Minnesota - The Mauer Years

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

August 6, 2011

Twins 12 - Rangers 3

Jason Kubel and Adrian Beltre put on a show. They combined to go 6-8 with two walks, six runs, three homers, and 10 RBI.

POTG - A. Beltre 4-5, 3 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI

August 7, 2011

Twins 1 - Rangers 5

The winning streak is finally snapped at 11 games. Feldman shut us down, allowing only one run over seven innings. Meanwhile Hanson struggled for the first time as a Twin, allowing three runs in 3.2 innings on six hits and three walks. Our lone run came off a Jason Kubel single to score Thomas Neal.

POTG - S. Feldman 7 IP, 7 H, BB, ER, 2 K

August 8, 2011

Twins 1 - Rangers 5

The 11-game winning streak quickly turns into a two-game losing streak. The Rangers homered four times, three of starter Scott Baker alone, en route to the win. Tanner Scheppers pitched seven innings of one-run ball, while allowing only three hits and three walks to us.

POTG - T. Scheppers 7 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, ER, 5 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 62-49
3.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
3.0 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 9, 2011

Twins 5 - Mariners 2

A close game all the way until the end. Joe Mauer launched a three-run homer in the ninth with the game tied at two to give us the win.

POTG - J. Mauer 2-4, 4 RBI, game-winning 3-R home-run in top of ninth inning

August 10, 2011

Twins 1 - Mariners 5

A pretty impressive pitcher's duel that we were unfortunate enough to come out on the losing end of. Blackburn and Cliff Lee both went seven innings, but Lee allowed a single run to Blackburn's three.

POTG - C. Lee 7 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, ER, 7 K

August 11, 2011

Twins 1 - Mariners 8

The first three pitchers of the game, Nieve, Ohman, and Neshek, allowed eight runs combined over just five innings. Although Jesse Crain was able to get the game under control for the final three innings, our offense couldn't come up with anything, save a solo home-run by J.J. Hardy in the 8th inning.

POTG - R. Rowland-Smith 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, ER, 2 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 63-51
5.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
1.5 GA of New York Yankees for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

We've definitely cooled off, but that was bound to happen eventually. It would've been completely unreasonable to expect my team to play .900 baseball for the final two months of the season. However, we still have the Wild Card lead and we're still well within striking distance of the Tigers. We just need to stop winning one of three, like we have the past two series against the Rangers and Mariners, and start winning two of three and getting a sweep every now and again. The second half of August is gonna be big for us. We play the Tigers for six games, the Yankees for four, and the Indians for three. We really need to play those series well to stay in this thing and make up some ground.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

August 12, 2011

Yankees 2 - Twins 15

What a smokeshow! The big inning was the fifth, during which we scored 9 of our 15 runs. Pence delivered a three-run blast in the inning, and Morales, Beltre, Span, and Weeks all contributed with RBI hits.

POTG - J. Hardy 2-4, BB, 3 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI

August 13, 2011

Yankees 11 - Twins 7

Brett Gardner tripled to lead off the game, and it was all downhill from there. Tommy Hanson failed to record an out in the game, before getting pulled after allowing six runs capped off by a grand slam to Nick Swisher. The bullpen was able to stop the bleeding for the most part, and a sixth inning grand slam by Adrian Beltre made it close. But the performance, or lack thereof, by Hanson was too much to overcome.

POTG - N. Swisher 2-3, BB, R, HR, 5 RBI

August 14, 2011

Yankees 7 - Twins 8 (in extras)

The game started off a little rocky, as we allowed six runs in the first four innings, but we were able to come back and win it in the end. Adrian Beltre was the hero, crushing a David Robertson offering into the left-field stands in the bottom of the 11th for the walk-off homer.

POTG - A. Beltre 2-6, walk-off homer in 11th

August 15, 2011

Yankees 3 - Twins 4 (in extras)

Another extra-inning squeaker. Aubrey Huff grounded into a double play with a man on third in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and send it to extras. Then we scored the winning run in the 10th on a bases-loaded walk drawn by Hunter Pence.

POTG - H. Pence 1-4, game-winning bases-loaded walk in 10th inning

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 66-52
4.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
2.5 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

We were able to retain our Wild Card lead and stay in good shape to make a run at the division by handling our business against the Yankees. Six of our next 12 games are against the Tigers, so we've got a big two weeks coming up. Fortunately, though, it should work out so that Greinke and Hanson pitch in each of the series against the Tigers. (

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

August 17, 2011

Tigers 3 - Twins 14

Greinke pitched a solid game for his 14th win of the season, going six innings and allowing only three runs while striking out eight. With Greinke on the mound, Joe Mauer was the designated hitter, and hit he did. Mauer had three hits in five at bats, drew a walk, scored twice, and drove in four runs.

