

• The Rockcats had yesterday off and will begin a series tonight in Erie as Matt Fox gets the start for New Britain.

Fort Myers Minutes

• The Miracle had yesterday off and will begin a series tonight with Charlotte as Santos Arias gets the start for Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Beloit 5(14-22 6gb) Peoria 3 WP: Allen(2-8) LP: De Leon Save: Bulluck(2)

Rams: 1-4 HR(5) 2rbi(10) Berlind: 5 inn 3 runs 5 hits 5bb 2k 4.64 era

Harrington: 1-3 double(28)

Thompson: 1-3 triple(4) 2rbi(22)

E-Town Tidbits

• The E-Town Twins had yesterday off and will begin a series with Johnson City tonight as they will finish off a suspended game and then play the second with Matire Garcia getting the start in the scheduled game.

Monday, August, 3rd

Twins Talk

Angels 11 Twins 6(52-52 3gb) Saturday WP: Saunders LP: Swarzak(3-4)

Morneau: 3-5 .309 avg HR(27) 2rbi(85) Swarzak: 3 inn 4 earned runs 9 hits 1k 4.25era

Span: 2-5 .291 avg

Cabrera: 2-5 .282 avg double(24) rbi(42)

Redmond: 2-3 .255 avg double(5) rbi(5)

Punto: 2-4 .213 avg

Gomez: 1-4 triple(5) sb(10)


Angels 13 Twins 4(52-53 3gb) Sunday WP: Weaver LP: Perkins(6-7)

Mauer: 2-4 .355 avg double(16) rbi(59) Perkins: 4 inn 9 runs 12 hits 1bb 2k 5.95era

Morneau: 1-4 HR(28) rbi(86)

Kubel: 1-3 double(22)

Cabrera: 1-3 HR(5) rbi(43)

• The Twins have today off before beginning a 6 game roadtrip in Cleveland and Detroit with trip starting tommorrow in Cleveland.

Rochester Wrap

Lehigh Valley 7 Rochester 1(50-55 9gb) Sat. WP:Mazone LP: Manship(3-2) Save: Woods

Tolleson: 3-4 .306 avg Manship: 5 inn 7 runs 9 hits 1bb 2k 3.83 era

Butera: 2-4 .211 avg

Pridie: 1-5 triple(5)

Rochester 4(51-55 9gb) Lehigh Valley 3 Sunday WP: Delaney(5-1) LP: Taschner

Plouffe: 3-4 .254 avg Humber: 5.2 inn 3 runs 8 hits 1bb 5.63 era

Pridie: 3-5 .261 avg double(20)

Tolleson: 2-5 .308 HR(5) 2rbi(21)

Morales: 2-3 .313 avg 2 doubles(7)

Valencia: 1-2 2rbi(29)

• The Red Wings continue their series with Lehigh Valley today as Reid Santos gets the start for Rochester.

New Britain Business

Bowie 7 New Britain 4(51-55 10gb) Sat. Game 1 WP: Clark LP: Devries(6-11) Save: Thall

Portes: 3-4 .297 avg Devries: 4 inn 7 runs 10 hits 1bb 1k 4.36 era

Dinkelman: 2-3 .290 avg HR(5) double(28) 2rbi(45)

Tosoni: 2-4 .277 avg 2rbi(57)

Robbins: 2-3 .286 avg

New Britain 3(52-55 10gb)Bowie 2 Sat game 2 WP: Guerra(4-1) LP: Bascum Save:Slama(22)

Dinkelman: 3-3 .297 avg 2 doubles(30) rbi(46) Guerra: 5 inn 2 runs 4 hits 1bb 2k 4.80 era

Singleton: 2-4 .393 avg rbi(5)

Robbins: 2-3 .289 avg rbi(39)

New Britain 6(53-55 10gb) Bowie 2 Sunday WP: Mullins(7-10) LP: Johnson Save:Slama(23)

Moses: 2-3 .232 avg HR(7) 2rbi(43) Mullins: 5 inn 1 run 2 hits 1bb 2k 4.56 era

Lis: 2-4 .298 avg HR(14) rbi(53) double(17)

Singleton: 1-4 double(7) rbi(6)

Hughes: 1-3 double(5) rbi(14)

• The Rockcats have tonight off before beginning a series with Erie tommorrow night in Erie.

