Comments on: GameChat – A’s @ Twins #3, 1:10 pm

By: James

James — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:31:03 +0000

I agree with Gardy pulling Slowey out. Its not like Slowey had the best command today (something like 3 walks, a hit batter, and something like 105 pitches through 7)
A combined no-hitter does lose a little luster, but hey if that happens that bullpen gets credit for something too!

By: Jim Crikket

Jim Crikket — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:35:28 +0000

I think it will be very interesting to see where Gardy fits Punto in. If/when everyone is healthy, Hudson, Hardy and Valencia deserve to be the primary starters and Casilla has done very well… well enough to deserve the first spot off the bench when Hudson and Hardy get a break. Punto should probably only be used to give Valencia a break and to pinch run for Thome.

Just my feelings at this point. It’s good to have depth when you’re going to have injuries like the Twins have.

By: jamar1700

jamar1700 — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:00:21 +0000

I think they’ll try to fit him in at 1st to give Cuddy a day off or 2. What? He’s versatile. : )

Good job Slowey! Thx Thome. Booing is stupid.

By: TheatreBrian

TheatreBrian — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:48:18 +0000

So…Punto’s back.

Is Valencia still the starting 3B? Is Punto back to Util? Does he start at SS now until JJ is feeling better?

Whatcha think?

By: shannon

shannon — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:25:10 +0000

Jim, I agree with you in regards to the “fans” booing the decision to pull Slow Ride after seven innings. It’s a tough decision that is being criticized, and it’s certainly a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” thing. People would complain if Slow Ride was left in because “he’ll blow out his elbow and his season is over!” They’re complaining because they feel that he was denied a little piece of history.

I do have to agree with Gardy on this one. It isn’t worth the risk of losing Slowey to let him get the complete game no-hitter. If his pitch count was lower than it was there wouldn’t be an issue. If it was Liriano, Pavano, or Duensing with the no-hitter they could have been left in because they haven’t had very many problems this season. You simply do not take that kind of risk when someone has an elbow injury.