Results tagged ‘ Toronto Blue Jays ’
Twitter and the Timex Social Club
Did you hear the one about…? No, but can you stop tweeting and read this!
FOUR TO GO: On Sunday, my roommate, Melodie, took her mother visiting from North Dakota to Target Field in the tropical heat we’ve had (and still having). Little did they know they were in for a treat – a big one.
Jim Thome has been clawing his way to be the next power hitter to reach 600 homers in his career. Not only did Melodie, her mother and 38,700+ others witnessed his 596th jack – it was the longest in the new park’s history. This was tape measured at 480 feet landing at the base of the trapezoidal-shaped second deck over right field. If you saw this, all you can do is just be in awe.
This is only Thome’s seventh homer of the season. Could he get his 600th homer this year? I certainly hope so.
THIS AIN’T 1979, PEOPLE! We knew that the NL Central was going to be a tight one. Yet, were we too quick to write off the Pittsburgh Pirates? They reached .500 in June, now they’re a half-game off the division leading Milwaukee Brewers and tied with the St. Louis Cardinals. To make matters more interesting, last season’s division champ, the Cincinnati Reds are three-and-a-half games off the Brewers’ pace.
Why does it matter to discuss the NL Central in mid-to-late July. We’re two weeks from the August swoon and pennant races usually change next month. Yes, they do. However, the second half offers opportunities for teams to make a move to push towards September where the race truly matters. If a division is tight now, it may not be as tight on September 1.
Before anyone goes crazy over the Pirates being in the thick of a developing pennant race, step back a bit and let it all shake out in the next six weeks. In the meantime, enjoy it!
THE DEADLINE: So, The K-Rod to Milwaukee deal is pretty much done. Francisco Rodriguez is being sent to The Crew. I get it. It absolves the New York Mets the responsibility of a huge payout at the end of this season. My question is to the effectiveness of K-Rod in Milwaukee. Is he the right closer for this division contender? As long as he behaves himself (along with the less-crazy Nyjer Morgan/Tony Plush/Ochocinco-Lite), K-Rod could be the catalyst for September at Miller Park.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers get Juan Rivera from the Toronto Blue Jays. This was done in concert with the reassignment of Marcus Thames due to injuries. Rivera helps the Dodgers to compliment Tony Gwynn, Jr. as he hits left and provides a second speedster on the pads. This fits in Davey Lopes’ plans of adding the stolen base game to Don Mattingly’s arsenal. Rivera can be a boost for the languishing Dodgers. Hey, I’m pretty positive about this guy!
Another “surprise” was the Boston Red Sox off-loading Mike Cameron to the Florida Marlins. Why it is a surprise? I didn’t think Theo Epstein would want to part with the original free agency deal that ultimately did not work. He did – a smart move, I say! Cameron had been hurt and semi-productive in Boston. The Marlins will get someone who can provide some leadership to a team that needs to climb from the cellar. Yet, I wonder if it’s “too little, too late” for the Fish to get a semi-utilized Cameron. The real winner in the Red Sox – they needed the space for the pennant run.
Who’s next for the late July Trade Deadline sweepstakes? The big name that comes up in the rumor mill is the Colorado Rockies’ Ublado Jimenez. One set of tweets has him moving somewhere. Another set of rumors has him staying in Denver. My take? He’s staying in Denver. He mesmerizes Rox’ fans. He won’t be moving for a while. Neither will Matt Garza. Wandy Rodriguez of the Houston Astros? Maybe. The ‘Stros need help.
Photo of Francisco Rodriguez (as a Met) courtesy of Major League Baseball
Borderlines
There’s somewhat of a Canadian theme to this post. After all, it is that rare weekend where our two countries celebrate our national holidays. Tomorrow, the USA’s big one…right after the All-Star Game rosters are announced.
DOC 5, JAYS 3: Roy Halladay made his first start in the city where he honed his skills in. He did so by drawing 44,000 fans to Rogers Centre – a drop in the bucket considering the Toronto will swell to almost a million people today for the Pride Toronto parade on Yonge Street. Doc went the distance, despite giving up eight wins and seeing his Phils get changed with an error. Amongst his 110 pitches, Doc served up one to Jose Bautista that sailed over the fence. On the flip side, Halladay struck out eight and walked one.