Fort Myers Minutes

Fort Myers 5(18-18 1gb)Clearwater 4 Sat WP: Bromberg(10-1) LP: Cloyd Save: Van Mil(4)

Leveret: 3-4 .298 avg HR(4) 2rbi(34) double(15) Bromberg: 6 inn 1 run 4 hits 3bb 4k 2.63 era

Dolenc: 3-4 .278 avg 2rbi(30) 2sb(19)

Cates: 2-4 .243 avg 2 stolen bases(7)

Fort Myers 5(19-18 1gb) Clearwater 2 Sunday WP: Robertson LP: Garcia Save: Van Mil(5)

Leveret: 2-3 .303 avg HR(5) rbi(35) Robertson: 5 inn 1 run 4 hits 2bb 3k 3.49 era

Fernandez: 2-4 .224 avg double(11) rbi(18) sb(1)

Cates: 2-4 .247 avg

• The Miracle have tonight off before beginning a series with first place Charlotte tommorrow night in Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Fort Wayne 6 Beloit 5(12-22 8gb) Saturday WP: Lara LP: T. Wright(0-2)

Lewis: 2-3 .274 avg HR(7) double(16) 3rbi(43) Hendricks:5.1 inn 3 runs 5 hits 4bb 6k 3.64era

Beresford: 2-3 .294 double(7)

Morales: 1-5 double(15) rbi(37)

De La Osa: 1-4 triple(2)

Beloit 3(13-22 7gb) Fort Wayne 2 Sunday WP: B. Martin(2-1) LP: Brach Save: Blevins(2)

Beresford: 2-4 .296 double(8) rbi(26) Tippett: 7 inn 2 runs 4 hits 1bb 6k 1bb 6k 2.47era

Lewis: 2-4 .277 avg double(17)

Thompson: 1-5 double(13)

• Tonight, the Snappers begin a 3 game series with Peoria as Dan Berlind gets the start for Beloit.

E-Town Tidbits

Burlington 5 E-Town 2(26-10 0gb) Saturday WP: Fortuna LP: Kennelly(1-1) Save: Sirrett

Dozier: 1-4 double(8) Stillings: 5 inn 2 runs 8 hits 3k 3.51 era

Munroe: 1-3 double(2)

E-Town 7(27-10 0gb) Burlington 6 Sunday WP: Tone(3-1) LP: Cuevas Save: Davis(4)

Hidalgo: 1-3 HR(3) 3rbi(16) Munoz: 6 inn 5 runs 7 hits 1bb 4k 5.77era

Streich: 1-2 double(9) rbi(21)

Williams: 1-3 HR(4) rbi(13)

• The E-Town Twins have tonight off before finishing their suspended game against Johnson City followed by their regularly scheduled game on Tuesday Night.

Twins acquire Cabrera/Lose Ladendorf/Demote Buscher

Sorry I haven't been able to give my take on how the trade deadline went for the Twins just had a couple hectic days. Anyways, the Twins yesterday traded promising shortstop Tyler Ladendorf to Oakland in exchange for shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash considerations. Don't get me wrong Orlando Cabrera is an upgrade at short over Nick Punto, but of course he is a 2 month rental who if he does well will want a much bigger contract and I can't see the Twins paying him his 7 or 8 million a year that he is going to want if he has a good 2 months. Cabrera is hitting .280 on the season with 4 homeruns and 41 rbi's along with 11 steals so you are getting a solid contributer that should help the Twins. The big reason I think they did it was to please Joe Nathan, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer who had been complaining that the Twins never do anything at the deadline. My feeling is if this gets Joe Mauer to sign long term than this will go down as the best trade in Twins history that is how important I think it is that they get Mauer signed. I went to the Twins and the White Sox game on Monday and I bet 80% of the jersey's the kids were wearing were Joe Mauer jersey's he is that important to the future of the Twins. If they let Mauer go as a free agent you might as well say goodbye to Morneau as well because he has said on many occasions he has no interest in playing with the Twins without Joe Mauer. So if that gets him signed I have no problem with the trade.I really don't think it makes the team better though because Cabrera was hitting .230 before the month of July so a hot month got his average up to .280. Also in other stops Cabrera has been known as a selfish player and that will not fly in the Twins clubhouse.

Meanwhile, I was very high on Tyler Ladendorf and am very disappointed to see him leave. Ladendorf had a rough season last year after putting a full season of college baseball in. However, he came in this year and dominated Elizabethton and hit .410 with 4 homeruns and 17 rbi's in only about a month in Elizabethton. He was putting up awesome numbers and that got him promoted to A ball at Beloit. He was struggling a bit hitting only .233, but it was way early and I have no doubt that by the end of the year he would of been hitting close to .300. The bottom line is Ladendorf's upside is huge and he would of been very good offensively in my mind. He probably would of projected out as a 3rd baseman so the comparison that some are making of trading away all our shortstops does not hold water because in a couple years he probably would of been a 3rd baseman anyway. True we don't have a whole lot at SS with the struggles of Trevor Plouffe and the injury problems of Esterlin De Los Santos, but Ladendorf would not of been a shortstop anyway.

