Pros and Cons, Along With a Short Trade Rant [Twins 10, ChiSox 6]

Well.

That was probably one of the best games I'd ever been to, from about the 4th inning on. I've decided to list The Good and The Bad about yesterdays game. So here you go.

THE GOOD

• After seriously forgetting how to hit the ball on Wednesday, we've remembered QUITE clearly
• The meal deal my friend and I got with our Home Run Porch tickets. I love Dome Dogs.
  
• Brendan Harris. His two doubles made me love him even more, despite his political opinions.
  
• Justin Morneau. That home run was gone the second he made contact with it. And it was beautiful.
• Kubes.
  
• AJ Pierzynski's complete inability to throw runners out. I love it.
• Ken Griffey Jr. didn't show up at The Dome in uniform to play.
• Nick Punto, playing like the Nick Punto of 2006. I love Nick Punto.
  
• Denard drawing a walk after the awful call, then stealing 2nd.
• The scary souvenir guy who gets in your face didn't come by me this game.
• Gardy.
  

THE BAD

• Getting juked out on the chips that we were supposed to receive with our Dome Dogs. Not cool.
• Adam Everett. Killer, I'm glad you're back and all...but the showing last night was kind of sad. I think maybe you got back in a groove towards the end of the game (that last hit was definitely a lucky break for Chicago, it was almost down the line). Let's try and pick that up.
• The awful call made by the 3rd base ump regarding Denard Span (who I have finally decided I approve of)
  
• The drunks who would not stop throwing things onto the field. We're not Yankee fans guys, come on. We're classier than that.
• The fact that Gogo seems to be having some issues hitting again.
  
• AJ.
• And Nick Swisher.

I've decided that the B.O.D. goes to Kubes for pulling us ahead of the ChiSox right when we needed it. And Kubes hasn't gotten all that much love lately.

Now. In regarding to trades... I'm still sort of surprised that Boof is still here, I thought for sure he would be traded and the Frankie called up (which, according to the Twins site, is "imminent"), but that didn't happen. I've got nothing against Boof, I'm just sort of disappointed in him right now. Poor Boof.

The 3-Way trade that sent Manny to the Dodgers still confuses me (I need thumb tacks and colored string to get it), but I am very glad it happened. Personally, I dislike Manny. He is a diva and a show boater, and throws tantrums when he has (or had) the privilege to be playing for an all-around exceptional team.

Living most of the year in Boston, right near Fenway, I am constantly surrounded by Red Sox fans. And while us Twins fans are great and wonderfull dedicated, I'm not really sure how to describe the dedication that Red Sox Nation feels towards their team. All of their team. That bit Manny said about the Sox trying to turn their fans against him...completely ridiculous. But what irks me the most was his comments that the Red Sox "don't deserve a player like [him]".

Seriously?!

I firmly believe Manny did not deserve to be playing with a team like them. I am reminded strongly of how excited Pudge is to play for the Yankees. He said it was "an honor". I feel like playing for the Red Sox would be, too.

I hope Joe Torre whips Manny into shape. I kind of love Joe Torre. He looks so much happier as a Dodger. I would be. I mean, even I was offended at how the Yankees treated him last year. The guy is pretty obviously amazing.

I also hope now Jacoby Ellsbury gets Manny's job full-time (not the whining, showboating part). But I guess Jason Bay might be up for it, too...

Big Unit and a Big Inning [Twins 7, D-Backs 2]

It's been tough goings while my partner in crime is in Croatia, digging for ancient things. No one quite understands my love of the Twins like Moneypenny...but she found a tomb, so props to her.

I was lucky enough to be at the game last night, and I think my favorites parts were when Gogo ran onto the field and tripped then barrel rolled, got up laughing and kept going, and then that miraculous 6 run third inning. Really. That's all high quality entertainment right there. Priceless even.

Scotty had me pretty twitchy for most of the game, but he held his own with only one earned run. Brian Bass, too. I always feel like he gets handed really bad situations...usually courtesy of Boof. And I suppose the twitches Scotty caused me weren't all his fault...I still have NO idea where that home plate ump's strike zone was. My dad and I were very confused as we tried to call the balls and strikes. Imagine how poor Scotty felt.

I also noticed that the D-Backs are sort of the team of little brothers...there's only two of them, but still. I think Stephen Drew is a lot more adorable than JD...he just always looks angry to me. And on a side note regarding the Diamond Backs...I think Randy Johnson should grow a full-out mullet again. I feel like that would make him even MORE intimidating. And it would be funny.