Sure, Halladay felt some nervousness before his Saturday start. Once he hit the mound, he simply went to work. That work took a lengthy pause when John Rauch imploded in the ninth over arguing a call by the home plate umpire. Rauch was thrown out when his jersey came off. After Rauch was tossed, Blue Jays manager John Farrell tried to argue – was also ejected Then, Toronto’s fans began throwing stuff onto the field. All of this before Halladay would take the mound for one final side.
Today, Halladay will amongst the many anxious ballplayers waiting to find out whether they will play at Chase Field this month for the All-Star Game. This performance should help – that is if Bruce Bochy hasn’t made up his mind this morning.
CROSS-BORDER SHENANGIGANS: Early Saturday morning, the Saint Paul Saints were rolling up Interstate 29 en route to a road series at Winnipeg’s Shaw Park. The reality of the minors – specifically, indie league baseball – is the lack of luxury one forgoes when traveling. No private planes for these guys. It was a seven-plus hour drive from The Cities to the banks of the Red River.
The night before, the Saints and the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks took a long time to close out their series – the Saints won. The buses had to leave right away for both teams, including the Saints with an extended up further north (the Red Hawks went down to Northwestern Iowa for the Sioux City Explorers). At the Canadian border, the team spent three hours going through customs. There was no explanation given, but reading that tweet yesterday morning made me wonder why would it take so long to cross the border with about 40 or so people in tow.
The Saints will play three more against the Goldeyes before heading back across the border for a home stand with Gary South Shore and the same Winnipeg ballclub.
THIS BORDER, NOT THAT ONE: Minnesota and Wisconsin – as neither state has anything to do but have a rivalry. First, there’s the Gophers and the Badgers, representing two universities of size and importance. Then, there’s the Vikings and the Packers – one is a Super Bowl Champion; the other helped caused the shutdown of the state. Add the Twins and the Brewers to the mix and you have a serious reason to either be proud of Sconnie…or, hate it.
Today is the rubber game of the series with implications on a pennant race. The Brewers are tied with the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central, while the Twins have settled into fourth in the AL Central. With All-Star Game selections on the line, you’d think that the Brewers would have a better day. Maybe. Sometime on Thursday, I returned to my Twins fandom knowing what I witnessed against the Dodgers. Not to mention the incentive in seeing those Sconnie blankety-blanks leave town a game behind the Cards.
Oh, look the Pirates are in third place – over .500!
Canadian flag image courtesy of the Department of Canadian Heritage – Government of Canada.
How Joe West Almost Ruined Mother’s Day
Well…MLB Advanced Media delayed the WordPress conversion for another weekend. No worries. There’s plenty to say, I suppose…
AIN’T NO WAY, JOE WEST! Quick! Name the two of the worst umpires in the Major Leagues? Well, two of them were at their worst Friday evening at Fenway Park. It was when Boston Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield was trying to throw a pick-off move to third, but switched to first. It eventually got the Minnesota Twins’ Denard Span in a rundown. The initial call was Span was out. However, Angel Hernandez, working home plate, called a balk Wake. Replays show that neither foot was pointed to home plate, as the rule states. The feet turned when Wake switched from third to first, but never landed pointing towards home.
That brought out Terry Francona. He wanted clarification whether the balk was correct. As soon as Francona got within smelling distance of Hernandez, the Red Sox manager was tossed from the game. True, Francona violated the rule arguing a balk call. I will argue again that the call was incorrect.
It got worse when Francona’s ire was raised a level never seen before. It was prompted by Joe West’s trot from third base. West decided put himself between Hernandez and Francona. Francona appeared to be heading back to the dugout, but trying to get a few last words in. What West did was unreal. As he was creating a wall between Hernandez and Francona, it appeared that West was touching the Red Sox manager appearing to push him away and back to the Sox dugout.
For the past couple of days, the screams of umpire governance again reared its head. Luckily, Francona did not get himself into a situation that would prompt a call from the league’s new schoolyard cop – Joe Torre. However, no one is policing the umps. Not even the Commissioner. That continues to be a sad state of affairs.
If a league can screw over Dave Pallone months after the infamous Pete Rose “he poked me” incident, why can’t they (a) teach the two worst umpires in the game what a bloody balk is and (b) get rid of Joe West once and for all. I’m tired of seeing him continue to put the game in repute every time he puts himself into a situation similar to Friday’s night!
‘DRE ENDS AT 30: Just 26 games short of Joe DiMaggio, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andre Ethier ended an exciting hit streak at 30 games on Saturday night against the New York Mets. He was also one game short of the franchise record.