However, though he would of been a top 10 prospect for me at the end of the season and that is a high price to pay for 2 months of a solid major leaguer, but if that gets Mauer signed than it is worth it. To make room for Cabrera the Twins optioned IF Brian Buscher to AAA Rochester which surprised quite a few people because most people thought Alexi Casilla would get the call. In my opinion in a couple weeks Casilla will join Buscher in AAA when secondbaseman Mark Grudzielanek joins the Twins and mans 2nd base and moves Nick Punto to utility role that he is much better at. My only hope that is with the waiver deadline not until the 31st of this month that the Twins will find a way to acquire a right handed reliever, because it is quite obvious that Jesse Crain and Bobby Keppel are not going to be able to handle the 6th and 7th innings for the Twins. So Billy Smith find a way to get something done because the Twins still need help.

Saturday, August, 1st

Twins Talk

Angels 11 Twins 5(52-51 2gb) 11 innings WP: Jepson LP: Keppel(0-1)

Mauer: 3-4 .359 avg HR(18) 3rbi(57) Blackburn: 6.2 inn 4 runs 12 hits 4k 3.83 era

Span: 2-5 .289 avg double(6) rbi(38)

Gomez: 1-5 double(12)

Crede: 1-5 double(14)

Punto: 1-5 triple(1) rbi(24)

• The Twins continue their series with the Angels tonight as Anthony Swarzak gets the start for the Twins and will face Angels pitcher Joe Saunders.

Rochester Wrap

Rochester 4(50-54 7.5gb) Gwinnett 2 WP: Mulvey(4-6) LP: Venters Save: Delaney(5)

Plouffe: 2-5 .247 avg 2rbi(48) Mulvey: 6 inn 2 run 4 hits 4bb 9k 4.33 era

Huber: 2-4 .277 avg 2 doubles(17)

Pridie: 2-5 .258 avg double(19)

Morales 2-4 .306 avg

• The Red Wings begin a series tonight with Lehigh Valley as staff ace Jeff Manship gets the start for Rochester.

New Britain Business

New Britain 0 Bowie 0 Rained out

• The Rockcats had their game with Bowie rained out last night and will be made up as part of a doubleheader today with Cole Devries getting the start in game 1 and Frank Mata getting the spot start in game 2.

Fort Myers Minutes

Fort Myers 6(17-18 1gb) Clearwater 1 WP: Tarsi(3-1) LP: Velasquez

Leveret: 2-5 .290 avg double(14) 2rbi(32) Tarsi: 5 inn 0 earned runs 4 hits 2bb 2k 3.45 era

Parmalee: 2-5 .260 avg double(19) rbi(58)

De Los Santos: 2-5 .277 avg rbi(13)

• The Miracle continue their series with Clearwater as staff ace David Bromberg gets the start for Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Beloit 3(12-21 8gb) Fort Wayne 2 WP: Lanigan(8-7) LP: Davis Save: Bulluck(1)

Hanson: 2-4 .252 double(16) rbi(24) sb(4) Lanigan: 8.1 inn 2 runs 6 hits 2bb 10k 4.68 era

Thompson 2-5 .246 HR(1) rbi(20)

Lewis: 2-4 .270 avg double(15) sb(2)

Rams: 2-3 .276 avg double(6)

Hicks: 1-4 double(8)

• Tonight, the Snappers continue their series with first place Fort Wayne as Liam Hendricks gets the start for Beloit.

E-Town Tidbits

E-Town 2(26-9 0gb) Burlington 1 WP: Stuifbergen(4-0) LP: Kelley Save: Davis(3)

Mccallum: 2-4 .273 avg double(8) rbi(20) Stuifbergen: 8 inn 0 earned runs 3 hits 7k 2.90 era

Dozier: 2-4 .309 avg

Streich: 1-4 double(8)

• Tonight, the E-Town Twins continue their series with Burlington as Matt Bashore makes his professional debut for Elizabethton.

Friday, July, 31st

Twins Talk

• The Twins had yesterday off before beginning a 3 game weekend series versus the Los Angeles Angels as Nick Blackburn gets the start for the Twins.

Rochester Wrap

Gwinnett 2 Rochester 1(49-54 8.5gb) WP: Redmond LP: Pino(1-1) Save: Valdez

Plouffe: 2-4 .245 avg Pino: 6.1 inn 2 runs 3 hits 4bb 5k 4.96 era

Martin: 1-4 SB(19)

• The Red Wings finish off their series with Gwinnett as Kevin Mulvey gets the start for Rochester.