POTG - J. Mauer 3-5, BB, 2 R, 4 RBI

August 18, 2011

Tigers 0 - Twins 2

For some reason my manager (the AI) decided it would be a good idea to have Greinke start two games in a row, but luckily it worked out. Greinke collected his 15th win by going eight innings, giving up two hits and no runs, while striking out eight. The only two runs of the game came on a 4th inning two-run jack by Thomas Neal.

POTG - Z. Greinke 8 IP, 2 H, BB, 0 ER, 8 K

August 19, 2011

Tigers 4 - Twins 5

We pulled off the sweep! Hanson went six innings and allowed three runs, while Mauer and Neal both hit home-runs and drove in two runs. The win pulls us to just one game back of the Tigers for first place!

POTG - MIN bullpen W. Ohman + J. Crain + S. Romo + J. Mijares 4 IP, H, 3 BB, ER, 3 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 69-52
1.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.0 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 20, 2011

White Sox 0 - Twins 8

Jemile Weeks homered and drove in three runs in support of Scott Baker. Baker pitched the shutout, giving up eight hits and a walk while striking out eight over all nine innings.

POTG - S. Baker CG, SHO, 8 H, BB, 8 K

August 21, 2011

White Sox 9 - Twins 0

Liriano and Nieve combined to allow seven runs before the end of the fourth inning. Opposite them was Daniel Hudson, who went 8.1 shutout innings before coming out of the game for the White Sox.

POTG - D. Hudson 8.1 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 0 ER, 4 K

August 22, 2011

White Sox 1 - Twins 5

Huff, Pence, and Kubel all homered in the win. Pence's homer was his sixth in 36 games since joining us in a trade from the Red Sox, which is only two less than he hit in 62 games with them.

POTG - N. Blackburn CG, 6 H, BB, ER, 5 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 71-53
2.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
5.0 GA of Toronto Blue Jays for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 23, 2011

Twins 5 - Indians 2

Greinke pitched 7.1 innings of two-run ball with 7 K's. The win pulls us back to within a game of first place for the AL Central lead.

POTG - Z. Greinke 7.1 IP, 6 H, BB, 2 ER, 7 K

August 24, 2011

Twins 0 - Indians 5

Hagadone continues to baffle anyone of my batters who steps to the plate against him. He pitched eight shutout innings with eight strikeouts. Everytime we had an opportunity against him, he just buckled down and got the job done, much to my annoyance.

POTG - N. Hagadone 8 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 0 ER, 8 K

August 25, 2011

Twins 2 - Indians 8

Baker allowed six runs in just five innings for his sixth loss of the season. After winning the series the Indians remain five games back of me in the Wild Card hunt.

POTG - R. Theriot 1-3, 3-R HR

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 72-55
2.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.0 GA of Toronto Blue Jays for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

August 27, 2011

Twins 4 - Tigers 9

We got off to a fast start with a three-run first inning. But Liriano gave up a grand slam in the third and it was all over after that.

POTG - W. Ramirez 3-4, BB, R, HR, 4 RBI

August 28, 2011

Twins 2 - Tigers 3

Greinke pitched very well, allowing only two earned runs over seven innings and striking out eight. However, an Adrian Beltre error proved costly and led to an unearned run for our ace and made the difference in the game.

POTG - J. Turner 7 IP, 6 H, BB, ER, 6 K

August 29, 2011

Twins 7 - Tigers 2

We managed to avoid the sweep with a lot of home-runs from out hitters, and a lot of strikeouts by Tommy Hanson. Hanson went 6.2 innings and allowed just two earned runs on five hits and four walks, striking out a season-high 12 batters in the process. At the plate, we got homers from Huff, Beltre, Neal, and Kubel.

POTG - T. Hanson 6.2 IP, 5 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 12 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 73-57
4.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.5 GA of Boston Red Sox for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

Well we didn't play the Tigers well the second time around. But we've still got plenty of time to overtake them in the division. We play them seven more times before the season ends on September 3rd. Our schedule for the last month of the season looks to be pretty rough. We have games against the division leading A's, the WC contending Indians, the Tigers who we are of course chasing, and the Blue Jays who are chasing us.

ERA    Z. Greinke  2.12
Wins   Z. Greinke  16
Saves  J. Mijares  20
AVG    T. Neal     .312
HR     A. Beltre   22
SB     D. Span     23