Why was the streak something to watch? It gave Dodger fans one positive thing to look at while the club was riddled with bad news. After Frank McCourt cried wanting his team back from the Commissioner’s Office, Ethier’s streak came into play. It was a diversion – like Osama Bin Laden’s death, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the rise of the NDP as Canada’s official opposition to the Tories’ new majority government causing the fall of the Liberals and the Bloc from federal parliament.
Yes, the streak was huge. Will there be another attempt?
VERLANDER’S SECOND NO-NO: Yesterday in Toronto, we saw the second no-hitter of the season. It was also Justin Verlander’s second no-hitter in his career. The Detroit Tigers’ ace had the Blue Jays for only a walk and four strikeouts throwing 108 pitches.
Before you compare this no-hitter against Verlander’s previous one in 2007, understand one thing: He was dominating either way. The Jays’ bats were swinging and they connected into strong defensive plays. One such play appeared to be close – an Edwin Encarnacion hit slaps Verlander’s glove, rolling towards third. Verlander got to the ball and threw it to Miguel Caberra within millimeters of Encarnacion’s toes to dig up the crucial out.
Congrats to Justin! We needed that second no-no his week!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY: Finally, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day full of flowers, cards, memories, pink bats, shoes, gloves, etc.
Because this blog is dedicated to the memory of my own mother, it is always a special occasion to celebrate this day. Just thinking about her and the gifts she gave her sons years ago before she moved on from this planet.
Do something good for your mother – or the mother of your children – and celebrate this day at its best! Cherish her for life!
The First Weekend of 2011 – Done
Nelson Cruz (L) and Ian Kinsler (R) of the Texas Rangers. Photos courtesy of Major League Baseball
The first weekend of Major League baseball is almost in the books. The Los Angeles Dodgers took two of their first three, with their final opening weekend game in progress as this is posted. The Minnesota Twins finally win one after two losses in Toronto.
Then, there’s the Boston Red Sox: O-for-AL championship celebration weekend in Arlington.
I’m not sure what’s worse; Being frustrated that the Red Sox had not gained a victory against the Texas Rangers, despite Big Papi hitting two homers so far this season. Being frustrated that the Twins’ best-laid plans were thwarted by a potentially dangerous Blue Jays team, despite both Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan back on the roster and healthy. Or, being frustrated that I have not been able to meet anyone new off Scruff.
There were some highlights from the weekend. The Rangers should be given credit for showing off their power on the Sox. They’ve played three games and both Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler homered in every game. The fact that the Rangers had this power all along was not surprising. They played their usual game of domination – the same one that eventually propelled them into the World Series last year. Now, Kinsler and Cruz are sitting on top of the home run heap with Mark Teixeira of the New York Yankees with three apiece.
In today’s Twins’ victory over the Blue Jays, perhaps the most significant piece of news came through at the end of it: Joe Nathan’s first save since 2009. One a pitcher comes back from Tommy John surgery, the only way for that surgery to truly heal is accomplishing an end to your game. However, the save wasn’t as clean as one would hope to be. Nathan threw 31 pitches in his single inning of work, with only 15 strikes thrown, no strikeouts and walking two. In contrast, Matt Capps came in to pitch in the seventh throwing only eight pitches with 6 strikes. Then, there’s ex-Twins reliever Jon Rauch coming into the ninth for the Jays who gave up a homerun and a walk in 16 pitches thrown for 11 strikes.
As much as I know how much my fellow Twins fans love Nathan – my man is still Capps. But, hey, Nathan got the save – argument over for now.
There are some undefeated teams in the majors right now. The Cincinnati Reds made mince meat of the Milwaukee Brewers and Nyjer Morgan. The Philadelphia Phillies showed off their incredible starting rotation to serious results against the Houston Astros. The Rangers – I already covered that.
So, who let the Baltimore Orioles in? They swept the Tampa Bay Rays on the road as their hosts hoisted the AL East pennant. How? Yeah, I know, the O’s went to the deal table and picked up some serious components – Vladimir Guerrero, included. It’s just that Peter Angelos has a way of destroying successful Orioles teams – even in short order. This won’t last, folks…
Now that we got this first weekend of baseball off our chest, we’re rest assured one thing: For most of the teams in the majors, there’s still 159 games left to go.