New Britain Beat

New Britain 2(51-54 9gb) New Hamp 1 WP: Mccardell(1-1) LP: Rodriguez Save: Slama(21)

Hughes 2-4 .253 avg rbi(13) Mccardell: 5 inn 1 run 3 hits 1bb 3k 6.75 era

Portes: 2-4 .290 avg

Dinkelman: 2-3 .287 avg

• The Rockcats begin a series with Bowie tonight as Cole Devries gets the start for New Britain.

Fort Myers Minutes

Clearwater 2 Fort Myers 0(16-18 1gb) WP: Byrd LP: Watts Save: Schwimmer

Parmalee: 1-3 .258 avg double(18) Hirschfeld: 6 inn 0 runs 3 hits 7k 2.08 era

• Tonight the Miracle continue their series with Clearwater as Michael Tarsi gets the start for Fort Myers.

Beloit Beat

Great Lakes 11 Beloit 10(11-21 8gb) WP: Smith LP: Pugh

A. Morales: 4-5 .243 avg double(14) rbi(35) Osterbrock: 5 inn 4 runs 7 hits 4bb 7k 5.96 era

Hanson: 3-5 .248 avg double(15) rbi(23)

Thompson: 2-6 .242 avg double(12) 3rbi(19)

Beresford: 2-6 .295 avg

• Tonight, the Snappers begin a series with Fort Wayne as Bobby Lanigan gets the start for Beloit

E-Town Tidbits

• The Twins had their game rained out yesterday and will begin a series with Burlington tonight as Tom Stuifbergen gets the start for Elizabethton.

Thursday, July, 30th

Twins Talk

Twins 3 White Sox 2 WP: Jesse Crain (2-2) LP: Contreras Save: Nathan(29)

Span 2-3(.287) rbi(37)

Casilla 2-3(.171) double(4) 2rbi's(8) Sb(7) Duensing: 5 inn 2 runs 3 hits 1bb 2k 5.09 era

Crain: 2 inn 0 runs 2 hits 6.65 era Win (3-4)

Nathan: 1 inn 0 runs 1 hit 1bb 2k save(29)


Rochester Wrap

Gwinnett 4 Rochester 1 (49-53 8.0 gb) WP: Halama LP: Santos(1-3) Save: Nunez

Plouffe: 2-4 .242 avg double(15) Santos: 7 inn 4 runs 10 hits 1bb 2k 4.16 era

Tolleson 2-4 .306 avg


New Britain Business

New Hampshire 5 New Britain 4 (50-54 9.5gb) WP: Boone LP: Fox(6-7) Save: Farquhar

Lis: 2-4 .303 avg HR(13) 2 rbi(52) Fox: 6 inn 5 runs 5 hits 3bb 3k 3.74 era

Dinkelman: 1-5 double(27)


Fort Myers Minutes

Fort Myers 4 (16-17 1.0gb) Brevard County 2 WP: S. Arias(5-1) LP: Bowman Save: Van Mil(3)

D. Romero: 2-2 .234 avg HR(4) 2rbi(49) S. Arias: 7 inn 0 runs 5 hits 1bb 3k 1.94 era

Bigley 1-4 double(15)


Beloit Beat

Great Lakes 4 Beloit 2(11-20 7.0gb) Wp: Walter LP: Berlind(3-10) Save: St. Clair

Hicks: 2-3 .223 triple(2) 2 walks(22) SB(4) Berlind: 5 inn 4 runs 5 hits 3bb 1k 4.60 era

Morales 2-4 .232 double(13) rbi(34)



E-Town Tidbits

E-Town 0 Johnson City 0 Rained out

Sanchez traded to Giants/Trade Rumors/scenarios

Freddy Sanchez was traded to the San Francisco Giants for AA pitcher Tim Alderson a huge prospect in baseball. Before the season Alderson was ranked as the 26th best prospect in all of baseball and the 4th best prospect in the Giants organization. To me thats a huge price to pay for a singles hitter who is due 10 million the next year in a half. I know Twins fans are flipping out that the Twins did not find a way to make it happen, but the honest truth the Twins don't have a prospect in the entire organization that projects as high as Alderson not even Aaron Hicks. I am shocked that San Francisco would give up a prospect this highly regarded for Sanchez who is not going to put them over the top. Don't get me wrong Freddy Sanchez is a solid hitter who plays adequate defense, but to give up one of the top prospects in your organization for him is really outragous to me. I thought that he could be had for alot less, but when someone overpays for someone like the Giants did there is not alot you can do. I know there will be some that will rip on the Twins for not getting Sanchez even though it makes no sense since the Twins did not have the horses to get him for what Pittsburgh got from San Francisco.