B.O.D. is a tough one. I'm tempted to give it to C. Mo because he hit a homerun when I called for one. Then Gogo for barrel rolling on the field and running really fast around the bases and doing some crazy slides. But I think I'm going to give it to Scotty for his 7 strike outs and only 1 earned run. Good work, Scotty. You knew.























With the White Sox losing to the Cubs (I wonder why Ozzie hasn't started swearing again), this win puts us only 3.5 games out of first. It's almost like that one really bad stretch (like those games against said Sox) didn't happen.

I am completely okay with that.

Also, I would like yo congratulate Cuddy on the birth of his son, Casey. Now he can take his own kid to Chuck E. Cheese's instead of borrowing Red Dogs.

Kevin Slowey Would Hit That [Twins 10, Brew Crew 2]

Wow.

What a way to win a game. Kevin Slowey is my favorite person right now. Between his two hits, his double, two RBI's, 8 innings of work, only five hits given up, 99 pitches... I don't even know what part was my favorite.

Needless to say, Kevin is the B.O.D. I'm glad I can finally give him one, he definitely deserves it. He had me laughing and cheering like no other.

So did Bill Hall. It was, what, 6 runs that we got on his errors? That might be wrong, but it's close enough. I feel bad for him, especially when the Brewers fans boo him...but not that bad, right now.

Kubes and Justin did their fair share this evening as well, which is always enjoyable. Gogo and Casilla decided to start their hit streaks up again (man was I sad to see those end). All in all, it was a pretty awesome game.

One thing I was NOT thrilled about was Cuddy's hand... he needs to stop hurting his right hand.

Forever.

I was glad to see that our offense came back, a few games too late, but back none-the-less. Good work, boys.

What? We Won? [Twins 8, Tribe 5]

Whoa. We won a game? Finally?

Damn right we did.

In honor of said win, I made a Brendan Harris loltwin:


















And I'm giving B.O.D. honors to our favorite Canadian (though it could go to a few other people as well... Cuddy and Kubes put up good fights, I think). Good work, Justin-- I'll take multiple RBI doubles any day.

C. Mo For The Win [Twins 9, Royals 8]

If I thought the LAST game was ridiculous (or cradiculoussary), last nights game was even better.

All I have to say:

C. Mo, you are B.O.D.

Hands. Down.























Now...is it just me, or does it look like he's trying to high-five Olivo?

This Game Caused The Creation of A New Word [Twins 4, Landed Gentry 3]

Words cannot describe how I feel about this game.

It was crazy. It was ridiculous. It was completely unnecessary.

It was... cradiculoussary.

From Cuddy's foul ball that may have been fair (a call that I still have YET to make my mind up on), to the in the park homer, to Gogo's ridiculous fall-down at the plate, to Joe Nathan's blown save... I don't even know where to begin.

So let's start with the bad.

Joe Nathan's blown save and in the park homerun. Now this is not entirely Joe's fault...personally, I think the majority of the blame goes to Delmon Young. He needed to keep the ball in FRONT of him. Not back in the corner BEHIND him.

The look on Nick Blackburn's face when his shut-out got thrown out... it made me tear up (almost like the hug that Kevin Slowey gave him after he came into the dugout in the 9th). Words can't really describe how upset I was.

The bullpenm after that awful few minutes, was relatively solid, Joe struck the rest of the men he faced out, and with a few minor mishaps...we did alright.

Now the good.

Cuddy is clutch again.

Enough. Said.

Gogo drew another walk. I like patience at the plate.

Alexi Casilla successfully took out the Royals' 2nd baseman Esteban German in a spectacular slide.

And Finally... Nick Blackburn. Buddy, you may not officially get the shut out, but in our book here at OMGS, you most definitely did. Hands down, you get the B.O.D.

You'll get 'em next time, Blackie.

Also... Bert was cracking me up tonight.

"I've got a big toe with no toe nail, you wanna see it?"

Poor Dick.

Gogo Goes [Twins 13, White Sox 1]

For the cycle, that is.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

I didn't see all of tonights game, but I saw us score 11 of those 13 runs. I love when we beat the White Sox, I really do. They're all just so cocky. Ozzie Guillen proved that the other day. I can't understand a word that man says...ever, really.

Anyways. Tonight B.O.D. was hard to pick, it was definitely between Livan and Gogo. And since the Twins havent' had a player hit for the cycle since...well...since I can remember, Gogo is IT.

Ur Doin it RIGHT [Twins 3, Axis of Evil 1]

So, this is slightly overdue, but I think that's alright. I had my last day of actual classes today (complete with two exams and a 10 page paper), and now there is only one final standing between me and a plane back to good ol' Minnesota. Let me tell you, I am excited. Not, however, for the snow that seems to keep falling there...