Opening Day 2011: The Heirloom’s Guide to Friday’s Festivities
Cincinnati, The Bronx, Washington, Kansas City, St. Louis and Los Angeles – they kicked off Opening Day in their stylish ways. It also meant victories for the Yankees, Braves, Reds, Angela, Padres and Dodgers.
Friday’s slate of openers is nothing to sneeze at, either. There are eleven of them. I can’t go over each one – maybe the ones that intrigue me the most. (Times are Eastern)
1:05PM – PHILADELPHIA: The Phillies start off Friday’s openers being the first to the bell. The NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay takes the mound against Brett Myers and the Houston Astros. Seriously, who needs a National Anthem or a ceremonial first pitch? Trot out Doc from the bullpen and it’s game on! That’s more than enough to fire up the crowd at Citizens Bank Park!
2:20PM – WRIGLEYVILLE: The Cubs may have improved over the off-season (including ridding themselves of chronic underachiever Carlos Silva), but there is one thing on everyone’s mind: This will be the first Opening Day without Ron Santo. The Cubs will entertain the Pirates – perennial spoilers of North Side fans – with Ryan Dempster getting the ball against Kevin Correia. Would you believe that Robert Redford – Roy Hobbs, himself – is throwing out the ceremonial first ball at Wrigley? Ron Santo, Jr. will do the seventh inning stretch honors. It should be crazy as usual at Clark and Addison – and Halsted, too!
3:05PM – CLEVELAND: While the North Side celebrates baseball, Ozzie Guillen will take his Twitterverse and the Southsiders to Cleveland with a classic match-up between Mark Buehrle and Fausto Carmona. That’s worth more than the price of admission, really. And, truly, with the pre-game tribute to Bob Feller – it would be appropriate to have a serious marquee match-up on the mound. As with the festivities in Philly, just showing up in time for Fausto’s first pitch is good enough to start the season.
4:05PM – ARLINGTON: The Rangers get their AL Championship rings while the Red Sox focus on taking them away in October/November. On the mound, C.J. Wilson meets Jon Lester to start a repeat campaign back to the Series. That’s a nice match-up already. Better still, Jeff Burroughs and Charlie Hough will throw out the ceremonial first pitches celebrating the 40th season of MLB in the Metroplex. MercyMe will sing the National Anthem.
7:07PM – TORONTO: The Twins begin their 51st season in a foreign land. They will fire up another AL Central run in the midst of a Federal election and Rob Ford’s reign as Mayor of Toronto. I’m sure fans will not only be welcomed by the Jays, but by campaigners for the Liberals, the NDP, the Greens and the Tories. Carl Pavano will start for the Twins against Ricky Romero – sponsored by Honda Canada, BTW! And, sold out, too! If you’re the lucky ticket holder at Rogers Centre, you might walk away with a new Honda! The stars of the Toronto production of Billy Elliott will sing the USA and Canadian National Anthems. What? No ceremonial first pitch? Can’t get Don Cherry to insult the fans for a few minutes? Can’t decide which party leader to put on the mound? Is Rob Ford too large to trot out in front of 50,000-plus at Rogers Centre?
7:10PM – SAINT PETERSBURG: After offing some key players from their postseason runs, the Rays come inside The Trop to meet the Baltimore Orioles and Buck Showalter’s big mouth to start 2011. The festivities begin with Florida Governor Rick Scott throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. After that, David Price will take the mound for the Rays against Jeremy Guthrie. It will be Price’s first Opening Day nod. I think that’s a good reason to show up at The Trop on Friday evening.
A Song for Roy
There is one last shout to amble on The Heirloom for 2010…
MLB.com reported on how an Australian-born, Alberta-based country music artist recorded a Christmas song that also serves as a paean to the NL Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay. In essence, Halladay liked it.
Now, I’m not much of a country fan (OK, I like Lady Antebellum and Laura Bell Bundy/Shocantelle Brown – and some select old stuff) – but, I have to admit that it is kinda cool for a baseball song.
Well…here’s the video…and Happy New Year from The Heirloom. Peace!
Wearing Off The Tryptophan
Obviously, they’re not protesting the Juan Uribe deal. Photo by Randy Stern
Thanksgiving. What have we given thanks for?