Stats

Batting

Player Name	Team	AB	H	HR	RBI	Avg	OBP	SLG	SB	CS
Span, Denard	MIN	519	157	10	50	.303	.378	.434	23	7
Beltre, Adrian	MIN	509	127	22	78	.250	.299	.428	5	1
Huff, Aubrey	MIN	472	119	18	63	.252	.305	.411	0	2
Kubel, Jason	MIN	463	129	20	89	.279	.341	.460	1	0
Neal, Thomas	MIN	423	132	20	74	.312	.446	.511	1	1
Hardy, J.J.	MIN	420	102	19	57	.243	.315	.433	1	0
Pence, Hunter	MIN	420	114	14	62	.271	.325	.440	5	6
Mauer, Joe	MIN	399	112	15	69	.281	.380	.459	3	0
Weeks, Jemile	MIN	264	83	2	27	.314	.380	.402	7	0
Morales, Jose	MIN	121	30	2	10	.248	.311	.331	1	0
Thome, Jim	MIN	48	8	1	4	.167	.298	.250	0	0
Hanson, Tommy	MIN	38	7	0	1	.184	.244	.184	0	0
Harris, Brendan	MIN	27	9	0	3	.333	.400	.407	0	0
Punto, Nick	MIN	26	7	0	4	.269	.387	.346	3	0
Parmelee, Chris	MIN	22	6	0	3	.273	.360	.364	0	0
Greinke, Zack	MIN	6	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Baker, Scott	MIN	3	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Liriano, Francisco	MIN	1	1	0	1	1.000	1.000	2.000	0	0
Blackburn, Nick	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.500	.000	0	0
Neshek, Pat	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Ohman, Will	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Nieve, Fernando	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Mijares, Jose	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Romo, Sergio	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Crain, Jesse	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0

Pitching

Player Name	Team	Starts	W	L	ERA	IP	K	SV	CG	OBA
Hanson, Tommy	MIN	28	10	7	3.57	169.0	178	0	1	.218
Greinke, Zack	MIN	26	16	6	2.12	187.0	184	0	4	.210
Baker, Scott	MIN	26	11	6	3.89	159.2	126	0	4	.258
Liriano, Francisco	MIN	26	10	11	5.02	143.1	118	0	0	.275
Blackburn, Nick	MIN	19	8	7	3.66	123.0	52	0	1	.270
Neshek, Pat	MIN	3	4	2	4.02	78.1	62	1	0	.244
Ohman, Will	MIN	2	2	2	4.45	64.2	51	2	0	.259
Nieve, Fernando	MIN	2	2	2	5.38	73.2	56	2	0	.321
Mijares, Jose	MIN	0	3	3	3.88	53.1	33	20	0	.252
Romo, Sergio	MIN	1	7	5	4.29	71.1	77	3	0	.232
Crain, Jesse	MIN	1	3	3	2.93	70.2	44	4	0	.224

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

August 31, 2011

A's 4 - Twins 12

The 9-4 hitters of Huff, Span, Weeks, Mauer, and Neal drove in two runs each. Thomas Neal also hit his 21st home-run of the season, one behind Beltre for the team lead.

POTG - T. Neal 3-3, 2 BB, 3 R, HR, 2 RBI

September 1, 2011

A's 12 - Twins 7

We scored four in the bottom of the ninth to make the game somewhat interesting, but ultimately it was just not meant to be.

POTG - T. Neal 3-4, BB, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI

September 2, 2011

A's 2 - Twins 10

We had the A's starter, Fautino De Los Santos, out of the game before he even managed to record an out. As for us, Blackburn pitched seven innings of one-run ball and dropped his ERA to 3.53 - pretty impressive for a fifth starter.

POTG - N. Blackburn 7 IP, 7 H, 2 BB, ER, 3 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 75-58
2.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.5 GA of Boston Red Sox for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 3, 2011

Indians 3 - Twins 9

We had opposing starter Alex White out after just 2.0 innings and six runs. Meanwhile, Greinke earned his 17th win of the season, tying him for the AL-lead with Tigers starter Max Scherzer. Thomas Neal also took over the team-lead in homers by belting his 23rd four-bagger of the season.

POTG - Z. Greinke 7 IP, 4 H, BB, ER, 8 K

September 4, 2011

Indians 7 - Twins 1

Tommy Hanson pitched a solid seven innings of two-run ball, but unfortunately the bullpen failed me and allowed five runs over the final two innings of the game.

POTG - J. Kipnis 1-5, HR, 4 RBI

September 5, 2011

Indians 1 - Twins 5

The win pulls us to within a half game of first place for the division! Baker pitched 6.2 innings of one-run ball to help us to the win, and Aubrey Huff hit his 19th homer of the year.

POTG - S. Baker 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, ER, K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 77-59
0.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.5 GA of Boston Red Sox for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 6, 2011

Twins 3 - Royals 0

Yes! The win gives us a .5 game lead in the division! Liriano pitches a complete game, four-hit, shutout with four strikeouts, and Neal drives home two runs.

POTG - F. Liriano CG, SGO, 4 H, BB, 4 K

September 7, 2011

Twins 5 - Royals 2

Joe Mauer and Nick Blackburn carried us to victory. Mauer doubled and tripled to drive in two runs, while Blackburn pitched 6.2 innings of two-run baseball for his 10th win of the season.

POTG - N. Blackburn 6.2 IP, 10 H, BB, 2 ER, 4 K

September 8, 2011

Twins 5 - Royals 4

Greinke just missed out on his 18th win of the season due to a minor bullpen meltdown. But we still managed to pull it out in the end and complete the sweep over the Royals and extend our lead in the division to a full game.