On last nights game, I couldn't have been more pleased. At first I was really sad that Bert was not there for me in my time of need, but Ron Coomer was cracking me up, making fun of Bert, and, well, Coomer. He and Dick were pretty funny together-- I'm pretty sure at one point, Dick said the words "tricked out".

I think my favorite part, however, was when Coomer made comments about Nick Swisher's facial hair-- which has just gotten weirder...and the roasting of AJ was also pretty enjoyable.

Moneypenny: AJ = sucker. Thats tonights theme.

Joe's triple and now 11-game hit streak is pretty hot, I won't lie. I just wish Justin would catch up... he seemed pretty confused when Kubes hit the homerun he should have, and when Boof sprinted off the mound to make the out at first. I think Justin's a bit disgruntled...but disgruntled Justin is pretty hot. Last night he inspired the name of a beer that I am (apparently) going to be brewing in my room: 'Smoldering Canadian'.

We finally gave Skinny Boof run support, and the smile on his face last night when Telly Hughes interviewed him was the most adorable thing ever. It finally got Moneypenny to admit that she too finds Boof adorable...

L: BOOOOOOOOOF
Moneypenny: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF
L: awwww he adorable!
Moneypenny: he is...
L: AHAH! YOU ADMIT IT!
L: I LOVE IT!
Moneypenny: FRICK
Moneypenny: i did...

I was also a fan of AJ's inability to throw people out...and his wild throws when he tried. Delmon's throw from left field was also amazing, and quite possibly worth an honorable B.O.D. mention, but really, I've got to give it to Boof.

His 104:73 Strike:Ball ratio was, and is, hot.

Congrats, Boof.


















On a different note, I some how managed to score tickets to the Red Sox game tonight.

Go figure.

A wonderful way to end the last day of classes, I think. I'm hoping tonight game is more exciting than last night's game, and that I can get some cool pictures. Whether you like the Red Sox or not, a trip to Fenway is definitely a must for any baseball fan. The atmosphere of the park is just amazing. And really, there's not a bad seat in the entire park (unless you're behind one of the upper deck supports...which I was once, but if I moved my head a little bit I was fine).

Chicka Chicka Yeah Is Right [Twins 6, Rays 5]

Obviously my McLovin inspired loltwin of Joe Nathan made him want to win. Which is good, because the rest of us wanted to win, too.

I loved every minute of this game (I mean come on, they let Nicky play!), but I have to say, my favorite part was in the 8th inning when Carl Crawford slid into foul territory and caught the ball that allowed Delmon to score.

Take that, Crawford.

I think Dick and Bert referred to it as a "mental error".

The replay from last year that they showed of Crawford trying to get a triple and forcing the man held up at third out and causing a double play was also amusing. Really, he seems like such a cocky guy. So I laughed at him.

It was nice to see that Jason Bartlett is still the same old Jason Bartlett, throwing away balls and what not. Only now it's in our favor, so I guess that works out pretty nicely. I hope he and the Twins all go get Chipotle now. He can bring his new BFF, Akinori Iwamura. I'm sure it will be good times.

Joe Nathan was amazing as ever. I'm loving his 0.00 ERA. A lot. And since I already love Joe Nathan (a lot), it just makes it even better. He did this great little chuckle when Jason stole 2nd on him and sort of shook his head. I loved it.

The B.O.D. for today is a tough decision. For me it falls between two players: GoGomez and Joe Mauer.

Joe went 3-for-4, scored 2 runs, and also threw 2 men out at second.

GoGo went 2-for-4 with 2 stolen bases.

I admit I'm partial to GoGo, mostly because I think he's adorable and he's helping me with stolen bases in my fantasy league. Brendan Harris, my favorite republican, was also considered for getting Dlmon into scoring position in the 8th... but I think I'm going to have to give it to Joe. I love when people get thrown out trying to steal, and batting .500 in a game is pretty hot.

So, Joe Mauer, you get to be B.O.D. today, your first of the 2008 season.

3 Run Homers Are Hot [Twins 6, Royals 4]

I was out all day yesterday (from about 4:30 am to 12:00 am...) and I did not see any of the amazing game yesterday. I did get text message updates though, and the 6-4 win was wonderful.

Almost as wonderful as Justin's 3 run homer.

B.O.D.?

Obviously.


















Oh Canada...he's so adorable when he smiles. This B.O.D. also puts my sister on the board for the B.O.D. tally. Nice work, Muffin.