A lot. The days before. The days ahead. The people around me. Baseball. Brad Childress getting fired. Not being entirely disappointed by the History Channel’s (i.e. the U.S.) version of Top Gear. This blog. Spell check. Not shopping on Black Friday (except for groceries). Not shopping on Cyber Monday. The final months of Grad School…
And, these nuggets of newsworthiness…
WELCOME BACK DAVEY! When was the last time you saw Davey Lopes wear a Dodger uniform? I believe it was after they won the World Series in 1981. Since then, he was a coach who helped mold some of the best players in the game. His last stint with the Philadelphia Phillies was proof positive on his influence on the base running game under Charlie Manuel as Lopes guided runners by keeping a keen eye on the pitcher. Ask Jimmy Rollins! He was even the manager for the Milwaukee Brewers about ten years ago.
Part of Don Mattingly’s ascension into Joe Torre’s office at Dodger Stadium was a major overhaul of the coaching staff. Lopes was given an opportunity to return to Chavez Ravine as Mattingly’s First base Coach – simply because of his ability to read pitchers and guide runners towards stolen bases. Since 2007, his coaching led the Phils in the first three spots for team stolen base percentage in the Majors. The Dodgers have some wheels to work with – but it is not enough for Lopes to work with. His job is to simply turn base runners out of the Dodgers – the same task he had when he arrived in Philadelphia in 2007. Remember, Lopes was a formidable base runner when he played second base for the Dodgers in the 1970s.
I can’t wait to see what Lopes does with the Dodgers offense.
SPEAKING OF THE DODGERS… No, I did not miss that Victor Martinez is back in the AL Central. He’ll be in Detroit this time. At least that solves the Red Sox catcher and first base problem…
How about this: After winning a World Series with the Jints, Juan Uribe becomes a Dodger. The consequence is sending Ryan Theriot to St. Louis to become a Cardinal. Nothing wrong with that – unless to take in consideration that the Dodgers get Blake Hawksworth coming westbound. It appears Ned Coletti is trying to enhance the Dodgers again (hopefully not failing as he had the past several years).
In the mortal words of the late Mel Allen: “How about that!”
SMELL ‘EM – IN LANSING: Mike Redmond was a journeyman catcher who landed in the Twin Cities for a spell. This was after he spent the first chunk of his career with the Florida Marlins. He was always seen as enthusiastic – a cheerleader. His “smell ‘em” gesture became legend around here on several pennant chases.
Now, he takes his enthusiasm, cheerleading and mentoring style into the ranks of minor league managing as the Toronto Blue Jays assigned Redmond to skipper the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. He will take his show to another level – to Cooley Law School Stadium (formerly Oldsmobile Park), not far from the state capitol.
He’s not the only manager announced in the minors. Perhaps the most fun release I’ve read was Sal Fasano will skipper the New Hampshire Fisher Cats next season – and how the moustache will be huge in Manchester. What’s missing is Ryno’s replacement for the Iowa Cubs. Then again, does anyone care after the way he left the Cubs’ organization in light of Mike Quade’s becoming the permanent skipper of the big club – for Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton?
DOWN UNDER BASEBALL: The winter leagues have been firing up around the Caribbean. This is where Major Leaguers come back to help their hometowns out by mixing the game with improving the lives of the people. This is also a proving ground for other players to experience extreme situations in tuning up for Spring Training in the states. While the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and other Caribbean locales enjoy some baseball action – another place restarted their professional baseball league with help of the Americans.
Australia.
Baseball had a history in the land down under, despite competing on the short end of Footy, Rugby and Cricket. Now, under MLB’s tutelage (amounting to 75%), the Australian Baseball League launched in six cities across the country featuring the best in Australian talent – as well as other talent from Asia, North America and South Africa. Supposedly, Ryan Rowland-Smith of the Seattle Mariners Peter Moylan of the Atlanta Braves and were supposed to play for teams in Sydney and Melbourne respectively. Also slated to play was Trent Oeltjen of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for Sydney. However, Minnesota Twins’ prospect Luke Hughes appears to be playing for Perth after being injured for the remainder of the 2010 season in the States. Some of us recalled he hit a home run off of Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers during his brief trip to the Twins.
Sure, this league is a good stop to develop talent from Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and India (according to current rosters of ABL teams), but can this game get a strong footing in that country? Australia is close to producing a talented ballplayer on an elite level, but it will take one to get there. My money’s on Luke Hughes and hope his time in the ABL will help him get ready for Spring Training in Fort Myers.
Why do I mention this? OK, I’ll admit it – I’m sort of an Aussiephile. I’ll own that.