POTG - Z. Greinke 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 7 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 80-59
1.5 GA of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

It's awesome to finally have first place in the palm of my hand, even if it is by the slimmest of margins. Hopefully we can build and maintain the lead and get into the playoffs as the division leader.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

September 10, 2011

Twins 1 - White Sox 6

Hanson gave us a solid six innings of three-run baseball, but the offense didn't show up to support him and the bullpen had a lapse as well.

POTG - J. Peavy 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, ER, 4 K

September 11, 2011

Twins 2 - White Sox 5

We lose inspite of a good start again. Baker gave us seven solid innings, but it came down to a battle of bullpens, which we will lose 90% of the time, and which we lost again this time.

POTG - S. Baker 7 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 4 K

September 12, 2011

Twins 2 - White Sox 4

Our bats were just never able to get going in the series. Nevin Griffith pitched seven innings and allowed only two runs to get the win, his 5th of the season.

POTG - N. Griffith 7 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 ER, 0 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 80-61
1.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
5.5 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 13, 2011

Angels 8 - Twins 6

Blackburn lasted only 3.1 innings before allowing five runs on eight hits and getting pulled out of the game. Weeks homered in the loss.

POTG - K. Morales 3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI

September 14, 2011

Angels 1 - Twins 2

A great pitcher's duel to end our four-game losing streak. Both starters (Zack Greinke and Fabio Martinez) went seven innings and allowed only one run, and neither allowed more than four hits or three walks. But it was tied when they left the game, and for once our bullpen was able to hold down the fort and get a win. Brian Stokes gave up the winning run in the 8th when he gave up an RBI single to Adrian Beltre.

POTG - Z. Greinke 7 IP, 4 H, BB, ER, 10 K

September 15, 2011

Angels 6 - Twins 12

The offense slugged it's way to victory. Jemile Weeks and Jason Kubel drove in three runs each, while Weeks hit two home-runs on his way to doing so. Huff hit his 20th homer of the year, and Thomas Neal was the only one not to get a hit, though he did walk three times.

POTG - J. Weeks 2-5 BB, 3 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 82-63
1.0 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
5.5 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 17, 2011

Tigers 3 - Twins 9

Baker pitched very well, in what is our biggest series of the year to date. He allowed only three runs in seven innings en route to his 14th win of the year. At the same time, Thomas Neal went 2-4 with a homer and drove in a pair of runs while also scoring a pair of runs.

POTG - S. Baker 7 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 ER, 5 K

September 18, 2011

Tigers 9 - Twins 3

Verlander completely shut us down. The only run he allowed was a lead-off homer to Denard Span to start the game, and after that it was smooth sailing for him. He went seven, allowed just the one run, and struck out six, and at the same time Liriano couldn't even make it through five before allowing six runs and getting pulled out of the game.

POTG - J. Verlander 7 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, ER, 6 K

September 19, 2011

Tigers 3 - Twins 2

Blackburn allowed only three runs, all on solo home-runs, in seven innings. But in spite of getting ten hits we struggle to score and ultimately lose the game.

POTG - R. Porcello 6.2 IP, 8 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 5 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 83-65
2.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
3.5 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

We're not playing very well right now, and now is not a good time to not be playing well. We're only 3.5 up in the Wild Card, on the eve of a three-game series against the Indians in Cleveland. If we can sweep them or even take 2 of 3 we might just be able to guarantee ourselves at least the Wild Card. After that, we're in Detroit for four games, which figures to be our biggest series of the year.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

September 20, 2011

Twins 2 - Indians 3

We got homers out of Beltre and Pence, and an excellent start out of Greinke, but our bullpen (typically) let us down in the ninth. We allowed them to score in the 8th to tie it, and then again in the bottom of the ninth to walk-off with the win.

POTG - N. Hagadone 6 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, ER, 12 K

September 21, 2011

Twins 2 - Indians 1

We bounce back from the tough loss with a good win. Hanson went 7.1 innings, allowed just one run on six hits, and struck out seven. Harang also gave them a great start, throwing seven innings of one-run ball himself, but the closer, Perez, let the game get away in the ninth. He plunked Jemile Weeks with one out. Weeks then proceeded to steal second and third, before finally scoring on a sac fly by Neal.

POTG - T. Hanson 7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, ER, 7 K

September 22, 2011

Twins 4 - Indians 11

Well, at least we avoided getting swept by winning game two. Baker allowed seven runs in four innings of work, six of which came in the fifth inning. Masterson didn't pitch much better (4 R in 4 IP), but the Indians bullpen was able to shut us out over the final four innings of the game, unlike our bullpen who gave up four runs in the final four innings of the game.