The question is should the Twins make a trade and if so who should they go after. Alexi Casilla has had a good series versus the White Sox and with Mark Grudzilanek coming I really think the Twins are fine in the infield with Brendan Harris and Nick Punto doing adequately at shortstop. Offense is not the Twins problem this year and if either Grudzilanek or Casilla can do adequate the Twins are fine offensively. I would like the Twins to make a deal for a reliever and with Michael Wuertz apparently off the table there are still a few guys that could be had. John Grabow a left handed reliever from Pittsburgh would be fine. There is Joe Beimel, Dannys Baez, George Sherill and others. The question is what would we have to give up because I would not give up the world for a reliever as Jesse Crain seems better and Matt Guerrier is good. Other than that I would not make a big trade just a small one for a bullpen arm to help the team. Does anyone disagree with me if so let me know

Wednesday, July, 29th

I am back after taking a 5 day vacation from blogging and I should have plenty of stuff ahead. I plan on starting with a brief overview of the 6 days without updates in the Twins system. hope it helps to get on track with all the Twins info.

Twins Talk
Angels 6 Twins 5 10 innings Thursday WP: Fuentes LP: Crain(0-2)

Baker 5inn 2 runs 7 hits 3bb 6k 5.04 era Kubel 2-5 HR (17) 3 rbi (55)

Angels 6 Twins 3 Friday Night WP: Lackey LP: Liriano(4-10)

Liriano 5.1inn 6 runs 8 hits 2bb 3k 5.56 era Mauer 2-4 .365 avg 2hr(17) 2rbi(53)

Angels 11 Twins 5 Saturday Afternoon WP: Palmer LP: Blackburn(8-5)

Blackburn 3.2 inn 6 runs 6 hits 1bb 3.75 era Kubel 3-4 .315 avg HR(18) 3rbi(58)

Twins 10 Angels 1 Sunday Afternoon WP: Swarzak(3-3) LP: Santana

Swarzak 6.2 inn 1 run 4 hits 3bb 4k 3.74 era Morneau 2-4 .315 avg 2hr(26) 3rbi(82)

Twins 4 White Sox 3 Monday Night WP: Perkins(6-6) LP: Danks Save: Nathan(27)

Perkins 7 inn 3 runs 6 hits 1bb 3k 5.42 era Cuddyer 1-4 Hr(17) 2rbi(53)

Twins 5 White Sox 3 Tuesday Night WP: Mijares(1-2) LP: Buehrle Save: Nathan(28)

Baker 6 inn 1 run 4 hits 6k 4.86 era Punto 1-3 2rbi(23)

Rochester Wrap

Pawtucket 5 Rochester 3 Thursday WP: Cherry LP: Morillo Save: Vaquedano

Humber 6 inn 3 runs 4 hits 4bb 5k 6.16 era Macri 1-3 hr(8) 2rbi(31)

Charlotte 2 Rochester 1 10 innings Friday WP: Wassermann LP: Lahey

Santos 8 inn 0 runs 6 hits 1bb 6k 4.06 era Macri 1-4 hr(9) rbi(32)

Charlotte 7 Rochester 6 Saturday WP: Williams LP: Morillo

Pino 5 inn 5 runs 9 hits 1bb 6k 6.30 era Tolleson 2-3 .295 avg hr(4) rbi(14)

Rochester 13 Charlotte 10 Sunday WP: Jones LP: Rodriguez Save: Delaney

Mulvey 5.1 inn 8 runs 8 hits 3bb 7k 4.40 era Huber 4-5 .281 avg hr(15) 2rbi(54)

Charlotte 3 Rochester 2 Monday WP: Wassermann LP: Lahey

Manship 8 inn 2 runs 7 hits 3bb 3k 2.89 era Winfree 2-3 .285 avg double(25)

Rochester 7 Gwinnett 1 Tuesday WP: Humber LP: Bennett

Humber 7 inn 1 run 5 hits 2bb 4k 5.78 era Huber 2-5 .279 double(15) 2rbi(56)


New Britain Business

New Britain 0 Portland 0 Thursday Rained out

Connecticut 4 New Britain 2 Friday WP: English LP: Fox Save: Otero

Fox 6.1 inn 4 runs 4 hits 1bb 9k 3.51 era Dinkelman 2-3 .293 avg double(25)

Connecticut 1 New Britain 0 Saturday WP: Joaquin LP: Waldrop

Mccardell 7inn 0 runs 4 hits 2bb 6k 9.00 era Lehman 2-3 .250 avg double(7)

Connecticut 10 New Britain 6 Sunday WP: Peterson LP: Devries

Devries 4.2 inn 6 runs 7 hits 5bb 1k 4.00 era Tosoni 3-5 .277 avg double(22) rbi(54)

New Britain 0 New Hampshire Postponed Power Monday

New Hampshire 5 New Britain 1 Tuesday Game 1 WP: Perez LP: Mullins

Mullins 4.2 inn 1 earned run 6 hits 2bb 6k 4.70 era Robbins 2-3 .288 avg double(18)