Game Review: Minnesota 5 vs. Toronto 4
Brian Fuentes pitching to Lyle Overbay Photo by Randy Stern
Alexi Casilla – remember him? He was the one who hit the walk-off base hit that ended Game 163 last year to propel the Minnesota Twins into the Postseason. He did it again – not as a clinching walk-off – but a very a very important one in terms of preparation for this year’s Postseason.
Before I get deeper into this Saturday matinee at Target Field – my fifth and final game of the season for me – I promised a story regarding this.
Originally, I had planned on going to two games this year. As you noticed, it has turned into five. The first unplanned one was courtesy of my former magazine being with my fellow GLBT folks. The second was courtesy of a friend at the University of North Dakota who had to fly out of there instead of coming down for the game. This one – let’s just say it was the oddest way I ever got tickets to any event.
One day, I came home from work and found an envelope with my name on it. I couldn’t make out the writing as to whom it might be and there was no return address. The postmark was local, which was assuring.
Curious, I opened it up. I should’ve known better because it could contain some explosive or anthrax or…wait, that was 2001…moving right along.
The first thing I noticed was a plain white piece of paper folded twice. Inside the paper were two tickets to the game I’m about to talk about shortly. These weren’t just tickets bought from the box office. They were part of some season tickets of a friend of mine. How did I know? His name appeared on it.
So, I e-mailed said friend – left voice mail. I thanked him, but was curious as to why he sent the tickets. I did get a response: They were supposed to be a “anonymous random act of kindness.” I think he didn’t realize he had his name emblazoned on these tickets, but the thought was indeed welcomed.
With the memory of Thursday evening’s debacle still fresh on my mind, I took the tickets and went back to Target Field for one more regular season game.
In hopes of turning around another losing slide midway through the four-game regular season-ending set with the Toronto Blue Jays, it didn’t began well for the home side. Edwin Encarnacion hit his third home run between the two games I attended this weekend – this one scoring another run on top of his jack. I felt somewhat doomed by the middle oif the game.
Then, it turned around. In the bottom of the fifth, Casilla slapped a Shaun Marcum pitch into left field scoring Jason Kubel and Jose Morales. It was at that point when the Twins began to tighten up against the Blue Jays. You can see it in the defense – despite some scary moments along the way. You can see it in the late relief by Brian Fuentes and Matt Capps. This was my first time watching Capps as a Twin – and he’s definitely my homie! Ron Dibble was right all along!
Then, we get to the bottom of the ninth, and I was ready to bolt when it was over. I’m glad I didn’t. Kevin Gregg was supposed to the Jays’ closer – and he blew it. Ben Revere comes in to pinch run for Delmon Young as speed insurance. Young began the inning with a hit that said: “It ain’t over, folks! Stay in the ballpark, please!” Kubel came on due to a walk by Gregg, which Jason Repko took over for base duty. The crowning moment was when Gregg ended up walking Morales.
Then, it was Casilla’s turn. Every time I see Alexi, he always found a way to make me cheer like no one else in the park. OK, I lied – there were others that were crazier than I on this cold afternoon. All Casilla needed to do was to repeat his fifth inning at-bat.
So he did. And, we lived happier ever after.
As I close my live baseball adventures for 2010, I walked away from Target Field with a 4-1 record in its first year of business. My personal Twins’ record against Toronto (with a game inside the Metrodome and another at Rogers Centre) is 2-2.
Lastly, I wanted to thank the season ticket holder who sent his two seats anonymously as a random act of kindness. I won’t name who he is, but thanks to him and your other half for the breath taking seats from the edge of the terrace level above the Metropolitan Club!
The only thing left is the Postseason. And, maybe, a tribute to Bobby Cox.
Game Review: Toronto 13 at Minnesota 2
All Photos by Randy Stern
With the AL Central long been clinched, what can the Twins do in this final home series to build up the team’s readiness for the Postseason?
Going to press, we already know that the Twins will be joined by the Texas Rangers, winners of the AL West, the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays in the Postseason. On the National League side, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds are in with the NL West and Wild Card still to be decided. How the match-ups fare will be determined by the end of the weekend.
One thing is certain: the Twins have a lot at stake this weekend. Home field is certain for the ALDS, but in terms of seeding and who will be their next opponent depends upon the outcome of the AL East race.
A lot of fans will tell you, despite equal fears in facing both the Yankees and the Rays, they rather not face the Yanks.