POTG - W. Hodges 3-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 84-67
4.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
2.5 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

Oh man, is there a lot riding on this series with the Tigers. If we're realistically gonna win the division we probably have to sweep, and at the very least we need to win 3 of 4. I'm not sure how I feel about the fact that Liriano and Blackburn are pitching the first two games of the series, but it is what it is and at least Greinke and Hanson will be making starts in the series.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 23, 2011

Twins 4 - Tigers 5

Thomas Neal homered to start the scoring in the second, his 25th of the season, and with the way Liriano pitched we shouldn't have needed much more. But the bullpen came back to bite us in the ass again. Will Ohman gave up a grand slam to Alex Avila after Liriano left the game and we couldn't come back from it.

POTG - F. Liriano 7 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, ER, 8 K

September 24, 2011

Twins 3 - Tigers 4

Ohman proves his ineptitude, allowing the Tigers to come back from a deficit for the second night in a row, despite a great outing by the starter. And again, we fail to come back from it. With the game tied 3-3 in 14th, pinch-hitter Gustavo Nunez whacked a double to left-field with Alex Avila on second-base, to score the winning run.

POTG - R. Porcello 7 IP, 5 H, BB, 0 ER (2 R), 5 K

September 25, 2011

Twins 7 - Tigers 6

Greinke was as good as ever, recording six punch-outs through the first three innings, and finishing the game with a line of 6.1 innings pitched, 6 hits, two walks, 3 earned runs, and 7 K's. The big difference in the game, however, was Jason Kubel and his sixth inning three-run blast off of Dan Schlereth. Brian Duensing gave me a heart attack in the ninth inning when he gave up a three-run bomb to Clete Thomas, but he settled in and got the outs after that.

POTG - J. Kubel 2-4, HR, 4 RBI

September 26, 2011

Twins 7 - Tigers 6

With Hanson unable to start due to a minor case of shoulder bursitis, we were faced with the frightening prospect of Brian Duensing starting one of the biggest games of our season. But Duensing surprised us and went out and pitched five innings and gave up one earned run, in spite of nine hits and three walks. He didn't do it on his own, though; Joe Mauer hit a critical three-run homer in the 4th inning, and Will Ohman pitched three shutout innings out of the bullpen.


POTG - W. Ohman 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 0 ER, K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 86-69
4.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
2.0 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 27, 2011

Royals 5 - Twins 7

Hunter Pence led us back from an early 4-1 deficit. Pence started the rally in the third by ripping an RBI double to left field, and then picked it up again in the fifth when he cracked a two-run jack off Kyle Davies.

POTG - H. Pence 3-5, HR, 3 RBI

September 28, 2011

Royals 6 - Twins 3

Liriano was going strong, right up until the fifth inning. He allowed five runs in the inning, after allowing only one up to that point in the game. The 'pen kept us in the game, but we couldn't make the comeback.

POTG - G. Meche 7 IP, 6 H, BB, 3 ER, 5 K

September 29, 2011

Royals 0 - Twins 4

This win all but guarantees us a playoff spot, as we lead the Indians 4.0 games in the Wild Card with four to play. Greinke may well have locked-up the Cy Young for himself, as well. He pitched his 4th shutout of the season, striking out eight in the process.

POTG - Z. Greinke CG, SHO, 6 H, BB, 8 K

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 88-70
5.5 GB of Detroit Tigers for first place in AL Central
4.0 GA of Cleveland Indians for first place in AL Wild Card
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

September 30, 2011

Blue Jays 7 - Twins 11

The Minnesota Twins are going to the playoffs for the second season in a row! We had control for most of the game, but the killing blow came in the 8th inning when Jemile Weeks hit a three-run home-run off Casey Janssen to seal the win.

POTG - J. Weeks 3-5, HR, 4 RBI

Blue Jays 1 - Twins 7
Blue Jays 3 - Twins 7
Blue Jays 3 - Twins 8

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Minnesota Twins 92-70
CLINCHED WILD CARD BERTH
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thoughts

Season review coming up before playoffs.....

[jshaw]

at least the Tigers didn't choke in this world

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Minnesota Twins 2011 Season Review

Thoughts

Well, not exactly how I thought the season would go. I thought we easily had the best team in the division going into the season, and would runaway with the Central. But the Tigers and Indians both surprised me and provided very formidable competition, with the Tigers obviously winning the division and the Indians staying on our tail until the very last series of the year. Regardless, 30 teams started the season with the hopes of being one of eight teams at the end with a shot at the World Series, and we're one of those eight, and you can never be disappointed with that.

One thing we definitely saw this season, is that this team has a very bright future ahead of it. Thomas Neal should be a lock for the AL Rookie of the Year award (given I don't know who else in the league was a rookie this year). He hit .313/.447/.523 with 27 homers and 99 RBI's as a rookie. I don't think I can stress that enough. If he's putting up those kind of numbers as a 23-year old rookie, then I can't wait to see what he's gonna do with a few seasons under his belt. Second baseman Jemile Weeks has also shown a lot of potential since we acquired him from the A's. Rated roughly 80/86 at the time of the trade, his rating shot up to 92/95 a few weeks after the trade. He posted a line of .315/.383/.443 with 8 homers, 49 RBI, and 12 steals in 95 games. Combine that with the veterans we have like Span, Mauer, Greinke, Hanson, Pence, and others, and this team should be great moving forward.