The Night of Nicks [Twins 0, Angels 1]

Well, even though I didn't see most of the game, and even though we lost (on an unearned run, too!), I still think some B.O.D. honors need to be given out.

And quite obviously, those honors go to Nick Blackburn.














What. A. Stud.

I had my doubts about him being in the rotation, but I think it's safe to say he earned his spot. And he most definitely earned B.O.D. Six strike outs in your first Major League start?

Hot.

The other Nick that needs addressing is Nick Punto. When I found out he was in the line-up I sent Moneypenny a very excited text message (and then dubbed tonight 'The Night of Nicks'), and I have to say, I'm proud of him. I didn't see his hit, but I saw his flying in the 9th. I'm glad he's still got his superpowers.

I'm really sad that MLB TV doesn't let me watch the post game...I wanted to see them interview Torii and then to watch Bert makes plays in the field wearing dress pants... I was told Torii said that playing the Twins in front of people he loves is the hardest thing he's ever done, and that Nick Blackburn is "going to be something special".

It's hard for us, too, Torii. We (well, most of us) still love you, and appreciate everything you did for us while you were here. I was happy for you when you got your first hit tonight (and even happier nothing became of it) and I wish you the best of luck in Anaheim...except when you play the Twins, of course.

Of All The Things I Love... [Twins 11, Philies 2]

I really love when we decide to win.

First the Pirates yesterday, now an amazing 11-2 win over the Philies. I am so down with another win streak. I was a little worried after the Yankees killed it (and on my birthday, no less)...but no longer.

I was at the game yesterday, it was a lot of fun. There were a lot of Pirates fans around me, but that was okay. Also, no one cheered for Mike Lamb when I was at the game...so I did. Real loud. I love Lammers. And today he deserved it. Today, it seems like everyone deserves a good long cheer.

Kevin Slowey had five strike outs, one walk, one run, and two hits over four innings.

Glen Perkins and the rest of our pen gave up a combine one run.

Carlos Gomez went 3 for 4. He hit a two run homer and stole 2nd twice. [GIVE THIS KID THE JOB, PLEASE!]

Little Nicky finally got some more hits-- two. One of which was a two run triple. Triples are hot, Nicky, and two run triples are even hotter. He stole 2nd, too. Then made it to 3rd on a wild pitch.

The B.O.D. is a hard choice today. But, I think I'm going to give it to Nicky. It's about time he started hitting the ball again...

So, congrats on a Pre-Season B.O.D., Nick.

Let's see more of this.




















I'm back to Boston in the morning, so I'll have more Spring Training pictures up in the next few days. Look forward to some non-blurry shots of Boof Lite, LNP, and pretty much the rest of the team.

Oh-- I've also given Adam Everett a nickname. 'Hi-Lights'.

See the previous post for an explanation.

Also...I love this video of the boys reading the haiku's that were written about them. Really, I can't pick a favorite. Boof probably takes the cake, Joe and Justin are both adorably hilarious, TK is a winner, and Kevin looks so serious...awwww.

Split Squad Domination [A-Twins 7, BoSox 2 and B-Twins 4, Toronto 0]

And people say we're going to suck this season.

First off, I did not listen to the entire game. I heard the first few innings of the BoSox game (Clay Bucholz fails-- how do you hit someone on the first pitch?! ...and bad job, Sideshow. They may be Red Sox, but that doesn't mean you have to hit them) and was so glad that Franchise pitched like he hadn't been on a year long break. I mean, sure he wasn't in top form-- but I'd say, for your first start in a year, two hits, one walk, and no runs after Tommy John surgery is pretty good.

The back-to-back home runs courtesy of Canada and Craig Monroe were nice, too. Nick Blackburn also gets a high-five for a stellar performance. I'm also falling in love with Lammers-- which is Gardy's new nick-name for Mike Lamb. Gardy is so hard NOT to love.

Glen Perkins and Phil Humber were also pretty soild versus Toronto. Carlos Gomez decided to stop being a nub-cake and got two hits, didn't lose any balls, and stole another base.

Since the games were split squad today, I'm going to go ahead and just give the B.O.D. to Franchise. C'mon, he's earned it. He gets to be a loltwin now, too. Congrats, Frankie.























(Scottie, I love you, I promise...)

Tomorrow morning I pack it up and head to Florida to see my grandparents... and two see two Spring Training games! I don't know the internet situation down there, but expect pictures and a joyful update of the beauty of Fort Meyers and the Twins. Moneypenny will be joining me on Thursday, so if you see two girls at Hammond Stadium wearing shirts that say 'SIDESHOW' on the back... just shout 'LOLTWINS' or something.

Here's hoping for some awesome Spring baseball.