New Hampshire 5 New Britain 0 Tuesday Game 2 WP: Mcleary LP: Guerra

Guerra 2 inn 5 runs 6 hits 1bb 2k 5.04 era Dinkelman 1-3 double(26)


Fort Myers Minutes

Tampa 6 Fort Myers 5 Thursday WP: Hovis LP: Erickson

Robertson 8 inn 1 run 7 hits 1bb 4k 3.73 era Soto 3-4 .300 avg 3 singles

Fort Myers 6 Tampa 3 Friday WP: Testa LP: Norton Save: H. Arias

Santos Arias 5 inn 0 runs 2 hits 1bb 3k 2.17 era Bigley 3-5 .270 avg dbl(13) trp(2) rbi(21)

Tampa 6 Fort Myers 3 Saturday WP: Zink LP: Hirschfeld

Hirschfeld 5 inn 3 runs 6 hits 2bb 4k 2.24 era Parmalee 1-4 double(17)

Brevard County 8 Fort Myers 4 Sunday WP: Merklinger LP: Tarsi

Tarsi 5 inn 3 earned runs 8 hits 2bb 3k 4.18 era Benson 2-4 .293 avg rbi(17)

Fort Myers 1 Brevard County 0 Monday WP: Bromberg LP: Rivas Save: Testa

Bromberg 6.2 inn 0 runs 8 hits 1bb 8k 2.69 era Fernandez 1-4 hr(3) rbi(17)

Brevard County 4 Fort Myers 1 Tuesday WP: Luetge LP: Robertson Save: Aguilar

Robertson 7 inn 2 earned runs 6 hits 1bb 6k 3.66 era Bigley 1-2 .264 avg double(14)


Beloit Beat

Beloit 8 Cedar Rapids 7 Thursday WP: Bulluck LP: Veras Save: Williams

Berlind 7 inn 2 runs 5 hits 1bb 4k 4.45 era Hicks: 0-4 .216 batting average

Beloit 0 Cedar Rapids 0 Friday Rained Out

Lansing 7 Beloit 3 Saturday WP: Beck LP: Osterbrock

Osterbrock 6 inn 5 runs 10 hits 3k 5.90 era Waltenbury 2-4 .261 avg 2 doubles(12) 2rbi(30)

Lansing 3 Beloit 1 Sunday WP: Holquin LP: Lanigan Save: Daly

Lanigan 6 inn 3 runs 7 hits 2bb 5k 4.88 era Harrington 1-3 double(26)

Lansing 10 Beloit 1 Monday WP: Alvarez LP: Hendricks

Hendricks 6 inn 5 earned runs 11 hits 1bb 6k 3.33 era Hicks 0-3 .212 ba walk(20)

Great Lakes 8 Beloit 5 Tuesday WP: Redding LP: Tippett Save: St. Clair

Tippett: 4.2 inn 3 earned runs 8 hits 1bb 4k 2.46 era Hicks 1-5 double(7) .211 ba


E-Town Tidbits

E-Town 8 Princeton 5 Thursday WP: Garcia LP: Shull Save: Davis

Garcia: 5 inn 4 runs 5 hits 1bb 6k 4.39 era Streich 2-5 dbl(7) hr(6) 3rbi(20)

E-Town 7 Kingsport 6 Friday WP: Kennelly LP: Hilliard Save: Carr

Sanchez: 3 inn 5 runs 6 hits 1bb 3k 4.45 era Gonzalez 2-3 .330 avg hr(5) rbi(18)

E-Town 6 Kingsport 5 Saturday WP: Ibarra LP: Needham Save: Tootle

Stuifbergen: 4.2 inn 3 runs 4 hits 3k 3.46 era Gonzalez 4-5 .355 2dbls(6) trp(1) 5rbi(23)

E-Town 6 Kingsport 3 11 innings Sunday WP: Marquez LP: Gagg

Stillings: 5.2 inn 1 earned run 5 hits 2bb 4k 3.49 era Pinto 4-5 .356 avg 2rbi(33)

Johnson City 5 E-Town 2 Monday WP: Simpson LP: Munoz

Munoz: 4 inn 4 runs 9 hits 1bb 4k 5.45 era Hidalgo 2-4 .311

Johnson City 0 E-Town 0 Rained out Tuesday

Buy or Sell?

This is a very hard column for me to write because everyone who knows me know that I am positive to a fault and sometimes it clouds my judgement when it comes to the Twins. However, the last few days I have really looked at the team as it is constructed right now and it is not a playoff team. So I figured in my head ok what do the Twins need to do to make it a playoff team. So I broke down position by position to decide if that position is good enough and at the end decide if it is feasible to go for it or wait until next year. I will share with you some of the feelings I have about certain players and certain positions. Let me know what you think.