The deadline move in which we acquired Hanson for prospects didn't turn out to be quite as shrewd as we had hoped/thought it would be at first. After posting a sub-1.00 ERA in his first three starts with the team, he finished at 5-5 with a 3.64 ERA as a Twin, and he did win some big games down the stretch for us. Him and Greinke should provide a great 1-2 punch in the playoffs and in future seasons.

Speaking of Greinke, if he doesn't win the AL Cy Young I'm personally demanding that Clay re-write the logic that determines award winners. Greinke posted some of the best numbers we've seen from a pitcher in recent memory. He finished the season at 19-6 with a 2.03 ERA. He logged 231 strikeouts to only 45 walks in 230.1 innings, with a subatomic .206 BAA, and a league-leading 4 shutouts. He finished second in wins to Max Scherzer's 21, first in ERA (Felix Hernandez finished second with a 2.70 mark, yeah, not even close), second in K's to strikeout prodigy Nick Hagadone of Cleveland, and first in innings pitched.

Team Leaders

ERA    Z. Greinke  2.03
Wins   Z. Greinke  19
Saves  J. Mijares  26
AVG    T. Neal     .313
HR     T. Neal     27
SB     D. Span     30

Stats

Batting

Player Name	Team	AB	H	HR	RBI	Avg	OBP	SLG	SB	CS
Span, Denard	MIN	653	197	12	58	.302	.377	.426	30	7
Beltre, Adrian	MIN	640	159	24	94	.248	.300	.408	7	2
Kubel, Jason	MIN	592	166	24	116	.280	.340	.456	1	0
Huff, Aubrey	MIN	574	142	21	74	.247	.301	.402	0	2
Pence, Hunter	MIN	544	146	19	76	.268	.324	.438	6	7
Hardy, J.J.	MIN	540	135	23	70	.250	.315	.431	1	0
Neal, Thomas	MIN	537	168	27	99	.313	.447	.523	1	1
Mauer, Joe	MIN	494	149	20	90	.302	.401	.484	3	1
Weeks, Jemile	MIN	400	126	8	49	.315	.383	.443	12	1
Morales, Jose	MIN	151	35	2	11	.232	.293	.305	1	0
Thome, Jim	MIN	48	8	1	4	.167	.298	.250	0	0
Parmelee, Chris	MIN	38	13	1	6	.342	.432	.500	0	0
Hanson, Tommy	MIN	38	7	0	1	.184	.244	.184	0	0
Punto, Nick	MIN	27	8	0	4	.296	.406	.370	3	0
Harris, Brendan	MIN	27	9	0	3	.333	.400	.407	0	0
Greinke, Zack	MIN	6	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Baker, Scott	MIN	3	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Blackburn, Nick	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.500	.000	0	0
Liriano, Francisco	MIN	1	1	0	1	1.000	1.000	2.000	0	0
Neshek, Pat	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Ohman, Will	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Nieve, Fernando	MIN	1	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Mijares, Jose	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Romo, Sergio	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0
Crain, Jesse	MIN	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	0	0

Pitching

Player Name	Team	Starts	W	L	ERA	IP	K	SV	CG	OBA
Hanson, Tommy	MIN	33	12	9	3.47	202.1	207	0	1	.213
Greinke, Zack	MIN	32	19	6	2.03	230.1	231	0	5	.206
Baker, Scott	MIN	33	16	7	4.00	202.1	150	0	4	.258
Blackburn, Nick	MIN	25	11	8	3.63	161.0	69	0	1	.272
Liriano, Francisco	MIN	33	12	14	4.88	186.1	152	0	1	.267
Neshek, Pat	MIN	3	4	4	5.53	86.1	67	1	0	.272
Ohman, Will	MIN	2	3	4	5.08	88.2	66	2	0	.282
Nieve, Fernando	MIN	2	2	2	5.05	87.1	64	2	0	.307
Mijares, Jose	MIN	0	4	3	3.17	65.1	39	26	0	.238
Romo, Sergio	MIN	1	8	5	4.65	81.1	87	3	0	.244
Crain, Jesse	MIN	1	3	5	3.24	77.2	51	5	0	.236

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

at least the Tigers didn't choke in this world

I wish they had, haha.