However, there are other concerns here in Twins Territory. Earlier this week, Ron Gardenhire expressed his frustration with the team’s “lack of focus” since the AL Central clincher. Several examples are cited – such as the ball that ended up smacking Gardy’s ear in Detroit. Mainly, it comes down to bats and fielding not supporting good pitching efforts from Brain Duensing and Scott Baker. If that’s not enough, several Twins’ were in pain – Joe Mauer and Jim Thome amongst the walking wounded. The results aren’t pretty: A sweep by Detroit on the road, then the shocking loss on Monday in Kansas City due to shoddy pitching by Kevin Slowey and Jeff Manship.
If Gardy said “the party’s over,” it is!
Well, I thought it was after the Twins comeback win in Kansas City before arriving home for the final four games of the regular season against Toronto.
As I mentioned last week, this is one of two games I’ll be attending to wrap up the regular season. This one was planned – three seats in the upper deck overlooking the field. I was joined by my close friends Scott and Michael – though we had to come from separate locations as they had other things going on prior to the game. This is also my first test of working mid-week in downtown Minneapolis and going to the game at Target Field.
I’ll say this again: I prefer weekend games.
Regardless, the game was a mess. The Twins were simply slaughtered by the Blue Jays. Edwin Encarnacion slammed two early – including one into that blasted overhang in right field. Then, Jose Bautista slammed two of his own – now at 54 for the season. One went high up in left field.
Were there any highlights on the Twins’ side? There were – but they were overshadowed by the Jays’ domination of Thursday evening.
Scott and Michael had to leave early – due to work and travel schedules on Friday. I ended up leaving early. Not because I had to work the next morning – I was simply sickened of what I saw. On my way out, the usher at the gate I left out of gave a proper excuse after apologizing for the loss on behalf of the Twins’ organization: “We’re on a bit of a vacation.”
I’ll stick with Gardy’s response: “The party’s over!”
Saturday will be my fifth and final home game at Target Field. Let’s hope for a win to make me forget about this loss.
Prologue to a Mid-Week Game
Photo by Randy Stern
Having a ballpark within walking distance of the office is a charming thing indeed. In some cities, you have to either drive or take the subway (light rail, “L”, bus – you name it!) for a bit to get there. In Minneapolis, I take a bus from the house to the doorstep of work, and then traverse the skyway system until I get to Target Field.
I’m not alone. Every time the Twins are in town, downtown Minneapolis is invaded with fans ready for an evening amid the Kasota Stone. At work, I noticed others ready for the game in their Joe Mauer t-shirts or Justin Morneau jerseys – hopelessly in violation of some office dress code.
In some companies, you can wear your Twins t-shirt or jersey if permitted. In my position, I am not permitted. Then again, I’m the one who stays within the lines.
Instead, I packed my Twins jersey, an undershirt, a pair of jeans, my newer running shoes, the Twins’ cap and three seasons of Homer Hankies into an REI bag. I also brought my camera bag as well. Can’t go to a game without it! The plan is to change at the end of my workday from my work clothes to my Twins’ gear. Restrooms are the only place to do it – sad, but true. But, sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do…
It was strange getting on the bus with this bag. I’m certain they’re used to it. I’ve seen potluck goodies carted for the 20-30 minute ride into downtown. I’ve also seen luggage being carted in the morning – along with screaming kids, strollers and God knows what else. Still, it was mellow commute with the bag full of clothes and goodies for tonight’s game.
Normally, I do not attend mid-week games. I try to get tickets for weekend games before even looking at anything else on the calendar. The main reason was the scenario I discussed above – the inconvience factor in lugging additional stuff on public transport and finding way to secure anything needed to be left at the office. Not to mention coordinating others in my party as to their work schedules or other plans they may have the following day – as in the case of my companions this evening.
Next year, there is an exception – the Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in a mid-week series. Probably have to schedule time-off for that…
Still, I am excited to attend my fourth game at Target Field this season with the Toronto Blue Jays in town. It’s been too long between games – the last being the end of July. Taking a tour of the ballpark certainly cemented my appreciation for what was achieved in the Warehouse District/North Loop. Being back in the seats watching the game I love – with two of my closest friends – is a good thing, indeed.
Then, there’s the matter of Saturday. As I said earlier (or, maybe I didn’t), there is a story behind getting these tickets. I’ll hold off on telling it until sometime after the game.
Here we go – the final weekend of the season is upon us! I cannot wait until I get out of this business casual costume!
Randy Stern
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