Catcher- Joe Mauer is one of the top 2 or 3 players in the game and hits for average, hits for power, drives in runs, plays gold glove defense. The problem that nobody wants to talk about though is he is a free agent after next season and until he signs with the Twins there will be uncertainty around the Twins. Mauer will receive more money in free agency from the Yankees and Red Sox than the Twins can/should offer so he is going to take less money if he is going to stay with the Twins so Mauer can say you need to improve here and there or I won't sign. At the backup spot everyone knows that Jose Morales is better than Mike Redmond at this point in his career. That is a given, but Mauer plays 5 times a week so I have no problem letting Redmond finish out the year and retire in dignity as Jose Morales will have his opprotunity next season and 10 seasons after that. The catching position is fine.

1st Base- Justin Morneau is one of the best hitting and defensive First Baseman in the league and puts up huge numbers every year. The problem is Morneau is tied to Mauer so if Mauer went Morneau would want to go even though he has 4 years left on his contract after this year. If Mauer is signed Morneau likely will finish his career in a Twins uniform. The Twins have Michael Cuddyer and Brian Buscher as quality replacements when Morneau is the DH or gets the day off so First Base is fine.

2nd base- This is where the Twins start having problems as it is obvious that Alexi Casilla just can not get the job done offensively. I am beginning to think that the 3 good months Casilla had last year was an abberation instead of a trend. The Twins signed Mark Grudzilanek who is 39 years old and just a stop gap for the rest of the year, but the Twins need to solve this problem. In AAA you have Steve Tolleson who has come down to earth offensively and is not real great defensively. Im sorry, but I don't see a future from Tolleson as anything more than a utility guy. At AA you have Brian Dinkelman who is 26 years old and probably is better suited as a utility guy. You might have someone in Steve Singleton who just got promoted to AA. He might be the future guy, but he is atleast 2 years away from being able to contribute to the Twins. Therefore we need to look outside the organization and everyone wants Freddy Sanchez. The problem with Sanchez is not only will he make 8 million dollars which is alot for a second baseman with average defense and hardly any power, but the Twins would have to give up some quality prospects. He is signed through next year and after that then what do you do there. Reports have Pittsburgh asking for Francisco Liriano in a trade for Sanchez and even though Liriano has not been great this year he has too much talent to trade. Unless Pittsburgh comes down from that I would not make the move. who else Kelly Johnson, Dan Uggla who is awful defensively, Clint Barmes who would also cost a ton. What to do at 2nd base?

Shortstop- That is more of a trainwreck than at 2nd because Gardy is in love with Nick Punto and his 4 million dollar salary next season means he is going to be on the team. For those of you that want him in a backup role I have no problem with that, but Gardy will not let that happen he will either be starter at short or 2nd next season. Probably short because Brendan Harris has not took the ball and ran with it as his .204 average in July would say and he does not get to alot of balls that are called infield singles that a lot of shortstops would make. If you want to look for a shortstop in the organization your going to have to look a while. In AAA Trevor Plouffe has been the most disappointing player in the organization this year hitting only .247, but what has been more disaappointing is his organization high 19 errors. atleast with Punto at short he is going to make the plays. In AA Yancarlos Ortiz has been disappointing hitting only .225 with 12 errors. In Fort Myers Esterlin De Los Santos is solid, but very injury prone so you can't count on him. The future at shortstop is in A ball with Tyler Ladendorf, but he is probably atleast 3-4 years away from helping the Twins. So if you want to go outside the organization there are guys like J.J. Hardy, Yunel Escobar who would cost us a ton and there is no way the Twins are going to give up the prospects it would take to get those guys. So I think we are stuck with Nick Punto unless the Twins surprise me.

3rd base- Joe Crede has done a very nice job holding down the fort at 3rd base for the Twins this year, but if you think there is anyone the Twins will resign him you are crazy. He will want a 3 or 4 year deal and the Twins won't and shouldn't do that. Danny Valencia will be the starting 3rd baseman for the Twins next year and for the next 10 years. He will hit .290-.300 with 15-20 homeruns and drive in 90-100 runs and play good defense. Valencia is only 24 years old so he will solve our problem at third. Is he as good defensively as Joe Crede well of course not no one is but he is very steady over there and will be a good thirdbaseman and a cornerstone for the Twins future.