They're definitely gonna be tough competition for me in coming seasons, though. They had Wilkin Ramirez break-out and hit 39 homers with an OPS of .963, Miguel hitting like a machine (as always), and four ace-quality pitchers in Verlander, Jered Weaver, Rick Porcello, and Max Scherzer.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

American League Leaders

Wins

M. Scherzer     (DET)     21
Z. Greinke      (MIN)     19
B. Anderson     (OAK)     17
C. Lee          (SEA)     17

ERA

Z. Greinke      (MIN)     2.03
M. Scherzer     (DET)     2.70
F. Hernandez    (SEA)     2.76

Strikeouts

N. Hagadone     (CLE)     239
Z. Greinke      (MIN)     231
C. Sabathia     (NYY)     210

Innings Pitched

Z. Greinke      (MIN)     230.1
F. Hernandez    (SEA)     224.2
J. Beckett      (BOS)     222.0

Batting Average

J. Ellsbury     (BOS)     .317
W. Ramirez      (DET)     .316
D. Pedroia      (BOS)     .314

Home-runs

C. Davis        (TEX)     47
M. Teixeira     (NYY)     43
M. LaPorta      (CLE)     39

RBI

C. Davis        (TEX)     132
M. LaPorta      (CLE)     125
M. Teixiera     (NYY)     123

Steals

P. Bourjos      (LAA)     80
J. Ellsbury     (BOS)     71
J. Pierre       (CHW)     69

National League Leaders

Wins

T. Lincecum     (SFG)     22
A. Wainwright   (STL)     19
M. Garza        (CHC)     16
C. Carpenter    (STL)     16

ERA

T. Lincecum     (SFG)     2.38
C. Carpenter    (STL)     2.43
A. Miller       (LAD)     2.65

Strikeouts

T. Lincecum     (SFG)     271
J. Sanchez      (SFG)     247
Y. Gallardo     (MIL)     237

Innings Pitched

A. Miller       (LAD)     227.2
T. Lincecum     (SFG)     227.0
J. Garland      (SDP)     222.0

Batting Average

S. Schumaker    (STL)     .361
A. Pujols       (STL)     .352
J. Votto        (CIN)     .332

Home-runs

A. Pujols       (STL)     47
M. Reynolds     (ARI)     41
A. Dunn         (LAD)     40

RBI

A. Pujols       (STL)     130
I. Stewart      (COL)     118
R. Howard       (PHI)     115

Steals

M. Bourn        (HOU)     65
C. Gomez        (MIL)     61
J. Reyes        (NYM)     59

American League Standings



National League Standings



Thoughts

A really good AL East race this season. In spite of my Boston fan-dom, I was pulling for the Blue Jays, just because I always like to see non-traditional playoff teams in the playoffs when I play Mogul. It's also good to see some teams that fit that bill in the playoffs on the NL side, in Washington and Pittsburgh.

[ewing6]

With washington in first how did strasburg come along, and nice dynasty and congrats again

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Playoff Match-ups

Oakland A's (96-66) vs. Minnesota Twins (92-70)

Thoughts:

I think we should win this series. They have better individual hitters, but I think we have better hitters from top-to-bottom, and I definitely think we have the better pitching staff.

Detroit Tigers (95-67) vs. Boston Red Sox (86-76)

Thoughts:

It's hard to go against the defending champ's, but that's what I'm gonna do. The Tigers have a really good team and edge the Red Sox in just about every facet.

Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (90-72)

Thoughts:

Going with the Dodgers in a landslide. The Dodgers had three pitchers with ERA's under 3.00 for the season, and although their line-up isn't as balanced as the Pirates, it's still a force to be reckoned with.

St. Louis Cardinals (98-64) vs. Washington Nationals (87-75)

Thoughts:

It's close, but I think I'll take the Nat's. The Nationals have a better rotation 1-5, and I think that will overcome the fact that the Cardinals have a considerably better hitting ball-club.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

With washington in first how did strasburg come along, and nice dynasty and congrats again

Strasburg has come along nicely so far. He's rated at 88/96 with solid all-around vitals. This year, in his first full-season, he went 14-5 in 32 starts with a 3.80 ERA, 213 K's and 62 BB's in 213 innings, and a BAA of .227.

And thanks .

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Twins lose Game 1 in ten Innings

Greinke started the game a little shaky, allowing a run in the first, but settled down from there. He won the battle of the starters, going 7 innings allowing just one run and striking out eight. Unfortunately the (mothereffing) bullpen blew it again. Romo allowed a game-tying home-run immediately after Greinke came out of the game, and then Mijares gave up the walk-off homer to Travis Buck to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning.

Minnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics
October 5, 2011

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
         Twins (MIN) 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0  2  8  1
     Athletics (OAK) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1  3  6  0

MINNESOTA                    ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Denard Span (CF)              5  1  0  1  1  1  0  0    .302
Adrian Beltre (3B)            4  1  1  1  1  1  2  0    .248
Jemile Weeks (2B)             5  2  0  0  0  0  2  0    .315
Thomas Neal (LF)              4  1  1  0  0  0  1  0    .313
Hunter Pence (RF)             5  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .268
Joe Mauer (C)                 4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .302
Aubrey Huff (1B)              3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .247
J.J. Hardy (SS)               4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .250
Jose Morales (C)              2  0  2  0  0  0  0  0    .232
TOTALS                       36  8  5  2  2  2  6  0

   2B:  Joe Mauer
   HR:  Adrian Beltre, Denard Span
   CS:  Jemile Weeks

   DP:  Aubrey Huff, J.J. Hardy, Zack Greinke
   E:  Aubrey Huff

               MINNESOTA   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
            Zack Greinke  7.0  4  2  0  1  1  8 100   2.03
             Sergio Romo  2.0  1  0  1  1  1  3  23   4.65
            Jose Mijares  0.0  1  0  1  1  1  0   3   3.17
                  TOTALS  9.0  6  2  2  3  3 11 126

OAKLAND                      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Grant Green (SS)              4  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .300
Ryan Sweeney (RF)             4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .289
Michael Taylor (LF)           4  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .284
Chris Carter (1B)             4  0  0  0  0  0  4  0    .297
Corey Brown (CF)              4  2  0  0  0  1  1  0    .278
Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B)         3  0  1  0  0  0  1  0    .253
Travis Buck (DH)              4  1  0  1  1  1  1  0    .240
Aaron Hill (2B)               2  0  1  0  0  0  1  0    .289
Kurt Suzuki (C)               3  1  0  1  1  1  1  0    .306
TOTALS                       32  6  2  3  2  3 11  0

   2B:  Corey Brown
   HR:  Kurt Suzuki, Travis Buck
   GDP:  Kurt Suzuki
   CS:  Aaron Hill

   DP:  Kurt Suzuki, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Corey Brown

                 OAKLAND   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
          Brett Anderson  6.0  6  3  2  2  2  3 103   3.39
             Joey Devine  2.0  0  1  0  0  0  2  33   3.43
           Andrew Bailey  2.0  2  1  0  0  0  1  35   3.39
                  TOTALS 10.0  8  5  2  2  2  6 171

     WP: Andrew Bailey
     LP: Jose Mijares

     Temperature: 51F
     Wind: 5 MPH (in from left)
     Attendance: 35,067
     Time: 3:00

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

A's go up 2-0 on Sheets Masterpiece

We just couldn't figure Ben Sheets out in Game 2. He held us hitless into the sixth inning and finished the game with a line of 8 innings, three hits, two walks, no runs allowed, and six K's. We managed to get two runs in the top of the ninth when Kubel hit a single to left-field with a man on second, and then another on a sac-fly by Adrian Beltre that was nearly the game-tying home-run.

So much for my perception of us as the favorite. We're really against the ropes now.

Minnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics
October 6, 2011

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
         Twins (MIN) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2    2  5  0
     Athletics (OAK) 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 x    4  9  0

MINNESOTA                    ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Denard Span (CF)              4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .302
Jemile Weeks (2B)             3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .315
Joe Mauer (C)                 4  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .302
Thomas Neal (LF)              3  0  1  1  0  0  1  0    .313
Jason Kubel (DH)              4  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .280
Adrian Beltre (3B)            3  0  0  0  0  1  0  0    .248
Hunter Pence (RF)             4  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .268
J.J. Hardy (SS)               3  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .250
Chris Parmelee (1B)           2  1  1  0  0  0  1  0    .342
TOTALS                       30  5  3  2  0  2  6  0

   GDP:  Hunter Pence

               MINNESOTA   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
            Tommy Hanson  6.0  8  0  2  4  4  6  98   3.47
             Jesse Crain  2.0  1  0  0  0  0  3  30   3.24
                  TOTALS  8.0  9  0  2  4  4  9 128

OAKLAND                      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Grant Green (SS)              4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .300
Ryan Sweeney (RF)             4  3  0  1  1  2  0  0    .289
Michael Taylor (LF)           4  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .284
Chris Carter (1B)             4  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .297
Corey Brown (CF)              4  2  0  0  0  1  2  0    .278
Kevin Kouzmanoff (3B)         4  1  0  1  1  1  0  0    .253
Travis Buck (DH)              3  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .240
Aaron Hill (2B)               3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .289
Kurt Suzuki (C)               3  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .306
TOTALS                       33  9  0  4  2  4  9  0

   2B:  Corey Brown, Ryan Sweeney
   HR:  Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ryan Sweeney

   DP:  Chris Carter, Aaron Hill, Kevin Kouzmanoff

                 OAKLAND   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
              Ben Sheets  8.0  3  2  0  0  0  6 136   4.22
          Michael Wuertz  1.0  2  1  0  2  2  0  22   4.75
                  TOTALS  9.0  5  3  0  2  2  6 158

     WP: Ben Sheets
     LP: Tommy Hanson

     Temperature: 59F
     Wind: 3 MPH (left to right)
     Attendance: 35,067
     Time: 3:07