Outfield- The Twins have Denard Span who is a very good leadoff hitter who will hit between .290-.300, play good defense, take charge in the outfield and be a key to the future for the Twins. Michael Cuddyer is an interesting case as he is indespensible right now and has 8.5 million on his contract after this year and a 10.5 option for 2011. He is having a great year, but I can't see the Twins picking him up for 10.5 million and he is starting to get up there in age at 31 and 33 by the time his contract is due. However, he is what a Twin is all about he plays great defense, he is a leader in the clubhouse, has good power, and a cannon for an arm. I look for the Twins to sign him to an extension in the 9 million dollar range after 2010 so he can retire a Twin. Than you have Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez. The bottom line is if you don't trade one of them neither is going to develop into the kind of player they need to get to be. They show flashes, but as long as they don't get there consistant at bats they won't develop. I think Carlos Gomez should stay because of the fact in my mind he has a higher ceiling and his defense allows him to learn how to hit. The problem with trading Young is his value is at an all time low right now and the only way to raise his value is to play him so the Twins are between a rock and a hard place. Jason Kubel has developed into one of the best DH's in the League and he is signed through 2011 so after the 2010 season the Twins should negotiate with him a long term contract to have him with the Twins for a long time.

Starting Pitching- That is the problem with the Team this year as the starters have not lived up to expectations. We have plenty of Talent but look at the era's, Liriano 5.56, Baker 5.04, Slowey 4.46, Perkins 5.55, Blackburn 3.46. It was supposed to be a strength of ours and besides Blackburn all of them have underacheived this year. I think eventually they will get it going, but I would not bet on it this year. Anthony Swarzak has done a nice job filling in when first Perkins then Slowey got hurt. Kevin Mulvey, Jeff Manship, Deolis Guerra, Tyler Robertson, David Bromberg, Carlos Gutierrez and others are waiting in the wings so if these guys don't get it done there is hope for the future in our pitching.

Relief Pitching- Besides Joe Nathan, Matt Guerrier, and Jose Mijares our bullpen is a mess. Right now they have 3 long relievers in R.A. Dickey, Brian Duensing, and Bobby Keppel and the most disappointing pitcher in the organization in Jesse Crain who has an era in the 7's. Guerrier and Mijares have been pitched into the ground and the Twins will pay for it in August and September when they start getting hammered like Guerrier did last year. The Twins have some depth in the minors and the disabled list for the future. Next season they will get back Pat Neshek and Boof Bonser to injury. Anthony Slama and Rob Delaney appear like they can pitch at the next level. Alex Burnett in AA has jumped on the radar for bullpen help. The future of the relievers is good, but this year the bullpen needs a ton of help and they need it now.

Bottom Line: The Twins are a mess as they are being carried by Mauer, Morneau, Kubel, Cuddyer, Guerrier, Mijares, and Nathan. When they dont have big games the Twins usually lose. To my count for the Twins to make the playoffs this year they need an upgrade at 2nd base, shortstop, 1 starting pitcher with the injury to Slowey, and 2 bullpen guys. Lets face it the Twins farm system is not what it used to be and to acquire all that help would further deplete the system and we would be paying for this division title for years to come. What I am looking for in the trade market are guys signed past this year a Freddy Sanchez if Pittsburgh lowers its demands, a Yunel Escobar, a Michael Wuertz. The biggest thing going forward is getting Joe Mauer signed because without him Target Field will be empty and Justin Morneau won't be far behind so I don't believe we should go all in this year we should try to make deals that allows us to go for it next year and the year after and so on.

Slowey out for year?

The Twins got awful news today when Kevin Slowey was unable to play catch in anticipation of his scheduled start tommorrow night with Rochester. According, to Lavelle Slowey has been shut down and sent back to Minnesota for more tests. It was revealed that Slowey has bone chips in his wrist that is causing him the problems and they were waiting until after the year to have them removed. The reason they were going to wait until after the season was because the usual recovery of something like this is 6-8 weeks just to recover and then you would need time to get the arm strength back up so if he has to have surgery he will likely have to be out for the year. Where that affects the Twins in trade talks is before the setback on Slowey the Twins were considering trading a starter to pick up a middle infielder and a reliever. That probably won't happen now and with Glen Perkins struggling so much the Twins probably don't have the starting pitching to contend. Therefore, the question has to be asked maybe we should not be a buyer and giving up quality prospects for the short term. Maybe we should hang onto our prospects and build for 2010 which means seeing if there is a market for Joe Crede, Jesse Crain, Delmon Young to possibly get young players that can help the Twins out next year. I personally would not trade those guys, but I also probably would not trade any of our quality prospects when there are so many leaks that the Twins probably wouldn't make the playoffs anyway. What I would do is go with what we got and when we fall out of contention give guys like Anthony Slama, Rob Delaney, Juan Morillo, Danny Valencia, Steve Tolleson, and Trevor Plouffe some playing time and see how they can do. I don't like to give up on a season, but Slowey has been such a good pitcher for the Twins this year that losing him hurts alot. What do you all think